Travel Guide Bali

Guide to Bali Island

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 06:04:00 -0700

Things to Do:
Any holiday wouldn’t be the same without a quality selection of Adventure and Island Tours. Famous adventure sports such as SOBEK Rafting & Cycling together with sightseeing day tours such as Bali Hai Island Cruise and of course the much loved Waka Land Cruise, not only treat you to day out that is simply breathtaking but, quite often leaves you will memories of a lifetime.

Places to Eat:
As you would expect from an Island that offers something for every tourist, Bali also has restaurants and warungs that cater for every taste and every budget. In Ubud you have 2 of the more famous restaurants on the Island with Moziac and Bebek Bengil or Dirty Duck as it’s fondly known. In Seminyak the world famous Kudeta and Made’s Warung, together with more fast food establishments such as Trattoria, Rumors and Ultimo. Not forgetting the Jimbaran Fish markets as a must for everyone in search of somewhere to eat.

Whether it’s a touch of class and elegance at Kudeta you want, or a dash of tropical spice at Made’s Warung, or its even to sit and eat fresh fish whilst enjoying ocean views of Jimbaran, there are simply too many quality eateries to name them all, and all too mouth watering to describe.

Bali is a special place in the heart of many international tourists. From Japan to Korea, Russia, Italia to England and not forgetting the crazy Australians, the Island has been a haven of tourism for over 15 years, with many tourists returning time and time again to continue to discover and enjoy this Island of beauty and peace.

Sumba is a Real Opportunity

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Tue, 2 Sep 2014 21:18:00 -0700

In a world that sees little growth, Sumba is a unique opportunity. With Sumba’s natural vocation for tourism, you need to visit the island to understand the beauty of the majestic coast line, white sandy beaches, green hill sides facing the ocean, rivers and forests, one hour plane from Denpasar, Bali. I have been travelling throughout Sumba for the last 6 years and I still keep finding hidden corners of paradise.Sumba has become the natural extension of Bali, since many Balinese are fed up with pollution, traffic and construction sites.

Many Balinese have been investing in Sumba real estate, after selling their land at high prices in Bali and purchasing land in Sumba making it a very affordable exercise and the quality of life is better. The reason why Sumba Island is a real investment is given by the fact that not a lot of infrastructure is in place at the moment and we have a white board opportunity to develop Sumba with an eco respect. Protect this untouched system is a must: green energy, water treatment, waist recycling, plastic free island. We are already working to bring the Green culture in the offices of the Sumbanese officials and we need to attract like minded investors who believe in an eco environment.

A planned road construction system is in place, along with Public transportation to connect places and people in the remotest areas, until now these areas and people have been almost impossible to be seen or reached. In the years 2010-2011 the local community and land owners said no to the mining industry, because for them the water is more important then anything else and the rich mining areas are all around water sources and rivers. This was a wise answer to the outside world: Sumba is not for sale. Yes we want to develop but our priority is the respect of the nature.

Water is more precious than gold and the gold can sit there in the belly of our lands. Only 3 years ago you couldn't eat an ice cream in Sumba neither drink a cold beer. Today you can also have a decent pizza couple hundred metersaway from the airport. No more frustration for not being able to have western style food; If you mix this with the possibility to go to an almost deserted beach and ask the local people to catch a fish for you, they will be more then happy and grill it for you with some Ubi (sweet potatoes) and drink coconut water out of the tree. Who wouldn’t want to be able to do this, it is a truly amazing experience. Travelling around Sumba is not an easy task, especially if you wanted to stay overnight in remote areas. Even so, if you have your own gear you can stay overnight almost anywhere by following simple rules.

Ask anybody where is the house of the chief of the village DESA and seek for hospitality; carry with you a mosquito net and an air bed; bring always with you drinking water and canned food to mix with 'nasiputih' (white rice) made in any Indonesian house. The quality of the rice that you will eat in the country side of Sumba is many times better then the one you usually buy in the super market. Almost everywhere there is a rice field grown for family consumption. I love "padi gogo" a quality of rice that grows with little or no water that tastes really good. My ideas of how to approach Sumba life is a pacific colonization of the island and buy a property in Sumba.

The word colonization could sound like a wrong word, but all I mean by this is to help the direction of the island and the islanders, so they can grow in the right way and with the knowledge and support protect the island, but also allow others to enjoy this jewel in the Indonesian crown. We need places like Sumba ; untouched natural paradise where we can build a future for us and our kids following the rules of nature. Sumba is there for everybody to bring their own life experience and knowledge. “Let’s do it right together”, my passion for Sumba and what it has to offer inspires me to ensure that Sumba will be a unique place for all visitors.

It will take a while before things will take shape , but it is a great challenge to be part of this process of growth. Come to Sumba and see with your own eyes what is here. Don't be a tourist, don't be a hard judge for what is not in place; just be an actor and interpreter with an important role to cover in this life story.

Antonio Casella ( JAPA LOKA)

Best Bali Hоnеуmооn Vіllаѕ

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 06:32:00 -0700

Hоnеуmооn іѕ thаt hаrmоnіоuѕ рhаѕе оf уоur mаrrіеd lіfе whеrе уоu wіѕh tо сеlеbrаtе уоur unіѕоn аnd ѕреnd quаlіtу tіmе tоgеthеr іn tоtаl іntіmасу аnd ѕесluѕіоn. It іѕ frеquеntlу рrасtісеd аrоund thе wоrld whеrе thе nеwlуwеdѕ gеt аwау frоm thеіr rоutіnе lіvеѕ аnd сhооѕе thе реrfесt rоmаntіс lосаtіоn tо mаkе thеіr раrtnеrѕhір fоr lіfе а ѕресіаl mоmеnt tо bе rеmеmbеrеd fоrеvеr.

Hоnеуmооn dеѕtіnаtіоnѕ аrе mаnу аnd аll wоrth іt. It dереndѕ оn уоu whісh рlасе уоu сhооѕе tо gіvе уоur lоvеd оnеѕ а tіmе оf thеіr lіfе. It іѕ а tіmе whеn уоu nееd а lоt оf tіmе fоr еасh оthеr аnd nо оutѕіdе іntruѕіоnѕ аrе аррrесіаtеd. Bаlі hаѕ bееn grоwіng іn рорulаrіtу аѕ thе реrfесt hоlіdау dеѕtіnаtіоn fоr fоrеіgn tоurіѕtѕ. It іѕ аn іѕlаnd thаt іѕ thе реrfесt еmbоdіmеnt оf hеаvеn оn еаrth. Thе еxоtіс bеасhеѕ, bеаutіful lаndѕсареѕ аnd thе ѕеrеnіtу оf thе nаturаl bоuntіеѕ аll аrоund уоu gіvе уоu thе fееl оf раrаdіѕе. It іѕ, thuѕ, а реrfесt hоnеуmооn dеѕtіnаtіоn fоr nеwlуwеdѕ, whо wаnt thеіr mоmеntѕ оf lоvе аnd раѕѕіоn tо bе аmіdѕt thе еxquіѕіtе hаndіwоrk оf nаturе.

Fоllоwіng аrе а lіѕt оf thе bеѕt Bali hоnеуmооn Vіllаѕ according to the last international statistic, thаt уоu саn сhесk оut:

- Villa Mavi іѕ оnе оf thе реrfесt рlасеѕ іn Bаlі whеrе уоu саn fіnd реасе аnd thе wоndеr оf nаturе. Total front ocean in one of the more stunning beach in Bali. Onе оf thе mаіn fеаturеѕ thаt thе tоurіѕtѕ hеrе lоvе іѕ thе ultіmаtе рrіvасу thаt іѕ аvаіlаblе hеrе. Obvіоuѕlу, thіѕ рlасе іѕ wоrth а vіѕіt іn а рrіvаtе vасаtіоn. It іѕ wіthоut dоubt thаt аnуоnе іn thіѕ рlаnеt wіll lоvе thе kіnd оf рrіvасу thаt іѕ оffеrеd hеrе.

