Celebrating Valentine’s Day in Bali (2020)

By Ekarini

For more info about Bali, visit: Bali Travel Info

Oh February, Are you in Bali on the Valentine’s Day?  And are you looking for a special place to spend with your love one? Or are you single and looking for a place to have a great time? Bali has it all.  Bali is famous for its romantic places and a journey to fall in love with someone.  Bali is also famous for self- discovery, you can join spiritual retreats and choose one, they are available all over the island.  Visiting the sacred sites and temples ask for blessings is the treat for your soul.  Whatever your style to celebrate LOVE, Bali is ready for you.  As you know, island of Bali is romantic every day.

They will make an extra special on the Valentine’s Day for you.  No question anywhere you go in Bali on the “V” Day, you will see flowers, good food, champagne, and beautiful places with romantic decoration.  I hope you have a blast to visit the island.

Here are some romantic places in Bali to spend time with your love one.

The Trans Resort Bali

Photo: The Trans Resort Bali

 “The location is most couples’ favorite.”  This property is rated for the best value in Seminyak area.  Guests are getting more for their money.”  Normally, for valentine’s special, they offer set of menus, some wines, and of course some beautiful flowers. If you want stress free of planning a perfect Valentine’s dinner, The Trans Resort Bali has everything you need from a romantic setting by the white sandy beach pool to 5-course exquisite set menu that will impress your special one. 

Location: Jalan Sunset road, Kerobokan, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.

Photo: Trans Resort Bali

Indus Restaurant

“Create a magical moment for both of you on the Valentine’s Day. Savor in Indus special Valentine’s menu while enjoying the magical view of the Tjampuhan.”

Location: 88X Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Kecamatan Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia.

February 14, 2020. 7:00 pm- 10:00 pm WITA

Photo: Indus Restaurant

Casa Luna Restaurant

Celebrate love and fall in love all over again on Valentine’s Day at Casa Luna.  Casa Luna is preparing s special love celebration with special menu.

Phone: 0361 977 409 for details

Location: Jalan Raya Ubud Kecamatan Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia.

Copper Kitchen & Bar

Lovers feast

“We believe in staying true to self for realness is the core of a relationship for the ages.”  This Valentine’s Day treat your special one an intimate dinner.  Enjoy the feast and Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Location: Jalan Bisma, Ubud 80571

Photo: Copper Kitchen & Bar

Kanvaz Resort Seminyak

“Romance Awaits”

Celebrate love and share your happiness at Kanvaz Resort Seminyak in the heart of Seminyak.  “The romance Awaits packages including a two-night stay daily breakfast for the love birds.” Kanvaz Resort Seminyak.

The Kanvaz Resort Seminyak offers Couples to dine in at Kaza Inspirational Dining for a 2-Michelin Star Cuisine, inspired by Chef Cyril Boulais, featuring lobsters and caviar, for a grand candlelight romantic dinner.

For couples preferred to enjoy SPA, Kanvaz Resort Seminyak offers Elemental spa & Wellness to welcome them to experience the exclusive love bird spa package.

Call 62 361 2090 818

Photo: Blue karma Nestling Ubud

Blue Karma Nestling Ubud

“Loving February package”

Ubud boutique hotel will provide you with the soul healing experience like nowhere else.  Celebrate the month of love with Blue Karma nestling Ubud. “A romantic getaway to Bali is always a great idea.”

Valentine’s Day package features:

-Deep tissue massage 90 minutes

-Special Valentine dinner for couple

-Tantric yoga for couple

-60 minutes Tarot reading session*

-Two-way transport transfer

*Resort credit for the guests staying for other dates booking before February 14 to February 14, 2020. Staying period February 1-29, 2020.

Here are some places for singles who are looking for a party and have a great time:

Bali has so many places for single who are ready to mingle.  The beach club is available around Bali.  Visit music club, yoga center, SPAs, join the Bali adventure tour, join a spiritual retreat, visit sacred sites and beautiful temples on the island.

For nightlife lovers:

Visit Akasaka Bali

For more info:  http://www.akasaka-bali.com/

Bounty Discotheque

Location: Jalan Raya Legian, Kuta kabupaten Badung, Bali 80 361, Indonesia

Sky Garden Bali

Location: Jalan Legian 61, Kuta Bali, Indonesia

Phone: 62 361 755423

Open: 9:00pm

Wit 8 pubs and club under one roof.  Sky Garden provides you with amazing food, drink, and entertainment.

