Getting to Bali from Australia

Australia is geographically located ideally in South-east Asia for travellers wishing to go to Bali. Out of all the cities in Australia, Perth is closest next to Darwin. In fact a majority of Australians holidaying in Bali seem to come from Perth. This is mainly due to its location and the cost factor; it is the cheapest direct route and the shortest flying time except that of Darwin.

As Darwin is situated in the north of Australia the flight time is only2 hours and 30 minutes and airlines servicing this Darwin-Bali route are AirNorth, Garduda Indonesia and Jetstar. The flight from Perth to Bali is 4 hours 20 minutes and is a direct flight and there are several airlines servicing this route – Garuda Indonesia, Strategic Air, Jetstar and AirAsia.

Getting to Bali from Sydney takes longer at7 hours 30 minutes although this is a direct flight. Airlines servicing this route include Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia and Jetstar. From Brisbane the flight time is 7 hours 30 minutes and the easiest way to get to Bali is to connect in Cairns and take the direct route to Denpasar using Jetstar, Garuda Indonesia and now, Strategic Air.

From Melbourne, Garuda Indonesia has direct flights taking just over 7 hours to arrive in Denpasar. Alternatively, a connecting flight in Adelaide will get you to Bali using VirginBlue or Jetstar.

Sragen Regency

Sangiran archaeological museum - Sangiran

Sragen

Sragen is one of regencies in Central Java province, with the capital city of Sragen. It located around 30 KM east side of Surakarta city. This regency is bounded with Grobogan regency in north, Ngawi regency in east, Karanganyar regency in south and Boyolali rgency in west.

Sragen is located on the road connecting Solo and East Java. The road is very potential for the smooth transportation of goods between the two areas. It is one of economic advantages for Sragen development. A modern plant producing chemical stuffs for textile industry has been erected on the main Solo – East Java Road.

This district formerly known as Sukowati, the name used since the reign of the Kingdom (Kasunanan) of Surakarta. Sragen name used because the central government was in Sragen. Sragen Anniversary set on May 27, 1746. That date and time were the results of research and studies on historical fact, when Prince Mangkubumi which later became the first Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwonoa that fight against the Dutch colonialism.

Sragen has many tourism attractions viewing from religious, historical, and economic aspect. The main characteristics of tourism in Sragen is relying on a panorama or a beautiful landscape, and traditional culture is still up, along with the availability of professional tour guides and the various facilities of international standard.

Dated back to the early history, Sragen was the place that the archaeological fossil founded, precisely in Sangiran. Hence, those fossils are place in famous museum of Archaeological Museum Of Sangiran. Moreover, there is also Sangiran site, which is include of 3 sub-districts that located around Lawu mountain.

Other tourism objects in Sragen are, Bayanan hot spring, Hyang Tirto Nirmolo, the grave of Samudro prince, Kedung Ombo, Kliwonan tourism village, Sukowati Batik Gallery, and many more.

www.Indonesia-Tourism.com

Magelang Regency

Borobudur - Magelang

Magelang

Magelang regency is one of Central Java regencies, and the largest town in the Kedu Plain between Mount Merbabu and Mount Sumbing in Central Java. The capital of this regency is Mungkid city. Magelang is bounded with Temanggung regency and Semarang regency in north, Semarang regency and Boyolali regency in east, DI Yogyakarta and Purworejo regency in south, Wonosobo and Temanggung in west, and Magelang city in the middle.

Magelang city is surrounded by mountains and hills such as: Mount Sindoro, Mount Sumbing. Telomoyo mountain, Mount Merbabu, Mount Merapi, Mount Andong, Menoreh Hills and there is “Hill Tidar” located in the heart of the city.

