Bali Daily (page 2)
The day-to-day blog: travel tips, notes and photos from the island.
3 Awesome Mountain Treks in Bali
There are numerous large and small mountains in Bali awaiting the adventurous traveller. All of them afford spectacular views from atop.
Pasir Putih – No More a Secret and a Delight
Like most travellers to the east coast of Bali a visit to Pasir Putih is a definite must-do.
Hari Ngembak Geni – Bali
The day following Nyepi is a Balinese holiday known as Ngembak Geni . On this day all shops that are Balinese owned are closed with the only shops being open are those owned by traders from other…
Nyepi: The Day of Silence – Bali
Yesterday was absolutely serene with no sounds of honking horns or mad motor-bike riders screaming down Jalan Legian ; just sheer peace and quiet.
Off to Lombok
Candika and I decided to head over to Lombok for a few days after the three day Nyepi holiday in Bali . It has been several years since I was there last and for Candika, her first time.
Omed-Omedan - The Kissing Ritual
The day following Nyepi is called Ngembak Geni Day and on this day there is a special ritual performed known as omed-omedan or med-medan .
Hari Raya Nyepi: Bali
Tomorrow in Bali it is Nyepi . This is the day of absolute silence for Hindu followers. No activity is done on this day, or amusements of any kind.
Tumpek Landep in Bali Today
Taking place on the Saturday of Landep in the second week of the Pakuwon , Tumpek Landep is a day of offerings to the weapons of war in Bali .
Deep Sea Fishing in Bali
It had taken two years for Carl and I to at last go deep sea fishing in Bali mainly because events interceded our plans in the past. Yesterday we achieved our goal.
Poinciana Resort: Tembok, North-East Bali
I have been showing people around Bali for a long time now; taking them to those rarely seen places on the island; my treasured places.
Kopi Luwak at Excelso’s
If there is one thing I enjoy in life it is coffee . I drink copious amounts of it and one of my favourites is Sumatran Mandehling .
Pagerwesi in Bali
Today in Bali is Pagerwesi , the day when Balinese fortify the space around themselves to ward off evil spirits. Literally interpreted means ‘iron fence’.
A Side Track to Danau Bratan
Getting off the well-worn tourist tracks in Bali will afford some great surprises as well as some stunning scenery.
A Crazy, Lazy Day of Feasting
Today was one of those days when we felt like doing nothing but enjoy the best things in life; good friends, good food and relaxing by the pool.
Saraswati in Bali Today
Today is Saraswati in Bali . This is the special day of thanks for the gift of knowledge. The festive day is a time for making offerings to books and especially the sacred lontar palm leaf books .
The Graffiti Art Boom in Yogyakarta
Every city in the world has graffiti; some of it is pure crap meaning nothing and is blatant, sheer vandalism.
Groynes Carving up the Beach
One of the delights Candika and I revelled in was the slow walk at dusk along the beach from Centro Discovery to near enough the airport.
Old Images on a Lazy Day
All days in Bali are a lazy days as far as Candika and I are concerned. Chill-out, do nothing, perhaps go for a walk along the beach at sunset and after, imbibe in an ice-cold café latte.
Another Durian Night
As always whenever Candika and I are in Bali our good friends of many years, Karl and Arty ( Foto left ), are here on the island.
Lereng Agung Restoran – Rendang
There are times on your travels you accidentally come across pure gem of places and I found one on a recent sojourn in the east of Bali .
Spending Time in BIMC
In the early hours of the other morning I found myself as a guest at the Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) hooked up on a saline drip and feeling like absolute crap.
Tahun Baru Cina - Chinese New Year
Today is Chinese New Year, or Imlek , throughout Indonesia and the world. The Chinese communities in the major cities throughout Indonesia, Jakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Bandung and Yogyakarta, will…
Valentine's Day
Today in Indonesia and around the world it is the day for lovers – Valentines Day.
The Hot Days are a Comin’
Today has been a reasonably hot day in Bali which makes it perfect those wanting to toast their body a golden brown, or, walk off the beach looking like the lobster on last night’s dinner plate.
The Hypocrisy of it All
Most of you that have tramped around the Malls in Bali have experienced the norm of going through the security checks before you enter.
