The new Bali ~ Food, surf, shopping, fun and more...

Here is a great article from the New York Times.  Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog can make all these arraingements for you at a lower price.  We also know of many secrets that will do you one better than what is listed here.  While this article is quite good.  Balifornian Tours can get you even better accomodations, food, activities, etc.  Contact us today to find out how we can make your vacation, the best ever.

Asia > Indonesia > Bali

36 Hours in Bali

Justin Mott for The New York Times

Meditation area at Fivelements wellness center, near Ubud.

By NAOMI LINDT

Published: January 13, 2011 in The New York Times

MAYBE it was the topless women that the German painter Walter Spies captured in his lush landscapes of Bali during the 1930s. But ever since, foreigners have come to undress. Shirtless Australians, surfboards strapped to the side of their motorbikes, cruise around for the best waves. At five-star resorts, bronzed Italian women in tiny bikinis while away the days with wine. Farther inland, spiritual seekers wrapped in body-skimming sarongs commune in temples. The natives don’t go topless anymore, but that doesn’t stop the throngs of sunbathers who let it all hang out on Bali’s busiest beaches.

Map

Bali, Indonesia

Friday

5 p.m.

1) MODERN-DAY ARTIFACTS

Punctuated by temples hidden behind ornately carved archways and petal-filled lanes, Ubud is Bali’s artistic hub. And beyond the painted masks and shadow puppets that spill out of countless storefronts are a string of new galleries that offer one-of-a-kind treasures. Jean-François Fichot (Jalan Raya Pengosekan 6, Ubud; 62-361-974-652; jf-f.com) carries striking gem- and stone-encrusted gold jewelry and objets d’art. Next door is the Nusantara Gallery (Jalan Raya Pengosekan 7, Ubud; 62-81-797-97804), which sells rare primitive art, including wooden statues and fine weavings gathered from all over the Indonesian archipelago. And at Rio Helmi Photography (Jalan Suweta 24A, Ubud; 62-361-978-773; riohelmi.com), Mr. Helmi, who displays his own photos of Bali and elsewhere, has a new book out, “Memories of the Sacred,” that chronicles 30 years spent witnessing Bali’s enduring traditions.

7 p.m.

2) INSPIRATIONAL EATING

Culinary karma seems to emanate from Jalan Raya Sanggingan, a winding road about 15 minutes northwest of Ubud’s center. Joining Mozaic’s famed French-Asian fare and Naughty Nuri’s legendary ribs is Minami (Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud; 62-361-970-013; minami-bali.com), a stylish Japanese restaurant opened in 2009 by Miho Oshiro from Osaka. You can sip a yuzu-infused sake-tini (85,000 rupiah, or about $9.75 at 8,703 rupiah to the dollar) as you settle into the baby blue, jasmine-scented dining room, which overlooks a lantern-lit garden. The six-course tasting menu (210,000 rupiah) includes melt-in-the-mouth Tasmanian salmon sashimi and tissue-papery zucchini leaf tempura. Even the flavored salt (the recipe is a secret), imported from Japan and served in a tiny bowl, is exquisite.

9:30 p.m.

3) HINT OF HAVANA

You’ll most likely have Ubud’s streets to yourself soon after dinner, but cute cocktail spots are on the rise. At Cafe Havana (Jalan Dewi Sita, Ubud; 62-361-972-973; cafehavanabali.com), salsa bands and dance classes take place among mismatched hand-painted chairs and framed photos of Che and Fidel. Drinks at artsy Lamak (Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud; 62-361-974-668; lamakbali.com) are mixed at an open-air bar; go for the sweet yet punchy El Diablo, made of tequila, crème de cassis, lemon juice and ginger ale.

Saturday

7:45 a.m.

4) TWO-WHEELED BLISS

It’s hard not to fall for Bali while cycling its quiet back roads, which are lined with stepped rice fields, blooms in every shade of the rainbow and women in bright sarongs balancing temple offerings on their heads. Half-day tours with Bali Eco-Cycling (Jalan Pengosekan, Ubud; 62-361-975-557; baliecocycling.com; 300,000 rupiah) start with breakfast overlooking the 5,600-foot-high volcanic Mount Batur and its crater lake, followed by a caffeine kick at a coffee plantation. The mostly downhill 17-mile ride isn’t very challenging, but it is spectacularly scenic and photo-friendly.

1 p.m.