History of Magelang District can not be separated from the development of Magelang. According to a local act number 6 (1989), Magelang was established on 11 April 907. Magelang was then known as a village called Mantyasih, which is now known as Meteseh. There are three stele of historical importance in Magelang, namely Poh, Gilikan and Mantyasih, all of which are written on a plate of copper. Poh and Mantyasih were written under the rule of King Balitung of Mataram Kingdom. In those stele, the villages of Mantyasih and Glanggang were mentioned. They became Meteseh and Magelang respectively.

When Britain colonised Magelang in the eighteenth century, Magelang became the seat of the government and was made to the same level as a regency with Mas Ngabehi Danukromo as its first leader (Bupati). Magelang became the capital of Karesidenan Kedu in 1818. After the Dutch defeated the British, Magelang was made the central of economy because its strategic location. After the independence of Indonesia, Magelang became kotapraja (same level as a district) and then kotamadya (same level as city)

The composition of demography based on its religion and belief, Magelang people has varied and different belief and religion. Majority of magelang citizen are Muslim, but there are minority group such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, and also there are also spiritualism and traditional Javanese belief. Therefore, Magelang citizen are plural, although majority of them Muslim. They usually stick together and keep mutual relationship among them. Seems that, it is a Javanese wisdom which every people to get close and involve to maintain society.

Even though most people recognize that Borobudur temple is located in Yogyakarta, but it actually located in Magelang. Magelang has some potential destination that also interesting to be found out, regarding the nature and historical site. Beside Borobudur, Magelang also has Mendut temple, Umbul temple hotspring, Kedung Kayang waterfall, Elo river rafting, Silawe waterfall, Bleder lake, Babadan Merapi trekking, Ketep pass, Kalibening recreational park, Mendut recreational park, and some traditional ceremonies.

www.Indonesia-Tourism.com

What to Eat in Bali: Famous Indonesian Foods

Balinese food is somewhat different to Indonesian food in that it often includes pork items (lawar, babi guling etc.) and tends to more pedas (spicy) and less manis (sweet) than Javanese cuisine, which has a wider range of sauces.

However, authentic Balinese food is rarely enjoyed by the tourists as it’s seldom served in hotels and restaurants. The staple daily food is rice, accompanied by vegetables and a small amount of fish or other meat. Of course, condiments are always used.

The food most tourists see as Indonesian food comes from Java. Here are some popular dishes from Indonesia, that you might get served in Bali.

•Ayam goreng – fried chicken, often served with rice and lalapan.

•Bakso – spicy meatball soup. This dish is influenced by the Chinese meatballs.

•Bakmi goreng – fried noodle, meat and vegetables.

•Botok daging sapi – spicy minced beef, tofu, tempeh and coconut milk.

•Bubur ayam – chicken porridge. Served at the pasar pagi (morning markets).

•Cap cay – mixed fried vegetables (originally a Chinese dish, similar to the Cantonese style).

•Es campur – fruits, gelatin, chocolate sauce, milk with shaved ice.

•Gado gado – steamed cabbage, bean sprouts, potato and other vegetables served with peanut sauce.

•Kangkung – water spinach (a popular, stringy vegetable).

•Krupuk – prawn crackers in a range of sizes, served with nasi campur.

•Lalapan – raw vegetables (green beans, cabbages, cucumbers, mint leaves) served with sambal. Accompanies ayam bakar and ikan bakar (grilled chicken and fish).

•Lontong – Steamed rice compressed into a roll, inside a banana leaf. Often served with sate ayam at street-side sate vendors.

•Lumpia – spring rolls containing diced carrot, bean sprouts and other items. Semarang Java is famous for lumpia.

•Nasi campur – the national dish. Means ‘mixed rice’ and is a portion of steamed rice with an assortment of meats, vegetables, tofu, tempeh and hot sambal.

•Nasi goreng – fried rice. The most common Indonesian food item served in tourist warungs and restaurants. Often served with a fried egg on top.

•Nasu putih – white rice. Other options include nasi kuning (yellow rice) and nasi merah (red rice).

•Pisang goreng – fried banana. Popular at local markets where you can get 4 small fried bananas for 1,000rp.

