Life does not stop when the sun sets on Kuta

This former Hippies' Paradise is still paradise for those who love sea, sun and sand. Besides the possibility of doing all sorts of sports such as diving, golfing, surfing and bungee-jumping, you can surely spend your money on shopping. Along the sea-side, you'll find plenty of shops and stalls. Life does not stop when the sun sets on Kuta. There are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can dance and drink the night away.

Kuta can be roughly divided into four areas: Seminyak, Kuta, Legian and Tuban. Kuta is the main centre of all the ongoing activities. Although the three other areas are becoming increasingly popular, these are still the places to head off for when all hotels and restaurants are packed in Kuta or when you simply want to have a change of 'scenery'.

Bali : An Island of Oriental Horizon

Are you bored and you do not have a place to go to? Tired of the same spots that you see within your community? Do you want to try other locations with great spots and with exotic sceneries? Then you really have to try getting out somewhere that you can discover another side of the earth. A place where you can experience the color of the sky and the splash of cold waters with the touch of exotic food and culture that will definitely relax your eyes and will make you feel that you really made the right choice in your vacation. There are too many spots in the world, but one of the greatest islands that the earth has is an island in the Southeast Asia. In the country of Indonesia, you will find an island that is known for its extra ordinary scenery and its exotic island feature will definitely give you another dimension. This is a place that every Indonesian is proud of. This is the island of Bali.

Bali is a small island in Indonesia that is globally known for the spots it offers and in addition to that, is there wonderful customer service that is really admirable and should be a world standard. They have these different techniques in serving their tourist that will really feel that they are accommodated and the people there is really giving their full pledge service to the tourist. You will never feel out casted because the people there are willing to help and assist you in your needs and your queries. But these are just additional points that you will get when travel to Bali because the most important factor in that place is really the one of a kind scenery that you can not resist.

This is comparable to the most spots to the world but you can not say which is better because they have their own beauty. In case of the Bali Island, you can experience the beach with an awesome splash of waters to the sand level and the world's famous villas and hotels that serves oriental foods and dishes that will surely give your tongue a new taste. Aside from that, you will also learn their culture as it is apparent in the way of living of almost all of the natives there. You will get a sneak peek on what is the life in Bali Island as you witnessed in the way of living of the native people there.

So, what are you waiting for? Now that you know that travel to Bali can definitely take your thirst away in your travel experience, better pack your things and make your own expedition towards the island of Bali. It is definitely sure that all your effort and money will not go to nothing because your experience in that island is comparable and priceless that you can treasure forever in your memory. And no one can take that memory away from you. The precious experience will remain yours forever and no amount of money can pay that.

source : http://www.101islands.com

KUTA BEACH

Kuta Beach-South Bali

For many people South Bali is Bali; for many others it is anything but. Chaotic Kuta and upscale Seminyak throb around the clock. In the south, the Bukit Peninsula is home to some of the island's largest resort, while in the east Sanur follows the subdued beat of its reef-protected surf. The coast features a fine range of beaches.

KUTA

The Kuta region is overwhelmingly Bali's largest and tackiest tourist beach resort. Most visitors come here sooner or later because it's close to the airport and has the greatest range of budget hotels, restaurant and tourist facilities. Some find the area overdeveloped and seedy, but if you have a taste for a busy beach scene, shopping and night life, you will probably have a great time. Go elsewhere on the island if you want a quiet, unspoilt tropical hideaway. It is fashionable to disparage Kuta and its immediate neighbor to the north, Legian for their rampant development, low-brow nightlife and crass commercialism, but the cosmopolitan mixture of beach party hedonism and entrepreneurial energy can be exciting. It is not pretty, but it is not dull either, and the amazing growth is evidence that a lot of people find something to like in Kuta. Kuta has the most diversions and the best beach-but the worst traffic and most persistent hawkers. History
Mads Lange, a Danish copra trader and an adventurer of the 19th century, established a successful trading enterprise near modern Kuta, and had some success in mediating between local rajahs and the Dutch, who were encroaching from the north. His business soured in the 1850s, and he died suddenly, perhaps murdered. His grave, and monument erected later, are near Kuta's night market. The original Kuta Beach Hotel was started by a Californian couple in the 1930's but closed with the Japanese occupation of Bali in 1942. In the late 1960's, Kuta became a stop on the hippie trail between Australia and Europa, and an untouched 'secret' surf spot. Accommodation opened and by the early 1970's Kuta had delightfully laid-back atmosphere. Enterprising Indonesians seized opportunities to profit from the tourist trade, often in partnership with foreigners who wanted a pretext for staying longer. As Kuta expanded, Legian further north became the quist alternative, but now you can't tell where one ends and the other begins. Immediately north again, Seminyak continues north from Legian. All this has taken its toll, and the area is chaotic mixture of shops, bars, restaurants and hotels on a confusing maze of streets and alleys, often congested with heavy traffic, thick with fumes and painfully noisy. (reference: by lonely planet)

Bali - Here & There 2

Some more random pictures.