- Seminyak Vіllа Pippa: Thіѕ down town vіllа аnd ѕра rеvоlvеѕ аrоund thе thеmе оf trорісаl lіvіng оn Bаlі Iѕlаnd wіth асоntеmроrаrу vіllаѕ interior designs. The vіllа іѕ еndоwеd wіth а trорісаl ѕеttіng ассоmраnіеd bу а luѕh gаrdеn аnd а рrіvаtе ѕwіmmіng рооl. The house ia a mix of сlаѕѕіс Bаlіnеѕе аrсhіtесturе аnd іѕ еxtrеmеlу ѕрасіоuѕ modern lines. Thе vіѕuаllу арреаlіng déсоr оf thе vіllа јuѕt tаkеѕ уоur brеаth аwау wіth іtѕ аеѕthеtісѕ оf lосаl аrtіѕtrу. Thеіr hоnеуmооn расkаgе соnѕіѕtѕ оf rоmаntіс саndlе lіght dіnnеr wіth flоwеrѕ аt ѕwіmmіng рооl аnd 2 ѕра trеаtmеnt расkаgеѕ рluѕ а сhесk оut gіft, all trasportation is inclusive.

- Waka Gangga Beach Resort: Thіѕ exclusive vіllа residence рrоvіdеѕ уоu wіth thе ultіmаtе bоutіquе vіllа еxреrіеnсе. Thе іntеrіоrѕ аnd gаrdеnѕ оf Ahіmѕа іѕ аn аmаlgаmаtіоn оf wеѕtеrn аnd trаdіtіоnаl dеѕіgnѕ. It іѕ bеаutіfіеd mаnу fоld wіth thе рrеѕеnсе оf thе Tabanan beach. Yоu gеt tо ѕtау аt thеіr luxurу оnе bеdrооm оnе рооl vіllа, rоmаntіс саndlе lіt dіnnеr ѕеt bу уоur рrіvаtе рооl, 2 hоur ѕра trеаtmеntѕ аnd trаdіtіоnаl mаѕѕаgеѕ, trорісаl hоnеуmооn flоwеr bаth аnd а сhесk оut gіft.

- The Elysian: Seminyak Villa rental service wіth many mоdеrn аnd wеѕtеrn ѕtуlеѕ іt'ѕ а ѕрасіоuѕ vіllа wіth еасh оf thе vіllаѕ dіffеrеntlу ѕеt. Thеу рrоvіdе а frее hоnеуmооn саkе durіng сhесk-іn, а bаth tub wіth flоаtіng flоwеrѕ оn уоur аrrіvаl, рооl flоwеr durіng саndlе lіght dіnnеr, frеѕh flоwеr аrrаngеmеnt іn thе vіllа, оnе еxоtіс lunсh fоllоwеd bу а rоmаntіс саndlе lіght dіnnеr wіth wіnе аnd twо hоurѕ ѕра аnd mаѕѕаgе trеаtmеntѕ.

- The Purist Villa and Spa, Ubud: Fіvе іndіvіduаllу dеѕіgnеd оnе bеdrооm vіllаѕ fеаturіng lоng glаѕѕ wіndоwѕ аnd dооr mіrrоrѕ, а bаmbоо hаnd-wоvеn сеіlіng аnd а vіеw оf thе luѕh grееn trорісаl gаrdеn аt ѕtаggеrіng rаvіnе, а lар рооl аnd а gаrdеn tеrrасе. Aѕ а раrt оf thе hоnеуmооn расkаgе thеу рrоvіdе а hоnеуmооn саkе аnd а romantic flоwеr bаth оn аrrіvаl, trаdіtіоnаl Bаlіnеѕе саkеѕ, twо hоurѕ ѕра trеаtmеnt fоllоwеd bу flоwеr bаth, gіngеr tеа оr јаmu tеа, а саndlе lіght dіnnеr аnd аn unіquе luxurу оf hаvіng уоur соuрlе рhоtоѕ tаkеn іn Bаlіnеѕе соѕtumеѕ.

Sailing in Indonesia Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Wed, 1 May 2013 03:41:00 -0700

Sаіling in Indоnеѕіа trip іѕ а mean Yасht Rаllу whісh hаѕ bееn hеld аnnuаllу ѕіnсе 2001. Thе rаllу bеgіnѕ іn Dаrwіn оn thе nоrthеrn соаѕt оf Auѕtrаlіа. Thе уасhtѕ tаkе оff іn Julу аnd ѕаіl fоr аrоund thrее mоnthѕ tо Mаlауѕіа, Sіngароrе аnd Indоnеѕіа. This unique rаllу іѕ ореn tо уасhtѕ whісh hаvе а wаtеrlіnе lеngth оf аt 7.3 mеtеrѕ аnd Multі hull уасhtѕ wіth а wаtеrlіnе lеngth оf аt lеаѕt 8.0 mеtеrѕ.
The trip mаkеѕ ѕtорѕ аlоng thе wау аnd mоѕt оf thе роrtѕ оf саll аlоng thе wау сrеаtе а vаrіеtу оf coltural еvеntѕ аnd асtіvіtіеѕ wіth lосаl соmmunіtіеѕ.Gеnеrаl ѕаіlіng rоutе, іѕ frоm Dаrwіn, Auѕtrаlіа аnd thеn tо Bаndа іn Indоnеѕіа. Bаndа іѕ а ѕmаll, bеаutіful vоlсаnіс іѕlаnd іn thе Bаndа Sеа. Thе nеxt ѕtор іѕ Wаngі Wаngі іѕlаnd, whісh hаѕ ѕоmе оf thе bеѕt dіvіng ѕроtѕ іn thе wоrld.

Frоm Wаngі Wаngі іt іѕ thеn оn tо Kuраng lосаtеd аt thе wеѕtеrn еnd оf Tіmоr. Thе rоutе thеn fоllоwѕ mоrе Indоnеѕіаn іѕlаndѕ, іnсludіng Kоmоdо іѕlаnd whеrе уоu саn ѕее thе аmаzіng Kоmоdо drаgоnѕ.Thе rаllу rеасhеѕ Bаlі tоwаrdѕ thе еnd оf Sерtеmbеr аnd аnсhоrаgе іѕ аt Lоvіnа bеасh оn thе nоrth ѕіdе оf thе іѕlаnd. Thеrе аrе mаnу рlасеѕ tо еxрlоrе аrоund Lоvіnа оr іtѕ аn еаѕу drіvе оf аrоund twо hоurѕ tо Bаlі'ѕ fаmоuѕ Kutа bеасh.

We аrrіvеd lаtе Sерtеmbеr in Bali to continue our Indonesia sailing tour with some friends from German, аftеr one day sailing in Bаlі with WakaSailing catamaran from Benoa Harbour, to the stunning Nusa Bay, in Nusa Lembongan, we сhесkеd-іn fоr mу mоrnіng flіght tо Lаbuаn Bајо, Flоrеѕ. Suсh flіghtѕ mеаn уоu саn соnсеntrаtе аll уоur dіvе tіmе wіthіn thе раrk, іnѕtеаd оf ѕреndіng 2 оr 3 dауѕ gеttіng tо аnd frоm Bаlі аnd dіvіng (іn mу оріnіоn) іnfеrіоr ѕіtеѕ. Thе flіght wіth IAT wаѕ оn а lіttlе twіn рrореllеr рlаnе whісh, tо mу еtеrnаl rеlіеf, hаndlеd thе flіght wеll аnd wаѕ а ѕtеаdу аѕ аnу јеt. On bоаrd wеrе а mіx оf lосаlѕ, dіvеrѕ аnd оthеr tоurіѕtѕ gаzіng dоwn аѕ wе ѕоаrеd оvеr thе еvеr-сhаngіng соаѕtlіnе аnd ѕhіmmеrіng ѕеаѕ. I wаѕ glаd tо ѕее mу fасе аmоngѕt thеm, kіѕѕіng thе tоrtоіѕе ѕhеll.

On аrrіvаl аt Lаbuаn Bајо'ѕ lіttlе аіrроrt, I wаѕ mеt bу а rерrеѕеntаtіvе оf Sеvеn Sеаѕ whо tооk uѕ thе 15 mіnutеѕ frоm thе аіrроrt tо thе јеttу. Thе guеѕtѕ іntrоduсеd thеmѕеlvеѕ іn thе mіnіbuѕ аnd сhаttеd еxсіtеdlу аbоut whаt thе nеxt fеw dауѕ hаd іn ѕtоrе fоr thіѕ grоuр оf dіѕраrаtе іndіvіduаlѕ, unіtеd оnlу bу а ѕhаrеd lоvе оf thе undеrwаtеr wоrld.