Crazy Sunday
Gotta admit I have been a tad neglectful. Actually, with good reason. Isn’t it great when you have excuses!
Polisi Tidur
After decades of travelling around the archipelago of Indonesia I have come across many odd things, both culturally and linguistically.
A Day of Happiness
A lot of regular readers of WhyGoBali and the Forum will remember a year ago this month my mother died in Bali .
Returning Home to Yogyakarta
Returning home was no big deal for me. However, I was looking forward to seeing any changes that had occurred in the city renowned as the cultural heart of Indonesia .
Heading Home to Indonesia
The time has arrived, my backpack is full, I have my tickets and, I am outa here! After spending the winter in Australia enjoying my usual hiking and camping activities, catching up with friends and…
Is Cash Cow Bali Getting their Share?
For years I have often wondered about all that money raised by the government from VOA and other visa fees, and, just where does it end up.
Temples of Bali: Pura Tanah Lot
Located about 25 km from Denpasar , Pura Tanah Lot is without a doubt the most visited temple on the island of Bali .
Art Markets in Sanur
Sanur has a decent beach and is a really well patronised first-class resort area in Bali .
Visiting Other Islands
Bali is ideally located within the archipelago of Indonesia to afford tourists the opportunity to visit other regions such as East Nusa Tenggara , Kalimantan and Java .
New Year’s Eve Happy Mayhem
I don’t know about you but I reckon this year has flown by as has the decade. Anyway, it’s big-time party time again and the tourist strip will be absolute mayhem with New Year’s Eve reveller’s…
Perth Man Faces Drug Charges in Bali
It might seem like old news considering the man was arrested in Bali on Monday after he disembarked from a Virgin Blue flight from Perth but, it is a timely reminder to all travellers to the island…
Getting Blue on New Years Eve in Bali
Travellers to Bali and for those already there are in for a delightful surprise on New Year’s Eve . A blue moon will grace the night skies. The old adage ‘ once in a blue moon ’ is apt indeed.
Denpasar Street Festival
You would think that being so close to the end of the year there would be no more festivals for tourists except of course for New Year’s Eve.
The Royal Courts of Justice - Klungkung
The former Royal Courts of Justice in Klungkung , East Bali , is more commonly known as Kerta Gosa and besides being of historic and archaeological interest it is a delightful place set in a…
Poppies Lane 2 – A Popular Laneway
One of the most well-trodden routes in Kuta is, without a doubt, Poppies Lane 2 . Running west to east from Kuta beach to Jalan Legian , this one-way alley has traffic on a constant basis;…
Jimbaran Bay – Fishy Delights
Bali has some fabulous restaurants both up-market and those that are reasonably priced but still serving quality fare.
Public Holidays in Indonesia (and Bali) for 2010
There is always a festival of some kind happening in Bali every day. A majority are temple festivals but there are those special dates in the Balinese Calendar that are respected.
Proposed UNESCO Geopark for Gunung Batur
It was not too long ago that vulcanologists warned the possibility of an eruption of Gunung Batur . Naturally, this caused a certain amount of distress for the locals.
The Holy Springs of Tirta Empul in Bali
North of Tampaksaring on the road to Kintamani you will see the turnoff to Tirta Empul .
Temples of Bali: Pura Sada - Kapal
The most important temple in the area of Kapal to the north of Denpasar is Pura Sada .
Balinese Natural Healing: Boreh
In Bali there are many techniques of natural healing and these come in many forms. The one in Indonesia that I know well is Kerokan and ideal for general illness.
The Importance of Marga
Located 25 klms from Denpasar , Marga is an out-of-the-way place that is definitely worth a visit for its importance in Balinese history .
The Tour D’Indonesia
I am an avid fan of cycle racing and as such, never miss the broadcasts of the various events on the European circuit.
Butterflies in Bali
So we’ll live, and pray, and sing, and tell old tales, and laugh At gilded butterflies – Shakespeare: King Lear Being just eight degrees below the Equator, Bali has the type of climate that is…
Dog Matters in Bali
I see no point in killing animals just because they may or may not be infected. But, this is happening in Bali right now, ongoing, in an effort to eradicate Rabies on the island.
The Sweet Tastes of Bali
If you have a sweet tooth like me then the delicious cakes of Indonesia are sure to please and Bali is no exception.
