Contents
Bali Local History | Bali Attractions | Bali Cuisine | Bali Restaurant | Bali Beaches| Bali Park & Gardens | Bali Shopping | Bali Children's Activities |
Bali Local History
Bali Local Histori
Evidence of settlement goes back to the Neolithic period of around 3000 B.C., but the culture flourished under Chinese and Indian influences, including the introduction of Buddhism and Hinduism beginning in 800 B.C. Bali was ruled periodically by the Javanese and, with the rise of Islam on the mainland, the last Javanese Majapahit king fled the Jakarta for Bali in 1515.
When a Dutch contingent came to set up formal relations and establish trade, in 1601, the first real Western presence was established. Balinese slaves were shipped to Dutch and French merchants. In the era of Napoleon,
The most dramatic and tragic event in Balinese history came in 1906 when, in response to the looting of a wrecked Chinese trading vessel, Dutch troops landed at Sanur to take the island. Balinese troops lost any hope and, marched directly into open fire in a mass suicide. A similar scene was repeated in 1908. Dutch control of
World War II saw an exodus of foreigners with the arrival of Japanese troops. For Indonesians, it was a time of both strain under the brief Japanese occupation and revelation in light of the withdrawal of Dutch control. Shortly after the end of the war in 1945, Nationalist Party founder Sukarno, announced a declaration of Indonesian independence and was named president. The Dutch withdrew under international pressure in 1949. Hindu Bali was suspect under the rule of Muslim Jakarta, and the island was hit very hard by economic collapse. In 1965, Suharto seized control in response to a staged communist coup, and conflicts continued for several years. As many as 100,000 Balinese were killed. Under Suharto, the military gained a far-reaching influence over national affairs. For the next 3 decades, until the major economic crisis of 1997,
The bombings in October 2002 brought the world's problems to paradise, and Balinese are doing what they can to repair the damage literally and spiritually, stepping up security at sea and airports and encouraging tourists to return.
Bali Attractions
BALI ATTRACTIONS
Goa Gajah Bedulu's
Gitgit Waterfall - The most impressive waterfall on the island. Located not far to the town of
Bali Cuisine
BALI CUISINE
Your visit to Bali is not complete unless you partake in a delightful gastronomical tour of the food and fruit of
Or go for a all-out rijsttafel (literally "rice table") buffet (a full spread of dishes popularized by the Dutch and still found at many restaurants). Nasi goreng, on many menus, is fried rice with shallots, chilies, soy sauce, ketchup, and other ingredients. You will not find liquor in any Muslim restaurant, but you will find it otherwise readily available throughout
Bali Local History
BALI RESTAURANT
Amanusa - The Terrace restaurant's candle lighted tables provide a romantic dinner setting above the peninsula's twinkling lights. Indonesian and Thai food are the highlights. Main courses over Rp 200000. Jl. Nusa Dua Selatan. Tel: 0361/772333.
Balangan - This simple, thatch-roof pavilion looks over the ocean from atop the forested Jimbaran hills, and specialize in Italian food. It is intimate and refreshing, with just six alfresco tables and soft classical music in the background. Nibble on French oysters, penne with grilled vegetable-basil pesto and crispy goat-cheese croutons, linguini with chorizo sausages, or homemade pumpkin ravioli. Try the roasted mango with caramel sauce. Reservations essential. Main course: Rp 50000 to Rp 150000. Br. Cengiling 88, Jimbaran. Tel: 0361/410711.
Ary's Warung - This Ubud classic combines a cozy front terrace with a larger adjacent bar and a second-floor dining pavilion. The menu is limited but trendy, and the restaurant is international and romantic, especially by evening candlelight. Prices: Rp 50000 to Rp 150000. Jl. Raya, Ubud,
Ubud :gr8 ambience situated by the lke and you can see the barong dance as well Mosiac:very up market-outstanding food! Ku De Ta:Have drinks on the loungers literally by the waves.
Bali Beaches
BALI BEACHES
Nusa Dua - Magnificent white sandy beaches with many 5 star hotels. This is a must see.
Sanur - Exciting white sandy beach known as one of the main tourist resorts with an international hotel. Here you can feast your tast buds after a lazy day in the sun, at some of the restaurants. Nightlife scenes offers Sanur dance performances and this is the perfect time to take some photographs. There is a rich variety of water sports to enjoy.
Kuta - The best known tourist resort inIndonesia
If you are a surfing enthusiastBali is definitely the place for you as some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island. Conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas with little more than a ripple breaking the calm surface of the water.
Virgina Beach - by A Travel Library User from United States
Its pretty and a great place to relax.
BALI PARK & GARDENS
TheBali Barat Na tional Park - Covering an area over 750 km2 on the western tip of Bali . The park's boundaries are open savannah, rainforest, mangrove swamps and the coral reefs of Menjangan Island
West Bali Nationa l Park Menjangan Island
Botanical Gardens - The tranquil botanical gardens of Kebun Raya in Bedugul has the last remaining tropical forest on the island and is home to more than 700 species of trees and a unique collection of orchids and ferns.
The Nature Reserve ofMount Batukaru - Here you can discover Bali 's glorious flora and fauna in an adventure that will lead you into the cool surroundings of a tropical rainforest. Jungle Trekking is a family affair and just the way to experience the hidden world of Bali 's wildlife and native plants, as you pass by ancient strangler trees, ferns, wild orchids and hanging lianas (the home of many species of tropical birds and animals). Stop for a picnic lunch by a clear mountain stream before continuing your journey to the archaic temple of Batukaru
Elephant Safari Park Bali .
