Kute beach bali: About Bali

Showing posts with label About Bali. Show all posts

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Bali Beach Villa

Bali
continues to be a prime tourist destination for travelers and thrill seekers across the globe. The island spans length wise (east to west) around 153 km and breadth wise (north to south) 112 km. Bali Island is an impressive mix of white sandy beaches along its south ends and black sand along its northern beach fronts. The island also presents a beautiful wild life habitat in the form of coral reefs. Many parts of this beautiful island are still untouched and really present a heart warming picture of solitude and tranquility. Adding to this magnificent display of colors and solace are the Bali villas which showcase all the modern yet personalized hospitality.

With the amenities of a Bali villa you should be absolutely certain to experience pleasure akin to royalty. Apart from the different colored sandy beaches with lively blue green water, there are marvelously sculpted temples which will really leave you awe struck. The grandeur of these temples and other architecture can only be seen to be believed. Some famous sites that you must visit while being in this beautiful island are the Besakih Temple, Tanah lot Temple, Pura Tirta Empul, Ulu Danu, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Goa Lawah and Taman Ayun temple are a few well known. The Besakih Temple is located on the Mount Agung, which is over a thousand years old, offers a truly holy experience. Your local help at the Bali villas would tell you that getting to this temple before 9 am in the morning would be the ideal time.

The Tanah Lot temple was built in the 16th century and sits on a rock at the middle of the sea. It is a sight to behold and should be visited around the late afternoons. If you are flying down to Bali, while approaching the island treat your eyes with the breathtaking view of the famous mountain tipping out of the white clouds along with the greenery of the land touching the blue green sea water. Denpasar is the capital of this island and offers a memorable shopping experience. There are also plenty of museums that can be explored on this island. If you wish to give yourself some physical activity you can trek your way through the green trail of the mountain. When you come back take a dip at the jaccuzzi of the Bali villa and enjoy the experience with a freshly opened bubbly.

An aroma bath will rejuvenate your senses and spa will ensure all the fatigue is just drained away from your system. These along with other specially tailor made services make the Bali villa experience a totally unique one. This island is ideally suited for honey moon seekers and represents the perfect getaway from the pressures of the modern society. The Bali villas also offer gourmet cuisine and some of them cater to your privacy by offering your own chef. So if you are looking at the map for your holiday spot this year, don't forget to check out this green dot on the Indian Ocean, it can surely surprise you loads of fun and enjoyment.

Remember your vacation / honeymoon / wedding /anniversary in Bali for a lifetime with a heavenly time spent in luxurious, all services Bali villas in the serene and enchanting islands. Happily married couples, families, and honeymooners can rent a full service and luxurious Bali villa and spend a glorious vacation to remember forever. Do read our useful Bali Travel Guide which is full of useful information and guide on Bali!

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

5 Things That May Cause You Culture Shock In Bali

If you are looking forward to visit Bali, whether it be for pleasure or business, be prepared for a slight culture shock, especially if you’re from the western countries. Here are five things about what to expect in Bali. These are presented in no particular order, and are the top five things that came to mind.

1) Indonesians especially Balinese people, enjoy eating with their bare hands. You may see it as crude and uncivilized but honestly for us, eating with bare hands is very often considered as more exciting and delicious. Although the Dutch has generously left us with a habit to use utensils while eating, but some food just needs to be eaten with bare hands. It may look messy but you really should try it out yourselves before you decide against it. You can see this habit in every Padang cuisine restaurants, but don’t worry, it will (almost) never happen in five stars restaurants and hotels!

2) People who you encounter through chance, or people you work with, may ask private questions that you may be uncomfortable with. These are: ‘How old are you?’, ‘Are you married?’, if you are married, ‘How many children do you have?’, if you’re not, ‘Why are you not married yet?’ or ‘Oh are you looking for an Indonesian wife?’. However please note that these questions are not because we do not respect your privacy, it is considered an ice-breaker. In Bali, even in this modern age, there is still a social segregation. How old you are will determine how they will treat you forever after. If you are older they will keep their distance and continue to be polite. If you are younger, they may be more relaxed around you. The same with your marital status. If you’re married, they will be more respectful than if you weren’t. These are standard questions they ask everyone, Indonesian and foreigners alike, because it will help them to determine how to behave around you. I am not saying this is the case everywhere, especially since the generation nowadays is more relaxed and have the ‘ability’ of treating different people with different age and background as peers