The Mysterious Prasati Blanjong in Sanur
I received an email yesterday from a person who will be travelling to Bali next month and staying in Sanur . Apparently she had read in an old guidebook about an antiquity called Prasati Blanjong .
Gunung Batur on High Alert for Eruption
As most travellers to Bali know, Gunung Batur and the crater-lake Danau Batur are the stunning views you are afforded when you visit Kintamani .
Shopping in Bali for First-Timers
The bane of most men but adored by women, shopping is an experience in self-indulgence and addictive.
Urban Art in Bali
Art has always been an integral part of Balinese society. It is an art of Hindu-Javanese origin that grew from the work of artisans of the Majapahit Kingdom .
The Temple on the Lake: Pura Ulun Danau Bratan
The two most photographed places on the island of Bali undoubtedly are the sea temple of Pura Tanah Lot and the other, Pura Ulun Danau Bratan located 2 hours north of Kuta on the shores of Lake…
Temples of Bali: Pura Gaduh
Located in the village of Blahbatuh some 10 kilometres west of the town of Gianyar , the temple is the most southern antiquity of the ancient Pejeng Kingdom .
China Airlines is once again a great airfare bargain to Bali
When I began researching this article I believed I had found a combination of flights that would get a person from the United States to Bali for a fair amount less than what I was finding on the…
Kuningan in Bali
Today in Bali is Kuningan . Occurring once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days, Kuningan is the end of the most important of the regular religious ceremonies for the 10-day Galungan…
Things to Do in North Bali
A majority of tourists that visit Bali and venture north rarely go past Gitgit Falls located halfway between Pura Ulun Danau Bratan and the former capital of Bali; Singaraja .
Ceremonial Umbrellas in Bali
You will first notice them upon arrival at your hotel as they adorn the entrances. Ceremonial umbrellas are ubiquitous on the island of Bali .
Nusa Dua Fiesta XIII 2009
What I have always found delightful about Bali is that whatever time of the year you visit there is always a festival of some kind.
Galungan: Bali
Today in Bali is the ceremony of Galungan . This occurs once in every 210 days in the Balinese cycle of days .
Temples of Bali: Pura Kedarman (Bhukit Dharma Durga)
There are several Pura located north of Blahbatuh and near the village of Sema Buang you will find this temple.
Airfare to Bali is still fairly cheap through Christmas
I’ve been spending a lot of time looking at airfare pricing trends lately, partly because so many “experts” predict fares will begin climbing again soon.
Top Activities for Kids in Bali
Let’s face it, travelling with kids can be stressful at times. They are just not into doing what the ‘oldies’ do and much prefer to just have a great time with kids their own age doing-their-thing.
A Couple of Tips on Staying Healthy
So you are on holiday in the total paradise of Bali , happy and feeling good, ready to have a damn good time. Of course you saw your doctor before you left for a check-up and you got the all-clear.
5 Lesser Known Places to Visit in Bali
Travelling around Bali can be an enlightening experience and there are times when you come across places that you find delightful as well as surprising.
Breaking News: Earthquake Hits Nusa Dua
Earlier this morning an earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck Bali with its epicentre apparently being off the coast of Nusa Dua .
Tumpek Uduh in Bali Today
Wherever you travel in Bali today you will observe the Balinese partaking in a ritual called Tumpek Uduh . Tumpek is one of the most interesting of the coincidence dates on the island of Bali.
What NOT to Forget on a Road Trip in Bali
Everyone that goes to Bali for a holiday or a longer term stay always enjoy getting out of the frantic mayhem of the tourist strip and into the countryside.
Six Fabulous Scenic Spots in Bali
Travelling around Bali affords some spectacular scenic views and panoramas. Of course not everybody’s tastes are the same.
New Nightclub for Sari Site
As I settled down with a cuppa last night to watch the evening news, I was even more disgusted to watch the report that I had read about in the morning paper – a new nightclub is being planned for…
August 17th, Hari Proklamasi Indonesia - Indonesian Independence Day
Indonesians celebrate the proclamation of independence from 350 years of Dutch colonial rule.
Tumpek Landep in Bali
When you are strolling around the streets in the tourist strip today or out in the countryside you will notice most motorbikes and cars adorned with the offerings and ornaments made from young…
Sanur Village Festival 2009
The fabulous Sanur Village Festival starts today and goes through until the 16th August .
