Verdant Scenes

Among Bali’s sublime scenery is its rice terraces formed along the natural contours of hills. They impart a distinct emerald green tint to the landscape especially when the paddy stalks are fully grown. While the paddy fields that are found in the valleys of the island are attractive in their own right it is the rice terraces cascading down hillsides that offer the best photo opportunities and capture the imagination of visitors.

Some of these rice terraces and fields have been cultivated for thousands of years as rice has always been the staple food of the Balinese. Traditional rice terraces together with the rural landscape in some districts have even been nominated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The most attractive rice terraces popular with trekkers are the well tended green fields of Tegallalang village in Ubud central Bali, the rice fields of Pupuan, Jatiluwih, Tabanan and Tirtagangga that are set off by borders of lush green trees.

Treks among the rice fields and terraces are part of the many walking tours available in Bali. These tours not only take visitors through the rice fields they are also an excellent way to be introduced to the culture, ecology, food and even archaeology of Bali. It is inevitable that a rice paddy trek will go through the village that owns and cultivates the paddy fields and terraces. Depending on the season visitors may have the opportunity of seeing rural folk at work ploughing fields, planting rice by hand, harvesting and threshing in traditional ways.

This is also an excellent way to get acquainted with Balinese mythology and religious beliefs as every paddy field and irrigation system however small has a divine connection and shrines and temples are common features close to and in paddy fields and along irrigation systems. Many villages also have temples they patronise close by and each home as its own shrine. Meeting villagers going about the daily chores, visiting a rural Balinese family and eating a traditional Balinese meal is part of such adventures. Many visitors comment on the absence of the usual city noises during these treks. They come away having witnessed an ancient way of life that has changed little over the centuries. Remaining hydrated throughout the trek under humid weather conditions is something to keep in mind.

Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa cascading down a lime stone cliff offers a dramatic setting from which to enjoy the surroundings. Among the many facilities and services at one of prominent Uluwatu hotels are amazing accommodation options ranging from superb contemporary two and three bedroom oceanfront and garden villas and oceanfront condos to themed dining venues and spa cabanas that offer heavenly rejuvenating therapies. As one of exclusive Bali resorts guests also enjoy conveniences that are particular to this property alone.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Ride the Rapids of Bali

Located between Java and Lombok is the popular Indonesian island of Bali. Considered to be one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations, Bali offers a great combination of a tropical climate, stunning scenic beauty and a unique culture. Visitors of the island can enjoy its beautiful beaches, breath-taking landscapes and its many cultural attractions; inclusive of traditional and modern dance and arts.
Bali, being an exotic and tropical island, also offers a wide range of recreational and leisure activities to choose from. Of these one of the most exciting and exhilarating activities is white water rafting. White water rafting involves rafting through raging rapids and waves of rivers and is considered to be a truly adrenaline pumping extreme sport. If you enjoy riding the cool raging waters of tropical rivers with stunning tropical scenery in the background, then head on down to Bali and ride the rapids!
The island has many service providers and operators who offer white water rafting facilities, making it rather easy to plan our a day with the rapids. Bali has many famous white water rafting routes that travel through various jungles and other attractions, which give the white water rafting experience an adventurous aspect too.
Three of the best sites to engage in white water rafting in Bali are the Ayung River, the Telaga Waja River and the Melanggit River. One can experience the thrills of this sport at these rivers, as they all contain rapids which range from level 2 to level 4! Of these rivers the Telega Waja River is the most challenging and is sure to test your physical and mental strength. The white water rafting operators of the island are certified institutions and will ensure your safety while you engage in this exciting and thrilling activity, so you can go ahead and enjoy yourself to the maximum. So, for a thrilling and exhilarating experience in the area, ride the rapids of the rivers of this paradise.
Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is one of the most sought after of Bali resorts that one might consider staying at. The resort affords a variety of fine restaurants, spa therapies and recreational and leisure facilities making it one of the most ideal Uluwatu hotels for a tranquil and soothing vacation.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Looking Underneath

Sanur is the coastal stretch of Denpasar city in south east Bali. It is one of the island’s earliest resort areas which now offers a pleasant seaside atmosphere with a calm and relaxed vibe. The sea around Sanur is protected by a coral reef offering calm waters, making the 5 km beach suitable for the whole family. Although there are other more famous dive sites in Bali, Sanur is still a popular diving destination and some of the most experienced dive operators carry out their business from Sanur.