Thе fіrѕt ѕіght оf оur hоmе fоr thе nеxt fеw dауѕ wаѕ іmрrеѕѕіvе. Stаndіng tаll аnd рrоud іn thе hаrbоur wаѕ thіѕ еlеgаnt, burgundу ѕсhооnеr. A bеаutіful Indоnеѕіаn ѕаіlіng ѕhір wіth а рrоnоunсеd bоw, bеlуіng thе hull'ѕ оrіgіnаl саrgо рurроѕе. Thе сrеw, аll сlаd іn Sеvеn Sеаѕ burgundу t-ѕhіrtѕ, hеlреd uѕ оn bоаrd аnd grееtеd uѕ wіth ѕmіlеѕ аnd wеlсоmе drіnkѕ. Wе wеrе ѕhоwn tо оur саbіnѕ bеlоw dесk. I hаd а саbіn wіth twіn bеdѕ аnd, аѕ wіth аll, аn еn-ѕuіtе bаthrооm оf а ѕtаndаrd уоu wоuld bе luсkу tо fіnd іn а hоtеl, соmрlеtе wіth еxсеllеnt ріріng hоt роwеr ѕhоwеr.

Wе ѕеt оff frоm Lаbuаn Bајо fоr оur іtіnеrаrу аrоund thе nоrthеrn ѕесtіоn оf thе Kоmоdо Nаtіоnаl Pаrk. I hаd mеmоrіеѕ оf thе Sоuthеrn ѕесtіоn оn а рrеvіоuѕ trір whеrе wаtеr tеmреrаturеѕ hаd drорреd tо thе tееnѕ. Hоwеvеr, I wаѕ рlеаѕеd thаt оn thіѕ trір wе wоuld bе dіvіng mоѕtlу іn thе nоrth. Thе dіvіng, аѕ рrоmіѕеd, wаѕ еxсеllеnt. Thе оnе thіng thаt ѕееmѕ tо ѕtаnd оut іn Kоmоdо іѕ thе ѕhееr соlоur оf thе rееfѕ. Whеrе еlѕе саn уоu fіnd ѕuсh а rіоt оf уеllоw, bluе, grееn, rеd, brоwn аnd ріnk аll іn thе оnе ѕроt?

Thе Dіvіng іn Kоmоdо

Of соurѕе dіvіng Kоmоdо іѕ ѕuсh а vаrіеd еxреrіеnсе thаt іt саnnоt rеаllу bе ѕаіd tо bе аbоut оnе thіng. Thеrе аrе аlѕо grеаt numbеrѕ оf fіѕh іn thе rіght ѕроtѕ. Onе оf mу fаvоurіtе dіvеѕ wаѕ 'Fіѕhbоwl' whеrе, іn аddіtіоn tо ѕhаrk аnd rау ѕіghtіngѕ аnd mуrіаd lіttlе rееf fіѕh, thеrе wеrе аlѕо bіg numbеrѕ оf ѕnарреr, ѕwееtlірѕ, trеvаllу аnd fuѕіlіеrѕ. Whеn ѕuсh live mass of living biological organisms is see for real close to close isa memorable experience you never forget.
Nіght dіvеѕ аrе аnоthеr fеаturе оf Kоmоdо whісh muѕt bе еmрhаѕіѕеd. Onе еvеnіng wе ѕlірреd аwау оn thе Sеvеn Sеаѕ' еxсеllеnt tеndеr (whісh hаѕ thе tуре оf ѕіmрlе but еffесtіvе ѕеаtіng аrrаngеmеnt thаt ѕhоuld bе соріеd bу аll dіvе tеndеrѕ) tо а ѕроt аbоvе а dіvе ѕіtе knоwn аѕ 'Sраnіѕh Dаnсеr'. In thе dаrk оf nіght а fаntаѕtіс numbеr оf nосturnаl сrеаturеѕ wеrе ѕсuttlіng аnd ѕlіthеrіng оvеr thе rееf, іnсludіng hіghlіghtѕ ѕuсh аѕ ѕlірреr lоbѕtеrѕ (mу fіrѕt ѕіghtіng) аnd оf соurѕе thе ероnуmоuѕ Sраnіѕh Dаnсеrѕ, whоѕе mіd-wаtеr dаnсе іllumіnаtеd bу оur ѕроtlіghtѕ рrоvіdеd а brеаthtаkіng mоmеnt.

Pіllаrѕtееn wаѕ аnоthеr hіghlіght fоr mе gіvеn іtѕ іnсrеdіblе tороgrарhу wіth аll mаnnеr оf саvеѕ, ѕwіm-thrоughѕ аnd сhіmnеуѕ. Thіѕ fеlt lіkе а rеаl аdvеnturе wіth thе dіvеmаѕtеr lеаdіng thе wау іntо ѕееmіnglу dеаd-еnd fіѕѕurеѕ іn thе rосk оnlу tо bе fоllоwеd bу а ѕnаkе оf еxсіtеd dіvеrѕ еmеrgіng оut оf thе оthеr ѕіdе іntо thе ѕunlіght. Aѕ а сhаngе frоm fосuѕіng оn аll thе соlоur аnd fіѕh, Pіllаrѕtееn рrоvеd а vеrу рорulаr аddіtіоn tо оur сruіѕе.
Kоmоdо Drаgоnѕ

A lаnd cruiser еxсurѕіоn nеаr Kоmоdо Iѕlаnd

Of соurѕе іf уоu mеntіоn thе wоrd Kоmоdо tо mоѕt реорlе, thе fіrѕt іmаgе thеу wіll hаvе іn thеіr mіnd іѕ thаt оf thе lеgеndаrу drаgоn. Sеvеn Sеаѕ' Kоmоdо trірѕ іnсludе а dау'ѕ vіѕіt tо thе іѕlаnd whеrе уоu саn gеt uр сlоѕе wіth thеѕе еnоrmоuѕ rерtіlеѕ. Wе сhоѕе thе 2 hоur wаlk орtіоn, whісh tооk uѕ іnlаnd аwау frоm thе rаngеr ѕtаtіоn аnd оntо hіghеr grоund, іn ѕеаrсh оf drаgоnѕ іn а mоrе nаturаl hаbіtаt. Wаlkіng аlоng thrоugh thе drу ѕраrѕе vеgеtаtіоn оntо vіеwроіntѕ frоm whеrе уоu саn gаzе аll аrоund, аnd knоw thаt уоu аrе ѕtаndіng оn Kоmоdо Iѕlаnd, іѕ а ѕресіаl thоught. Sаdlу wе dіd nоt ѕее аnу lаrgе drаgоnѕ оn оur trеk. Hоwеvеr оn thе wау bасk wе dіd ѕроt а fеw јuvеnіlеѕ ѕсurrуіng аrоund іn thе undеrgrоwth. Thе іѕlаnd іtѕеlf іѕ а рорulаr ѕроt wіth dіvеrѕ аnd nоn-dіvеrѕ аlіkе ѕо уоu аrе lіkеlу tо mееt оthеr trаvеllеrѕ thеrе. If уоu аrе оn bоаrd thе Sеvеn Sеаѕ уоu саn еxресt tо ѕее рlеntу оf јеаlоuѕ glаnсеѕ іntо thе bау whеn оthеr реорlе rеаlіzе уоu аrе оn thе lаrgе рrоud burgundу ѕаіlіng ѕhір ѕtаndіng hеаd аnd ѕhоuldеrѕ аbоvе thе оthеr vеѕѕеlѕ аt аnсhоr.

Thе Ambіеnсе

Mаrk Hеіghеѕ, оnе оf thе оwnеrѕ аnd оnе оf Indоnеѕіа'ѕ bеѕt knоwn сhаrасtеrѕ іn thе dіvіng соmmunіtу, wаѕ оur сruіѕе dіrесtоr аnd thrоughоut thе trір kерt uѕ еntеrtаіnеd wіth funnу ѕtоrіеѕ аnd аlѕо еngаgеd uѕ wіth іntеrеѕtіng іnfоrmаtіоn аbоut thе раrk аnd thе еffоrtѕ tо рrеѕеrvе іtѕ еnvіrоnmеnt.

Evеrу nіght wе wоuld ѕіt аrоund аftеr оnе оf thе tаѕtу аnd vаrіеd mеаlѕ thаt wе wеrе trеаtеd wіth, аnd сhаt аbоut аll mаnnеr оf ѕubјесtѕ. Thе guеѕtѕ wеrе ѕuсh а mіxеd bunсh thаt mеrсіfullу wе wеrе ѕраrеd thе 24 hоur dіvіng сhаt аnd іnѕtеаd соvеrеd vаѕt rаngе оf tорісѕ. On а соuрlе оf оссаѕіоnѕ wе еlесtеd tо рор оn а DVD аnd аll lоungеd іn thе ѕаlооn еnјоуіng а mоvіе оn thе flаt ѕсrееn TV аnd ѕurrоund ѕоund.

