Distinctive and magnificent civilization of Tropical Island the visitors must visit - BALI

​ Indonesia is an agriculture country with about 200 million population with more than 13466 islands filled with diverse cultures, wonderful landscapes and limitless marine beauty. Bali, a tiny island but it has attracted international visitors more than other islands in Indonesia. It is a well- connected island with many international direct flights and International flights via domestic flight because of its strategic location. The South is the coastline beach and shopping; Centre is classic historic monuments and temple. North is the volcanic mountain range, East and West are isolated and natural parts of the islands which are popular and welcomed by visitors who can enjoy a stunning and memorable experiences as well as they become repeat visitors – My deep impression of Bali during my participation in MICE Tourism event and post-tour sponsored by industry partners and jointly organized with Indonesian Tourism Office

LIFESTLY OF BALINESE / RELIGION

Most of Balinese can speak English, they are friendly and hospitable to greet international visitors with a smile, delight them with a good surprise. Bali is a mutli-cultural and religious as well as open society. Moslems, Christians and Buddhists worshipers visiting the mosques, churches and temples (Buddhists) on the holy days across island. On Hindu day of silence (Nyepi), most of activities are temporarily closed but restaurants, shop and business are operated on public holidays.

Ogoh Ogoh Parade is to purify the environment of spiritual pollutants and symbolize a mythological being of evil spirit The Hindu religion has instilled Balinese with a belief to attain harmonious balance between good and evil as shown in series of religious rites and festivals which guided them from Birth to Death. Visitors can witness the endless cycle Hindu ceremonies in island but their attires must be in scarf and sarong while in temple and observe etiquette. On the full moon night is an auspicious occasion and ceremony, worshippers go all the ways for praying and offering by balancing towers of fruits and sweet cakes on their heads for the joyous occasion which is also a platform provided for gathering of friends and family filled with gamelan music, dance.

Mother temple is an oldest, largest in Bali. It is the most impressive and austere temple complex which sits on one-third of the way up the slopes of Mount Agung in East Karangasem

UNIQUE CULTURE

Balinese who have multiple skills in dance, paint, carve, play music, craft or forge. Most surprisingly, they are infinitely creative as shown in art galleries feature traditional and modern collection, you can witness skilled artisans 's fascinating art works and charming handicraft in the village areas. Many famous musician, yogis and dancers coming from all over world to celebrates Indonesia's cultural richness, the sanctity of the environment and harmonious connection among people created during Spiritual Festival. You can experience the serenity of environment in such an atmosphere such as yoga and meditation, dance and marital art.

Devdan Show highlights a fusion of traditional Indonesian dance activities combined with contemporary dances, world-class aerial acrobatics attractions, dazzling costumes and hi-tech special effects.

Temple of Uluwatu sits on atop of a hill facing the Indian Ocean. The story of Ramayana story is through Uluwatu Kecak Dance performed by male dancers.

Ubud Food Festival explored endless possibilities with Indonesian ingredients, culinary experts.

Blues Festival will boost your romantic mood performed by talented musicians to enhance your memorable stay in island.

Arts Festival preserves and showcases authentic Balinese arts which is a part of national identity.

Kite festival is a benediction for the paddy field's fertility as the kite carries a blessing of coins and palm leaflets represent Balinese idealism for harmony of universe.

NATURE AND ACTIVITIES

Natural flora and terraced fields, vast volcanic craters, lakes, waterfalls, white sand beaches are for those nature-lovers who can enjoy scenic nature walk across landscapes. Scenic East Bali is a photographer's dream. West are primeval rainforests and river valleys. Bali is synonymous with relaxation, visitors can experience a flower petal bath, an aromatic massage or rice –paste skin exfoliation at SPA at respectable hotels or resorts. In the volcanic region, hot spring is too for relaxation. Bird Wide Side is home for to 32 species of mammals and 300 species of bird in Bali. The famous Ball Barat National Park is in West Bali where has habitats ranging from rainforests to coral fringed island.

In fact, there are many fantastic range of activities whether offshore or onshore, natural or man-made, cultural or educational activities can be found and enjoyed in beautiful island. Marine sport and Water-sport operators offer sport fishing, diving , swimming, windsurfing, sea walking, wake boarding, jet skiing, power boating and kite surfing. On the other hand, Trekkers, climbers, nationalist can select the mountain for a secluded retreats.

MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS.

