Bali Travel Info

The cheapest flight to Bali: Singapore Airlines $649 From San Francisco to Bali

Click below:

http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/cheap-flights/route-fare?source=56&value=2016-06-30+00%3A00%3A00&u=AZSOEIWFJT&fare_id=11987645&route_from=SFO&route_to=DPS&nltv=&nl_cs=29211764%3A%3A%3A%3A14168164%3A%3A

http://balilight12.wix.com/bali-travel-info

Photos By Ekarini and Singapore Airlines

Bali Travel Info

The Upcoming Interesting Bali’s  Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss

Time flies so fast, now we are in the late June.  If you are planning to be in Bali this June-July, Bali offers many attractions from the biggest Bali Arts Festival, The Makepung Buffalo Races 2016, Kites Festival, and many others.  Bali Travel Info will update you each month about Bali attractions and culture.

visit: http://balilight12.wix.com/bali-travel-info

1.    The 38^th Bali Arts Festival is still an ongoing event until July 9, 2016.  Pack up your snacks and fresh drinks and visit the Werdhi Budaya Arts Center Denpasar Bali.  Don’t forget to bring your kids and family member (the attractions are available for all family).  You can find the complete program here:       http://www.disbud.baliprov.go.id/files/subdomain/disbud/image/Berita/Program%20Acara%20PKB%202016.pdf

Next to Werdhi Budaya Arts Center, just walk to the west through  small walking gate to Banjar Kedaton that you will find yourself with a bunch of booths and vendors are also selling their cheap products: food, toys, clothings, shoes, and kids activities and attractions are very reasonable prices.

2.    Makepung, Buffalo Races 2016

Makepung (Balinese), literally means ‘chasing around’  or Kejar-kejaran in Indonesian language. It is a tradition of buffalo racing which has been passed through generations in Bali’s society, specifically in Jembrana regency, west Bali.  It began of as a race between farmers during their spare time when they were plowing the field in the harvest season. At that time, they competed to reach goals for using a cat tied up to the bull which controlled by a jockey.

Today, the Makepung has become one of the most interesting and viewed attraction for local tourist as well as foreign. It has also become an annual agenda in Bali, thus professionally managed.

Since this event is held professionally, Makepung is the name of a major grand prix in Jembrana, West Bali, which features racing buffalo races. Hundreds of pairs of buffaloes are teamed up together with their jockeys riding the traditional wooden plows that are slightly modified for the competition. 

The racer buffaloes, called kerbau mepadu, compete in various open race circuits in assorted heats around the district of Melaya, leading up to the finals, or what has come to be known as the Jembrana Regent’s Cup, and the Governor’s Cup, held annually.

There are approximately seven different circuits spread out in various locations throughout the district. The Sangyang Cerik circuit in the village of Tuwed, Melaya district is one of the main circuits. The other dedicated fields-turned-circuits include Delod Berawah, Kaliakah, Pangkung Dalem, Merta Sari, Tuwed and Awen. 

On race days, international visitors will also be equally amused by the ‘buffalo fashion shows’ that feature the bovines beautifully and carefully dressed up with ornaments from hoof to horn, in another segment of the ‘best-dressed’ competitions.

Locations and Schedule of the races:

Early mornings at 07:30 with dozens of pairs of pepadu participating. Another hundred or so take part in the 'fashion' parade. The races last for five hours, with the buffaloes divided into three racing divisions. 

The 2016 Makepung buffalo races, (the Jembrana government tourism office's previous year's dates) are bellow:

1. 12 July: Delod Berawah Circuit

2. 26 July: Tuwed Circuit

3. 9 August: Mertasari Circuit (Bupati Cup)

4. 23 August: Pangkung Dalem Circuit

5. 6 September: Delod Berawah Circuit

6. 20 September: Awen Circuit

7. 4 October: Mertasari Circuit

8. 18 October: Kaliakah Circuit

9. 1 November: Delod Berawah Circuit 

10. 15 November: Tuwed Circuit (Jembrana Cup - FINALS)

The Makepung tradition of Jembrana inspired the creation of a Balinese dance of the “Makepung Dance” in 1984. This dance is performed by seven to nine male and female participants, and depicts riders and the buffaloes themselves. One of the unique features of the dance is that it is accompanied by the Jegog bamboo orchestra, which is also typical of the regency.   I am so grateful that I have performed this dance for  many many times.

