Great Bali

taken from : archive.salon.com

BALI CRUISES

These cruises and sea safaris offer a convenient way for visitors to Bali to enrich their experience of Asia and catch a glimpse of pre-historic times by taking a journey into regions of Indonesia little known to the rest of the world.

You can do all this either in just a few days on a scheduled cruise or, more leisurely, on board of a chartered Bugis "Pinisi" schooner – and without any of the hardships often connected with visiting remote areas. There are regular departures from Bali throughout the year, and the fares fit all budgets.

		Buginese "Pinisi Sea Safari" Schooners Custom-designed for Western travellers in 1996-1998, equipped with modern navigation and safety machines, cabins are air-conditioned, TV/Video lounge. Sea Safari III, V, VI & Sea Safari VIINew. 7 Days Komodo Safari — from January 2008 8 Days Kalimantan Dive Charter — from January 2008 10D / 9N, Threads of Life Leisure Expedition Soon
		Pinisi "Ombak Putih" & "Ombak Biru" Cruises Program Designed by traditional craftsmen in Kalimantan for Westerner travellers in 1996/1997, this schooner is also equipped with modern navigation and safety tools. 12 cabins with 17 crews. 7 Days Sight Sailing Program Bali - Komodo - Bali — from May 2008 8/11 Nights Life Aboard Diving — from January 2008
		Silolona Luxury Cruises A traditional wooden sailboat built by hand by the Sulawesi Konjo people in 2004. This Phinisi is conceptualized as a luxury passenger vessel, offering 5 spacious cabins with 17 crews. Silolona is now sailing in Borneo waters.

		Bali Hai Cruises Daily Cruises. There are six excellent daily cruises to choose from. The Lembongan Island Reef Cruise, the Beach Club Cruise, the Sunset Dinner Cruise, the spectacular trip aboard Aristocat, the Ocean Rafting 3 Island Cruise and Dolphin Cruise. Whichever you choose, you're sure to enjoy some of Bali's best views, a host of exciting activities and a sumptuous buffet. All in the capable hands of the experienced and hospitable crew.
		Island Explorer Cruises Taking you to one day vacation at Coconut Beach Resort, Lembongan Island on any of their four types cruises; relax with yacht, fun with Island Princess, super fast with Quick Cat or ocean rafting with Island Flyer.
		Odyssey Submarine New With the normal diving site up to 90ft deep and for 45 minute ride in this unique vessel, you will be taken to the most breathtaking and rarely visited underwater world, and you will surely be able to observe and have firsthand experience of the tropical marine fauna, such as octopus/squids, napoleon, yellow jack and many other brightly colored fish as well as the unusually beautiful flora and delicate corals.

Charter Vessels You can choose from a range of different charter yachts, sailing boats, and traditional schooners with expert crew and Western tour guide for charter cruises from Bali through the Lesser Sunda Islands, to Sulawesi, and through the Moluccas. Also available for fishing games or surf safaris. taken from : www.balicruises.com

Bali Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving in Bali

Bali provides opportunities for those who would like to learn scuba diving, even without theory and pool training, but also some of the best diving spots for the experienced scuba diver. At Sanur Beach you can even experience the sea life from the safety of your diving bubble with the Sea Walker. The only one in Bali - no diving experience needed. Scuba diving courses These are more in depth courses provided for beginners by a highly qualified instructor. Special iInternational scuba dive courses in English and Japanese are available. Includes days with an open water diving course program, also theory and practise in the pool, open water dives with all necessary gear like air tanks are ususally included. Open water certificates will be awarded to divers passing the test.

Preferred locations for Bali Scuba diving

Sanur Beach

Sanur beach is well known because of it's beautiful scenery and atmosphere. This white sand covered beach spreads, from Bali Beach Hotel to the south. This beach is facing to the east, so we can always see a beautiful sunrise. Sanur is a very nice place to enjoy marine sports activities such as : Jet ski/wave runner. parasailing, water ski, wind surfing, scuba diving etc. It's under water panorama are also very beautiful with colourful tropical fishes, soft coral, and sponges growing on the 25 kilometers of barier reef up to Nusa Dua. You can enjoy scuba diving here from 6 meters deep up to 15 meters.

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is a beach at the south of Bali, part of Bukit Paninsula. It is call Nusa Dua because there are two Islands that are united with Bali Island, and the coast arround the Island is called Nusa Dua Beach. The beach has a very white sand and the waves are quiet in the north and bit bigger at the south. Nusa Dua is also the center of water sports activities. It's under water panorama is similar with Sanur sea, because their reef is part of the reef that lies in front of Sanur Beach.

