Bali Volcanoes Helicopter Tour
October 30, 2009 by balikuta
Filed under Bali Activity
Bali island in Indonesia is renowned for its natural beauty and as a fabulous tourist attraction. However, the island is also known for its terrorist attacks in recent years. Since then, the people of Bali have recovered and the island is now a hotspot for tourists from all over the world once again, especially for its beach resorts and volcano helicopter tours.
The island’s ecology and geography are greatly influenced by the towering mountain range of volcanoes that dominate the island. These majestic volcanoes created Bali’s stunning mountainous landscape and they occasionally regenerate its soils and help produce heavy rains that provide this resort island with precious fresh water.
The Balinese considered the island’s many volcanoes, lakes and spring as sacred and treat them with respect and awe. If you are a tourist traveling to Bali for your holiday vacation, you will be awestruck with the sheer majesty of the volcanoes. These natural landscapes are major tourist attractions and many tourist go sightseeing the volcanoes on helicopter tours so that they can view the volcanoes in all its splendor and take awesome pictures. The island is still continually being formed by volcanic activities.
Bali is located over a major fault zone where the Indo-Australian plate collides with the Sunda plate. In 1963, a violent eruption on Mount Agung killed thousands of people and utterly destroyed many rice fields and irrigation network.
The dramatic lava flows on the north eastern faces of Mt Agung is the newest landforms, showing what the island may look like in ancient pre-historic time. It is a fascinating sightseeing experience, almost like a scene out of Jurassic Park.
Perhaps, the most popular volcano for tourists to visit and go sightseeing is Mount Batur. This grand old dame of a volcano sits in a giant caldera that contains a lake that is a few miles long and over a mile wide. Mount Batur is actually a very active volcano and can erupt moment as it erupted with great frequency but the eruptions are less violent these days except in a giant eruption in 1917 which claimed thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of temples and villages.
Hiking up Mount Batur in the wee small hours of the the morning has become something of a “must do” thing for many tourists in Bali. You will need to bring along a sweater as it can get a little chilly at the volcano summit.
There is also a little coffee shop at the rim selling drinks for thirsty hikers and many children and women in flip flops balancing buckets of soft drinks on their heads scampering around trying to earn your tourist dollar. As the sun rises, you will get a picturesque view of Lombok and other surrounding islands.
One very interesting hike on Mt Batur is the climb down the inside of the crater from Penelokan to Kedisan. There are boats at Toya Bungkah Lake to take you across the lake to a village called Trunyan. This village is notorious for its mortuary traditions because instead of cremating or burying their deceased, the Trunyan villagers leave dead human bodies to decompose naturally in a designated cemetery.
Although Bali is known for rice cultivation, its volcanic soil is actually not well suited for such activities. The soil is finely textured and well drained, so water soaks through the soil rapidly and thus precious water is wasted. The solution therefore lies in repeated and vigorous ploughing which make the soil less permeable.
So if you are visiting Bali for your holiday vacations, do not miss out a sightseeing trip to view Bali’s majestic volcanoes, better yet, take a helicopter tour of this spectacular tourist attraction.
Bali, the Earthy Paradise
October 28, 2009 by balikuta
Filed under Bali Activity
Sited on the middle of Indonesian archipelago, first discovered by the European sailors, Bali becomes truly tranquil island. It is the earthy paradise for those, who are dedicated to the beauty of the tropical island. For summer holiday, honeymoon or even family perfect holiday. Not only its attractive view and exotic tourism spot but also the hospitality of the people you hardly find in a metropolitan city or highest civilization. Many travelers mesmerized by not just a part of it but almost completely all. The power of attracting people in the world has make Bali as one of the “must visit” world’s tourist destination.