3.    The Bali Kites Festival 2016

The Bali Kites Festival is a series of kiting events that take place annually between July and August (sometimes through October), notably at the start of the windy season. 

As a seasonal agrarian festival thanking the heavens for abundant crops and harvests, has become a competitive ground for communal ‘banjar’ youth groups who send their ‘sekaa layangan’ kite teams to participate and win prize money from sponsors.

 A competition is also usually held for ‘new creation’ kites, which may include detailed three-dimensional figures and unusual designs, from Hindu gods, cars and motorbikes, to mascots and brand sponsors.

 A gamelan orchestra accompanies each troupe, adding to the joyous spirit of the Bali Kites Festival and the drama of take-off and landing sequences.

The Kites Festival Schedule and locations, the dates may shift following favorable weather conditions:

1. Bali Kite Festival: 22-24 July, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

2. Belega Kite Festival: 30-31 July, Masceti Beach, Gianyar

3. Pelangi Denpasar Kite Festival:  5-7 August, Mertasari Beach, Sanur

4. Dangin Peken Dhananjaya Cup Kite Festival: 13-14 August, Mertasari Beach, Sanur

5. Banjar Banjaran Kite Festival: 17 August, Abiansemal, Badung

6. Tanjung Kite Festival: 19-21 August, Mertasari Beach, Sanur

7. Sanur Kite Festival (Sanur Village Festival): 26-28 August, Mertasari Beach, Sanur

8. Pelangi Badung Kite Festival: 2-4 September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

9. Ungasan Kite Festival: 10-11 September, Ungasan

10. Pelangi Gianyar Kite Festival: 23-25 September, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

11. Tabanan Kite Festival: 1-2 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

12. Bekul Kite Festival: 1-2 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

13. Namaste Kite Festival: 8-9 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

14. Biaung Kite Festival: 15-16 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

15. Rockiller Kite Festival: 21-23 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

16. Bali Kite Festival 2016 (closing ceremony): 29-30 October, Padanggalak Beach, Sanur

Bali Travel Info

Important Tips to Make the Most of Your layover of the Long-Haul Flights To Bali

http://balilight12.wix.com/bali-travel-info

My family and I have a lot of trips to Asia.  It means we experienced long layover times.  If you have 5-6 hour layover, there are so many things you can do in the airport like, sleep (rent a hotel), enjoy the local culture and authentic food, get a massage, meet new people,learn to make local crafts, and my favorite is having a city tour.   Before you decide to leave the airport for a city tour, please keep these tips:

• If possible, when you are checking in for your flight, check your bags straight through to your final destination.  If your layover is too long, however, and you’re not planning on booking a hotel, most large airports will have lockers for your luggage.
• Pack your carry-on with just what you will need during your layover. Don’t forget a change of clothes if you’re staying overnight, or seasonal clothing depending on the location of your layover.  Also, don’t forget important identification, money, and any needed medication.
• Check with your airline to see if your ticket permits you to leave the transit area. Some tickets may not permit you to leave the airport.
• If your layover is overnight, ask your airline if they provide a hotel room. Some airlines offer accommodation, and sometimes food.

When you fly to Bali, some possibilities airports you will have layover with different length of times.  Several ideas you can do in each airport on your way to Bali:

1.   Singapore Changi Airport

Changi airport in Singapore is famous has it all.  A bevy of award-winning, open-air gardens. We’re not sure which is cooler: the two-story butterfly grotto featuring a 27-foot waterfall, indigenous plants, and a thousand free-flying native butterflies (T3); the 40-species cacti garden (T1); or the rare orchid and sunflower gardens (T2). Added crowd-pleasers include T1’s Balinese rooftop pool ($13 nets you shower access, plus a free drink); the world’s tallest airport slide (T3); the Entertainment Deck (T2) with complimentary XBox and PlayStation consoles; and a trio of free movie theaters screening Hollywood flicks 24/7.

There are recharging kiosks and free Wi-Fi hotspots. Didn’t bring your laptop? You can use  one of the 550 free Internet kiosks.

Visit Food Center:

Sample Singaporean specialties like laksa (a piquant noodle soup) and spicy pork rib soup at Prima Taste, or try Imperial Treasure for Cantonese roast goose and fresh fish. 

                           Sleep Inn Ambassador Transit Hotels is located in each terminal.