Sea Vu Play Bali

Location: Jalan Peti Tenget Kerobokan kelod,Kuta Utara, Badung bali 80361 Indonesia

Phone: 62 361 4736579

“Restaurants in Seminyak and Bali Bar is home of the glitz and glam of South Bali. Dining are no longer mere foodies, it’s presented with whole new level of experience you won’t find in any other places. The weird, wonderful world of Sea Vu Play brings fun with a nautical theme to Seminyak restaurants. With more than a nod to maritime traditions, pirate folklore and tales of the sea are the inspiration for this fun filled venue; the perfect place to eat, drink, be merry and enjoy nightlife in Bali. A one of a kind Bali bar at the island, Sea Vu Play is a fusion of a live in the sea with foodies, refreshment, and bali markets at one roof.” Bali Bible

Photo: Sea Vu Play Bali

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Denpasar Festival 2019

To witness the Balinese Extravaganza (December 28, 2019)
For more info:Bali Travel Info

Denpasar is the capital of Bali.  Denpasar city is the first place where tourists or travelers arrive and find their transportation to connect to other regions.  This place is the perfect place to experience the diversity of culture, food, way of life, entertainment, and many more.

Photo: The Denpasar Festival

Denpasar city is also close distance to the several beaches.  This city is very convenience for travelers who love to spend time at the beach. 

Visiting North Market venue 

Festive celebrations during Denpasar Festival

“The main venue of the Denpasar Festival is spread across "KM 0 Denpasar" or "Kilometer Zero Point Denpasar", located at Dauh Puri Kangin, West Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali. It has been the multicultural zone and a heritage site for many decades now.”

The Denpasar Festival features several events: exhibitions, seminars, talk shows, and art and cultural entertainment, the festival introduces visitors into the authentic land of the North Market.

Photo: The Denpasar Festival

The Masked Parade marks the highlight of the festival along with other indulging events such as main-stage art and musical performances, photo exhibition and competition, live painting, and traditional art performances. The festival also provides a platform for local designers and showcases their designs of traditional wear by hosting fashion shows.

Food Festival at the Denpasar Festival

Another important segment of the Denpasar Festival is the Culinary Festival hosting vast collections of fresh seafood and local delicacies such as Lak-Lak Bali, Lawar, Nasi Campur Bali, and contemporary food such as gelatos and pastries.

The best time to visit the Denpasar Festival is after sunset when the temperature is lower and a nice breezy.

“Denpasar comes alive during the Denpasar Festival each year and is a perfect excuse to visit the provincial capital. Denpasar overflows with cultural heritage along with a tinge of contemporary lifestyle. Pack your bags to indulge in the festivities of Denpasar and grab an exciting experience of this beach city!”

Happy Travels!

One of the Spectacular places to camp in Bali

The Perkemahan Kampoeng Peneng

By Ekarini

For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

There are so many beautiful hotels and other accommodations you can find on the island of Bali.  However, if you would love to be outdoor and enjoy the luxurious at the same time, you should go to Perkemahan Kampoeng Peneng at Baturiti Bali. 

The Perkemahan Kampoeng Peneng is a brand new recreation place in Bali, where you can experience the traditional heritage of Bali that is packed luxuriously.  The camp ground features Trekking, Cycling, Camping, BBQ, and Campfire, Yoga, Farming, Harvesting, Herbal Medicinal, & Individual Outbound and many more.  The amenities including 10 showers available, 5000 watts of electricity, large land area of 1.10 hectares, and parking area that up to 50 cars can enter.

The direction:

The Kampoeng Peneng Camp ground (Perkemahan Kampoeng Peneng) is located at Jl. Mekarsari, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali. 700 meters away from RSU Semara Ratih and takes 8 minutes by walking. 1.3 kilometers away from Joger Bali and takes 3 minutes by car. 14.8 kilometers away from Tourism Object Sangeh and takes 24 minutes by car. 37.5 kilometers away from Denpasar and takes 1 hour 7 minutes by car. 49 kilometers away from Ngurah Rai International Airport and takes 1 hour 48 minutes by car. 

