Art, Faith and Bali

It has always been and always will be the idyllic paradise that people dream about. In fact, most of the people visiting Indonesia come here only to enjoy a holiday in Bali. So popular is its image across the world, that the mere mention of the name Bali will evoke an image of palm fringed beaches, cool lakes, rushing rivers, plantations and high volcanoes.

And it is this exotic vision that is attracting people in hordes. The result – rampant commercialization and even overcrowding in some places. Otherwise, it continues to remain Indonesia’s number one tourist destination. It still retains the original charm that was discovered by the first visitors to this haven. Its popular name is ‘Island of the Gods’ and its smiling people make it so. Bali is at its best in the many small rural villages in the fertile interior.

Bali’s magnetic charm is so powerful that the tragedy of the 2002’s bomb attack is long since forgotten. The bomb attack had killed 200 tourists and injured hundreds more.

It continues to thrive on tourism attracting an increasing number of people from all over the world.

Bali is distinguished from the rest of Indonesia by its predominantly Hindu character. The people are Hindu in fait which is reflected in their ceremonies, daily rituals, the many festivals and their way of life. Their belief way of life incorporates the Indonesian conviction that natural objects are inhabited by good or bad spirits.

The spiritual centre of the Balinese people is the Holy Mountain, the soaring volcanic cone of Gunung Agung. The island has thousands of Hindu temples and other places of worship.

But beaches and swaying palm trees and temples aren’t the only things that attract tourists. Its art is also very much a drawing force. Today, art and tourism are the main source of revenue for the island. Bali’s cultural centre Ubud has its streets lined with art and craft shops. Art is so much a part of the Balinese people that every village has its artistes. You could meet an aspiring young man who has quit fishing to pursue his passion for art or you might even bump into a painter of international renown. The city also offers performances of traditional Balinese dance and music.

Bali has a good number of beach resorts scattered around the island. There are also a number of good diving sites and reef snorkeling on various beaches. The North and East coast of Bali offer more peaceful settings, such as at Candidasa, Sanur and the fishing village of Padang Bai

Kuta

”Sun, sand, surf and exciting nightlife” this is the average tourist’s image of Kuta, bali’s most popular and perhaps even most crowded resort. Kuta also offers plenty of quality accommodation and good food. Never mind its crowds. This city is a good base from which to explore the rest of the island. Trips can be arranged to Bali’s other attractions like water sports, surfing, reef snorkeling, temples, fishing, etc. While you’re in Kuta you could also check out the Temple of Tanah Lot, which seems spectacularly balanced on a wave-lashed rocky isle. This fascinating temple at sunset is perhaps the most photographed feature of Bali.

The people of Kuta are generally genial and easygoing. But watch out for the pesky touts who offer everything from ‘Rolex’ watches and ‘Canon’ cameras to sarongs.

Ubud

If you are into art then you would be heading first for Ubud which is the cultural centre of Bali. Set in the hills north of Denpasar, Ubud’s major attractions are the art museums and galleries, notably the Neka Museum, which contain a huge collection of traditional and modern Balinese paintings. You would also find an enormous variety of Balinese art and crafts on the streets and marketplaces of Ubud. The place offers frequent performances of traditional dance and music, and restaurants offering some of the best food on the island.

When in Ubud, reserve a day for hiking in the scenic Batur region; its volcano and lake are popular tourist attractions. Ubud is also close to the famous ‘Mother Temple’ of Besakih which is situated on the slopes of the holy Agung Volcano.

Lovina

Lovina in Bali’s northern coast is a beautiful resort stretching several kilometers of black volcanic coastline. Lovina encompasses six villages and Kalibukbuk is the tourist centre.

Its largely rural charm gives it a different character from the rest of Bali. Here you will find ducks, cattle, chicken and pigs on the fields and sometimes even ambling onto the roads. Perhaps you will appreciate that this part of Bali has not developed as much as Kuta for instance. There are guesthouses on the beach or among the rice fields. In Lovina you can board colourful boats that take you to see sociable dolphins who are most active at sunrise. You would also find good spots for snorkeling and diving excursions.

Among its other attractions are the Air Panas hot springs at Banjar and Bali’s only Buddhist monastery Brahma Vihara Arama, which is just a few few kilometers away.

Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga
Bali Jalan Nusa Dua,
Bali 80363,
Indonesia

The Bali Aga in the name of this hotel means “the original Bali”. Quite appropriate, perhaps, considering its service is a blend of distinctive Balinese cultural heritage and modern comforts. The very conservative Balinese who can be found in the nearby village of Tonganan, are known to preserve their tradition with a great zeal.

The Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga is located only 20 kilometres northeast from the Ngurah Rai Airport. It is a deluxe property offering 60 spacious guest rooms which are elegantly appointed and equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities. These include controlled air conditioning, in-room safe, a mini-bar, stereo system with CD player, satellite TV, large well-lit writing desk, international direct dial telephone, satellite TV, stereo system with CD player, hair dryer and coffee/tea making facilities.

If you like golf you could enjoy putting at the Bali Golf & Country Club. The Nusa Dua Galleria Shopping and the Bali Aga Private Beach Club are nearby. The staff are cordial, attentive and most efficient.

Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort Hotel
Bali Kawasan Wisata Btdc Lot 1
Bali 80363,
Indonesia

This luxury property is situated right on the beautiful beach of Nusa Dua and only minutes away from all the best in shopping and entertainment venues as well as good restaurants and water sport facilities. The Melia Bali has recently added a Japanese restaurant to its list of seven food and beverage outlets. For golf enthusiasts, there is also an 18-hole championship golf course.

The Melia Bali Villas and Spa Resort Hotel is located only 12 kilometers away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. It has 500 spacious guest rooms which are well furnished and reflect Balinese style. Each has a unique Balinese stone carved entrance and enlarged bathroom, teakwood furniture and exotic batik fabrics. Every room features air conditioning, a private safe, colour TV, satellite TV, IDD telephone, a mini bar and either a terrace or a balcony. The exotic ambience is greatly enhanced by a garden of lush tropical flora; within this garden is a large lagoon style swimming pool. The hotel has the look and feel of a sanctuary. The hotel also has a special Balinese wedding house and a new spa.

Melia Benoa Resort Hotel Bali
J1 Pratama,
Tanjung Benoa,
Bali 80363,
Indonesia

This five-star luxury resort is situated in Tanjung Benoa. It offers its guest the best in water sports and exclusive beaches. Guests also enjoy various cuisines in the multi-themed restaurants; plus it has numerous bars where guests can relax with a favourite drink. The hotel also offers a wide choice of daytime and evening entertainment programmes. For sports it offers professional instructors and a full range of facilities.

The guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Each room has a private balcony. The resort hotel has a host of attractions: a large beautifully landscaped swimming pool, a full service spa that offers an extensive menu of therapeutic treatments (not included), non-motorized water sports (sailboats, canoes, snorkeling equipment, windsurf gear, etc.) and three excellent restaurants.

Aston Bali Resort & Spa Hotel
Denpasar Bali Jalan Pratama 68x Denpasar Bali 80363,
Indonesia

Twenty minutes away from the airport is this charming beach resort - the Aston Bali Resort and Spa hotel. And twenty-five minutes drive will take you to the world famous Kuta beach.

The Aston Bali Resort and Spa is a luxury hotel property located on the waterfront facing the golden sandy beaches of Tanjung Benoa.

Its service is a blend of professionalism and Balinese tradition, providing you with western comforts at this resort. The features include a fabulous pool with waterfalls and a sunken bar. As the resort is right on the beach, you cannot be far away from water sports. The hotel provides experienced staff to instruct you in various water sports.

The rooms are spacious and luxurious, each having modern furnishings, fittings and fixtures. Plus a private balcony.

Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel Denpasar Bali
Ji Jang Tuah
Po Box 3275
Denpasar Bali 80032
Indonesia

This luxury hotel is perfect for swimmers, snorkelers, sun-worshippers and other outdoor enthusiasts. It is set on a wide stretch of beach in Sanur, which is the original Bali resort. The setting couldn’t be more inviting - extensive landscaped gardens, and the sea. The Grand Bali Beach is a luxury hotel and located within 20 minutes drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport.

The hotel boasts excellent service with personal care. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped with individually controllable air conditioning, humidity control, private bath/shower, radio, Satellite TV, In-house movie channel, international direct dial telephones, etc.

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