Stay, Sights, Crafts

Some of the TOP Hotels in Bali

Bali's most famous and crowded resort is Kuta beach, a six-kilometre sweep of golden sand, with plenty of accommodation, shops and nightlife. Nearby Sanur is much quieter, but most backpackers prefer the beaches of peaceful east-coast Candi Dasa and traveller-oriented Lovina on the north coast. The island's other major destination is the cultural centre of Ubud , a still charming but undeniably commercialized overgrown village, where traditional dances are staged every night of the week and the streets are full of arts-and-crafts galleries.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa : The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property strategically located only 15 kilometers away from the... Nusa Dua
Aston Bali Resort & Spa : The Aston Bali Resort and Spa is a luxury hotel located on the waterfront facing golden sandy beaches... Tanjung Benoa
Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel : Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel is situated in the coastal village of Sanur, an ideal location from which to explore... Sanur
Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites : The Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites is located in Sanur Village just two kilometers from the Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel....Grand Bali Beach Hotel also is a nice hotel in Sanur.
Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga : The Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga is a deluxe property strategically located only 20 kilometers northeast from the Ngurah Rai... Nusa Dua
Grand Hyatt Bali Hotels located in Nusa Dua and The Oberoi Bali located in Seminyak, Maya Ubud located in Ubud, The Alilia Ubud, Chedi, Hard Rock Hotel Bali located in Kuta beach, Melia Bali located in Nusa Dua and Padma Bali located in Kuta

stay: Ask the taxi drivers about the latest cheap places. Hotel Etma down a little lane (Gang Violets) off JI. Tulukabessy, Rpl500. Hotel Silalou, behind the Fakultas Keguruan (Teacher's College) on JI. Sedapmalam 41, has singles for Rp2000. Kampung Markida Hotel is also reasonable. Hotel Anggrek, an old Colonial hotel on JI. Yani, has new rooms with A.C. Good meals included in the price; Rp4000 single, Rp9000 double. Hotel Wisata, JI. Mardika, and the Ramayana, JI. Batumeja, have AC rooms for Rp6000 double. Or ask around if a family will provide you with room and board (Indecost). Indecost is the best all-around accommodation; figure on about Rp1500 per day.eat: Expensive. Even rice is imported. Fruits are high too (durian, Rp300, but very good flavor). Try Amboinese sweet-sour sauce (coloh-coloh) made with a citrus base and red chilies; it's especially piquant with baked fish. Many warungs serve meals such as nasi campur, etc., for Rp150-200. Bakmie wagons peddle soup for Rp100. Fresh tuna fish is lovely but fish is generally expensive too. The ice used in ice drinks isn't very clean, it might give you the shits. Try sweet-sour nutmeg (pala-gula), Rp5 for a little bag. This island's sopi is a god-awful potent palm wine. The best is made in Latere. Some sopi has a two month old deer fetus in the jar, sopi rusa; supposedly has curative and strengthening powers. sights: The hero with the upraised sword in the town park fought against Dutch oppression. The top of his sword has been cut off by a low-flying army helicopter. The statue is located on the spot where this guerilla terrorist was hanged by the Dutch. Talk with Father Rutgus who's been in the Moluccas for almost 30 years (mostly in South Moluccas). He might take you to see his pride and joy, the hospital he built. Contact the Officer for Tourism, Mr. Oratmangun, Kantor Gubernor, JI. Pattimura, who can answer your questions and he could make it easier for you to visit places that present bureacratic difficulties. Oratmangun has a travel booklet on the Moluccas Islands and sells postcards, about the only ones available and expensive. To see the new and growing Museum Siwalima contact Mr. Mailoa at the Education Dept. (PDKh it has pottery, Tanimbar carvings, Irianese artifacts, etc.crafts: Seaweed bracelets (akar bahar) cost Rp500; cheaper on Bali. This is the source however for pretty tortoise shell: bracelets run Rp5-600, rings Rp250-300, hair clasps about Rp500. Polished kayu best, Rp600. Ships are built completely out of cloves here with little men on deck, oars and lanterns; asking price Rp5-6000. Gigi durung (seacow teeth), Rp300. Great Ming platters, Rp50-60,000; the Nalulu people of Ceram have loads of 16th Century Ming cheaper, but you have to hike for it. Stuffed sea turtles, Rp3-10,000. Big bottle of Johnny Walker, Rp3000. Buru Island is the origin of kayuputih oil. But it's very cheap here on Ambon at Rp150-200 for a small bottle, Rp750-850 for a large bottle. For handwoven fabrics each Moluccan island has retained its own artistic style, motifs and dyeing methods. The tribes of Ceram make the finest woven crafts.