3) If you are travelling to Bali (or are already here) and have Indonesian friends or colleagues, prepare to be waiting a long time for them if you are meeting them at a certain place and time for coffee or even for an official meeting. In Indonesia, an appointment at 10 am will not always start at 10 am. The bad traffic will most probably be the main culprit people use here as an excuse of being late. In some cases this would be absolutely true, but in others it may just be another way of getting away with it. I have actually seen some people talking on the phone with their associates or friends, and say, “Yes, sorry I think I am going to be late because I am stuck in traffic now and it looks pretty bad.” while they are actually sitting in a corner of a cafe with a cup of coffee. This is a habit that we, Indonesians themselves consider as annoying (even if they are also guilty of it, and they have a term for it, which is jam karet, or ‘rubber watch’.I am not saying that this is true for all Indonesians because there are also many who appreciate punctuality. But you better be prepared for it. If you’re meeting this person in an official meeting, try setting the meeting 15 minutes earlier than you intend it to be held (at least for the first time), and see if the person is punctual for future reference. If you’re meeting someone informally for coffee, bring a book or magazine and order ahead. Don't worry, we won't be offended :)

4)Never hand out anything with your left hand! In Indonesia especially Bali, the left hand is considered as the ‘dirty hand’ because unlike in the western countries where the use of tissue is more common, we actually wash ourselves with their hands under running water after they have visited the toilet. Needless to say, although they do wash their hands afterwards, they still think of the left hand as the dirty hand. Hence, it is considered impolite to hand things with your left hand. Always use your right hand even while paying for your taxi fare or you'll risk offending someone!

5)Young students may approach you and ask you for a picture while you are enjoying yourself at a tourist destination such as Kuta or Ubud. There are various reasons they do this. Either they think you’re so beautiful or handsome like a certain actress/actor, or they have been assigned to interview a foreigner for their English or culture class. There is also the possibility they simply want to show off to their parents, family or friends, that they have had interactions with a foreigner. See, some Indonesians have this unexplainable attraction for foreigners, perceiving them as being superior, or just attractive (because of the different skin, hair and eye colours). I am sure you will also encounter this phenomenon elsewhere besides Bali and Indonesia.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Bali Vacation Information Info Price Cost

Bali Travel Cost And Price Information

Accommodation in Bali:
Accomodation is very reasonably priced compared to other top tourist destinations around the world. Rooms in basic 2-star Bali hotels (perhaps US$20 or so in Bali) can easily compare with other country's accommodation which can cost e.g. in North California US$150 per night, and there they don't provide ANY service at all whereas this hotels in Bali do provide good service.

At the high end, the accommodation offered at the RITZ CARLTON BALI, Conrad Hotel Bali and BVLGARI BALI resort for instance can be US$100 - US$1200++ per night. At the new ST.REGIS BALI resort, 1-bedroom suites and villas are between US$950 and US$2,500++, and 2- ond 3-bedroom residences can be around US$5,000 and more but the same standard of accommodation would cost you somewere else still more.

Generally speaking, hotel rates in Bali range from about US$20 for a basic but clean, air-conditioned room with private bathroom and a small terrace to US$2,500 + 21% tax & service charge per day for beautiful Balinese 1-bedroom cottages and villas with private plunge pool set in a walled tropical garden and offering stunning views and polished 5-star service around the clock.

Private villa rental has become very popular in all parts of the world because it offers MUCH more space, personal service and better value than 5-star resorts. Prices for fully staffed villas in the Caribbean can be about two to three times higher than in Bali. In Europe, on the other hand, you pay only 30% to 50% more than in Bali, but then this is kind of a self-service vacation as in most countries NO STAFF is included.

The bottom line is that accommodation of any kind in Bali is still a great bargain, and in every category you get more than you pay for. You can read our HONEST REVIEWS OF BALI HOTELS here - Bali Hotel Reviews.

Transportation
Transportation in Bali is always cheap by any standard. The metered radio taxis start with a flag fall of 5,000 rupiah (plus 4,500 Rupiah per kilometer), and most trips cost Rupiah 20,000 to 90,000. Most reliable and polite are the drivers of the blue taxis, and you should avoid most other taxis as they often refuse to use their meter and over-charge foreigners.

