Bali Travel Guide

Crisp, wintery days and softly falling snow may sound magical, however, in reality, in many countries the winter weather at the end of the year and first couple of months of the next is anything but magical; with cold, damp, blustery days that make you feel tired, miserable, and in need of some Vitamin D-inducing sunshine. While summer holidays in Bali are always fantastic, there is something wonderfully enticing about getting away from the cold toward more tropical climes. If you’re wrapped up in sweaters, fighting off yet another sniffly cold, and missing the sight of the sun then could it be time to pack up your sunscreen and head to Bali for some luxurious comfort? Of course, what’s not to love about Bali? But just in case you need some motivation, here are five reasons to escape to Bali this Winter: Rain Won’t Stop You From Enjoying Your Wellness …

Uber-hip; boho-chic; uniquely edgy; and ethical ethnic-luxury; Bali may be renowned for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches but it is a glamorously exciting hub for fashion too. Attracting the international jet-set to it gorgeous island-shores, the atmosphere may well be chilled but Bali is a hot destination as a fashion paradise with designers from all over the world making this Indonesian island in the sun their home and seeking inspiration from Bali’s artistic beauty and cultural flair. Upscale Seminyak, with its upmarket boutiques, is the ultimate retail therapy district for the luxury shopper. Just to be clear, it is not that Bali just has some great shops for an island in Southeast Asia, it is in fact home to some of the best independent designers who run some of the hottest fashion houses and brands in the world. Boutique browsing in Bali is not just about mixing it up …

Imagine an achingly beautiful tropical beach on a paradise island. Picture a stunning green mountainous landscape and iconic paddy fields, incredible culture, and a mesmerizing spirituality that inspires. Open your eyes to the ultimate vacation and take just a few moments to check out this amazing video journey through the wonder of Bali. In less than three minutes, you’ll be booking your flight and packing your bags, because there’s something unfathomably special about this Southeast Asian isle. Prepare to be beguiled and seduced. Discover Bali and explore its natural beauty. Bali is famed for its glorious beaches; marine playgrounds where you can lounge on the soft sands, with white stretches in the south of the island at lovely Kuta Beach as well as Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu. Black volcanic shores shine at Seminyak and Canggu and the eastern beaches at Tulamben and Kubu. Sands fringe world-class dive sites and …

As may be expected from a volcanic island, Balinese cuisine serves up more than a little fire in your belly with its use of aromatic spices and chili peppers. However, the spices are tempered by fragrant herbs which give Balinese dishes their rich yet delicate taste. At the heart of many Balinese dishes is a wonderfully aromatic spice paste called Base Gede which literally translates as ‘big spice’. The paste combines a long list of spices including nutmeg, cloves, and cumin with strong root flavors such as garlic, shallots, and ginger. Adding the heat of birdseye chilis, the sweetness of palm sugar, and the sour of lemongrass with the saltiness of shrimp paste creates that a wonderfully distinct Asian flavor; one that is at once recognizable but defies definition and is ultimately craved the world over. Sambal, which can be served cooked or raw, is a hot, spicy sauce. In …

Exquisitely romantic settings with a delight of gourmet dishes; incredible, world-class cuisine in extravagant, sophisticated eateries; when it comes to fine dining, Bali promises dynamic dining experiences with some incredible luxury restaurants to choose from.   Mozaic Where: Ubud Cuisine: French-inspired Style: Secret garden romance Set in a pretty garden courtyard, Mozaic, with its magical candlelit tables has a wonderfully intimate and classically romantic ambiance; a luxury dining oasis in Bali. The award-winning eatery is not only regarded as the best restaurant in Bali but has been named as one of the Top 100 restaurants in the world. It is also the only restaurant in Southeast Asia to be listed as one of the Great Tables of the World. The daily-changing tasting menus of gastronomic delights reflect the artistic approach of the American-born French chef. The perfectly executed dishes are artistically created at Mozaic using the finest ingredients. Address: Jl. …

This year’s festival season in Bali starts with the spectacular Bali Barong Festival 2016, which is a series of events celebrating the mythical being that protects the island and its forests. The Barong is an ancient mythical creature that comes in 5 different shapes: the lion, the dragon, the serpent, the boar, and the tiger. Of the 5, the lion is the most popular and well-known, with its domineering and towering figure, often shown in costumes with a height twice that of an adult human being. The Balinese consider the Barong as the King of the Spirits, representing Virtue and Goodness. The creature is also the very symbol of the protective spirit of the islands. The festival is a celebration of all the different incarnations of the Barong, presented in various events such as Barong dance competitions, art exhibitions, a photography exhibit, as well as a presentation of the art …

Bali is not just an island with amazing waves and deep blue ocean, but it also nurtures a tremendously diverse natural resources beyond one’s imagination – from the volcanic mountains, towering cliffs to the lush paddy fields. The Island of Gods is blessed with such abundance in rich, nature-laden resources. For our readers’ convenience, we have shortlisted eight incredible nature wonders in Bali you should not miss. Related: 10 Reasons Bali Should Be Your Next Destination Ubud and Campuhan Ridge Campuhan Ridge Walk, an easy and free nature trek that is popular to returning visitors is located in the central highland town of Ubud. The area offers a fantastic escape from the tumultuous southern parts of the island. This path features a more natural landscape to retreat to – from the guesthouse, the modern boutique to the numerous restaurants of Jalan Raya Ubud. Travelers can sample the cool fresh air while …