Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Tue, Jan 31, 2012
Madewi Beach - the beautiful Tabanan region
If you want to get away from the overcrowded tourist hotspots in Bali, you should definitely visit Madewi beach. Here you will meet a quiet atmosphere, a remote beachside that will offer you plenty of hours of relaxation. If you are going to Madewi from Denpasar, it is around 70 kilometers away; while if you visit it coming from the city of Tabanan, it is only 35 kilometers away. Apart from being a wonderful place for those long walks, Madewi beach is quite famous for surfing. The place is not at all ruined by industrial sites, so if you want to see pure nature then Madewi can offer you that too.
The great beach
Actually, Madewi is not the most perfect site for taking those comfortable sunbathing sessions, but it is the most perfect place for sightseeing and walking. The beach has black volcanic sand and here you can also find many interesting stone boulders scattered alongside the beach. At sunset, you can find many couples admiring the wonderful sun sinking into the Ocean.
Great surf sessions
Madewi beach is definitely a surfer’s paradise, thanks to its mighty waves coming through all day long. Just take your board, and try to tame those waves using your skills. There are many tourists, who are actually not familiar in to surfing, but they take a few lessons at the local surf club, and they are ready to feel the adrenaline on the ocean. Bali is not the place for feeling shy that you don’t know how to surf! Just make sure you get properly trained by professionals to teach you, and you will be able to feel the enjoyment shortly.
Where to eat well
After putting your surfing skills to the test and finishing off those long walks, you will definitely need some delicious food. At approximately 10 kilometers east of Madewi beach, there is a very famous restaurant, Tahu, offering local traditional food - their specialty is mainly Indonesian Cuisine. Sit down, admire the almighty ocean and have a nice refreshing drink and some local delicatessen bites.
Closest sites of interest from Madewi beach?
Well, at approximately 20km away there is the town of Negara (west of Madewi). Right outside of Negara, is where the famous buffalo races are held, (the so called Mekepungs) which are much loved activities by tourists. Then, halfway between Madewi beach and Negara there is a temple you could also visit, called Rambut Siwi. Although many tourists just pass through Negara, rather than enjoy it, you should definitely make a stop and admire all the beauties you can see here.
Follow the road to Gilimanuk from Negara, and visit the famous anthropological museum Situs Purbakala. After this tiny cultural trip, you should jump on the ferry and visit the island of Java.
As you can notice, Medewi beach is a very good area to start your mini trip, especially if you want to make it meaningful. Not so far away, magnificent Java- the island of the ancient monuments and 120 volcanoes- waits for you!
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Tue, Dec 06, 2011
Sindhu Beach - the quiet and peaceful beachLocated not too far away from the famous and more crowded Sanur beach, Sindhu is the perfect little spot to relax and enjoy a perfectly tranquil day at the beach. The water is perfect for swimming, and the black sand will give that pampering feeling to the soles of your feet.
Certainly, when you come to Bali with friends, you just yearn for the crowded atmosphere, for the beach clubs and bars, for the frantic surfers going up and down the waves and lots of people around you. But you can quickly wish you were on a deserted island, where you can just relax peacefully by listening to waves breaking on the shore while reading your favorite book, or just picking shells. When you arrive at that point, Sindhu beach is the perfect location. If you are staying at the Mia Villa Resort, it will take you around an hour to get there.
If you want sports action…Here at Sindhu beach you can keep fit for sure, because there are several sports activities that are offered to you. You can catch a game of beach volley with your friends, or why not make new friends by joining a game. The sand is perfect for this sport, and afterwards you can relax and have a nice cold drink at one of the beach bars not so far away.
Other than that, you can also find open air tennis courts or you can take golf lessons as well; sports fanatics can definitely find their place at Sindhu beach. Water activities include diving, surfing or even snorkeling.
Families with little childrenYou may already know how it can be traveling with some rucksacks and two little children on crowded beaches full of vendors and tourists. These are no places for when you are with your little ones, especially if you wish to spend a serene day where you can relax too.
Sindhu beach is perfect for a family outing, and if you have little kids, they will feel very joyful here. The waters are quite calm and warm, so you can take them for a nice splash in the ocean. Then, here you can also make up family activities, such as picking shells, building sand castles (the sand is particularly good for that in Sindhu!), or simply tanning in the sun. Don’t forget to rent parasols and have sunscreen for the entire family. You will love the tranquil atmosphere here at Sindhu.
