 |
|
|
| Home
> Snap,
Crackle & Pop > Honeymoon
> Charms Of Bali |
|
|
Charms Of Bali
|
|
|
|
Pura Tanah Lot
Photo courtesy of Wong Suk Harn
|
| |
| An
island of contrasts is perhaps the best way to
describe Bali. Arguably one of the best known
islands in the Asia Pacific region, perhaps even
the world, Bali has much to offer as a holiday
destination. 'Sun, sea and surf' is one extreme
of the Bali experience with the 'hills and countryside'
being the other. Whether it's the pulsating nightlife
by the coast you crave, or the cultural facets
you desire to learn more about, this charming
gem in the Indonesian archipelago is indeed a
feast for the senses. |
| |
|
|
|
View from room in Ubud
Photos courtesy of Edward Lee
|
| |
| When
visiting this enchanted island of predominantly
Hindu devotees, one can't help but feel a sense
of serenity, particularly in the less 'touristy'
regions in the interior, perhaps as a result of
the spirituality that emanates from the many temples
that can be found on this Indian Ocean isle. Every
which way you turn, one is reminded of the influence
of the Hindu religion, be it in the architecture
of the residential homes, even on commercialised
shopping streets like Jalan Legian and Jalan Seminyak
in Kuta, the offering of prayers to start off
each day or the sacred temples (known locally
as 'pura') that one will come across throughout
the island. Indeed, some of these temples are
definitely worth a visit. Pura Tanah Lot for example
offers a stunning photographic opportunity. Standing
on a rock on the southwestern coast, the throngs
of tourists waiting to capture its image during
sunset is testament to its enduring popularity
as a top tourist attraction. |
| |
|
|
|
Tirta Empul
Photo courtesy of Wong Suk Harn
|
| |
| Spirituality
aside, Bali is indeed a place to let one's hair
down. In the southern tourist belt of Kuta, the
beach is unparalleled. The more popular waterfront
stretch of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak merge into
one long beach buzzing with activities, pounding
surf and perhaps the best sunsets in Bali. The
Kuta section of the beach is by far the most busy
and exciting. Heading north towards Legian and
Seminyak beaches meanwhile, offers a more sedate
environment just to laze and sunbathe. Locals
and tourists mix and mingle, riding the waves,
having massages, manicures and pedicures, while
soaking in the sun and marvelling at the sensational
views that entice them to return every evening
to watch the sun set. |
| |
|
|
|
Resort in Ubud
Photos courtesy of Wong Suk Harn
|
| |
| Visitors
are also spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment.
In its myriad forms including shopping, eating,
night clubbing, people watching and cultural tourism,
the variety is endless, catering to various budgets,
ensuring that everyone can have a good time. Shopping
while extremely popular along the Kuta, Legian,
Seminyak stretch - with local as well as foreign
brands - extends to the interiors and hill regions
as well, with handicrafts of high quality and
artistic value available in abundance at the latter,
particularly in and around Ubud, the epitome of
cultural tourism. It is in Ubud where visitors
can truly experience the culture of the Balinese.
This little village is made for walking. Quaint
shops and galleries provide visitors a glimpse
into the artistic inclinations of the Balinese.
Shopping aside, attending a dance performance
and getting oneself pampered in its traditional
spas are worthwhile endeavours as well. |
| |
|
|
|
Kintamani
Photo courtesy of Edward Lee
|
| |
| The
multitude of cafes, restaurants and street vendors
makes Bali a gastronomic haven. Local and international
cuisine ensure that every palate is catered to.
Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Ubud all profess to
be home to some of the best restaurants and cafes
in Bali, claims which are not unwarranted, considering
the variety available and the unchallenged ambience
only the Balinese can create. Where nightlife
is concerned, Seminyak is the uncomparable clubbing
enclave, ranked second to none on the island. |
| |
|
|
|
Dinner on Jimbaran Beach
Photo courtesy of Edward Lee
|
| |
| Indeed
a week in Bali is really insufficient to fully
explore the many facets of Indonesia's premier
romantic tourism destination. There is just so
much to do and see. While tourists often congregate
in the Kuta and Ubud regions, the eastern, western
and northern parts of the island are themselves
extremely captivating as well. Once one gets a
taste of Bali, they often come back for more.
Why, some even stay on forever. |
| |
|
|
|
Pura Ulun Danau Bratan
Photo courtesy of Edward Lee
|
| |
| Written
by Kris Wong, this article originally appeared
in the September - October 2005 issue of Treazures,
and is reproduced here with permission. |
| Tip
: Take lots of photos! |
No of Views
|
|
|
|
|