You don’t want to miss several beautiful places surrounding the camp ground:

The Dukuh Kiuk Waterfall, the river, the sacred Beji Temple, and the rice terraces at trekking area. Also meet with cute rabbits in the camp area of Perkemahan Kampoeng Peneng. There are many more attractions besides those mentioned.

Contact information:

Banjar Dinas Peneng, Mekarsari, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali

+62-813-3903-9595

http://perkemahankampoengpeneng.com/

Happy Travels!

Courtesy photos: By travelers

What do you need to know before visiting Bali?

By Ekarini

More info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Photo: Ekarini

Travel to Bali is not so difficult and there’s ample reason to go. Bali Island happens to be the global winner of the 2017 Traveler’s Choice Awards for destinations. If you are a newbie traveler, Bali is the perfect place to start; a small island in the Indonesian archipelago with thousand temples, it has it all what you need for your holiday gateway. “No matter what style of holiday you’re looking for, you can find it on the Bali Island.” Travelers It’s just like travelling anywhere in the world, it is very useful when you know what to expect.

For those of you have traveled  to Southeast Asia, you  will see many Balinese rules of etiquette are similar to those found elsewhere in Southeast Asia.  Other rules are unique to the island.   Keeping a few basics in mind will go a long way to respecting Balinese sensibilities.

“Bali is culturally distinct from its neighbors in the Indonesian archipelago, as the island never converted to Islam. The Balinese people continue to practice their own way of the Hindu religion, which means there are some differences in Balinese etiquette compared to what one might expect elsewhere in Indonesia.”  Traveler

As a travel guide and working in travel management, I have taken tourists to many places in Bali, and I would love to share some tips.

I hope this list of 21 hints and tips will be useful for your next or first trip to the island. 

Photo: Bali Travel Info

What is the Canang Sari? The Canang Sari: Balinese flower offerings you will see all over Bali Island.

Everywhere you go on the Island, you will see beautiful offerings, consisting of flowers, rice, fruits, and cakes in a small square woven basket originally made from coconut leaves. The Balinese believe that any place that receives regular offerings accumulates sacred energy, eventually becoming sacred itself. Watch your step when walking down a street in Bali and you’ll see hundreds of offerings; lovingly and thoughtfully crafted pieces of art. You don’t want to step on them. In Bali there’s almost always some kind of ceremony going on and you’ll definitely want to see and experience the Balinese vibrant life. 

You don’t want to miss the celebrating passage of life, temple ceremonies, and the spectacular village cremation ceremonies. Also, don’t miss the full moon ritual every month of Balinese calendar. Bali is an amalgam of indigenous animism, Buddhism and the Hinduism of India, and the influence of the Hindu religion permeates all aspects of life in Bali. The Balinese believe in one God (Trinity: Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) with 3 manifestations of God as a creator, preserver, and destroyer. The Balinese believe that everything exists as a duality. The existence of this duality is what brings a cosmic balance to the universe. So, if there’s good, evil must exist to bring balance; birth balances death, joy balances sorrow, young balances old, positive balances negative, health balances sickness, and so forth. The universe constantly adjusts itself to bring about the perfect equilibrium. This is called Rwa Bhineda and literally means “two opposites” 

You might wonder why every other man, woman or child is named Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut. It was created to distinguish each person’s birth right order in the family. The firstborns are named “Wayan“, the second eldest is “Made,” third is “Komang” or “Nyoman”, fourth is “Ketut” and the fifth back to Wayan. Both men and women use similar names. A woman is distinguished by a “Ne” at the beginning “Ni” (Ni Wayan), while a man is specified by “I” (i.e. I Wayan). Personal names can be attached to the birth order names, but there is no family name in Bali. 

You definitely don’t want to miss the ritual and ceremonies in Bali, so mingle with locals and wear the traditional outfit and experience Bali traditionally. 

Nationals of 169 countries can visit Bali visa-free (for 30 days), while Visa on Arrival applies for others at USD $35 (extendable once). Wet season: October-April Dry season: May-September Best time to go: May-August. 

