Discover more about East Bali...

Despite having a lot to see and to do, East Bali is not as packed with travelers compared to other areas of the island. Surprisingly though, because this region has so much to offer...

It has the most sacred volcano on the island, one of the two villages where the original Balinese descendent live, spectacular rice field views, great diving sights and so much more.

Let me list them more specifically so you'll realize too how rich this part of this island is.

Gunung Agung Gunung Agung is an impressive volcano and dominates the landscape in East Bali. On a cloudless day you will see it's summit everywhere you go.

This mountain is deeply respected by the Balinese and is considered as the most holy mountain on the island. However it has caused a lot of suffering as well for the Balinese people as it killed thousands during an eruption in 1963.

Besides being the most holy mountain on the island, today it is also popular among climbers. It is a tough hike so you should be a bit trained and fit. But once you have endured the climb you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view on the summit, especially at sunrise. The best time to climb is from July till September.

Temples; Pura Besakih and Pura Kehen Pura Besakih is considered the mother temple for all the Balinese people. It is the most important and with the big Gunung Agung on the background the setting is pretty mystical. Compared to other temples, the areas of Pura Besakih are very limited though.

But if you hear about a ceremony taking place there then you should definitely visit this temple. It is a unforgettable sight to see all the beautifully dressed Balinese placing offerings.

Another important and more accessible temple complex in East Bali is Pura Kehen, Bangli. It resembles Pura Besakih however it is much smaller. I do recommend visiting it though because of it's many nice statues and carvings. It's location amid a palm tree plantation makes it nice to walk around.

Tenganan Tenganan is a village where the original descendants of Bali prior to the Majahapit's arrival still live. It is located near Candidasa within a valley surrounded by mountains.

The villagers, the Bali Aga people are a secluded community with many strict social rules who live in a basic looking village set within a wall. When you walk around they do not seem to be the richest people on the island, but here appearance is deceiving.

The Bali Aga are prosperous due to the fertile land surrounding their village. Until today they divide the yields evenly among each other.

Many tourists visit Tenganan daily to admire their famous double waving 'ikat' cloths. It is worth visiting when you are in the area and it is nice to chat with the people there about their history and daily life.

Water palaces; Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung In East Bali there are two popular water palaces. My favorite is the Tirta Gangga as the trip to this palace is beautiful plus you can actually dive into one of the pools and enjoy the fresh water coming from the spring.

The water palace was built by the raja of Amplapura in 1947, just as the other water palace Taman Ujung located nearby.

The garden and the pools of Tirta Gangga are beautifully maintained and there are many statues throughout the area. The big pools are decorated with fountains and flowers and as I mentioned before you can enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the royal pools. Don't forget your swim wear and towel if you plan to visit this palace...!

Diving spots Many resorts in East Bali offer great diving packages as this is one of the best regions in Bali to do some diving. Popular starting points are Padangbai, Candidasa, Amed and Tulamben.

It is possible to hire boats at dive operators who will take you to the best dive sights. Traditional fishermen are a perfect option if you plan to do some snorkeling only.

If you are lucky expect to see white tip sharks, manta rays, barracudas, turtles and the rare Oceanic Sunfish.

Beaches If you know where to find them, you will be treated with real white sandy beaches in East Bali. The majority of the beaches in East Bali are of black volcanic sand. And in Candidasa the beach has even disappeared to wrong planning.

However we managed to find two beaches that are really like the pictures you often see of a tropical white beach. The first one is right next to Padangbai and is called Bias Tugal. The other is a bit more difficult to find and is located between Candidasa and Jasri. It's called Pasir Putih, meaning White Sand. Well...that says enough.

Both beaches are very quiet and secluded. Don't expect any bars or restaurants at the beach. Just locals selling canned soft drinks. But if you love these quiet beaches then you should definitely check them out.

Day trips Last but definitely not the least....day trips. East Bali has truly a spectacular landscape of mountains, valleys, rice fields and ocean. Our favorite route is passing Sideman and Rendang.

The area is ideal for hiking as well ofcourse.

Sideman is located in a mountainous area which is covered with fresh green vegetation and rice terraces. In Rendang the road twists and turns around the terrific rice fields giving you great views of this complicated man-made creation.