Pоѕѕіblу thе bеѕt аѕресt оf thе Sеvеn Sеаѕ іѕ thе аmоunt оf ѕрасе. Thе A/C ѕаlооn іѕ lаrgе аnd соmfоrtаblе аnd іn аddіtіоn tо thе tаblе аnd bеnсhеѕ іn thе mіddlе оf thе mаіn dесk, thеrе іѕ а lоt оf ѕрасе оn thе uрреr dесk. Abоvе thе ѕаlооn іѕ аn ореn ѕundесk аrеа wіth ѕun lоungеrѕ аnd tаblеѕ аnd сhаіrѕ, аѕ wеll аѕ сuѕhіоnеd ѕоfа bеdѕ. In thе аft ѕесtіоn оf thе uрреr dесk іѕ а fullу-соvеrеd lоungіng аrеа wіth ѕоfа bеdѕ іn thе trаdеmаrk burgundу. It аll аddѕ uр tо соmfоrt gаlоrе; аnd tо соuрlе thе соmfоrt аnd ѕрасе аbоvе wаtеr wіth thе vаrіеtу аnd wоndеr оf Kоmоdо Nаtіоnаl Pаrk bеlоw wаtеr, trulу іѕ а grеаt соmbіnаtіоn.

Smаll Thіngѕ thаt Mаkе а Bіg Dіffеrеnсе

Pеrhарѕ оnе dіffеrеnсе bеtwееn сruіѕеѕ оn thе Sеvеn Sеаѕ аnd thоѕе wіth оthеr Kоmоdо lіvеаbоаrdѕ іѕ thаt guеѕtѕ аrе еnсоurаgеd tо еxрlоrе thе іѕlаndѕ rаthеr thаn ѕреndіng аll thеіr frее tіmе оn dесk. Wе hаd а trеk оvеr аn unіnhаbіtеd іѕlаnd wіth ѕресtасulаr vіеwѕ аnd а gоrgеоuѕ bеасh, whеrе thе ѕаnd іѕ а fеw ѕhаdеѕ mоrе rеd thаn іtѕ mоrе fаmоuѕ nеіghbоur, 'Pіnk (ѕоmеtіmеѕ Rеd) Bеасh'. Sоmе guеѕtѕ аlѕо wеnt оf fоr rеlаxіng ѕunѕеt kауаk еxсurѕіоnѕ whісh mаkе mаgісаl рhоtо орроrtunіtіеѕ. Onе dау whіlе mооrеd іn а quіеt bау, а dugоng ѕurfасеd fоr brеаth nеаr thе bоаt,whісh wаѕ fоllоwеd bу а kауаk trір fоr furthеr іntеrасtіоn. Dugоngѕ hоwеvеr оnlу рlау whеn thеу wаnt tо аnd thіѕ tіmе іt ѕееmѕ wе wеrеn't іnvіtеd.

Indonesia Real Estate Market Overview

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 07:16:00 -0800

As expected the property sector of Bali is still benefitting from macro economy, buying power of the low income people kept increasing, and even an increase in the domestic investment is going as expected. At the start of the year 2013 the experts have predicted that the domestic economy will be the theme in 2013, and it will be a tough year for global economy. The brokerage had stated in its Equity Strategy outlook report for year 2013 that the real estate sector will be benefitted from the strong domestic spending.

The analysts at the brokerage have cited that the country’s inflation rate is at below 5% in last 17 months that has been a major factor to keep borrowing cost down. Benchmark policy rate of the Bank Indonesia is at the record low of 5.75% since February 2012. According to IndoPremier, Indonesia will definitely continue to become a beneficiary of these conditions in 2013. According to them the consumer sector is expected to get boost partially, because of the minimum wage raise during the last year, which was set to rise by avg. 19.8% in over 31 provinces.

According to Bali luxury resort association over 13 million workers will get the most benefit of higher minimum wages. And the wage increase is expected to spend on the foods as well as the housing and durable goods. As per the record, most of the domestic investment has been done on the mid-range properties, not on the villas and other high range properties.

The current Real Estate market trend most of the experts are saying that the secondary market is going to emerge soon, and when it happens, the sellers trying to sell the property which is not located on the prime locations will be left behind, and that will slow down the market.

With the increasing numbers of the foreign tourists, the rate of land in Bali have gone really high, especially in and around the southern part of the island, and even in the underdeveloped areas around them. This will open new area of opportunity for the developers, the areas such as kerobokan and Pererenan where the price of land is still low will be a better place for the expansion of their development projects, and it is expected that the developers will be heading to these areas very soon.

The active tourism industry of this island is complemented by the improvement of the fundamental facility of tourism market. Which includes the overhaul of new highways, Ngurah Rai Internatiional Airport, and underpasses, are still a key factor in the Bali property market and the domestic economy as well. There is still one thing missing in the real estate market of Bali, and that is the gated estate which is more noticeable and visible in the other regions of Asia, and it includes Thailand.

There, they have so many large estates &lots ofoverseas buyers who come either to have a second home or to retire. According to the Barnett that is probably going to be the next shift and perhaps we will see a lot more of that coming to the Bali’s market.

Waka Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 23:38:00 -0800

After consolidation during the year 2012, Waka Hotels & Resorts, is now operating the following business entities in Bali :

Resort

WakaGangga, Gangga Beach, Tabanan, Bali

WakaGangga is undergoing complete renovation and redevelopment to harness the beauty of the oceanfront site on a black sand surf beach surrounded by the thriving emerald green rice terraces. Offering luxury and privacy along with a full menu of resort services, WakaGangga will become a destination of choice for the discerning travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty of the island.

After 10 years operation, the resort was closed in May 2012 and it is scheduled to reopen in mid 2013.

Ocean Cruiser

Waka Sailing Catamaran, Benoa Harbour, Bali

The intimate 30-seater twin hull sailing Catamaran operates round day trips between Bali and the nearby Nusa Lembongan island which is famous for snorkeling and scuba diving, every Monday, Wednesday & Saturday. During high season months of July, August, November & December, an additional departure is available on Thursdays.

Waka Sailing Catamaran is also popular for private charters on the remaining days of the week.

Beach Club

Waka Beach Club, Tanjung Sanghyang, Nusa Lembongan, Bali

A new Waka Beach Club is in advanced development stage, set for opening in mid 2013, on Tanjung Sanghyang Bay, famous for its soft white sand beach and blue ocean at Nusa Lembongan.

The Waka Beach Club will offer ocean front recreation and dining in comfortable surroundings to all day visitors arriving from Bali on Waka Sailing Catamaran, private yachts and the residents on the island. The facilities will include:

· A smart casual all day dining, double storey thatch roofed restaurant, serving Indonesian, Asian and International cuisines. The Bar and restaurant seating on the upper floor will offer sweeping ocean views, chilled tropical cocktails, fresh fruit juices and freshly grilled catch of the day.

· Swimming pool.

· Spa therapy rooms for couples

· Fitness centre.

· Kids Club – a supervised facility for children aged 2 to 10 years offering a play area, sand pit, puzzles, lego and sketching.

· Recreational marine activities centre offering Snorkeling, Kite Boarding, Wind Surfing, Sea Kayaking, Sailing.

· PADI diving facility operated by a specialist diving operator. A special feature will be a dedicated diving training pool where PADI certification training programmes will be offered for the beginners and experienced divers.

Land Cruise

Waka Land Cruise

Adventure day trips by legendary Land Rovers are operated daily on tiny country roads and tracks, through UNESCO designated heritage Jati Luwih terraced rice fields and untouched rainforest to the real heart of Bali’s central highlands.

NusaBay, Lembongan Island, Bali – By WHM

Located on Lembongan Island’s Tanjung Sanghyang Bay, 12 kms east of Bali, the resort appeals to those seeking the unhurried pace of a private retreat on a tropical island. The Resort is accessible from both Sanur beach and Benoa harbour.

The luxury Waka Sailing Catamaran provides comfortable departures, three to four times per week from Benoa harbour in the morning and from Tanjung Sanghang Bay in the afternoon.

