Pandawa Beach: Captivating Beauty of A Hidden Beach

What comes into your mind when you’re imagining about a beautiful beach? A long stretched white sand beach with greenish blue ocean waves where the tender breeze flows to your face? A calm beach that lets you enjoy the tranquility of nature while viewing sunrise or sunset? A beach where you can do canoeing or paragliding? Well, it that is all comes to your mind, then, here you are the beach in Bali which may realize your imagination of beautiful beach: Pandawa Beach.

Where is Pandawa Beach?

Pandawa Beach resides in the south of Bali, in a village named Kutuh, Kutu Selatan District, Badung Region. Due to its location that is hidden behind the high cliffs with bushes, Pandawa Beach gained a name ‘Secret Beach’ in the past. This beach is actually quite close to Nusa Dua, being only about 3 kilometers in distance.

This secret beach is actually has been known for a long time, but since it has more difficult access, this beach become less popular among tourists who come to Bali.

Now that Pandawa Beach is recognized to have a great potency to tourism, the local government has opened access to ease tourist reaching the beach. A road of 1,5 kilometers in length has been made through the limestone high cliffs. This road makes the trip to Pandawa Beach so special and elegant because you will feel like going between split cliffs.

Pandawa Beach is named after 5 brothers in Mahabarata literature: Panca Pandawa. That’s why when you enter the area of this beach, you will find five statues of them consecutively: Yudhistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sadewa. These five statues are beautifully carved and uniquely they are put in the hole that is made inside the limestone cliffs.

How to go to Pandawa Beach?

From Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar, you can arrive at this beach in about an hour by taxi or rental car. You can also start from Kuta to Garuda Wastu Kencana (GWK), then, turn left to Nusa Dua or Bali Cliff. You then just need to pay attention on direction sign with ‘Pantai Pandawa’ on it to turn left until you find four junction, then, follow the route to finally arrive at Pandawa Beach.

What to do in Pandawa Beach?

A lot of nice stuff you can do while you visiting this beach. You just need to be ready to get wet. Swimming in the beach is the main stuff you can do here. In addition, you can also do canoeing or paragliding.

If you don’t like to get wet, you can just relax yourself while sitting in the taverns nearby, drinking coconut water and eating roasted corn. You can also take a walk along the coast to see seaweed farmers doing their routines.

Aside being known as the tourism destination, Pandawa Beach is also known as a place for Hindu ceremony “Melasti” by the local villagers. Therefore, if you come to this beach when the ceremony is held, you will certainly find this beach much more attractive.

Hidden Beauty: Padang Padang Beach - Bali

Beautiful beach is always loved. That’s why Bali becomes so very famous all over the world. This island is a heaven of gorgeous beaches where their beauty is difficult to beat up. People seem never getting bored of Bali beaches, moreover now that the option are wider and wider as many ‘new’ beaches capture all eyes of the world. One of the relatively new popular beaches in Bali now is Padang Padang Beach.

Where is the Padang Padang Beach?

Padang-Padang Beach is on the same route to Dreamland Beach. If you are now already in Denpasar or staying in Kuta, you need to find a way that leads to Ngurah Rai Airport. Then, after you reach Bypass Jimbaran, you need to go straight on the same road lead to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK).

If you are having difficulty to find GWK, you can ask the local. You can ask the same route to Uluwatu. The road to Padang Padang Beach is in a same line as to Dreamland Beach. In addition, you can go to this beach via Pecatu Indah Resort (the entrance to Dreamland) in Uluwatu highway.

You will then find an intersection, read the street directions and follow the destination to Labuhan Sait. Not far from there, you will find a sign “Padang Padang Beach Labuhan Sait Pecatu” written on it.

There is a large park area where you can park your car safely. You just need to cross a little then you can down a narrow stairs. Going down the narrow stairs to Padang Padang Beach may give you unique but nice feeling. You should walk carefully and lean your body shall you pass with the other in this narrow stairs.

