Aerial Photos of Bali from The Royal Geographic Society

Spectacular photographs of Bali and Indonesia from the air with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)’s Hidden Journeys

Ever wondered about what you are seeing from the air in that window seat?  Well, IBG's Hidden Journeys Project wants to help by providing interactive guides to air travellers.

Here are some great photos from the flight path from Singapore to Sydney, exploring some of the world’s most remote and spectacular landscapes in Southeast Asia, namely Bali and Australia.

You can see the isolated outer reefs of the Timor Sea, and the spellbinding horizontal waterfalls of Australia’s Buccaneer Archipelago. Also visable are The Red Sand Dunes of the Simpson Desert. This new interactive guide illustrates an fantastic diversity of landscapes and culture as well as natural wonders.

Certainly the highlight from the flight path from Singapore to Sydney is the magical island of the Gods ~ Bali, Indonesia. The project explores the graceful ancient culture, the extreme volcanic landscape and the diverse ecology of the lush island.

Gunung Agung © Martin Garrido - Mount Agung is the largest volcano in Bali and is considered holy

MacDonnell Ranges from the air © Andrew Mitchell - The MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch for 220km across Australia, and Alice Springs in the distance from the air

Paddy fields in Bali © Riza Nugraha - Terraces make the most of the hilly landscape and rice thrives in the volcanic soil

Thanks to the RGS for these spectacular photographs.

~ The Bali Deep Culture Photography Tour ~ Oct 19-26 ~ Click here to reserve your spot today!

Bali Sunsets ~ Seminyak Beach from La Plancha

When we happen to be in upscale Seminyak in the early evening, one of our favorite things to do is head to the beach and enjoy a mojito at La Plancha. I know its a bit trendy but thats Seminyak. There are many other great little spots at the beach but I like the chill music selections and the atmosphere.

Another spectacular sunset in BaliWe recently took our tour group there and here are some shots of the sunset from the balcony.

Bali sunset from La Plancha in SeminyakHorses on the beach, chill music and a cold mojito make for a great Bali sunsetAfter the sunsets, the tables turn into lights, the DJ gets spinning and it turns into a proper beach party.

Balifornian Tours and Travel Blog 2012Come have a mojito with us! And come take photos with us...

Just announced ~ The Bali Deep Culture Photography Tour ~ Oct 19-26 ~ Click here to reserve your spot today!

Balifornian Photo of the Day ~ Handsome Young Fella

While attending a sacred ceremony at Pura Besakih, Bali's Mother Temple, this handsome young fella flashed us his beautiful smile and huge bright eyes.  Thousands of Balinese Hindus flock to temples on Gunung Agung, The holy volcano and the highest point on the island of Bali, for the week long celebration. Mount Agung is the most sacred spot on the island and rises 3142 metres above sea level. Its a trek to get here especially when thousands of others are attemtping to navigate the small winding roads to give their offerings to the Gods, but its well worth it.

Just one of thousands of worshipers at Pura Besakih- Bali's Holy Mother Temple Have a great photo of Bali or Indonesia? Just send us an email with the image and details and your photography can be selected as The Balifornian Photo of the Day.

Ask us how we can create the perfect custom tour of Bali for you and your group! just click here!

Bali Photo of the Day ~ Kopeng at Cremation Ceremony ~ Balifornian Villas and Tours

The Balinese will hang Kepeng (also spelled kopeng), or traditional coins, during many ceremonies.  I thought a shallow depth of field would provide a nice composition for this shot.  The cremation ceremony, or Ngaben, took place outside of Ubud, Bali.

Uang Kepengh ang on a line during a cremation ceremony near Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Uang Kepeng (traditional coins used in ceremony) hang from a line during a traditional Balinese ngaben (cremation ceremony).

Throughout Bali's long history, Uang Kepeng were crucially important to the Balinese people, touchingon all aspects of their lives; cultural, religious, social, political and economic. Today, the valuation of Uang Kepeng is only related to cultural uses in the arts and religion, while the social, political and economic aspects have withered away. Meanwhile, the memory of the currency as an ancient medium of local exchange remains very much alive.  On a visit to Bali, the traveller will see these coins used in offerings and ceremonies.  Some are highly praised and quite valuable, while others are remakes having only ceremonial value.  For my wedding, I had to pay a huge amount of Kepeng to my brides family.