Padang Padang - South Bali

Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang beach is set in a bay, so you need to climb down a few stairs to get there. It's a beautiful beach and because it's set within a bay it feels very secluded.

Besides its soft sand the water here is amazingly clear and has a green-blue emerald color. On specific times during the day it's a popular spot for surfers because of the great waves. But most of the time the water is calm here. Just as the whole atmosphere at this beach, very relaxing...

This is one of the spot where Julia Roberts act on her movie "Eat, Pray & Love".

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Sanur Beach - South Bali

Sanur Beach

Sanur beach is a clean beach set along a walking path and a string of Bali beach resorts. A lot of activities take place at this beach, from sunbathing on the comfortable sunbeds, massages on the beach, to renting traditional boats to go on a tour along the coast line.
A great thing about this beach is that you can stroll along the walking path for miles on end. Every now and then you can stop for some drinks and food or to check the many shops right at the beach.

Article Source: www.EznieArticles.com

Kuta - Bali

Kuta is probably one of the most famous beach in World. Simply sitting by one of the stalls, enjoying gentle touch of sea breezes and watching people of all kinds - age, race, nationality and fashion - would make my day. In the evening, you can sit back, relax and watch the sun disappears from the horizon. The beach line in Kuta district is segmented into three parts - Tuban Beach, Kuta Beach and Legian Beach. As its name implies, Kuta Beach is 'central' beach, accessible from Jalan Raya Pantai Kuta. Over the past decades, Kuta Beach has evolved to become the central magnet of Bali. Hundreds of Thousands of tourists visit Kuta Beach every year. Absent of any disasters or major disruptions, the beach is crowded throughout the year.

Hotels nearby:

You don't have to worry because there are tens or maybe hundreds hotels here, with various budget, from cheap small hotels to big famous luxurious hotels.

Some famous hotels are: Hard Rock Hotel, Harris Hotel, Mercure Hotel, Discovery Plaza Hotel, Santika Beach Hotel.

Where to eat nearby:

From Pizza Hut to McDonalds, from Nanxiang Restaurant offering fine Chinese cuisine to Vivo Rosso offering dine and lounge experience.

If you prefer something that is small on budget but great in taste, there is a food court located right at the center of Jalan Raya Pantai Kuta. You can pick from Chinese seafood to traditional Indonesian to Western dishes. Also you can try some Indonesian food like babi guling/grilled pork (Balinese style ), sweet rojak (Javanese Style), nasi padang (Sumatera), nasi uduk (Jakarta), bakso (Obama says it's delicious). When you are thirsty, give Teh Botol (Bottled Iced Tea) a try.

Where to go nearby:

- Kuta Square, a place to buy handy craft, arts, painting, clothes. Bali has a great and beautiful art, the people really have a very good art taste.

- Jalan Legian and Ground Zero Monument

- Discovery Mall

- Joger and Krishna

Article Source: www.EzineArticles.com

10 Surf Spots to Surf When in Bali Indonesia

Have you been searching for surf spots to surf when in Bali Indonesia? Have you been asking around in various forums, hunting down the locals and so on? If so, you have come to the right place. We know how difficult it is to find the perfect surfing spot, especially when you don't know the area very well. There is a lot of work when it comes to finding some great Bali beaches to catch a wave. Luckily, we have put together a guide for you. Now you can pick 2-3 places to visit during your family vacation in Bali.
1. Break Bingin
Located in the South of Bali, this catches some of the S.E trade winds, which creates beautiful and higher waves than most beaches. It can become quite crowded during the typical seasons so if you need a take off area, you'll need to go when there are not as many people. The waves are often shirt but it's a great ride and worth the trip.
2. Padang Padang
Walk along the sealed road, working your way up the stairs and then slowly moving onto the sandy white beach. This is definitely a beach you won't forget with it's lovely views. It has a frontal reef and is very easy to paddle out. You will be able to experience waves that are anywhere from 5 to even 8 feet here during the dry season which is in the months of May through October. This beach can also become extremely crowded since this is one of the top 5 spots for surfers and those just looking to get a great tan. If you wave to catch a wave, the best time to do this is during the morning when there are better chances and not as many people.
3. Uluwatu
Uluwatu can be located in Southern Bali. It used to be very hard to get to, considering you had to walk there but now you can drive your way into the warungs. The land is divided into different categories like the Racetrack, temples, Peak and the Outside corner. Most surfers believe that you can batch the best waves here being that they are fast waves and can reach up to 10 feet.
4. Nyang-Nyang
Known for it's luscious waves, this is a wonderful place for surfers. In fact, most surfers visit this beach on a daily basis.
5. Kuta Beach
Kuta is one destination you will never forget. The area is sometimes crowded and has many traveler visiting. Watch the sunrise here and you'll be impressed!
6. Dreamland
This is a very popular reef with many people. However, lately it has become way too crowded if you are looking for ab open ocean or shore.
7. Canggu
Some people name this beach "Echo beach". This is just north of Kuta and has some very large breaks. Usually you can go for the breaks in the morning time,
Here are the three other beaches you may want to visit as well:
8. Nusa Lembongan
9. Tumban Serangan
10. Keramas

