Bali Daily (page 3)
The day-to-day blog: travel tips, notes and photos from the island.
Bali and the Swine Flu
You can’t seem to escape it. It’s getting continuous media coverage and in many ways, rightly so. I’m talking about the Swine Flu .
Bali: Off the Beaten Track – Buahan
Less frequented by your regular traveller, the small villages of Buahan and Abang lie on the eastern shores of one of the most photographed places in Bali , Danau Batur .
Balinese at Prayer
Every time I visit a temple and witness a ceremony or even see the morning prayers as Balinese lay floral offerings in the form of canang sari in front of shops or alongside the road, I am in awe at…
The Origin of Karangasem
The regency of Karangasem is one of the nine regencies in Bali situated in the eastern part of the island.
Bali: Off the Beaten Track – Munduk
This actual off-the-beaten-track experience doesn’t really start until you Pengastulan in the north of Bali , a place less frequented by travellers.
Lombok International Airport Completed Soon
In what I see as a giant boost to the island’s floundering tourism and in fact, to the islands in East Nusa Tenggara , will be the completion of a new international airport in Central Lombok located…
Five Temples to Visit for First Timers to Bali
Travelling to Bali for the first time can be overwhelming, not only in the cultural shock of it all but, with so many things to do and see as well.
Kuningan Starts Today 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…
Nyepi in Bali
Today in Bali it is Nyepi . This is the day of absolute silence for all Balinese . No activity is done on this day. In fact, there is no enjoyment on this day and no fires are lit all day and night.
The Night of Ogoh Ogoh
A lot of tourists plan their holiday so that they avoid the ‘day of silence’; Nyepi .
Off the Beaten Track: Muncan
I have decided to start a new series on WhyGo Bali about places off the beaten track.
A Durian Night
Last night our good friends Carl and Arti decided to surprise us with an Indonesian delight.
Mie Bandung: Denpasar
A lot of people don’t like Denpasar but I find it a fascinating and historical place to walk around, wander through the traditional markets, chat with the locals and imbibe in some food at one of the…
BootsnAll launches BootsnAll Today - A new daily travel news and features section
You could have been a fan of WhyGo Bali for years and not known that it is actually a part of a large group of travel sites and online travel guides that make up the BootsnAll Travel Network.
The Balinese Mouse and Other Oddities
Today in Bali is quite a different contrast to that of yesterday. The dark clouds are rolling in from Java and no doubt we can look forward to and interesting and extremely wet afternoon and night.
Thoughts on a Short-Long Stroll and Other Matters
Bali is basking in glorious sunshine, the tourists relishing in the activities the island has to offer and, the beaches are fairly crowded.
Best Surfing Beaches in Bali
If there is one thing Bali is known for, it is surfing. The reason for that no doubt is the fact that Bali sports some of the best surfing beaches in the world.
The Roads to Kintamani
Everyone that has visited Bali has, at one time or another, travelled up the mountains to Kintamani .
Warung Made Bamboo Bar & Restoran
Every time I visit Bali there are always new places opened for business and of course there are those that have closed down for some reason or another.
The Internet Outpost gets a New Home
When I first returned to Bali in 2003 after living in Yogyakarta for ten years I needed a good internet place from which to work and I found such a place at the Internet Outpost ( photo left ) on…
Gong Corner - Warung Par Excellene
Just about everybody who travels to Bali and seeks a great place to eat inevitably dines a couple of times at Bamboo Corner in Poppies Lane 1 .
A Long Successful Trip
Finally made it back to the mayhem of Kuta and what a disappointment it was. Don’t misunderstand that statement, the trip was so fantastic that returning to the hosh-posh tourist mania of Kuta after…
Javanese Delight at Plengkung
There are a couple of things I like doing when I return to a place that has been an important part of my life for so many decades and the first being to meet up with old friends, catch up with the…
Tripping the Gangs
One of the greatest joys of travel is going where you have never been before exploring and discovering along the way.
Fajar’s Warung
I like a nice laid-back night, one where you can just pick a place to enjoy a good meal and after, just wander around enjoying the insanity that is the Kuta strip.