The main attraction of Sanur beach other than the white sand is its constantly calm water and an underwater world of interesting landscapes, colourful corals and reef fish about 300 meters off shore. All this and more make it a snorkelling and diving destination very much in demand.

The three well known diving and snorkelling sites of Channel or Dog Point, Penjor Reef and Jeladi Willis are found here. Although set close together each site has its own different characteristics. What is common to all of them is an abundance of marine life, easy accessibility and sites suitable for both novice and experienced divers.

Jeladi Willis, a ten minute boat ride away, offers a gentle dive beginning at around 3 meters and dropping 20 meters to a flat sandy bottom. As the current is known to be rather strong, diving during low tide is the best option here. Visibility is around 5 to 15 meters adequate to offer views of large coral formations, nudibranchs, stingrays, nurse sharks, scorpion fish, octopus and more. This is also a favourite spot for night dives.

Channel or Dog Point, situated to the east of Sanur is a very popular diving and snorkelling site particularly because of easy access, just five minutes by boat. Located in a coral edged channel, the site slopes gently until it opens out into a large sandy area on the seabed at 20 meters. All the dive schools in town take their trainees for training dives and refresher dives here. The sites attraction include views of myriad marine life including sweetlips, spotted clown fish, star fish, trigger fish, blue spotted sting ray among others.

Penjor Reef is one of the best diving snorkelling sites close to shore. Its variety of corals and marine life is amazing and is recognized as one of the best dive sites in Bali.

Advocating a holistic approach to health and well being, COMO Shambhala Estate Bali offers a series of programs targeting rejuvenation through specially formulated spa treatments, diets, serenity, exercise and cultural activity. Guests at this Bali luxury spa resort are advised to stay at least for three nights to derive the full benefit of the programs. Have a truly exclusive and unique experience at this Bali spa resort that has made promoting overall wellness their goal.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Enjoying Thrilling White Water Rafting in Bali

If you love adrenaline pumping activities that take you on an unforgettable ride full of thrills and spills, then white water rafting in Bali is the thing for you! Before heading on your excursions look to stay at a Bali spa resort which offers a range of holistic healing therapies, an ideal complement for your day on the rapids. COMO Shambhala Estate Bali is one such Bali luxury spa resort that provides a wealth of treatments to help bring about balance for mind, body and spirit.

Bali is home to several rivers, each offering a different set of thrills for white water rafting enthusiasts. An ideal activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, riding the rapids is both fun and exciting and takes you past breathtaking natural landscapes. Running for around seven and a half kilometres, the Melanggit River rafting track is a popular site for this activity, while not to be missed is a chance to head along the challenging Ayung River. If you are in search for more heart-stopping excitement head to the Telaga Waja River where its 16 km track provides an exhilarating ride you won’t soon forget!

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Bali Ayung River Rafting

While your images of Bali might be one of tranquillity and laidback leisure, make no mistake, this enchanting island also offers plenty of action-packed adventure especially when on a white water rafting excursion. If you are in search of a Bali resort which lets you easily take part in such exciting activities, then stay at Anantara Seminyak, Bali. This luxurious resort in Bali organises river rafting on the Ayung River that provides an unforgettable holiday experience.