Stumble in Paradise
Although now the Balinese Government is replacing the well-worn gauntlet-run footpaths ( foto left ) in many areas of Kuta , Legian , Seminyak and Tuban , there are still those walkways you will come…
Pagerwesi in Bali
Today in Bali for the Balinese is a special day devoted to their ancestors – Pagerwesi and is celebrated every 210 days based on the Balinese lunar calendar.
Enjoy a Camel Safari in Bali
For some reason camels don’t like me! I rode on one in my youth in Egypt on my travels and a few years ago along Cable Beach in Broome, Western Australia.
Bali International 10K - A Run for Unity
If you just happen to be in Bali on Sunday August 10th and you are full of enthusiasm for a long jog and you have packed your running shoes in your suitcase then are you in for a treat.
Saraswati in Bali
Today is Saraswati in Bali . This is the special day of thanks for the gift of knowledge. The festive day is a time for making offerings to books and especially the sacred lontar palm leaf books.
More Safety Measures for Bali
It appears the Bali Government is putting in 100% and more in an effort to ensure the security of tourists visiting the island of Bali .
Paragliding in Bali
Having done it a couple of times in New Zealand, you can take my word for it when I tell you gliding through the air on wind currents whilst delighting in the stunning views from ‘up there’ is one…
Bali: Off the Beaten Track - Bukit Peninsula
No doubt many of you will be thinking, “Hey, that’s not off the beaten track”, and rightly so because it is pounded by tourist buses daily visiting the sacred temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu on the…
Bali Flashback: The Secret Beach - Pantai Putih, East Bali
There aren’t many places left that I haven’t set foot on, walked along, climbed, trekked or explored on the island of Bali .
Is Bali Safe?
Over the weekend I received numerous emails and phone calls from concerned travellers heading over to Bali soon and whether or not it would be safe for them to holiday there.
Only Have a Week in Bali with the Family?
You have decided a good family trip to Bali is in order. You have booked your flights and arranged good accommodation through your travel agent but, there is a drawback.
Tumpek Wayang in Bali
Tumpek is one of the most interesting of the coincidence dates on the island of Bali . Tumpek occurs six times in every Pawukon and each of these dates is separately important.
BEWARE: ATM scams in Bali
If there is one thing I despise in life it is thieving: whether it be on a pickpocket scale or a straight out rip-off at a bank or shop.
Swine Flu Virus Confirmed in Bali
I knew it wouldn’t take long before the H1N1 virus hit Bali considering the number of tourists who visit the island from all parts of the globe.
Ngaben Ceremony
There are many delights in travel but non so more than those occurrences that are spontaneous; those that just happen in front of your eyes, so to speak, or those that you come across by pure…
Four Great Scenic Coastal Drives in Bali
An island covering an area of 5, 561 sq kilometres and totally surrounded by oceans it is only natural that a lot of the coastline and the coastal roads can be spectacular not only to drive along,…
Cycling Adventures in Bali
There is nothing more delightful and enjoyable as getting on my mountain bike and just riding anywhere, whether it’s to get from point A to B or just for the sheer exuberance it gives me.
Four Great Monuments to See in Bali
As one travels around the island of Bali besides seeing the stunning and varied temple structures you will inevitably notice the many statues erected in towns and small villages.
Bali Temples: Pura Agung Jagatnatha – Denpasar
Denpasar is a hive of cultural activity with numerous attractions on offer for tourists visiting the city.
The Bali Arts Festival: June 13th-July 11th
Starting on Saturday is the 31st Bali Arts Festival and it will prove to be bigger and better than previous years.
Canyoning in Bali
There are a myriad of adventure activities on offer in Bali ranging from mountain climbing to white-water rafting and cycling .
Orphanages in Bali
On my travels around the world and in particular Indonesia I have come across numerous children begging on the streets or with nowhere to go for food or shelter.
Cafe Garam – Amed: East Bali
The east coast of Bali is probably my favourite area and especially the regency of Karangasem .
Bali's UNESCO Heritage Sites
If we all had are own way then the entire island of Bali would be heritage listed by UNESCO except of course for the insanely maniac area of the Kuta tourist strip.