The Case of the Weeping Wallet
I knew it would be one of those days. We mere males have them at times and often the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
Turds, Drains and Other Crazy Things
Yesterday was a great day in all manner of speaking. It was warm, the rain had dissipated and, it was just a bloody damn nice day!
The Sun is Dead and Grey Clouds Reign
Using one word to describe the weather in Bali at the moment is easy – wet! The rain has been constant with only a few patches of the sunshine the tourists yearn for and umbrellas of all manner,…
Heading Home to Indonesia
If I were to say that the trip was an eventful one then it would be an understatement. But that’s another story. There is something else.
Temples of Bali: Pura Gunung Kawi
A breathtaking and awe-inspiring site located two kilometres south of Tampaksaring , Gunung Kawi is two rows of ancient royal tombs on the banks of the Pakerisan River deep in a ravine overlooked by…
The Sacred Herons of Petulu
In one of the most scenic areas on the island and directly north-east of Ubud in Central Bali is located the village of Petulu is famed for its artists, dancers and carvers of wood and stone.
Tanis Villas: Nusa Lembongan
Pick up any guidebook about Indonesia and it will tell you in the section on Bali that the island of Nusa Lembongan is a relaxed and less touristy place to visit and the waters are warm and crystal…
Antiquities of Bali: Goa Gadjah
Between Peliatan and Bedulu , the antiquity of Goa Gadjah is located on the side of the road some 25 kilometres from Denpasar .
Rabies Outbreak in Bali
I had heard about this outbreak of Rabies a few days ago and as I was watching the evening news, there was a warning to all travellers to Bali to be aware of the rise in Rabies and what to do.
Try the Warungs for Local Cuisine
There is nothing I like more than to go to a local warung , buy some bungkus and then sit in the street with the locals and chat.
Antiquities of Bali: Yeh Pulu
One kilometre east of Goa Gadjah , you will see the well-marked signs to the site of Yeh Pulu . A short walk through rice-fields is entailed to reach the site.
Getting Nearer to Traffic Jams and Sidewalk Mayhem
I sat down in front of the computer in my study this morning, gazed at the calendar on my desk and suddenly realised that Santa Claus and his weary bunch of drunken reindeer will soon be cruising the…
Tirta Empul: Central Bali
The whole area around Tirta Empul and the place itself is so peaceful and unassumingly attractive.
The Statues of Tabanan
Tabanan is just like any other large town that you would pass through on your day trips in Bali .
Busy Bees and Beehives
The other day I was yearning for some decent honey in my tea and I recalled the many times on my sojourns in Java the beautiful honey that you can buy there.
Come to BootsnAll's 10th Anniversary Party
Way back in 1998, a few travel-loving friends got together and started a website that would soon give birth to what is now recognized as one of the first travel blogs.
Take a Walk through Jataluwih
The proposed world heritage site of Jataluwih is truly one of Bali’s gems. Tourists flock here for the stunning panorama of the sculptured, terraced rice fields framed by a hillside backdrop.
Tumpek Kandang
There are many rituals in the Balinese calendar and today in Bali it is Tumpek Kandang , sometimes called Tumpek Andang .
Temples of Bali: Pura Panataran Sasih
A few kilometres to the north of Goa Gadjah in Central Bali the road leads to the town of Pejeng .
The Safety Issue in Bali
For a few days now I have received heaps of emails posing the one question regarding the safety issue in Bali.
A Village Not to be Missed
Often people ask me what I consider to be good places not to miss when they visit Bali .
The Sun is a Burning in Bali
It gets fairly warm in the month of October in Bali before the rainy season starts generally in November.
Sunset Dreaming
I have seen countless sunsets around the archipelago of Indonesia and some that are surreal like I once witnessed in Flores , the golden oranges and reds slowly turning the paling blue sky a…
Ask Rolf Potts a Question, Win His New Book!
Lots of travelers I know like nothing better when they're not traveling (and often when they are) than to read something by a good travel writer - something that's not just inspiring, but informative…
Special September Discount Rates Available for Bali Blog Advertising
We sometimes get questions here at the Bali Blog about how people can advertise on the site - so we thought we'd take a moment to let you know that it's really simple to put an ad on the Bali Blog,…
Great Places in Singaraja
Singaraja is in the regency seat of Buleleng and is often referred to as Lion City .