After going down the narrow stairs, then, you will directly welcome by the hidden beauty of Padang Padang Beach. Its beauty is really amazing. This beach is not as large as Kuta Beach, but its beauty is truly captivating. 

You will see how corals and cliff around this beach naturally and beautifully placed. It will make you want to stay as long as possible at this beach. Many people have visited Padang Padang Beach for sunbathing and beach viewing.

Just for your information, Padang Padang Beach is once used as the setting of a Hollywood movie starred Julia Robert “Eat Pray Love”. Since this release of this film, Padang Padang Beach then becomes more and more popular. And now, this beach is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali.

5 Recommended Places to Shop for Souvenirs in Bali

When you visit Bali, you must want to keep the memories of your visit there, either by taking a lot of photographs or getting some souvenirs represents the island. While taking photographs is easy—you can do it anytime and anywhere with your phone camera, after all—getting souvenirs may be the other way. It’s right that you can easily find any shop or store sells the souvenirs, yet to find a good place with a good price aka cheap, is not that easy. That’s why this time I’d like to write here several places that are very good for you to hunt the souvenirs from Bali. Here we go ...

1. Pasar Seni Sukawati – Gianyar (Sukawati Art Market)

Located on Sukawati Street, Pasar Sukawati is very easy to visit. You just need about 45 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport or about 20 minutes from the city center of Denpasar.

This art market is probably the most famous art market in Bali. There is a lot of government officials, local or international celebrities that make this place as a must-visit market when they are looking for Bali souvenirs.

Pasar Sukawati is the place where you can buy many kinds of Bali crafts, such as Bali dress, statue, paintings, accessories (bracelets, earrings, brooches) and many more.

You can shop in this market every day from 8 am to 6 pm Bali time. Always remember to bid when you buy things in this market.

2. Joger

If you like humorous stuff such as T-shirts with funny quotes, then, this place can be the best destination for you. Joger is originally Bali store that produces and sells unique, authentic and funny souvenirs. This souvenirs spot is very popular that people say you cannot say yourself has visited Bali if you haven’t visited or bought Joger’s products.

Joger is very well-known for its funny verbal composition written on its products. This shop is open every day, from 10 am to 6 pm.

3. Pasar Kumbasari (Kumbasari Market)

The next place for hunting cheap souvenirs in Bali is Pasar Kumbasari). This market is located on Gajah Mada Street – Denpasar. It is close to Pasar Badung makes this place is very crowded with visitors from all over the world.

Similar to Pasar Sukawati, Pasar Kumbasari also sells various Bali crafts. You can find Mukena Bali (a kind of gown for praying for Muslim woman), paintings, batik, weaving clothes, statues etc.

You can also find in Pasar Kumbasari many things for traditional ceremony such as Bali incense, traditional Bali dress, canang and so on. In addition, you can also try some delicious Balinese cuisines at a very affordable price here.

4. Krisna Bali

Krisna is just like a hypermarket of Bali souvenirs. Since its establishment in 2007, this giant store has already had 5 outlets. Almost all of those outlets have a large and nice shopping place, completed with lobby, restaurant, super large parking area and refreshing area.

Like the other souvenirs’ stores, Krisna Bali offers many kinds of interesting Bali souvenirs. From T-shirts, Bali snacks, handicrafts, Bali bed covers, Bali bags, paintings, statues and so forth.

The most prominent product from Krisna Bali is shirts. With unique and funny Balinese cartoon design, this cheap souvenirs can be a good choice for you and family.

5. Erlangga

Erlangga is like a supermaket for Bali souvenirs. With a more modern concept, this place offers nicer environment for souvenirs’ shopping. Just like in the traditional markets, you can find many kinds of Bali crafts here without worry you will be fooled for the prices. If you don’t like bidding, you better go to this Erlangga supermaket to shop for Bali souvenirs.

Erlangga is completed with large park area, mosque, food courts and children playgrounds.

