where to adventure travel in indonesia

Are you curious about Bali? Have you heard others talking about staying in Bali luxury villas? Do you wonder what it would be like to slip away from your everyday life and enjoy a stay in a private villa in a luxurious seaside destination like Bali? If so, there are five Bali facts that you may feed your curiosity just a little. Whether you ever get to visit or not, these facts will give you an idea of what it is like to visit this exotic destination.

1. Bali is much more than a surfing destination.

Bali definitely has the reputation for being a haven for surfers, but that is not all there is to this are of Indonesia. You can do other things in the ocean, such as explore the islands or go out for a snorkeling adventure to these the underwater wildlife.

You can also find other forms of adventure that have nothing to do with the ocean. Go for a hike through rice fields, explore the rough lands surrounding the volcanoes, or take plunge with bungee jumping. Many visitors also enjoy the many temples, the celebrations and festivals that are always going on, and the street dancers and musicians.

2. Bali does not have to be an unsafe place to travel, despite what you may have heard.

Some think of Indonesia as an unsafe place for tourists, but this is not true. Many people are able to visit this portion of Indonesia without any problems at all. The trick is to educate yourself on the different areas of Bali, and stick with activities and destinations you know are safe. Use common sense, and you will find Bali an enjoyable place to vacation.

3. Bali can be experienced through cheap hotels, or through beautiful private villas.

You can get a different view of Bali depending on your budget. If you are looking for an affordable vacation spot, then you will enjoy the lower priced hotels and other rentals available throughout Bali. You can find some great deals in areas that have been built up for tourism, such as Ubud.

If you are looking for something more exclusive and classy, then you will get a different view of Bali through a Bali luxury villa. These villas are in prime locations, and they offer the finest amenities for those who can afford to pay. For example, you may enjoy a massage by the ocean or you may have the private services of concierge to show you where to go, call you a private cab, or help you book private guided tours.

4. Some of the restaurants in Bali are just as exclusive and delicious as high class restaurants you love back home.

You can find some treats on the streets of Bali, but there are also some upscale restaurants that can give you a taste of higher quality Indonesian foods. If you love food, you might want to explore some of the best restaurants and plan to visit them all while in Bali.

Book your stay in a Bali luxury villa, but then make sure to venture out of the private villas to explore everything Bali, Indonesia has to offer.

A stunning Luxury villa for rent for your honeymoon or holiday. Beautiful clifftop villa with breathtaking views.

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The content is our own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Bali Karang Kembar Estate.

Borneo exudes the feeling of a less explored destination with hidden eco treasures. The virgin and secondary forests that dotted the mainland are vitally a sanctuary for the dense wildlife populations - some endemic to Borneo. The orangutan, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, proboscis monkeys are among the welcoming faces you can see if you pay a visit to their natural habitat - yes, eco-friendly trips are available. The world's third largest island after Greenland and Papua New Guinea is no longer a mystery, but increasingly recommended by travelers as an emerging holiday destination. The island is shared by 3 countries, with the largest portion owned by Indonesia (Kalimantan) followed by Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Brunei.

Essentially, Borneo will be in the radar of avid divers who anticipate a historic dive in the midst of a luxurious underwater world. Sipadan Island and the surrounding dive sites such as Mabul and Kapalai are rated the best diving hotspots in the world due to the diverse marine life. As for adventure seekers, conquering Mount Kinabalu, the roof of Borneo is the ultimate challenge on par of scaling other peaks around the world. Being the highest peak between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea, this 4095m tall giant usually expresses her majestic disposition with coats of cloud in the middle.

Surrounded by azure blue oceans, Borneo is fringed by long stretches of white sandy beaches. Amusingly, there are a numbers of tranquil islands studded amidst the oceans near the coast. They are conveniently accessible and the most notable being Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Marine Park off Kota Kinabalu and the world renowned "Survivor Island" called Pulau Tiga.

Borneo also boasts the largest cave system in the world. Mulu National Park in Sarawak, a World Heritage Site is deemed as the paradise for the physically prepared travelers to confront the eco challenge and alternatively, to indulge in the opulent cave ecology - exceptionally the sights of bat exodus or exploration of the four show caves.

Whenever you visit to Borneo, you get a chance to meet the locals and observe their distinctive cultures. Borneo is the home to a medley of indigenous groups, the likes of the Dayaks and Kadazandusuns. You can meet them up close when you visit their tribal long houses in Lemanak, Skrang or Batang Ai in Sarawak and Kudat in Sabah or through homestay visits. Although the people of Borneo comprises different background and they practice different customs, most of them live in harmony - an assurance that Borneo is a peace and safe place for visits.

Aside from the spectacular destinations that Borneo offers, you too can enjoy exhilarating activities such as sightseeing, white water rafting, riding antique train, golfing, shopping as well as sampling delectable local food and rice wines. All these activities can be arranged with your travel agents or accommodation operators.