If you have an International Driver's License, you can rent bikes from Rp 55,000 to Rp 85,000 per day, and five to ten year old self-drive cars (Jimmy or Toyota "Kijang") cost from 250,000 Rupiah to 400,000 Rupiah per day. Newer models are more expensive, and luxury cars such as a Volvo limousine or a new Toyota "Land Cruiser" will cost US$150 to US$250 and more per day. Gasoline prices have been raised several times in the past, and Premium leaded gasoline is now 6,500 Rupiah per liter (as per August 28th, 2008).

Everywhere in tourist areas you'll be offered "transport, transport", and the rates are negotiable. However, the cars of many of these guys are quite old. Radio, tape and even the air-conditioning are often out of order. Although most drivers initially seem to be very friendly some are real con artists and waste hours of your precious vacation by bringing you to shops you never wished to visit because they want to earn a commission on your purchases.

Shopping
Shopping in Bali can be cheap and it also can be expensive. If you shop in malls, definitely it'll be costly and around the international-standard prices. I actually recommend you guys to skip the shopping malls and visit "traditional markets" in Ubud, Denpasar, Sukawati, Tegalalang and etc. It may cost you only Rp 10,000 for a beautiful painting to Rp 50,000 for an exquisite Balinese Fabric. For more information, you can read my guide on Shopping In Bali.

Food
Food and drink at Bali's top hotels cost about the same as in the same category of hotel anywhere else in the world. Breakfast is US$8 to US$45, lunch and dinner US$20 to US$100 and more per person – and that does not include any wine which can be very expensive. On the other hand, restaurants outside the large hotels are often 40% or 50% cheaper, and at the open food stalls you can still get a tasty meal for a few thousand Rupiah.

If you've rented a private villa for your stay in Bali, your house staff will do the shopping at the local "warungs" and supermarkets and prepare delicious meals according to your instructions. Your savings on food and beverage will be about US$40 to US$60 per person per day compared to what you'd spend in a good hotel. This way you can enjoy delicious meals and all your favorite snacks and drinks – at unbelievably low prices.

I really recommend you guys to try the local Balinese food such as Babi Guling, Kambing Mekuah and Sate. Trust me, you'll be hooked to them as much as my friends got hooked to Bali cuisine. For more information, you can read here at Bali Food Famous With Tourists.

So what do you think? Do you have any comment on the expense and cost of travelling in Bali? Do share it with me alright!

Friday, August 28, 2009

10 Bali Food Famous With Tourists

Bali is definitely a haven for food lovers and those who loves to try new food :) Here's the list of 10 Bali Balinese food that is famous with travellers! Starting from #10...

#10 - Nasi Goreng

There are as many different ways of preparing Nasi Goreng in Bali, as there are cooks. The only main ingredient is rice; everything else is determined by the cook's taste or the availability of ingredients. Please be certain to use only cold rice, as warm rice will stick to the wok.

#9 - Pesan Be Paseh
Balinese tweaked-version of a popular Javanese dish, Ikan Pepes. When banana leaves are not available, replace with greased aluminum foil. Small whole fish are often used in Bali instead of fillets cut from a large fish; just adjust the size of the banana leaf wrapping.

#8 - Bebek Betutu
The rich essence and flavor of duck is greatly enhanced by a host of pungent herbs and roots, and seasonings in this dish, which is invariably a great favorite with visitors to Bali. The Balinese have great admiration for the duck and consider it to be a particularly strong animal as it is, like the turtle, the only one able to survive on land as water.

#7 - Kambing Mekuah
Goat is more likely to be used than lamb in Bali to make this curry – like dish. This dish is a must-have dish for family festivals and gatherings. A hit with expats in Bali.

#6 - Nasi Kuning
Yellow is one of the four sacred colors makes this festive rice dish strikingly different from the normal, everyday steamed rice. The rice is cooked in lightly seasoned coconut milk and chicken stock for extra flavor, while the touch of oil in the coconut milk gives it a glistening appearance and keeps each grain separate.

#5 - Sate Lilit Bebek
This is the "Duck version" of the famous "Sate". Duck meat is used hear instead of mutton or chicken. The delicate flavors of the duck is greatly improved if you can find spears of fresh lemongrass to use as skewers, and if you can cook them over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal.