7 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Bali

The song of the water

Doomed ever to roam

A beautiful exile

Afar from its home    

                                         (The Waterfall – Henry Kendall)

Visiting waterfall is definitely giving different touch to the soul. Looking on how graceful the water falls down from a certain height before hitting the stones or pool under, listening to its harmonious rhythm along with cool breeze somehow will appear peacefulness to our body, mind and soul. It is true that most of them reside among the mountains or hills and not easy to reach, but that makes it even more precious, isn’t it?

Come to Bali island, the paradise on Earth known all over the world for its most beautiful beaches, you will also find the beautiful waterfalls. And there is a lot of them can be found in this island. Most of these waterfalls are still hidden, far from any visitor who prefers visiting beaches all the time. Without setting aside the stunning beaches, all waterfalls in Bali are indeed worth your visit so much. Moreover, if you are looking for something different, something new that is more relaxing and peaceful, these waterfalls may be the answer to your desire.

So, here it is the 7 most beautiful waterfalls in Bali for your reference shall you want to visit this amazing tourism water places.

1. Sekumpul Waterfall

If you love challenge and adventures, this waterfall should be taken into your list. It’s not really hidden, it’s just the fact that Sekumpul Waterfall is quite difficult to reach. It’s not easy to get to the place where this waterfall is in. You are required to walk on many steep and slippery stairs and cross the river to closely see the waterfalls.

For better direction and safety, by giving a little wage, you can ask the local people to assist you to the waterfalls. They will bring you to the end of the path and then you can continue to walk on your own about 50 meters to find the most beautiful scenery of the waterfalls that are seen from the high land.

Your hard effort to reach this waterfall is really paid once you can see it directly. Why? It’s because you will not only find one beautiful waterfall, but seven at once! Sekumpul means ‘a group’ in English, that is why you can see a group of waterfalls here. One of them has 50 meters in height, really mesmerizing.

2. Nungnung Waterfall

Having 50 meters in height, Nungnung Waterfall is a sight to behold. It is waiting for you to drop by, to listen and view how the water falls from such height, gracefully hitting the stones in the pool under.

This waterfall resides under the canyon. You need to down a stairs of 509 treads to reach it. Once you can get to the place, a beauty of waterfall view and rice fields around will greet you peacefully.

Nungnung Waterfall is located in Nungnung village, about 45 kilometers from Denpasar. There are many direction signs to reach this place. Park area is also available, so you don’t need to worry the access to this fascinating water.

3. Aling-Aling Waterfall

Aling-aling waterfall is 11 kilometers from Singaraja, or about 80 kilometers from Denpasar City. For a certain peculiar reason, this waterfall is unique because it has two parts at its peak. Each part falls at a very different tempo.

To reach Aling-aling Waterfall, you need to go to Sambangan Village in Singaraja. There are several signs along the way. However, it is better for you to ask for the tour guide’s or local’s assistance since this waterfall is seldom visited by tourists.

4. Blemantung Waterfall

Hidden in a beautiful Tabanan Bali, in a large area of coffee garden, Blemantung Waterfall is a natural green beauty that can only be enjoyed by those dedicated tourists.

The waterfall has the height of 50 meters, perfect for soaking in the water while taking a deep breath from a very fresh forest air. If your nostril is sharp enough, you can even smell the coffee aroma in the air!

To visit this Blemantung Waterfall, drive about 75 kilometers or about 2 hours from Denpasar to Pujungan Village in Pupuan Region. From the village, the road to the waterfall is good enough and it’s completed with park area that is 200 meters only in distance from the waterfall.

5. Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan Waterfall is one of several waterfalls in Bali that is not resided in a high land or in the mountain. This waterfall is not as high as the others in this list, being only about 15 meters, but with this height is enable you to jump from the peak down to the pool under without worry.

Tegenungan Waterfall is amazing for swimming and enjoying the fresh water.

Close to a temple and public bath, Tegenungan become a great choice for whoever seeking a relaxation and peacefulness.

