Ubud - The Real Balinese Town on The Island

If you visit no other place on the island than Ubud, you will be amply rewarded, for this is the most Balinese of towns and is so different from all the others.

This is due to The Tjokorde Gde Putra Sukawati, Ubud's royal prince. Fearing the dilution of Balinese values and attitudes seen elsewhere on the island, he's done his very best to keep such toxic influences out of Ubud.
You won't find billboards here, nor a night-market, cinema, sidewalk sellers, wheeled food stalls, or dodgy cafes, bar and massege parlours. It's a real breath of fresh air after to the over-the-top "anything goes" commercialism found elsewhere on the island.
Ubud has always been uniquely special. Little more than a village 70 or 80 years ago, nevertheless it was a center of fine art - painting, sculpture, carving and the other decorative arts.

In the 1920's and 1930's noted artists from overseas came and visited. Many stayed and influenced local artists. These days Ubud is still known as the island's artists colony, but it is much more than that.

You'll find the cream of design here - in paintings and handcratfs, in fashion, in jewellery, glassware, photography, batik, the list goes on. It's also the acknowledged yoga, meditation and new age center.

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Tepi Sawah Restaurant and Villas

Tepi Sawah Restaurant and Villas is the combines accommodation with Balinese culture, ultimate privacy, a friendly atmosphere, together with excellent, personalized service. This villas in located near by the rice paddies so this villas is named "Tepi Sawah". This villas is easy to reach from the center of Ubud town.

Tepi Sawah Villas
The interior of this villas is so unique, decorated with selected paintings and artifacts by Ubud's famous artists. Combined with modern facilities the indoor bathroom and outdoor shower blend seamlessly with exotic tropical landscape. The room decoration of Tepi Sawah Villas is so romantic, it's suitable for the couple that just married and being get the honey moon in Bali.

Tepi Sawah Restaurant
Enjoy a wide selection of cuisine, ranging from contemporary western and innovative Indonesian or Balinese specialties while share the joy and satisfaction with other, to feel a wonderful experience of having a meal at the corner of the rice field, while viewing the rice paddies and the wave of the coconut tree leaves, as well as listening to the various tiny little bird singing in a very fresh atmosphere within the environment of the real Bali's Village in the perfect setting in Tepi Sawah Restaurant. This restaurant is very popular among public policy maker, Indonesian celebrities, top executives, and of course customers from all over the world as the best place for enjoying Crispy Duck and Fork Ribs Balinese style in Ubud. The competitive advantages of this restaurant are: good location and atmosphere, good food and drinks, good service, and above allvery good value for money.

A heaven which is tremendously beautiful at night time of romantic Candle light dinner for two in the special pavilion by the pool, served course by course with your personal waiter overseeing all in details. Fragrant arrangements of flowers and candles grace your table.

The tipe of Tepi Sawah Villas:
- Batuan Villas
- Taman Villa
- Padang Tegal Villa
- Peliatan villa
- Ubud villa
- Campuhan Villa

Facilities:
* Nyoman Sumerta Fine Art Gallery (also for public)
* Tepi Sawah Restaurant (also for public)
* Mesari Gift Shop
* Main Swimming Pool
* Tepi Sawah Spa
* Bale Banjar Restaurant
* IDD; Cable TV
* In Villa Safe Deposit Box
* Laundry and Dry Cleaning
* Parking Space
* Butler and Room Cleaning Service
* Coffee and Tea Time
* Courtesy Call
* Transfer; Shuttle Sevice
* Guest Activities
* Free WIFI Internet Connection

This Villas is recomended for Honeymoon.

For more information, visit: www.tepisawahvillas.com
Contact and address:
Jl. Raya Goa Gajah, Br. Teges, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Phone : 62-361-970388
Fax : 62-361-970377
Email : sales@tepisawahvillas.com

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Goa Gajah at Ubud

Goa Gajah, known in English as the Elephant Cave is the cave that build in the 9th Century, this important archeological site dates from the same period as Borobudur Temple in Java built. It is uncertain whether its origins are Buddhist or Hindu. It was mentioned in ancient Javanese writings as the home of a Buddhist priest. However statues of the Hindu god Ganesha who takes the form of an elephant (hence the name) are to be found here. The site was excavated in the 1950's and a bathing temple unearthed. Goa Gajah has been added to the Tentative List.