Over 8 regencies spread out beautiful spots to be visited through the over 3 million inhabitants. Further, each of them presents unique character of the culture itself. The selling point of this island is The Hindus culture with the temples from ancient age. There is no day without celebration toward the God. The tradition blends within the Hindus people, their daily life filled in by ritual culture. Once you experienced Bali, the air of the island will capture your soul. The daily life and activities of the people reflect their spiritual culture. Everywhere you go all that can be found is ritual ceremony and the offerings on the street, temples, big trees and other places believed existing holy spirits. The belief and culture might be the main attention for tourist to get fascinated in conjunction with their aim to visit some tourist destinations spread along Bali.
Thus Bali is known as “Heaven on Earth” trough enchanting scenery, as it is acknowledged as “Island of Thousand Temples”. Along the paradise you will be able to find many temples from centuries ago remain with their unique and stunning presentation. Besakih Temple is the mother temple of all temples in Bali. It’s nestled on the slope of the highest mountain, Mount Agung. Other temples for they’re famed by where the two temples sited are Uluwatu Temples and Tanah Lot Temples. Uluwatu Temple is on the edge of the cliff in which it’s inhabited by group of monkeys. Right below the temple, most surfers find Uluwatu beach as paradise for high wave lovers. On the other part, Tanah Lot Temple is the 16th century temple that beautifully perched at the sea, rocky silhouette where many people come during the sunset to spoil their eyes and feel the moment. Whenever it’s not tide you are able to walk to reach the temple. Another mystical thing about this temple is the cave where there’s a holy snake living.
For accommodation, there are “bunch of hotels” can be hunted. From those small hotels or inns, which offer good rate with a standard service until those who have fantastic rate including their luxurious rooms, wonderful view and exclusive services. They are located not just around tourism object more likely in such “out of civilization” places, up high on the cliff or hill as well as down to the river and rice field area.
For surfers and passionate travelers, find your pleasure at south coast of Bali. Kuta is about 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport where the white sand’s beach stretch over 10 Km. Travelers come not without any reason since this place has all that every traveler’s desire. Don’t just discern to the beach for it’s fantastic wave, topless sunbathers, masseurs relax your body with compatible price and those vendors selling the crafts, in spite of those motives try to give a glance at the night life as experiencing it, lots of fun can be gained. Even just for a chill out time at cafes or bar on the street to a tranquil dinner in a decent restaurant accompanied by easy listening music or “Gamelan” Balinese traditional music instrument.
Inland, away from the beach, some villages illustrate the serenity of the paradise. Hide away from the crowd, up to the mountain area where heart can be so peaceful by the lush tropical plants or green paddy fields. Central Bali and northern Bali is really famous by terraced rice fields, down to the Tabanan regency. The fresh air surround you whilst the song of the bird rhythm through the morning breeze. Feel the harmony within mind.
One to be attained for home present can be found down the art craft’s place. Just about the tourism object, plenty of art shops offer good stuffs for reasonable price and suggested for bargaining. Along the road of Gianyar regency, you will find handicraft’s shop, woodcarvings even jewelries workshop. As the eyes gaze to the display of wood or stone statue and painting, you can as well visit a village named Celuk for silver or gold jewelries or go along Mas village for another comparison instead.
Experience more to the bottomless part of Bali while you are away for holiday. Get the excitement differently through the places you visit, hence it’s never going to be ever come to Bali but for ever remain coming for another visit.
Best Activities to Do in Bali
October 26, 2009 by balikuta
Filed under Bali Activity
The terrain and scenery in Bali makes it an ideal place to take part in one of the many adventure activities this island has to offer. The compact size of the island also makes it easy to get to the various starting points without having to travel long distances. The starting point of many activities is centered on the Ubud region so this is a good place to base yourself if you plan to do more than one activity.White Water RaftingTake white water rafting for example. Most tourists tend to sign up for what everyone else is doing and that would be Ayung River Rafting. This is definitely a fun activity and highly recommended to enjoy the scenic route along the Ayung River which you wouldn’t otherwise get to see. On this rafting activity, you will wind through deep valleys, pass Balinese Hindu shrines, see monkeys playing, or even catch the odd farmer walking his cow to the river for some water. For the more adventurous, you might like to go on the Telaga Waja river adventure. This rafting trip takes you to the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung where you will, according to the brochure from the tour operator, navigate down the Telaga Waja river through torrents, twists and tight turns on a heart stopping adventure.River Kayaking and Canyon TubingThere’s more than one way to travel down one on Bali’s famous water ways though. River kayaking is another one although this would suit someone more experienced. Canyon tubing in Bali is a little more laid back and good fun for the family. This is an activity where you drift down a canyon in an inflatable tube. The location for this is north of Ubud town in Payangan, a little known area where tourists to Bali rarely tread. Over there, the Siap Stream opens up a whole new world of fun and adventure allowing visitors to float down a narrow canyon passing through thick forested areas.
