Is Bali Safe For Travelers? Is It Dangerous?

When I receive emails from prospective travelers who are concerned about safety,  I respond by saying that travel of any kind has its risks and that each traveler should take heed of all official warnings and weigh them against their desire to travel.  Travelers should depend on their own personal sense of whether or not it is a good idea to go because no person can give a traveler the assurance that everything will be OK. 


I can, however, share that in my experience of Bali, security is very good and our tours avoid the problem spots of the islands.  This year 2011 I have already completed three tours with yoga groups and have a tour scheduled for August.   A group from a local faith community in Santa Rosa was among the very first tourists to return with me to the island after the bombing of several years ago, and because we were willing to return at a time when no other travelers would, we have won a special place in the hearts of the locals. 

Nevertheless, I do not make any guarantees other than I will do my best to keep every entertained, informed, well fed and prayed up. Bottom line is that each person must trust their own intuition and go only if they feel confident it is the right choice for them.
Jim Cramer

Balinese Gamelan Music - What is that sound?

The first time I heard Balinese gamelan music was in Bali and it had the effect of making me stop in my tracks and listen with fierce attention, because I had never heard anything like it.  At first I thought everyone in the gamelan orchestra was simply doing there own thing, with no ryhym or reason.  But as I stayed listening I realized something highly organized, powerfully rhythmic and tremendously beautiful was happening. 

The tuning of the instruments lends an otherworldly and sometimes eerie tone to the music, but in a lovely way. When accompanying Balinese dancing, the whole experience becomes intoxicating and if you're anything like me, you wont be able to take your eyes and ears of what is happening. 

The Roots of Gamelan: The First...
Since the West became acquainted with it in the late 1920s, Balinese gamelan music has inspired musicologists, given birth to minimalism, and even been mimicked by electronic artists. It's easy to hear why. With its complex, polyrhythmic sounds played out on perfectly tuned gongs and chimes, gamelan music is one of the most exciting and exotic sounds heard in the world. It's gorgeous to listen to, thrilling to witness, and sounds like nothing else on earth. On The Roots of Gamelan, we're given a real treat: the earliest commercially available recordings of gamelan music.

What Is There To Do In Bali?

There is so much to do in Bali, including relaxing with no agenda at all. It's the perfect location to catch up on some nothing-doing too.

When you are ready to get out and explore, you'll find endless options. City tours, dance exhibitions, sports, sunset cruises, excellent eating, shopping and cultural events.

Here are a few to start your imagination:

Denpasar City Tour
A Visit To Bali Would Not Be Complete Without A Tour Of Denpasar. Here You Will Stop At One Of The Various Air Conditioned Department Stores, The Traditional Markets, The Bali Museum And The Art Center.

Balinese Dances
There Are Many Different Dances - All A Part Of The Fascinating Balinese Culture And This Tour Takes You To See Performances Of The Fire And Trance Dance, The Kecak Dance And The Angel Dance.

Watersports
Sanur Beach Area Is Famous For Its Protected Waters That Make Ideal Conditions For A Vast Array Of Jet Skiing, Canoeing, Banana Boat Riding And Glass Bottom Boat Tours. In Our Price We Have Included Air-Conditioned Return Transfers., Jet Ski For 15 Mins And One Round Of Parasailing Or Banana Boat Ride

Pura Luhur
The Small Sea Temple Of Uluwatu, Is Perched Dramatically On The Edge Of A High Cliff With A World Famous Surf Below And Offers Spectacular Ocean Views. You Will Also Visit The Resort Area Of Nusa Dua, Stop At The Galleria Shopping Complex And Enjoy Ample Time For Lunch At One Of The Many Local Restaurants.

Uluwatu Sunset Cocktail Tour
Pura Luhur, The Small Sea Temple Of Uluwatu, Is Perched Dramatically On The Edge Of A High Cliff With A World Famous Surf Below And Offers Spectacular Ocean Views. Then We Visit Jimbaran And To Melasti Cafe For A Cocktail Just In Time To View The Famous Bali Sunset.

There is so much more.  So many wonderful things to see and events to experience.  We haven't even mentioned the temples and other cultural events.  Contact us if Bali is in your plans so that we can help you make excellent choices,

The Secret to Balinese Cooking Skills

So many ingredients, so many flavors, and so much time... but in the end it's worth it, because you'll get to eat what you learned to make.

One of the many things I love about traveling to Bali is the Balinese food.  It is tasty without being too spicey, although tender mouths should exercise caution. 

On our tours, one of the favorite experiences is learning how to make some of the exotic dishes which are normal on any Bali menu. At the Casa Luna Cooking School, visitors learn about food, cultural myths that have to do with cooking, and exotic herbs and spices. Then they help in the intricate preparations - many hands do indeed make light work, and then at the end of it, a delicious meal with a glass of local rice wine or homemade hibiscus tea.

You also get to take the recipes home with you with helpful suggestions for how to prepare the meals back home where you'll need to make some ingredient substitutes.

A typical class includes:

• Introduction To Ingredients
• Spiced Fish In Banana Leaves
• Asian Spinach With A Tomato-Lime Chilli Seasoning
• Fragrant Fish Curry
• Refreshing Carrot And Cucumber Pickles
• Black Rice Pudding

If cooking in Bali is on your interest list, contact us so we can help your make the right choice about schools and options.

Who Needs a Visa on Arrival for Bali?

Did you know that a Visa on Arrival (VoA) is available for US$25 per person?  In other words, you don’t need to get your visa in advance of your trip.  Each VoA is valid for 30 days, although a onetime 30 day extension is typically possible. Our office in Bali can help apply for an extention if you decide you would like to stay on longer.

Who needs a visa on Arrival for Bali? If you are from the following list of countries, you need on.  Keep in mind, you should always check updated travel and visa information with the Embassy or Consulate of the country you are traveling to as these requirements change frequently.  If you need assistance, we can help:

• Argentine • Australia • Austria • Bahrain • Belgium • Bulgaria • Brazil • Cambodia • Canada • Cyprus • Denmark • Egypt • Estonia • Finland • France • Germany • Grace • Hungary • Iceland • India • Iran • Ireland • Italy • Japan • Kuwait • Laos • Liechtenstein • Luxemburg • Maldives • Malta • Mexico • Monaco • Netherlands • New Zealand • Norway • Oman • People's Republic of China • Poland • Portugal • Qatar • Russia • Saudi Arabia • Sweden • South Africa • South Korea • Spain • Suriname • Switzerland • Taiwan • United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • United States of America

If your country does not appear in the list above, tourist visas can be obtained from any Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. Again, If you need assistance we can help