View Larger Map

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ROMANCE IN BALI AT FOUR SEASON RESORT JIMBARAN

ONE BEDROOM VILLA

What's included in this package :
Alluring. Magical. Sensuous. The ideal setting for a romantic interlude At Jimbaran Bay Hidden amongst the lush tropical foliage of a terraced hillside, the 147 spacious villas at Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay lead down to the beach. Each one bedroom villa has three Balinese style pavilions for living, bathing and sleeping with a private plunge pool. 2,000 square feet of sheer luxury.
Details of your Romantic Interlude :

• Round trip airport transfers with a representative from the resort to ensure a smooth welcome and departure.
• Five nights stay at a king villa with private plunge pool and outdoor shower set in lush tropical gardens.
• Tropical fruit, handmade chocolates and a bouquet of orchids in your villa on arrival.
• Daily a la carte breakfast for two persons at the Resort’s main restaurant or in your private dining area.
• Pamper yourselves with a Lulur body elixir treatment, designed specifically for couples. The simultaneous, relaxing Balinese massage is enhanced with traditional herbs and spices followed by a soothing soak for two in a bath infused with flowers.
• A romantic candlelit dinner for two in the privacy of your villa, served course by course by your personal waiter. Fragrant arrangements of flowers and candles grace your table and plunge pool.
• Complimentary use of health club facilities and sporting equipment
• Floral Bath on arrival

EXTENSION NIGHTS ARE INCLUSIVE OF ROOM & BREAKFAST

More info about this hotel, click here



The package rate is based on per person and valid until Sep 25, 2009

Package Name	Single Occupancy	Double Occupancy	Triple Occupancy	Action
Romance in Bali at Four Season Resort Jimbaran (at One Bedroom Villa)	USD 5,506	USD 2,753	NOT AVAILABLE	BOOK

The additional night rate is based on per person and valid until Sep 30, 2009

Package Name	Additional Night
	Single Occupancy	Double Occupancy	Triple Occupancy
Romance in Bali at Four Season Resort Jimbaran (at One Bedroom Villa)	USD 798	USD 399	NOT AVAILABLE

Source: baliwww.com

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The Grand Bali Nusa Dua Hotel

Accommodation

The Grand Bali - Nusa Dua is a 63 room resort offering panoramic views of the garden or our twin pools. The guestrooms feature air-conditioning, IDD telephones, satellite television, stereo system with CD player (suites and villas only), safety deposit box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, hair dryer, private balcony or terrace with ceiling fan, electronic key card and spacious marble bathrooms with bathtub and separate shower stall.

Grand Deluxe
Our hotel boasts the largest 52 square meter, standard, deluxe rooms in the Nusa Dusa area. Tastefully decorated and with great views of the pool or garden, each room offers spacious bedroom and sitting areas. Enjoy the elegant marble bathrooms feature a large bathtub and separate shower stall with luxurious towels and amenities. Private terraces on some ground floor Deluxe rooms allow guests direct access to the twin swimming pools.

Grand Suites
Featuring a large 85 square meter bedroom and living area, these elegant suites include a terrace with a comfortable seating arrangement or traditional Balinese "day bed" for relaxation. Some suites also enjoy a large sun deck, private jacuzzi, and well-appointed dining area for entertaining in style and privacy.

Grand 1 and 2 bedroom(s) Villa with Private Pool
For the ultimate vacation, The Grand 2 bedroom Villas set a new standard of luxury. The 200 square meter premises offers an abundance of space with bedroom quarters set in a thatched-roof Balinese bungalow. Villas enjoy outdoor living areas with seating and dining facilities surrounded by lush tropical gardens, fountains, and a private swimming pool.

Dining Facilities
The Restaurant
Overlooking the gardens and swimming pool area, our restaurant serves a selection of the finest Asian and international cuisine. Choose from an extensive buffet or our a la carte menu. Two large traditional garden pavilions are available for intimate fine dining.

Lounge Bar
A charming and friendly hotel bar serving a wide variety of drinks and light snacks. Open from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m.

This hotel is so quite and private so it's recomended for the place to Honeymoon.

For more information:
visit www.thegrandbali.com

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Rafting in Bali; Sport, Adventure and Tour

Rafting in Bali is spectacular experience on the great water rafting with amazing panorama of riverbank and surrounding area. Bali offers you a chance to join this exciting water adventure. The river rapid will bring you on the fun experience during your vacation in Bali.

There is some rafting trips in Bali:

White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting Adventure is one of the great water adventures tracing the wild nature of riverbank full of fun, safe and exciting experience. Accompanied by professional and experience river guide to pass the attractive and challenge rapids class two, three and four such as: Ayung River Rafting Trips.

