Head to Bali For Some Top Surfing

 

The Wanderlust Travel Awards 2009 are out and it's official: Indonesia is one of the world's top holiday destinations. A holiday in Indonesia is a true melting-pot of experience; you can go from one of the chicest bars on the planet in central Jakarta to a remote tropical island paradise in a matter of hours.

If you're a surfer, you're probably looking for the dream boarding hang-out and in 2009 the largest swells so far have been seen off the coast of Bali in Indonesia. Recently, 10ft waves were crashing down at Outside Corner, and the swell in Bali peaked on Saturday September 11th with surfers riding mammoth 12ft waves.

And let's not forget that the largest wave ever surfed hit Uluwatu 20 years ago, so Indonesia is surely due another record breaking swell. If you've been bitten by the surfing bug and are yet to take a holiday to Indonesia, you don't know what you're missing.

Depok Beach is a popular haunt for travellers in search of great angling; and for those who don't want to hang around there's one of the best fish markets in the country held here every day.

There's also sailing, diving, a vibrant nightlife, trekking delicious cuisine and safaris on offer, and if it all gets too much you can drop out and spend a week on a deserted beach.

Indonesia is a tropical paradise; perfect for beach bums, surfers or fishing fanatics. If you're looking for a place which will offer you choice, Indonesia should be high up your list of places to check out in 2022.

Top Beaches in Asia

 

Asian beaches have a much different character than anything in the Western world. The sand is clean and the water warm, ocean life is abundant for the exploring, and there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, scuba diving, and boating. Or if you have a more sedentary afternoon in mind, you'll usually find plenty of nearby places to lounge under a thatched roof or in a beach recliner, while people bring you tropical drinks in glasses made out of coconut shells.

With much of the coastlines in the tropical regions of Asia, it's no small wonder that the beaches here are ranked as some of the most amazing in the world. Whether you're lounging on a beach on an island off the coast of Thailand, on the South China Sea, or on the banks of the Mekong, you're sure to have plenty to do. Beaches aren't just beaches in Asia. You'll see some great shopping with local craftspeople selling their wares, night markets, bazaars, and fabulous entertainment, along with some of the finest beachfront restaurants you could ever want.

Beachfront Dining

After a relaxing day on the beach, you won't have to go far to find something to eat, and in many cases, you won't have to move at all. Many beaches have food stands and rows of beach chairs, and people waiting to take your order. But beyond that, there's nothing like a good sit-down restaurant overlooking the water, so brush off the sand and head on over for some freshly-caught seafood! The variety is astounding. You'll find restaurants on the pier and on floating barges, restaurants in boats, and restaurants on the sand. In Kanchanaburi Thailand, you can enjoy some fresh crab at a restaurant overlooking the Mae Kwai, with a perfect view of the historic "Bridge over the River Kwai". For you youngsters born after World War Two, that's right, it wasn't just a movie, it's a real place. Feel free to walk across it while whistling the theme song from the film.

Beachfront Accommodations

Asia's stunningly pure beaches are so compelling, you won't want to leave. So why take a hotel room in town, when there are plenty of affordable, comfortable resorts right on the beach? There's nothing like waking up in the morning and walking right out onto the sand to have your morning coffee as you watch the waves roll in off the sea. And depending on where you go, you will find a range of accommodations, ranging from a simple thatched hut to a five-star hotel. Those on a budget can still enjoy staying close to the beach with an amazing array of quaint bungalows and backpacker guest houses that will leave you with plenty of extra money in your pocket.

But while many regions are highly developed and feature luxurious accommodations, there are still plenty of unspoiled and undeveloped beachfront regions for those who want to rough it a little. Vietnam's China Beach, which runs between Danang and Hoi An, is still largely undeveloped, and is a rare and beautiful gem in this Southeast Asian paradise. Closer to Danang, you will find more upscale resorts, but you're just as likely to encounter a local spot with quaint grass huts to spend the night. Another rare and largely unexplored beachfront area is along the Sihanoukville coast in Cambodia, where you'll still find accommodations built in traditional architectural styles.

Respect for Local Customs

The beautiful beaches throughout much of Asia attract people from all over the world, and tourists (and tourist dollars) are always welcome. But your trip will be more pleasant if you understand a bit about local customs, and resist imposing your own on the locals. Most local Asian cultures for example, tend to be modest, and public skinny-dipping or topless bathing is mostly a Western phenomenon. Yet many mistakenly believe that it is acceptable on Asian beaches. Respect the local customs and find out ahead of time whether it's commonly accepted practice on any given beach before you drop your top.

