For anyone keen on music, culture and the arts, a trip to Ubud is a must-do during your stay in Bali. The drive takes just over one hour from Denpasar and, as you gently wind your way up towards the central mountains, you will be treated to views of terraced rice...
The essence of Bali starts with a villa experience. The privacy of a villa transcends you from a busy, hectic lifestyle to one of peace, serenity and exclusivity. When you experience a one to one staff ratio, the pampering is beyond words however, pampering by a local...
VOLUNTEER TEACHING ENGLISH — UBUD In a little village, about 10 minutes drive from Ubud, an English tutor volunteer program is well established and you can join an English class and assist the Balinese English teacher. I found my way to Pejeng village having contacted...
Puri Wulandari Sometimes it’s all about romance. Anniversaries, honeymoons and birthdays – we all have them but how many times in our lives do we indulge in a truly luxurious treat. Dial “6” on your phone and its all arranged. This links you to your butler – all...
SOS ORPHANAGE — TABANAN Before I visited the SOS Children’s Village Orphanage I was a little hesitant about what conditions I might discover and I wondered if this was going to be a positive or negative experience. The SOS Children’s Village, Tabanan, is 30km...
Negara Buffalo Races One of the bull chariots slid off the track, trying to round a corner, and the crowd erupted into a huge roar. I was in Negara, West Bali and positioned on a sharp bend. I felt like I was right in the race. These bull riders take a...
I followed Wayan, the temple sweeper, down a crooked path. “Come this way,” he said, “I will show you a waterfall and a hidden temple”. He led me along a jungle path with mossy overhangs towering above me and steamy, misty rice fields that dropped away below. As I...
Leaving Kuta behind, STEPHANIE BROOKES explores a fascinating island Getting out beyond Kuta can reveal a whole new Bali experience to the traveller — one of heart and soul, allowing you to observe how the Balinese live in harmony with their land. Journeying to the...
Hotel Review I am standing with my toes in the sand on a private beach in Nusa Dua. The beautiful white sandy beach stretches out in front of me and the feeling of “being in Bali”, with the tropical balmy breezes and the relaxed beach vibe is ever-present. Sometimes...
What can a visitor do that will give them something to take away? STEPHANIE BROOKES discovers a few of the many experiences the island can offer. SOS ORPHANAGE — TABANAN Before I visited the SOS Children’s Village Orphanage I was a little hesitant about what...