DRIVING: Drive on the left. RENTALS: International drivers’ license required to drive and rent cars and motorbikes. TAXIS:Blue Bird Taxi (+62 (0)361 701 111) is most popular and reliable — all of their taxis are metered. Private drivers: I think having a private driver is the best choice to travel around the island. It’s worth having somebody to drive you, so you can just relax and enjoy the view. 

Download GO-JEK Bali has banned the Uber. So, locals have turned to another app called ‘Go-Jek’. Through Go-jek you can order food, shopping and courier services, but most often it’s used for hailing a taxi or motor-taxi; definitely one to consider if you stay in Bali for a long holiday. 

Don’t be surprised, it is very common for the money changer in Bali to check the quality of the bills you exchange, especially USD dollars; they accept the newly issued (circa 2000), clean, and stiff notes. Bills won’t be accepted when they are torn, creased, and wrinkled. Also keep in mind, the exchange you see on the board usually for a USD $100 notes, and smaller bills have a different set of rates. In Bali, The Rupiah is its main form of currency as well as all the islands of Indonesia. Before travelling to Bali, make sure you have an understanding of the Rupiah to avoid being given any incorrect amount of change or unfair exchange rates. In Bali, they also accept credit cards. Rupiah Bills Rupiah bills are issued in denominations of RP 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. Rupiah coins come in denominations of RP 25, 50, 100, 500 and a new gold and silver RP 1,000 coin, with both old and newly issued coin designs in circulation for RP 500, 100 and 50 coins. More info about currency in Bali: http://www.xe.com/currency/idr-indonesian-rupiah Currency calculator: http://www.x-rates.com/calculator/?from=IDR&to=USD&amount=1

Photo: Ekarini

Where to exchange your money in Bali? — PT. Central Kuta — PT. Dirgahayu Valuta Prima — PT. Bali Maspintjinra You can pay using credit cards at most high-end hotels, restaurants, stores and nightclubs, with Visa and MasterCard the most commonly accepted cards, followed by American Express. Most transactions are completed in rupiahs, and it is very common for a variable charge to be added to credit card payments (certain %). When using a credit card in Bali, keep the card in sight at all times to avoid identity theft. It is very common in Indonesia. ATMs dispense IDR 50,000 or 100,000 bills; withdrawal fees using foreign bank cards, Visa or MasterCard varies and can be high. Beware of skimmers and rigged units, and remember to take your money and card after each transaction. The tap water in Bali is not safe to drink, so you need to buy smaller bottled water or a big jug of water with dispenser. The super-strict drug laws in place in Indonesia are severe! If you are caught smuggling drugs will face the death sentence. Of course, anything you order within your hotel is a lot more expensive than if you go and explore it yourself, especially laundry. There are many places in town to clean your clothes — expect to pay per kilo. Don’t be afraid to bargain; it is very normal at the beach when some hawkers sell you some products. It may be a fun experience to haggle the price. Start your bargain at half price. Remember, be polite! 

Even though the vast majority of Balinese people speak English, it is fun and rewarding when you can communicate with the locals using the Bahasa Indonesia or Balinese words. You can find some funny words and learn the everyday slang. Even being able to say ‘hello, how are you’ Apa khabar? ‘Thank you’ Terimakasih, and ‘please’ will be really appreciated in Bali — and it will go as a fun and worth the bartering process! 

Bali is famous for new age capital, so get your full body massage while on holiday in Bali, and you will want more. Why? The price is so cheap compared to back home; for anywhere between RP. 100,000 and 150,000 around $15–20 you can get a one hour full body massage. This means one full hour of bliss and health. 

Don’t get confused, in Bali there are some people from outside Bali who engage in criminal activity… so if you get robbed in Bali, chances are the robber is probably not Balinese. When you’re happy with the service you can tip the housekeepers, waitresses, and bartenders, but it’s not expected. I like to tip them because I am often happy with their service and the food price is cheap. It is just my way of showing appreciation for their great service in Bali. I saw one time a tourist had a big argument with a waitress in a restaurant when the waitress could not explain that coffee was not refillable. 

You can only refill if there is a special sign on the buffet table. 