                   

City Tour

Minimum layover: 5 hours

Travel Time to City Center: 20 to 25 minutes

How to do it: Changi offers a free Singapore bus tour (five times a day) that leaves right from the airport; register in Terminal 2 or 3.

What to do: The excursion covers major sights, including the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel, the futuristic Marina Bay Sands resort, and the 250-acre Gardens by the Bay park. There’s a stopover in Merlion Park to see the iconic half-lion, half-fish statue.

2.    Hong Kong International Airport

The airport is located roughly 25 miles from downtown Hong Kong, which makes the city accessible only for those with long layovers.

If you don’t have enough time to leave the Hong Kong airport during your layover, fortunately you are in the airport that was currently ranked #1 in the world's top airports.   There are many choices of restaurants and shops, you can get a foot reflexology massage, see the 4D extreme screen in Terminal 2.  A full-motion plane-cabin ride simulator and much more.

For those of you have enough time for a city tour:

Minimum layover: 6 hours

Travel Time to City Center: 24 minutes

How to do it: Airport Express Line to Central ($23.50 round-trip; trains every 10 minutes)

What to do: From Central, it’s two MTR stops to Wan Chai, home to chef Alvin Leung Jr.’s renowned Bo Innovation. After sampling, experimental Chinese cuisine, visit the nearby Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, with items dating back to the 11th century B.C.

3.    Taipei (Taiwan Taoyuan Airport)

This airport is the busiest in Taiwan and the hub for China Airlines and EVA Air, and is located roughly 25 miles (50 minutes by car or bus) from downtown Taipei which makes the city accessible to those on a long layover.

If you don’t have enough time to leave the airport during your Taipei layover, The airport offers a number of restaurants and shopping (both regular and duty free), ATMs and currency exchanges, prayer rooms, there are also a couple beauty salons in the airport that cater to both men and women, and shower facilities. 

                         For those of you to have 5-6 hours layover time:

                         You can choose Tour A or Tour B

                         Tour A

                         Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport - Sanshia & Zushih Temple - Yingge -                                     Return to Airport

 Sansia & Zushih Temple

Sansia is about 22km southwest to Taipei, a bustling town with narrow, winding streets and historical brick buildings. The main attraction is Zushih Temple, popular known as the Sanshia Bird Temple, built in honor of Song Dynasty (960-1279) loyalist Cheng Chao-Ying. Cheng was a famous General knitted as "Protector of the Country" for his achievements and value. This temple was in ruins at the end of World War II, and a meticulous restoration project had been underway for some forty years. The temple is known for its intricately carved stone and bronze columns and statues, especially the temple's unique bird art. There are also carved stone lions, camphor wood carvings, and exquisite bronze bast-reliefs.

Yingge Pottery /Yingge: Pottery Heaven

A short trip to the lush countryside southwest of Taipei brings you to Yingge, where hand painted replicas of elegant Ming (1368-1644) and Ching (1644-1911) vases, along with other types of artistic and functional ceramics are produced. The small town is Taiwan's pottery center and its narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything from earthenware tea sets to delicate

Tour B

Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l Airport - Taipei 101 Mall - Longshan Temple - Presidential Office Building - Chiang Kay Shek Memorial Hall - Martyrs' Shrine - Return to Airport

Taipei 101 Building

It stands 508 meters tall with 101 stories on a site area of 30,278 square meters. The development comprises an office tower, a shopping mall and an observatory. It has been certified as the world's tallest building and was opened to the public on 31 December 2004.

Longshan Temple

Taipei is home to many old temples. Longshan Temple is the oldest and most famous. It is one of Taiwan's finest examples of temple architecture.

Presidential Office Building 

The building which houses the Office of the President of Taiwan was inaugurated in March 1919, about seven years after construction began. Its architectural design features an elegant and majestic symmetry. Inside the building there are tall pillars, refined ornaments, long corridors and exquisite arches, all Baroque characteristics which prevail in the Renaissance period. Since the central government was relocated to Taipei in 1949, this building has been used as the Office of the President.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

An impressive monument built in commemoration of the late President Chiang. The majestic hall towers over 25 hectares of landscaped gardens, graceful pavilions, and ponds. The elegant Ming Dynasty styled arch at the main entrance is flanked by two classic buildings: The National Theater and The National Concert Hall. The square between the two buildings is a popular gathering place during festival occasions.