Snorkeling can be yet another activity that the little ones can be engaged in; just make sure to rent or buy proper equipment, and have some shallow water snorkeling fun for the entire family. There are also some very good conditions for fishing at Sindhu; again, an activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. One such eventful day at the beach, and the kids will get to sleep very quickly; and you can watch the sunset and go for a nice dinner in one of the open terraced restaurants here. What a perfect day!
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Thu, Jul 28, 2011
…true fun for the entire family
If you want to get the best value for your money, then Tuban area is the perfect spot in Bali. Tuban beach offers a wonderful landscape, with crystal clear waters and a white sandy beach stretching beneath your feet. The beach is also acknowledged as being among the best places for family outings, especially where smaller kids are involved. It offers a lot more relaxing atmosphere than overcrowded Kuta, and you and you and your kids will also feel a lot safer here. The city of Tuban offers a wide variety of things to do, from shopping and dining to exclusive nightlife in its famous bars and clubs.
Even if you do not wish to spend an entire day just sitting in the sun and splashing in the deep blue ocean waters, you have still plenty of extra options in the Tuban area.
Children’s paradise in Tuban area
The WaterBom Aquatic Park is a must for children of all ages (yes, we do also mean that inner child in all of us). So after you visit the Tuban beach, you can venture for the rest of the day in this waterslides heaven called WaterBom. Here you can find more than 25 different types of waterslides, some designed for adults, others especially built for smaller kids.
This is a place which has professionally trained lifeguards, so you do not have to worry for a minute; the establishment can even provide you with professional babysitter services if you need to do your shopping in the area without your little ones around.
Several other summer sports facilities can be found here such as water volleyball, table tennis, badminton, or wall climbing. You can enjoy the extremely welcoming open air restaurant that can seat around 80-90 people, and a poolside bar where you can order your refreshment. The Tuban/Kuta area has it all for the perfect family adventure-day!
Where can you shop in the Tuban area?
Well, the huge Centro Discovery Shopping Mall awaits its guests with offerings for all budgets. You can find everything from simple swimwear, up to luxury gifts and items. After a busy day on Tuban’s silvery white sand beach, it is definitely worth a walk to this mall, where you could try out some local delicacies in one of the many restaurants here, or you could engage in a game of bowling as well.
Eating in Tuban area
Some of the most famous restaurants and bars around Tuban include Daddy’s Café, the All Stars Surf Café, Musro, and the Golden Lotus.
If you want a taste of real traditional food, then you should not skip the “warungs” (street and market food establishments, family-owned businesses) that you can find near the beaches or in busier marketplaces in the area.
Visit Katika Plaza in Tuban, more specifically the “Kebab Palace” there, if you want a real taste of traditional Turkish and Greek Cuisine (delicious kebab and souvlaki treats at very reasonable prices).
For a modern restaurant setting, that serves traditional Indonesian food, choose Batan Waru restaurant in Tuban. The fish grilled in banana leaves with peanut sauce seasoned with chili, is a heavenly treat you do not want to miss!
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Thu, Apr 28, 2011
Blue Lagoon Beach - Padang Bai's Jewel
Padang Bai is located in the Eastern part of Bali, and offers many watersport activities for tourists such as: snorkeling or scuba diving, but there are also many tourist spots worth checking out, such as the temples of Pura Dalem, Pura Telagamas or Pura Silaykuti.
Apart from these, there are also plenty of notable places where you can eat or take a refreshing drink. For delicious seafood, you should visit Bamboo Paradise and you are going to be pleasantly surprised that you can listen to live rock music, and even to live local traditional music bands. After your short tour on Padang Bai, you should head off to visit the hidden jewel of the seas, the Blue Lagoon Beach.
How to get there?
From the Mia Villa private villa resort, it is a two hour trip to reach Blue Lagoon on Padang Bai. You can always ask the friendly team at the concierge service to arrange a trip for you and your family, or to direct you towards the most comfortable and advantageous solution on how you should get there on your own. You can head off to the boat with a rented car, driven by a professional chauffeur, or you can also certainly arrange to go on your own by driving the car yourself. Once you reach Padang Bai, you just have to follow the signs on your way towards the eastern part, and you should reach the lagoon quickly and easily by foot.
Blue Lagoon Beach – numer one activity
Padang Bai’s Blue Lagoon is a world famous spot for snorkeling. The animated coral reefs stretch up to the shore, so there are plenty of amazing things to see just as soon as you look underwater. Snorkeling is usually a much loved activity for the entire family, because with just a little guidance, children can enjoy the amazing underwater life as well.