#4 - Gedang Mekuah
Unripe papayas are often used as a vegetable in Bali. If these are not available, you can use summer squash or Chinese winter melon. This dish is normally served in every traditional Balinese family gatherings.

#3 - Rujak
This popular snack, in intriguing mixture of sweet, sour and spicy hot flavors, is prepared at countless warung throughout Bali.

#2 - Sate Lilit

Yes, SATE again! This probably the most delicious satay you will ever encounter. The delicate flavors of the shrimp and fish are greatly improved if you can find spears of fresh lemongrass to use as skewers, and if you can cook them over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal. Nonetheless, even with wooden skewers and a standard charcoal grill, you will have people coming back more.

Bali Poem

Hello everybody, just a short post before I leave for an important event! I was reading through my diary earlier on and I came across a poem I wrote back in 2005 after the Bali Bombings.. Hope everyone likes it :)

A flash in time, just a moment in history,
Reasons why, remain a mystery,
Paradise lost never to be regained
Bali natives forever defamed.

A jewel of an island, set around blue sea,
No hint of sadness, all , pleasure and fancy free
All lost in a flash, with the blast of a terrorist bomb
Our Bali haven, forever gone.

The bombing occurs, silence rings in our ears,
Just that second, then comes the screams and tears
Lives cut down all in a nameless cause,
Terrorists laugh, with a macarb applause.

Innocents abroad, with no hint of danger here,
Seeking pleasant memories, they came from near and far,
Young and old alike mingling in a merry throng
Laughters loud, keeping in time to a happy song,

To what purpose this waste of human life,
We ask the question what means this callous strife,
Does it serve a purpose does it service some grand plan,
Or does it just illustrate a crazy man's inhumanity to man.

Hope everyone likes the poem ;)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Bali Balinese Culture

Bali's Balinese Culture Is Unique And Indigenously Rich

Bali is definitely the "Ultimate Island" in Indonesia that is rich in innate and native culture. It is in fact unique in it's own way and the Balinese have always been contented with the “now.” A Balinese will probably answer "Bali" if you were to ask what heaven is like. Yes, that's how contented and proud Balinese are about our homeland, Bali. We are always happy to be where we are from and proud of our roots and culture.

One constituent that cause our relaxed and easy-going lifestyle is our close-knitted family ties that is a basic foundation in our culture. In the Balinese culture, encouragement and support is always available from our family and friends. Balinese extended families are so tightly knitted that most of the family members are usually staying in the same complex and housing area.

In spite of the influx of tourists to the island, Bali and the Balinese have always maintained their culture and preserved it. Most Balinese is also an artist in their chosen "art" and "line". Yes, the Balinese culture have always encouraged us to be a "master" in any form or art. Be it dancing, music, painting or decor. Our parents and elders have passed on their skills to their younger generation, who at most time definitely have their own inclination either for music, painting, and more.

Hinduism is the our main religion. Bali's culture is actually sculpted and based on a form of Hinduism which is called “Hindu Dharma”. Hindu Dharma reached Bali during the eleventh century. Our lifestyle and character is normally influenced by this religion. The religious influence even expands widely into the arts, which makes Bali distinct from the rest of Indonesia. Dances, Music and paintings actually have their own history and meaning, always related to Hinduism. Although Balinese have adapted well to modern changes, we still stick to our religion and never fail to incorporate modern changes well into our religion without compromising it.

Another remarkable and applaudable part of Bali's culture is the many types of religious ceremony and rituals such as "Manusa Yadnya". This marks the different stages of Balinese life. Cremation is very popular on this island – and unlike in the West, death is a joyous and colorful event for the Balinese.

Bali has a definitely rich culture, making us distinctively different from the rest of the Indonesia.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Bali Holiday Kit - Travel To Bali Guide

Bali Starter Kit - Essential information for your trip to Bali.

IPB Image

Greetings from Bali

I hope this starter kit will be useful to those heading to Bali. Do PM me or reply if you have any further questions. I'll try to update this as often as possible alright

Visa

Visa-Free
For those who belong to the following 11 countries, you do not have to get any Visa to visit Bali, or Indonesia. You'll be entitled to a visa-free 30days permit free-of-charge (note: your passport have to be valid for a minimum of 6months at the time of entry)
Visa-free: Singapore, Vietnam, Philipines, Brunei, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru and Thailand.

