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 Bali has a place on nearly every traveler’s bucket list, and with good reason; the allure of warm weather and perfect beaches, the thrill of jungle adventures and the rich history of the island’s many Hindu temples makes Bali a top destination for all kinds of tourists. Thanks to the region’s breathtaking views, fascinating cultural heritage and overwhelming biodiversity, tourism makes up 80% of the local economy, and in 2017 Bali was even named the top destination in TripAdvisor’s “Traveller’s Choice Award”.

Here’s our list of the top five things to do in Bali: Island of the Gods

1. Ubud Palace
At the beginning of the 8th century, an Indian noble named Rsi Markaneya traveled to Bali to establish the first Hindu temple in all of Indonesia. When he arrived on the island, he felt magnetically pulled to a location in the foothills that he believed to be sacred, and it was here that he founded the first temple on the island. This is the history of the enigmatic Ubud Palace.

Now, in the modern day, the palace is open to visitors and hosts events including Balinese dancing and various festivities. When it comes to the recorded history of Bali, this is where it all started.

2. Monkey Forest
And while you’re in Ubud, you have to visit the peculiar Monkey Forest situated in the center of town. The Mandala Suci Wenara Wana is the natural habitat and sanctuary of the Balinese long-tailed Monkey, as well as the site of 3 Hindu temples constructed in the 14th century. The park has a strangely spiritual yet mischievous atmosphere, thanks to the playful monkeys and the many statues of revered Hindu deities scattered around the park.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is an important site not only for ecological conservation and research on the social behavior of monkeys, but also for historic and cultural preservation, which makes it one of the coolest and most educational things to do in Bali.

3. Pura Besakih
Definitely one of the most picturesque views in the world, Pura Besakih is the mother temple of Bali and watches over the rest of the island intently. The temple complex houses 23 unique but related temples, which eventually lead visitors to the most sacred temple of all: Pura Penataran Agung. The temple complex, located on the south slope of the Agung volcano, narrowly avoided complete destruction in 1963 when the same volcano erupted. The faithful Balinese people took this as a sign from powerful, but merciful gods and kept practicing their beliefs there.

Pura Besakih attracts over 100,000 visitors a year, and at least 70 festivals occur here annually, on a cycle based on a 210 day Balinese calendar called Pawukon. If you can arrange it, it’s definitely worth a visit during one of these events.

4.Seminyak Beach 
For those looking for a relaxed, island vacation, Seminyak is your place. Home to hip bars, high-scale shopping, luxury accommodations and relaxing beaches, Seminyak is one of the most carefree spots on the whole island. Whether you’re interested in the gentle surf, fine cuisine, contemporary art, Seminyak has something for even the most eclectic of visitors.

During your stay, you could even stay in a villa in Seminyak. Consider choosing villa-Bali to help find the best accommodation for you and your family.

5. Tirta Gangga
A truly unique site, Tirta Gangga is a Hindu water palace that even rivals many of the better-known temples in architecture and beauty. Built in 1946 by the late King of Karangasem, Tirta Gangga is a series of pools and fountains nestled in the thick jungle of the Balinese foothills.

The whole site is incredibly well kept and boasts entrancing sculpture gardens and amazing buildings, whose greatness is reflected on the many surrounding pools.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed our list of some of the best things to do in Bali. Let us know in the comments how your last trip went!

Written by Miro Siegel

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Raja Ampat is located in the western province of Papua in Indonesia, formerly known as Irian Jaya. Raja Ampat means "Four Kings", which is a reference to the four major islands - Misool, Salawati, Battling and Waigeo.

Why is this place so special?
Nature Conservation Agency stated that 75% of the marine species in the world live in the islands, making Raja Ampat a very important destination.

Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful destinations in Indonesia and in the entire world. It is extremely popular among divers and it is the dream of every fan of the underwater world.

The name of Raja Ampat comes from local mythology, which tells us about a woman who detects seven eggs. Four of the seven eggs are born and turned into kings. These kings rule the four largest islands of Raja Ampat, and the other three are transformed into spirit, woman and stone.