To get to Borneo is easy. Borneo is conveniently located in South East Asia and well-connected with numerous international and domestic flights. In addition, there are several direct flights that link Borneo for example, the Perth-Kota Kinabalu, Tokyo- Kota Kinabalu, Hong Kong-Kota Kinabalu, London-Bandar Seri Begawan and Singapore-Kuching. Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Bandar Seri Begawan are also served by various flights from the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Some airlines to look for are Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Airasia and Dragonair.

Just like other destinations elsewhere, a stay in Borneo is as delightful with the options from 5-star to budget accommodations, where most of these operators accept bookings online and some are highly rated in travel portals like Tripadvisor.

Lives in Borneo, loves Borneo and looks forward to promoting this magical island to the world.

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For tours in Borneo, please visit: http://www.borneoecotours.com

There are thousands of destinations to choose from when holiday time rolls around. Trying to narrow it down to just one location isn't easy. For some 2 million people per year, however, Bali is the place that calls.

What makes this destination so popular with tourists the world over? Chances are they come to see what paradise on earth really looks like.

Holidaymakers who choose to stay in a Bali hotel will not be disappointed with the options available to them. This Indonesian archipelago offers an incredible mix of natural and manmade sights well worth taking in, and its relaxed, enjoyable pace is a welcomed change for those used to a busy pace.

If Bali's "paradise" status is in question, consider these things that draw in so many visitors each year:

* The weather - Bali is known for its warm, tropical climate that produces average year-round temperatures that fall in around 31 degrees Celsius. Although the wet season, which runs from October to April, can produce some serious rains, Bali is considered welcoming no matter the time of year.

* The geography - Walk outside of any Bali hotels and the geography will be sure to impress. Spanning some 5,632 square kilometers, Bali is home to volcanic mountains that are often ringed in a surreal mist, lush tropical beaches and some of the most breathtaking lakes and valleys on the planet. Even the agricultural lands here are impressive with their terraces and gentle slopes.

* The luxury - Anyone who chooses to stay in a Bali hotel will discover the meaning of luxury. This destination is home to a number of hotels that do not skimp on a single luxury. From eye-popping landscapes and pampering spas to world-class, in-house cuisine, the hotels in Bali offer every convenience.

* The adventures - If adventure appeals, Bali delivers. Holidaymakers here can horseback ride, hike, mountain climb, surf, explore and more. The potential for adventure is practically never-ending.

* The history - Bali is soaked in a rich history that remains important today and is well evidenced in its many temples and monuments. The island is believed to have been first inhabited by the Chinese in the 2500s BC. Through its history, it was heavily influenced by Buddhist and Hindu settlers. Europeans made first contact here in the 16th century and they, too, left a visible mark on this paradise. Vacationers to Bali will find evidence of these influences in the arts, architecture and ruins found here.

* The shopping - Shopping in Bali is a dream come true for many. Here holidaymakers will find everything from modern malls to quaint street markets. Bali's many artisans tend to steal the show in many major tourist destinations, offering handicrafts that are well worth taking home.

* The dining - The cuisine found in Bali is enough to please even the pickiest of eaters. Foods found here originate from all over the world. In fact, holidaymakers can enjoy not only a taste of Indonesia, but also Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond.

When a stay in a Bali hotel is on tap, holidaymakers will find themselves on the doorstep to paradise. This unusual destination is sure to please visitors who crave a lush setting with plenty to see and do.

Looking to book holidays to Bali? Then find Bali hotel accommodation, other tourism resources and Bali island tours with Bali Dream Tours. Make online bookings for hotels and villas in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Sanur and other areas of Bali by visiting Bali Accommodation.

General

Do not put all your eggs in the same basket. Divide your cash, credit cards and travelers cheques in several locations e.g. in your daypack, backpack, money belt and wallet.

Research the most suitable way to carry money in your destination. It can be US dollars, traveler's cheques, credit card, local currency, etc.

If you are on a tight budget you can use your journal to keep track of your expenses by writing them down in the journal.

Cash

There are a lot of counterfeit bills around in some parts of the world. This has led some places to prefer bills from certain years, with certain print (e.g. USD with big print) and bills in good condition. Check what is advisable before you change your money.

It can be practical (though expensive) to get some of the local currency (in small denominations) before you leave.

Try to break large bills in shops and restaurants, getting small bills can be difficult. If you cannot find a place to change money you can try the big hotels.

If you for some reason get stranded with no cash whatsoever, calling mum or other family members is a good life savior. If there is a bank or just about any shop around there is a good chance that they will be able to transfer money with a money transfer agency.

Change a bit of cash in your home country so that you have enough local currency for a day or two. Having to find a place to change money after a 20 hour flight is tedious, even though usually there are several ATMs in airports.

Personal Experience - The Komodo Crisis

Try not to get stranded without money. A friend of mine was traveling overland in Indonesia to Komodo and was steadily running down on cash hoping that there were ATMs around. There were none and he was lucky to run into some people who could lend him some cash.

Credit card

Check the expiry date of your credit card. You do not want it to expire in the middle of your trip. Also note that some credit cards mainly intended for younger people, (e.g. Maestro and Electron cards) may not work in all ATMs. These cards usually do not have relief printing on them and will not work in old fashion manual swipe machines. Check with your card issuer just to make sure.