Visa On Arrival
Visa on arrival is where you're eligible to obtain visa on your arrival to Indonesia either by sea or air. There's 2 types of VOA, which is 7-days visa which is for US $10 or 30-days which is for US $25. The visa can't be extended once you have chosen the type (7-day or 30-day). You'll have to leave Indonesia and re-enter Indonesia the next day if you want to have a new valid visa. Please do note that your passport have to be at least 6-months valid and you have to prove that you're able to fund your stay in Indonesia or Bali in particular.
Visa On Arrival:Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Iceland, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, People's Republic of China, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

What if you're not eligible for VOA or Visa-Free?
Citizens of countries neither on the VoA nor Visa-Free lists are required to apply for a visa overseas before travelling to Indonesia. Please visit the Indonesian Embassy in your country to apply for one.

DO TAKE NOTE: Nationals of ALL countries planning to stay for more than 30 days in Indonesia also have to apply for the appropriate visa (tourist, business, social-cultural, etc.) at an overseas Indonesian Consulate or Foreign Mission before departing for Indonesia.

Currency:
Bali's main currency is Ruppiah (IDR) with denomination notes of Ruppiah 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2000, 1,000 denominations. USD or United States Dollar is also widely acceptable in Bali. Normal changing rate is IDR 10,000 for USD $1. Australian Dollar is also acceptable in most hotels.

PLEASE EXCHANGE YOUR MONEY IN LICENSED MONEY-CHANGERS. Although this is rare, however there have been a few reports where tourists got cheated with FAKE Ruppiah notes. It's easy to spot a licensed money-changer, they will have a "Izin Assosiasi Pedagang Valas" license, if you do not spot any license, do ask them to show it. All the money-changers in Bali's airport, NGURAH RAI AIRPORT, are licensed money-changers.

Where is Bali and Bali's Timezone:
Bali's timezone is +8 hours, same as the timezone in Singapore, Bangkok and Malaysia. Do take note that Bali is one of the few state in Indonesia whereby it is 1 hour ahead of Jakarta, Indonesia's capital.

Bali Island is part of Indonesia and is located 8-9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor Leste) in the East.

Flying to Jakarta is about 1 1/2 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2 1/2 - 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4 1/2 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5 1/2 - 6 hours. Unfortunately

, there is no direct flight from USA to Bali. If you travel from New York the best option is to fly to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific or American Airlines and then transfer on a flight with Hong Kong Express Airways straight to Bali. This ‘fast’ option will take approximately 22 hour.

Weather & Climate:
Bali's temperatures are in between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. From December to March, the "monsoon season", Bali may rain heavily with high humidity, but usually it only rains in the early morning or early afternoon. So do not worry as you still have alot of "sunny time" to explore Bali

From June to September the humidity is low. Evenings and afternoon can be cooling. For example now, Bali's "rainy period" is over and we rarely have any heavy raining.

Population:
Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people. The majority of them are Hindus, who are really pious. With the recent migration of Javenese and other Indonesians to seek work or do business in Bali, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing with more "Masjid" or mosque being build. Do not worry though as these group of Muslims are not fanatic and they are definitely NOT TERRORISTS! I'm a Christian though, however I must be fair and dismiss "myths" that Muslims in Indonesia are terrorists. The Muslims in Indonesia are certainly not TERRORISTS and they are very friendly and welcoming people. Do read up more on the "terrorists activities" in Indonesia and you'll realise that the terrorist leaders are actually "MALAYSIANS".

Most people live in the South coastal areas, and the island's largest town and administrative center is Denpasar with a population of over 400,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta which includes Legian, Tuban, Jimbaran, Seminyak, Basangkasa), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly, and it won't be long before the whole area from Ubud to Sanur, Berawa, Canggu, and Nusa Dua will be fully urbanized.

