Sunday, October 2, 2011

Snag a Wave Of Bali Surfing Tours

The peak season for Bali surfing tours is from April to November, which is considered to be the dry season, but you can catch a mean wave at any time during the year. During the dry season, Bali picks up the swells from the Indian Ocean so it's possible to find surf up to 12 feet or higher off the reefs on the southwest and southeast coasts.

Kuta is usually the drop-off point for surfing enthusiasts from all over the world as it's only a short distance to legendary surfing spots like Padang Padang, Uluwata, Nusa Dua and Impossibles. Kuta Beach also produces some great beach breaks but it is a popular tourist haunt so the chances of getting on a clean barrel all the way into shore are not good.

Unlike many of the well-known heavy reef breaks around some of the other islands in Indonesia, Bali's surf conditions are milder, which better suits the novice to intermediate surfer looking for consistent, 3 to 5 foot waves.

Bali has so many advantages to offer anyone planning a surfing adventure, it's hard to know where to start. What about the fact that you can get around the entire island in a day, so once you know where the great waves are breaking, it's easy to make your way there. Or how about the fact you don't need a wetsuit because the waters around Bali average a balmy temperature in the low to mid 20 degrees Celsius (just remember to take a good sunscreen!)

Bali is an amazing island surfing location in the Indonesian archipelago of 18,700 islands just 8 degrees south of the equator.

Legend has it that Bali was first discovered as a great surfing destination in the late 1960s by Australian surfers, but whether or not this is true, Bali has since become one of the hottest spots on the world surfing itinerary by leagues of surfing enthusiasts.

These days Bali has a huge surf culture, so whether you're a novice trying out your first beach breaks or an accomplished reef break rider, Bali offers some of the best surfing beaches anywhere in the world.


Catch a Bali Surfing Tour

In addition to the pleasures already mentioned, surfing in Bali has to be on top of the list of premier surfing locations because you don't need to rough it in a crude beach shack. Even the most budget-conscious surfers can stay in premium Bali accommodation with air conditioning and satellite TV thrown in for unbelievably reasonable prices.

What's more, if you travel with one of the expert Bali surfing tour operators, they will make sure that everything you need to make your Bali surfing holiday a treat will be laid on for you. They will even supply you with a board if you want to try a different ride or if you can't be bothered lugging your own board all over the place.

The Bali surf guides will meet you each morning during your stay and tell you where the best waves are breaking, then take you there in one of their air conditioned SUVs or beach craft. They can recommend the top breaks for your style and skill level and you can even take your pick from left or right breaking waves if the conditions are right!

Better yet, their network of local informants know where everyone is headed, so will happily steer you away from the crowds to an equally good location with less riders competing for the breaks.

Bali hotels are fabulous value for money and if you stay in one of the popular tourist spots like Kuta or Legian beach, the best surfing options are close by.

And then after you've spent a monumental day on the waves, you can retire to your luxury Bali accommodation for a refreshing ale before you hit the local night spots for some riotous activity.

What Bali Has to Offer Of Bali Spiritual Vacations

As Bali is made up various religions, Hinduism is the majority (although Indonesia is a Muslim dominated country). Here in Bali, the residents take their religion serious and have strong beliefs that God exists in everything. It is for this basic reason that there are many spiritual ceremonies and rites that have been followed for generations. These secrets of spiritual healing are being offered to all visitors in various fashions like yoga, prayers, meditation and soothing body massages - which gives one a cool and relaxing feeling.

Besides being spiritually enlightened, Bali has other interesting activities that would give pleasure to the tourist. The various extraordinary sites that Bali has to offer is one of the choices that people choose to come to have a spiritual vacation. Then there is the bighearted people and their colorful culture which also attracts people to Bali.

Today Bali, with its focus on tourism, has put together many attractive hotels and resorts which are to modern standards that offer unlimited luxury to visitors. It also offers various water and other sporting activities and an array of delicious Bali cuisine.

Bali, the Indonesian island in Asia, is most chosen for spiritual vacations for numerous reasons. The island which is growing in popularity for its tourism is also considered to be the largest tourist destination in the country. Bali, besides providing spiritual needs to individuals, is distinguished for its art, dance, leather, metal work and music.

Many tourists visit Bali to experience a memorable spiritual vacation which happens to be the most gratifying service that Bali has to offer. The island with its clean beaches has private resorts where one can slip away in serenity and enjoy what nature has to offer. The entire island of Bali, takes much pleasure in the various activities, offerings and services for one to witness. These pleasures are so rewarding to the mind, body and soul that they are enjoyed by one and all who visit the country.

