DIE WITH ME CLOTHING: Bali Simply the World's Best Island

Probably the most famous island in Indonesia, and probably is more well known for its beautiful beaches.

Bali has been awarded the World's Best Island 2009 by Travel & Leisure Magazine (www.travelandleisure.com) and has been included in Lonely Planet's Best of Travel 2010 as the second place in Top Regions.

Bali is also called the Land of the Gods, due to its sheer beauty and miraculous sceneries. Bali will appeal to both urbanites and suburbanites, for this exotic island has many things to offer, from sophisticated dining and meeting experience to exhilarating treks in the wild. Indeed, this relatively small island contains lots of miracles.

A miracle indeed, for after all these years, Bali still can amaze both local and international visitors. You can find interesting variety of people here, from the ones who prefer to surf in the beaches of Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Dreamland, Nusa Dua and others, to people who love the serene view of the mountains and lakes in Batur, Kintamani, and Beratan Lake in Bedugul. People continue to flock to Bali, for it serves as a beacon of good time filled with magical moments.

Getting There

With the increasing number of direct flight to Bali from some other parts of the world, it makes it easier to go to Bali. From Bali, flight to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours, with various airlines offering their services.

Just make sure you look for "Denpasar (DPS)" instead of "Bali" in airline time tables. It is the capital of Bali. And the international airport's name is Ngurah Rai.

Another way to reach the island is by ferry, crossing from Banyuwangi, East Java for 30 to 45 minutes to Ketapang. From Bali, you can also reach Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara through Padang Bay seaport with transit at Lembar seaport for a total of 4 hours of travel.

Of course, you can always check your travel agents for more travel arrangements.

Getting Around

There are many modes of transport to help you get around in Bali. A variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and tour operators which abound in Bali. Or you can find a car and driver who will also act as your guide.

Whilst walking about, you will be barraged with constant questions of "Transport, transport?". Competition is tight and many drivers know several languages. Tell the driver your desired route and negotiate a fee.

An important virtue to have while on the road in Bali is patience! Although the road system in the heavily populated areas is quite reasonable (condition wise) in comparison to other developing countries, it can be heavily congested at peak periods. Ceremonial processions often overtake the whole road so if you're caught behind a procession, enjoy the colorful experience.

To Do

Too many to mention. You'll realize it soon after arriving. Part of the miracle of Bali is that, even in modern life, most Balinese still adhere to their unique traditions, especially the Hindu ones. Spirits are respected and sometimes worshipped, and rituals have integrated themselves into the daily lives of the local people. Many artists consider Bali both as a haven and heaven. Too many people have tried to capture the spirit of Bali into paintings, sculptures, even writings and more will continue to do so. Bali provides endless fascination and inspiration. Hence international, annual event like Ubud Readers and Writers Festival. But enough about inspiration. How about perspiration?

A number of beaches in this island are the favorite resorts for surfers. While some others offer variety of water sports or family recreation, such as banana boats, parasailing or jetskiing.

In the northern part of Bali, there are Kuta Beach, Sanur, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Dreamland, and Nusa Dua, to name a few. While on the other side there are the attractive Lovina, Amed, and Tulamben beach. For mountainous nuance, devotees will find Batur Lake at Kintamani and Beratan Lake at Bedugul to their liking. Other than Bali, there are number of small islands nearby like Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. Both small beautiful islands also have nature fascinating sceneries.

To Stay

Many beautiful resorts offer fine lodgings. Most of the starred hotels are located near the beach. Otherwise, they usually have their own private spots at certain beaches. You can find them easily at popular spots like Kuta or Sanur.

If you're in a serene highland like Ubud, forget starred hotels. You're there to embrace the atmosphere. Just pick one of the small lodgings lining up the streets. And even the smallest one's ready to make you feel welcome.

During the 2007 Ubud Readers and Writers Festival, a man in a wheelchair checked in at a small inn on Monkey Forest. He had some difficulties in navigating through the stairs to his bungalow. He then left for the Festival. When he returned at night, the owner had already paved an ascending lane to his bungalow. That's a typical Balinese hospitality.

When you've already picked a certain destination in Bali, just check out our Travel Directory. See what options are near.

To Buy

There are are thousands of giftshops in Bali. Everywhere you go, from Denpasar to Ubud, you'll find many things you'd like to bring back home. Try clicking the "Find a Shop" button on the bottom right if you need some pointers.