this extraordinary island of truly special , how charming people with their artistic approach to life where Hinduism being spiritual compass to life guidance, in tropical paradise presents unique mix of relaxing atmosphere and mood . Despite over 3 million people domiciling the island , calm environment prevails . With all possibilities for true dynamic sportive and adventure type of activities one can find solace and peace on that island . Bali Island , already since early days of 1st century AD , called “ Bali dwipa” has highest in the world concentration of temples , shrines and religious structures . “ It is true Island of a Thousand Puras (Temples)” or the “Island of the Gods”, where shrines and temples to Brahma, the creator , Vishnu, the preserver and Shiva, the destroyer , are evident all over the Island.
In these revered places celebration and worshiping of Hinduism often in unique way through animism concept takes place . Hinduisms , here in Bali , merges many concepts of daily living into big picture of cosmic order which Balinese believe in . Banyan trees respected and used as the natural form of shrine or temple , colourfully adorned in special colourful wraps ,kind of sarongs , provide with its canopy , shade from the tropical sun and also spiritual shelter for worshipers. On this island settled by Austronesian people from around 2000 BC , the religion of Hinduism was introduced already by around 500 BC . This religion and unique geographical position of the Island where power of mother nature is evident in many way through the Ocean being giver of food , provider of amazing sounds of waves poncing on the shores of the coast line altered in the past by the tremors and eruptions of volcanos which in their dormant form present many aspects for understanding the spirituality of the nature ,allows Balinese people see their position here on this Island as the part of spiritual Universe . Phenomena where all physical aspects of the environment have spirit and interact with one another . In Hinduism of Balinese people , Agama Hindu Dharma the spiritual concepts of fusion of Indian Shivaite and Buddhist tradition make them truly honest , gentle and peaceful people . Visitors are welcome here with true character of equatorial world of Lesser Sunda Islands which beside Island of Lembongan also consist Island of Lombok , easily reachable from Bali .
Bali is true delight to visit . Welcome smiling faces of Balinese people dressed in pretty batik material cloth . Men wearing white UDENG head gear and women in Kebaya and Batik sarongs is visual delight . Colours of the nature with turquoise waters of the sea , blue of sky , green of the rice and black and white checked material wrapping the Banyan trees provides variety of unforgettable memories . The religious and associated festivities like offerings of gifts to the Gods are special experiences . Often performed by the sea on the beach . Here different worlds meet . Under the colourful umbrellas with frilly tassels shimmering in wind, carried with pride on the woven palm leaves trays , rich offerings containing earthly foods , flowers and sometimes birds and animals , sometimes even cigarettes, are presented to the Gods of the sea . The umbrella in Bali is not just only to protect from Sun it is symbol of protective power of GOD which throws the divine shadow on everything in the Universe . At the same time when the offerings are given on the beach in the ceremonial fashion , on these beaches tourists seek relaxation , abilities to enjoy sport activities and also pay due respect to the nature by looking after their bodies while swimming , sunbaking or enjoying Balinese massages . Beaches in Bali are temples of spirituality and also hedonism . Psychedelic colours of boats on golden sand awaiting launch on turquoise waters for the fishing , huge kites with vibrating sounds on blue sky is truly mesmerizing impression . It is pure joy to be here in Bali and pay respect to bodily , mental and spiritual needs .
Bali provides tourists with comfortable , wonderfully designed and decorated with artistic flavour places of accommodation . Spa resorts , villas , hotels are well appointed and positioned at major places of attractions . Beaches , Seminyak , Kuta ,Legian , Sanur , interior villages like Ubud or neighbouring Islands with Nusa Lembongan being forty minutes fast boat ride , provide wide range of fun and variety of relaxation and joy of life , while holidaying in Bali . The gentle Balinese massages are beside wide range of joys while holidaying in Bali, very welcome activities. After sports , shopping and enjoyment of delightful food , relaxing massage is truly enjoyable and unwinds the body and mind .
