Bali Volcanoes Helicopter Tour

Bali island in Indonesia is renowned for its natural beauty and as a fabulous tourist attraction. However, the island is also known for its terrorist attacks in recent years. Since then, the people of Bali have recovered and the island is now a hotspot for tourists from all over the world once again, especially for its beach resorts and volcano helicopter tours.

The island's ecology and geography are greatly influenced by the towering mountain range of volcanoes that dominate the island. These majestic volcanoes created Bali's stunning mountainous landscape and they occasionally regenerate its soils and help produce heavy rains that provide this resort island with precious fresh water.

The Balinese considered the island's many volcanoes, lakes and spring as sacred and treat them with respect and awe. If you are a tourist traveling to Bali for your holiday vacation, you will be awestruck with the sheer majesty of the volcanoes. These natural landscapes are major tourist attractions and many tourist go sightseeing the volcanoes on helicopter tours so that they can view the volcanoes in all its splendor and take awesome pictures. The island is still continually being formed by volcanic activities.

Bali is located over a major fault zone where the Indo-Australian plate collides with the Sunda plate. In 1963, a violent eruption on Mount Agung killed thousands of people and utterly destroyed many rice fields and irrigation network.

The dramatic lava flows on the north eastern faces of Mt Agung is the newest landforms, showing what the island may look like in ancient pre-historic time. It is a fascinating sightseeing experience, almost like a scene out of Jurassic Park.

Perhaps, the most popular volcano for tourists to visit and go sightseeing is Mount Batur. This grand old dame of a volcano sits in a giant caldera that contains a lake that is a few miles long and over a mile wide. Mount Batur is actually a very active volcano and can erupt moment as it erupted with great frequency but the eruptions are less violent these days except in a giant eruption in 1917 which claimed thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of temples and villages.

Hiking up Mount Batur in the wee small hours of the the morning has become something of a "must do" thing for many tourists in Bali. You will need to bring along a sweater as it can get a little chilly at the volcano summit.

There is also a little coffee shop at the rim selling drinks for thirsty hikers and many children and women in flip flops balancing buckets of soft drinks on their heads scampering around trying to earn your tourist dollar. As the sun rises, you will get a picturesque view of Lombok and other surrounding islands.

One very interesting hike on Mt Batur is the climb down the inside of the crater from Penelokan to Kedisan. There are boats at Toya Bungkah Lake to take you across the lake to a village called Trunyan. This village is notorious for its mortuary traditions because instead of cremating or burying their deceased, the Trunyan villagers leave dead human bodies to decompose naturally in a designated cemetery.

Although Bali is known for rice cultivation, its volcanic soil is actually not well suited for such activities. The soil is finely textured and well drained, so water soaks through the soil rapidly and thus precious water is wasted. The solution therefore lies in repeated and vigorous ploughing which make the soil less permeable.

So if you are visiting Bali for your holiday vacations, do not miss out a sightseeing trip to view Bali's majestic volcanoes, better yet, take a helicopter tour of this spectacular tourist attraction.

Traveling in Bali - 8 Do's and Don'ts That a Bali Traveler Should Know

When traveling in Bali it is not hard to see how complicated the Balinese society is. Their daily lives are intertwined with religion, making it a society with many rules of conduct.

As a traveler it is hard to know what you can do and what might be offensive. Luckily the Balinese are familiar with travelers visiting their island, so they are very forgiving if you do something that would otherwise be rude.

Anyway, it is always polite to at least try to understand the differences. So here is quick guide on the do's and don'ts in Bali. You will probably get more approving smiles if you try to stick to them...

1. Meeting with the Balinese - Time is not a big issue as it might be in other countries. If you are meeting up with a Balinese, don't be upset if he or she arrives about half an hour late. This is normal in Bali and he or she probably expects that same from you.

2. When you enter a Balinese house, don't forget to take off your shoes. And once seated, don't touch someone with your feet or point them towards someone. This is considered very offensive.