Martyrs' Shrine         

This is an excellent example of classic Ming dynasty architecture, dedicated to the fallen heroes of China's wars. There is an hourly changing of the guard ceremony Time before the entrance, which many people

4 South Korea (Incheon Airport)

 Incheon is a good 30 miles from Seoul’s city center, nine miles from downtown Seoul.  There are many things to do at Incheon, so no matter the length of your layover, you may not even want to leave. 

If you find yourself with a layover in Seoul that is over five hours, you might as well go and explore the real deal. Plenty of historical, cultural, commercial and entertainment destinations are sure to keep you occupied as you explore this fascinating and rapidly developing Asian city. 

 Seoul Incheon airport cleverly packages all the city’s best sights together in a series of free tours geared towards transit passengers. 

Incheon International Airport provides a wide range of free transit tours. Choices include the Incheon City Tour, Seoul City Tour, Temple Tour, and many more. Travelers can choose among the different tours available: 1-hour, 1.5-hour, 2-hour, 3-hour, and 5-hour tour courses. Each transit tour is accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide, so even those who do not speak Korean can enjoy the tours without any difficulties. Moreover, all tours are provided for free. However, tourist site admission fees and meals are excluded and must be paid individually.

You need to stop at the desk to arrange your tour.

If you don’t have enough time to leave the airport, the Incheon airport offers plenty of cultural activities (Walk through the Korean Culture Street (Public Area, 4F), which features traditional buildings and architecture, or visit the Traditional Craft Gallery (4F Transfer Lounge). And available shopping, restaurants, and the best possible amenity are free Wi-Fi. 

Bali Travel Info

Scenes from Bali Arts Festival 2016...  So much to see! 

http://balilight12.wix.com/bali-travel-info

Oleg Dance choreographed by I Ketut Marya in 1952. The story is about two bees in the garden,The dancers represent a male and female bee, with the obsessively flirtatious male chasing the female from one flower to another. 

the Oleg dance is often referred to as "the dance of the bumblebees". It is one of numerous animal-themed dances in Bali, a genre which also includes the cendrawasih, manukrawa, and Kijang Kencana.

Tenun Dance (the dance of the weaver)

This dance is generally performed by three dancers or more. Tenun dance created by I Nyoman Ridet and I Wayan Likes in 1957.  Tenun dance is a very elegant female dance that depicts the skillful and graceful movements of a traditional weaver. In Bali, even to this day, there are women weavers who work on making beautiful kain (cloth) like songket, rangrang,endek and gringsing to be worn on special occasions.

Selamat menonton!  Enjoy the show!

 Follow me on the island of Bali

Don't miss out the Spectacular Bali Arts Festival Parade Saturday June11,2016

http://balilight12.wix.com/bali-travel-info

Bali’s Governor Made Mangku Pastika says he hopes the 38th Bali Arts Festival (Pesta Kesenian Bali – PKB) will be substantially different from previous years in order to address the view from many quarters that the annual celebration of dance, music and theatre has become monotonous.
As reported by Metrobali.com, Governor Pastika’s comments were delivered at a planning session for the PKB-38 held in his office on Thursday, April 14, 2016.
The Governor said that this year’s Bali Arts Festival would focus on the presentation of classical forms of the Balinese lively arts, a fact that should be reflected in all aspects of the PKB, including the opening parade and month-long program of stage performances.

Pastika also called on the organizers to be firm in selecting only quality performers and purveyors of goods to be sold in connection with the PKB.
Concerned about security, he asked law enforcement authorities working at the PKB prevent pick pocketing and prevent thugs from operating extortion racket.
In order to keep the time required for the opening parade, Pastika asked that the number of members of any performing troupe be limited, with the presentations of traditional dress from any one regency be limited to just 5 people. In the same vein, the Governor called for the number of participants from outside Bali to be limited in order to keep the time required for the parade to a more manageable period.
The 38th Bali Arts Festival will operate at various venues in Denpasar from June 11 until July 9, 2016.
Over the month-long festival some 275 parades, performances and workshops will be held featuring the 9 Regencies and municipalities of Bali.

A selection of performance groups from across Indonesia and abroad will also participate.
Reflecting this year’s event’s commitment to classic art forms, organizers are aiming for a mix of 60% traditional arts, 20% popular presentations and 20% contemporary performance.
The PKB-38 will also feature 159 stands selling traditional handicrafts.