•Rijstaffel – rice table. The Dutch colonial version of how to serve Indonesian food. Many dishes with meats, fish and vegetables.

•Rujak – Indonesian fruit salad made from unripe papaya, apple and other fruits. Served with chili, salt and caramel.

•Rujak petis – fruit and vegetable salad with spicy peanut and shrimp sauce.

•Tahu goreng telur – an omelette with tofu.

•Sate – sometimes called ‘satay’. Small strips of meat cooked over charcoal. Javanese sate vendors sell sate ayam (chicken sate with peanut sauce) and sate kambing (goat sate). Balinese sate vendors often sell sate babi (pork sate with a deliciously tangy, spicy sauce), especially outside ceremonies. Generally a Balinese sate vendor will sell you 10 pieces for 5,000rp.

•Sayur bening – spinach and corn soup.

•Urap-urap / urap timum – vegetables in shaved coconut and chili. A Balinese dish which is a pleasant surprise when found in a warung.

The best ways to explore Indonesian food are to:
1) Visit a night market and try some things.
2) Have lunch at a warung popular with locals, pointing out items you’d like to try.
3) Stop at the road side for some sate or other local snack.

Photo credits: Ayam goreng , Bakso , Bakmi goreng , Bubur ayam , Cap cay , Es campur , Gado gado , Kangkung , Krupuk , Lalapan , Lumpia , Nasi campur , Nasi goreng , Pisang goreng , Satay , Sayur bening

Interesting Purbalingga

Lawa Cave - Purbalingga

Purbalingga

Purbalingga regency, with the capital of Purbalingga city, is one of regencies in Central Java Province. This regency is bounded with Pemalang regency in north, Banjarnegara regency in east and south, and Banyumas regency in west.

Purbalingga regency is divided into 18 sub-districts and being subdivided into villages and hamlets. The governmental center is located in Purbalingga sub-district.

In Purbalingga there are many industries producing raw materials to be used as an eyelashes or also wig and a bun or a hair piece that additional hair provided. Another specialty is the exhaust industry, which is the transformation of copper pots and pans industrial. The Braling exhaust is quite popular among car owners, as an alternative cheap spare parts.

The most popular destination in Purbalingga in Goa Lawa or Bat Cave, other destination is divided into some categories like historical and pilgrimage tourism, such as: Tempat Lahir monument, which is the monument to commemorated the greatness of General Sudirman, one of Indonesian heroes.Purbalingga great mosque, Ardi lawet contemplation. On artificial tourism, there are: camping ground and Munjuluhur adventure park, Owabong recreational place, Sanggaluri Park, Purbasari Pancuran Mas, Tirto asri swimming pool. On nature tourisms there are: Goa Lawa, Selamet mountaineering. While related on village tourism, there are: Karangbanjar tourism village, Lembah Asri tourism village, Penusupan vilage tourism, on those villages there are guest houses available for the visitors who come to the Purbalingga or to the villages.

Very interesting Purbalingga.

www.Indonesia-Tourism.com

Bali in November

Nowadays the weather is very unpredictable, especially when we talk about November in Bali, which , technically, marks the start of the wet season. Depending on luck , you might experience hot and sunny days…or just the opposite. Still, it’s hot and humid. Don’t plan to do any mountain climbing or biking, but don’t be afraid to enjoy the outdoors. Sure, it might not be the perfect time to soak up the sun on the beach all day, but Bali has so much to offer than just cocktails and tanning.

November falls during the beginning of the wet season. The temperatures are warm and the heavy downpour usually lasts during late evening and night. But you might also be lucky and experience only sunny whether when you visit Bali in November. Temperatures range between 25C (avg low) and 30C (avg high).

>>read more about the Weather in Bali

Since you’ll be traveling during the low season, the airfare is typically cheaper but it’s a good idea to book slightly in advance. It’s also easy to book an affordable hotel room and the budget travelers will probably prefer a hostel .

