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Melanting Temple at North West Bali

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This is another beautiful temple located at North Bali , somewhere in the Pulaki village. If you travel from Denpasar, you will arrive in three hours. If you go to the west via Negara ( a town in West Bali) you will pass the Bali Barat National Park which is ideal trekking place. Another tourist spot is Labuan Lalang, which located close to Menjangan Island, a popular diving site. The Melanting temple is located further north. You actually need to go away from the normal route to reach the temple. If you stay at Matahari Resort at Pemuteran village, you can tour around in nearby villages such as Pulaki Temple and Melanting Temple. Many Balinese visit this temple especially traders as the Goddess Melanting is popular among the Balinese traders as the one to turn for good trade. Although it is popular among traders, all the Balinese, regardless of their profession actually can go to this temple. The god or goddess is merely a manifestation of the One Almighty God. And because of His func

Do You Like The Rain?

October is the start of the rainy season in Bali. Normally the rainy season will last for six months from October to April. Meanwhile, the dry season is from April to October. Actually it does not rain every day during the rainny season. In fact, rain will usually start on December or January. So, there is no need to worry the rain will spoil your holiday if you are planning to visit Bali. So far there is no rain today in Bali. Even the weather is hot. It's about 29 degree Celcius with some clouds in the sky. Many adventures activity can be enjoyed during the rainy season, especially white water rafting or kayaking. Maybe it is not good time for shopping, because the street will be wet and muddy in the traditional markets.

Thoughts On Riding A Motor Bike in Bali

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Riding a motor bike in Bali can be an exciting activity for you to do. Most of the Balinese ride motor bikes, though most of them don't have license or don't understand the traffic rules. Every body agrees that it is cheap to run compared to cars. You too can ride motor bike in Bali. Getting one while you are here is no big deal. A lot of motor bike rentals in Kuta and other tourist area, but before you hit the Bali street here is some tips that might be useful for you. To hire a motor bike, you will need about 30,000 rupiah a day or about 3.5 USD. The petrol is 4500 a litre. So, yup, it is indeed cheap to run. Next, you have to get an international driving license. You can get that from your country or you can obtain it here. The cost of getting one, is around USD 20 to 25. Get a "automatic" motor bike. So, you don't have to change gears. It is easier especially if you are not used to ride motor bikes a lot in your country. Some brands like Yamaha Mio,

A Little Note on Balinese Caste System

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Yesterday I went tour to Kintamani to see the volcano with eleven Indian tourists. They are very nice and they talk English with Indian accent. Apparently, they are in Bali at the moment for a PATA conference (Pacific Asia Travel Association Mart) on 25 to 28 September at Westin Hotel Nusa Dua. (Later I knew that they were the Minister of Tourism of Andra Pradesh India and other directors and staffs of tourism department of Andra Pradesh). Most of them are Hindu, so we can discuss about the Balinese Hindu and the Indian Hindu. Although this is not an in-depth discussion but it does gives me an interesting view. "Do you have caste system in Bali?" one of them asked me. I explained briefly about the four castes we have in Bali, the Brahmana, Ksatria, Weisya, and Sudra. They ask me again, to confirm, if we only have those four castes. I said yes. "So, you don't have sub caste, for example, that inside Brahmana caste there is not any sub caste?" When I replied that

Let's Swing Your Golf Club in Bali

While golf is not as popular as football in Bali, some Balinese, especially the business people, play golf. There is a saying about this, whenever they play golf, they talk about business. But when they are at the business meeting, they talk about golf. So, where can you play golf in Bali? The Bali Golf and Country Club . Located in Nusa Dua and designed by Nelson and Wright. It’s an 18-hole course located in the main area of Nusa Dua where all these international hotels suchs as Westin and Grand Hyatt is located. Le Meridian Nirwana Golf Spa and Resort. Located in Tabanan, close to the sacred temple of Tanah Lot. It is an 18 hole golf course with a wonderful view of Tanah Lot. The Course is actually higher than the temple, which should not be. Because higher place is considered sacred. Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club . Located in Bedugul, in the middle Bali. 18 hole golf course in the middle of lush area of tropical plantation. The accommodation and restaurant with fantastic vi

How Much Are Things Cost in Bali?

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Bali is a well known inexpensive place for holiday. Since the Indonesian currency is weak, you will get more for your money if you come, for instance, from Australia or United States. Some places are cheap, but there are also expensive places such as hotel with international quality. Bali is suitable for any budget. Top end hotels, restaurants, and boutiques are available. But local shops and food stall is inexpensive place to go. Before going shopping in Bali, you need to have an idea of what the price of goods for sale here.This is not meant to be an absolute Bali cost guide , maybe ypu'll find the prices differs slightly from what listed in this blog. Somehow, it surely will give you an idea about the prices. Petrol is Rp 4500 per litre or .50 cent USD. 1 beach colorful sarong is Rp. 20000 or 2.1 USD A motor bike rent is Rp 30000 or USD 3, and in case you want to buy one (I am sure you don't) the price of new motor bike is Rp 13000000 or about 1400 USD. A

Top Beaches in Bali Island

Here is a list of beautiful beaches you can visit during your holiday in Bali. Kuta Beach Kuta Beach is the most popular beach in Bali. A lot of tourists and local flock during the day and it will become more crowded on the weekends and public holidays. It is perfect place for relaxing, sun bathing (not for local), surfing, or just for taking a walk. Jimbaran Beach Jimbaran is a quiet beach at some points. But this crescent shape white sandy beach is a popular place for sea food restaurants by the sea. Spend an evening here is a good way of relaxing. Enjoy sea food dinner while watching the sun beyond the horizon. Sanur Beach Sanur beach is on the opposite of Kuta. Locals bring their families to Sanur usually on Sunday evening. It is an area where you can see the sun rise and moon rise over Nusa Penida island. Candi Dasa Beach ( Pasir Putih) It is another white sandy beach and crystal clear blue water with palm trees. Located east of Bali, about 80 kilometers from Denpasar. Nusa Lembo