You will find that sunset in Bali is very special. Many travel agents arrange special sunset tours, so you will catch the right moment in the spot you choose like the Tanah Lot, the Jimbaran Bay, Kuta beach, the Rock Bar at Ayana resort, Tegal Wangi beach, the Uluwatu temple, Peti Tenget beach at Seminyak, Lovina beach in Singaraja regency, Echo beach Canggu, Lembongan island (one of Bali’s virgin islands), 707 Beach Berm at Batu Belig beach, La Planca at Seminyak, WooBar, La Lucciola, La Laguna at Canggu beach, Finn’s Beach Club, The Lawn is set on the vibrant Batu Bolong Beach, Pererenan Beach, Double Six Rooftop, El Kabron at Uluwatu, and many more.

Don’t forget to visit other tiny untouched islands around Bali while you visit Bali Bali has three other islands beside the big island. If you would like to experience the virgin of Bali, you should visit Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Here you can enjoy spectacular sunsets, snorkelling, the mangrove forests, and the serenity of the beach because there are few tourists here. There are very few budget hotels in Bali that have an internet connection and those that do have internet are usually on dial up! But most big hotels have internet as part of your stay. If you want to shop around for internet café, go to the internet café where the locals hang out. My family and I bought a hotspot connection around $30 and plus the time (called: Hotspot Mobile Wi-Fi Smartfren, Andromax M3Y), you pay as you go, and it’s faster than internet cafés around.

Happy Travels!

In Case You Missed the Bali Art Festival 2019

The Bali Arts Festival 2019 (41st Annual Celebration of Arts and Culture in Bali)  

Author, Ekarini

For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Courtesy Photos: Bali Mandira

Saturday July13, 2019

Time: 11.00 MIT / Location: Angsoka Stage
Program: Gambuh Dance, Drama, Tumbak Bayuh village, Mengwi subdistrict, representing Badung
Regency

Time: 17.00 MIT / Location: Madya Mandala Stage
Program: Collaboration of Javanese – Balinese Gamelan musics and Ramayana Ballet, participation of the Art and Culture of Indonesia – ARCINDA Colorada, US

Time: 20.00 MIT / Location: Ardha Candra Amphitheatre
Program: – The Closing Ceremony Of The 41ST Bali Arts Festival 2019 – Colossal Dance Drama “Dalem Samprangan”, by SMKN 3 Sukawati High School, Gianyar Regency

Perhaps this event is the biggest annual celebration of arts and culture in Bali.  The Annual Bali Arts Festival 2019 features various artworks and cultural achievements of the local artists all over Bali.  Every year the event attracts local  and international visitors to the Taman Werdhi Budaya Arts Centre in Denpasar Bali.   The Arts Centre is the main location where most of the daily exhibitions and art performances will be held for a month. 

“The Bali Arts Festival brings the island’s cultural scene to life for a whole month of daily exhibitions, performances and an array of art-related activities.”

Some events are held in a 6000-seat amphitheater, a venue that allows you to enjoy the spectacular colossal choreography of traditional Balinese dance, the story based on the Classical Ramahaya and Mahabaratha, other other ancient folklore stories.

The Arts Festival features dance dramas (Sendratari), Bali's Modern theatre, Photography, Workshops, Culinary festivals, and musical performances. There will also be a wide choice of competitions to participate in that include documentary movie competitions, handicrafts, literary writing, painting, photography competitions, - the whole gamut. Parades and dramatic and opulent processions will also be shown, including the Gong Kebyar, the Topeng Panca (the Balinese mask dance), Nglawang, Dramatari Arja, WayangKulit Parwa, JogedBumbung, the Modern Bondres (the Balinese comedy, play) Competition, the Baleganjur Competition for Children, Drama Gong Parade featuring Balinese modern lyrics, WayangKulitBabad, and other new creative artistic performances, and more.

The main goal of The Bali Arts Festival is to celebrate and preserve all arts in Bali, as well as bring together art lovers from across the Indonesia and other neighboring country.

For more info and festival schedule, please contact:
The Office of Tourism of Bali Province
Jl. S. Parman Street/ Niti Mandala Renon Denpasar 802235, Bali

Phone: +62361222387, +62361226313
Email: infotourism@baliprov.go.id, info.disparda@baliprov.go.id, dispardabali@gmail.com
Website: www.disparda.baliprov.go.id

Happy Travels!

