Bali Daily
The day-to-day blog: travel tips, notes and photos from the island.
Southeast Asia Travel Resources
For many people who plan a trip to Bali, their travels also include the rest of the region. Southeast Asia is a haven for indie travelers, and many travelers add this region as part of a longer trip.
Why You Should Add Bali to Your Round the World Trip
The entire region of Southeast Asia is a hotbed for backpackers and those on long-term trips, and Bali is at or near the top of the list. And why wouldn't it be?
Bali in January
There aren’t many events taking place in January but if you are on a low budget and always wanted to visit Bali, take advantage of the low airfare and come here.
Bali in November
Nowadays the weather is very unpredictable, especially when we talk about November in Bali, which , technically, marks the start of the wet season.
Bali in December
While Bali offers warm temperatures year round, December falls during the wet season.
Water Crisis in Bali?
When I first started travelling to Bali in the 70’s, tourism was a low number factor but, as the years passed the increase in tourism and people numbers rose dramatically.
Image of the Day: Lombok Sunset
It had been a fourteen year hiatus since I last visited Lombok ; properly, having only passed through there on my way to other islands in the archipelago.
Things to Do in Central Bali
For visitors to Bali one of the most varied areas in culture, arts and antiquities is Central Bali .
5 Million Foreign Tourists in Bali by 2015?
I can recall back in the late 80’s and 90’s when the amount of tourists inundating Bali became too overwhelming.
Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport Renovations Finally Begin
No doubt many of you could name a few things that are badly in need of change at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport ; those things that really annoy you.
Diving on the USS Liberty: Tulamben, East Bali
On 11 January, the USS Liberty was torpedoed by Japanese submarine about 10 nautical miles (19 km) southwest of the Lombok Strait .
Take a Walk Through…Sangeh Monkey Forest
The most popular place on Bali for simians is, without a doubt, the Sangeh Monkey Forest and a place that is inundated on a daily basis by hordes of camera toting tourist.
Canang Sari: An Offering to the Gods
Walk down any street in the Kuta area and in fact, anywhere in Bali and you will see on the pavements small, square-woven coconut leaf trays with an adornment of flowers and other things.
Travel Insurance IS a Prime Necessity
More so than ever travel insurance should be a priority and organised for you and your family even before you leave for Bali . It’s no good saying “ I’m healthy and have nothing to worry about.
Balinese Dance
Bali is renowned the world over for its arts, culture and in particular, dance forms . It is a part of the culture the Balinese take seriously.
Big Increase in Tourist Fees for Kintamani
You will notice that just about anywhere you visit in Bali whether it’s a temple, museum or other cultural attractions a fee has to be paid before you can enter.
The Sasak of Lombok
There were many interesting aspects with the culture of Lombok that I wanted to experience on my last visit to the island.
Gunung Batur Closed to Climbers
There is so much volcanic activity across the archipelago at the moment. As more and more earthquakes occur the higher the chances of usually dormant volcanoes coming to life.
Temples of Bali: Pura Sakenan
Visiting any Balinese temple during your stay in Bali is an experience but when you visit during a temple celebration of festival; it is an amazing and colourful one.
What is the best gift for yoga lovers?
With Christmas only six weeks away, it’s definitely time to start looking into gifts for your friends. I’m guilty of doing my shopping online and… usually a bit too late.
The Annoyance of Airport Taxis
We all know how it works at Bali ’s Ngurah Rai International Airport if you want a taxi.
Top Things to Bring to Bali
Bali is a crazy strange place for first-time arrivals and besides being overwhelming it is a full-on experience. For those of us who have years under-our-belts it’s a bit of the ‘ol ho-hum usual.
Flashback: Poppies Lane 2 - Then and Now
Whenever I have some spare time I enjoy looking at images I have taken in previous years and observing how places in Bali have changed over time.
Places to Visit in Singaraja
Often referred to as Lion City and Located on the north coast just east of Lovina , Singaraja was once the capital of Bali under Dutch colonial administration.
Danger in the Archipelago – Travellers be Aware
I wasn’t surprised to read that the alert status for Gunung Merapi in Yogyakarta , Central Java has been raised to red alert .
