Bali’s strength as a desirable destination was its diversity. With so much to do and see Bali continues to attract both new and repeat visitors alike. Mention Bali and images of beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes and exotic temples come to mind. The jewel of the Indonesian islands, it draws millions of visitors to its sundrenched shores. Get on tours the island and discovers 10 good reasons why Bali is still tops.

Bali defies simple descriptions. Travellers who make the trip are bound to find Bali irresistible. The island’s soaring seaside cliffs, green rice-terraced valleys and mystical temples hidden in traditional villages always mesmerise. It also remains an excellent value-for-money holiday destination.

There are great hotel deals to be found starting at only 23 US dollars, plus scores of good family holiday resorts available for under 100 US dollars a night.

The 10 Reason:

1. Asia’s Economy Airline Revolution

   Bali is one destination that has benefited from Asia’s budget airline revolution. While direct flights from several key aviation hubs remain few and deals often tough to come by, Air Asia offers non-stop flights with great fares for on-line bookings. From its Kuala Lumpur hub to Denpasar fares start at RM300 (US$105) return, from Bangkok its 8,615 baht (US$250) and from Singapore S$306 (US$211). In Australia, Jetstar is also offering outstanding value with its Jet Saver fares from Sydney starting from A$559 (US$411) return.*

2. Like a Rolling Stone

   When the Rolling Stone’s legendary singer Mick Jagger tied the knot with American Supermodel Jerry Hall – Bali became the world’s top wedding destination. Today Bali’s wedding industry is much more sophisticated, and romantic hotels in Ubud worthy of consideration include Bali Sprit House & Spa (from US$77), Bagus Jati (from US$157) or the luxury Ubud Hanging Gardens (from US$388). For hotels in Nusa Dua, has an exclusive rate at Grand Bali starting at US$66 from now until 14 July.

3. Learn to count in $$Millions

   There’s nothing like the thrill when of being a millionaire in any currency. In Bali, with an exchange rate of around 10,000 Indonesian rupiah for one US dollar, travelers only need to change one hundred dollars to join this exclusive club! But don’t get too excited, local traders often quote in US dollars for many unique Balinese handicrafts visitors love to take home.

4. Pay like a Pauper, Live like a Prince

   Many people think only the rich and famous visit Bali to stay in exclusive million-dollar pool villas. Discover excellent value at hotels in Ubud including Adi Cottage Hotel (from US$26) or Puri Asri Villa and Spa (from US$28). Hotels in Kuta-Legian offer the real rock bottom rates on the island, especially Sinar Bali Hotel (from US$23), Matahari Bungalows (from US$34) and Melasti Beach Bungalows (from US$36).

5. Swing like Tarzan

   Yes, in Bali anyone can swing from trees like Tarzan for a day. At Flying Fox, customers are propelled through the jungle for up to 160 metres at a time attached to wires strung between high points in the forest. There are five different routes to choose from at the Bali Treetop in the Bedugul Botanical Gardens.

6. A Day Bali Stands Still

   Most people are too busy to wondered what it would be like to stop rushing around for one day. But nothing moves on Bali’s Nyepi Day, the Balinese New Year. For 24 hours, there is no loud talking, music, noisy motorbikes, cars or even turning on electrical appliances. There are no taxis, the international airport closes down and tourists are told to stay indoors. Mark your calendar: the next Nyepi Day is 16 March 2010.

7. Enjoy a cuppa of strange brew

   Garden Cafe in Sanur sells the world’s rarest coffee, ‘Kopi Luwak’, and it’s best to drink the coffee before finding out how this delicacy is created. The truth, believe it or not, is that the coffee beans all pass through the digestive system of the Asian Palm civet, a tree climbing cat. On Bali it costs US$55 for a small pack, well worth the shock value alone.

8. Chill Out at Ku De Ta

   There’s nothing quite like Ku De Ta anywhere else in the world. Perched on the edge of the sea along popular Seminyak beach, this beach club is a magnet for the rich, famous and their entourages. There are heaps of popular hotels in Seminyak, including Villa Coco Bali (from US$104), Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa Hotel (from US$155) and the Oberoi Bali (from US$311).

