Sunday, September 2, 2012

Best of Bali: Top 5 Places to Go visit in Bali

By Salim B. Kho


There are several justifications to fly to Bali as there are heavenly lights on a star-spangled night. Being a little island off the coast of Indonesia doesn't set this center for natural and cultural attractions back a little bit. In fact, you can drive up and down the coast in one day and can still anticipate new and unusual experiences in the following 1 or 2 months. There's no argument about it. Bali is a hodgepodge of charming countryside, clean aquamarine beach water teeming with colourful marine life, enigmatic temple ceremonies and an interesting culture endemic to the island.

If you're meaning to fly to Bali shortly, do not forget to check out at least one of the following sights. A number of them are made for visitors, so expect a bunch of fellow sightseers trying noisily to get some pictures of the place. Others are not as developed as the everyday jet-setter would like, but they're good for finding peace and relaxation amidst the bustling island whose economy depends largely on the presence of tourists.

Kuta

Kuta is the budget traveler's go-to destination. Although things have lain low a little since the bombings in 2002, Kuta still remains one of the top spots for hikers and families on holiday. Expect a bit of badgering from sidewalk vendors and shopkeepers selling counterfeit surf gear and contraband DVDs, but a little "No thanks" can shoo them away. Kuta fully makes up for itself as you walk toward the shore, which is still one of the greatest sights in the entire island, with pearly-white sea foam pummeling on shores of fine amber sand.

Ubud

If you're itching to escape from the frantic beach scene in Kuta, drive to central Bali instead and bask peacefully in the cultural masterpieces of Ubud. All round the locality, you can visit Hindi churches, museums and the palace of the Balinese Royals that feature Ubud's historic and architectural importance to Bali. You can also buy a seat at one of the numerous dance-and-music shows followed by a sumptuous and decent meal of Balinese dishes made of ingredients purchased at the local market. Although Ubud is speedily growing to take in bordering places, there are still a lot of tired tiny hamlets snuggled noiselessly in the middle of lush rice fields.

Nusa Lembongan

Become a tropical beach bum for an entire week at Nusa Lembongan, a comparatively less touristy island off mainland Bali. Little has been done to mold Nusa Lembongan into the tourist entanglement that is generally Kuta and Ubud, which makes it the ideal place for relaxing by the seashore with no need to dodge hawkers and street sellers. The sand is frosty-white in Nusa Lembongan and the water is a clear azure blue, making swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving the best activities in this particular part of Bali.

Gunung Agung

Rising into the clouds above Bali is Gunung Agung, an active volcano and the tallest peak in the island. The volcano's western facade is flanked by lush greenery thanks to the rainwater created by the west wind, but the eastern side is a bit arid and desolate. Near Gunung Agung's summit is Pura Besakih, called the mother temple and the most important Hindu shrine in the entire Bali. To Pura Besakih there are many routes that may be taken, but only those who are physically fit are rewarded the breathtaking eventualities that wait at the very top of the mountain.

Seminyak

Luxury is the name of the game in Seminyak. What had once been a quiet backwoods town has developed into the preferred Bali destination for Hollywood nobles and the rest of the wealthy and celebrated. Prices are, inarguably, steeper in this particular bit of the island, but are still less expensive than anything you can spend on luxury abroad. The place is loaded with world-class restaurants offering mouthwatering global cuisines, high-end shop specialized shops selling big-name brands and high end spas and health centers that provide a collection of services, starting from the conventional Balinese massages to more modern, hipper treatments.




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