Balifornian Tours Photo of the Day 1/2/11~ Black Leopard

Black leopard (Panthera pardus) are quite common on Java.  This guy was spotted on our tour in Java.
Bogor, Java, Indonesia 2010. Balifornian Tours http://www.balifornian.com

Copyright © 2010 Mikaku ~ Michael Doliveck Balifornian Indonesia Tour and Travel Blog

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The following is from articlebase...

Bali is popularly accepted with young families and couples alike, and delivers excellent value vacation trips, whatever sort of getaway you want.  Whether you're looking for an action packed vacation, surfing, scuba diving or white water rafting or simply  love to relax by the swimming pool or chill out on the coral beach locations then Bali has got it.

This tropical isle provides all the things you can want for the ultimate holiday getaway and there is a lot to do and see that it'll have you returning for more and more.

The primary area is Kuta well liked with the more youthful crowd and it has a variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs where one can party on through the night. Close by is Seminyak, that tends to have all the sophisticated crowd. It's the in-place to get seen in Bali and it has a lot of beautiful Seminyak villas and a wide range of fantastic dining restaurants that provide top of the range food at very low prices.

Nusa Dua comprises of the vast majority of top 5 star hotel rooms and it is on the East Side of Bali. There's a sizable beachfront in Kuta although great care should be taken as rip tides are typical and it can be incredibly treacherous if you're caught unawares.  The hotels are laid out around a shopping centre. The area is spread out and possesses picturesque landscaped gardens. You will find there's good sized water sports beach where one can learn to scuba dive, in the crystal clear blue water feeding the a lot of bright colored fish.

People arrive from around the entire world to scuba dive in Bali and also the other Indonesian islands. You could go kayaking, ride a banana boat or even the flying fish which lifts you about 3 meters on top of  the water. If flying  is your thing then you can go parascending on your own or with a partner. Another highlight is kite surfing, windsurfing or ride a horse or ride a few of the most desirable waves around the world, on a surfboard.

Sanur is surely an place that is certainly popular with families. There is a fabulous white sandy beach and its safer for children swimming and not as busy as the Kuta region.

Ubud is North of Denpassar the Capital of Bali and is known for the monkey forest and additionally Art. There are many of artist and handicraft specialists there which is really worth a visit. Other places like the Bukit are developing in reputation and they are famous for the impressive cliff top views.

In relation to eating in Bali, there's something for everyone. Through McDonalds fried chicken and Pizza Hut to local Indonesian dishes like babi guling, ayam betutu or rendang to the other end of the spectrum with Michelin star restaurants serving truffles and other fantastic delicacies and, of course, everything in between.

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution
 

Top Holiday Destinations for New Years 2011 ~ Bali wins again!

While Bali has much more to offer than just Kuta and Ubud, this poll is certainly correct that Bali is the top destination for holidays and tours, especially over New Years.  Please contact Balifornian Tours for more information on Bali, Indonesia and other treasures found in this region.  For a list of some of the tours offered please check http://www.balifornian.com/destinations  Let Balifornian help make your next vacation the holiday of a lifetime.  Let us do all the work for you.  Jyst tell us your passions and we will design the ultimate Bali experience for you.  We know all the hidden spots and how to avoid tourist traps. ~ ed.

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by Sana

New Year is certainly one of the best times to be with our family and friends. However, do you feel that you are tired of celebrating New Year parties at your home? Many people love to travel different places with their family and friends during New Year because they want to enjoy the best time and therefore people start looking for different destinations and places where they can enjoy New Year in a completely different way. However, you need to make sure that you select the right destinations because New Year is a time when winter is at its peak and you don’t want that to spoil your New Year holiday excitement.

Here are some of the top destinations where you can enjoy your New Year holidays in 2011.

1- Bali, Indonesia

You must be wondering why I chose Bali in the first place. Well, there are certainly better places in Europe that can beat Bali when it comes to tourism but recently the snow factor has really left millions of tourists stranded on the airport so the best way is to go somewhere else where winter does not spoil our plans and Bali is a great destination during winters.

Photo by wikipedia.org

The town of Kuta along with the beach and the island of Ubud is certainly superb. You can enjoy your New Year holidays while watching the sunset on the beach. Bali has many hotels and restaurants and therefore you can find different budget accommodations. If you are ready to spend more money you can stay in 5 star hotels available here.  Another factor why you should visit Bali is currently the currency value has dropped 30% and therefore you can enjoy more if you are from United States. Bali has received various international tourism awards and recently it won the Best Island award in 2010.

2- Goa, India

Another beach destination that you can enjoy in your New Year holidays is Goa which is on the western coast of India. Although, Goa is an Indian city you will find Portuguese landmarks all over the place. You will find that many buildings and places still have the Latin culture embedded on it.

