TRAVEL
Bali,
B
Photo by denzani, www.sxc.hu
the Island
of the Gods,
Awaits
Bedugul Temple, Bali
ali’s beauty lies not only in the
the tropical latitudes. Even during monsoon
The months of August and September
stunning variety of breathtaking
season in the southern hemisphere from
comprise the yearly peak season at Bali.
landscapes
ocean
December to March, Bali still receives a
April and June typically see an influx of
panoramas. Bali is also an important center
generous amount of sun. The mountainous
visitors from Australia. A deluge of tourists
for culture, heritage and religion in Indonesia.
center of the island receives the most rains.
is also expected during national holidays
Bali is perhaps the most famous travel
The rainy season in Bali extends from October
in Indonesia, at Christmas and in the New
destination in the Indonesian archipelago
to April while the dry season is from May
Year. Travelers who wish to enjoy Bali in a
which is composed of 17,508 islands.
until September. Bukit Peninsula receives
less frantic atmosphere must schedule their
Majority of international tourists who visit
the most amount of sun throughout the year.
vacation in paradise during off-peak months.
BALINESE MAGIC
GETTING AROUND
and
Bali (and return every now and then) do not
visit other Indonesian islands or cities, being
fully satisfied with what “The Island of the
Unlike the rest of Indonesia that practices
Tourists in Bali hop from one island
Gods” has to offer. Bali is home to four million
Islam, the religion of majority of Balinese
attraction to another in cabs, hotel shuttles
hospitable, friendly and vibrant people who
year-round residents is Hinduism, which is
services, tour drivers, or hired vehicles (hint:
tirelessly welcome visitors from around the
infused in their daily lives. Offerings (canang
vans rented out by local drivers are the best
world all year round.
sari) placed on leaf trays are found not just in
means of island transportation). Here are
altars in private residences but in restaurants,
a few essential stops. Mount Batur is an
offices, stores, and even at the airport check-
active volcano that visitors can visit and
The island has plenty of spectacular
in desk. Visitors ought to take care not to
marvel at. On the way to the volcano is the
topographical features: mountains, terraced
step on incense sticks placed on the ground
town of Ubud, a center for dance and art,
hills and active volcanoes. There are, of
because this is perceived as bad luck by the
where Balinese craftsmen offer their wares
course, the famous fine sand beaches, and
Balinese.
to tourists. Ulluwatu, a temple built on top
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
stretches of rugged coastlines for the more
adventurous. Sunbathing, swimming, diving,
of a cliff, provides a great sunset view as
TRAVELER’S PARADISE
well as Ramayana performances. For visitors
surfing and other water sports, are some of
Known as a prime vacation destination,
who want to participate in Bali’s nightlife,
the typical activities for visitors. Since Bali
accommodations in Bali range from
shop and enjoy modern conveniences, Kuta,
also has attractions further inland, tourists
affordable quarters for tourists on a budget
the most developed area in the island, is
who prefer hiking and exploration of historical
and backpackers to luxury hotels and
the place to be. People in search of more
and archeological sites and ancient temples
extravagant homes fit for the richest in the
peaceful, sheltered, and rustic shores can
will have plenty to explore out of the water.
world. It has some of the best spas and is an
opt to explore Padang Bai, Jimbaran, Sanur,
attractive location for weddings.
Lovina or Candidasa. v
Bali lies just below the equator and within
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JAN-FEB 2014
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