Is Bali Safe?
Yes! You can bank on that! It is even safer then your hometown

Ever since the bombings in 2001, Bali's security level have really been beef up. Don't be shock even you, a tourist, may be politely stopped by the police for a random check. There are frequently-held spot checks, roadblocks and more being conducted by the police to prevent terrorist activities. What about political demonstrations? Don't worry about that. Bali is different from Jakarta. We, Balinese are fun-loving and peace-loving people and I'm proud to say there's only a 0.01 % chance of demonstrations being held in Bali

Transportation:
The best way to explore Bali is by renting a car or bike. Bring along a GPS or map, trust me, it's not that hard to explore Bali. Even if you get lost, you can count on the locals to guide you or help you with directions. If you must get a guide, don't engage tour guides or rent taxis in the airport or from your hotel, they are REALLY EXPENSIVE. If you must rent a car, rent it from "transport rentals" in Denpasar. For a decent sedan such as Toyota Camry, it cost only Rp 300,000-Rp 400,000 or US$30 - US$40 a day as compared to taxis or car rentals in airport, which cost at least USD $60? You can rent bikes at only USD $8 - USD $10 a day.

Food:
Food is really cheap in Bali. Skip those fancy restaurants and eat in "warungs" if you really want to get a feel of the Balinese culture and lifestyle. "Warungs" are small eateries by the roadside. Trust me, you'll get hooked. Nasi Goreng, Ayam Penyet, Bakso, Soto, Babi Guling, Satay and more! It costs only Rp 8000 - Rp 15000 for a meal with Ice Tea. I've never had any friends or colleagues from other countries who get sick or dislike eating in "warungs" In fact they got hooked and asked me to bring them to "warungs" instead of fancy expensive over-hyped restaurants.

Contact and Communication with your friends or family:
Internet access: They are many "warnet" or cybercafes spread all over Bali, especially in Kuta. You can practically spot cybercafes all over Kuta! It cost about Rp 4000 - Rp 7000 an hour. Most hotels in Bali also have free wifi hotspots.

Handphone: Buy yourself a "kartu perdana" or sim cards. You can find it in "counter pulsa" or small handphone shops. They are all over Bali too. Get yourself "Simpati Telkomsel". They have the best signals. To call overseas, please use 01017 + country code + area code(if applicable) + phone number you're calling to. International call charge to USA is Rp.3,100 per minute; to Australia is Rp. 3,500 per minute, to New Zealand is Rp. 4,980 per minute, to Europe from Rp.5,000 to Rp. 7,000 per minute. Long distance call to Jakarta is around Rp 500 a minute. For additional information, most hotels add a surcharge of 200% or more. Local calls cost Rupiah 180 per minute (most hotels charge Rupiah 1,000 and more). So skip the hotel lines and just get a local sim card which will save you alot.

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This is about it for now, I'll constantly update on this as often as possible. If you have questions that is not answered here, you can reply in this thread or just PM me or email me at purebalinese@yahoo.com and I'll try my best to answer you ASAP!

Happy Bali-ing and god bless!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

10 Reason To Travel To Bali Durings It's Rainy Season

Bali is raining, so should you visit Bali?

So it's the rainy season in Bali and I get alot of questions from friends and associates whether they should come to Bali during it's rainy season. Although the monsoon season have a bad reputation, trust me, and you'll be amazed at how fun it is to be in Bali during it's rainy period.

Here are 10 reasons why you should travel to Bali during it's monsoon season..