3. Additionally don't use your left hand when offering or taking something from someone. The left hand is considered 'unclean' as this is the hand that is used to clean oneself on the toilet. Don't be surprised either if there is no toilet paper in the toilet. Indonesians do not use toilet paper when going to the toilet. Instead they use water, which is often located next to the toilet in a bucket. So don't forget to bring your own if you need it.

4. If you are having dinner with Balinese friends expect to eat more than one serving. It is polite to show the host that the food is good by taking a second serving. It is also appropriate to leave some food behind when finished. This is can be seen as an offering for the gods, but it also tells the host that you have had enough. Otherwise the host will probably serve another spoon of rice on your plate...

5. Avoid conversations about religion and politics. The Balinese do not discuss these topics openly. However they are more interested in your personal life such as your age, if you are married and how many children you have. In other countries this will be too personal, but in Bali this is quite normal even if you have just met somebody in a bus. ...

6. Affection in public - While it is common to see a man and a woman walking hand in hand in other countries, in Bali this is inappropriate. The Balinese do not show affection between the sexes in public. But on the other hand, it is very normal in Bali to see to men walking together hand in hand, or with one man's arm over the shoulder of another. This is nothing sexual, but a sign of friendship. Foreigners should not do this though.

7. But most of all remember not to touch the head of others, for example the head of children. In other countries people regularly touch the head of children in a friendly way. But the Balinese consider the head the most sacred of the human body and by touching them you will create a very uncomfortable situation.

8. Discussions - An important aspect of the daily life in Bali is not 'losing-face'. Conflicts and discussions are always avoided in the Balinese society, especially in public. If not than the dignity and pride of one person might be at stake, which is very inappropriate. So instead of winning a discussion, it is wiser to just let it be and finish it off with a joke so everybody can laugh about it.

10 More Things You Did Not Know You Could Do in Bali

Here is the second part of my starter list of new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali. (For the first section, just search for "10 Things You Did Not Know You Could do in Bali").

This time round, I am staying in Umalas, at Albia Villa Bali, absolutely excellent if you like peace and quiet, yet want easy access to Seminyak and Legian.

11) Golfing

A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don't miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali's great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family.

12) Helicopter Tours

Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali)

13) Horse Riding

Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas right next to Mia Villa Bali Rental, or try Saba Bay Stables)

14) Kite Boarding

Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.

15) Monkey Watching

Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest - Ubud)

16) Mountain Cycling

If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)

17) Paragliding

Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.

18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee)

Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.

19) Surfing

If you've come with your board you'll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)

20) Temple Ceremonies

Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)

Like me, if you manage to fit in five of these activities into your schedule, every time you visit Bali, you will still want to come back for more. Because, at the end of the day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming smiles, and willingness to help, which will make your adventures even more precious memories.

Bali Vacations Guide - Things to Take to Bali

There are many different reasons on why you decide to plan your Bali vacation. It might be that you have been working hard and decide that it is a good time to get a refreshing moment, or you are eager to please your loved one to go on the second honeymoon.

No matter what your reason is for planning your Bali vacation, it is a good decision to know what items need to be carried on your vacation. Making the list of possessions to take to Bali is important so you will not miss a thing. It is amazing that only few people spend some of their time, planning and creating a list of items they want to take on their vacations.

You should sit and spend some time to make a plan, so you can decide your luggage content precisely. This is an example how to plan your belonging, based on your destination.

Activity #1: Spend the Whole Afternoon at the Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in Bali such as Kuta Beach and Sanur Beach. You should visit these beaches during your Bali vacations. Do not forget that you should take a couple of things with you. However, first you need to ask yourself what you will do at the beach.

I presume that you will spend the whole afternoon at the beach, sunbathing and surfing. If so, then you should consider taking sun block, glasses, and a surfing board.

Activity #2: City and Village Tour
Ubud is one of the most famous Balinese villages. If you love art and paintings, this could be the best place to visit. There are also many other beautiful villages that you can visit in Bali.