6. Jembong Waterfall

In Bali, this waterfall is considered one of the best waterfalls in the island. However, this waterfall is having a few visits due to its closeness to the other famous waterfall near it, Git Git Waterfall.

The fact that Jembong Waterfall is seldom to visit makes it even more beautiful, a hidden nature gift. Jembong Waterfall offers stunning pure beauty of nature. Although it’s not too high, the water flow and the surface under are safe and nice for soaking and enjoying the green forest around.

It’s also good for spiritual healing.

7. Yeh Mampeh Waterfall

Yeh Mampeh means ‘flying water’ in English. This nature beauty resides in a small village of Les, far from the crowded Kuta and Ubud. The beauty of this waterfall is almost untouched. It’s located in a peaceful place and it is also one of the highest waterfalls in Bali.

You can climb the waterfall and visit the caves behind it or choose to only taking a bath in its tender flowing water.

Amazing Water Blow in Nusa Dua

All around the world, Bali is probably well known for its beautiful and stunning beaches. Indeed, the beauty of the ocean waves hitting the shore never stops to amaze us. This time, I am going to write about a new spot that recently has become an amazing attraction to all of its visitors.

This new attraction is still related to the ocean and waves, but it is certainly at different attractive point. Popularly called as Water Blow, I think you would automatically imagine what is offered by this new tourism spot. Yup, as the name suggested, Water Blow is a giant splash of water coming from ocean waves colliding onto the rock formation, makes the water ‘blow up’.

Water Blow is located on the peninsula of Nusa Dua, close to the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Its location is on the far edge of the peninsula—the place that is usually held a big international event such as Nusa Dua festival--World Exhibitions and other international events.

There are dangerous cliffs in this area of Water Blow that were recently managed by BTDC (Bali Tourism Development Corporation) by creating a path and guardrail. In addition, an open-roofed building was built at one end of the cliff, giving a chance to you to get a better experience to view Water Blow.

What makes Water Blow so interesting is that there is a narrowing gap on the cliff, face to face with the Indian Ocean. When the wave rolls in and hits the cliff, it is caught in the gap and slammed in to the top. As larger and faster waves approach, the higher waves tower over the cliff. If not careful, you may get wet.

This amazing tourism spot can be an alternative choice when you are looking for different view of ocean attraction. Besides, there are many beautiful beaches nearby this area such as Melia beach, Geger beach and a beach of Mercure Hotel. Or, you can just continue the journey to Benoa, which is quite close as well, being only 10 minutes from Nusa Dua. 

Five Most Beautiful Beaches in Bali

If you are planning to have a vacation Bali, visiting beaches must be included in your list of places to visit. After all, you must have already heard about how amazing these beaches in Bali are.

However, with a short time of vacation you have, you may be a bit confused which beach you should visit first. Therefore, without further ado, I list here five most beautiful beaches in Bali. Here they are from five to one:

5.  Petitenget / Pantai Kudeta

     Having the same line as Legian and Kuta Beach, makes this recently popular beach worth your visit. It is located in Kerobokan, North Kuta District, Badung Region, Bali. Petitenget Beach is only 15 kilometers from Denpasar or about 30 minutes drive from the Ngurah Rai airport, make it very easy to visit.

     This beach is famous with its long white sand beach. The waves are great for surfing. You can also do sunbathing, swimming or just walking enjoying the beach in the evening. This spot is very great to sunset viewing. Besides, it has been well-known that Petitenget Beach has the high amount of sunlight all day long, so the best time to visit this beach is in the morning or evening. You may find this beach more crowded when the sun is about to set.

     What makes Petitenget more fascinating than Kuta beach or Legian beach is because this beach has an ancient temple in its area. The temple is one of the most sacred temples in Bali. The name of Petitenget itself is taken after the temple.

4.  Kuta

     Since a long time ago, this beach has become the star among the other beaches in the island of Bali. Kuta Beach is just like the icon of Bali along with the temples and unique culture. You may not be considered have visited Bali if you haven’t visited this beach.