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_M_Jones

Uluwatu Temple and Suluban Beach

• Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple is one of the oldest temples in Indonesia and sits on the cliffs up above the ocean. It offers amazing views out to the ocean, sunset, and surrounding beaches. It is also used by surfers down on the beach who learn rather quickly to direct themselves in the waves according to the direction of the temple.
This is a Hindu temple erected as a worshipping ground to the "spirits of the sea." It has become a hot spot for visitors to Uluwatu and a legend to all local surfers.
There are also raves held at the temple and along the beaches anytime there is a full moon. The raves held inside the temple will be a lot calmer than those found on the beaches, which may be more ideal for many travelers who want to experience this exciting form of Indonesian full moon celebration.
And don't forget to watch the "Kecak Dance" performance, it's very exciting to watch this performance with exotic view of the beach.

• Suluban Beach

One of the best beaches to stay at in the Uluwatu area is Suluban Beach. Suluban Beach is close to the Uluwatu Temple.There are amazing cliffs running along the beach with comfortable villas nestled in the cliffs which can be rented at reasonable prices. The surf is always hot on this beach, with many tourists enjoying the atmosphere created by the mix of enthusiastic travelers and the locals who happen to be excellent surfers as well.
You can find Suluban Beach at the Pecatu Village and will find it to be one of the more peaceful, relaxing beaches in Uluwatu. Besides surfing, we can enjoy snorkeling and other adventures that aren't quite as risky.
This area of Bali is known for being a hot spot for more advanced surfers. Beginners or those who are not quite comfortable on more dangerous waves may not feel comfortable hitting the water with the expert locals who have been living on the waves their entire lives.


Article Source: www.EzineArticles.com

Lovina Beach

Lovina, a sparsely populated stretch of pristine black sand beach, has become the destination of choice for tourists wishing to escape the Bali's busy south. Lovina Beach is home to quaint hotels, secluded resorts and vacation villas all built on or near the beach. Visitors to north Bali will discover that the region offers a much more rewarding vacation experience than the cookie cutter package tours found in south Bali.
Unlike the south of Bali, the beach at Lovina is comprised of black sand. Whereas white-sand beaches are created out of the remnants of corals and dead sea-crustaceans, black sand beaches originate from volcanic lava flows.

An ornate dolphin sculpture in Lovina's town centre and the abundance of carved dolphin figurines for sale is a clear indication of the area's affinity for dolphins. The calm waters off the Lovina's coast are home to many dolphin pods. The friendly mammals love frolicking around passing boats, making dolphin sighting one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lovina.
Lovina is cheaper than the rest of Bali! This should come as welcome news to budget travellers as it allows them to get the quintessential Bali experience without having to stay in the ever increasingly expensive south. Hotels, meals and the cost of living in general are lower in Lovina.Situated in Bali's north shore, Lovina is known for its peace, friendliness, beauty and affordability. Among the things to see and do in Lovina are dolphin watching, scuba diving, snorkelling, waterfalls, hot springs, beaches and ancient temples.

Where to go nearby:
Singaraja city. Lovina lies a few kilometres west of the city of Singaraja, the Dutch colonial seat of power in Bali. Always worth a visit for anyone staying in Lovina, Singaraja retains the look and feel of an old Dutch colonial city. Singaraja also holds the distinction of being Bali's most multi ethnic city, with clear European, Arab and Chinese influences - testament to the city's importance as a major trading hub in days of yore.


Article Source: www.EzineArticles.com

Bali Beaches - Our 6 Favorites

For such a small island, it's amazing how many different types of Bali beaches there are. You have beaches with white sand and palm trees, but there are also the black volcanic beaches where you can find great Bali scuba diving sites or cliff beaches which are mostly popular among surfers.