Unless you want to do mountain climbing or biking, the November weather shouldn’t interferer with your plans. You can spend the day soaking up the sun. Sure, it’s just as possible to be not so lucky and catch some cloudy days while in Bali. But, when that happens, you can check out the sights, the temples, pay a visit to the shopping mall or enjoy some relaxing spa treatments.

It’s possible to practice all water sports, so don’t be shy and try snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and canoeing, among others. November is still a good month for surfing in Bali.

Bali International Jazz Festival takes place in November and features performers from all over the world.

Bali in January

There aren’t many events taking place in January but if you are on a low budget and always wanted to visit Bali, take advantage of the low airfare and come here. It’s humid and rainy, but that shouldn’t stop you check out the sights.

January is part of the wet season and , as a result, is one of the rainiest months in Bali. This doesn’t mean it will rain all the time, but it will rain almost every day (usually in the afternoon). It’s not a suitable month to visit Bali if you plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as mountain climbing, mountain biking or hiking. Otherwise, just pack some rain gear and you are good to go sightseeing. Temperatures range between 17C and 30C and the humidity is 75%.

>>read more about the Weather in Bali

Since January is part of the low season, expect to find affordable airfare , especially if you book slightly in advance. Finding a cheap hotel is also easy and now you can even book hotels which would usually put a big hole in your travel budget. If you prefer a hostel , you’ll be able to find very good rates.

The weather isn’t exactly good for sunbathing, especially if you are unlucky to visit Bali when it’s windy and cloudy. But it’s possible to enjoy some sunny days and you can plan some activities around the beach.

January is a good month to visit the sights. If rains catches you off guard, you can always hide in a temple, museum or in a shopping mall.

Early January is busy as the New Year celebrations continue during the first days of the month, especially in places where foreign tourists like to spend their time.

In January, the Balinese celebrate Pager Wesi, a holiday dedicated to Sang Yang, the creator of the universe. There are important celebrations on the island.

Here Live The Last Dinosour

Komodo Island - East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

East Nusa Tenggara

East Nusa Tenggara or Nusa Tenggara Timur [NTT] is one of Indonesian Province which is consist of some island, like: Flores, Sumba, Timor, Alor, Lembata, Rote, Sabu, Adonara, Solor, Komodo and Palue. The capital itself is on Kupang in West Timor.

There are 550 islands in this province, but the 3 major islands are Flores, sumba and West Timor.

The local inhabitant is about Atoni, Dawan, Manggarai, Sumba and Tionghoa ethnic. Catholic is the most religion that being hold by the people. East Tenggara Timur is being a shelter for Christian people who got religious conflict between Maluku and Irian Jaya.

The tourism object from this province is mostly coming from the islands itself. especially Flores, Sumba, West Timor and the famous of Komodo Island.

Komodo Island is located on the western tip on East Nusa Tenggara. There are over 2500 Komodo live in this Island and some in other island. Instead of Komodo, there are some exotic flora in this island, which rarely be found in other Island, like Sepang wood, which sometimes is being used for medication and garment coloring. Nitak wood or sterculia oblongata, is other plantation for medication. Some other tourists also coming for diving around the island, because it properly has the blue water to dive in.

There is a good new for this “The last Dinosaur” Island, which is the nomination of this island to be the next 7 wonder of nature. This nomination will compete by other 27 finalis, like The death Ocean, Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Kilimanjaro Mountain, and Galapagos Islands.

People from all over the world can participating to vote these wonders by Internet or telephone and the winner will be announce on 2011.

Hope for the best for the Dragon

Written by
http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/east-nusa-tenggara/places.html

Bali in December

While Bali offers warm temperatures year round, December falls during the wet season. Although it’s part of the low travel season, many travelers come to Bali in December in order to avoid the heat during the dry season.

When it comes to the budget, you can easily find affordable flights into Bali and finding a cheap place to stay isn’t a problem either.