The Many Forms of Balinese Dance
Dance and indeed theatre are an integral part of Balinese culture . Among the most popular dance traditions seen in Bali by tourists are the Barong , Legong and Kecak .
9 Great Reasons to Visit Bali Now
Bali has been rockin’ n’ rollin’ big time of late with visitor numbers to the island increasing beyond all expectations. Now is a great time to visit with so much on offer for the traveller.
The Nusa Dua Fiesta 2010 Starts Next Week
The Bali Tourism Development this year again proudly hosts the Nusa Dua Fiesta 2010 with the theme “ Green Tourism ” and will be held from the 15th to 19th October .
Visit the Bali Aga Villages in Bali
For those who don’t know yet, the original inhabitants of Bali are the Bali Aga , and they live a relative reclusive life in the mountains to the east, the north and central Bali.
BALINALE International Film Festival
Film buffs are in for a treat with the 4th annual BALINANLE International Film Festival in Bali starting on October 12th and running through until the 17th .
Take a Walk Through….Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali
When visiting Bali there are so many exquisite places you can experience for not only the stunning, natural environment but also the amazing wildlife that abounds on this island.
Taman Narmada: Lombok
With any visit to Lombok a must-see on the sister island to Bali is the spectacular and spacious tourism attraction of Taman Narmada .
Being acting on vacation
I’m definitely an active traveler. My walking/running shoes are always in my backpack and most often I find myself looking up interesting fitness classes I can attend while on the road.
Strategic Airlines Service Expansion
The skies between Australia and Bali are getting crowded of late with multiple airlines plying the route carrying tourists eager to visit Bali.
A Commemorative Temple – Pura Sada: Kapal
Bali is renowned worldwide not only for its beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets but also for its culture and magnificent temples .
Does Bali Need More Hotels?
Bali at the moment is choc-a-bloc with tourists, both domestic and international and this raises the question ‘ Is there enough hotels to accommodate all the visitors to Bali ’.
Cycling in Bali - BaliStar Cycling
A relaxing and healthy and adventurous way to explore Bali is by bicycle . Although not highly recommended in the tourist strip, cycling in Bali has increasingly become popular as a way to see not…
Bali’s Forests and Jungles in Desperate Need of Help
For those of us who first visited Bali in the late 60’s and 70’s will vividly remember the pristine areas of Bali uncluttered by hotels, villas and the ilk.
An Alternative Way to Kintamani
Everyone that has visited Bali has, at one time or another, travelled up the mountains to Kintamani .
The Great Yacht Race is on Again
An old friend of mine came around to see us last night with some good news. I consider him to be an ‘old salt’, a man of the sea, and, one who regularly races yachts.
The Nicest Chinese Temple in Bali – Griya Kongco
When I first heard about this klenteng or Chinese temple I became excited at the prospect of viewing a Chinese temple I have yet to visit already having seen all on the island of Bali .
Tourists Still Waiting at Immigration
Much has been said in recent months about the Immigration desks at Ngurah Rai International Airport and their lack of ‘speed’ in processing newly arrived tourists.
A Few Do’s and Dont’s in Bali
At the moment Bali is buzzing with tourists and it’s a great time to visit this beautiful island.
Things to Do in Central Bali
For visitors to Bali one of the most varied areas in culture , arts and antiquities is Central Bali .
August 17th, Hari Proklamasi Indonesia - Indonesian Independence Day
Indonesians celebrate the proclamation of independence from 350 years of Dutch colonial rule.
Sea Temples on Bali
Last month I talked about the directional temples on the island of Bali , their importance and their significance to the Balinese . The numerous facets of Balinese culture are truly amazing.
Chinese Cemetery: West Lombok
I have this penchant for wandering around cemeteries and when we were in Lombok recently I noticed a Chinese Cemetery not far from Senggigi on the way to Ampenan .
Rupiah to be Denominated?
I received a phone call last night from a dear friend in Java bellowing that she is going to lose all her money (Rupiah) in the bank because the Bank of Indonesia governor stated there is scope for a…
Sanur Village Festival
The fabulous Sanur Village Festival starts tomorrow and goes through until the 8th August and Sanur is known as Bali's oldest tourism village.
Airline Bonanza for Australians
At the moment Bali is experiencing record numbers of arrivals to the island and this excellent for the economy and the Balinese .