Padang Bay

Padang Bay is located east of Denpasar, just one and half hours by coach. Padang Bay was once a small fishing village but is now a lively tourist center with small restaurants and shops strung along a white sandy beach a port for visiting cruise ships with ferries going to Lombok. However on most days, the bay is used by local ferries and fisherman in small outriggers. These same outrigger are modified with outboard motors to take divers to local sites just ten to fifteen minutes away. The area is known for it's abundance of soft corals, gorgonias and crinoids. The number and variety of nudibrances would excite divers who enjoy finding photographing them and diverse fish life and coral.

Tulamben

One hour from Padang Bay, or two and half hour from Denpasar by coach, Tulamben is Bali's most famous dive site at the base of majestic Agung vulcano. The main attraction here is the sunken Liberty Ship just off the volcanic beach. The wreck is lying 6 meters from the beach until 35 meters, it is provided an accessible and interesting under water attraction for both diver and snokelers. Arriving at Tulamben, local porter carry the dives gears down to the beach, a short swim over black sand brings you to the wreck, where you are going to meet schools of sergeant majors, battish, wrasse and other small fish. The wreck is fully ground with different varieties of clams, coral gorgonias, here you also can feed fishes. Drop off diving also offered here a few meters south side of this Ship Wreck.

Nusa Penida / Lembongan Island

One and half hour by boat from Sanur beach is the Island of Lembongan. The waters between Nusa Penida and Lembongan are subject to strong currents so the feasibility is generally excellent and the soft coral growth prolific. Along the island rocky cliffs are hard coral gardens and diversity of sea life. Most dives are drift dives and experienced boat men always watch for surficing divers. Lembongan is also great for non divers as it has excellent snorkeling in more sheltered in shore waters and cruising arround the island between dives makes a pleasant day with lunch and refreshments.

taken from : www.bali1.com

My Bali

WHAT MAKES BALI SO SPECIAL:

There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.

As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.

Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than an coincident. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.

taken from : www.baliguide.com

BALI HOLIDAYS FOR FAMILIES

Bali is a perfect place to take your kids. They'll love the natural surroundings, and there is no problem whatsoever to find a baby-sitter or somebody to take care of them wherever you go. All Balinese adore kids !

Here you will find information about everything that you need to know about a Bali holiday for your family: where to stay, what to do and where to eat.

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI, INDONESIA, FOR FAMILIES

A Bali holiday for families begins and ends with suitable accommodation. There are variety of Bali hotels, resorts and villas to choose from, when planning your Bali holiday.Things to consider in selecting your Bali accommodation for a family group are:

• Location - try to choose a location that is popular and close to family oriented attractions i.e. near the beach, shops, restaurants and amusements.
• Facilities - make sure your accommodation choice is suitable for kids, it has a children's pool, connecting doors, play ground etc. Some venues are unsuitable for family groups.
• Pricing - does your accommodation choice offer discounts for children under a certain age?
• Transport - when you travel with a family in Bali, it will be much more convenient if you use private transport. Check with your accommodation venue if they provide private transport as part of the holiday package.

Below you will find links to a variety of Bali hotels, resorts, villas and Bali holiday packages

	Bali Hotel & Resort Bargain Finder
	Many Bali hotels and resorts offer family rooms or children discounts. Find the GUARANTEED lowest rates for famous luxury resorts and budget hotels in all parts of Bali, Indonesia. Reserve on-line to save 70% and more.
	Private Vacation Villas in Bali
	Many families choose to spend a Bali holiday in a private villa. You can rent a private villa with two to seven bedrooms, tropical garden and swimming pool, all amenities, private car and driver and trained house staff. This is an attractive alternative to spending your vacation in a hotel or resort for many families. taken from :www.baliguide.com

Flora and Fauna in Bali

taken from : www.baliguide.com FLORA: The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo. And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali. FAUNA: Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk. CLIMATE: You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas. Even when it rains in most parts of Bali you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach. On the other hand, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms during all times of the year). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.

Bali

INTRODUCTION TO BALI, INDONESIA

WHERE IS BALI?

The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours.

GEOGRAPHY:

The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.

Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.

taken from :www.baliguide.com

KUTA, BALI

Kuta

Since the 18th century, Kuta has served as the entry point for foreigners visiting southern Bali. In the 1830s Kuta was a thriving slave market, attracting a wide variety of international 'lowlife' and many would say that nothing has changed. Since its rediscovery by hippies and surfers in the 1960s, Kuta and Legian have expanded so rapidly that the district is now one of the busiest tourist areas in the world. Hundred of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops provide for all tastes and budgets

taken from :www.bali-places.com

ADVENTURE IN BALI

ATV Ride - Single

ATV is a motor cycle which has four wheels. It is usually used by the people for agriculture or recreation. Its wheel is specially modified with high tire. So, it just used at unfamiliar route only. It has 250 cc and 350 cc power of engine. Easy driving , at wet condition or some obstacles of up and down hill road.

With its power it can passed which motor cycle commonly doesn't. It is YAMAHA product that has five gear level. Some used automatic clutch and another used manual clutch. It is balance, it can not turn upside down except you turning suddenly very sharp with high speed. If you followed its instruction and ride carefully, it has exciting journey.

It taking location at Tabanan regency exactly in the bottom of Batukaru Mountain. Here its weather is under 20 degree and almost get rain every afternoon. Paddy terraces and beautiful view is remind us that Tabanan is the most of rice field in Bali.

taken from :www.balidiscovery.com

The Arts of Bali

PAINTINGS

The place synonymous with the traditional form of Balinese painting is the village of Kamasan near Klungkung. In the service of the kings of Gelgel and Klungkung up until the beginning of this century, it was only natural that the painters and illustrators, called 'Sangging', should settle in this one area. As it was not uncommon for ruling families from other parts of Bali of acquire the use of a Sangging to decorate their own palaces or temples, the Kamasan style of painting quickly spread throughout the whole of Bali.

Until the start of this century, the dominant form of painting was the portrayal of Hindu epics, on 'Langse' - large narratives painted either on broad, rectangular cloths or on 'Ider-ider' which were much narrower (about 30cm wide and several meters long). Langse were placed in temples as wall hangings or used as curtains in the palaces. Ider-ider were hung around the roofs of temples and shrines and were used decoratively at court on festive occasions. The artists also painted on wooden boards which were placed between rafters as ceiling friezes. A side from large representational paintings, the 'Sangging' were also expected to decorate everything from gourds, wooden altars, bamboo vessels, headboards for princely bed chambers and in particular to illustrate astrological wall hangings on bark paper or cloth.

The style for which the artists of Kamasan are famous is based on the East Javanese 'Wayang' art. These were basically two-dimensional, iconographic representations following strict rules and guidelines as to how the characters should be portrayed. For example a person's character and status can be seen from the colors used to portray them, his headdress of even the direction in which he is facing. Noblemen always have very refined faces while coarse characters have large, bulging eyes and fangs. Today in Kamasan you can still find people who are dedicated to painting in the traditional 'Wayang' style. One of the most famous Kamasan artists is I Nyoman Mandra, who, aside from producing his own paintings and doing restoration work, has started a school to try and keep the Wayang tradition alive.

It wasn't until the early nineteen hundreds that Western influence reached Bali. The use of Asian symbols in the works of, amongst others, Paul Gauguin, Toulouse Lautrec and Camille Pissaro created a new trend for Asian-influenced art and European painters began to move to Bali. Ubud's fame for art can be traced to the arrival of German painter, Walter Spies and Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet. Together, with Indonesian artist Gede Agung Sukawati, they established the Pitamaha Group which encouraged Balinese artists to more expressive and less tradition-bound. Aside from the Kamasan school of painting there now exists a wide range of different styles. Some characteristics are listed briefly below.

