Tag: Indonesia

Uncover Indonesia’s Wild Side on a Bull Racing Tour of Bali

If Bull racing is one’s kind of sport then there’s no better venue than Bali to experience the best competition in one of the most engaging adventure sport varieties known to Asia. Centered around the hamlet known as Negara the Mekepung racing season kicks off from July to October each year as it has for centuries. With its origins steeped in a rice harvest celebration of the area’s Madures migrants the Negara bull races takes place on haphazardly laid out racetracks on the outskirts of Negara. A local festival of truly grand proportions the races attract the entire village to the tracks to cheer their favourites on while betting on a potential winner. Organized by the Negara region of government the buffaloes that compete in races are prime specimens of the best water buffaloes in the area. Divided into two teams, the clubs are segregated according to which side of the Ijo Gading River they occupy and are thus divided into the Western division and the Eastern division.

The main race also known as the Bupati’s Cup takes place at the town square of Negara on the last Sunday before Indonesia’s national Independence Day after vigorous trials are conducted during the dry season. The Governor’s Cup however takes place in October and is equally prestigious in scale and competitiveness in addition to the Regent’s Cup which is held on the beaches of Mekepung Dlod Berawahit. Commencing in the morning hours the race sees the horns of the competing buffaloes vibrantly painted while the necks are adorned with harnesses and ribbons. The creatures are paraded through the streets of Negara before the race begins while their adornments are also removed as vibrantly dressed jockeys mount the beasts they wish to ride to the finish line. The 2km long racecourse is navigated with great speed although the winners are not only determined by how soon they reach the finish line but also the creature’s overall strength and the jockey’s style.

Other areas of Bali renowned for conducting bull races include the island of Medura which is located on the north-eastern shores of Java.

Travellers on the lookout for elegant Bali resorts should look no further than the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. Offering guests a contemporary hideaway in a tropical paradise it is little wonder this stylish rest is considered among the best Uluwatu hotels in the island.

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+

Ngurah Rai International Airport

One of the main transport hubs on the enchanting island of Bali, the Ngurah Rai International Airport is the first point of arrival for the many travelling to this popular Indonesian destination. Those in search of luxury villas Bali has to offer in the region which also give you a chance to experience the cultural and natural wonders the island has to offer can consider Alila Villas Soori. Featuring luxury villas in Bali, this well placed property can be found along the southwest coast and is an ideal base for your travels.

Situated around 13 kms from Denpasar, the Ngurah Rai International Airport has both international and domestic terminals. Also known as the Denpasar International Airport, this well known transport hub in southern Bali is serviced by international airlines of the likes of Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, KLM, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines as well as the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia. Featuring automated aircraft parking systems, massage services and prayer rooms, the Ngurah Rai International Airport provides convenient access to this island paradise.

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. Google+

Jakarta Amusement Parks

Ascott Jakarta is one of the best Jakarta Serviced Apartments that one would come across. The modern facilities and the friendly staff makes this place preferred over other Serviced Residence in Jakarta. Jakarta offers tourist very eventful vacations.
Among these fun filled activities offered I Jakarta, amusement parks play a major role. Kidzania, Waterborn, Ancol Dreamland, Giggle the Fun Factory, Sea World and Atmosfear are some of the most exciting places that you could find. There are many rides which range from very safe and smooth ones to adrenaline pumping ones. The restaurants and food stalls in these parks would keep you well fed and fit while you enjoy all the activities. While in Jakarta visit some of these amusement parks and have an eventful day with your family and friends.

Kuta Beach Bali

The archipelago of Indonesia may consist of many islands, but not all of them are as popular as the island of Bali. Bali is nicknamed the ‘Island of the Gods’ and it is a well-deserved title as visitors will soon realise. The island is known for its exquisite nightlife and divine beaches, two factors which make it a tourist favourite. All towns on the island, except for a few of the landlocked ones, have excellent beaches. This little island is the perfect vacation choice for those looking for a change in scenery.

Kuta is the most developed region in Bali and receives the most tourist traffic. Crowded and constantly abuzz with activity, Kuta may not seem appealing at first, but it is simply impossible to visit Bali and avoid Kuta. Kuta Beach, which is sometimes called Sunset Beach, is undoubtedly the most popular coastal area in Bali and no trip to the Indonesian island can be considered complete without stopping by here. It tends to get crowded during the weekend so the best time to visit is on weekdays. It was originally frequented by surfers although its popularity as a surfing destination has somewhat declined over time. However, one can still find plenty of surfers near Kuta Beach.

The beach is quite safe, remarkably clean, and is lined with vendors selling various items and offering massages. A massage by the beach can go a long way towards reducing stress. As it is a popular tourist spot, most of the goods and services tend to be a bit pricier than in other parts of the island. Those who wish to avoid crowds should try visiting Bali after the peak tourist season. The Legian Beach and the Seminyak Beach are two other popular beaches to try when vacationing here.

Tourists looking for luxury villas in Bali will find few better options than Alila Villas Soori. Providing excellent luxury villas Bali complete with all the best facilities, including a divine spa, it is a terrific place to stay at. It has an excellent beach side location and is the ideal option for those who want to enjoy Bali’s amazing coastal areas amidst the sun, sand and surf.

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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Festivals in Bali

Bali is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in Asia. It has a perfect setting of beaches, lovely tropical weather and warm Indonesian hospitality which lures thousands of tourists from all over the world throughout the year.

Bali is also home to most of the minority Hindus of Indonesia and therefore this island is the perfect place to experience the local culture, which is a combination of Hindu and Indonesian traditions.

Throughout the year the island features a range of festivals. Dances and religious rites are part of Balinese day to day life; every religious element, every significant part of their lives, and all what Mother Nature has offered them, are a good enough reason for them to celebrate.

Most of the festivals are about their own lives. From the birth of a child, throughout the life, all the cherished moments such as marriage, until death, each event is a reason for celebration. Then there are the religious festivals. Special prayers, parades, fasting ceremonies and other events at the temple are also celebrated with passion. Some of the religious events also include deity anniversaries, harvest festivals and blood sacrifices.

The most significant religious celebration is the Odalan. This celebrates the founding of the temple and lasts a couple of days, sometimes even up to a week. The temples are beautifully decorates with flags, palm leaves and flowers. Generally this also involves a colourful parade, various ceremonies, all ending with a big feast.

One festival tourists cannot afford to miss is the Nyepi. This celebrates the new lunar year which is usually March or April for the Balinese. Nyepi is the day after the Melasti which involves a lot of festivities. On the day of Nyepi everybody has to remain silent throughout the day. No body works, travels, or does anything else. It is just a day for staying in and relaxing!

For more relaxation in Bali try a wellness retreat. There are many on this island and they offer the perfect way to indulge in a healthy living style. The island being a popular holiday destination offers various types of lodging options and for those keen on luxury living combined with wellness can stay at COMO Shambhala.

Goa Gajah

Travellers staying at Uluwatu hotels such as Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa are in close proximity to a plethora of places of interest, thus Bali resorts such as this make for ideal bases from which to explore local attractions for a remarkable leisure travel experience. A prominent Hindu archaeological site, Goa Gajah is situated merely 10 minutes outside of Ubud. Known as the Elephant Cave by locals, Goa Gajah can be found close to the Elephant River. Attractions in Goa Gajah include ancient bathing pools, relics, a mysterious cave located amidst green rice paddies, luring in hordes of tourists. In 1995 this attraction was declared a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

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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