Another great route, passing villages where time seems to have stood still, is from Candidasa to Ubud via Manggis, Selat and Besakih

East Bali offers a wonderful opportunity to discover a Bali that is, compared to South Bali still pretty much untouched. It is perfect if you are looking for a less crowded place to enjoy your holiday at the beach or in the nature while experiencing the rich Balinese culture.

by Matt Verbaan

Soak up the sun: five summer beach holidays

There are some beautiful beaches in the UK and they are great to visit during the seemingly random sunnier periods of our year. However, lets be honest, the British summertime is a bit of an up and down affair at best and can often end up becoming a washout. With belts being tightened and every penny counted, do you really want to risk your hard-earned cash on a beach holiday in the rain?

With last minute offers and huge summer sales, there are now many beach holidays to luxury destinations across the world that will cost you less than you think.

When it comes to beach holiday destinations, Egypt may not be the first one that springs to mind however, if you want the smallest possible chance of rain on your holiday, then Egypt is probably your best bet. In the summer months Egypt will have consistently average temperatures in the 30s and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. Rainfall is pretty much nonexistent during June to September, so you are almost guaranteed a sunny holiday. The coastal resort of Sharm El Sheikh is becoming increasingly popular with British tourists and offers some of the best beaches and five star hotels that Egypt has to offer. A flight to Egypt is around five hours, so it is very popular with those wanting a bit of sun, but aren't willing to go long-haul.

A little further afield than Egypt, the island of Hawaii has very consistent weather throughout the year with average summertime temperatures of around 30oC. However, there are many different micro-environments and you can find tropical rainforests and sunny beaches right next to each other. Water temperatures can reach a very pleasant 27ºC and there are many beautiful, picture perfect beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy. Obviously the exchange rate to the US Dollar will have a great influence on the price of your Hawaiian holiday, so it is worth keeping an eye on the exchange rate to get a good deal.

While Hawaii has always been a popular island to visit, one that has grown in popular recentlyOne of the top beach destinations in the world is the Indonesian island of Bali. The best time to visit Bali is between May and October when rainfall is at its lowest. The temperature is fairly consistent throughout the year and is usually around 28oC. The beaches of Bali are what people come to experience and there is nothing like taking a dip in warm turquoise waters or watching a Bali sunset from a hammock with a cocktail in hand. Be prepared for a long flight, but your pound should go a long way against the Indonesian Rupiah.

Back in Europe, Italy might not have been the first place to mind when thinking about a beach break, but there are plenty of beautiful spots to lay down your towel. Some of the country's highlights include the beautiful beaches of Sardinia, Tuscany and the Italian islands. The Italian climate is Mediterranean, especially on the west coast, so it is hot and dry during the summer months and perfect beach weather. Also, the flight time to Italy is only around two and half hours so you don't have to travel too far to find some summer sun.

For those looking to leave the familiarity of Europe and venture into the dark continent, Kenya is a popular holiday choice. Known for its amazing wildlife and safaris, few travellers are aware of its amazing coast and beaches. The city of Mombassa is a very popular beach destination and travellers will often book a Kenya safari and a week on the beach to help them relax. Kenya's coast boasts over 300 miles of white sand beaches and summer high temperatures of around 30oC. There are also a huge number of activities to keep you busy, including some great dive sites and a range of watersports for thrill seekers.

So when you are looking at beach holidays this year, keep these destinations in mind and you are almost guaranteed some summer sun. by Isla Campbell

Honeymoon Holidays For Summer Brides

Holding your wedding ceremony in the summer months of June, July and August may mean that you're more likely to receive sunny weather on your big day but it can limit you when choosing your luxury honeymoon holiday as the school holidays mean costlier airfares, crowded beaches and the dreaded hurricane season in the Caribbean. We've picked our top three honeymoon holiday destinations along with the best month of the year to visit them in.

June Brides

The tropical island of Mauritius is the perfect honeymoon holiday destination for June brides. The British Summer Season sees the exotic island at its absolute best with the temperature around a moderate 25 degrees Celsius. During this month the north of the island is the most temperate and the five star resort of The Oberoi is one of the perfect luxury destinations for honeymoons. The hotel is located amongst 20 acres of sub-tropical gardens and has a 600 metre ocean-front. Newly-weds can eat delectable Creole food amongst the stars in the resort's amazing restaurant, whilst listening to the strange evening song of the frogs.