Take a Walk Around the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Complex
One of the nicest attractions on the Bukit Peninsula south of Tuban is GWK or Garuda Wisnu Kencana . It’s quite an imposing feature but nonetheless an interesting place to explore and enjoy.
Five Things to Do in Denpasar
The capital of Bali ever since it gained independence from the Dutch, Denpasar is a bustling and energetic city but, you either love it, or, you hate it. It’s that kind of city.
Pura Lingsar: West Lombok
Lombok ’s holiest temple is Pura Lingsar . Originally built by the Balinese in 1714, its construction was aided by the Sasak Muslims on the island.
Customs in Bali on the Ball
We all know the scrutiny and other practices in the past of the Customs at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar .
Things to See and Do in East Bali
Out of all the places in Bali it is definitely the eastern part of the island I enjoy visiting and exploring.
Temples of Bali: Pura Ulun Danau Batur
The area around Kintamani is fascinating with so much to see and do. The main attraction of the area is undoubtedly the views most tourists have of Gunung Batur and Danau Batur .
Monuments On the Chopping Block in Bali?
I have seen and photographed literally thousands of statues and monuments on my travels over the decades, and, a heck of a lot in Indonesia .
A Bit of Adventure in the Treetops: Bedugul, North Bali
Located in the Eka Karya Botanical Garden in Candikuning , the sister to the Bogor Botanical Gardens in West Java, the Bali Treetop Adventure Park is accessible to all, whatever their level of…
What to See and Do in North Bali
I like the northern part of Bali because it offers so many interesting attractions and is a great area to explore.
The Directional Temples of Bali
Balinese temples are virtually on everybody’s list of must-see things when visiting Bali . With over a thousand temples on the island tourists are spoilt for choice and.
Is Bali ‘Going Green’?
We have all seen the rubbish on the streets of Kuta , even watched tourists who just don’t care discard their unwanted items onto the footpaths.
Exploring Lombok
Located directly east of Bali across the 1300m deep Lombok Strait the island of Lombok is relatively untouched by tourism.
Things to Do in South Bali
The southern part of Bali is known as the Bukit Peninsula and it is pounded by tourist buses daily visiting the sacred temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu on the western tip of the Bukit and on the east…
Bali’s Best Botanical Garden
Located in the small village of Candikuning not far from Danau Bratan is the Bali Botanical Gardens , its full name being Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bali .
Inside a Balinese Temple
Visiting a temple, particularly one that is a having a ceremony, or a special dance performance, is one of the special aspects of visiting Bali .
Great Ocean Views in Bali
Being an island surrounded by crystal-clear blue ocean, albeit polluted in some places, it is only natural that in Bali there are some spectacular sea views.
Temples in Bali
The numerous facets of Balinese culture are truly amazing and one of these is the Balinese temple ; it could be a family temple at home or, a community temple in a village or town.
Waterfalls in Bali
There is so much natural beauty to see in Bali that is at times overwhelming. One of the nicest to visit is one of the many waterfalls on the island; the most popular being Gitgit Falls in the north…
Things to Do in West Bali
West Bali is probably the least visited area on the island and an area not yet fully on the tourist agenda.
Things to Do in Nusa Dua
One might think there is very little to do in this area of upmarket hotels and expensive restaurants, but, it might surprise you to know that there are a few things to do and some of them,…
Bali Arts Festival 2010
Starting on the 12th June and going through until the 10th July , the Bali Arts Festival will prove to be bigger and better than previous years.
Off the Beaten Track in Bali
The fabulous thing about Bali is that you don’t have to restrict yourself to just the tourist strip. Instead, take a few days to head out into the country and explore Bali and all its beauty.
A Temple Ceremony
Balinese temples really come alive during ceremonies. Even magnificent temples such as Pura Ulun Danu Batur or Pura Besakih look somewhat drab without the decorations and Balinese people in…
Temples of Bali – Pura Beji
One of my favourite temples on the island of Bali and one that is rarely visited by tourists and travellers alike is Pura Beji .
Bemo Corner – A Landmark in Bali
Whatever city you travel to in the world there are certain landmarks by which the locals will give you directions; and, Bali it is no different.