Raja Ampat Marine Park is one of the top choices if you visit the area. You will have to pay to enter but this money goes to preserve and keep the natural facilities in this unique marine park. International tourists pay a fee, called PIN at a rate of 1,000,000 Indonesian rubles or about $85.

How to get there
Most tourists come to the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, then an internal flight to Sorong, West Papua. From there, they take the boat to the main island of Waigeo in Raja Ampat, and reach the small town of Wasai. Most of the hotels and resorts will pick you up and take you directly to this heavenly place. If you are traveling to Singapore, there is a direct flight to Makassar, then an internal flight to Sorong. Close by in Bali you will find several Bali wedding venues, making Raja Ampat a perfcet honeymoon spot as well as all around great vacation area.

There are two types of ferries, the Dome and the slow boat, which will take you from Sorong to the island and the city of Visalia Uaydzho. The express boat takes about two hours to reach the area. The slow boat will take about four hours to reach. They usually depart in the morning and comply with the arrival of the flight, but there is usually one available in the afternoon as well.

Waisai is the administrative capital and a crucial port, In other words, it is a gateway to Raja Ampat. Most hostels and resorts, and diving pleasure boats have the ability to transfer you here. Just let them know in advance.

Preparations
You should also be prepared for this trip as it is a long way from home for most of us. First of all, you should take all medicines with you. The only hospital in Sorong is two hours away by boat. Since most of the resorts are mainly used for diving, the island has a very good first aid system but no pharmacies. The sun is really hot, so you should take sunscreen, antiseptic cream if you get injured by the corals and get an antibiotic cream for sea lice.

You should always use a mosquito curtain over a bed and cover with long sleeves, especially at dawn and dusk when attackers become more and more active.

Always a good idea to check in with a travel doc to see whatthey suggest having on hand for a trip to Indonesia.  It's a good idea to have some antibiotics and anti-diarrhea just in case. Be sure to have the MD list or prescriptions available with you so that customs cannot confiscate them. It also helps to have them in the original bottles.

Do not drink raw water in this area, you can only drink it bottled, cooked and processed. Because of moisture, it is better to drink plenty of water, so you will acclimate faster. You need to brush your teeth with bottled water and avoid ice consumption too. It may sounds silly but trust me, I know how miserable yu can be if you don't take these precautions.

Have you been to Raja Ampat?  I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

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The following is a guest post by our friends over at Travel With Bender!

(wiki image)
Over the last decade we have traveled to Bali, Indonesia eight times. I’m trying to convince Bohemian Travelers that it is a must visit place!  Persuading the children is simple because the power of their relentless nag often sways an adult. Here are ten things that can get any child very excited about a visit to Bali.

1. Waterbom Park

With over 17 slides this park is amazing. The kid’s area has recently been upgraded and even toddlers will have a blast in here. The fun did not stop at the kid’s zone.  We all loved the lazy river which flows around the park through jungle and monkey temples. You just sit in a tube and let the tide carry you away. It’s so great after climbing the 80 steps to the slides a few times just to float along.



The lunch is not expensive by Western Standards, but not cheap by Bali standards. You can get a stamp to go out of the park and return if you wish and the street is laden with restaurants. They have just extended the food court to include sushi, Mexican and a load of others now too.

The parking is limited, but if you arrive early you will not have any issues. We parked there at 9:30am and didn’t leave until about 6pm. First to arrive, last to leave. Free parking.  Tickets are: Adult: US$31, Child: US$19 (2 - 12 years old). Hours of Operation: Mon-Sun 9am-6pm.

Tip:You can get cheaper tickets at the little tour booths (Adult - $25, Child $17) left of Waterbom.

2. Ubud Cycling Tour

First thing on most tours, and there are many, is a visit to a coffee plantation to try out several different coffees and enjoy a nice breakfast. After breakfast the actual tour begins. However, don’t be afraid to ask for a personalized tour. We skipped breakfast and started the tour earlier in order to finish earlier, because of the kids.

