TEMPLES

Mother Temple Besakih
Besakih Temple in Karang Asem regency, Bali, has been proposed as a member of the World Cultural Heritage List. The temple constitutes a powerful religious icon that unifies thousands of Hindu followers from different castes throughout Bali and beyond.

Pura Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple)
Looming high above the Indian Ocean on majestic cliffs, the well-maintained temple at Uluwatu is a spectacular sight and allows a stunning sunset view. Belonging to the Sadkahyangan group of temples, Pura Uluwatu is one of the holiest places in all of Bali . According to legend, the temple was once a ship which was turned to stone, and it pays homage to the sea goddess Dewi Laut.

Dreamland
Pantai Dreamland, which overlooks every other Bukit beach all the way to Uluwatu. Because of its beauty, with white sand and cliff outcroppings, it has become the chic beach of the day, and it is usually fairly busy with tourists, and quite a number of warungs and small bungalows have been built in the area. It is a great beach for swimming and surfing, as it offers a sand-bottom break, but often has a strong rip current.

THINGS NEED TO KNOW :

Insurance
Holidays, like everything else in life, occasionally take a wrong turn. It is recommended that all visitors ensure that they are covered in terms of travel insurance. Topaz Villa shall under no circumstances have any liability to hirer, any other occupier, licensee, or guest on the property for any loss of or damage to the personal belongings, car and its contents of the hirer or any member of the party during the holiday.

Health considerations
Bali , unlike many other areas in the region, is non-malarial. Therefore any malaria prophylactics are unnecessary, unless you plan to travel onto a malarial region. Bali has a number of Western-trained health professionals along with several expatriate doctors who work in some of the local clinics and hospitals. This infrastructure suffices for the majority of any health problems. In the unfortunate cases where something more is needed, Singapore 's world-class physicians and institutions are just two hours away by plane.

First time visitors to tropical locations and this part of the world are advised to first talk to their physicians about recommended immunizations before traveling. This should be done at least three weeks before your planned departure date. If you plan to bring any prescription medications with you, bring a copy of your doctor's prescription to avoid unnecessary trouble from Indonesian customs. Traveler's health insurance is recommended.

Bali is located just 8° south of the equator and consequently the sun is very strong. Visitors should be very careful in their tanning habits in order not to get burnt, especially right after arrival. Even on a cloudy day, the UV is strong enough to burn within a few short hours. Furthermore it is recommended to make an effort to drink more fluids than usual in order to avoid dehydration and sunstroke.

Clothing needs
When packing, keep in mind that you will be in the tropics (the average year round temperature is 32°C) but it can get cold if you plan to visit the elevated and mountainous regions. Generally, you will want to dress light and wear natural fibers that absorb perspiration. For the most part, visitors to Bali dress fairly casually, with beachwear and sandals being the choice of many. At night, a lightweight sweater or light jacket can be useful. For the many upscale restaurants and nightlife, the dress tends to be smart tropical casual. There are a variety of clothes suited to tropical climates and available for purchase in Bali 's many boutiques and shops.

Travel Tip
We strongly advise making photocopies of airline tickets and passport identification pages, and make a list of all the serial number of traveler's checks as well as the details and emergency fax and telephone numbers of credit cards. All of this information should be kept in a safe place separate from your wallet/purse. Having this information readily available will expedite the replacement of these items in the unfortunate event, should they be lost or stolen.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ubud
Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.

Jimbaran
Jimbaran is just south of Kuta. This is the best white sandy Beach in Bali. It was formerly just a village of fishermen, but is now home to a few of five-star beach resorts. Two dozen seaside grilled seafood restaurants are a major tourist draw, as are the beautiful sunsets. Jimbaran has little shopping or night-life of its own, but has the advantage of being closer to Kuta and Seminyak (and the cultural highlights of central Bali) than Nusa Dua.

Nusa Dua
Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts to which your exhausted bodies, after a Barong performance at Batubulan and a long climb of the steps of the Mother Temple Besakih, will want to rest. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua Bali.

Tanjung Benoa
Once solely the preserve of coconut groves and fishermen, the scenic five-kilometre-long peninsula of Tanjung Benoa has over the years been transformed into a charming resort area. Converging in the small harbour at its tip, the peninsula is connected by a narrow, meandering road populated by luxury hotels, private villas, fine restaurants, open-air cafes, and a plethora of water-sport facilities.

The relaxed rhythm of the businesses that line the long snake-like road is more Costa Brava or Mallorca in character than the other southern Balinese resorts of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. In fact, Tanjung Benoa exudes a worldly air with the hotels, upscale shops, innovative restaurants and dive centres of the peninsula affording guests no shortage of quality recreational, shopping and dining options.

Sanur
The peaceful fishing village of Sanur, has recently seen a massive modernization and facelift with millions of dollars poured into hotel renovations together with a spectacular conservation and landscaping project that replenished the beach and safeguarded the coral. As a result, the calm and shallow lagoon is increasingly conducive to an entire range of marine sports and beachside activities. On any given day you can see people fishing, snorkelling, sailing, surfing, or simply wading towards the reef searching for colourful shells and playful tropical fish. Colourful jukung outriggers dot the horizon and the scene is perfectly idyllic all year round.

Kintamani
Kintamani is great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days. At Penelokan you can view the panorama of Mount Batur set in a huge volcanic crater basin. Stop here on the way to Singaraja to climb to peaceful Pura Tegeh Kuripan. Try to arrive at Kintamani in the morning, as it's often overcast in the afternoon, especially during the rainy season.

Bedugul
The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 Km north of Denpasar, is known for excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Bratan, it is surrounded forested hills. A beautiful sight is the “Ulun Danu” temple which sems to out of the lake. The area offers good walks. Boats are available for was skiing and parasailing. Is done as well. The Bali Handara Country Club bungalows for rent and a restaurant.

Amed
Amed is a solitary village on a beautiful bay northeast of Tirtha Gangga. Amed is inhabited only by fishermen and seasalt processors. Amed sea is known as one of the best beaches for diving and snorkeling in Bali. Amed coast is very rich and beautiful.

Amed is one of Bali's best diving spot. Amed is around 3 hours drive from the airport of Bali. Amed is north west of Amlapura, and a couple of hours drive from Candi Dasa. The drive is as rough as it is scenic, so once you get to Amed it's a good idea to stay a few days. There's a collection of beaches around this part of the coast, and they are all good for snorkeling. Off the coast there's a shipwreck, famous in diving circles, and boats can be hired to get there. Amed is a place to lounge on the shady beach with a good book.