The First Bali Asian Beach Games to Include Surfing
This is a great time for visiting Indonesia with a huge plethora of events happening around the archipelago to commemorate Visit Indonesia Year 2008 and as it so happens, the first Asian Beach Games…
Garuda Going Public in 2009
Would you buy shares in Garuda Indonesia in a public float of the company?. Currently, most certainly I would, provided the share options were right.
How to survive an earthquake in Bali
Indonesia is located on the edge of the Ring Of Fire, the volcanic ring that circles the Pacific. This means volcanoes and earthquakes, which can cause dramatic loss of life.
Dating a Javanese girl - Part II
Regardless of what any Javanese girl says about food, she prefers rice with everything.
Dating a Javanese girl - Part I
Bali has expats from all over the world living here including what I sometimes refer to as local-expats.
We built a Bali forum
So, it seemed that when we asked whether we should build a forum that almost everyone thought it would be a good idea. So, we built it - you can see it here .
Should we build a Baliblog forum?
We're considering setting up a forum for Bali Blog, and although Nick is gone as our fulltime host here, we know there are many of you locals and Bali lovers who still check in.
Renting a Villa in Bali
Renting a villa in Bali - Some tips and advice on renting a villa in Bali. Moving to Bali and renting a house is quite easy and often affordable.
Last Post from Nick
Click the more button to read this post. Happy Belated New Years to everybody from myself and my friends at BootsnAll.
Useful Bali related websites
Here is a selection of Bali related websites that may prove useful • General Info Indonesia Logue Bali Travel News Budget Bali Bali Portal 99 Bali Bali For You Bali Life Bali Click Bali Paradise…
Child labor in Bali
One aspect of Bali that will immediately stand out to westerners is the prevalence of child labor. In the west there are sharply drawn laws determining when a kid can work and for how long.
Vetiver grass: An amazing natural erosion defense
With the UNFCCC winding to a close in Nusa Dua, the subjects of global warming, pollution and erosion are all pushed to the fore.
Bali's Valley of the Kings
Visitors to Bali interested in ancient history need look no further than Bedulu in Gianyar. Located just 4km SE of Ubud reached via Jl.
Lovina accommodation prices in December 2007
Here is a selection of accommodation prices in Lovina as quoted over the phone today ( December 10th 2007 ).
What to Do When There's a Travel Emergency in Bali
Planning for the worst and hoping for the best is a smart way to travel. An article on BudgetTravel.com talks about ways you can help yourself to prepare for and manage a travel emergency.
Bali weather forecast December 3rd 2007
December in Bali is typically hot and humid, with daily showers and changeable skies. This last weekend saw sunny conditions change into overcast on Monday.
Beach front dining in Bali
The south Bali coast has a wonderful selection of warungs and restaurants. Some enjoy the added advantage of being located with an ocean view.
Bali Dogs: Lovable creatures or disease-ridden pests?
One feature of living close to Balinese people is the daily crowing of roosters, warning the neighborhood that dawn is just a couple of hours away.
Eating out in Bali
People coming to Bali for the first time including delegates for the UNFCCC may wonder about the restaurant scene in Bali. Where can you get decent food? Is it safe to eat? How expensive is it?
Global warming and Indonesia
Global warming is the hot topic right now, with dire predictions from the scientific community.
Sanur Bali
Sanur is located just 12 km NE of Kuta and offers a beach-side reality without the crowds. Just 20 minutes from the airport, Sanur can make an ideal place for your Bali holiday.
Internet access in Bali a disaster right now
Internet access in Bali is not one if the island's strong points and right now its even worse. My home access is a joke and the internet cafes in Seminyak are equal to that.
Killing the goose that laid the golden egg: Pollution & Tourism
The uncoming UN Framework Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bali will focus on how carbon emissions trap heat and affect the Earth's climate.
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change facilities
Bali is due to be in the spotlight when the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change ( UNFCCC ) kicks off on December 3rd.