Scuba Diving in Blue Lagoon
There are several diving sites in Padang Bai, but Blue Lagoon is by far the best place to admire the diverse underwater life. Here you can admire the wide stretch of Staghorn corals, and the amazingly diverse fish life. Here you can also catch a glimpse of the huge humphead wrasse, which also goes by the name Napoleon wrasse. It is around 1.5 to 2 meters long, and its huge lips make this fish look quite funny. It is definitely a wonderful adventure to swim along the immense humphead wrasse at the Blue Lagoon.
Some other interesting fish species you can see here are the stargazers, the colorful scorpionfish, the rays and the blue ribbon eel which is categorized as being a very elegant fish due to its soft waving movements and its thin and elongated body shape. There is a true colorful aquarium that you can admire here at the Blue Lagoon.
You will notice many photographers as well, who have come for the amazing sights that this place offers. If you want to be part of a truly amazing experience, then you should book your trip so that you can stay for the night, and try out an organized scuba diving trip at night. It is an experience you will never forget!
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Thu, Mar 31, 2011
Tanjung Benoa Beach - The Ultimate Tourist Paradise Spot
Tanjung Benoa lies only an hour’s distance from Mia Villa, and can be reached very easily. It is a perfect spot, not only for a one-day family beach outing, but also for a friendly get-together at one of the many restaurants you can find there. Years ago, it was nothing more than a beautiful traditional fishing village, and today it has transformed into a very popular beach resort attraction. But even now, you will be able to witness the untouched beauty of its wild nature, by taking a stroll to the western side of the beach.
Coconut trees, silvery carpets and a holy temple
This is the exotic picture that you will get when you visit Tanjung Benoa. Coconut trees shade this little spot of heaven, and they are definitely a huge attraction for little ones and grown ups alike. After sunbathing and having fun splashing in the waves all day; during sunset, you can take a visit to the Buddhist temple nearby. It is a sacred place that will give you a few moments of inner peace.
Benoa peninsula, as the locals like to call it, can be very easily reached wherever you are in Bali. For instance, it will take you no more than 20 minutes to reach it from Kuta, while if you are going over from Sanur, it is merely a half an hour drive.
Famous activities in Tanjung Benoa
Once you come to visit this little tropical paradise spot, you are not allowed to get lazy. There are many sports activities you can try out:
- The Flying Fish – a must-try parasailing kite trick for those who love to feel the adrenaline
- Scuba diving
- Kayaking & boating
- Wind surfing
- Snorkeling & Reef Fishing
The whole family will have tons of fun, and can keep in shape here at Tanjung Benoa. The Bali Golf Club is a very prestigious club that is located very nearby, and if you want to see the world-class golf lessons and facilities, you shouldn’t miss out on a visit.
After an exhausting day on the beach, you need real food
There are several very nice open air restaurants here, where you can try out everything from traditional local delicacies to world cuisine. Just having dinner in a terrace-style restaurant; feeling the breeze and enjoying the flickering light from the beautiful candle arrangements; is an experience that will stay with you for a long long time.
Some of the most favorite restaurants here are the “La Scala” that waits for its clients with delicious international menus, the “Thao” for an authentic taste of Asian cuisine and a wonderful spectacle of candle lights floating on the water of the main pool; and finally, “Spice” is the place for gourmets only, which is the most popular restaurant for an exquisite dinner (you can even try out specialties from as far away Africa!).
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Mon, Mar 14, 2011
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Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Thu, Mar 03, 2011
Kuta Beach - The Famous Tourist Oasis of Bali
Kuta beach is indeed perhaps the most famous beach in Bali, Indonesia. This is the ultimate spot to find everything:
- Plenty of beach activities, such as water sports
- Shopping facilities- souvenirs, swimwear, or aquatic sports equipments you can get them all at highly advantageous prices
- Exciting nightlife – beach bars, nightclubs, discos, and what not!
- Plenty of restaurants where you can indulge into everything that will pamper your palate: starting from Western Cuisine and up to the spicy delicious local Indonesian dishes.
Your first impression, when you arrive at Kuta beach will be that you don’t know where to start. There are so many fun and inviting activities that you really need a good plan to take you through the day. If you’re staying at Mia Villa you’re very lucky, because Kuta beach is only 30 minutes away, so you can dedicate more than just one day to exploring this wonderful beach.