     Its beauty is not to be questioned. The sunset here is one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. What makes this beach is more popular because it can be reached easily, only about 10 minutes from the Ngurah Rai Airport.

3.  Dreamland Beach

     Dreamland Beach is a very popular beach today. Located in the south of Bali, in a village of Pecatu, this beach is surrounded by high cliffs and big corals. Its area is in the complex of Bali Pecatu Graha (Kuta Golf Link Resort) about 30 minutes from Kuta Beach.

     In a glance, Dreamland Beach looks like Kuta Beach. Its white sand and gaps among the steep corals really become the sight to behold. The beach is clean and relaxing to enjoy sunset. Its great waves are becoming the new heaven for any surfers nowadays. This beach has even become the important new destination for surfing in Bali.

2.  Padang-Padang

Padang-Padang Beach is located on Labuan Sait Street, Petacu Village, Kuta Selatan District, Badung District.

Todays, Padang-Padang Beach is very famous, its beauty equal—if not even more—to Dreamland, Kuta and Nusa Dua Beach. If you visit this beach, you will soon find the reason why this beach is becoming so popular. It has a certain nature beauty of stunning beach with greenish blue ocean waves, soft white sand and harmonious waves’ sound meeting the shore. You will certainly be mesmerized by the beach.

Here you can get a great time of pleasure, relaxing, sunbathing and surfing.

The beach is located about 32 kilometers from Denpasar and about 45 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali.

     There is a large park area before entering the area of Padang-Padang Beach. You can find many stalls and shops selling foods and drinks nearby.

1.  Pandawa Beach

You find it right. Instead of the world famous Kuta Beach, I prefer to list this beach as the most beautiful beach in Bali, ranks number one.

Although it has not been as popular as the former beach, Pandawa beach is certainly a treasure. It is located in the south of Bali, in a village of Kutuh, Kutu Selatan Districk, Badung Region. In the past this beach is known as Secret Beach due to its location that is very secluded, hidden behind the high canyons with bushes. Because of the reason, the beach which is actually very beautiful and close to Nusa Dua become a little bit less popular than Kuta Beach.

    

     However, now you scan be easier coming to this fascinating beach since the government has opened the access to the beach passed the high cliffs. The way to this beach is so unique and great with high cliffs on the left and right.

     Pandawa Beach can be reached by car in about one hour long from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The drive can be directed from Kuta to Garuda Wastu Kencana, then turn left to Nusa Dua or Bali Cliff. You just need to pay attention on the road direction with “Pantai Pandawa” written on the signboard to turn left until you reach four junction and then follow the route to finally arrive at Pandawa beach location. You will pass a stone cliffs and the hill where its wall is holed and filled with the five characters of Pandawa, as the name suggested.

That's about five most beautiful beaches in Bali, in my personal opinion of course. Asides from those five, Bali still has a lot of beaches or other awesome tourism spots worth your visit. I will show you the other stunning stuff from this island. So, see you on the next post~~

Choosing the Best Vacation Rental

beautiful-beach-in-Bali-to-visit-on-your-vacation

Holiday is such a pleasure, moreover when it comes after hectic days of life. Most people tend to do something they love to spend their holiday. Mostly by going on vacation to beautiful places, shopping or doing hobbies. To you who love to take some trips to the other parts of the earth, you must be aware that going on vacation need a thoughtful plan so everything can go on smoothly.

One thing you may need to pay attention most is probably about choosing vacation rental or we like to call it: hotel. We all know that when we are going to stay several days away from home, we need to have a place that is comfortable enough to stay at. When you are searching for the hotel, though, you need to be aware of what kind of hotel that suits you best.