Bali & the natural environment
Bali is an amazingly fertile and beautiful island. Nature has combined to offer a place with high mountain lakes, jungle, a selection of climates and wildlife.
Bali packing list
What to bring with you when you come to Bali is a stress for some, a second thought for others. I once had a guest arrive for a 3 day visit who brought just 1 shirt, which he wore the whole time.
Amsterdam Travel Guide
Amsterdam is a great city to explore on a RTW trip. It is safe, affordable and has all those European eccentricities Americans love to chat about back home.
Indonesian volcanoes on red alert
Indonesia's volcanoes often make life exciting for the people living here. With many active volcanoes giving clues to their further intentions, one knows its only a matter of time.
Religious beliefs can get you jail time in Indonesia
A recent article in the Jakarta Post tells of the latest incident of a person being arrested for their religious beliefs.
Guide books for Bali
For a first time visitor to Bali there are a number of books and guides available to help you understand and appreciate your Bali experience.
Be careful swimming in Bali
The lure of warm ocean water against a blue sky with waves pounding in the distance is hard to resist.
Skype and phone calls in Bali
Some products come onto the market and don't even need advertising. Here in Bali every other person is wearing Crocs (the rip off version) because they allow air to circulate and water to drain,…
BootsnAll is Having a Party - and You're Invited
Okay, so Portland in December might be a bit different than Bali in December - but where else can you party with other like-minded travel enthusiasts in one place, all the while enjoying some…
Bali transportation systems: Grappling with life in the 21st Century
Bali is a small island with a rapidly growing population. Actually there are over 3 million people in Bali, giving the island a population density of around 550 per sq km.
Indonesian tourism problems
Here is an article in the Jakarta Post discussing Indonesia's tourism problems. Indonesia's tourism woes Imagine the irony!
Great Bali writers past & present
A visit to a reputable book store in Bali, such as one of the Periplus outlets, is a journey into the past.
Foreign Embassies & Consulates in Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and as such is the location of foreign embassies . If you are travelling to Bali and lose your passport , you may need to visit Jakarta to get a new one issue.
RTW trip under your own steam
Exploring Bali gets more interesting and rewarding when you break free of the tourist industry. That's one theme I love to keep harking on about.
Sumatra shaken by strong earthquake
Sumatra was shaken again today by a strong earthquake, prompting tsunami warnings in the area. Here is more news from the Jakarta Post.
The Year Living Dangerously: Indonesian based movie
Indonesian TV has a rather strange taste in movies. Repeats of every movie ever made by Steven Seagal, Jean Claude Van Damme and Vin Deisel are their bread and butter.
Monte Swims to Fight Child Hunger
Bali resident and distance swimmer Monte Monfore has been in the water again. Not content with setting records for Nusa Lembongan-Bali, Java-Bali and frigid Lake Batur, Monte powered through the…
Bali Travel TV Programs To Go
If you can't be in Bali, what's the next best option? Well, for some, it's watching travel TV shows about Bali so they can keep reminding themselves of how beautiful Bali is.
Indonesian earthquakes
The recent and continuing earthquakes in Indonesia are a result of the country's location on a fault line.
History of tourism in Bali
When talking about about tourism we're usually referring to European tourism in the 20th Century. The first western account of visiting Bali was by Dutchman Aernoudt Lintgens in 1597 .
Safe & enjoyable scuba diving in Bali
Bali is blessed with clean warm water, a beautiful undersea world and an array of professional diving operations.
Map of Tabanan
Here is a map of Tabanan detailing streets and point of interest. For a larger view click on the map.
Festival of the Hungry Ghosts in Singapore
Right now Singapore is celebrating a tradition, where money is offered to help feed hungry ghosts. Sounds a bit like Bali, but its for real. The other day on Waterloo St.
Meeting Fauzi in Singapore
Every time I come to Singapore I meet up with my friend Fauzi, a Malay Singaporean who works in the IT industry. As well as being a great guy Fauzi knows a lot about what is going on in the city.
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple & Sri Krishnan temple Singapore
Singapore offers a unique mixture of cultures with Chinese, Malays and Indians making up the main population with a scattering of Brits and others.