9. Surf the ‘Endless Summer’

   Bali has been surf Mecca since the 1960s, and aspiring surfers can sign up at one of many surfing schools on the island. Within a few days student surfers are often ‘ripping curl’ and ‘hanging ten’ like a professional. A five-day package starts from around US$120, and there are plenty of boards for hire

10. Check in, Spa out

    Everyone has heard about the legendary health spas in Bali, where staff have perfected the art of pampering and relaxation. Whether covered in mud, bathed in local herbs or massaged with tropical oils, the spas are bound to provide guests with a fresh new outlook on life.

Discover the magic Bagus Jati Spa has to offer as you enliven your body, mind and spirit with their complete healing experience.
Prices for detox retreat US$ 2615 for 5 nights, Lovers Delight US$ 1145 for 2 nights.

Bagus Jati
Br. Jati, Desa Sebatu, Kecamatan Tegallalang
Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80572 – Indonesia
Phone: 0361- 978885 / 7425863

The elevated level of care and intimacy gives you the chance to re-connect with nature’s rhythms and the time to discover new passions. You are treated as individuals with complex ambitions for a better, richer life ahead.

Come here alone, engage at your own pace, and experience the powerful camaraderie created by shared goals. Many of The Estate’s guests don’t just make life-changing improvements to their health; they also leave with life-long friends.
The first Como Shambhala retreat was located at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Others have since opened at Uma Paro in Bhutan, Uma Ubud in Bali and Cacoa Island in The Maldives. The Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri has drawn on all this previous experience to produce a spa resort that whilst only opening January 2006 is already winning awards around the world:

Baccarat Asia Spa Awards 2006
Spa Retreat of The Year – COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri.
The First Annual Conde Nast Traveller Magazine Readers‘ Spa Awards 2006.
Best Overseas Hotel in The Americas and Caribbean – Parrot Cay.
Best Spa Retreat Overseas – 2nd Place – COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri.

In December 2005, COMO Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri launched in Bali, introducing a new paradigm in residential health retreats. It is known, in short, as The Estate.

As a flagship of the COMO Shambhala brand, The Estate aims to deliver a deeper experience than the fly-and-flop resort while promising a more personalised approach than the current spread of high-end destination spas. It provides an elevated level of care for guests, presenting them with the momentous opportunity to shed old habits.

Individuals can engage at their own pace and on their own terms. They may also experience the shared camaraderie of shared goals.

Shambhala is the sanskrit word meaning…a sacred place of bliss.

The facilities at Begawan Giri are really stupendous. An already impressive intimate luxury resort has had this large spa complex added in the most discreet manner, much of it underground so not as to destroy the areas natural beauty.

Health professionals include Therapists, Consultants, Resident Teachers, Visiting Masters and Activity Guides. There is a resident Nutritionist, Naturopath, Ayurvedic Doctor, Physiotherapist, as well as Fitness, Yoga and Pilates Instructors. Personal Programs include Detoxification, Stress Management, Weight Management, Therapeutic Nutrition, Get Fit and Skin Revitalisation packages are all available.

Facilities are state-of-the-art. Menus focus on organic, fresh and nutritional COMO Shambhala cuisine. Accommodation is villa-style, some with private pools.

The Estate’s substantial health facilities use water from The Source, a natural spring on the estate.

They have been designed by architect Cheong Yew Kuan in local stone, wood and traditional alang-alang roofing.

Interiors are by Japanese interior designer Koichiro Ikebuchi, whose uncomplicated, succinct approach allows guests to engage with The Estate’s greater purpose – to clear the mind for thoughts of better health.

Health facilities include the following:

Nine treatment rooms (including three for couples)
Four Water Garden treatment pavilions
Outdoor hydrotherapy area
Water Garden hot tub
Swimming pools
Yoga room
Pilates studio
Separate male/female steam and sauna
Fully-equipped gym
Consultation rooms.

One of the world’s great spa resorts!

• Address : Begawan Giri,
• Location : Ubud – Bali
• Phone : (+62-361) 978.888
• Fax : (+62-361) 978.889
• Hours Open : 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m., daily.
• Pre-Booking : Essential
• Parking : Yes
• Credit Cards : Yes