You need to know the types of hotel available outside there. There are a lot of hotel types, to begin with. However, we may take some popular types of hotel here. Below are the common hotel’s types people like to choose for their vacation:

• ·         Hotel

An establishment offers lodging service where you can stay at certain periods (usually for short stays). Range from low budget to starred ones, hotel provided a range of facilities, from a basic bed until a luxury features such as en-suite bathroom and private indoor pool. If you are having vacation with your partner or spouse only, this hotel can be the better choice.

hotel

• ·         Apartment hotel

Built in an apartment building style, this type of hotel offer lodging service where the rooms rented are in apartment form. Just like when you rent apartment, only that there is no fixed contract here, you can check out as you wish.  If you are not sure about your check out date, choosing apartment hotel can be the best choice.

 

apartment hotel

• ·         Hotel Villa

This type of hotel is in a villa style, just like the name suggested. It is the complex of detached home buildings that provides hotel service. When you are travelling with your family or where you want more privacy, renting hotel villa is the best choice. Staying in hotel villa may like stay at home where you can enjoy private swimming pool, kitchen, bathroom and of course bedroom.

hotel villa

• ·         Boutique Hotel

This type of hotel provides lodging service between 10 and 100 rooms. It can also be available in smaller number of rooms, only 2 rooms, for example. Often, this boutique hotel provides more luxurious facilities or intimate setting with full service accommodation. If you intend to have more pleasure at your stay, like for example for your wedding anniversary, choosing this boutique hotel is better.

boutique hotel

• ·         Motel

If you drive your own motor cycle on your vacation, choosing motel can be better since this type of hotel offer specific parking area for motorcycle. Motel is also often related to low-end hotel. Shall the budget is tight, this hotel can be a good option to make.

motel

• ·         Hostel

If you are in a tight budget or you are a backpacker type, hotel is the most suitable type of hotel. This lodging service is usually very cheap. On some cheap hostels, the beds available in bunk bed types, where a group of guests can stay in one room. If you come with your group and all of you want to save more money for your stay, this hostel is the best. Of course, you should be careful to choose the safe hostels.

hostel

So, based on those popular hotel types above, you can conclude that while you are looking for the best vacation rental, your vacation purpose, duration and budget hold important role to think about, right? Hope this find you helpful enough and have a great choice of vacation rental for your vacation.

Stunning Seminyak Beach and Petitenget Beach

Stunning Sunset at Seminyak Beach

Aside from its peculiar and unique cultures, Bali has been famous with a lot of attractions that are worth to visit. Beautiful natural scenery and the friendly community atmosphere make tourists both domestic and foreign come back there. Two of the attractions are Seminyak beach and Petitenget beach. Seminyak and Petitenget beach are located on the north shore of Legian and Kuta. As far as you can see, a continuous expanse of white and grey sand stretching in both directions, collide with beautiful bluish ocean waves. These beaches are known quiter than Legian beach and Kuta beach. So, if you want to get more relaxing sunset viewing, you better head to these beach. Moreover, the sunset in this beach is very beautiful and recently even become more popular than the other beaches.

What makes these beaches more interesting is the fact that it is quite close from the airport and Denpasar city, about 17 minutes drive only (without traffic). The easy access points to the beach are at the end of Jalan Dhyana Pura, and from the large public car park between Petitenget Temple and La Luciola restaurant.

Seminyak Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach situated in north of Legian Beach. The white sand stretch 3 km from Tuban Area has made it as a fascination for tourist to visit this place. Seminyak Beach is favored by the great wave that is ideally for surfing adventures hence many surfers visit this beach to conquer the waves and enjoy the surf adventures. This beach is also featured by beautiful panorama to the Indian Ocean, the wide white sand, complete public facilities, the world class hotels, international restaurant and more.

Petitenget Beach is located on Jalan Petitenget,Krobokan,kuta utara. There is a temple at this beach and called 'Pura Petitenget' that's why this beach is called Petitenget. With grey sand, the Petitenget Beach looks very mysterious, tourists rarely come to this beach only the local people come for swimming or playing. But, you still can see a beautiful sunset at this beach.

source: http://wikitravel.org/en/Seminyak (with a little addition)