Ayung River rafting is an ideal way to not only get in an adrenaline rush, but to also enjoy a unique perspective of the spectacular natural heritage the island is blessed with. Those embarking on such excursions can look forward to a pulse-pounding ride which will take you past lush green landscapes, secret waterfalls and areas of pristine beauty that one may otherwise not see when holidaying here. A perfect activity for young and old alike, rafting on the Ayung River lets you experience this island paradise like never before.

Surfing in Bali

Ride some of the finest breaks in Bali, a true surfer’s paradise nestled within the South China Sea. Make sure you check into one of the fine Bali luxury villas gracing the beautiful coastline. Consider the Alila Villas Uluwatu, as it is home to some of the most ideal Bali boutique villas on the island. If you are a fan of the sand, sun, and the surf, especially, the months of May through September feature prime surfing conditions that lures surfers from around the world, looking to escape the chills of winter. Head over to Uluwatu is considered the island’s number one surf spot, occupying a colourful region on the southern section of Bali. Some of the best breaks are Temples, The Peak, Racetrack, and Outside Corner, considered to be one of the finest breaks in the world by some. Padang Padang comes alive with a big swell, and it is one of the most famous destinations in the world, which means it can get a bit crowded at the best of times. So head on down to Bali for one of the finest surfing trails the world over!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday.

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Wildlife of Bali Calling to Her Admirers in the Many Voices of the Wild

Hidden in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lies the beautiful island of Bali, wrapped in her charm of the sea, with a voice of the wild untamed. Although Bali is the smallest province of Indonesia, it is the largest tourist destination of the country, and has been so for many decades in the past.

This little island is indeed a treasure trove for those who love the four legged or winged creatures that call the forest their home. Some creatures that roam the deep green jungles are endemic, some are endangered, while the rest are beautiful too to behold in their comforting abundance. Almost 14% of Bali is sacred to these creatures to roam free, undisturbed by their common greatest enemy, the man. These initiatives have ensured that the wildlife of Bali, is a thriving one.

The many little balls with colorful feathers that chirp on leafy branches and pick up fallen twigs to build their crude nests, are all relatives of the family of around 280 species of birds in Bali. Out of these, the Bali Starling with her black tipped tail is one especial, as the bird is critically endangered and endemic. Sacred Kingfisher, Stork billed Kingfisher, Sea Eagle, Lesser Adjutant, Dollarbird, Black Racket-tailed Treepie, Black-naped Oriole, Java Sparrow, Crested serpent-eagle, Yellow- vented Bulbul and the Great Egret are some of the many wonderful feathered creatures that roam the Balinese skies.

Mammals including the wild Banteng, Javan Rusa deer, Wild Boar, Indian Muntjac, Leopard Cat, Sunda Pangolin and Black Giant Squirrel inhabit the forests of Bali. However its greatest treasure, the majestic creature called Bali Tiger that was endemic to the island, was driven to extinction by poaching and habitat reduction in the year 1930. It is however unforgotten by the Balinese, while the skins and bones of the last of the kind sprawl lifelessly in museums around the world.

Squirrels and Monkeys spread their witty cheer amid the trees in their numbers while snakes such as King Cobra, Reticulated Python and Water Monitor along with spiders govern with fear. Bats remain well represented and are worshipped too, at Goa Lawah (Temple of the Bats) by the locals.

The waters of Bali also provide a home for many marine species like Hawksbill Turtle, Giant Manta Ray, Bumphead Parrot Fish, Hammerhead Shark, sea snakes and Dolphins.

The beauty of Bali can be explored while indulging in the opulence of the many hotels of the island. Out of these Uma belonging to the luxury hotel group of COMO Hotels and Resorts is highly recommendable, being an award winning hotel as well.

Whitewater Rafting

The province of Bali in Indonesia has been a travel haven for decades, with its pristine natural beauty and its highly developed arts and culture. It has something to suit every traveller’s requirement, be it a quiet stay at the beach, a voyage of discovery in traditional dance and crafts or even an adrenaline-packed thrill ride!