Photo wikipedia.org

There are many churches and others landmarks to visit. The Bom Jesus Basilica is certainly something you should not miss if you are in Goa on a New Year day. Goa has a 125 kilometer coast line which makes it one of the most popular destinations for foreign travelers. During the New Year time, hotels and restaurants are loaded with Indian and foreign travelers who come there to have a blast.

3- Paris, France

You certainly cannot keep this city from your travel list because it is among the top tourism destinations in the world. Currently, the city receives 45 million visitors from all over the places and there is certainly no competition to it during the New Year time.

Photo by wikipedia.org

This time Paris has something more to offer to the world apart from its grand and tall Eiffel Tower. Well, this time you can take your family to Paris to show them the tallest Christmas tree in the world which has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. However, Paris is also among the costliest cities in the world and therefore make sure you have enough budget before you travel to Paris. The best thing to do is find cheap hotels and accommodation places on the web even before you travel to Paris.

4- Boston, United States of America

This city is certainly the oldest cities in the United States and regarded as the unofficial capital of New England, but Boston certainly has more to offer than historic landmarks.

Photo by wikipedia.org

If you don’t want to travel outside US then Boston is the best place to be during New Year. You can find better accommodations and hotels in Boston and therefore you never need to worry about your budget. If you don’t have too much to spend you can find simple rooms where you can keep your luggage and enjoy your trip in the city even at night time. Boston is also regarded as the Walking City and therefore you can get from one place to another by foot saving your money for other activities rather than spending on transportation.

5- Edinburgh, Scotland

If you are looking for some New Year destination in Europe where you can have an experience for a lifetime then you should head to Edinburgh which is the capital city of Scotland. It’s located on the South-east of Scotland and the place will guarantee you some real excitement.

Photo wikipedia.org/

There is a lot to enjoy here during New Year like museums, libraries, literature, films, music, theatre and visual arts. Since Edinburgh is an ancient city you will find many churches here as well. People love celebrating New Year in Edinburgh in a quiet peaceful way and therefore this is the best place to be with your family.

6- Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands have always been one of the best destinations for NewYear and if you haven’t been to this place so far than you are really missing something. The Bay of Islands have been nominated and awarded for best tourism place in New Zealand and during New Year you will find more tourists here from different parts of the world. If you love fishing then Bay of Islands should your travel destination right now. You can find many hotels and cheap accommodations there.

Photo by wikipedia.org

The place is on the North Island of New Zealand and you can enjoy different activities here with your family like fishing, dolphin watching and other water activities. In 2006, it was announced that Bay of Islands has the second bluest sky in the world.

7- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio is always loaded with tourists from all over the world as it is the fourth most preferred tourist destination in the world. However, during New Year is certainly takes on a better spot because majority of the people from South America, Europe and Asia flock to Brazil to enjoy their New Year. One of the reasons why families go to Rio during New Year because they can do so much more in Rio apart from just sight watching.

Photo by wikipedia.org

Families can enjoy the sun and the beach, they can enjoy ecotourism if they prefer, and they can enjoy adventure trips like mountain climbing and much more. On the other hand, there are some best landmarks in Rio like the Christ the Redeemer which is considered as the most visited landmark in Rio. Since Rio is a tourism city you will never run out of hotels and restaurants even if you pack your bags at the last moment. If you are a party animal you will surely enjoy the night time during New Year.



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

In Bali you can be Green AND be pampered in Luxurious Paradise

Balifornian Tours can take you to some of the most forward thinking, eco-conscious spots in all of Asia.  Our Bali tours work with many amazing and green companies, hotels, restaurants and many others.

Some eco-conscious entrepreneurs on Indonesia's Island of the Gods are working to build a future in tune with nature

By Tannia Vera & Robert Michael Poole from CNNgo 

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Idyllic green tourism at The Springs

The Springs features a cluster of three bedrooms and one reading hut.

While the Green Village offers a permanent greener life in Bali, if you wish simply to step with ecologically friendly footsteps while traveling, Bali also has alternatives offering idyllic and green luxury at affordable prices.

Situated in a valley facing Ubud, the green heart of Bali, The Springs offers lodgings made out of natural materials: coconut wood and bamboo with thatch roofs.

The views are astonishing. There's Mt Agung, Mt Batur and Mt. Abang, rice paddies, a river gorge, all right in front of the private villa cluster which is itself a dirt-track drive from the main streets.

Self-grown menus

Bedrooms in The Springs are natural but luxurious.

“We have tried to maintain a pristine environment here that would be conducive to people's well-being and inner peace,” says owner Farah Kimball, who recently returned from Iran where she sat on a panel titled "A Culture of Peace" for World Philosophy Day. 