  

Eating in Bali - Ary's Warung, Ubud

While wondering around Ubud, I chanced upon this popular cafe - Ary's Warung. I stopped for a thirst-quencher and dessert. Had a coconut ice-cream with banana cupcake.

  

Eating in Bali - Ibu Oka, Ubud

The most famous dish in Bali is Babi Guling - literrally roast pig, and Ibu Oka in Ubud is an institution. It is so popular, most of the time you can't find a place to sit and have to wait.

It is worth the wait ! The roast pig is really great. Marinated with spices and coconut milk in the stomach, the meat is juicy, tender and very flavourful. And the most important part - the skin, is crispy and not too oily. Eaten with rice and the accompanying chilli sauce, this is one of the best meals you could ever have. Provided you are a pork lover, of course !







This was a whole pig when we went there. This was what's left after about half an hour.

 

Eating in Bali - Casa Luna, Sanur

Bali is not exactly famous for it's cuisine. The last few times I visited,I had been disappointed with the food. The most famous food estblishment in Bali is Made's Warung in Kuta, which serves Western Cafe Food. This trip however we stumbled upon a little place in Sanur which is great.

The restaurant is called Casa Luna, and it serves traditional Balinese food. I had the roast duck in spices, which was really good. The meat was tender and really well seasoned by the spices. I would go back just for that !



This is the pork curry served with condiments. The skewers are seafood skewers, kind of like satays.  Tasty !



A view of the restaurant from the road.

Bali - Here & There

Some random pictures.

  

  

Bali - Ayodya Resort Nusa Dua (Formerly Bali Hilton)

It took me a long time to decide whether to post this, but in the end I figured that since I have shown you all the good things about Bali, maybe I should also show you the not so good things for contrast.

Ayodya is one of those Disneyland Theme resorts which is "inspired' by the local culture, but then takes it to a totally different scale and context. There is neither the authenticity nor the intimacy of the smaller resorts. See it for yourself.

  

Bali - Santika Beach Resort

This is where we stayed for the first couple of nights. It is a four star resort, so not as posh as the others you have seen. What is great about Bali is that even the four star resorts can be very nice. The landscaping is always meticulously maintained, and the quality of finishing is not comprised. All in all you get a pretty good experience for an affordable price.

The best thing about Santika Beach Resort is the cafe above the main lobby. This is where they serve breakfast in the morning, and with the sun streaming in it is quite magical - letting you forget about the real world for a moment.

Bali and Its Attractions

Bali is an island in Indonesia that is located at the extreme west of Lesser Sunda Islands that are present between Java and Lombok. Where Java is on the west and Lombok is towards the east of Indonesia. Indonesia has over seventeen thousand islands with a population of more than 200 million. Indonesia also has almost 400 volcanoes, out of which 70 are active and the rest are dormant. English is only used for commercial purposes. Most of the people here are Muslims and a minority of the population is Christian, Hindus and Buddhist.

Bali is the most commercial place in the entire Indonesia as it attracts a lot of tourists because it is known for its beautiful rice terraces, temples, arts, dance, painting, leather and music. The first sets of people to inhabit Bali were Austronesia’s in 200 B.C. These had initially migrated from Taiwan. The Bali culture had lots of influence of India i.e. the Hindus and Chinese culture. Bali is said to be a place that is full of fun, enjoyment and is famous for its mysterious past. Tourists from all over the world travel to this part of the city to see it culture, natural beauty, art and paintings.

If you are one of those who would want to go on a vacation, then this is a destination you must not strike off your list of vacations. Bali has no rail tracks; there are only coastal roads that surround the Island. The entire island is enclosed by coral reefs. The beaches that are in the south have white sand, however, the ones on the north and west have black sand. Another must see site in Bali is the Bali blast monument.