register |  login
› VERO BEACH
Loading Ad
Visit Other Hubs:
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Tower
Latest Postings

Story


ARE YOU READY FOR BALI? - A TRIP TO PARADISE!
Contributed by: Susan Drew Cross-cultural travel columnist on 12/26/2006

For me Bali is a dream come true. I always call it "a spicy form of paradise". It's a cross between the beauty of Tahiti and the hustle and bustle of India. Afterall, Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia and that makes it especially colorful and alive. I'll happily be back in Bali in late February and then it's on to Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore. As always, I can't wait! How about you?

Many people go to Bali just for the sun, the sand and the surfing. I like a bit of that of course, but mostly I go to experience the people, the land and the culture. The Balinese are religious people - making many flower and incense offerings to the Gods each day. Every town, large and small, has numerous temples and there are various ceremonies held all over Bali daily.

As you tour Bali, you can visit many temples, but my favorite is Pura Besakih - the Mother Temple. It is quite a drive up into the mountains to get there, but the scenery is lovely. If you want to get to the top you'll have to climb many steps. If you do, the temple priest may perform a ceremony just for you. If you can't make it all the way, just explore the rest of the temple and take in the fabulous views all around you.

From there you can drive to Ubud, the charming artist's community in the hills. It's a shopper's delight and a place to try yoga, a Balinese massage and some really delicious Indonesian food. The Ubud hotels are lovely and very Balinese in design. I have my favorite - overlooking the rice fields and near to the monkey forest. To me, it's sublimely beautiful and my own little paradise.

Before you leave Ubud, try taking a walking tour through the bright, green rice fields nearby. Also make sure you've seen one of the nightly Balinese dances held at the Palace. Then as you head back towards Bali's wonderful beaches you can see the volcano of Mt. Batur, visit various temples along the way and see some of the prettiest scenery imaginable. A good way to end your stay in Bali is to visit the exquisite oceanside temple of Tanah Lot for sunset. The photos will be great!

Remember, a jouney to Bali is a feast for the eyes, the body and the soul. The Balinese are so warm and welcoming that they make it easy to return to their island paradise again and again. I choose to do so every chance I get...obviously.



Susan Drew leads cross-cultural tours around the world. She calls them "sangha" (Tibetan: community) tours, because they focus on understanding our global community and promoting cross-cultural awareness. She can be reached at 772-567-6202 or sanghatours@peoplepc.com if you would like to be on her mailing list.


SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above story



Current Rating
Based on 2 user ratings.

Talk Back : submit comments to the story

*Note: you need to log-in to add a comment or rating.

Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
Submitted By: Keith Gordon
posted on 12/27/2006 @ 10:56:49 AM
Rated Story
I love her articles. I wish you would print more of her stories.
[Report as objectionable]
Submitted By: Susan Drew Cross-cultural travel columnist
posted on 12/26/2006 @ 9:07:28 PM
Rated Story
it was good
[Report as objectionable]
Showing 1-2 of 2 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Susan Drew Cross-cultural travel columnist has posted 6 stories and 2 comments since joining on 8/25/2006. Susan Drew Cross-cultural travel columnist's average story rating is 5.
SAVE AND SHARE THIS STORY
STORY RSS FEEDS
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Ad

Loading Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Loading Ad

This YourHub.com community is produced by Scripps Treasure Coast Publishing Company
Web Development and Channel Analytics provided by Indigio

terms of use //  privacy policy
the staff //  advertise //  help & faq
site map //  subscribe //  about