5) VIRTUOUS VEGETARIAN

Follow the dreadlocks and Aladdin pants to Kafe (Jalan Hanoman 44b, Ubud; 62-361-780-3802; balispirit.com), a sunny, art-filled cafe that is made of reclaimed wood. Run by Meghan Pappenheim, an ex-New Yorker, the hippie-chic spot serves vegan and raw food like Meg’s Big Salad Bowl — a heaping plate of greens, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and crunchy tofu-tempeh cubes (36,000 rupiah) — and kitcheree, a hearty stew of lentil, brown rice, ginger and turmeric (32,000). There’s also a selection of baked goods for the less virtuous.

2:30 p.m.

6) TIMED RELEASE

It took 30 months to build Fivelements (Banjar Baturning, Mambal; 62-361-469-206; fivelements.org), a stunning wellness center and five-room hotel tucked away in Mambal, a sleepy village 20 minutes by car from Ubud. Transcendental massages are offered in incense-filled rooms built of polished bamboo, reclaimed wood and spiral thatched roofs (90 minutes from $80). Post-treatment ginger-lemongrass tea is served on a private deck overlooking a bamboo forest and the Ayung River.

5:30 p.m.

7) LIGHT SHOW

Bali’s legendary sunsets can be a controversial affair. Ask around for the best perch to catch the nightly psychedelia, and you’ll get an earful. Still, there’s no denying that one of the most stylish places is the Rock Bar (Ayana Resort and Spa, Jimbaran; 62-361-702-222; ayanaresort.com), an outdoor lounge built into the cliffs at the newly opened Ayana Resort and Spa along the island’s southwestern tip. The muted, minimalist bar with interconnected decks is perched above the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. Get there early to avoid the lines and to get a good seat (though the best are saved for hotel guests). Order a cold beer (80,000 rupiah) and watch the sun melt into the water, casting the sky in brilliant shades of pink, violet and orange.

8:30 p.m.

8) FISH WITH RICE

Seminyak, Kuta’s upscale neighbor, has become Bali’s see-and-be-seen center of night life. So it was refreshing when Sardine (Jalan Petitenget 21, Kerobakan; 62-361-738-202; sardinebali.com), an artsy down-to-earth restaurant, made everyone feel at home. With rice fields as the backdrop, diners sample what the executive chef Michael Shaheen, from California, calls “cuisine du soleil” — healthy, light food suited to hot climates. That includes just-caught seafood like pink snapper sashimi with shimeji mushrooms (65,000 rupiah) and pan-seared scallops in a parsley-truffle emulsion (195,000 rupiah).

10:30 p.m.

9) FIND THE PARTY

Bali’s beautiful people gather for drinks, jazz and D.J.-spun beats across the street at Métis (Jalan Petitenget 6, Kerobokan; 62-361-737-888; metisbali.com), a candlelit bar that’s the latest venture from the folks behind Kafe Warisan. In the center of town, design aficionados gather at Word of Mouth (Jalan Kunti 9, Seminyak; 62-361-847-5797; wordofmouthbali.com), a boutique that doubles as a cool lounge at night, with impromptu parties that have developed a loyal following (check its Facebook page for updates).

Sunday

9 a.m.

10) STAY ON YOUR FEET

Bali’s giant waves have been luring surfers since the 1960s, promising year-round swells that can soar upward of 10 feet. After spending time admiring the perfect tans and free spirits of Bali’s surfing community, you’ll very likely want to join. Surf shacks with teachers abound. To minimize first-timers’ humiliation, try a private 75-minute lesson (450,000 rupiah) with Marcy Meachin (62-812-385-9454; teachsurf.com), a talented Aussie teacher who’s spent much of the last 30 years chasing surf in Indonesia. Beginner courses are taught on Legian Beach, where the shallow waters, sandy shores and small waves provide a gentle introduction.

11:30 a.m.

11) SAND AND PIZZA

Breathtaking beaches edge the Bukit, the island’s southern peninsula. Book a car and driver to get to secluded spots like Padang Padang, an oasis of calm water shaded by soaring cliffs that was a setting for the film “Eat Pray Love.” Another stunning beach is at the Nammos Beach Club (Karma Kandara Resort; karmakandara.com), reached by a steep trail etched in a limestone cliff. Interlopers can enjoy aquamarine water for an entry fee of 250,000 rupiah, which includes 100,000 rupiah toward food. The open-air kitchen serves a mean wood-fired pizza with toppings like fig, prosciutto and Gorgonzola.

2 p.m.