Most of the tour is downhill and the majority of the time you are pressing the brakes not the pedals. Sure there were a few uphill sections, but nothing worth worrying over.  The whole thing was fairly simple and so scenic.  Amazing greenery, rice fields, locals waving hello, little villages, crazy motorists, breathtaking palm trees and the constant breeze and smell of  freedom.

It was such an adventure, one that I would highly recommend.

Tip: Do not be fooled by the many bicycling tour operators. They all run the same route with the same bikes and use the same guides. The 350,000 rupiah ($35) tours offer you lunch. The 150,000 rupiah ($15) one does not. In Ubud paying an extra 200,000 rupiah per person for lunch, well that’s nonsense; you can find meals for 13,000 rupiah ($1.40).

3. Peekaboo

Peekaboo is in Sanur. It’s a giant indoor playground with everything a kid could want; books, instruments, swings, slides, playhouses, toys, ball pits, cubbies, everything! They even do classes and they have a café with free Wi-Fi for the adults.


It is roughly $9  for a 3-hour visit per child, adults free with child. You must wear socks, but they do sell them for $1 if you forget. The classes also cost money and range in price.

4. Bali Dynasty Waterpark


On previous visits to Bali we had stayed at the Bali Dynasty Resort. It is a great hotel with family rooms, kids club, 3 pools, many restaurants, markets and a great location in South Kuta, minutes from Waterbom. Recently they did some work to the kid’s pool and reopened it with a big, kid’s water playland.

The new water park is fantastic. Not only is the original large slide there, but a bucket and many other mini slides. Entry is free; if you are not staying at the hotel then just bring your own towel.

Tip: Stay Thursday night for Satay night at the H20 restaurant. It is a satay buffet with pork, beef and chicken satay sticks with a peanut sauce that I’m still drooling over. Another section had breads and salads. Another section kids favorites, chips, veggies, sausages, etc. And lastly the dessert bar with strudel, tarts, fondue and ice-cream.

We all had a great feast and the kids ate so much food. It set us back 170,000 rp ($18 AUD) each and the kids were free. Opens at 6:30pm and towards the end of our meal they put on a dance show in which the kids became part of the act. It’s a great arvo/evening out.

5. Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park

So many different colored parrots, flamingos and birds were on display to enjoy. There is a great restaurant where they offer photo opportunities with some of the star birds and also houses a giant play area. Books, coloring, ride-ons, doll house, it is fabulous. The kids played for an hour while we enjoyed a very relaxing lunch. Prices were a bit more then a typical café, but not bad. $5 Indonesian food. $4 kids pizza. Free cokes with all meals.

Tip: Included in the price is a reptile park next door. You get a personal tour guide and even get to hold iguanas, komodo’s, tortoise’s… anything.

$23.50 for adults. Children 2 – 12 $11.50. Kids under 2 free.

6. Bali Safari & Marine Park

On entry you can enjoy a comfortable bus ride through the jungle to the park. On offer are lots of animals to see, and for $3 you can even feed bananas to an elephant. More over you can take a small bus ride meant to replicate the safari through “India,” “Africa,” etc.

The lion restaurant has windows overlooking the lion enclosure where a lion could be sleeping right next to you. It’s a pretty awesome view, however the food is average and the price is steep.
The water park is a little run down. But the kids still loved it.

Tip: The adult’s pool is very tropical and I highly recommend bringing your swimmers to cool down after the hot safari.

The fun park looks more like a deserted carnival ground. There are maybe 7 rides total, some operating, others not. Not too much fun for the adults, but my toddlers loved it. I don’t know if it’s a work in progress or just a work not completed.

The normal adult price is $45 US per person, under 3 free, over 3 same price. But if you call them and reserve a ticket, you go to another line and the ticket is $40 which includes entrance to the safari park, marine park, waterpark, and fun zone   Pram hire is $10.