Some of the most breathtaking beaches are also close by to other sites you may want to see, including Buddhist temples. Most Buddhist temples are open to the public, and the monks in residence are always quite happy to welcome visitors who want to have a look around. But avoid the temptation to walk straight from the beach to the temple in your bathing suit-custom requires you to dress modestly, with long pants (or a skirt for women), and a modest top that covers your arms.

Surfing Fun

Asia has become a prime surfing destination for those who seek the ultimate wave. Surfers visiting destinations like Padang Padang, Indonesia, or some of the warm waters off the Maldives, won't be disappointed. If you're an old pro, the surf will be high and the excitement unbelievable. If you're a beginner or even a first-timer, don't be intimidated though, you will find plenty of spots with more mild surf and capable instructors to get you started.

Beyond the Beach and Under the Water

Asia's beaches are so spectacular you won't need to go very far to satisfy your vacation needs, but if you venture out a little, you can also take a boat ride to get up close to the sea life, or even go scuba diving or snorkeling to get a look at what's underneath the water. Asia has some of the most spectacular scuba sites, complete with places for training and for renting equipment. The Coral Triangle in Malaysia for example, offers incredible diversity and abundant colorful sealife; and world-famous Christmas Island offers amazing views of nature both above and underneath the water.

The Perfect Getaway

And the great thing about beaches in Asia is that no matter what time of year, you can find someplace warm. In the tropical regions, it is sunny year-round, so be sure to send a picture of yourself enjoying the warm waters back to your friends who are busy digging out from the latest snowstorm.

At least one day at the beach when visiting Asia is recommended. Some of the more populous regions, such as Hong Kong, will have more crowded beaches, but you won't have to look far to find one that has room for you to carve out a little space of your own for the afternoon.

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Lombok - The Quieter Alternative to Bali That Is Purely Lombok in Character

 

Did you know there is another Bali out there? That's right. Just a short boat ride west from Bali is Bali Junior, aka Lombok. The island offers visitors a quieter alternative to Bali, while still containing interesting destinations and offering great activities similar to its eastern neighbor.

Some say Lombok is Bali 20 or so years ago. Now, if you thought Bali was great, then imagine the potential that awaits at this island. All it takes is for you to head east from Bali and cross the Lombok Straight. And in no time, you'll be there.

So, what's over there? Miles and miles of fine beaches! This is definitely the place to go for a seaside relaxation experience. Don't forget to hit Tanjung A'an Beach where the sand looks like pepper. Just don't eat it, ok? Surfers can also hit the waves in Lombok too. Far out! And of course, the island can provide some pretty cool and memorable dive and snorkeling experiences. You are in the tropics after all.

But if you are yearning for more, then the island can certainly provide that as well. Mount Rinjani, an active volcano majestically looms over the island. No matter there in the island you are, the mountain will also be looking over you. Plus, the area around the volcano forms the Mount Rinjani National Park, home to some beautiful protected forest. So trekkers, pack your boots and gear yourself up for some unbelievable hiking experiences in Lombok.

Lombok is also your base for the Gili Islands. This set of three island lie just of the northwest coast. And what about these islands? Well, if you really want a taste of authentic paradisaical living with no cars and motorbikes disturbing the peace, then there you go. Your only choices for transportation are your feet, bicycle or horse drawn carriage. Yes, it may be hard to believe but it is true. Dive, snorkel, swim, bask on the beach as you wish. But please, do not swim between islands! It may look swimmable, but the currents are fierce and you will be risking your life by doing this. Just a warning. Otherwise, the Gilis are all yours!

Vespa Experience in Bali

 

For many travelers, Bali is the unique island of the Gods, or the island of thousand temples. These are just two of the nicknames, given to Bali by clever tourism marketing people.

That sounds mysterious and exciting. And for many tourists it is enough to visit several temples, to admire the exotic charm of another world from the outside,

and possibly enjoy some cheap massages in a spa. On my first visit to Bali that's been enough for me also. But I was infected at the same time. A virus had overwhelmed me. A virus called Bali. Since those times I have been to Bali very often, have made many friends and experienced the "real", the original Bali. The Bali beyond the illusory tourism-world.

For several years I stayed, whenever I have been to Bali, with my Balinese adoptive family. I shared their everyday live. So I got very deep insights into the culture of the island. And then it happened, that I met the Balinese Vespas.

Amazingly, there is a very interesting Vespa scene in Indonesia. This is because in Java until the year 2001 Vespas were produced. The old scooters are now often taken over by "young guns" to prepare them. There are three fractions. The first tries to restore Vespas faithfully. In this scene, you can meet real beautyful scooters.