taken from :www.bali-paradise.com

POPULAR BALI ACTIVITIES

	Water Sports: Swimming, snorkeling, banana boat rides, water ski, parasailing, etc. are arranged by most hotels and at the Beluga Marina in Tanjung Benoa. There are also small sail boats, catamarans, and boards for wind surfing for rent along Jimbaran Beach. The most challenging of Bali's famous surfing spots are near Ulu Watu (only for experts in top physical condition who are comfortable surfing over coral reefs on large, powerful waves that break in shallow water) and along Bali's West coast North of Canggu; the best time is during the dry season from June to September. For details on the various locations please visit the Baliwaves web site or check Peter Neely's "Indo Surf & Lingo" guide book. You can also buy a day-guest ticket (telephone before as prices vary from US$45 to US$55 per person and seem to depend on their occupancy!) and enjoy all sports facilities at Nusa Dua's CLUB MED until 17:00 in the afternoon. They offer sea kayakking, wind surfing, snorkeling, and many other sports activities such as water aerobics, archery, tennis, and ping pong tournaments, beach volleyball, bocci ball lessons, and a circus school for adults. The day-guest ticket includes a lunch buffet with a choice of Western, Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes and unlimited table wine, beer and soft drinks. A large free-form swimming pool with a life band playing during the afternoon on the center island is the main attraction of the new HARD ROCK BEACH CLUB in Kuta. There is a pool-side restaurant for various snacks, a pool bar serving exotic drinks, and you can even rent your private pool-side "Cabana" if you wish to draw the curtains for some privacy. Pool use is 100,000 Rupiah per day for non-resident guests, and for the "Cabana" they charge 140,000 Rupiah per day. Spending an afternoon in the Aquatonic Pool at the new RITZ-CARLTON THALASSO & SPA is an experience not to be missed! The roofed 650 sq. meter (7,000 sq.ft.) pool contains 700 million liters (153 million gallons) of heated seawater. With a maximum depth of 1.3 meters (4 ft.) the pool includes different zones at variable temperatures with numerous strong jets providing aquatic massages to improve blood circulation, tone up the muscles and provide relaxation. There is a cross current walking corridor, cross current swimming corridor, cubicles for leg, tight and stomach massage, aqua seats and cubicles for back massage, swan necks for neck and shoulder massage, several jet pools, bubble bath areas, geysers and aqua beds providing a relaxing bubble massage and a panoramic Indian Ocean view. One-time access to the Aquatonic Pool for two hours is US$35 +20% tax & service per person (minors below 16 years are not allowed). Not cheap but well worth it!
	Spa & Beauty Treatments: A wide range of treatments is offered in the RITZ CARLON SPA adjacent to the Aquatonic Pool for US$50 to US$80 +21% per hour. Other famous spas in the upper price category are at the NUSA DUA BEACH RESORT, at THE LEGIAN in Seminyak, and the KIRANA in Ubud features a spectacular setting. Numerous other spas in all tourist areas offer treatments at lower prices, and when you stay at many of Balivillas.com's villas you enjoy free massages and spa treatments including the famous Mandi Lulur at substantially reduced rates. For bookings and more information call 703-060.
	Scuba Diving in Bali: A number of PADI certified companies offer diving tours (no spear fishing in Bali) with experienced guides and equipment from one day to several days. The best Bali diving sites (some with ship wrecks) are along Bali's East cost near Candi Dasa, Amed and Tulamben and near Nusa Penida. The area around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk (ferry to Java) is regarded by many experts as over-rated, and do not try diving near Nusa Dua and around the Southern peninsula — it's a waste of time and money. About US$60 to US$90 (depending on the destination) per person for one-day tours; US$350-US$400 plus extra costs or US$450 including everything for four day courses including your PADI certificate. For bookings and diving information call 703-060.
	Game Fishing: A number of companies offer yachts and fishing boats with guides for charter. The catch includes Tuna, Wahoo, Mai-Mai, Mackerel, or Marlin - and Snapper, Cod and Coral Trout to be caught reef fishing should you so desire. From US$40 per hour for a small boat, US$500 per day (US$250 half-day) for a 30-foot catamaran with satellite navigation, top-of-the range fish finder and sonar as well as Brownie diving equipment, and US$660 per day for a state-of-the-art BLACK WATCH game fishing vessel with experienced crew, full insurance, and all electronics and safety gear. For bookings and charter information call 703-060.
