BALI ISLAND OF PARADISE

Bali is famous for the charm and grace of its people, the beauty of its scenery, and the sophisticated artistry of a distinctively Indonesian Hindu Civilization, variations of which once flourished over large areas of Java and portions of the other islands, but which now is found primary in Bali. Almost everyday of the year there are festivals and dances somewhere in Bali. Travel agents and hotels managers can supply information about specific events occurring during any given period. The Balinese calendar is different from the western one, so major festivals change from one month to another. Sightseeing in Bali is fully covered in star black’s excellent guide to Bali, widely available in Jakarta and Bali.

HOW TO GET THERE

Bali is a one hour 20 minutes jet flight from Jakarta, Garuda Airways operates daily flights; the island is also serviced by several international carriers. Traveling to Bali by car through java is an interesting 3 to 5 days trip a car ferry crosses between Banyuwangi in east java and Gilimanuk in bali ( see Banyuwangi above ). One can also go by train from Jakarta to Surabaya, there is express bus service from Surabaya to Denpasar. Regular flights also connect the two cities.

HOTELS IN BALI

Sanur beach, Hotel Bali Beach, Hyatt Hotel, Sanur Beach Hotel, Segara Village, Tanjung Sari, Sindu beach, Narmada, Santrian, Gazebo cottages, Sunset beach bungalows, Kuta beach hotel, Kartika Plaza.

SHOPPING

Bali is geared to the western tourist, most prices will be quoted in dollars and may seem absolute, but bargaining is the accepted way of life. Except in established tourist shops, a few minutes spent in bargaining will usually obtain a 20 to 30 percent reduction in the price.

Everyone has something to sell, generally, woodcarving and other Handicrafts hawked on the beach or outside the shops are not of the quality you would want for a first class souvenir. Visit the Sanggraha Kriya Asta ( Government Handicraft Center ) on a road to Ubud, 10 minutes from Denpasar.