If you plan to take the city and village tour, you should bring these things: Map, calculator, credit card, camera, cell phone, hat or cap, and sun glasses.

Those are the primary things you need to take to Bali, based on the activities done on your Bali vacations. You should develop the list as you plan to do more things in Bali. Without carrying appropriate gears, your vacation may not be as beautiful as you have planned. So, make sure to sit down and make your Bali vacation plan properly.

Quick Guide To Bali

Bali’s idyllic location, constant warm temperature and welcoming people have made it a key destination for travellers from all over the world.

Where is it?

Bali is one of the Indonesian islands, set in the Indian Ocean, just 8 degrees south of the equator. It is popular for romantic breaks, honeymoons and weddings as well as being a key surfing destination.

Where can I stay?

Bali is a haven of warm climates, blue seas and wide sandy beaches. There are big hotels in Bali just as there are in any beach-led country, but the very best hotels are those that reduce the number of rooms and focus instead on giving guests the very best holiday experience. From a completely spoiled and luxurious boutique hotel to simple but perfectly designed accommodation, you can find a hotel that puts you at your ease and makes relaxation your only consideration. Take the Puri Ganesha Villas in the north of the island, bordered by green mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Puri Ganesha is a collection of just four two-storey villas, each with its access onto the private beach and its own seawater swimming pool. Or try the Nusa Dua, one of the newest boutique hotels on Bali, where 20 exclusive pavilions provide accommodation for their lucky occupants, with butler service and private pools.

What can I see?

One of the obvious attractions of Bali is the warm coastline and fabulous beaches. If you’re not a total beach bum though, there are many other areas that are worth a visit, including Ganung Batur, a volcanic cone with a lake in the surrounding caldera. The landscape is worth the climb, but the climate at this height is very different from that of the beaches, so be prepared for much cooler, damp conditions. Romantics could try the Bali Orchid Garden – the climate in Bali particularly suits these gorgeous flowers – or visit one of the ancient shrines and temples that dot the landscape.

How do I get around?

If you ever decide to leave your villa to go anywhere other than the beach – and you should, because otherwise you’ll miss nearly all that Bali has to offer – then use the cheap bus system, or for slightly more money, but also more comfort, use the regular tourist buses. You can also rent a motorcycle or bike for a slightly more adventurous trip around the island.

Bali Window Blinds - Let Your Creativity Flow With Bali Blinds

Bali window blinds provide the do-it-yourselfer with fashion forward styles so they can choose the perfect window treatment to suit their own unique style. Bali provides the consumer with information and creative ideas that gives the consumer confidence in their Bali blinds purchase.
Solutions are provided for the consumer by Bali so they know which style to choose, where to find it and that their measurements are correct. This is accomplished by their online product advisor that has helped many customers make an informed decision about their Bali window blinds.
Their virtual decorator allows you to try as many combinations as you want till you get the look that is just right for you. You choose the style of room and color of Bali blinds until you find the right combination which follows their motto "your home, your style".
Bali window blinds are made by Springs Window Fashions which has a long successful history of manufacturing quality blinds. Not only are Bali blinds a quality product but they are also reasonably priced for the consumer. This company also stands behind their product and goes out of their way to make things right if there is a problem.
A great color range is available in their product line so you'll be able to find a window treatment that enhances your décor. Bali window blinds have a great product line from bali wood blinds to faux wood blinds, cellular window shades, layered shades, solar shades, pleated shades, roller shades, horizontal and vertical blinds and more great products to choose from.
If you are not a do-it-yourselfer not to worry Spring Window Fashions also has a line called Graber Blinds that is sold by professional decorators that assist you with selection and all measuring. They also have a line called Nanik that is custom made wood blinds that is sold through Kravet design consultants.
If you are starting new or just wanting to freshen up the look of one of your rooms you might want to take a look at Bali window blinds. Check out the great quality at a reasonable price that is provided in Bali blinds.