Bali has tropical weather, with little variations from month to month. December falls during the wet season, which lasts from September to February. However, the wet seasons means you can experience about half an hour to an hour of heavy downpour every day. The rest of the day the temperatures are warm, with a lovely breeze. The humidity is 70% while the temperatures range between 18C and 31C.

>>read more about the Weather in Bali

While December in Bali is part of the wet season, it’s also one of the best times to visit Bali. You’ll be escaping the boiling heat during the dry season. Still, technically speaking the wet season is part of the low travel season so you’ll be able to get cheap airfare . It’s also easy to book an affordable hotel room. Of course, budget travelers will probably prefer a hostel .

You can soak up the sun on the superb Bali beaches regardless of the season. When it rains, just take your time and enjoy some food or enjoy a spa treatment.

December is also a good month to visit the sights. You can always hide in a museum or temple when the rain catches you outside the hotel. Or you can hunt for bargains in the shopping malls.

It is possible to dive and snorkel during December. And the rain makes the river even better for white water rafting. Practically, any water sport can be practiced, especially when it’s not raining.

>>read more about Top 5 Diving Spots in Bali

Christmas is celebrated by the Christians in Bali. And of course, there are parties and activities for tourists. Likewise, the New Year’s Eve is celebrated just like in the Western countries.

Kudus Regency

Kudus Monument

Kudus

Kudus is a regency in Central Java, located 51Km to the east of Semarang. This regency is bounded with Pati regency in east, Grobogan regency and Demak regency in south, and Jepara regency in west.

Kudus is the smallest regency in Central Java with a total area reaches 42,516 hectares which is divided into 9 sub-districts.

The city of Kudus was something of an important Islamic holy city in the sixteenth century. Nowadays, Kudus also famous with ‘Kota Santri’ or the city of Islamic Students. Sunan Kudus, was one of the nine Wali Sanga, said to have been the fifth imam (head) of the mosque of Demak and a major leader of the 1527 campaign against ‘Majapahit’, before moving to Kudus. The Mosque of Kudus (Masjid Menara) which dates from this period, remains a local landmark to this day.

Kudus is known as the city’s largest cigarette producer in Central Java. The economic developments in Kudus is not separated from the influence industry that stand on Kudus. Some large industrial companies in Kudus is PT. Djarum, PT. Petra, PR. Breadfruit, PT. Nojorono. PT.Hartono Electronic Palace (Polytron), PT. Pura, PT. Kudos, and thousands of small and medium industrial enterprises.

In tourism, Kudus has somethings in particular that worth to be explore, both in religious site and historical site. For instance:

Religious and cultural tourism:

* Minaret Mosque which was built in the 16th century, this building has a blend of Javanese architecture, Hinduism, and Islam.
* Tomb of Sunan Kudus, one wali sanga (spreaders of Islam in the land of Java)
* Tomb of Sunan Muria (in the District Colo Dawe). Also one of walisanga

Natural attractions:

* Monthel Waterfall in Colo. district Dawe.
* Songolikur Peak (in Rahtawu Gebog district) the highest peak of Mount Muria.
* Other Mount Muria peak that frequently visited, such as Peak Argojembangan and Argowiloso. Both are located in sub-Dawe.
* Three Flavor Water (Rejenu) and the tomb of Sheikh Sadzili. Located in Japan, Dawe district.
* Pesanggrahan Colo.
* Abiyoso Campgrounds in Menawan, Gebog sb-district.
* Kajar Campgrounds

www.Indonesia-Tourism.com

Pemalang Regency

Curug Sibedil - Pemalang

Pemalang

Another regency in Central Java is Pemalang, having the capital with the same name. Pemalang is bounded with Java Ocean in north, Pekalongan regency in east, Purbalingga in south and Tegal regency in west.