12) SHOPPER’S PARADISE

Bring home some Bali chic from Jalan Laksmana, which has emerged as Seminyak’s boutique street in recent years. Try bohemian-cool Press Ban Cafe at No. 50 (62-361-730-486) for handmade wooden shoes, Jackie O. shades and fitted vintage plaid button-downs. Lily Jean (No. 102; 62-361-847-5872; lily-jean.com) carries sexy strapless jersey pantsuits and bandaged cocktail dresses. And Simplekonsepstore (No. 40; 62-361-730-393; sksbali.com) prides itself on one-of-a-kind design: limited-edition graphic T-shirts, origami-inspired bags and hand-dyed tunics that reinvent Bali’s rich tradition of batik in totally unexpected ways.

IF YOU GO

The 20 chocolate- and toffee-hued villas at Uma Sapna (Jalan Drupadi No. 20 Basangkasa, Seminyak; 62-361-736-628; coconuthomes.com) come with private pools and outdoor patios. Seminyak’s shops are within walking distance and the beach is a short cab ride away. Doubles from $175.

The W Retreat & Spa Bali-Seminyak (Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak; 62-361-738-106; whotels.com/bali) is expected to open in March or April, with 237 rooms offering knockout water views. Doubles from $575.



The perfect Honeymoon ~ Bali, Indonesia

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog has very special honeymoon packages both private and for your wedding party.  We had our wedding in Indonesia last year and had the honeymoon only avalible to the stars but at an increadible low price.  Contact us today so we can design the most romantic honeymoon imaginable at a price that wont break your bank! ~ ed.

Maryam and Michael on thier honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia.  Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog 2010

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My Postcard: Bali

Newlywed Shivani Landie found bliss in Bali

from The Times Live By Newlywed Shivani Landie

---

After a 13-hour flight via Malaysia to Bali, we were relieved to finally touch down in Denpasar and begin our holiday.

---

Bali was the perfect destination to celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple and my husband, Denzel's, 30th birthday; it was everything we imagined and more.

The beautiful beaches of Nusa Dua, the hustle and bustle of Kuta and artistic villages of Ubud, overlooked by the majestic volcano Mount Kintamani, created the perfect cocktail for a great holiday.  Shopping, going for spa treatments and enjoying local dishes like Goreng, fresh seafood, and of course, an endless supply of the local beers, Bintang and Bali Hai, became our daily routine, along with relaxing on the idyllic beaches.

The hospitality of the locals was simply amazing, specifically the staff at our resort, the Aston Bali, who arranged a beautiful candle-lit dinner on the beach, with fireworks lighting the sky and a ballad-singing trio, making my husband's birthday one to remember.  Bali is a must-see holiday destination, especially if you are looking to relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, shop and be thoroughly pampered. We will definitely go back.

Tag- Honeymoon, bali travel, newlywed, bali romance, romantic get away, pampered, luxury, bali luxury

Happy New Year 2011- Making a resolution??

From all of us at Balifornian, may your new year be the best one yet.  Have a safe and fun New Years Eve.

Making a resolution?  Check out our health and wellness retreats.  Learn to eat healthy, stay active and reconnect with yourself all while touring amazing Bali.  We will visit temples and sacred sites while learning about the culture and arts of traditional Bali.  Of course there will be plenty of time just relaxing on the beach, poolside and getting massages and spa treatments.  Other possibilities include yoga, painting classes, shopping excursions, meeting with healers, cooking classes, museums, learning about specific cultural aspects that interest you, etc.  The itinerary is really up to you.  With your input we will help you design a tour that fulfills your passions, interests and sense of adventure, all the while in luxurious setting.  Learn more about our tours at

http://www.balifornian.com

and

http://www.balifornian.com/destinations

All the best to you and your family,

Maryam and Michael

Bali catamaran on Gili Air, Lombok

Only 1 week to spend in Bali? No problem- let us help

Although Balifornian Tours are usually 12 days, we can work with you to create a tour of any duration and help you make the most out of your holiday vacation.  Travel smarter, travel with Balifornian.

Please contact us for more information.  All photos by Michael Doliveck

A true surfers paradise. Bali's new luxury vacation trips

Riding Bali's new wave of luxury

Balifornian Tours can include an epic surfing adventure and depending on what level of accomodations, we can arrainge anything from the ultimate deluxe luxury on down.  Let us help you design the ultimate surfing trip.  Other passions?  We can do that too!

• Peter Hall National Features The Hearald Sun Australia

 

The oceanfront pool villa at Bali's Alila Villas Soori resort. Source: Supplied

AN exclusive new Bali resort creates a surf trip of liquid gold, writes Peter Hall.

For a surfer this is the ultimate "if my friends could see me now" moment.