Kintamani CyclingIf getting wet is not your cup of tea, then you might like to go on a Kintamani cycle tour. Several tour companies offer this activity where you are picked up from your hotel and driven up to the scenic Kintamani town located on the rim of the Mount Batur caldera. Breakfast will most likely be offered in your package at a restaurant where you’ll have ample time to take as many photos as you wish before starting. The ride is downhill of course since you can’t get much higher here, and takes you along broken tarmac roads through villages, past coffee plantations, traversing through paddy fields all the way to Ubud where a buffet lunch is usually provided. The smaller tour operators may offer you a more local experience by inviting you into their homes as part of the tour and cooking a traditional meal for lunch. They’ll take time to explain their culture, point out interesting sites and might even go on detours if they feel it is worthwhile. Wildlife and Elephant Safari ExcursionsBali is home to a world famous Elephant Safari Park. The Elephant Park in Taro is a huge complex and the home of 27 Sumatran elephants. Here you can watch and sit atop an elephant on a safari ride through the Taro forest. There is also a restaurant and the park has a purpose built safari style lodge. It is an outing for the entire family to have fun watching the elephants paint, play and bathe, and spray water on unsuspecting tourists which can be quite amusing depending on your sense of humour and what you are wearing at the time. The latest attraction in Bali is the Bali Safari and Marine Park. This safari park is unusual in that while you normally you would expect to only see wild animals at a wildlife safari, here you will also see part of Bali’s ancient past and be able to watch cultural dances. The park is a unique blend of conservation and Balinese culture. There are tram rides through the park and fun activities such as animal rides and shows for the children. You can purchase a package which includes lunch or dinner.Horse Riding and Camel RidingEnjoying a breathtaking horseback ride along the coasts of Bali or camel riding along Nusa Dua beach are two other fun activities you can do to experience Bali on four legs instead on four wheels! Riding along the black volcanic sand beaches on Bali’s east coast, though villages that still preserve old traditions and along paddy fields can be something quite romantic if you are a couple especially if you choose an evening ride from one of the west coast stables. The camel ride takes you on along the pristine white sand beaches of Nusa Dua. I don’t know if you will be sitting very much after sitting on a camel’s hump on a one hour ride on the beach but it is definitely some fun judging by the smiles and laughs you see on peoples’ faces.Paragliding & Bungee JumpingNow these two activities aren’t for the faint hearted or those wearing pace makers but they are worth mentioning. For those of you who have not heard of the sport, paragliding is not the same as parachuting. Paragliding is a sport where the pilot is strapped in a sitting position to a harness that is attached to a fabric wing and runs forward usually down a slope to launch the paraglider. The stunning beauty of Bali’s coastlines offers the paraglider breathtaking views those at ground level won’t have the pleasure of enjoying. The AJ Hackett Bungee Tower is located on Kuta Beach, over a swimming pool located in a nightclub. It is the only place where you can bungee jump in the night with hundreds of party goers down below. We don’t know if this is something desirable for every one, but if having 2000 party goers below you unnerves you, try a jump during day time when the club is closed and you’ll be able to see the beach as well!There are other activities of course, but these listed provide a choice of excitement whether you are an individual, couple or a family with young children looking for something to do other than lounging by the pool. You will still get a sun tan, but you’ll have to put in some energy to get it but I’m sure it will be worth it for the fun you’ll have.
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