When in Bali there is plenty to do and see and so for these reasons you will find many tourists visiting Bali, especially to experience one of the spiritual packages. Spiritual vacations can be found in plenty in Bali, catered to suit the tight budgeted visitor, the honeymooners, the family pack or the most lavish high spenders.

A very reputable touring company named Spirit Quest Tours is holding a Bali spiritual vacation package for the Spring of 2010. This trip is unique in the fact that it revolves around Elizabeth Gilbert's book, "Eat, Pray, Love". There will be plenty of eating that's for sure - Balinese cuisine is hard to resist! If you are familiar with "Eat, Pray, Love" then you'll be excited to learn that on this Bali vacation, you have the opportunity to meet with Ketut Liyer himself!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Bali Island For Getting Married

Wedding Dresses

Not only because of the transportation issues, but the cost factor is enough to convince you to get your dress made in Bali. Once you have picked out a traditional western dress or decide to go with a Balinese dress, it will only take a few days for your dress to be ready for you to wear. The materials used tend to be much more suited for the climate, so unless you are using an heirloom to be married in it is much better just to get your dress made while in Bali.

Most people who come to Bali to get married leave all the arranging to companies that provide excellent service and only need to worry about color schemes and how many tiers they want on their wedding cake . However big a wedding or wherever you want to hold it, Bali wedding services will be able to provide it for you from flower girls to entertainment.

Required Documents for a Bali Wedding

For the majority of foreigners it is possible to get married in Bali legally and your marriage will be recognized by your government. Under Indonesian/Balinese law the marriage will have to be performed as a legal religious ceremony, no marriages can be conducted in government offices. The religions recognized by Bali are: Christian Protestant, Catholic, Buddhism, Hindu and Muslim and you will need to register your marriage with the district Civil Registrar.

You will need to obtain a Certificate of Non Impediment to Marriage (CNI) either when in Bali or in your own country before the wedding. If possible it is easier to apply for this in your country of residence. Basically this is a letter from your Embassy or Consulate that confirms that there is no legal reason that you should not be allowed to get married in an Indonesian country.

If you are planning to get married there are very few places as romantic and scenic as Bali to hold that special day with you and your loved one. The sunsets and tropical vegetation offer hundreds of different locations to make your Bali wedding day a memorable one. The service that Balinese are renowned for and the popularity of Bali as a tourist destination will ensure that all your wedding dreams will come true if you decide to hold it here, there is no shortage of wedding services from simple cakes to intricately designed wedding dresses.

Wedding Services

Wedding planners are very popular for people planning a Bali wedding as it takes all the stress out of the big day and lets you concentrate on other things, like soaking up the sun. The packages that you will find range from basic bride and groom weddings to elaborate affairs. Bali catering, focuses on fine food, beverage and exceptional service for weddings and other events. Whether you are having a small intimate wedding or a grand affair, Bali catering have been providing services to thousands of delighted clients all over the island.

In order for the Embassy to issue this letter, each person must personally attend their respective consulate or embassy and swear an oath that there is no reason why they should not be allowed to get married. Certain consulates allow you to apply through the post as long as you provide the following documentation. If done in person the certificate is usually issued the same day.

The following is documentation and procedures that you need to be followed. If you are going to get married in Bali, it is important to get all of the necessary documentation long before you get married as there are often delays and can interfere with your wedding day. Many of the documents can be arranged from your own country and it is usually a lot faster to do.

- Passport
- Birth certificates of both marriage parties'.
- Baptismal certificate or other forms of proof of faith.
- For people under the age of 21 a letter will be required from the parents stating that they consent to the marriage taking place.
- If relevant, death certificate of former spouse.
- A decree of absolute divorce certificate.
- At least two witnesses are required to attend your wedding.
- 8 photos of the couple, side by side, looking straight ahead and of the head and shoulders only. The size of the photos needs to be 6cm by 4cm.

For Catholic Marriages additional documents include:

- Baptism certificates are mandatory and should have been issued not more than 6 months before the wedding, but it is safer if they are issued less than 3 months before.
- A "Letter of Freedom" needs to be issued by your Parish Priest or other church official stating that you have never previously been married and you are free to marry.
- A "Letter of Delegation" needs to be issued by your Parish Priest or other church official stating that they have no objection to you being married by a Catholic Priest from a church in Bali.