Surfing in Bali

Many die-hard surfers have a similar item on their bucket list: a chance to surf in Indo!! This comes as no surprise as Indonesia is the world’s largest Archipelago and it has more islands than any other country in the world.

Bali, Indonesia’s crown jewel travel destination, is an important part of the surfing scene. Although not home to the most challenging of waves, Bali has the whole package of sun, sea, sand, cuisine and culture. And when you throw in surfing for all levels, it makes it more complete still.

Here’s a look at surfing in Bali, courtesy of Best Destination TV Travel Guide.

Eco fans should head to Costa Rica!

By Helen Cross | December 14, 2010

Any true eco enthusiast should make Costa Rica the top of their travel wish list. One of the most ‘green’ countries in the world, Costa Rica has unparalleled eco credentials and is doing the upmost to protects its ‘rich coast’. This is a country that:

• Was named the best country for eco-tours in Treehuggers ‘Best of Green’.
• Is ranked 3^rd in the world in the 2010 Environmental Protection Index
• Aims to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021
• Is ranked 1^st in the Happy Planet Index.
• Contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity
• Has 25% of its land protected in National Parks

However, as with anything that makes money, the term ‘eco’ can be subject to abuse and has been used to justify charging inflated prices for underwhelming experiences. $50 eco walk anyone?! Here are the crème-de-la- crème of environmentally conscious activities in the country:

• Ziplining and sky walks

The best way to get up close to the cloud forests of Costa Rica; ziplining provides an adrenaline fuelled trip through the canopy for those who wish to fly through the trees a la Tarzan whereas sky walks provide a more sedate experience from bridges suspended at dizzying heights.

Bali Hotels hit by Eat Love Pray fever

By Dian Hasan | September 3, 2010

The “Eat Pray Love” frenzy continues and for those who have been inspired to set off on their own soul-searching adventure in Bali’s Kamandalu Resort has come up with their own version of Elizabeth Gilbert’s story. The “Eat Pray Love” package starts with your choice of private luxury villa (Garden, Pool, or Deluxe Pool) and includes a variety of goodies all for both you and a guest including daily breakfast, cycling to see the Eat Pray Love movie sets in nearby Ubud, a romantic Italian dinner in the garden, 30 minute spa treatments for each of you, an outdoor activity of your choice (trekking, cycling, village or Royal Palace visit), and a trip to see Elizabeth Gilbert’s palm reader. Plus plenty of extras like bottled water in the room, comfy robes and slippers, transportation, and free drinks and coupons at the lounge.

The package is available from September 2010 thru July 2011 and sounds like a nice balance of experiencing the movie’s theme while still leaving room for a personalized experience, and if you were really inspired by the movie you can enter their contest and potentially win a trip for free. Otherwise there’s a minimum two night stay required with rates ranging from $280 – $440/night, depending on which villa you choose. Let yourself go!

Inspiration: Luxist and Unique Travel Destinations

Green & Rustic | Veranda Natural Resort, Kep, Cambodia

By Dian Hasan | September 1, 2010

A high-end nature retreat on a quiet hillside location, mere minutes from the beach, the resort presents a unique concept with raised wooden walkways, stonewalls surrounding by stunning natural beauty, in Asia’s best-kept travel secret, Cambodia.

A nature lover’s retreat, Veranda Natural Resort is a 3-hectare compound with bungalows open-air veranda, luxury private rooms, restaurant, bar-cocktails, bakery & ice-cream and a boutique shop housing the accommodation.

This little hideaway invites you to relax and discover the untouched beauty of the surroundings and the extreme view of the Ocean, sunset and Bokor mountain. Bokor was popular Hill Station (elevation: 1,080 m) during the French occupation and reached its height in the 1920s.

Veranda comprises bungalows constructed of indigenous building material. All bungalows are linked with raised walkways that were built to keep the natural contour of the hotel site.

