Bali Off The Beaten Path

  Wall with 1372 names at Margarana
by theo1006
 
  • Wall with 1372 names at Margarana
      Wall with 1372 names at Margarana
    by theo1006
  • Pandji Tisna
      Pandji Tisna
    by theo1006
  • The Margarana cemetery
      The Margarana cemetery
    by theo1006
  • Interior of the Margarana museum
      Interior of the Margarana museum
    by theo1006
  • Inscription on Pandji Tisna
      Inscription on Pandji Tisna
    by theo1006
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

The Barong Dance

by yipsufen

Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.The Barong play represents an eternal fight between good and evil spirit. Barong ( a mythological animal) represents good spirit and Rangda (a mythological monster) represents an evil one.Barong, a mystical creature with a curved tail, represents the affirmative, the protector of mankind, the glory of the high sun, and the spirits associated with white magic.Regularly scheduled dance performances are available throughout the year.Once you enter to the stage for Barong Dance performance, you will be greeted by a flower pinch on your ear and have your photo taken (of course for the memorabilia). A piece of paper is handed out to...

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2nd hand bookshop

by Wardatul

It was during my 2nd visit that I found this small 2nd hand bookshop. Here you'll find a variety of used books..novels, chic flicks, biographies and a few travel books but the owners of the shop are not up for any bargaining. So whatever price label you see on the book, that will be the final price. This shop also has a whole rack of books in German. How to get there.From beachfront Kuta ( Hard rock hotel should be on your right) walk straight till you see Kuta Seaview Cottage, from there turn right at the first alley after the hotel. The bookshop should be the 3rd shop from the front

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Hair Braiding at the Beach

by yipsufen

There are a few women wandering around the beach of Kuta and Legian offering the services of hair braiding*, nail art painting and body massage. Prices are inexpensive but you still need to bargain to some extent.As for hair braiding, the intricacy of hair braiding will depend on the price you are willing to pay. The more you pay, the finer the braids and the process will take longer.Some of these women will also pester tourists to buy bikinis for a cheap price.*Hair BraidingA popular style for summer among women with long hair is braiding, particularly among those women who will be spending large amounts of time at the poolside or on the beaches. The braid style I demonstrate here is especially good for summer because it allows the air to circulate to the scalp and helps to keep the wearer cool. The process is a little time-consuming, but can be long-wearing and last for days if treated...

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Markets

by anne77

One thing we also enjoyed doing during our stay in Bali was going to the market and buy fresh fruit and walk around the different stalls. The locals buy their food there, it was nice to see their "normal" life. The market we visited was next to Jimbaran and there was a fruit market and a fish market was just next door. Careful the smell!!

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Toya Bungkah hot springs

by austarman

At the foot of the Kintamani mountain on the shores of lake Batur are the Toya Bungkah hot springs.Just the perfect way to unwind after hours of volcano trekking.There are two hot pools and one cold pool and the view of Mt Abang across the lake is awesome.Very relaxing.Afterwards you can do as we did and just drive a short way to the top of the mountain to the full buffet smorgasboard for lunch..perfect!

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Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

by alvis

On the way North towards Mount / Lake Batur we stopped at the Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). There is a small entrance fee and it is compulsary to wear a sarong when entering the temple (rent from front gate). Goa Gajah is a temple built in a cliffside which dates back to the 11th century but was not rediscovered until the 1920's and fully excavated 30 years later. If you take a walk around the area you will find another buddhist temple nearby and fountains of youth as you come down the front steps ect. We took a walk a bit too far and ended up lost in the jungle. After finding a small village we had to walk 5 miles back to the entrance along a main road. We got to see some amazing jungle, waterfalls, village life and other interesting things on this mini adventure.

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See hardwood trees

by Ramonq

Visit the Botanical Gardens in the northern Bali. Very beautiful setting with lots of well manicured gardens and hardwood tree plantation. It's a very peaceful place with lots of natural shade from the scorching Balinese sun. I'm grateful for my taxi driver/tour guide for bringing me here.

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Walkway to the left of Ulu Watu

by dfactor

When you're in Ulu Watu, on the lft side of the pura is a walkway which leads you to an open area with elephant grass and hill. It's a great to look at Ulu Watu from this spot, and down below, you can see the wave hitting the rocks. Quite a spectacular view. I wish the authority would put up some barriers by the cliff, this is definitely not for the faint hearted.

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Tradition, ceremonies and celebrations.

by Chellenz

Time to check out amazing things going around the island it unbelievable how you can just drive along and come upon a ceremony of sorts going on.we travelled along way to have a look at stunning water palaces on the way coming across a couple of precetions taking place and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to get some photo's.

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None

by xaver

I guess it's really hard to find a path not beaten in Bali, anyway, if you found one, please let me know:)) or better keep it for yourself or you'll find loads of tourists also there next time.This is what often happens whenn you find a nice corner away from tourists, you do not really know if you want to share it risking to ruin the place or keep it for yourself, risking to hide a jewel.

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Top 3 Hotels in Bali

The Laguna Resort & Spa  Bali

 8 Reviews and 841 Opinions  MY WIFE AND I STAYED IN THE SHERATON LAGUNA FOR THREE WEEKS IN JULY 2006. THE HOTEL HAS JUST GONE... 

 Hotels in Bali

The Ubud Village Resort Spa  Ubud

 12 Reviews and 204 Opinions  A normal view here...one of the locals working on the rice field located within the resort itself... 

 Hotels in Ubud

Questions and Answers

surfgirl06 profile photo

Q:  Hello, im 22yrs, british and female. Im thinking of doing about three weeks in march, im not wanting to spend alot, and a little... 

Homanded profile photo

A: For culture and authenticity, the UBUD area is ideal. Easy to arrange tours from this area as well if you want to travel deeper into Bali. Having said that, it is not... 

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