For further information, please contact:

Dewi Trisnawati

Vice President Sales & Marketing

Telephone: (62-361) 484 085

Email: Dewi.Trisnawati@wakahotelsandresorts.com

www.wakahotelsandresorts.com

Honeymoon Travel Guide in Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Sun, 2 Dec 2012 20:32:00 -0800

One of the best destination to honeymoon is in magnificent Bali, not only is it a gorgeous place with its lush greenery, clear skies and sparkling blue waters, but there is also a wealth of things to do in Bali. The best part about Bali is that it caters specifically to honeymooners; there are many areas and venues that are especially perfect for honeymooners to reinstate their love even further.I want start this online Honeymoon travel guide in Bali review in order to help the couples planning to visit in Bali for honeymoon holyday. Many accounts of honeymooners state firsthand that Bali is wonderful because there are minimal children running around.

What you will find in Bali is an adult playground spectacular just for honeymooners, the full moon (purnama) is part of the culture in Bali society. There are an abundance of villas and places to stay in Bali and the consensus is that a private villa is the most exquisite way to vacation in Bali. With a private villa or the traditional tropical Bali resort, you and your newly wed will be able to get a chance for the ultimate in rest and relaxation and the tranquility is insurmountable. Many of the private villas in Bali boast a pool along with private beach access, so you will not have to go far for some much needed time in paradise.

When in Bali, there are also many areas that are great for shopping! The shopping Bali will astound and amaze you with all the items that you will be able to find. The feel is superbly tropical and you will definitely have the feeling that you are “away from it all” which is truly what a honeymoon is supposed to feel like. The greatest part about Bali is that you can truly feel isolated and away from it all or you can choose to be social in many of the truly magnificent dining arenas, bars and nightclubs. On a honeymoon, you can choose to relax or go out and there are options for either choice. Bali is charming,traditional romantic, and beautiful, what could be better?. For a romanti escape far from the traffic of Kuta and Seminyak you can spend one sweet week end in Ubud to the unique hotel resort The Purrist villas and Spa.

Things to do before come in Bali: two photocopies of passport and id, airline tickets, travelers' checks numbers, and credit cards. Save and send the copy in your e mail adresses so if you need you can recovery it in any time.

Bali resort Spa and Villa Management

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Fri, 5 Oct 2012 05:44:00 -0700

Bali has always been the one of the favorite places for adventures, and party animals like me. For a romantic holiday nothing could be a better option than Bali, the luxury, adventure and sights which can take your breath away. Bali resorts ensure you to have seamless experience and enjoyment whether you are inside the resort or out enjoying the nature.

Past couple of years lots of questions rises like is it really a place worth exploring for a real traveller? Some travel gurus neglect the possibility of exploring this place, the commercialization and development has put lots of barriers for a real traveller. Although if you want to go for fun and to enjoy you would certainly like it.

Bali luxury resorts spa offer you the wide range of features and prices, no matter what your budget is these resorts make sure that you enjoy your holiday. Here are few reasons why peoples especially couples like Bali for their romantic holiday.

· The outdoor: Bali was once known as the land of God, a place where reality and dreams come together. The breath taking sights and amazing natural spots make this the most eye pleasing destination a couple can visit. The mist covered mountain tops, the white sand beaches provides you most amazing experience.

· The activities: The beaches are the attracting of couples not because of only nice romantic stroll along the beach, but also because of the various water sports. The amazing sunset scenes are very eye pleasing and a great moment for couples, they will find plenty of things to do while enjoying their stay at beach. The other sports like tennis, horse riding, golfing, snorkeling and hiking, these adventures will give you amazing experience.

· The historic destinations: Bali resorts can provide you perfect places for adventure which will take you back in time centuries. With plenty of ancient temples, palaces and ancient landmarks of great importance Bali has been a great place for peoples who like ancient history.

· The Adventures: You can find endless adventures here in Bali, the active volcano, large forests populated by monkeys, etc… makes it a perfect adventure trip. If you like hiking you will get few amazing places perfect for hiking.

· The shopping, dining and culture: Bali has very rich culture and very famous for its handicrafts, artwork, dance, and cuisines. It is not the place for only natural beauty and outdoor attractions. You can visit and explore museums, shops, and restaurants which will provide you exposure to the lovely culture and generous peoples.

· The outstanding service: Bali resorts are well known for its friendly and outstanding service like Bali villas resort. The local peoples are very much friendly and helpful. Luxury Resorts ensure you the topnotch service from the moment you arrive on the island till the moment of your departure. Especially for couples the resorts have the best service, with its spacious and royal rooms, fully equipped kitchen, gardens, private pool it makes the best place to stay for honeymooners.

The serenity and exclusive beauty of Bali attracts its visitors most, and the peoples who stay in the luxury Bali resort and villa management find it perfect starting point for one of the most romantic holiday of their lives.

Vacation and Beauty Salon

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:47:00 -0700

One of the most famous Spa desitination in the worls is Bali, with the healthy lifestyle trend show up in the last five years keep the peoples get away from it all and lay on the sunny beach. In Bali you really find the best reasons to go to a spa or the private Bali beauty salon experiences place to spend your holiday time with the people you really love.In Bali each treatment involved different ritual utilizing most of the time ancient style and advanced method technology.

In Bali and Indonesia the Spa etiquette follow some basic rules, one of the first rule is to turn off your mobile phone second don't play game or check you mail and sms. This even goes if you're getting a pedicure,hair cut or foot massage. Take a magazine from the desk.Don't ask for discount, they do the best price for you anyway.Take a Shower before go to the spa or beauty salon most of the spa and beauty salon in bali don't have a good shower, so when you arrive home you gonna take onother shower to take off the oil massage.Most of the massage therapists in Bali are trained but be clear in what you want and what you don't want.

In the Bali Spa the massage is usually done nude, but if they offer you a sarongs like the etiquette in Indonesia take it, better you use the traditional sarongs if you don like you can keep your underwear on.When you finish you can give the tips but is not an abligation.Bali Surf Resort and Resort Spa are very common all around Bali but you have also lot of small Bali beauty Salon with top luxury service like The Jazb Beauty salon in Seminyak in the Seminyak Square complex is the ultimate destination in Bali for all luxury hair, face and body treatments; catering to both women and men. The talented team of therapists and stylists use only the best international and celebrity endorsed brands assuring you of an unsurpassed experience, not normally found in Bali.JazB is the preferred beauty place of celebrities, visiting dignataries and tourists seeking a world class experience at an affordable cost.

Native Bali Woman

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Fri, 4 May 2012 04:38:00 -0700

The Beauty of a Bali native woman matches that of the islands coral reefs. Do you suppose a land mass can take on the beauty of its inhabitants? That was my first impression as a tourist visiting for the first time just a few years ago. The destination was chosen for me by my business partner at the time. Sweet Bill wanted to give me a little slice of the world and he knew I was never interested in traveling outside the states, even outside of the north eastern states.

I had some travel time under my list of accomplishments and I was completely satisfied. At Bill’s insistence I didn’t look a gift horse in the mouth and I did spend a most wonderful experience on the Island of Bali just one year before my retirement from the corporate real estate and just six months before my dear friend’s sudden move in othere country.

Why did I bring up the beauty of a native Bali woman? My wife and I divorced twenty years ago and we are one of those ‘better friends today than we were lovers when married.’ She is happily married and enjoys life on the west coast. I just never got around to that whole dating scene. The dates I did go out on just didn’t touch on any long term desires for either of us.

I consider myself average in everything including looks but as 65 years weathers the frame I still find myself very content with the way I feel and where I am in life but on the Island of Bali a woman changed some of my perspectives in a unique way. It happened quite by chance. I was also average in clumsiness and that caused one of those moments of not watching where you were going and walking into a ladies restroom woops moments.

Once I apologized profusely and walked out and into the men’s room I noticed my face was as beat red as the lobster meal I just consumed. Embarrassed in my error but also for what my eyes focused on and a bit longer than they should have I must admit. A lady was standing in front of a hand dryer obviously trying to dry off a spilled drink mishap. She was not wearing a bra and I was awestruck at the beauty of a grandma figure in the moment of tending to a private task.

Once outside on the beach of black sand I giggled to myself and thought how I came all these miles to get to Bali and on my very first night I managed to be breastfully whisked away in the moment. Very innocent but at the same time very innocently pleased that the natural beauty of this woman stirred within me a strong desire to experience the beauty of Bali and a desire to begin dating when I returned to the states.

Sitting there in the sand, my hands folded behind my neck with my elbows propped up on my knee’s and looking down into the black sand I had a shadow feeling of a passing cloud wash over me. It was a cloud of beauty with a voice. “Excuse me, may I properly introduce myself since we already met and I feel you know me better than I know you?”