“With that in mind we have developed a restorative and healthy live food menu, have organic vegetables and fruits growing on the property, use natural materials and environmentally friendly buildings,” says Kimball.

The Springs outdoor lights are all solar powered and Kimball is planning to generate all electricity from solar. They have their own well for water usage and created two waste water gardens to ensure no waste pollutes ground or river water.

Ranging from US$275-375 per night, the cluster includes three bedrooms, one reading room, and an expansive deck with open-aired dining table, benches and hammocks.

According to Kimball, "Most people come here to be in the natural paradise setting and for rest from the hustle and bustle of their travels. Some people are of a spiritual bent and find the energy here very powerful."

A private natural pool

A private pool with natural water faces a waterfall.

Down through fields, guests can enjoy a private plunge pool filled with water flowing from a natural spring.

Cut into the rock-side, the pool overlooks the river Wos and is placed directly across from a waterfall.

"We use almost all natural materials for building and very little cement. We use coconut wood, bamboo, recycled teak, river stones for steps, lava stones in the bathrooms, and local woods (lychee and suar) for counters. Our roofing material is thatch (alang-alang) which we grow and harvest on the property a few times a year," says Kimball.

Located 10 minutes away from Ubud center, The Springs makes sure that even in the natural atmosphere you are still connected to the world with free Wi-Fi and loan of a local mobile phone.

It also makes a convenient base to explore Bali's other green projects, including The Sari Organic and Bali Buddha restaurants, and the protected mangrove park.

Other organizations have also begun tackling local pollution, such as Eco Bali Recycling. Established in 2005 in response to the urgency of waste management problems, it has a team of professionals experienced in environmental and educational programs, and has teamed up with drinks packaging giant Tetra Pak to increase recycling.

Despite the growth of green projects though, Kimball feels there is much yet to improve.

"There is very little trash pick-up so people throw trash by the side of hills or into the river. Pesticides are heavily used in almost all rice growing. Septics are polluting the ground water so people get sick from drinking polluted well water even," says Kimball.

"I applaud the good work of those doing [these projects] but there is still more momentum through education needed to get everyone on the bandwagon," says Kimball.

The Springs is the perfect green place to put your feet up and enjoy the view.

Tags:

• green living
• Indonesia
• Bali



Ubud Hosts The International Bali Meditators Festival

We'd Like to Teach the World to Quietly Reflect: Bali Meditators' Festival November 12-14, 2010.

(11/8/2010) The Anand Ashram Foundation will host the 2nd International Bali Meditators' Festival in Ubud, Bali November 12-14, 2010.

The 3-day event will adopt the theme "One Earth, One Sky, One Humankind" as the realization of the Asian vision of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," the African Dream of "Ubuntu," and the Western concept of creating a "Global Village" through meditation.

Anand Ashram Foundation public relations officer, Hadi Susanto, said the festival's organizing committee has prepared seminars and workshops on spirituality, local wisdom , and youth empowerment. "We expect the festival this year to be attended by more speakers and delegates from other countries, in accordance with our aim to become one big family, living together harmoniously on the same earth and under the same sky as one humanity."

The first festival held in 2009 was initiated by Anand Krishna, a prominent Indonesian spiritualist who promotes meditation as a way of life, unconnected with any specific religious denomination.

Festival Aims

The aims of the 2010 festival are:

• Shared knowledge, understanding, and experiences regarding meditation and its techniques from any spiritual groups in any country in the world society.

• Introduce meditation/yoga techniques based on local Balinese and Indonesian culture to the larger world.

• Develop people awareness and acceptance that while we are all different, we are actually one big family.

• Develop public awareness of the importance and advantages of practicing meditation. Examine research demonstrating meditation is essential for holistic health.

• Empower participants to lead a healthy life, both physically or mentally.

• Spread a meditative way of life to the wider society.

• Celebrate life and share happiness, in order to realize an enlightened society.

•Create a better place where people live in peace, love and harmony.

Activities

The 3-day event will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshops, evening devotions, celebrations, musical events and community bazaars.

Featured Speakers

• Ida Pedanda Sebali Tianyar: "The Best Happiness is Togetherness" Born in Karangasem in 1944, Ida Pedanda Sebali Tianyar is a leading spiritual and religious leader in the Balinese community.

• Margot Anand: "The Bliss of Everyday Meditation" A native of France, Margot Anand received her degree from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She has extensive training in Hindu and Buddhist Tantra, as well as many forms of meditation and Yoga. She has studied with great mystics in India and the USA. She is the author of 5 books and has taught meditation with Dr Deepak Chopra and Tony Robbins.