Like the larger cities of Tegal, to its west, and Pekalongan, to the east, Pemalang was dominated in the nineteenth century by sugar production. The area was known for its fertile soil, which had made it to be rich rice-growing region. By the end of the nineteenth century the coastal plain, the most fertile part of the regency, it was almost completely used for sugar cultivation, divided among five major plantations. Under the Japanese occupation during World War II, Pemalang’s fertility provided needed rice for the Japanese war effort. The occupiers set high quotas for production, causing food shortages because little was left to remain in the village after meeting the quota.

On pre historic time, Pemalang existence can be proven based on archaeological finds in prehistoric times. The founding are in the form of terraces and baths punden in southwest in Moga district. In addition, the archaeological evidence indicates the existence of the elements of Islamic culture that shown in the tomb of Sheikh Maulana Maghribi in Kawedanan Comal. Then the grave Rohidin, Sayyid Ngali, the uncle of Sunan Ampel who also had a mission to convert the local population into Islam.

The resident population as rural settlements had regularly appeared in the early centuries in the period of centuries XIV and XV, and then growing rapidly in the sixteenth century, which was in the increased development of Islam in Java under the Kingdom of Demak, Cirebon and later Mataram.

Pemalang became an administrative territorial entity that firm and steady since R. Mangoneng, Pangonen or Mangunoneng became the ruler in Pemalang region centered around the Hamlet of Oneng, Village Bojongbata in about the year 1622. Mangunoneng was a the one who were very anti of VOC. Thus, Mangoneng could be viewed as a leader, warrior and heroe of the nation in the fight against Dutch colonialism in the seventeenth century.

The northern part of Pemalang District represents of the lowlands, while in the southern part is in the form of mountains, the peak is Mount Slamet, the highest mountain in Central Java. Comal River is the biggest river, which is flow into the Java Ocean (Ujung Pemalang).

Pemalang has numbers of destination relating the natures sightseeing like, Sibedil waterfall, Cipendok waterfall, Bengkawah waterfall, Gunung Gajah or elephant mountain, gunung wangi cave, Joko Tingkir beach, Blendung beach, Lawang waterfall, Barong waterfall. There is also Widuri beach, Moga swimming pool and resort, Cepaka Wulung, Silating lake, Mendelem hill and Rengganis hill.

www.Indonesia-Tourism.com

Klaten Regency

Prambanan Temple

Klaten

Klaten, is other regency in Central Java province with the capital of the same city. It is bounded with Boyolali regency in north, Sukoharjo in east, and DIY Yogyakarta in south and west. In particular, the biggest Hindu temple, Prambanan temple, is located in this regency.

The land in Klaten is mostly in the form of lowland and undulating. The northwestern part is in the form of mountain, which is part of Mount Merapi. The capital district is located on the main route Solo-Yogyakarta.

Dated back to the early history, there were two versions that mention the origin of the name of Klaten. The first version said that Klaten comes from the word kelati or gossip. The word was later become Klaten. Klaten is traditionally an area renowned for its fertility. Second version was come from the word Melati or taken from the name Kyai Melati Sekolekan, the islam priest which was the founding father of Klaten. The word melati become mlati, mlati then become klati, the final klati has become klaten.

The total area of Klaten Regency was change in several times. At the beginning, there was not Jatinom and Polanharjo. Both was belong to is Boyolali district, and the newly incorporated on October 11, 1895.

Klaten have some secret destinations that can be explore more. One of the famous is Prambanan temple, which is the biggest Hindu temple in Central Java. Moreover, there is also candi Sewu or thousand temple, Janti fishing pond, sugar museum, Deles indah tourism park, and some attractions which come from the occasionally activity like Saparan or Sebaran Apem.

Between the culture and the nature, makes Klaten become genuinely remain the historical background in ancient times.

www.Indonesia-Tourism.com

3 Days in Bali: Itinerary Ideas

Bali is one of the most sought after travel destinations in Asia. Honeymooners love it for the romantic feel and lovely weather; budget travelers enjoy it for the variety of experiences and the low budget needed for lodging, food and sightseeing. Those who seek a cultural experience will definitely enjoy Bali and those looking for bargains and traditional goods will be in heaven.

