Finding Paradise When You Travel To Bali

Bali has recently enjoyed renewed popularity as a tropical destination, when you travel through Bali you will see how eager it is to show the world its beauty and wonder once again. One of the most stunning and exotic places on the planet, Bali's attractions range from sandy beaches to majestic volcanoes and its gentle people will welcome you with open arms.

With one quarter of the worlds marine life located within the Indonesian archipelago Bali attracts divers from all over the world. Surfers also make the beaches of Bali one of their many stops as some of the beaches are famous for their surf. The island is actually quite small and touring the entirety of it in one day is not unheard of.

You can travel the entire coastline of the island in a day and as you pass through villages the inviting smells of jasmine and frangipani waft over you from the gardens along the road. The island can be toured by car, bike or plane, temples will keep you occupied for hours with their intricate carvings and history and fate can be tempted by traversing one of the six volcanoes on Bali.

Dance is an integral part of the Balinese culture and any one of the many dances can be viewed at hotels and restaurants throughout the island. Each dance tells a story like the Fire dance which is a dance where girls dance barefoot amongst hot coals to ward off demonic possession or the Kecak dance featuring over 100 bare-chested men combining the chorus of the "Sanghyang" trance dance with a story from the "Ramayana" legend.

Ceremony is also an important part of the Hindu Balinese culture. Ceremonies are performed for almost everything but some are more holy than other. The cremation of deceased loved ones is a very important ritual and it isn't unheard of for villages to have mass cremations to lower the massive cost of this ritual.

The island is home to more than 300 bird species as well as deer and civets. Dolphins also often frequent the beaches off Lavina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai and whale sharks have been known to join the occasional diver on their dives into the turquoise blue water.

Shopping is also a popular part-time in Bali with its plethora of local markets and numerous international branded stores you will need to give the cards a cool down after your trip. Local crafts, art, jewellery and carvings can be found in the Kuta/Legian area and in and around Ubud. Prices are always negotiable and locals will haggle for a good price. Steer clear of duty free shops as they will be much pricier but if well known brands are what you are after head to Kartika Discovery Mall.

Bali is an exotic and intriguing island and touched the heart of every traveller who has had the pleasure of exploring it. With warm and welcoming people the magic of Bali intoxicates even the most seasoned traveller and stays with you forever.Whether on its shores or in its forests there is something to be found for everyone.