There are also two other types of "scooterists": extreme and gembel. The "extreme" change their Vespas often so, that you wouldn't imagine that there is still a vespa-engine in the heart of the newly formed vehicle. There is a range from "choppers" to a variety of trikes and even small cars.

The "Gembels" (the Indonesian word 'gembel' = very poor, ragged, torn down), however, attach utmost importance to their Vespas just ragged, torn, rusted and almost like a moving pile of garbage come along. There are holes cut into the bodies and everything is omitted, which is not absolutely necessary. Often have Gembel Vespas sidecars in the form of a platform with a bamboo roof, sometimes even the classic sidecar-form as permeable grid structure made of tubes welded together.

All this is possible because a vehicle inspection by authorities is not performed. As long as there are papers in which the chassis number and engine number are shown correctly, you can unscrew the license plate of the "former" Vespa, simply put it on the redesigned vehicle - and no one complains... Common to all scooteristsin Indonesia is, that they are organized in clubs where close cohesion is practiced. And of course there are plenty of shared tours. Highlights are as in Europe, the big Vespa meetings.

We from Bali Vespa tour can offer tourists the experience to join tours with members of the local Vespa scene. Our guests will get deep into the Balinese culture on our trips (including mixed Vespa / trekking). They come to places that other visitors to Bali have rarely seen. And last but not least they will have many contacts with friendly locals who do not want to sell anything to the guest, as it happens elsewhere in the encounter between tourists and Balinese way too often.

Getting To Lombok From Bali

 

The island of Lombok is one of the main constituents of the Lesser Sunda Islands and lies in West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia. According to the regional geographical pattern, it is somewhat similar in density and size with the neighboring Bali Island that lies to the west of Lombok. The two are separated by the Lombok Strait. Lombok has a number of smaller islands called the Gilli Islands. Tourism is one of the biggest income earners for Bali and Lombok. Majority of travelers visit Bali-Lombok region to view the different hot spots in the region. Each has something to offer and this generates better and luxurious transport systems.

Transport between Bali-Lombok-Gili Islands is mostly based on sea and air. By air, travelers can go to Lombok International Airport which lies on the south western part of the city of Lombok. It is currently the only international-class operational airport within the region. In Bali, there is the Ngurah Rai International Airport which located near Jimbaran in the southern part of the island which offer air travel to a number of local and international destinations. Daily flights are available from Bali and Lombok. Travelers can also choose a wide variety of airlines services in the spot.

Alternatively, travelers can reach Lombok from Bali through sea transport that is easy to access. The cheapest is via public ferries. The ferries depart from Padang Bai on the eastern part of Bali to Lembar on the western part of Lombok at 2-hours intervals with a 24-hours transport system, carrying goods, passengers and vehicles. The ferries are quite basic and slow, with a time span of between 4-5 hours per trip.

Fast boats are another option under sea transport and operate along Bali to Lombok to Gili Islands. Private fast boat are available for hire at Serangan Harbour and Benoa Harbour in South Bali, and Padang Bai Harbour in East Bali. Those fast boats are equipped with standard safety measures for passengers, making transportation very safe and efficient. Charges are quite expensive when compared with ferries and air transport to Lombok. However, you will reach Lombok and the Gilis within 2 hours.

The region around Bali, Lombok and Gili islands has much to offer. Each transport option should be chosen based on travelers budget. Fast boats with a special offer are considered the best for budget travelers. Travelers can take a sunbath on the boat roof during the trip and get chance to see swimming dolphins.

There are many budget fast boat from Bali to Lombok. One things that travelers should do is examine whether a fast boat have passenger insurance or not. Visit each company website for Bali Gili Islands special offer.

Bali Expat Life - Five Reasons Why I Love Living in Bali

 

Here are five reasons why I love loving in the beautiful island of Bali in no particular order:

1. Ever day there is something to celebrate. 

Bali's population is made up of mostly Hindus. It seems like every day there is some kind of special ceremony going on- temple anniversaries, holy days, celebrations, dances, new house ceremonies, wedding and funeral ceremonies.

While I am not Hindu, nor do I participate in any of the ceremonies, it is still fun and interesting learning about the different ceremonies and watching the people prepare for them. The temples are decorated with beautiful flowers and decorations made from bamboo.

Even if you aren't of Hindu faith, I think everyone can something out of their beliefs. Nyepi day for example is a day of silence, where everybody stays at home inside. No one is allowed to drive cars or motorbikes and people even keep their radios and televisions quiet. It is a day for self introspection where everyone has the chance to have a fresh start.

