Bali Beckons

BALI BECKONS

One of my favorite exotic places. The beautiful Indonesian island nation is the largest island in the world, encompassing thousands of islands, each with its own unique culture. Some 17,000 islands make up the Indonesian archipelago, a broken patchwork of rain forests and volcanoes, tropical beaches and near forgotten names. Komodo, Borneo, the Spice Islands. Populated by more than 195 million people, Indonesia is the world’s fourth largest country and home to mankind’s last remaining frontiers. It beckons visitors from far and wide with its diverse landscapes of verdant mountains and teeming coral reefs, white sand beaches, jaw dropping temples – 10,000 - and its genuinely warm and welcoming people. It’s humid and hot all year, so light weight clothing is essential. It is not appropriate to wear shorts or tank tops when visiting temples. The main islands include Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara, which includes famous Komodo, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, the Moluccas and Iran Jaya.

Water sports are always an option in Indonesia and include river rafting, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling and more. There are also exciting one of a kind opportunities such as witnessing Komodo Dragons, the world’s largest lizards, feeding an orphaned orangutan, or visiting a traditional Balinese spiritual healer.

What makes Bali particularly special is its one of a kind culture, influenced by Hindu, Chinese and Indian customs. Bali’s sacred traditions place great emphasis on family, community, cuisine, wellness, and on art, from exquisite Balinese woodcarvings to beautiful dances.. One of the island’s most famous temples, the Besakih temple was spared from the lava flow of the 1963 Mount Agung eruption by mere inches, a sign that Balinese interpret as a miracle

Of the Gods. Bali also boasts some of the South Pacific’s most distinguished hotels and resorts. At the COMO Shambhala Estate in central Ubud, guests wellness is of the utmost importance. In residence yoga teachers, Ayurvedic doctors and nutritionists

At the St. Regis Bali Resort in the secluded Nusa Dua region, rest and relation is encouraged at its immaculate very large spa. You can experience traditional Balinese treatments utilizing silken oils and soothing fragrances. Later, you can unwind in the resort’s stunning private, turquoise colored saltwater lagoon, or opt for a dip in the crystal blue ocean waters along its pristine white sand beaches. Authentic Balinese fare is a rich concoction of fresh spices, peppers, palm sugar and seafood that when combined, produces some of the most fragrant and mouthwatering fishes like the addictive nasi goring, a fried rice unlike any other, made with shrimp paste, sweet palm sugar and coconut rice. Or try the melt in your mouth babi guling – roast suckling pig. Utilizing fresh local ingredients in Bali is highly valued. At Sari Organik, the chef will cook the vegetables that you select from the restaurant’s surrounding farmlands.

Must sees are the temples of Bali and Borodudur, and the Candi Kuning Market. The Borobudur temple was buried for centuries under ash from a volcanic eruption and rediscovered in 1814. It is celebrated as the largest Buddhist monument in the world.

The festivals are many, and the music is wonderful. Hearing a village Gamelan orchestra is a wonderful and unique experience. The music, never written or recorded, has been passed down from generation to generation purely by memory. Each dance has its own special combination of instruments which are owned by the village, and highly valued. The most popular ones are Legong, Barong, Kecak, and the Rumayana Ballet.

My favorite hotels are the Ubud Hanging Gardens, a haven of peace built in the rain forest, the St. Regis which is on a stunning beach, and the Como Shambhala Estate

which is above the sacred Ayung River, a unique health retreat combing holistic welling with ancient healing in absolutely peaceful bliss.

Bali’s extra ordinary range of merchandise makes it a shopper’s paradise and a treasure trove of exciting purchases at reasonable prices. Batik material is fantastic, and the markets have great sports clothes. Art, carvings, and silver jewelry are good things to buy.

A magical place.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

www.froschvacations.com

650-961-2340 direct