It don't rain all day long: Normally it only rains in the early afternoons! You still have mornings, late afternoons and evenings to explore Bali! Even if it rains in the afternoon, it's OK to get unwind and get wet ain't it? Don't you miss playing in the rain while you are still a young kid?
Better pictures: the lightnings with dramatic colour changes, dark stormy clouds - these are the known secrets for taking stunning photos which are way cooler than those with white clouds and blue skies!
Cooler temperatures: in most of the Asian countries, the rain drops the mercury and it provides some sweet and much needed relief from the blazing heat! Come on, at most you may get wet, but you won’t be melting!
Lesser crowds: you don’t always get a chance to feel alone in Asia. If space and fresh air is what you’re looking for, the rainy period is your only best bet for it.
Better savings: Let the rain splash as much as it wants as long as it means lesser splashing of your cash! "Lesser demands for hotels and services" + "Fewer tourists" = CHEAP BALI HOLIDAY
Greener greenery: every little cliché you’ve ever heard from fellow tourists and friends about the lush greens of the tropics is true! And you haven’t seen REAL GREEN TROPICS until you’ve seen the beautiful Bali greens in it's tropical monsoon season.
Easier storm-chasing: Hehe.. there is actually no chasing of the storms to be done. Just get a spot somewhere dry with a good view. Let nature work her magic while you relax and watch the beautiful panorama of mother nature. I recommend the bars for that. Believe me, watching tropical storms with a glass of beer is really amazing and spectacular.
More excuses to start a conversation: If you get caught in the rain and get stuck somewhere while the rain hits, you'll definitely won't be alone stucked in the rain. So why not make full use of it and start engaging in a conversation with the locals or even tourists. Starting with the weather is a good excuse to have a good conversation!
Great excuse to really unwind and relax: There’s nothing like a bit of the tropical rain for an excuse to just relax and do nothing! Stay in your hotel, lie on the bed with your partner and just listen to the rain. You can also experience the rain better and watch it while sitting under a deck. Play Cards. Read or just sleep! Enjoy and really be on holiday! It's ok if you can't explore the tourists attractions for that day such as Pura Tanah Lot Temple, trust me you'll always have the chance to explore Bali.
Sightings that make you smile: Just sit back and people-watch. Admire those who don’t let the rain ruin their lifestyles parade; school kids clad in plastic ponchos balancing umbrellas on their bicycles; hundreds of brollie-wielding pedestrians passing one another in the street without causing injury and definitely more!

So relax and don't worry about the rain alright? Bali is truly amazing even while it's raining. Lovely sights, cooler weather, lesser crowds, cheaper prices and more? Do you need anymore reassuring now? :)

Do you have your own opinion or reasons why you will visit Bali during it's rainy season? Do share your reasons and comments ok?

Friday, August 14, 2009

Balinese Caste And Clans

Balinese Deep Similarity To Hinduism's Caste System

Of all the aspects of Hinduism, caste is the least understood and the most execrated. The caste system of India, with its well-known outcasts, the untouchable, is often compared in the popular imagination of the Westerners to political systems of discrimination, like apartheids in South Africa, or "Jim Crow" of the United States. A Westerner finds the rigidity of caste, and the cruelty of untouched ability, to be by definition unjust. But caste is not a government policy; it is a complex system of social organization historically based on social function - smith, farmer, priest, etc. -, which eventually became entwined with Hindu doctrine.

The word "caste," as applied to the ordering of Hindu society, comes from the Portuguese, who upon arriving in India in 1498 used the word casta, "division," to refer to the stratification of Indian society. But caste is not the same as class or station, or "division" in a Western society. It is the manifestation on an individual level of an elaborate web of cultural organization in Hindu society wherein balance and propriety are privileged concepts. Caste is a "social codification" of dharma. Caste lays outsides, or perhaps deeper than, political organization by governments. Both the Indian and the Indonesian governments have "banned" discrimination by caste. But in India, and in Bali, caste is too ingrained to disappear by edict.

Away from the office or schools, caste in Bali is still quite important. "Where do you stay?" in order not to offend and better way of asking, "What clan are you from and what's your caste?" is the first question a Balinese will ask nornally upon meeting a Balinese stranger. Caste prerogatives are maintained, in address and codes of deference, and individuals associate more freely and often with those of their own caste than with others. Although there are those in Bali who would seek to reform the system, for the most part the Balinese accept the social organization of caste. In a sense, caste in Bali can be understood as something like the Renaissance system of patronage. There is a dual obligation between members of lower and upper castes. Most Sudra - the lowest caste - families have one or more related Brahmana families to whom they turn in the case of special need, usually of a religious nature. The lower caste people are said to be the sisya, pupils, or disciples, of their upper caste surya, literally "sun" meaning patron. It is the obligation of the surya family to help, just as it is the obligation of the lower caste family to defer and offer a token, food and offerings, for the service. There is obvious gratitude on the pat of the Sudra family and obvious satisfaction on the part of their surya - they have been able to fulfill their duty as Brahmana.

I guess it's been quite a long article so I'll make a 2nd part to this article maybe later on at night or tomorrow :) In the meantime you can actually visit Bali Hotels | BaliHotels-BaliBeachHotel.Blogspot.com to read UNBIASED Reviews on the hotels in bali and recommendations on which bali hotel you should choose for a great value for your $$$ :)

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Balinese | Anastasia