More than 5 kilometers of soft sand beneath your feet
Kuta beach stretches out for more than 5 kilometers. You can take long and relaxing walks here early in the morning. So take your family and friends, and start exploring this huge sandy carpet, sit down when you are tired and watch the mighty waves bounce to the shore. This is a simple experience, but very rewarding and energizing. This is a good example of the saying “less is more”, when all it takes is experiencing life’s little miracles in order to feel fulfilled.
Excitement, Fun and Adventure on the beach all day long
Some of the most popular and most thrilling activities here on Kuta beach include Kite Flying (wonderful experience for the kids!); all you need to do is find yourself a windy little spot and let that colorful kite fly!
For the adrenaline junkies, the Slingshot can offer some sensations! This will simply catapult you 55 meters up in the air- just try it out and see if you can take all that excitement.
Surfing is yet another very popular sports activity here, because the waves are simply built for surfing. Bring your own board, or rent one on the beach and off you go, trying to tame the wild ocean.
Check out traditional Balinese people bringing offerings to the neighboring temples
Kuta beach offers a very busy and colorful experience throughout the day. People sunbathing, children building sand castles, vendors offering the cheap batiks and sarongs for you to take home as souvenirs, surfers riding the waves, others bungee jumping, families sitting at the terraced bars sipping cocktails and eating ice cream….You’ve got the general picture.
But when the sun is about to set, it is time for you to visit those beautiful sacred places around Kuta, the temples. Some of the most famous temples in the area are the Pura Batu Bolong, and Pura Penataran. Admire the Balinese people, who, in such a franticly busy area, still have the time to respect tradition, go and pray and bring their offerings to the temples.
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Thu, Feb 17, 2011
Balangan Beach – A Peaceful Day in Bali
The most popular beaches in Bali are the Kuta area beaches, the ones belonging to Sanur and of course Nusa Dua resort. But what about a nice and peaceful spot, away from the turbulent crowds; say like Balangan Beach? Here you can enjoy relaxation and a truly quiet day at the beach with your family and friends. You can indulge in surf activities, as the waves are simply perfect for surfing, and at the end of the day you are invited to have a nice long walk on the sand to admire the sunset. If you are staying at the Mia Villa private resort, the beach is approximately 1.5 hour drive away. You’ll need to take off your entire day, in order to explore the natural beauties here at Balangan beach.
How to get there?
Balangan beach is situated in the Bukit area of the Uluwatu region. On your way there, you pass by the famous Garuda Wisnu Kencana building and statue which stands at more than 100 meters tall; so on your way to the beach, visit this architectural wonder, and catch a slice of Balinese culture. You just need to follow the signs, and you will shortly arrive at the Balngan beach parking lot (which is simply untouched nature, without spoiling the natural atmosphere).
Comfortable black & white sandy beach
At Balangan beach, you will find an amazing mixture of black and white sands, glistening in the sun. Many photographers adore the area as it displays a very interesting sight of sand with some little pools of water. From a distance, it is a very interesting view.
You can come here with a rental car, but you could also fill your day with some adventure and rent a motorbike, and feel the fresh breeze in your hair on your way down to the beach.
Late in the afternoon, it is a pleasure to just sit on the beach and watch those waves splashing, seeing a few people putting their surf skills at test he re and there. There is also a very nice temple that you can visit, early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
One thing you have to keep in mind is, that to reach Balangan beach, you need to go down a few steep stairs. You just need to be careful not to carry to much luggage with you down to the beach.
Balangan – the best playground
You and your kids can indulge in collecting shells, building wonderful dams and dreamy sand castles, or simply watch the fish swimming in the pond. Balangan definitely makes for the most wonderful playground in the world, with its perfect sand stretches. Kids will love it, and you will enjoy your perfectly relaxing day too!
When you’ve had enough of the sun rays and the ocean waves, you can simply go out exploring, and sit down at one of the cute restaurants you can find here. You can choose between Western Cuisine and local Indonesian food, there is a wide variety of places to suit any wallet: backpacker’s restaurants to restaurants that belong to the fancier bungalow resorts in the area.
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Mon, Jan 24, 2011
If you are a traveler by heart and have heard of the famous beaches of Bali, then you must have envisaged yourself walking on the beautiful sands, or catching a wave during your Bali holiday. But, options are plenty when it comes to beaches of Bal, it may be tough to choose between all of them.
Kuta – The place to be
It’s vibrant, energetic and exciting. Kuta Beach is still known as the most popular beach in Bali.