Green & Chic | Boca de Iguanas, Costa Alegre, Manzanillo, Mexico

By Dian Hasan | August 31, 2010

Boca de Iguanas (Mouth of the Iguanas) boutique hotel is a small property that dazzles with a cool concept of rustic and eco-chic to create the perfect hideaway adventure.

The stylish 12-room retreat lies on an unspoiled beach along Mexico’s Costalegre, North of Manzanillo facing the Pacific ocean, offering the perfect modern and rustic blend inspired by the magical natural surroundings of this ecologically sound development. Rooms feature bedspreads and pillows with bold, geometric prints, plush bathrobes and extra large bath sheets, air conditioning and overhead fans. But reminders of Mother Nature are everywhere: handcarved tree trunk tables, baskets woven from coconut palm husks, all natural soaps and shampoos, and indoor/outdoor living spaces that surprise and amaze.

Room names reflect nature, as well as their unique differences: “Selva Suite” (meaning jungle) features an outdoor soaking Jacuzzi tub hidden along the edge of the mangrove estuary, and “Palmas” overlooks a stand of coconut palms. Guests in “Agua” luxuriate in an oversized Jacuzzi tub, while “Noche” invites guests to climb a spiral wooden staircase to a terrace and bed under an awning of celestial stars by night, or an incredible blue sky during the day.

Found on secluded bay along Mexico’s Costalegre just 40 minutes north of Manzanillo International Airport (ZLO), Boca de Iguanas Beach Hotel offers rustic but luxurious and stylish accommodations that deliver an ultra-chic vacation in a pristine ecological setting – with equal portions of stimulation and relaxation.

An adventure activity menu includes an onsite 50-foot high natural rappeling wall, ocean kayaking, birdwatching and jungle hiking. The beach club restaurant offers a healthy and tasty menu featuring the freshest local ingredients.

Boca de Iguanas takes its eco-responsibility seriously, and separates them into the following three related areas:

Sustainability
To maximize on the “greenness” of the community, Boca de Iguanas uses its own solar power array for supplemental electricity as well as solar hot water, and plumbing connects to community gray water recycling system, and sewage treatment plant.

Conservation
Biologists oversee the mangrove conservation efforts and patrol the beach for the seasonal turtle camp. Habitat is created for the local iguana and tropical bird populations and a community wide recycling program are ways we integrate the development into nature.

Preservation
Natural surroundings are kept in a largely untouched state, juxtaposing the striking ocean and tranquil beach with a mangrove ecosystem that will also provide a backdrop to many of the development’s eco-focused lifestyle. Cars will not be allowed: a covered parking area is located at the entrance of the development. Walking & jogging paths encourage a healthy lifestyle, and electric carts will deliver owners right to their front doors.

Green & Chic | Kahanda Kanda, Galle, Sri Lanka

Kahanda Kanda, among Sri Lanka’s newest boutique hotels, offers the indulgent luxuries of a private villa with the service of a five star hotel, and is situated near the southern coast not far from Galle. Five air conditioned suites with breathtaking panoramic views of palm fringed jungle and the Indian Ocean promise stylish, spacious interiors, ideal in which to unwind – the perfect example of getaway boutique hotels.

Overlooking Koggala Lake and surrounded by the lush greenery of a working tea estate, my home turned award winning boutique hotel offers discerning travellers a unique wellness escape with quick access by charming tuk tuk to timeless treasures inside Galle Fort as well as some of the world’s best beaches, for which Galle and Sri Lanka are so well known.

Peaceful, tropical ambience, world class heartfelt service and fresh fusion cuisine that lures guests from surrounding hotels in and around Galle, Kahanda Kanda is an idyllic environment for a wedding, a honeymoon or a holiday of absolute relaxation, all on a working tea plantation.

Green & Chic | Raas Haveli, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

By Dian Hasan | August 31, 2010

Some of Asia’s most historically impressive destinations (save Bali, Bangkok, Luang Prabang & Kyoto) have often lacked accommodation that matched the magic of the place. The choices were mostly limited by large and unimaginative chain hotels, or a coterie of humble abodes for the backpacking crowd. And nothing really in between – a stylish small and personal hotel that breathes and oozes the place. Personality was missing big time. Such condition afflicted Jodhpur, Rajasthan, one of India’s most alluring destinations!