2. The strong community spirit. 

I think in many western countries we have lost the value of community. Often people living right next door to one another don't even bother to socialize or talk to each other. In Bali most people still live in small villages and even if they move they retain close ties to their original village. The village head is referred to as the banjar and he takes care of organizing the dates for religious events, collecting money for the ceremonies and sometimes even handing out punishment to criminals.

If you get out of the tourist areas in the country side, the people are very friendly and will say hello and stop you for a chat. Our neighbors are some of the friendliest people I have met. They seem to spend most of their time outside, so you can't walk by without having a chat.

3. The climate. 

Indonesia is right on the equator, so it goes without saying that it is a hot place to live. There are cooler places in Bali though in the mountains that are much cooler. If you live near the sea you get nice breezes. While it might be hot for 1-2 hours in the middle of the day, the mornings and early evenings are great times for getting out and exploring. If your house has good ventilation, you can get by without having air conditioning. You can also do like what many Balinese do and have a nap in the hottest part of the day.

4. Activities. 

I don't think anyone can ever say they are bored living in Bali. There is so much for such a small island. Being an island with beautiful beaches, you can enjoy many water based activities like diving, surfing, kite surfing and swimming. The mountains and lakes in the interior offer great opportunities for hiking. The rich culture of the Balinese and their love of beautiful art and sculpture, opens up more possibilities of having new and wonderful experiences.

5. Cost of living. 

While you can now buy million dollar homes in areas like Seminyak, Bali still has a very low cost of living. If you make your way out of the main tourist areas, you can find very comfortable and affordable housing. By shopping in the markets where the locals buy their food, you can save even more money.

Albia Villa - The Luxury Rental Villa, Bali

 

Bali, the unsurpassable and ultimate holiday destination island, is located in Indonesia. Each year thousands of tourists flock in this island to experience the paradise on earth. In fact, there are a few who even plan their wedding in this perfect embodiment of heaven. The exotic beaches and the beautiful landscapes never fail to sweep you off your feet. The Balinese culture and handicrafts are the major attraction around here. It is accompanied with the Balinese folklore, dance, music, cuisine, sculpture and woodcarving like exquisite show of art and architecture.

Tourist accommodation in this island comes in different forms like hotels, resorts, cottages. However, the most well deserved getaway you can get on this island is through your stay in one of the Bali Villas, that provides you home-like feeling. With first class service and luxuries and location of the villas they are the best bet for the perfect holiday experience for you and your family. One such luxury rental villa we are about to discuss today is The Albia Villa.

The Albia Villa is located such that it is embraced by the picturesque rice fields and the gently rolling hills of Umalas. On account of its unique location, when compared to other Bali Villas, Albia Villa is enveloped by the gentle breeze infusing its magical feel onto the villa premises and flowing along with it, are the subtle fragrances of frangipani and oleander. To add on to the nature's delight is the sweet sound of the tropical birds singing in tune with the local farmers who keep themselves occupied in rice harvesting. Apart from the statuesque location amongst nature's bounty, the Albia Villa also provides quick access to some of the most happening beaches, restaurants, shopping and nightlife on the island.

The state of the art décor of the Bali Villa is characterized with a central courtyard and a private swimming pool, encompassed by lush lawns and tropical gardens and a serene pond. It provides an ideal combination of the traditional Bali style of open-air living as also the western style facilities which are essentially a part of the luxury living.

The Albia Villa is equipped with four fully air-conditioned bedrooms with their own separate changing rooms, a private en-suite bathroom with open-air showers. For additional recreation and leisure purposes they have a range of living rooms and dining rooms around the villa. The villa is also armed with professionally trained and highly experienced staff that is at your services for your housekeeping, meal preparing, caretaking and security needs.

Booking into The Albia Villa is a piece of cake with their user friendly website on the internet. It is a well organized website giving you all the intricate details that you need to know prior to your booking. You could also voice in your needs and requirements prior to your arrival and they will make sure all those things are kept ready at your discretion as soon as you enter the villa. The villa rentals vary according to the season. At a low season that falls between the dates, 9th Jan to 22nd Jan, 2nd Feb to 6th April, 18th April to 31st May, 1st Oct to 13th Dec, the villa rate is priced at USD 260 per night. At the seasons intermediate between the high and the low that falls within 7th April to 17th April, 1st June to 31st July, 1st Sep to 30th Sep, the rent is priced at USD 345 per night. Finally at the peak season that falls between 23rd Jan to 1st Feb, 1st Aug to 31st Aug, 14th Dec to 8th Jan, the rent charge is USD 395 per night.

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