Two seasoned adults, one from the USA and a native Bali real estate business lady from Bali threw caution into the warm tropical winds of Bali and spent a glorious week together. Our villas in Bali of intimacy in life was so similar. The timing of our introductions created a week of spontaneity that could never have been planned. We are like two ships that gently bumped into each other in life. Just three more months and we will experience our second annual holiday date!

The end or perhaps another beginning.

Guide Villas reservation in Seminyak, Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 04:07:00 -0800

More and more peoples come to Bali for have the vacations with family or friends and they want booking one villas in Seminyak area.The Bali guide of tourism don't listed all the villas in Bali especially in Seminyak where every year new villas born in order to satisfy the request from all around the world.Vacation rental accommodations of private luxury villas in Seminyak have the best area in Jl. Baik Baik close to the double six beach and the supermarket Bintang in Jl. Seminyak, is the perfect place to stay and see the best sunset beach in Bali an enjoy the restaurant and the night life in Seminyak.

Bali Essence Villas is a private Seminyak villas rental vacations each villa have3 Air-conditioned bedrooms, private swimming pool, spa treatments and all the confort accommodation for quality people tourist ask today to a tropical villas in Bali island. The Bali essence Villas Sale and Rental Department Office is located at Jl. Baik Baik No.12, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia, tel +62 361 368 7866.

Is important before any villas reservation find the professional villa specialist for your perfect home holiday stay in Bali they will care of all the extra small sweet details, from arranging catering or car rentals, to booking that Bali relaxing spa and visit the best place experiences in Bali with Balinese guide.In Seminyak villas style is all about vacation homes and tropical destination tailored to your special getaway. Treat yourself like a king and booking a Bali Holiday Rental Private Villas for you next vacations.

Help keep Bumi Sehat Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:52:00 -0800

Dear World Family

As a Mom, Grandma, Midiwfe, and "Mother of Bumi Sehat" I am appealing to all of you, Earth Keepers, to help me keep Bumi Sehat alive, well and open.

In this Season we celebrate the Birth of Christ, and we are reminded that All births are a sacred miracle,
All Mothers and Babies and Families are Blessed. This out flowing of LOVE and respect for all sentient beings is
the message of the Good Shepherd, the message of building Peace, one Baby, one Mother, one Family at a time
from the heart of the Divine Mother.

The service of Bumi Sehat’s community health care and childbirth clinics in Aceh and Bali, Indonesia, are a beautiful example of Charity building Peace on Earth. Bumi Sehat needs your help. Please consider remembering Bumi Sehat when you do your Christmas Giving. Please share this message with your loved ones all over the world.

With the dawn of 2011 we have only four years to reach the UN Millennium Development Goals. Bumi Sehat's work is addressing Goal 4: Reduce Child mortality rate. Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health. Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. I believe we can make a difference and reduce suffering, together.

Peace on Earth… Ibu Robin and Team Bumi Sehat

Online Donations: You may donate via credit card or Paypal via our website:
www.bumisehatbali.org

From the US: You may support our work by donating, to our partner organization
by sending a personal check or money order to the address below:

Sakthi Foundation
1507 Lone Oak Circle
Fairfield, Iowa 52556 USA
Attn: Bumi Sehat Project

From outside of the US: Please donate to us directly by transferring your contribution
to our US$ account at:

PT. Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI)
Branch: Denpasar KLN Ubud
Address: Jl. Gajah Mada, No. 30, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Account Name: Yayasan Bumi Sehat, Ds. PKR Nyuh Kuning
USD: Account No. 117 766 133
Swift code: BNINI DJADPS
Yayasan Bumi Sehat
Nyuh Kuning Village
PO Box 116, Ubud, Bali 80571 Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 970 002
Fax: +62 361 972 969
Email: info@bumisehatbali.org
iburobin@bumisehatbali.org

http://www.bumisehatbali.org /

Bali babysitter agency

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:13:00 -0800

If you have the local knowledge you should be able to find the employee you need no problem. For holiday makers it is not so easy. The hotel or holiday resort you stay with can recommend you staff but often the hotel will apply there own charges and do not offer any guarantees.There are advertisements in magazines and posters put on trees for independent babysitters and Bali housemaids – these independent workers tend to be the cheapest option but often you find these people do not have any training, have no support structures if things go wrong or offer any guarantees.

We did locate an agency called Bali Krisna Service which provides holiday makers and expatriateswith babysitters, nannies, security fo Bali real estate organization. The service is a small company owned and managed by a Balinese family. You can go to the office and interview the employee before you decide to choose one. It costs a littlemore then the independents but employees come with replacement guarantees and if something goes wrong you have somewhere to go. Choosing someone to care for your child and or home is an important issue.

The best thing about the agencies is that they understand customers havedifferent needs languages, cooking abilities etc. and they cater for these differences. The agencies need to apply extra charges to cover their costs but in the case of Bali Krisna Service they are a friendly easy to use company making the extra charge worthwhile. The Bali babysitter provided to us was fantastic with the children and seemed to have a natural ability at child care - this might be due to relaxed nature of Bali and the Balinese people that attracts so many visitors each year.

Ubud Villas for Rent

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 05:37:00 -0700

As a guest of Prestige Bali luxury villas resort and the owner , I was lucky enough to spend two nights at the Purist Villas in Ubud, a newly opened sister property to Purist Villas in Ibiza and Marrakech in Marocc.

The three highlights of the property, from my perspective are:
A superb built environment – a really meticulous and unique eye to architecture, interior design and landscaping, especially in the pure featuring of contemporary and ancient art and artefacts from the region.

A wonderful gorge-side setting – a peaceful and secluded oasis away from the Balinese Ubud village bustle
Friendly and attentive service .

Scale

The Purist Villas have an excellent sense of scale. At 16 private villas, it’s an intimate complex, but generous in both the private and common areas given over to guests. We felt private and self-contained in our suite, but also liked the vibe of the pool area and the aspect over the river. With the opening of the spa, the Villas compound will feel even more expansive.This Tropical luxury villa resort is an example of Balinese Style and modern villas decoration test.

Style

Purist Villas & Spa has invested heavily in a distinctive and sophisticated style. We loved the Ubud stone artefacts, the huge, single-piece wooden benches, the mix of natural sands, greys, and browns. The open-air bathrooms and shower areas are very successful, and the irregularly shaped stone sink a genuine novelty. The dining and lounge area of our Villa suite was stylish and spacious, as were common areas of all the Villas I saw. The bedroom, on the other hand, was a little small by comparison and while we liked the strong design statement of the wooden feature wall it did seem slightly out of keeping with the other stonewash walls and traditional roof structure. I was interested to see that the earlier Villas had opted for a simpler, monochrome paint finish.

Suggestion: give guests more information about the artisans responsible for some of the amazing pieces in the villas, pull back the stonewash features for a simpler, more minimalist look, per the outside areas and other areas.

Villas Setting

Purist villas has done a great job with landscaping. The gardens are a really nice mix of architectural features, regimented planting and natural jungle exuberance. We liked the quiet ‘backstreet’ location and found the lush creek gorge views very soothing. Given Ubud’s increasing development, they are probably more impressive now than rice paddies with half-built condos!
Suggestion: possibly impractical, but I would have loved to be able to cross over the little gorge on a private rope bridge or some such, to have special access to the fields on the other side.

Service

Ubud staff at Purist villas were incredibly friendly and keen to help. They were discreet but also made good suggestions about what we might consider doing with our time in Ubud location. Clearly some of the service elements of Purist villas are yet to be completed – we would have loved a more extensive mini-bar and kitchen offer and if the spa employs high-quality local practitioners it will be wonderful to have these facilities on site.
Suggestion - encourage the staff to be more confident and relaxed – I’m not sure if it was opening ‘nerves’, but service was occasionally a little nervous and reticent.

The Smith-factor

At Smith, we like to identify the ‘S-factor’ – the thing that makes a property truly special, beyond an impeccable delivery of service, style and scale, which we consider fundamentals of any good hotel stay. With Purist villas incomplete and empty apart from us, it was hard to put our finger on a single stand-out element, and in some ways, I’m sure you will want it to emerge from the first few months of guest stays and service. My hunch is that it will be the mix of really interesting design and artefacts – the unique Ubud environment -and personal and attentive service across both the villa butlering and spa. In other words, it will be like staying at the generous home of a rather wealthy friend – all in an extraordinary setting and only a stone’s throw from one of the world’s most interesting Bali island cultural centres.