	Day Cruises: There are daily cruises to nearby Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan islands off the South-East coast of Bali. Guests spend the day either at one of the cruise companies' beach clubs (with restaurant, swimming pool, water sports equipment) or on a floating pontoon, and you can go snorkeling, scuba diving, take Banana Boat rides, or view the underwater world from a semi-submersible vessel. You can choose between modern, air-conditioned motor cruisers accommodating 100 and more guests and a number of smaller sailing boats. For the more adventurous there is now also a 12-meter inflatable Ocean Raft carrying up to 24 passengers. Departure is usually around 9.00 a.m., and you return in the afternoon. About US$65 to US$85 per person including lunch, children from 5 to 14 years 50%. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Dinner Cruises: Some of the boats which leave in the morning for the regular Island Cruises offer also a Dinner Cruise starting around 17:45 p.m. After cruising around the Benoa harbour, an international buffet dinner and some entertainment by folk singers and live bands you return around 20:45 p.m. to the pier. US$40 per person, children up to 16 years 50%. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Island Cruises: There are a number of cruises from Bali through the Lesser Sunda Islands, to Sulawesi, and the Moluccas. You can choose from modern cruise liners, luxurious private yachts, and traditional Buginese schooners, and either join a scheduled cruise from 3 days to 12 or 15 days, or even charter your own yacht or schooner with 2 to 16 cabins, experienced crew, and a Western tour guide. Please look at the different cruises and yacht charter options available or call 703-060 for information.
	Submarine Safari: You can book a tour which brings you about 70 feet below the sea of Amuk Bay, Padangbai. The small submarine can carry about 36 guests, and large port holes allow you to view and photograph underwater reefs and corals, many marine creatures, and a large variety of fish including sharks. The Odyssey Submarine offers you 45 minutes dive with 1.5 hour free program. Rate is US$69 per person. For bookings and charter information call 703-060.
	Playing Golf in Bali: The "Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club" near Bedugul in the mountains is probably Bali's most attractive golf course. There is also a 18-hole course at the "Bali Golf & Country Club" in Nusa Dua near the Bali Hilton, a 9-hole course at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur, and the new "Nirwana Bali Golf Club" with a 18-hole course near Tanah Lot. If you are interested in playing golf in Bali, please call 703-060 for bookings and information.
	Tennis & Squash: There are Clark Hatch Sports Clubs at the Sheraton Laguna and Nusa Indah Resort, Kartika Plaza Hotel, and Nikko Hotel each of which has several outdoor tennis courts, indoor squash courts, and complete fitness facilities. Playing partners as well as lessons are available. Most other 5-star hotels have at least some tennis courts which can also be booked by outside guests. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Paragliding: Located on the Bukit (the hill South of the airport), a well-trained instructor accompanies you on a 20 minute tandem flight over the most spectacular strip of Bali's coastline. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	White Water Rafting: Several companies offer exciting white water rafting tours (grade 2 to grade 4 rapids) on the Ayung river North-West of Ubud and — during certain times of the year — also on the Unda river North of Klungkung. You pass waterfalls and volcanic cliffs, deep sided gorges, tranquil rice terraces and remote villages. (New: A new up-river track of the Ayung River is now open. The exhilarating journey brings you through a bat ravine to a waterfall stop and warm water cave). From morning to afternoon, US$56-US$85 per person including transfers from and to your hotel and lunch. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Other Organized Adventures: Lake and Sea Kayakking, Jungle Trekking, and Mountain Cycling are arranged by the companies listed above. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Bungy Jumping: A. J. Hackett in adjacent to Double Six, Legian, is the island's only beach bungy tower with a lift. US$62. With the "Sling Shot" at the "Adrenalin Park" in Kuta you can get shot 52 metres into the air in just over one second, and they have an overhanging climbing wall, too. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Horseback Riding: Experience Bali on horse back, ride through rice fields and along deserted beaches. Tours can be organized mornings and afternoons. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Paintball War Games: The newly operated "Paintball Bali" is located on Jimbaran Hill and occupies about 3 hectares of exciting playing fields. Facilities include a large parking area, lobby with audio-video facilities, individual changing rooms and lockers as well as a staging area. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Nature Tours: Visit the Bali Barat National Park in the West of the island, the Butterfly Park "Taman Kupu Kupu" in Wanasari, Tabanan, or the Botanical Gardens in Bedugul. Guided bird watching tours are offered starting from Ubud (in the village of Petulu a few miles north of Ubud you can also watch between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. every day the arrival of thousands of white herons who are nesting here), and you can visit the bull races in Negara. If you stay near Lovina in the North, get up early one morning and hire a boat to watch hundreds of dolphins. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	The Botanical Garden, Ubud: This covers an area of five hectares and accommodates a natural ravine. There are an Orchid Garden, a vast collection of ferns, palms, bamboos and tropical trees, as well as Bali’s first maze. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Bali Safari and Marine Park: This newly opened safari park is set in 40 hectares of land and located near Gianyar; there are safari vehicles to cruise the park and interact with 400 animals from Asia including Indonesia, India, and Africa. Introductory entrance fee is US$25 per person. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Bali Zoo: "Nature's Education Center" is home of more than 350 animals and located in Singapadu near Ubud. Daily programs include animal feeding (lions, crocodiles, tigers etc.) as well as animal petting e.g. you can touch and hold various birds and baby monkeys. Entrance fee is US$18 per adult. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Harley Davidson Rental: For real bikers who want to explore Bali in a different way, Harley Davidson bikes are available for rent. Various families of Sportster (883cc), Dyna Low Rider (1,450cc), Fat Boy (1,450cc) or Heritage Softail Classic (1,450cc) are available at US$70 to US$150 per day. Additional US$30 if you need a guide for tandem riding. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	ATV Quad & Buggy Tour: An adventurous journey off-the-beaten track on 250-350cc ATV's through lush forests and mountain streams to enjoy some of the best views of Bali's rice terraces. Rates start at US$69 per person. For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Paint A Pot: Jenggala is pleased to offer handpainting of ceramics – raw glazed of ceramics range from US$5 to US$21 each. A course in ceramic hand building is also available. This includes slabwork, pinch and coil techoniques, drop moulds and handthrowing. Rate starts from US$10 (2hrs per session - course completed within 1 week.) For bookings and information call 703-060.
	Not Only for Children: Take a stroll through Denpasar's bird market near the northern end of Jalan Veteran where you see not only a large variety of tropical birds but also tropical fish, cats and dogs, monkeys etc. You can visit the Taman Burung bird park with 1,000 different species of birds (and even a small Komodo dragon in the adjacent Reptile Park) in Singapadu about 20 minutes north of Denpasar, the Waterbom Park with four slides and a flowing river in tropical surroundings in Tuban, or enjoy jungle treks on top of Sumatran elephants starting from the Elephant Safari Park in Taro, a village about 50 kilometers north of Denpasar. Camel rides on the beach are offered at the Hotel Nikko Bali in Nusa Dua.
	Balinese Dance & Music Classes: The YAYASAN POLOS SENI (Foundation for Pure Art) in Banjar Teges Kanginan, Peliatan, Ubud, e-mail polos@goarchi.com, offers Balinese dance and music classes for students who wish to become fully involved with the dance & music culture of Bali. Enrolling in one of these classes (one-to-one tuition and participation in group rehearsals and performances) means becoming a member of the family of students and teachers and an in-depth experience of the world of performers and performances in the Ubud area. There are also 2-week courses to learn playing the Gamelan at the MUSEUM SENI KLASSIK in Klungkung (e-mail anggie@gggamelan.com) which are open for all levels of experience. Beginners as well as "non-musicians" are welcome.
	Meditation Classes: Free Raya Yoga Meditation classes and regular sessions in Ubud and Denpasar, tel. 976-206. There are also free lessons every Monday 19.00 at the Denpasar Meditation Shop, tel. 237-260. Information on daily meetings, classes, books, tapes and videos from Bali Osho Information Centre, telephone 423-595.
	Balinese Cooking Classes: Discover the secrets of Balinese cuisine by joining one of the 1-Day Cooking Classes held by Heinz von Holzen, the author of the book "The Food Of Bali" and former food guru of the Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carlton hotels in Bali. You can visit Heinz in his beautiful BUMBU BALI restaurant in Tanjung Benoa next to Nusa Dua and enjoy their fabulous dishes at any time. If you wish to enrol in one of his popular classes, you better book in advance. Balinese cooking classes are also held in Ubud at the BUMBU Restaurant (tel. 974-217), at CASA LUNA (tel. 96-283), and at the nearby Sua Bali Culture and Information Centre (tel. 941-050).
	Culinary Events: Aimed more at the local community than at tourists are the "Wine & Cigars" and other special dinners at the AMANUSA and RITZ CARLTON as well as the BVLGARI Resort (900,000 Rupiah to 2,800,000 Rupiah per person). The monthly lunch meetings of the "Bali Wine Club" and the "Chaîne des Rôtisseurs" Black-Tie dinners are for members and their guests only. If you've booked a villa through Balivillas.com and are seriously interested in good food and wine, please call their Service Center at 703-060 to arrange your attendance.
	Hash House Harriers: There are three groups of Hash House Harriers holding regular runs on every Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 4.30 p.m. You can find up-to-date information at the GLORY restaurant in Legian, LIPS Country & Western Bar and BALI BAKERY in Kuta, ALAS ARUM supermarket, ARRI'S CAFE and ARENA Sports Bar in Sanur, and at NAUGHTY NURI'S bar in Ubud. For more details please visit their web site.
	Social Clubs: Rotarians, Lions, Scal Club members, etc. hold regular meetings in various parts of Bali. Schedules are published in the local newspapers. taken from : www.baliguide.com