As the Indian economy continues to forge ahead, minting a new monied crowd with a lifestyle appetite to explore the continent’s diverse offerings, tagging with it an international clientele that seeks the chic and hip. The right hotels are coming on stream. Raas Haveli is one such fine pedigree! The age of the Boutique Hotel has arrived!

Situated at the foot of the mighty Meherangarh Fort, in the heart of Jodhpur’s Walled City. It is the only luxury hotel to be based in the old town, and the views directly up to the fort, which looms above you, are quite spectacular. It is situated in the prestigious north-eastern quarter of the Walled City, just a stone’s throw from the Clock Tower. One may simply wonder out into the surrounding maze of streets to explore the markets. The hotel comprises four charming 150-year old restored buildings in Jodhpur’s very own ‘rose-red’ sandstone.

This is combined with stylish, contemporary new buildings which have been designed by an acclaimed architect. In its entirety the Ras Haveli (as it was originally called) remains today the best preserved, largest and most complete urban noble residence perhaps in all Rajasthan. This exquisite little hotel is Jodhpur’s first eco friendly boutique hotel in the true sense of the term.

Toraja Highlands, where traditional funerals reach new heights

By Dian Hasan | August 27, 2010

Tana Toraja (Toraja Highlands), high in the mountains near the center of Sulawesi (Celebes), is one of the last remaining places in Indonesia where one can still witness a unique living culture. Such is the Torajan way of life, and has been unaffected by tourism. Much like the Balinese, the Torajans have managed to stay true to their tradition, where it draws another similarity with Bali, a culture marked by the size (and grandiose) of their funerals.

Magnificent traditional Tongkonan houses set in terraced rice fields, with their intricate geometric and colorful woodcarvings, are a must see. Buffalo heads greet anyone at the house entrance, an attribute to the homeowner’s stature and standing in the society.

The Torajans are a proud and unique people, best known for their elaborate death rituals, which can see feasts lasting for several days, culminating in burials in cliffside catacombs that take literally take an entire village to hoist in place.

Located in the high plains, Tana Toraja has a pleasant temperate climate. Days can be quite warm, however nights cool enough that hotels in the area need air conditioning. The cool dry season runs from March to September/October. Toraja’s lush natural landscape also afford it many different ways to enjoy it, from trekking, mountain biking and white water rafting in the Maitang River.

The best months to see funerals are normally August and September. This is when the farming people of the area have free time before the arrival of the monsoon season (rainy season) in October.

Tana Toraja has remained “undiscovered”, and is unlike other well-known travel destinations in Indonesia that are trampled  with tourists. Popular with European tourists who appreciate its remote location and pure unaffected culture. Accommodation choices are fairly limited, mostly small locally-operated small hotels and Inns. And a few restaurants or shops catering to the tourist trade. All adding the allure of Tana Toraja and her people’s unique culture.

Tana Toraja offers plenty of outdoor activities, ranging from trekking to white water rafting on the Maitang River.

The Three Gilis, Indonesia’s trio of rustic isles Eat of Bali

Sandwiched between Indonesia’s famed Bali and her immediate neighbor Lombok, is a tiny archipelago of the Three Gilis (Gili means Island in the local Sasak language). The three islands of Trawangan, Meno and Air, collectively known as the Three Gilis, are three rustic tropical islands that are void of motorized vehicles, and thus, are maintained at their original rustic state.

Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, surrounded by glorious sandy beaches, colorful coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life attract travelers from all over the world. Located a few miles off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands are approximately 35km from the eastern tip of Bali. They are now easily accessible direct from Bali with the new Fast Boat service, or by plane and local boat from Lombok.