After all the stresses and strains of organising your wedding you're going to need plenty of time away to pamper yourself and this is where the hotel's luxurious spa comes in handy with it's extensive range of holistic treatments from aromatherapy to aruyvedic massages. If you can bring yourselves to leave this incredible resort then the destination of Mauritius offers plenty for newly-weds to do on their honeymoon holidays, whether it's a walking trip hand in hand on the bottom of the Indian Ocean or an excursion to a local rum distillery.

July Brides

July Brides should consider taking their luxury honeymoons in the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong. It may not be the typical honeymoon holiday destination with its lack of palm-fringed beaches, and a bustling city atmosphere, but during July the city is arguably its most beautiful and it can be twinned with other Far East beach resorts for a fantastic multi-centre honeymoon.

Hong Kong has more than its fair share of luxury hotels which are just perfect for relaxing honeymoon holidays. Of all these hotels, The Excelsior is one of the most romantic, situated on the waterfront of Hong Kong harbour and in the heart of the shopping district. The Excelsior is located close to all the major tourist attractions and Hong Kong's highlights include visiting the Giant Buddha at Lantau Island and a tram ride on the world's steepest tram railway at Victoria Peak.

The Excelsior offers Michelin awarded dining, a world class spa and eight private treatment rooms making it the perfect destination for newlyweds to unwind on their honeymoon holidays.

August Brides

August Brides may be marrying in the peak of the summer season, but the onset of the school holidays makes finding a dream honeymoon holiday destination much harder. However, August is the perfect time to visit the romantic island of Bali, a dream island which is perfect year round.

The Melia Bali Villas and Spa Resort are a great value luxury honeymoon destination and provide the perfect base to get away from everything and simply relax after all the stresses and strains of organising a wedding.

Beautiful lotus ponds stand beside carved stone gods and the hotel offers a whole range of different facilities from four stunning bars to a beautifully sophisticated restaurant offering a range of local cuisine.

Bali is the quintessential tropical island and its laid back atmosphere suits everyone from backpackers seeking the perfect place to unwind after their travels to the wealthy in search of luxurious spa resorts. As the island is rich in natural and cultural beauty it offers a myriad of outdoor activities for you to participate in on your honeymoon holiday from surfing lessons on windswept beaches to holistic treatments and early morning yoga sessions. by Claire Bryant

Private Villas Location in Bali

Bali offers you various choices of villas and holiday homes for your lovely holiday in Bali. There are many types of villa which you can rent ranging from luxury beachfront villa, hilltop villas with ocean views to rice fields view villas. All of them are available for long-term and short-term rental.

Bali villa rental is the ideal for family's vacation, wedding ceremony, corporate meeting etc. Villa rental in Bali is the alternative way for you to stay in Bali. Villa rental can be cheaper than staying in a luxury hotel and more comfortable than guesthouse. There are several area in Bali that most of these Bali private villas are located and this article will show you some of the best villa in Bali that you can be assured of great service in a holiday home that meets your expectations.

Seminyak

Seminyak - Bali has evolved over the past decade or so to become Bali's most sophisticated neighbourhood with an outstanding choice of international dining alternatives, stylish boutiques and homeware galleries lining the main streets. Seminyak strategically located close to the beach and just a 20 minute drive to the airport, Seminyak is a community that truly embodies the spirit of tropical living. In Seminyak there are over 80 villas available for your holidays.

Canggu

Canggu is a charming village blessed with a rural landscape of verdant rice terraces that extends to a stretch of coastline with a legendary surf break. It is a tranquil area where travellers can escape the pressures of modern living, but still be close enough to enjoy shopping and dining out in neighbouring Seminyak. In Canggu there are over 100 villas available from beachfront and rice fieldviews to villa by the river gorge.

Jimbaran

Hills, bay, or pristine white-sandy beach, the choice is yours. Jimbaran comprise of a secluded bay with pristine white-sandy beach and soaring rocky hill behind called The Bukit with stunning ocean views over the bay and beyond. Enjoying one of the most spectacular sunset on the island, the beaches along Jimbaran Bay are also blessed with amazing tunelling waves making the area one of the most sought after surfing spot. In Jimbaran area lies several of the most luxurious and expensive villas with top view of the ocean. Some of them are also great for wedding venue.