Here is a list of our 6 favorite Bali beaches. They all differ from each other but they are mostly the beaches where you want to chill out on the soft sand during you beach holiday in Bali.
Jimbaran - South Bali
Jimbaran is located just under Kuta beach. Unlike the other beaches located north of Jimbaran and popular among travelers, this beach has soft clean sand and most importantly it is very quiet.
Unlike other Bali beaches hawkers are not allowed here, so once on Jimbaran beach you can fully enjoy the sun and refreshing sea breeze.
And when the sun is about to set and you get hungry you can stroll to the many restaurants located on the beach. Enjoy grilled seafood and a good glass of wine by candle light...
Sanur - South Bali
Sanur beach is a clean beach set along a walking path and a string of Bali beach resorts. A lot of activities take place at this beach, from sunbathing on the comfortable sunbeds, massages on the beach, to renting traditional boats to go on a tour along the coast line.
A great thing about this beach is that you can stroll along the walking path for miles on end. Every now and then you can stop for some drinks and food or to check the many shops right at the beach.
Padang Padang - South Bali
Padang Padang beach is set in a bay, so you need to climb down a few stairs to get there. It's a beautiful beach and because it's set within a bay it feels very secluded.
Besides its soft sand the water here is amazingly clear and has a green-blue emerald color. On specific times during the day it's a popular spot for surfers because of the great waves. But most of the time the water is calm here. Just as the whole atmosphere at this beach, very relaxing...
Balangan - South Bali
Balangan beach only has a couple of accommodation options available, which makes it a very quiet place to spend a couple of days on the beach.
Surfers come here to catch some waves, but at low tide puddles form near the beach where you can lie in and cool down. The soft sand makes it a perfect spot for a stroll while enjoying the sunset.
Pasir Putih - East Bali
Pasir Putih means white beach and this description is not an exaggeration. It's one of the whitest Bali beaches we've seen so far on the island. With the dark blue ocean on one side and the palm trees on the other, you can say that this beach is picture post card perfect.
Surprisingly, but maybe also luckily there is no tourist development here. So don't expect hotels or big restaurants. Instead there are only a handfull of warungs (small restaurants) along the beach and a couple of sunbeds.
Nevertheless, if you want to experience the white tropical beach then this is the place to be...
Balian - West Bali
Balian beach has black sand and the water here is mostly attractive for surfers than for those who want to take a dip.
So why is this one of our favorite Bali beaches?
I guess it's the whole atmosphere, it very laid back and it's a place where you can relax, feel the seabreeze, walk along the beach and enjoy each others company. To fully appreciate Balian beach you should plan to stay there at least one night. There are a couple of nice places to stay here, so that won't be a problem...

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Verbaan

Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran beach is one of Bali's best beaches and stretches itself out for 5 miles. It starts at the Ngurah Rai International airport and ends at the glamorous Four Seasons resort. The village is traditionally a fishing village and they are still very active. You can find the fishermen coming ashore early in the morning where their catch finds its way to the popular fish market.
Jimbaran is located just under Kuta beach. Unlike the other beaches located north of Jimbaran and popular among travelers, this beach has soft clean sand and most importantly it is very quiet.
Unlike other Bali beaches hawkers are not allowed here, so once on Jimbaran beach you can fully enjoy the sun and refreshing sea breeze.
And when the sun is about to set and you get hungry you can stroll to the many restaurants located on the beach. Enjoy grilled seafood and a good glass of wine by candle light...
This makes Jimbaran the ideal spot for those travellers who love to escape from it all and for those spending quality time together on a honeymoon.

Hotels nearby:
Here the representatives of many resorts in the south of Bali come to buy their first class fish.
There are some really good resorts and hotels where you can stay in this little village. There's the above mentioned Four Season Resort, the Intercontinental Bali, the Puri Jimbaran Resort and the Keraton all with direct access to the beach.


Article Source: www.EzineArticles.com

Bali Cruises

Bali Hai Cruises
Cruise the spectacular waters of Bali to beautiful Lembongan Island with Bali's leading marine tourism company, Bali Hai Cruises. Their comprehensive cruise programmes and Hai Tide Huts offer a variety of activities with world-class facilities.
There are six excellent daily cruises to choose from. The Lembongan Island Reef Cruise, the Beach Club Cruise, the Sunset Dinner Cruise, the spectacular trip aboard Aristocat, the Ocean Rafting 3 Island Cruise and Dolphin Cruise. Whichever you choose, you're sure to enjoy some of Bali's best views, a host of exciting activities and a sumptuous buffet. All in the capable hands of the experienced and hospitable crew.

Bounty Cruises
Cruise in comfort aboard Bali Bounty Cruises 400 passenger catamaran. With a cruising speed of up to 30 knots, you may sit back, relax and enjoy full staff service while reading the daily newspaper or viewing our onboard video entertainment. Sail from Bali every day. Offers two types of cruise:

• Day Cruise - Lembongan Island

 Join our cruise for a full day of water activities — above and below the sea — on our 48 meter pontoon located in the beautiful, crystal clear waters of Shanghiang Bay on Nusa Lembongan Island. The most fun you can have in one day.

• Dinner Cruise - Sunset Cruise

 Once the sun goes down, step aboard for a night of romantic floating fun. Enjoy our program of live entertainment with your appetizing International Buffet Dinner served on the main deck. Dance the night away with our onboard DJ.