Relying on one credit card only may be risky if you plan to use ATMs. Occasionally they get swallowed for seemingly no reason whatsoever. If you plan on having several cards with you it can be useful to make sure that they are on different networks e.g. on Cirrus and on PLUS.

You can also get prepaid cards where you store a certain amount of money and then withdraw your prepaid amount without any credit, which may be safer if your card is stolen.

If you have a special device or one-time codes for Internet banking bring them along if you plan on using your Internet bank.

Traveler's Cheques

Different brands are preferred in different countries, check before you go.

Keep track of which traveler's cheques you have used (in a separate location from the cheques themselves).

Make sure your that your signature on the traveler's cheques matches the one in your passport.

Bring the purchase record with you (in a separate location from the cheques), it is sometimes needed in order to cash the cheques and to claim a refund for stolen cheques.

Personal Experience - The Cambodian Cock-up

I was traveling in Cambodia and tried to cash my traveler's cheque. I had gotten a new passport and had the bright idea of changing my signature. Only problem was, the signature on the cheques was my old one so they did not match. This made it close to impossible for me to cash my cheques in Cambodia.

Personal Experience - The Alice Springs ATM Adventure

A Friday afternoon 1997 in Alice Springs, Australia I was getting low on cash. I had $20 left and tried to withdraw cash from the one of the few ATMs in the outback. I inserted the credit card the way it is done in Sweden - with the magnetic stripe upwards. The card was swallowed by the machine and there I stood with just a few dollars left. My hostel accepted credit and I found myself eating bananas, drinking tap water and comparing pasta prices for the next five days. A quite different diet from the steak and umbrella drink life I was used to. For FedEx to get a new card to the middle of nowhere (i.e. Alice Springs) took five days.

This article is based on the free e-book The Backpacker's Toolbox [http://www.hellobackpacker.com/toolbox/] It contains checklists, templates, FAQs and practical advice (and a few bad jokes) to make your backpacking experience as smooth as possible.

[http://www.hellobackpacker.com] - practical advice for new and experienced backpackers for all trip stages: get inspired, plan your trip, advice on the road, tips when back home.

Amazingly beautiful, Bali looks like carved out of a painter's brush-strokes. The mesmerizing culture fused with the sandy beaches and the volcanic mountains gives Bali its unique identity. No doubt that Bali is Indonesia's hottest destination! Travelers from around the world flock to Bali to catch a glimpse of its colorful culture.

Encapsulated in enigma, Bali's soul lies deep rooted in religion, which is expressed through Balinese dance forms preserved over centuries. The tradition flows not only through the soul stirring dance forms, but beautiful paintings and even decorative weaving.

Bali is a fairly large island spanning 144 kilometers from east to west and 80 kilometers from north to south and so, offers decent sightseeing opportunities.

A trip to Kintamani Volcano will give you decent view of the countryside in Bali. On your way to the volcano, you can visit the mysterious 11th century Elephant Caves Temple. Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion in Indonesia, and the city features around 20,000 temples. However, the nine directional temples or Kayangan Jagat are the important ones to be considered. Also, there are some world-class amusement parks and several Hot Water Springs in Bali which you surely won't want to miss. As for beaches, Kuta Beach is the most famous beach in Bali and a favorite among tourists for its beautiful sunsets.

Bali has some decent scuba diving hotspots like Amed, Nusa Dua, and Tulamben which provide a close peek at the beautiful soft coral reefs and marine creatures. Bali is also known as surfer's paradise due to the exotic surfing beaches it has. Bali is also fast gaining reputation as a sought after golfing destination due to its three top class 18-hole championship golf courses. Still pondering what to do, then there's paragliding for you to glide over Bali's spectacular coastline. There is still another kind of adventure which might light up your eyes and that's exploring the island on a bicycle. What's more, it's the easiest! Cycle dealers are easy to find and you can opt either to buy or take one on rent. If cycling around the picturesque island tires you down, it's about time for some relaxation! Bali has some amazing spas which offer the traditional Balinese massage which is usually done with oil which is not without some immense health benefits. Recreation habitually follows relaxation and what more can be more beautiful than the Balinese dance forms, barong or "lion dance" and the spectacular "monkey dance" known as Kekak. It's sure to put you in a kind of trance.

Searching for hotels in Bali is the easiest part. Bali caters to all types of visitors on varying budgets. Traditional, as Bali is, it offers you a host of choices as far as hotels and resorts are concerned and you'll find all the modern facilities to ensure a luxurious stay. There are also fabulous resorts in Bali which are nothing less than amazing and you might like to consider from the luxury resorts in Newport and Rhodes Island. The best way to explore Bali is rental cars and that way, it takes around 3 days to cover most of the tourist destinations. Metered taxis and bemos (mini vans) are the other ways to move around Bali.

Avail best deals on Bali hotels through AsiaRooms at affordable prices and make your trip to this little paradise of Indonesia an enchanting experience to memorize.