The island of Bali is home to a stunning array of birds, sandy beaches, immaculate waters, water sporting activities; specially whitewater rafting in the rivers streaming through this beautiful island managing to add more excitement to a routine holiday. The Ayung River, which is the longest river on the island, starts off from the central mountains and flows approximately 75km to empty itself into the Badung Strait. It takes a scenic path on its descent from the mountain peaks, and it is turning out to be a key driver of adventure tourism in the area with travel companies offering whitewater rafting expeditions on these waters for the more active tourist.

The scenery is quite spectacular, with the rapids making their way through rice terraces and idyllic tropical island scenery complete with lush rainforests. Life jackets, helmets, and other standard safety equipment are available as a norm with service providers who also provide guides for expeditions. The time of year in which travel is planned and the water levels in the river will result in varying intensity of the rapids and the white-water rafting experience.

Book your next stay at a Nusa Dua resort and experience the best of the sun, sea and the sand as these lovely sea view resorts would take you on a holiday journey to suit your wildest dreams. With good times spent come happy memories, so click some lovely pictures when you’re at your luxury resort Bali to fill your photo albums or show off to your friends with some amazing photos taken in the beautiful backdrops of the clear Bali Sea. The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua Bali is one such star class hotel that brings the best of Bali to your feet, and its luxury interiors and welcoming hospitality are sure to make for a memorable holiday during your time here.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Surfing in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a popular surfing destination because of the different kind of waves it offers. The varying swells and tides make it an ideal spot for expert surfers. It is located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula and is the largest limestone peninsula as well. Riding the waves with the spectacular Uluwatu Temple in the backdrop makes it a beautiful experience, not to mention the vibrant and multi-hued sunsets that take place here as well.

Surfing is at its very best in Uluwatu during the dry season. Since it is on the right side of the peninsula the wind direction is from the southeast to the west creating ideal big waves. The best waves appear during mid and high tide. The peak area in front of the caves is most frequented by surfers because the waves are consistent, short and powerful veils of water rising from 1 foot to almost 8 feet.

Move 100 metres further in and surfers will come across the racing tracks. It is best to ride these waves during the low tide season when they are around 6 feet in height. During ideal conditions the peak will connect to the racetrack and one can keep riding waves that are almost 10 feet high.

The inside corner is nice and fun and the mid and low tide gives one waves that are around 6 feet tall. The grand finale in the inside corner is the tube; pass through this and you end up at the outside corner. This is what Uluwatu is all about. A low tide offers big swells that are on an average 8 feet tall and goes on for around 300 metres. The temple area has 2 surfing hotspots; namely the ‘outside temple’ and ‘the bombies’. Since the water here is very shallow it is advised that only experts surf here.

Once you have done all the surfing you want to and your system is done for the day you should head over to the caves; aim right to the cave as the current will move you left when you are paddling. After that you can head to any of the Uluwatu hotels to get in some much deserved rest and relaxation. Most Bali resorts also offer amazing rejuvenation massages which are well worth experiencing. Consider staying at Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa where you can enjoy such personal and luxurious pampering.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Enjoying Thrilling Water Sports in Bali

While Bali is a great place to spend lazy days under the sun, this enchanting island also offers an exciting array of water sports that let you have plenty of fun in the surf. If you are planning to experience some of these thrilling recreational pursuits, look to stay at Bali resorts which also offer water sports. One of the leading Uluwatu hotels, Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa is one such option and provides an ideal base on the island’s southern coast where you can enjoy surfing.

The waters around Bali provide idyllic settings in which to take part in a number of water sports for young and old alike. Snorkelling is an activity that can be tried out by the entire family and gives you a chance to see colourful corals and marine life. For more in-depth exploration however, one can try scuba diving. Another family friendly water sport is taking rides on banana boats, while adrenaline junkies can always try their hand at parasailing, waterskiing or wake boarding, amidst the glorious coastal sunshine.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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