BALI SHOPPING
The sheer quantity of arts and crafts available for purchase inBali is overwhelming. There is something for all budgets, from tourist trinkets to fine art and antiques. It is a shopper's paradise of fabrics, clothing, wood and stone carvings, paintings, and doodads of varying quality. You get what you pay for generally, but with a bit of haggling, can get a lot more for what you pay. Masks used in traditional performance, many of the bug-eyed demoness Rangda, make fine souvenirs (but beware: tradition has it that even tourist copies can be inhabited).
Ancient stylized paintings of deities and the delicately carved "lontar" palm frond books are both still produced on the island. Expatriates have had as much influence on modern Balinese art as the ancients. With a little searching, you can find some real masterpieces here.Bali is well known for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags to tailor made leather jackets. Prices are so low, that you are sure to need more room in your suitcase. Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store..
The Kumbasari Market - This market, near the river, gives an interesting overview of Indonesian markets with household wares and clothing on the third level, spices and goods on the second level, and a traditional market in the basement. Nearby is Jalan Hasanudin, a whole street of gold shops selling 18 to 22 carat gold jewellery. Jalan Sulawesi, also near, is where all manner of fabrics are available. The entire street has fabric stores on both sides with a few household ware shops in between..
Bedugul - This is known as a farming area and is a great place to buy the choicest fruits, vegetables and flowers..
Denpasar, Kuta-Legian, Sanur and Nusa DuaMany - There are numerous western-style department stores and shopping centers in these areas that offer a range of clothing, shoes, leather goods, sports gear and toys. The service is generally good, and the low value of the rupiah ensures excellent prices. Balinese arts and crafts are the most popular purchases, but you can also get value-for-money goods such as clothing, music, musical instruments and watches..
Southern Bali - Here you will find the ultimate in open-air market where traditional Asian-style shopping still thrives. High-quality crafts, low prices, and professional shipping services make it one of the best places in Indonesia
BALI CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
Bull Racing - The bull races ("Mekepung") are thrilling contests between teams of two young bulls harnessed to a chariot, which is ridden by a jockey who holds onto the bull's tails as they career down a 2km race course. The bulls are treated with great care and are fed elaborate diets containing all sorts of wonderful potions and secret ingredients. These races are held from July to October and is something the kids will really enjoy. A must do for the whole family. .
Bali'sBird Park Bali Bird Park
Bungee Jumping - Popular onBali as in many other countries around the world. Thrill to the feeling of momentary weightlessness as one first ‘takes off’ then freefalls to the end of the bungee cord. Jump from a high tower close to a cascade in Blangsinga-Gianyar. This activity is definitely not for the faint-hearted or the real littlies (though they will certainly get a thrill from watch Mum or Dad attempting the plunge). Tel: 0361/752658.
Sanur - Exciting white sandy beach known as one of the main tourist resorts with an international hotel. Here you can feast your tast buds after a lazy day in the sun, at some of the restaurants. Nightlife scenes offers Sanur dance performances and this is the perfect time to take some photographs. There is a rich variety of water sports to enjoy.
Kuta - The best known tourist resort in
If you are a surfing enthusiast
Its pretty and a great place to relax.
Bali Park & Gardens
BALI PARK & GARDENS
The
Botanical Gardens - The tranquil botanical gardens of Kebun Raya in Bedugul has the last remaining tropical forest on the island and is home to more than 700 species of trees and a unique collection of orchids and ferns.
The Nature Reserve of
Bali Shooping
BALI SHOPPING
The sheer quantity of arts and crafts available for purchase in
Ancient stylized paintings of deities and the delicately carved "lontar" palm frond books are both still produced on the island. Expatriates have had as much influence on modern Balinese art as the ancients. With a little searching, you can find some real masterpieces here.
The Kumbasari Market - This market, near the river, gives an interesting overview of Indonesian markets with household wares and clothing on the third level, spices and goods on the second level, and a traditional market in the basement. Nearby is Jalan Hasanudin, a whole street of gold shops selling 18 to 22 carat gold jewellery. Jalan Sulawesi, also near, is where all manner of fabrics are available. The entire street has fabric stores on both sides with a few household ware shops in between..
Bedugul - This is known as a farming area and is a great place to buy the choicest fruits, vegetables and flowers..
Denpasar, Kuta-Legian, Sanur and Nusa DuaMany - There are numerous western-style department stores and shopping centers in these areas that offer a range of clothing, shoes, leather goods, sports gear and toys. The service is generally good, and the low value of the rupiah ensures excellent prices. Balinese arts and crafts are the most popular purchases, but you can also get value-for-money goods such as clothing, music, musical instruments and watches..
Bali Children Activities
BALI CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
Bull Racing - The bull races ("Mekepung") are thrilling contests between teams of two young bulls harnessed to a chariot, which is ridden by a jockey who holds onto the bull's tails as they career down a 2km race course. The bulls are treated with great care and are fed elaborate diets containing all sorts of wonderful potions and secret ingredients. These races are held from July to October and is something the kids will really enjoy. A must do for the whole family. .
Bali's
Bungee Jumping - Popular on