7. Rice Paddy Walk


Anywhere in Ubud you will spot the amazing rice paddies that dot every horizon. Some places run tours, however you can simply walk one by yourself. Take off your shoes, get your feet nice and muddy and simply admire the beautiful scenery while listening to those squeals of delight from the kids as they squish through the mud.

8. Bali Zoo

The park is small, but just right for kids. You can ride elephants and camels. And for the coolest experience you can buy some meat to feed a tiger.  The photo opportunities are numerous and unique, with tigers, bears, crocodiles and other animals in the restaurant setting. You take a number and when you are called you go up, get your photo taken and then sit back down to keep enjoying your meal.


The cost is US$24 per adults, $12 per child 2 – 12 years. Family tickets are available.

Tip: There are quite a number of steps at the beginning so be careful with those strollers.

9. JetSkiing

Head to Nusa Dua and jump on a jet ski. 2 jet skis for 15 minutes set us back about $30. The guide is on the back the entire time. You get life jackets and the kids are safely tucked in front. 15 minutes crashing through the beautiful waves on the beaches of Nusa Dua is worth every penny.

You can also find many other attractions along the beach; parasailing, banana boats rides, or glass bottom boats to turtle island. Take your time and enjoy it all.

10. Lollypop Playland

This neat little playground is great fun. The price is close to a Western indoor playground at $10 each, but with many added benefits. Not only does it have an indoor play ground complete with trampolines, bungee jumping, jumping castles, slides, etc, but out back is a climbing yard with rock climbing, lapels, crow’s nests, etc.  Down the side is a water playground for kids to run around once they are all hot and sweaty.


If you are not convinced already, please visit our blog to discover some of the top things you can also do without the kids. Now that’s fun!


MEET TRAVEL WITH BENDER


We rented our house, found a dog sitter for our dog, packed only 3 suitcases and now this family of four are traveling the world. Leaving our Australian home in May 2012, with a 2 year old and a 3 year old, we were determined to make a lifestyle change beneficial for our entire family. It’s an open-ended, unplanned round the world trip discovering amazing places for toddlers (we have fun along the way) that you can share by visiting our family travel blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest account. We look forward to bumping into you around the world.

Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in one long day. But its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so.


Sunset at Jimbaren Bay 

Ask travelers what Bali means to them and you’ll get as many answers as there are flowers on a Frangipani tree. Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerizing dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish. As you stumble upon the exquisite little offerings left all over the island that materialize as if by magic, you’ll see that the tiny tapestry of colours and textures is a metaphor for Bali itself.


Ceremonies of some kind seem to be a daily event in Bali


Waiting to make her daily 'offering' at an Ubud temple

Small obviously does not mean limited. The manic whirl of Kuta segues into the luxury of Seminyak. The artistic swirl of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty treks amid the volcanoes. Mellow beach towns like Amed, Lovina and Pemuteran can be found right round the coast and just offshore is the laid-back idyll of Nusa Lembongan.


A shoppers paradise, Kuta


And those are just some of the more obvious qualities. A visit to Bali means that you are in the most visitor-friendly island of Indonesia. Known as a family holiday ritual by many. There are pleasures of the body, whether a massage on the beach or a hedonistic interlude in a sybaritic spa. Shopping that will put ‘extra bag’ at the top of your list.


Luxury hotels are on offer over the entire island


Water sport central at Nusa Dua

Food and drink ranging from the freshest local cuisine bursting with the flavors of the markets to food from around the globe, often prepared by chefs and served in restaurants that are world class. From a cold Bintang at sunset to an epic night clubbing in Kuta, your social whirl is limited only by your own fortitude.


Rice field of Ubud 

This is a guest post from our friends at Lemonade From Lemons: Joel and Cindy Fuhrer are an adventurous couple who, after retiring early from their profession as police officers in Australia, packed up their three young children and are travelling the world. Joel is the most wonderful travel photographer. He has the remarkable ability to beautifully capture the human element in any shot. They share an overview of Bali - The Land of Smiles. You can also follow their adventures on Facebook.
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