Ubud Private Villa

Many of the really basic aspects of facilities and amenities were well executed – comfortable beds, great pillows, generous pool, nice food. But there were some rougher edges here which disproportionately distracted from the otherwise very opulent and unique surrounds, namely the recycled (restickered) bathroom products and rather thin bathroom towels and the rather intermittent satellite TV reception and weak wireless internet signal in the room.

Suggestion Invest in top-end bathroom amenities and some nice white fluffy towels
Suggestion If satellite reception can’t improve, perhaps replace with a really fantastic DVD library?

Jimbaran Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:31:00 -0700

A great place to go is the GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) Cultural Park. There is a fantastic view across Jimbaran, Tuban, and Nusa Dua so a good place, especially at sunset.

Have a wonder around the huge park, which is a disused limestone quarry and see some incredible statues which are all to be incorporated into one much larger statue when all of it is finished. There is a small amphitheatre which has traditional Balinese dances and a great restaurant called Jendela ‘Window’

Another, well worth a visit, place to see sunset is Jimbaran beach where you can sit at one of the numerous seafood restaurants and enjoy great food in a relaxed atmosphere. The seafood is priced by weight so make sure you remember to check how much your food will be before they cook it, as once it’s eaten it’s then hard to argue over the price.

Bali villa rental service

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Tue, 9 Jun 2009 19:23:00 -0700

My new experience in Bali villa rental:

Hi my name is Jessie and I am a true blue Sydney boy who has just returned from his first trip in Bail and his first engagement. Previous to my departure I only known Bali as a small island located in Indonesia or affectionately known by my friends as the Island of the Gods. Renowned for it's rich culture, exotic scenery, great surfing, and friendly people I was soon excited to see the world famous island of Bali.

Friends who have visited to Bali notified me that I should experience the beauties that Bali has to offer whilst enjoying the comforts of a paradise Bali villa rental. A villa? I first thought. Why would I stay in a villa rather then a hotel. To tell you the truth I never stayed in a villa and it seemed that hotels was the only choice of accommodation whilst you are travelling. However my girlfriend insisted that we experience this new accommodation forus.

We started searching for Bali villa rental service in Bali on the net and stumbled upon to paradise villa rental. We simply sent them an email asking for availability in villas in the Seminyak area for a few days followed by Ubud for a few days and a villa in the Bukit in our price range. I later wasprovided with a shortlist of villas with a description& images and
information of the location of the villa which was really helpful. Soon after choosing our villas, we were ready to enjoy Bali without the stress of thinking of finding accommodation in a Bali when we were there.

Upon my arrival to Bali to the moment I went back to Sydney I was treated like a Rock star. A VIP service pick-up was arranged where we given VIP treatment as we skipped the que and which was over 50 meters long and had someone get our bags which took us to paradise villa rental luxury car.

We then went to experience our first villa in Seminyak at Annex villas. From the moment we entered the villa, I felt I knew why villas were the rage of Bali. Simple things such as instead of swimming at the hotel swimming pool, you now can enjoy your own private pool. Our villa featured a private tranquil tropical garden, our own kitchen & dining area (saved costs with snacks and meals), a luxury master bedroom with an en-suite open design bathroom. Paradise Villa Rental provided me with the perfect villa in meeting my needs in providing a stress free holiday while the temptation of shopping and spas on Jalan Oberoi only several minutes away. Very highly recommended for visitors to Bali to experience staying in a villa and may get you hitched.

Jason Leonard-Artha

Italian Restaurant Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Sat, 6 Jun 2009 07:26:00 -0700

Italian cuisine is the most popular dishes in the world. If you head down to Kuta come to Tobia’s Restaurant at Benesari where you can enjoy Italian dishes like mama used to cooked at home.

Tobia’s restaurant is located at Benesari Kuta, is easy to find from any direction. If you come from Padma St. Tobia’s is just in the left hand side on the way to Poppies 2. With green bamboo as a main colored is very eye catching from the street.

With a casual ambience in the middle of surfer paradise at Benesari, Tobia’s is open for lunch and dinner with TV sport channel and open bar. How cool is that? Also Tobia’s is fine dining with affordable price, if you haven’t yet eaten at Tobias restaurant you will be surprised with the great taste of the food, and if you already have, you will most certainly want to back again.

We began from Insalata Di Rucola, fresh rucola with parmesan flakes or Insalata Mista with tomatoes, carrot, and mixed salad was also amazing. Perhaps the secret of this dish is in the fact of Tobias obtain most of the ingredients from carefully selected from fresh local market.

Without any doubt my main course consisting of Spaghetti Al Tonno with fresh tuna, oil, and garlic. The taste of freshly caught tuna combined with home-made pasta and Italian herbs and extra virgin olive oil is seriously magnificent. The secret of the sauce certainly want me to eating there everyday. Also Scaloppini Di Manzo Ai Funghi is beef escalope with mushroom and white wine sauce served with vegetables and potatoes is one of the most favorite eateries who come to Tobia’s. Whilst I enjoy my food, I saw the waitress served Entrecote Al Pepe Nero, beef steak (sirloin) with black pepper and cream sauce served with vegetables and potatoes. Hmm….smells so good, I thought that I should order the same menu for the next my visit.
Ah, I nearly forgot to tell you that the oven pizza also magnificent to miss it, 4 Formaggi is the one of the favorite surfer who regularly come to Tobias. Cotto E Funghi is pizza with tomato, mozzarella cheese, mushroom and ham is melted in the mouth. Most of the surfer they come in the afternoon, whilst they enjoy their hotdog or hamburger there is big TV screen with sport programmed is perfect for them after all day surfing in the Kuta Beach.

After all my heavy food, I feel like something smooth and sweet, Chocolate Mousse is the perfect choice to complete my lunch with a cup of espresso.

Well, one you have lunch or dinner at Tobia’s is very difficult to go anywhere else. The great Italian dish with reasonable price is hard to find in Bali.

Traditional Bali video tour

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:35:00 -0700

The traditional culture in Bali island Video Guide:

The Balinese peoples belive on Hindus religion , the Balinese put out offerings each days resembling works of art.Bali destinations are an oasis of peace fruit and flowers beautifully arranged in palm leaves displayed in front of their business or shops with rich incense burning to bring good luck and to appease the spirits. Great care is taken top-reserve their tradition and young and old alike continue to practice these beliefs. Everyday you will see a ceremony occur. Whether it be a wedding a birthday or an elaborate cremation, the Balinese enjoy a life full of festivities.Bali history, religious and spiritual teachings is very special in the world.

Bali restaurant Guide Oberoi street

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:39:00 -0700

Everyone likes to spoil their tongue with good quality food at affordable price. When you come to Bali as a tourist you will get really confuse to decide where you going for eat. Here we go the solution for your precious stomach and to spoiling your taste with Italian recipe from the Italian chef, how perfect is that? While you enjoying your food you will forget that you are in Bali not in Italy. When you start to taste the food at Sasà Restaurant then you will speechless don’t know what to say…..fascinating so delicious. Wait…I know you are start to drawling imagine this food but you have to go to the right restaurant to eat pasta. Many Italian restaurant around and you have to know where you have to go and enjoy your pasta or other Italian dishes.

Take your map and find street name Seminyak, I will bring you to Restaurant Italy which own by Italian man and his chef from Italy also. Now from Seminyak you go further up to the north and you will find junction then you turn left follow the street and you will find junction again then turn right then you will enter to Oberoi St. it’s about 500M on the right side you will see Sasa’ Restaurant. This restaurant has good ambience with green color as a background and the most important is the owner really aware about the hygiene of his restaurant, you can see from his kitchen until the toilet is very clean.

There is few choices of Italian Restaurant at Oberoi Street and most of Spanish and Argentina people come for lunch or dinner at Sasà Restaurant usually they will request for Tagliata Con Rucola as their favorite dishes. If you didn’t like meat then you can try Chef Suggestion like Alici (ikan teri) Marinate, Alici Fritte or Vongole and fresh from market fish also for vegetables. Sasa’s Restaurant serve fresh food and home made pasta or gnocchi and they use good product. For mozzarella and ricotta cheese they buy fresh from Italian Farm at Singaraja and these cheese made from cows.

Anyway, lets start from appetizer menu if you like raw food there is some variety menu of carpaccio you can order for tuna, octopus or beef but if you are big fans of salad you can order for Caesar Salad I recommended for that. For main course you can start from home made pasta, gnocchi or import beef steak. Most favorite’s customer is Spaghetti Vongole or Gnocchi Sorrentina and you can order for fettuccini with your favorite sauce. We not finished yet, we have to order for home made dessert, Cannoli Pastiera Napoletana or the famous coffee for espresso or macchiato. Sasa’ Restaurant not only good for a cup of coffee they sale blended coffee so you can bring it home and having coffee at anytime you want.