• Ketut Arsana: "The Spirituality of Bali and Its Contributions to the World" Ketut Arsana is a Mahatma Therapist, Master Usada Practitioner, Spiritual Teacher, Yoga Instructor and Founder of Ubud Bodyworks Centre, Ubud Aura Retreat Centre, Ashram Munivara and Santam Bhuana Foundation. Born in the village of Padang Tegal, Ubud, Arsana grew up in a family of traditional Balinese shaman healers (Balian). In a panel session, Ketut Arsana will talk about "The Spirituality of Bali and Its Contributions to the World."

• Tara Khandro: "One Earth One Heart Circle" Tara Khandro learned how to pray in a Lakota Sioux sweat lodge and to sing her prayers with the Sufis and East Indian Raga singers. The spiritual path of yoga and practice of Hatha yoga are Tara's most intimate of companions for 36 years. She has taken refuge with the Dalia Lama, received initiations into Peruvian, Sufi and Zen wisdom traditions, and is an ordained interfaith minister. She will facilitate a workshop entitled "One Earth One Heart Circle."

• Maya Safira Muchtar: "Mind Culturing"- Maya Safira Muchtar will facilitate a workshop entitled "Mind Culturing." She will share a meditation technique that will help you culture your mind, slow down your thoughts and bring you a deep silence to expand your awareness.

• K.H. Nuril Arifin Husein: "Go Through the Sky for the Sufi"- A cleric know as Gus Nuril, Husein is a leader of the Pesantren An Nuriyah Sokotunggal in Semarang. Gus Nuril is a Sufi figure who defends human rights and religious freedom. He believes "Pluralism" or rahmatan lil alamin is a blessing for the universe.

•Ma Anand Bhagawati: "Osho and Sannyas"is a disciple of Osho for more than 30 years, living for many of those years at the ashram in Pune, India, Rajneeshpuram in the USA, and at the European Osho communes. She lives in Bali and is a columnist and author of the book "Past the Point of No Return." In a panel session, she will share about Osho and Sannyas.

• BR. Indra Udayana: "Karma Yoga in the Modern Era " - Ashram Gandhi Puri was established in 2001 in Denpasar by BR Indra Udayana, inaugurated and given its name by the late Ibu Gedong Bagoes Oka. Her dream is "to empower people to become truly independent and free through living and practicing the Gandhian lifestyle and simplicity and also refusing to harm anyone or any creature in our daily life."

• L.K. Suryani: "Meditation for Daily Life and Self-Healing" - Prof. Dr. dr. Luh Ketut Suryani is a psychiatrist. She has studied meditation since she was 14 years old. Her point of view about meditation and socio-cultural bio-psycho-spirit has been popularized around the world.

• Prabu Darmayasa: "Meditation on Numbers" - Prabhu Darmayasa, a spiritual seeker since a young age, was born in Ubud, Bali. He is a Kundalini Master, the only disciple of Siddhayogi Acharya-Shri Kamal Kishore Gosvami, a prominent Priest at a most famous and holy temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India. Prabhu Darmayasa is the President of International Divine Love Society, Indonesian Coordinator for the World Ramayana Conference, also actively takes part in Sanskrit Bhasha Prachar Samiti, an institution that spreads out the Sanskrit knowledge.

• Revd. Mindawati Perangin Angin PhD: "The concept of Living in Peace and harmony that stated in The Creation story in Genesis" Revd. Mindawati was born in Medan in 1963 and has spent her life studying theology. She earned a Ph D in 1997 from Drew University, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.. She is currently the Executive Director of the Research Center for Religion and Education and also a member of Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.

•Swami Atmananda: "Raja Yoga and Kundalini Shakti" Born in Blahkiuh, Bali in 1938. Swami Atmananda has practiced yoga for 50 years and became Kundalini master in 1968. He has 4 spiritual Gurus: Ketut Receg, I. B. Meregeg, Yogamurti from Sumatra, and Yogi Swaramurti. He runs an ashram called "Raja Yoga Ashram" in Bali. Swami Atmananda will facilitate a workshop entitled "Raja Yoga and Kundalini Shakti."

• Iyan Yaspriana: "Contemplative Meditation" - In his workshop Iyan shares his experience in practicing meditation. The class is for beginners, people living in the real, modern world. Iyan's partnership in Zen Jiwa Raga has brought him to go deeper in holistic subject, it is then in 2003 that Iyan became a certified yoga teacher and since 2004 leads Escape the World Retreats.

• Nyoman Sri Aryana: "Back to Self - Aryana now is a therapist and facilitator at L'Ayurveda Bali, center for inner-beauty and holistic care. As facilitator, he has led many people from many countries for self-transformations. Born in 1965, he has created various workshop for a better self-understanding and holistic growth.

From our friends at © Bali Discovery Tours.