You emerge elated and exhausted after riding the longest, smoothest and most exotic waves of your life and there stands your beach butler.

Impeccably dressed in white linen, silver tongs in hand, he presents you with a citrus-infused refresher towel.

"How was your surf, Mr Peter?" he inquires. "Would you care for some fresh fruit and then perhaps we can explore another location?"

Bali may be renowned as a budget beach paradise but it also can deliver a surf experience that makes you feel like chairman of the board.

We are at Medewi on the Indonesian island's west coast, having been chauffeured here in a four-wheel-drive provided by our host, Alila Villas Soori.

The tiny fishing village is home to Bali's longest left-hand point break, where dreamy double overhead walls peel endlessly for up to 400m over smooth boulders and black sand.

Astoundingly, there are only a dozen surfers in the line-up a mixture of Japanese, American, Australian and a beaming New Zealand longboarder fleeing the icy waters of Gisborne.

We are three hours' drive from the madness of Kuta and two from our resort, Alila Villas Soori, an exclusive new property that overlooks the azure Indian Ocean in the Tabanan Regency, near the famous Tanah Lot Temple.

It is not a surf resort, but one that creates unique experiences for guests. In Alila Villas Soori speak, these tailored adventures of mind, body and spirit are called journeys.

Of course, you are free to laze about in a private Eden, sip cocktails, tantalise your tastebuds with authentic and continental cuisine, watch fishing boats chug past, or be pampered in one of the best spas in Bali. But if it's cultural exploration you're after, this is the place.

MasterChef fans won't be able to resist a Journey of Culinary Delight, where you visit village markets accompanied by the resort's chef, select fresh ingredients and join in a Balinese kitchen masterclass.

There's something for all the family. Spend a day learning from an artisan, go temple-hopping on a Journey of the Gods, or saddle up for an unforgettable horseriding experience on the Journey of the Balinese Knights.

And if you want to mix all of this with some of the best waves on the planet, they are not too far away. Just south of Alila Villas Soori is Canggu. It's a regional classic that many of Bali's hottest surfers head to when other spots are too small and crowded.

The rocky reef break offers a solid, winding left that presents a series of power changes and leaves the best to last with a sand-spitting barrel close to shore.

A right-hander that spills into deeper water is a much mellower proposition.

In the resort's comfortable vehicle, it's also a breeze to shoot down to world-famous Uluwatu for the morning and when arms become paddle-weary you can drop into Kuta for some fun, easy-access peaks.

There are waves most of the year in Bali, but the west coast captures the southerly swells of the Indonesian dry season from April to October.

There is much to love about this tranquil island and it's only about a six-hour flight away.

Pacific Blue flies direct from most Australian capitals to Denpasar.

Seating is comfortable, the service cheery and all passengers have their own TV/DVD screens.

The 5-star accommodation at Alila Villas Soori is breathtaking. There are 47 spacious and luxurious villas, each with a private pool, dedicated hosts, gourmet bar, espresso coffee machine, 24-hour in-villa dining and LCD televisions.

The property is an inspired expression of contemporary Asian architecture and there is a wonderful flow from interior to exterior spaces. It is so well designed you rarely see other guests and the only sounds are the waves thundering on the beach or friendly greetings of staff.

Food is another highlight and visitors can enjoy the many flavours of the region served on their own private deck, in casually elegant Cotta restaurant or at a Japanese-inspired beachfront grill called Coast, where seafood sizzles through the evening and wine and beer glasses clink to celebrate another day in paradise.

>>The writer was a guest of Alila Villas Soori and Pacific Blue.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------

Wish you were here

Getting there: Pacific Blue flies direct to Denpasar (Bali) from Sydney. Flying time is six hours and 25 minutes. Upgrade to premium economy for 50 per cent more room and a fully inclusive food, beverage and entertainment package.

Staying there: Alila Villas Soori is a luxury beachfront property in the Tabanan Regency in West Bali, about an hour's drive north of the airport. A Pool Villa Indulgence package costs $500 a person a night, including daily breakfast, signature spa treatments and round-trip transport (minimum three-night stay).

See www.alilahotels.com/soori/rates

Doing there: Surf Bali's name breaks, immerse yourself in culture by taking a Journey by Alila, including Journey of Culinary Delight, The Gods (temple tour), Discovery (all-terrain-vehicle ride, whitewater rafting), Balinese Knights (equestrian), Dance or Art.

Tips: There are always waves somewhere in Bali but the west coast works best from April to October. If tackling Canggu, Balian or Medewi, get up early for the cleanest conditions.