Kuta’s 3km long sands are filled with vendors selling all, from cocktails to surfboards. If you are in Kuta, don’t miss out on the surfing as this is what Kuta is famous for. Buying a snack or renting a chair costs just a little over your pocket change, leaving you with more than enough for handmade souvenirs.
If you are a lover of scenic beauty, then you must watch sunset from this beach that will definitely be an experience of a lifetime for you.
Legian – A busy beach ideal for surfers
Justifying its name, Legian beach has a silent and more laid-back vibe. It is situated at a very small stride from Kuta Beach. Legian beach is busier with roving beauticians and vendors.
There are mature palm trees all over the beach, so no need for an umbrella. Just grab a beach chair and enjoy nature. However, swimming in Legian beach should be done with care because undercurrents tend to be frequent.
Seminyak – A beautiful beach with excellent shopping nearby
Seminyak beach is located near the amazing Seminyak shopping district. Great for a cooling dip before or after your shopping spree.
Don’t miss out on a horse ride along the beach, especially beautiful at sunset. Or pamper yourself at one of the many Spa centers all along the beach. Of course, as always, surfing is a great option.
Very beautiful landscape at Pasir Putih
Pasir Putih is a 500 meter long beach, separated from the whole world by green headlands on both ends with a steep cliff at the back. On the beach, you can find around six warungs made of palm and bamboo leaves, selling food and cold drinks, and providing cushioned lounges for hire. At beach’s far end, there is a group of conventional blue, green, red, and yellow striped fishing boats.
After arriving at beach, you may choose a warung and bargain a menu as well as lunch time with the owners. Then just take a dip in the cool and crystal clear water. Sections of the bay near the headlands also prove to be great snorkeling areas.
Grab a Bintang (a popular local beer) and have your lunch in the makeshift barbeque with fresh chicken, seafood or traditional Indonesian food items. In the early stages of the afternoon, you can watch the local fishermen mysteriously materialize and launch their boats into the sea, unfurl the triangular, colorful, curved sails and then skim across ocean.
If you are in love with the ocean, Bali is a must visit for you. You will fall in love with the beaches, the overall atmosphere and rediscover beauty.
Posted by Mia Villa Bali on Wed, Dec 08, 2010
You do not necessarily have to be a professional surfer in order to feel a little bit of adrenaline that only riding a wave can give you. Bali is the perfect destination for surfing, especially with its vast beaches which are flooded with all kinds of surfers; from newbies to even professional surfers that come from all over the World to experience the Balinese waves.
When choosing a surf school; do make sure that the school you have chosen has valid international certification, and that safety standards are being observed. Also, take a look at the surf equipment; which should be of high quality displaying the best brand names in the world.
From standing on the board to riding the wild waves
If you have the will, ambition and passion to learn surfing, surf schools put at your disposal several lessons guided by professional surfers. A one day beginner lesson, if you only want to catch a feel of the atmosphere, is aproximately 40 Euros. Many different price packages that cater to your needs are available. Why not try a 10 day package, where you can
Here are the lesson focus points for a comprehensive course:
- Stand on your surfboard, and learn to control the waves, continuously building even more confidence with each lesson.
- Learn about backhand and forehand skills. This is not going to be easy, but thanks to your instructor, you will definitely find it a very thrilling experience.
- Navigation tricks and skills
- Learn to climb the waves with your surf
- Be taken to a real surf trip by your coach
If on a family holiday in Bali, there are even lessons that are available specially for kids. The more comprehensive the package you want to buy, and of course the more members of your family join the course, the higher the discounts you are eligible for.
Surf trips for the enthusiasts
If you are a long time surf enthusiast, or have just become one thanks to the lessons you have been taking; be sure to join in on one of the many surf trips organized by surf schools, to the best spots on the island. These professionals will know when the tide is optimum, and the best places to ride the waves during all hours of the day. There are trips with coaches which are suitable for those who have gone through at least 10 - 12 surfing lessons (intermediate level at least), while the guided trips are suitable for the mre competent surfers. Keep in mind that a guide is not your surf instructor, he will only take you to the best spots and make sure you have everything you need (i.e. surfing equipment, cool drinks, etc.).
Even if you are an adept surfer, if it is your first time on the Balinese waves, you are highly advised to book a few guided trips first, before venturing out on your own. Guided tours do not cost a lot of money, and you will know that you are taken to the best spots around the island. Even if you need to travel to the destination with a boat, the price is usually included in the guided tour overall price.