Three days in Bali is not enough to experience what this place is about, but it gives you the time to see some of the highlights. We assume you’ll be staying in Ubud, a city popular among many types of travelers. The itinerary takes you to the famous Money Forest, some temples, the seafood stalls located right on the beach, the crafts villages, the volcano, the rice terraces and even to a Bali dance performance.

After you land at Denpasar, take the regular public bus to Ubud. Tickets cost Rp 8,000 and the travel time is about an hour. However, this is a good choice if you arrive before 4 p.m. since most buses run until then. A more expensive option – ticket: Rp 50,000 – are the private buses which link the airport directly to Ubud and they run four times a day.

You can start exploring Bali with a visit to the Monkey Forest. This is a sacred forest inhabited by monkeys. Make sure to walk through the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a temple of the dead, as well. Don’t bring any food as you really don’t want the moneys to bite you.

In the late afternoon, go to the Jimbaran Seafood stalls. This a 3 km area of beach side cafes , in total about 40 places to eat. Make sure to try the seafood and don’t be afraid to taste the local delicacies.

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and then it’s time to do some shopping.

The road to Sanur passes through a series of crafts villages. Celuk is known for the silver jewelry, Mas for the wood carvings, Batuan for the paintings and Batubulan/Singakerta for the stone carvings. Either rent a car with driver or take the local bus and spend some time haggling for interesting souvenirs to take back home.

Get back to Ubud and eat lunch. Then, it’s time to see the Tegallalang area. It’s located just 15 min drive outside Ubud (so you can take the bus). The area is well known for the green terraced hillside, home to traditional rice paddies.

Come back to Ubud and attend a Balinese dance performance at the Palace Ubud. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. And it’s considered one of the best such shows. Tickets cost Rp80,000 (about US$10).

Wake up early in order to catch a morning bus to Kintamani area. Here you can find Mount Batur – which is an active volcano – and Lake Batur. The scenery from the viewing point is worth the trip. This is a famous tourist place and it will get crowded. It’s best to arrive as early as possible. Plus, the most spectacular views are between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. especially when the weather is clear.

Get back to Ubud for lunch and then go to Gunung Kawi, the presumed burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes as the temple is reached after climbing 371 steps.

It’s time to travel back to the airport and catch your flight home.

Photo credits: Monkey forest , Tegallalang rice terrace , Mount Batur

Getting from Bali to Singapore (and return)

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, well known for its cosmopolite feel, exotic food and many shopping opportunities. For those not used to the high humidity, Singapore will be quite a test. The temperature is high year round and it rains daily.

Quick summary

While there are ferries between Bali and Singapore (with a stop in Batam), it takes a long time to cover the distance and there are only 2 ferries a week departing from/arriving in Bali. Therefore, the only way to get between Bali and Singapore is the 2h 35 min flight. There are plenty of airlines connecting the two places, so make sure to shop around.

Changi Airport (airport code: SIN) is the main airport in Singapore, a major aviation hub in Southeast Asia. It is hub for Jetstar Asia Airways, Silkair, Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways, Qantas and Valuair. It currently serves more than 100 airlines flying to over 200 cities worldwide.

Flights from Denpasar (Bali) are run by Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia AirAsia, Jetstar Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Valuair. On large booking engines (eg. Kayak) , you can book one way flights from US$207 on Garuda Indonesia. However, if you search for flights directly on the airlines’ websites, you can find one way flights from US$80 on Jetstar Airlines. The flight time is 2h 35 min.

Generally speaking, you’ll get the best value if you book the flight 2 to 4 weeks before departure. But exceptions can be found, particularly when you can find a last minute deal.

Technically you take the ferry from Bali to Batam and then to Singapore, but there is a big problem. While there are quite a lot of connections from Batam to Singapore, there are only two boats a month from Bali to Batam, which means your travel plans will really have to depend on the schedule.