The 5^th Ubud Food Festival 2019 in Bali Indonesia

By Ekarini

For more info about Bali: Bali Travel Info

Photo: Ekarini

“Food is the easiest way to access a culture.” Explains UFF Founder and Director Janet DeNeefe 

The festival will be featuring a full lineup of 100+ chefs, entrepreneurs, farmers, food writers, scientists and activists, 23 special events, 18 kitchen demos, and an assortment of food kiosks from some of Bali’s best kitchens offering their pared down menus.

The Ubud Food Festival has been five years of bringing local food to collaborate with international chefs.  This festival also  encourages cross-cultural exchange and it will be born new professionals in the culinary industry.  You will see the lineup chefs from Jakarta, New Jersey, Bangkok,Barcelona, Sydney, Singapore,and of course Balinese food as the highlight Indonesian food.

Photo: Indonesia Travel

This annual event offers you the opportunity to discover the diversity of Indonesian cuisine, the this year Ubud Food Festival also features special events such as organic and culinary markets that allow you to  purchase the fresh farm items from the island’s by  best producers.  The event  is not complete without  live music concerts highlighting local bands, as well as yoga, and film screenings.

Taman Kuliner is home to a feast of free events, including the Food for Thought discussion sessions, Teater Kuliner Indonesian cooking demonstrations, Films Screenings, Kids Events, and Live Music & Arts. It’s also home to 70+ stalls. The ticketed Kitchen Stage is next door at Indus Restaurant.

Indonesia hopes to promote Bali as a gastronomic tourism destination.  According to local media, the tourism ministry has announced that it hopes to promote the island as a gastronomic destination, most restaurants in Bali are highlighting the local cuisine for travelers from around the world.

Tickets are available at the festival’s box office at Taman Kuliner on Ubud’s Jalan Raya Sanggingan, or direct at the special event venues throughout Ubud.

Photo: UFF

For more info:

Location: Jalan Raya Sanggingan No.88, Ubud, Phone: +62 (0)361 977 408 Website:

 http://www.ubudfoodfestival.com/

Happy Travels!

Mangosteen Festival in Bali

Mangosteen season in Bali March 23-24, 2019 at Galungan Village Singaraja, Bali.

By Ekarini

For more info about Bali:Bali Travel Info

The Bali island has so much to offer, beside beaches, luxury hotels, culture, and landscapes.  When you are in Bali, don’t forget to enjoy the Balinese fruits like mangosteen, durian, many different bananas, many different mangos, rambutan, Sentul, passion fruits, salak, buah buni,srikaya(soursop), juwet (Java Plum), yellow and orange coconut, kedongdong (ambarella),jeruk Bali ( pomelo), and many other fruits.

Video by Agung Wedha

In the World Mangosteen Fiesta,  you will see mangosteens and other fruits.

WMF RUN 2019 is a Fun running event at the Buleleng Mangosteen Festival. One of the exciting events outside of the extraordinary good events in Bali.  You also will see Mangosteen Competition, Durian Competition, Durian Eating Festival, EXPO,  workshop, Meet mangosteen Farmers, Stand Up Comedy, and many other Exciting activities.

Fun Run will be the highlight of the festival, and very exciting and fun because the runners will take  a very unique and interesting route, beautiful scenery and new experiences for Fun Run lovers.

For those of you who have traveled to other Southeast Asian countries may have already tried the mangosteen.  Rounder, sweet, mild and little sour, apple-sized and deep purple fruit is easily cracked open by pressing between both palms. 

“Caution is to be taken as the rind exudes a reddish sap that can stain clothes. The reddish stains on your palms resemble blood at a glance, hence its nickname the ‘blood fruit’. While the white inner flesh is the prize, a recent trend has surfaced in drying up the rinds and making them into health teas, due to its claimed high antioxidant content. Mangosteen is also known in local traditional medicine as a remedy for skin and digestive problems. The juicy flesh sections contain slightly fibrous and inedible seeds, and most will agree that one is never enough. The evergreen trees are largely grown in the highland regions of Tabanan in Bali’s west, and the Bangli regency of the island’s east.” The Bali Hotel

Happy Travels!