Fast boat service to the Three Gilis from Bali, Gili Cat II
Fast boat service to the Three Gilis from Bali, Blue Water Express

Local transport in the horse-drawn carriages, called “Cidomo”.

There is an absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers that adds greatly to the leisure of staying on the Gilis. Most of the holiday accommodation is on Gili Trawangan, generally small bamboo bungalows a few metres from the beach. Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, diving and beautiful beaches.

There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. Activities including scuba diving packages, golf days, horse riding at sunset, trekking Mt Rinjani and culture trips.You can rent snorkeling equipment, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes. Best time to Visit: May through August.

Blessed with more than 300 days of sun a year, Gili Trawangan has been a favored tourist destination for decades. Its underwater environment attracts both divers and snorkelers alike. Its reputation as a tropical island paradise is both well deserved and readily apparent when you step off the boat.

Green & Chic | Jeeva Klui Resort, Lombok, Indonesia

By Dian Hasan | August 20, 2010

With Bali’s continued rise to prominence as a world-class island destination that garners accolades from global travel industry and press, there is one island destined to capitalize on Bali’s fame: Lombok, the adjacent island East of Bali.

Lombok is often referred to as Bali 30 years ago, before the arrival of global tourism, but Lombok is in fact a very different place. With a natural beauty all its own, with its famous landmark, Mount Rinjani volcano with her 3-color lakes, and pristine beaches that rival the best in the world, and a culture that is fusion of Balinese and Sasak people, Lombok has plenty to offer.

Its less developed infrastructure is probably her best-kept secret, offering solitude and unspoiled beauty that beckons any weary urban soul to her shores.

Lombok’s newest resort is a testament to the island’s rise. And unlike Bali’s unchecked development of massive resorts, Lombok has taken the road less traveled, focusing on small-scale resorts – mostly in Villa compounds – that stay true to eco-friendliness and unobtrusive views of immediate surroundings. Such are the offerings of JEEVA KLUI, a gem of a small resort on Klui Beach, just North of Senggigi beach, nearby Lombok’s famous trio of Gilis of Trawangan, Meno and Air (Gili is island in the local language)

Along an uninterrupted stretch of curving beach, Jeeva Klui, “The Soul of Klui,” blends the full spectrum of sea, tropical foliage, and local culture with the natural beauty of Klui Beach.

From dramatic sunsets etching the volcanoes of Bali to the stone and thatch beach front suites framed by swaying palms, the natural simplicity of Jeeva Klui’s traditional design and Lombok’s splendid tropical environment create an ambience of modern luxury and laid back indulgence.

Jeeva Klui’s tropical allure embraces quaint touches of traditional village life. Great care was taken to conceptualize a resort with strong emphasis on providing the ultimate holiday experience, while at the same time being socially and environmentally responsible through sensitive design and green practices.

Wood and stone pathways lead through the gardens to the beach suites spread across the two hectare grounds. The resort melds an appreciation of local architecture and tradition with the look and feel of a Robinson Crusoe idyll allowing for an intimate and stylish base from which to explore Lombok’s spectacular natural beauty. Built using sustainable local materials, such as handmade terracotta tiles, bamboo weaves, stone and recycled timber, each suite exudes an air of authentic sophistication.

Located at the edge of the Wallace Line, Jeeva Klui’s magnificent 170 meter beach front commands views across the Indian Ocean to the islands of Bali and Nusa Penida as well as Lombok’s Sekotong peninsula. The beach at Jeeva Klui is protected by an offshore reef immediately in front of the resort that creates a calm “lagoon” perfect for a leisurely swim.

Upon arrival at Jeeva Klui, guests will be escorted to their suite where check-in formalities will be completed. Jeeva Klui’s total 27 suites include 18 one and two-story beach front suites, six two-story ocean view suites and three pool villas. All rooms have a private terrace with an oversized outdoor day bed and are equipped with either 32 or 37 inch flat screen televisions. All suites are a spacious 54 m2 although the layouts of the suites vary with the type of suite. WiFi is available in the public areas and in the pool suites.