Ubud

Inofficially known as Asia's cultural capital, Ubud is surely Bali's capital of art and culture. Landmarked by the ancient royal palace, Ubud is home to thousands of telented artist, represented by hundred of fine-art galleries. Perfect blend of natural beauty with terracing ricefield, lush tropical forrest, and winding river gorge with the well-kept heritage of Balinese traditional living has inspired those talented artists for ceturies. Around 20 villas available in Ubud.

There is a wealth of information online that will help you make plans for your holidays. Bali has lots of things to offer and consider what you are going to do with your time and decide on some things you would like to do. Finally when you set off on your vacation sit back and relax with the positive intention to enjoy your entire trip as much as possible. by dharma putra

3 Luxury Villas Located on Beachfront Lot in Bali

The province of Bali in Indonesia has truly been one of the most visited and frequented tourist destinations in Asia. That is why the sector for tourist inns and properties has really enjoyed a rise. These days, there is a good and significant market for Bali villa rentals. And as a vacationer, you would generate more savings if you would rent a place to stay in as you enjoy your Bali getaway.

As a regular traveler, you surely have been well acquainted and familiarized with the services of Bali hotels. You should be noticing that hotel all over the world are getting similar to each other that you could hardly distinguish the difference each one of them.In that way, Bali villa rentals are more advisable if you want to know more about the culture of the area in your vacation. Bali villa rental is also the ideal for family's vacation, wedding ceremony, corporate meeting etc.

For those special occassion there are around 3 best beachfront villas in Bali. Located around area of Canggu, Seminyak and Jimbaran. These fine luxury villas will be assured of great service in a holiday home that meets your expectations.

Villa Arika Canggu
Villa Erika is located in Canggu on the beach in the peaceful village of Pererenan, 9 km north of the restaurant/nightlife districts of Legian and Seminyak and approximately 30 minutes from Bali International Airport. This four-bedroom property is situated on 1.2 hectares on the beach and has amazing sunsets. The blue tiled swimming pool and over 1 hectare of breathtaking tropical gardens surround you in this tropical paradise. The villa has been built so that there are ocean views from every room in the house. All indoor rooms have air conditioning and all bedrooms have bathrooms ensuite.

Villa The Calyx Jimbaran
Each of the four spacious two-bedroom villas meet all the standard of comfort and luxury required by even the most discerning traveler - something not to be defined, only to be discovered. With open style living/dining room; spacious air-conditioned bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms; an entertainment room featuring home theatre sound system, satellite TV, DVD player, i-Pod player and deck, and a personal pool with Jacuzzi. IDD telephone and wi-fi with broadband connection internet access throughout the villa to ease your communication needs being away from home, makes it a true reflection of avant garde - beautiful from any point of view.

Villa Atas Ombak Seminyak
Villa Atas Ombak is one of very few private villas in Bali which have absolute beach frontage! Located only a 'stones throw' from the built-up & better know areas of Seminyak, Legian and Kuta. Villa Atas Ombak boasts magnificent ocean views from all living and sleeping areas. The villa, which sits atop 5,000 m2 of cultivated gardens, consists of three separate buildings, the main building, the guest cottage & the pavilion (which is open-plan living area that overlooks the pool and ocean). The villa was designed to maximize use of the outdoors, as well as providing guests with quality living, dining & sleeping areas. All living and dining areas are fan cooled. The villa can only be accessed by private road and usually booked by wedding couples..

Finally, if you are interested in the holiday and long-term rental villas in Bali then the internet is the best place to find your perfect holiday villa for your family and friends. by dharma putra

Asian Travels - 7 Top Places To Visit In Asia

Asia is a wonderful continent and has some of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. This continent is rich in its various cultures and has a history behind everything. A holiday or vacation to this continent is sure to refresh you and give you an insight to some of the most beautiful sites and breathe taking views you have seen. Here are some of the top places you must visit in Asia.

1. Indonesia - Bali Bali is a small magnificent island which houses the Batubulan Village that are famous for its stone sculptures. The culture it portrays is rich and the Barong dance is a specialty. Do not forget to see the works of the goldsmiths and various handicrafts.