For eateries you don’t have to worry with your pocket Sasa’ Restaurant serves delicious food with affordable prices so while you waiting for your order you can enjoy Sasa’ wine collections, they got wide choices of wine from Italy, Australia, Chile and also French or you can have a glass of beer or fresh juices.

You should start your day from Sasa’ Restaurant as my suggestion cause they open from eight o’clock in the morning until midnight. Sasa’ Restaurant serves for breakfast, you can order for healthy breakfast, American, Continental, Italian, or eggs any styles and for the price is worth it. When you start coming for breakfast I bet you then you will never go to the other place. Take your motorbike or stop a taxi asking for Oberoi Street then stop at Sasa’ Restaurant believe you will never regrets. Don’t forget to bring your friends or arranges your birthday party at Sasà Restaurant. Enjoy….

Travel Guide to Lovina

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:37:00 -0700

Lovina Beach, located about 9 km from the City of Singaraja, the Bali region in the north, precisely in Kalibukbuk Village, Buleleng District. Domestic and foreign tourists who visit Lovina no objection to the morning wake up blind. In the cold morning freshness, the tourists to the sandy beaches of black ago anchored the boat motor with a maximum of five people that sometimes they do not know each other. Not infrequently the boat passengers are encouraged from the first edge of the beach by the boat owner. A work in the morning it was already able to offer a warm and intimate atmosphere between the passenger and owner of the boat motor service. Tourist boat in the end come and talk along the way more than one kilometer toward the sea.

In the blue waters of the tourist attractions akan disuguhi tens natural tails dolphin. Despite the tens of appearing in number, it is trusted that the water in the Sea of Bali is more than 100 live dolphins tail. They appear only around 06.00 to 08.00 Wita.

The boat owner who acts as tour guide in the morning that will lead perahunya toward the sea to search for dolphins. At the time dolphins have been hectic pop voice screaming tourists berbaur impressed with the sound berisiknya thruster motor boat.

When the boat is close to the dolphins, perahupun motor is turned off. In the quiet atmosphere, tourists can witness the action with the dolphins more comfortable. Herd dolphins akan disband if there is a boat near the motor is still on.

Scenes like this, already in progress since 1976. When was the first time fishermen, fishing in open waters Lovina boat rental service to see the agility dolphins use a sailboat for the first time. Then as technology sophistication sailing is replaced with the boat motor for the time and energy efficiency.

The average boat owner carry 4-5 people in each passenger turnya. Price Rp 60,000 to the fishermen already fit, may not be less or more. To avoid unhealthy competition among the boat owners, boat owners are not allowed to offer price outside the agreement. The agreement is binding on all fishing boats motor bidder services in Lovina.

For a tourist area, the facilities available can be said is quite complete. Start from the lodging of the inn, cottage, villa-star hotels to 5, shops, pubs, places to eat are open until late at night. However, the area this tour looks quiet compared to the tourist area of Pulau Dewata in the south. Say, Kuta, Sanur, which is now developing to Seminyak and Kuta. Campaign may be less or less or entertainment facilities as well as from the less incentive peemerintahnya promote Bali to the north of the world?

However, Lovina offers distinctive charm, even in the silence that is the power pikatnya appears. Without having to jam or interfere with the noise, tourists can enjoy the beautiful beach. Walking or jogging in the morning while enjoying the beach and the life of the living biota, that is the activities of many people during a visit to Lovina. So renting snorkeling and diving equipment is the flare on the beach. Fish with a variety of colors and corals with the various forms can be enjoyed in Lovina. While in the boat had seen some ornamental fish are below the surface through the water.

For souvenirs, tourists who visit Lovina can craft an ornament with pearls. Ranging from earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces and pearls can be easily found there. Decoration of the clamshell to the gift of materials, recycling is also available.

The beauty and tranquility Lovina indeed deserve to enjoy. This region can be a reference for the purpose of tourism in Bali. For the area that is very easy, asphalted road facilities are available. There are several ways to Lovina area, if the first port of Gilimanuk come through, we can direct toward the north through Grogak, Seririt, and then enter the area or if Lovina come through Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar go through, and then ascend to the cold area for Bedugul next to Singaraja. If you or love adventure and have a long time, it is recommended through the first Klungkung area. Region that is located in the east of Denpasar, offers tranquility akan blue sea along the journey. Log In Karangasem region, we can enjoy the beauty of Candidasa Beach, about 65 kilometers from Denpasar.

Accompanied and presented after the blue of the sea north of Bali.
We enter the cool mountainous regions, namely the distance to the Kintamani Lovina lived about 50 kilometers. From Kintamani, through our area with the mountain road and turn beautiful scenery. Throughout the journey from Klungkung - Karangasem - Kintamani Lovina end up in many places of attractions that we always visit. So the trip will not be boring to sit in the car.

Guide to Bali Island

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:08:00 -0700

Bali such a beautiful and tranquil Island is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes you will see anywhere in the world. Bali known as the island of the gods is one the most extraordinary experiences you can embark upon.

Many visitors arriving for the first time talk of a moment when stepping off the plan where a warmth in the heart slowly creeps upon you. Of course the temperature stays a constant 30 Degrees most of the year; however this feeling is almost as if the spiritual and cultural gods of the island have come to meet you off the plane.

Local Balinese people are rich with tradition and steeped in culture, throughout the island hundreds of temples showcase the powerful spiritual belief that makes visiting Bali, such a fascinating holiday. Any guest visiting the island for the first time should not miss taking time out to visit some of these quite often life changing exhibits and experiences.

The Balinese people themselves are extremely friendly and welcoming and have a great love for flowers, so don’t be surprise if you receive a Flower Galan, (Ring of Flowers) as you arrive in the airport, this a symbol of Bali tourism which represents a warm and accepting welcome and the start of a very special holiday.

Key Areas:
The Island of Bali has several key areas where guests wanting to holiday here will enjoy different types of experiences.

Ubud at the heart of Bali, and famous for its culture, handicrafts and paintings is typically a quieter and less buoyant location to stay. Famous for its market and art & craft shops and every type of knick-knack you can think of, attracts literati and glitterati from all walks of life. Anyone who is anybody, and perhaps anyone that is no-one has some time or another experience the splendors of Ubud.

Nusa Dua, in the most southern point of the Island, has purpose built resorts dotted along perfect white sandy beaches which play host to some of the best water sports to be found. Whether you’re a budding Water-skier or enjoy parasailing and snorkeling, this action and sports packed location is ideal for families.

Kuta and Seminyak, as well as having its own selection of beautiful beaches, are the two main area for the island Bars, Clubs and Restaurants. Famous bars such as Hypnotique, Living Room, Embargo, Bacio and Dejavu as well as Club 66, tends to attract younger and more party-centric holiday makers.

Things to Do:
Any holiday wouldn’t be the same without a quality selection of Adventure and Island Tours. Famous adventure sports such as SOBEK Rafting & Cycling together with sightseeing day tours such as Bali Hai Island Cruise and of course the much loved Waka Land Cruise, not only treat you to day out that is simply breathtaking but, quite often leaves you will memories of a lifetime.

Places to Eat:
As you would expect from an Island that offers something for every tourist, Bali also has restaurants and warungs that cater for every taste and every budget. In Ubud you have 2 of the more famous restaurants on the Island with Moziac and Bebek Bengil or Dirty Duck as it’s fondly known. In Seminyak the world famous Kudeta and Made’s Warung, together with more fast food establishments such as Trattoria, Rumors and Ultimo. Not forgetting the Jimbaran Fish markets as a must for everyone in search of somewhere to eat.

Whether it’s a touch of class and elegance at Kudeta you want, or a dash of tropical spice at Made’s Warung, or its even to sit and eat fresh fish whilst enjoying ocean views of Jimbaran, there are simply too many quality eateries to name them all, and all too mouth watering to describe.

Bali is a special place in the heart of many international tourists. From Japan to Korea, Russia, Italia to England and not forgetting the crazy Australians, the Island has been a haven of tourism for over 15 years, with many tourists returning time and time again to continue to discover and enjoy this Island of beauty and peace.

Guide to Bali Island

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:08:00 -0700

Travel Guide Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Sprite) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:15:00 -0700