A Guide to Buying Balinese Handicrafts
Bali is renowned throughout the archipelago of Indonesia and overseas for their handicrafts . You could say that Bali is a mecca for arts and handicrafts.
A Guide to Buying Traditional Textiles in Bali
Indonesians are renowned the world over for their textiles . Balinese traditional textiles are much more than simply decorative pieces of cloth.
New Fingerprint Laws are History
I have great news for incoming tourists to Bali . The new immigration laws that I wrote about the other week concerning having your photo and fingerprints taken upon arriving in Bali are now cactus!
Another New Airline to Ply the Perth-Bali Route
Perth is really getting the best of it all in airline services to Bali . Yet another international air carrier has opened a service from Perth to Bali .
Rumah Makan Bengkel: Lombok
There are so many great restorans and warungs on the island of Bali and each serving delicious masakan asli Lombok.
Rumah Makan Bengkel: Lombok
The Major Towns of Bali
It is always great to get out of the crazy mania that is the tourist strip in Bali and take a road trip out into the countryside.
Handicraft Factory Outlets in Bali
There are times when one just doesn’t feel like tramping around the various markets in the tourist strip of Bali ; that relentless search for a cool T-Shirt or a pair of boardies or even handicrafts.
The Pottery of Banyumulek: Lombok
There were two places I wanted to visit when I visited Lombok ; the traditional weavers of Sukarara and the pottery at Banyumulek .
The HP Card Man: Bali
Most tourists that visit Bali bring their cellphones with them in order to keep in contact with friends on the island or to call their home country.
Tourists to be Fingerprinted at Ngurah Rai Airport?
Earlier this morning I had to go to Immigrasi near the Ngurah Rai Airport to have my photo and fingerprints taken, digitally.
Pura Batu Bolong: West Lombok
One place I enjoyed visiting while in Lombok was Pura Batu Bolong just south of Senggigi Beach . This quaint and peaceful temple is perched on a rocky outcrop facing Bali .
Air Asia adds another Perth-Bali Flight
For West Australians wishing to visit Bali , the good news only gets better with low cost airline Air Asia adding a further flight starting the 1st June .
Seaweed Confectionary: Lombok
There was one thing I delighted in devouring on my sojourn to Lombok ; the sweets made from seaweed ( Rumput Laut ).
Street Food: Wedang Kacang Hijau
A majority of tourists are wary of buying food from the vendors on the street and rightly so. Unless you are accustomed to eating spicy traditional foods then I suggest you just take photos.
New Traffic Laws for Riding Motorbikes in Bali
In the Balinese media over the last few days much has been written about the instigation of a program by the Balinese Government regarding road safety and now, the Indonesian Government has…
North of Senggigi: Lombok
The morning light was shimmering across the blue water of the bay in front of our bungalow. This alone was inspiration enough to take a drive along the coast north of Senggigi to Pemenang .
Dining with Meli at Jimbaran Bay
Yesterday we rang an old friend of ours, Meli who runs the Internet Outpost in Poppies Lane 2 , and invited her for a fish feast at Jimbaran Bay on the Bukit.
Taman Sukasada – Ujung, East Bali
Located 5 kilometres south of Amlapura on the coast of Bali you will find Taman Sukasada ; more commonly known as Puri Taman Ujung .
Bali Wants a Share of the VOA
It was interesting to read in the Bali Discovery newsletter this week an article about how the Bali Government is demanding a share of the VOA generated every day from incoming tourists.
Senggigi Beach – Lombok
The long stretch of stunning coastline 10 klms north of Ampenan is known as Senggigi Beach is in reality the tourist centre of the island of Lombok .
Be Careful With Your Money in Bali
Being here in Bali I get to see some unfortunate issues regarding money and these generally concern those who are visiting the island for the first time.
Thoughts on Lombok
Candika and I returned late yesterday from our week-long sojourn in Lombok and we are both so tired; still. The two words I would use to describe Lombok are simply beautiful .
Books about Bali: Rough Guides Bali & Lombok
Go to any bookstore and there is a plethora of travel guidebooks on display to choose from to orientate yourself with the intended country of your trip.
Lombok Bound
Later on this afternoon Candika and I will fly out to Lombok for a few days. I really wanted to go by ferry to Lombok but I think Candika has had enough of the open ocean after the fishing sojourn a…