2. Bangkok This place is famous for its Buddha statues and the reclining Buddha Temple. A must visit is the Erawan Shrine and the Snake Farm located near the shrine. Modern tours include a Safari and Bangkok's Pattaya and Coral Island.

3. India It is a country rich in culture and lots to offer. Among the most popular tours would be a boat ride on the Ganges River, The Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Himalayas, and different monuments, temples and churches located all over India. India is also known for its diversified food and the different festivals that are celebrated in this country. This country will keep you spell bound with all it has to offer to you. Do not miss out on this one.

4. Kathmandu The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a popular spot to learn about the culture of this place and the people. The places to visit include Buddhanikantha temple and the Pashupatinath Temple. The weather in this place is beautiful almost all through the year.

5. China This is one of the biggest countries in Asia and requires ample time to tour the entire country. But some of the most popular tourist spots include Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City as well as the Temple of Heaven. The Yangtze River Cruise is one of the favourite spots of tourists and also the local citizens as well, where one can share a close relationship with nature. The modern buildings and sky scrapers are a magnificent site.

6. Japan Tokyo is the most popular city of Japan and is very exciting. Some of its traditional cultures can still be found in the mountain villages of this country. The other popular tourist destinations are the temples, churches and shrines which are situated in the different parts of the country.

7. Turkey This is one of the most beautiful countries and its culture will captivate you. There are many museums that you can visit like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Some of its other most famous sites are its archaeological sites like Pamukkale's Hierapolis as well as famous mosques like the Blue Mosque. The Turkish chai is a popularity and a must have. The traditional outfit is a wonder and the people are very friendly. by Pinky Mcbanon

How to Choose Your Next Tropical Destination

There are a lot of tropical destinations in the world but how do you know what island is best for your holiday? What if you want to set off to a hushed romantic tropical resort and end up on a youthful party island? What if your island doesn't have as a lot of scuba diving as you want or the prices were more than you wanted to pay? How do you locate where the best information is? What do you look for in choosing the best tropical destination for you? Often many people don't know where to start. Research from guidebooks can help but that is time consuming. Here are some tips that can help you make the process of choosing your tropical holiday easier and quicker:

For starters, pick what type of island holiday you. Do you want an active island vacation, great diving, a luxurious island resort, a off the beaten path island or will just any island do for you? Pick one thing that is a deal breaker for you so if you get jammed between two destinations, you use that one thing as the deciding factor.

Next, decide where on the planet you want to visit. Do you want your tropical holiday to be close to home or far away? Remember, the further away you travel, the more expensive the holiday will be. Even if the island is inexpensive, traveling there might not be.

Next, decide how much your budget will be. Some might choose this as the number one thing you should do but you can't decide how much you need to set aside or spend if you haven't decided where you are going yet. A semi-expensive tropical island close to home will need less money than an inexpensive active island far away. You'll need more money if you are flying to Bali from New York than you would if you were flying to Bermuda, even though Bali is a cheaper island.

Get some island names. Now that you know where in the world you want to go for your vacation, what you want to do there, and how much you want to spend, get a list of islands in that area to research. Draw up a list of five, otherwise the list becomes too long because there's so many islands in the world. Get a healthy mix of popular island destinations and off the beaten path islands.

Research your tropical islands. What is the food like? What is the diving like? How much does it cost? Who goes there? Is it easy to get too? Does it have what you want? Head to the store for a guidebook or do some online research at websites like best tropical islands.

Make a final decision. Now that you have narrowed your list down, make a decision. This is the hardest part, huh? All of those islands look good. Can't we just go to them all? Sadly,no. We have to choose one. If you are having trouble picking one, use the deal breaker we discussed in step one to decide. All things being equal, this deal breaker should be the deciding factor. That way you stay focused and don't over think your decision. By staying focused, you can go with your gut and make the decision much less painful and avoid second guessing.

So now you have picked your tropical island, go start booking flights and hotels. If you follow these guidelines, you can help get to your perfect island getaway quicker by spending less time deciding where to go and more time at the location. Once there, you know that island will be exactly what you want and will never have to say "It was good but…" as no one wants to say that! So enjoy your tropical destination and have a fruity drink for us! by Matthew Kepnes