Some of the beaches renown already for sometime , provide surfing and waves for fun while new section of Bali Seminyak , not long ago small village now provides facilities for sophisticated fun while staying at extraordinarily elegant hotels and Spa Resorts and also boutique Villas . “ Tony’s Villas “ presents choice of very quiet spacious , in leafy environment , villa stay in Seminyak . On other hand Sanur beach on other hand is the part of Bali where long walks , bike rides are presenting variety of relaxations while staying here at well appointed hotels . Here all sort of water sports are available . Snorkelling , paragliding , Para-surfing and swimming in warm waters of the ocean .” Mercure Resort “ is well positioned for these joys of holiday and is presenting to the guests beside great accommodation , huge gardens presenting tranquillity for these who wish to relax after busy night life of Bali . From Sanur also fast boats of “ Scoot “ Company depart to Nusa Lembongan . Here on Lembongan Island water sports , walks and exploration of the island provide opportunities to limitless fun . For some who seek calm and quiet atmosphere Island of Lembongan presents also peaceful holiday at pleasantly appointed Villas and Spa Resorts . One of great places with views on the Mt. Agung volcano on Bali and eco style villas is “ Naturalle Villas” on Lembongan .
Some daily excursions into the interior of Bali are available and provide chance to visit Balinese villages and see the Balinese working on picturesque rice terraces . Ubud is one of very popular town to call while in Bali . Boutique hotels , markets , monkeys forest and opportunities to visit eco- farms where Balinese coffee is planted are available to the visitors. Beside this Ubud is the place to make short visits to the terrace rice fields which some of provide opportunity to stay at Villa pleasantly situated by the rice fields and riches of rural life style of Bali . From Ubud the Lake Batur with great vistas on Mt . Batur and Mt . Agun which is 3100 m. High is also place worth a visit . While touring eastern part of Bali interior , very special and enriching experience is visit to Tirta Empul Temple . This spiritual complex and Temple was built in 962 A.D. during the Warmadewa dynasty . Here many people do special pilgrimage to cleanse their spirit and mind while submerging in holy waters of the Temple spring. From here one can see modern villa on the hill. Which was built for President Sukarno’s visit in 1954. Now this elegant , overlooking Temple villa is used to provide accommodation for important guests.
Bali is definitely place to consider as the destination to visit . Many international airlines fly to Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, often called Denpasar International Airport, being positioned only 13 km south of Denpasar , where one can start the Bali experience . Garuda Indonesia , Singapore Airlines , AirAsia , Jetstar fly directly to Denpasar while some who present services to neighbouring countries have also special deals . One of these carriers is LOT Polish Airlines .
Terima kasih- Thanks for reading and exploring Bali on the website and Selamat dating – Welcome to Bali .
WMIG Bali September 2014
Websites to visit to plan the travel to Bali :
Transport :
Airlines:
– http://www.lot.com/gb/en/?gclid=CLCBrZLo7MACFUtwvAodE5wApQ – LOT Polish Airlines
– http://www.singaporeair.com – Singapore Airlines
– http://www.jetstar.com – Jetstar Airlines
– https://www.garuda-indonesia.com – Garuda Indonesia Airlines
http://www.airasia.com/au/en/home.page?cid=eab308axiaa&gclid=CPfftovp7MACFU1wvAodNXIAZw – AirAsia Airlines
Sea Inter-islands transport
- http://www.scootcruise.com – Scoot boats Sanur – Bali to Nusa Lembongan – Island
Accommodation:
http://www.balitonys.com/ – Tony’s Villas Seminyak Bali
http://www.naturalevillas.com/ – Naturale Villas – Nusa Lembongan – Island off Bali
http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-5474-mercure-resort-sanur/index.shtml- Mercure Resort Sanur Bali
About Bali :
http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/73/bali- official Indonesia Tourism website about Bali,
http://www.balitourismboard.org – official Bali website