WELCOME TO BALI
Bali, the fabled “Island of the Gods” , has been enchanting visitors for centuries with its rich cultural traditions and spectacular panoramas. From lofty, mist enshrouded volcanoes and cool mountain lakes down through terraced rice fields to a golden strand lapped by azure waters, every square inch of Bali offers a fresh and unforgettable image.
No less enchanting are its people, some 2.7 million souls whose artistry and piety are recognized throughout the world. Balinese Hinduism, a complex fusion of Indian cosmology, Tantric Buddhism and home grown mythology, is the primary faith of Bali’s inhabitants, and so deeply woven into the fabric of their daily lives.that the line between the spiritual and the material is blurry at best.
Those of you keen on delving into the islands fascinating culture will have plenty of opportunities, as colourful ceremonies and traditional performances occur with the regularity of sunrise, most hotels offer nightly dance shows of one form or another, tailored to tourist audiences but none the less exquisite. The hill town of Ubud, the island’s premier arts centre, also has a full schedule of performances, and the nearby stone cutters’.village of Batubulan is famed for its Barong lion dances. The shoppers among you will find bali a treasure house’of handicrafts and fine works of art. The Balinese are incredibly gifted artists and craftsmen, and their material creations are imbued with the same sense of wonderment with which they regard their
universe. Stone and wood carvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily
available in shops and galleries throughout the island.

As for recreation, there is no shortage of options. Nature walks,horseback riding, diving, surfing event bungy jumping and. white
water rafting — await the adventurous here.

GETTING BALI

BY AIR
Numerous airlines service Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airpdrt either directly or via Jakarta. Domestic airlines Garuda, Merpati,
Sempati, Bouraq and Mandala operate scheduled flights from various cities within Indonesia.’

OVERLAND -
Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or a night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travel first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi, where you board another bus for the final passage to Denpasar.

BY SEA
The state-run passenger line PELNI operates weekly sailings between Bal-i and Jakarta, Ujung Pandang and Balikpapan.

GETTING AROUND

UPON ARRIVAL
If your hotel has not arranged transportation from the airport, hire a taxi from the Transport Counter outside the arrival gate.
Fares are listed by destination and must be paid in advance. Metered taxis are also available in K.uta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and
Denpasar, and charge approximately Rp 450 per kilometer. To order a cab, call 701111 or 209090.

CARS AND MOTORCYCLES
While inexpensive public transportation is available throughout Bali, the best option for travellers looking for comfort and flexibility
is renting a car. Rental agencies are rife throughout southern Bali, and usually offer inexpensive chauffeur services for those who
don’t wish to drive themselves (or who lack a valid International Drivers License). Motorcycles are also readily available for hire, but
please note that helmets for both driver and passenger are required by law.

BUSES
Bus tours and daily excursions in air-conditioned coachesjor miniwans are offered at most hotels arid’travel agencies. Public buses
ply routes throughout Bali from Denpasar’s Ubung Terminal on Jl. Cokroaminoto. Call 428165 for schedules.

BEMOS AND DOKARS
Bemos, covered pickups or mini-vans, cover.short routes betwe.en towns. They are not air-conditioned and can be crowded, but
are cheap. Fares vary according to distance, and bargaining is recommended. Or for something different hop on a traditional dokar.
These small’ hotel se-drawn carts are still available in Kuta and Denpasar and a shore ride costs next to nothing.