To commemorate the struggle of the people of Bali encountering the Dutch colony, the Monuments and museums were therefore built which have become an icon of tourism in Bali. Barjra Sandi Monument, Puputan Badung Klungkung Monument, Ground Zero Monument, GWK Museum, Le Meyeur, Bali Museu, Neka Ubud Museum, Arma Museum, and Antonio Blanco Museum are highlighted.

AUTHENTIC CUISINES, ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOPPING

Bali is a microcosm of Indonesia's great cornucopias of island cooking traditions. Balinese samples Javanese, Sumatran (Padang), Sumatran (Sundance) as well as super Chinese food. Most of restaurants use spices and tofu in kitchen. A soup are made from papaya and bananas stem. There are Western-oriented food and Balinese food. In north Bali, vine makers use local grown grapes from vineyard

There are 1264 cafes and Restaurants in hotels or Food Courts in shopping mall, Variety of authentic cuisines such as Balinese cuisine and Chinese- style- dishes are from all over the world with an affordable price.

To enjoy the night entertainments of vibrancy of Bali night. You can just select any Food & Beverages with a light music such as Blue Eyes, Mini Bar, HUÚ Bar Bali, Potato Head, Eikon, Metis, Cocoan, Bar & Resto, Ku de ta, Woo Har, hard Rock café, Apache Club whether in hotels, resorts or somewhere.

Shopping malls such as Ramayana Bali Mall, Denpasar Junction, Mall Bali Gateria. Discovery Shopping Mall, Beach Walk, Lippo Mall, Sukawati Art Market, Guwang Bali Market, Krishna Souvenir Centre , Ubud Art Market and Kuta Art Market

MICE TOURISM

Bali is an ideal for MICE Tourism such as Bali International Convention Centre (BICC) which has 17 rooms with capacity of up to 2500 people, indoor exhibition area is 2700 square meter. Outdoor area is 2000n square meter. Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre has big ballroom of 5000 meter with a capacity of 5000 people and a meeting rooms for 100 and 300 people.

1. Hotels and Resorts

Hotel industry is one of players in MICE. Choices of hotels and resorts are from 3-5 stars in city or near to beach sites ie Renaissance Bali Resort Villas & SPA, Jimbaran Puri Bali & Ubud Hanging Garden, Novotel Benoa Bali, Conrad Bali Resorts and SPA etc,. Prices are variable and seasonable as well as affordable to cater the needs and wants of international visitors and provide them with comfortable stay whether they travel in a group or individually.

2. Golf courses

Golf package is one of outdoor sport activities which can be specially planned as part of MICE tourism with a competitive prices and recreational opportunities and cultural attractions. A few of Golf clubs are highlighted ie Bali Golf and Country Club (BGCC) is one of Asia's 5 Best Golf Courses, located within the Nusa Dua Resort area which has 18-hole par-72 championship course. Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club was literally sculpted out of the crater of an extinct volcano. These two clubs together with Nirwana Bali Golf Club hosted Bali Governor's Cup Golf Tournament attracting world –golfers' participations.

CONCLUSION

1. OBERVATION

Travellers' safeties are the top priority of Indonesia government's concerns, particularly in Bali where bomb was exploded in a hotel previously. Hoping that Government will continuously reinforce tight security checking at guests 's entrance of hotels and extend to tourist attractions and places of interest with an advanced detecting machine to gain their confidences of coming back.

Uniquely Bali is partly due to its inclusive society built on mutual understanding and trust among the people regardless of their religions, races and languages in additional to charming and wonderful landscapes, natural and cultural heritages as well as hospitality of people.It is not uncommon to see women's breast-feeding babies in public areas in Bali showing that the openness of society in Bali as a Muslim country. Furthermore, the lifestyles of Balinese who well connected with one another harmoniously in island which inspired international participants and me with an aspiration for inclusiveness and cohesion. At last, we wished one another on departure "Let meet in Bali again instead of saying good bye." I quoted Moslih Eddin Persian Poet "A traveller without observation is a bird without wings"-

2. VIEWS

Indonesia has richness of natural resources and marine resources though it is a developing country. Tourism is one of its main national resources and it has contributed to its economic growth was partly because Ministry of Indonesia Tourism together with stakeholders and industry partners have been positively promoting B to B tourism platform and organizing Tourism Trade Show, Roadshow, Travel Mart and other related tourism events. Some of Indonesians told me

that they came all the ways from other islands to work in Bali as waitress, cashiers, telephone operators, shop assistants and technicians in hospitality industry and service sectors and as local tour guides in travel industry, as frontline staff and receptionists, care-takers of room services in hotel industry as drivers in transport industry.

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