Ayung River Rafting
Ayung River (Class II-III) rafting trips bring rafters close to rainforests, rice paddies, and steep gorge walls. This is a good family rafting trip.
The River Ayung is the longest and largest river in Bali, and white water rafting was first introduced in Bali along this river. To experience rafting on the river Ayung’s west side is amazing, for besides the enjoyment of challenging rapids, the panorama of this beautiful, intact nature area is highlighted by the appearance of wild animals along the rafting route such as big bats, black monkeys, magpies and more.
Time:
07:30 -14:00
Includes:
- Air conditioned vehicle transfer from/to hotel.
- Buffet lunch.
- All safety equipment.
- Hot shower and changing room, towels
- Insurance.
Excludes:
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, insurance etc.
- Other service not mentioned on this program.
Remark:
- Child rates applied for Children between 2 and 12 years old.
Price (01/04/09 - 31/03/10) (minimum 2 pax):
US $ 53 (Adult)
US $ 44 (Children)

Telaga Waja River Rafting
You can try Telaga Waja rafting (Class II-III) because flowing below Mt. Agung, river trips on the Telaga Waja offer class II-III white water. Rafters will see both tropical and open valley environments on short half-day trips.
Another exhilarating product within the Sobek adventure portfolio is one that will simply take your breath away. Meeting the same strict safety and service standards delivered on Sobek’s Ayung River rafting experience, the Telaga Waja put simply, will challenge you and your guide every step of the way!

The thrilling Telaga Waja adventure begins in the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung, after an in-depth safety and equipment briefing by Sobek’s experienced guides. From the time you drop into the first set of rapids, your heart will be racing and your adrenalin pumping.

In a continual spray of white clear water, you will rush past steep banks and ancient hanging trees, whilst rafting straight through cascading waterfalls of cold natural spring water. The Sobek guides will give you instruction and work with you to safely navigate the raft through torrents, twists, tight turns and inclined rapids.

Over head obstacles, narrow gorges and breathtaking views of terraced rice plains all along the way will give you an appetite for your final challenge! The Water Dam! Hold on, Take a deep breath, and down you go!

The Sobek Telaga Waja experience is a fantastic experience from start to finish. From the moment you put on your Life Jacket and Helmet and take a tight grip of your paddle to the very second you finish your last taste of the delicious mouth watering buffet, this really is thrills all the way!
Time:
07:30 -15:00
Includes:
- Air conditioned vehicle transfer from/to hotel.
- Buffet lunch.
- All safety equipment.
- Hot shower and changing room, towels
- Insurance.
Excludes:
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, insurance etc.
- Other service not mentioned on this program.
Remark:
- Child rates applied for Children between 2 and 12 years old.
Price (01/04/09 - 31/03/10) (minimum 2 pax):
US $ 53 (Adult)
US $ 44 (Children)


Melangit River Rafting
Melangit River Rafting Trips (Class IV) is the great adventure tracing The Melangit River is very conveniently located for people visiting Bali’s capitol city Denpasar. Steep cliffs and cascading water mark this as the most challenging and technical Bali River rafting trip.

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Rindik: Traditional Bali Music Instrument

When you arrive in Bali, you will likely be welcomed by the soft and soothing sound of rindik. For most of the visitors, the sound of this musical instrument is the first Balinese music they encounter.

The moment of initial contact of the visitors with lovely sound of rindik takes place something like this visitor are sitting in a restaurant or entering a hotel lobby designed in neoBalinese style. While they savor the succulent food or admire the elaborate architecture some sort of background music can be heard. The sound of Balinese traditional bamboo instruments they hear is not a recording but instead is being played live by two or three musicians in one corner of the room or staged on an open bale at the edge of the locale. Were you to look in that corner you would see two musicians, which are gently beating out notes on the rindik sometimes accompanied by the third one plays the bamboo flute (Bali language = suling). The soft and gentle bamboo sound is quite lovely, yet can easily be ignored; you can hear it virtually everywhere in Bali, it is perfect Balinese background music.

Rindik is a Balinese bamboo instrument usually played in a quartet, 2 on Rindik and 2 on flute. Rindik is a set of ten xylophones of different lengths and sizes made of bamboo tubes suspended in a wooden frame. It is played by striking the xylophones with long handled rubber headed mallets. There are two types, each tuned differently: lanang (higher, or “left”) and wadon (lower, or “right”). Rindik is traditional pentatonic scale, called Selendro (saih lima). Some rindik have simple wooden frames, painted with single color, usually green or red. Some of them have elaborately painted wooden frame, with a picture of demon’s head or entangled creepers. Here's a little piece of Rindik Music from YouTube. This music is called 'Paksi Ngelayang' or 'Hoovering Bird' in English.

Rindik is played for dancing and entertainment rather than ceremonies. Balinese usually play the rindik as a welcoming music for the guests in a wedding ceremony. Rindik sound softer, sweeter and quieter than bronze ensembles of metal gamelan. The combination of two rindik and a flute is considered excellent for all occasion. The rindiks and the flute all perform the same melody, the flute playing the melody in sustained notes and the rindiks (bamboo pitched percussions which are unable to sustain notes) playing repeated notes. The melody is decorated with an intricate and rhythmically interlocking melody yet very relaxed and atmospheric.

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