Ombak Putih
The Buginese schooner "Ombak Putih" (which means "White Wave") was custom designed for Western travellers and built in 1996/1997 by traditional craftsmen in Kalimantan. Each of the 12 twin cabins (see deck plans) has its own shower and toilet and its own air-conditioner, and there is a crew of 15 to take care of the passengers' needs.
You can book 2-day to 10-day cruises on the "Ombak Putih" during all times of the year, and you have a wide choice of destinations. There are visits to the Lesser Sunda Islands east of Bali where you can swim and snorkel at pristine beaches or explore villages where women still weave the traditional ikat cloth. The most popular cruise is the 7-day trip Bali-Komodo-Bali to visit the famous dragons who only here have survived from the Jurassic age.
At other times, from November to February, the "Ombak Putih" sails to South Sulawesi, a sun drenched island that once drew explorers and traders from all parts of the world. Historic colonial buildings and forts evoke the shadow of the past – equally impressive are today's vibrant local culture and magical beliefs that still play an important role in everyday life.
In the Lesser Sunda Island as well as around Sulawesi you'll also find coral reefs that are amazing both in their colour and in the variety of life they sustain. Therefore, these cruises offer new experiences and unforgettable impressions for every traveller to Asia.

Pinisi Sea Safari

Each of the 12 double/twin cabins (see deck plan Sea Safari III, deck plan Sea Safari V and deck plan Sea Safari VI) has its own shower and toilet and its own air-conditioner, and there is a crew of 15 to take care of the passengers' needs.

You can book 7-day and 8-day cruises on the "Sea Safari" during all parts of the year, and you have a wide choice of destinations. There are visits to the Lesser Sunda Islands east of Bali where you can swim and snorkel at pristine beaches or explore villages where women still weave the traditional ikat cloth. And you can visit the island of Komodo, famous for its dragons who only here survived from the Jurassic age.
At other times the "Sea Safari" sails through the exotic Moluccas, a sun drenched group of islands that once drew explorers and traders from all parts of the world in search of precious cargoes of nutmeg and cloves. Historic Dutch and Portuguese forts evoke the shadows of the past – equally impressive are today's vibrant local cultures and magical beliefs that still play an important role in everyday life.
In the Lesser Sunda Island as well as in the Moluccas you'll also find coral reefs that are amazing both in their colour and in the variety of life they sustain. Therefore, these cruises offer new experiences and unforgettable impressions for every traveller to Asia.


Raja Laut
Raja Laut is a classic gaff rigged schooner designed for private yacht charter. Over 100ft in length, Raja Laut can accommodate 12 guests in 6 spacious and beautifully appointed cabins with ensuite bathrooms, hot showers and air-conditioning. She has an interior dining area full of classic charm and a spacious saloon for relaxing. Above deck there are also areas designed for relaxation and dining whilst you enjoy the magnificent natural cruising grounds of Southeast Asia.
The Vessels
Raja Laut private yacht charters are supported by an experienced skipper, with a crew of 6 including a dive instructor and our top class chef. Raja Laut's luscious wooden surroundings are complemented by satellite communication systems and Television and DVD. She has 8 sets of diving equipment, two sea kayaks, a pair of water skis, a wake board, a 4.7 meter rib with 60HP and two surf boards. Time and time again the Raja Laut and her journeys offer the discerning traveler an experience to savour!
For those with a craving for SCUBA Raja Laut comes fully equipped with her own compressor, dive gear and divemaster, whilst kayaks, water skis and surfboards provide plenty of fun above the water.

Seven Seas

From Bali to Komodo, Wakatobi, Alor, the Banda Sea, Raja Ampat and the Papua Bird's Head, all the great destinations within reach from a single comfortable liveaboard. With its tropical climate, warm waters, staggering array of wildlife above and below the water and stunning scenery, this is the land explorers returned to time and again. Welcome you aboard our luxurious 30m schooner for your own voyage of discovery.
Comfortably accommodating 16 guests in 8 state rooms with en-suite bathrooms, The Seven Seas promises you a high quality diving and adventure holiday mixed with relaxation and a unique opportunity to enjoy onboard spa treatments, amazing pampering at great value.
Don't limit yourself to our suggestions! There are countlesss islands in Indonesia's Eastern region to welcome you. Chart your own course and let the Seven Seas Team assist in your adventure of a lifetime.

Island Explorer Cruises
Choose any of four different crafts to reach Coconut Beach Resort in Lembongan Island where you can enjoy a full day vacation with various water sports activities such as snorkling, diving, fishing, banana boat riding or joining the semi-submersible boat – all in a day's adventure.

The Waka Cruises
The Waka Fleet of vessels has been sailing to Lembongan Island and Candidasa since 1992. We have a history of excellence and for creating a personalized, unique experience. The Waka Fleet comprises two vessels.