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Bali: The Jewel of Indonesia!

The island of Bali, located in Southeast Asia, is among one of many islands that make up the archipelago of Indonesia. Long known as an island paradise, Bali is a land of volcanic peaks, tropical jungles, bubbling springs, and stunning beaches. The peace loving populace are devout followers of Agama Hindu Dharma, a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese, and indigenous beliefs. Locals refer to Bali as the island of 1,000 gods, 1,000 temples, and 1,000 dances. Vacationers will be swept away by the natural beauty, the friendly islanders, and the opportunity for so much sun-filled fun.

Bali is known throughout the world as a place to go and soak up sunshine. One particularly stunning sun soaking spot is world famous Kuta Beach. Kuta is a great combination of beach activities and nightlife. The strong currents make swimming only for the very confident, but the beauty of the beach can be enjoyed by all. Another popular spot is Suna Beach, near the capital of Bali, Denpasar. Suna is guarded by a series of reefs that make Suna popular with windsurfers, sea kayakers, and other active enthusiasts. Nusa Dua Beach, on the Bukit Peninsula is the perfect place for a relaxing day of sun and swimming. The calm waves make this an ideal spot for a family outing.

If you need a break from the sunshine, take the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture by visiting one of the many temples on the island. Known as the "mother Temple of Bali", the sanctuary of Besakih, on the slopes of Mt. Agung, is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity (Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu) are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to various branches of the faith. Or, you could take a walk through the forest at Sangeh, and visit one of the three temples that exist among the sono trees and the Bali monkeys. The monkeys that live in this particular forest are considered sacred as well, and even though the urge to pet these cute little rascals is great, they should be left to their own devices.

As beautiful as the beaches and inland forests are, you may find the most beauty by donning a mask to snorkel and dive the local sights. A lot of the diving and snorkeling areas are very close to the shore, and each dive brings a wide variety of colorful hard and soft corals and an amazing range of tropical fish. Both Sanur and Nusa Dua beaches have introductory courses that are popular due to the close proximity of the reef just offshore. One of the most popular dives is the wreck of the USS Liberty that was torpedoed off the coast during WWII. After the eruption of Mt. Agung in 1963, she broke in half and was left in her present position close to the shore of Tulamben.

Golfers flock to Bali to find some of the best courses in all of Asia. Fortune Magazine called the Bali Golf & Country Club one of the "5 best courses in Asia." The course was designed by renowned golf course architects Rodney Wright and Robin Nelson of Hawaii. Multiple tees will challenge all skill levels. With the incredible beauty of the surrounding valleys and the view of Mt. Agung, your scorecard will be the least of your worries. Another good choice is the Nirwana Bali Golf Club, designed by "the shark" Greg Norman. The designer incorporated rice terraces and creeks into the loop, resulting in one of the most visually spectacular courses in Asia. Three holes are played on cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean; the twelfth hole, which overlooks the Tanah Lot temple, is one of the most photographed in the world.

A trip to Bali can be an enlightening and enjoyable experience. The rich cultural heritage amidst a naturally beautiful setting will woo any vacationer. Head to Batuan for the wood carvings and paintings by local artists. Take a trip to Celuk, and sample the silver and gold jewelry. Put on your dancing shoes as you head to Peliatan, known as the center of traditional music and folk dancing. Bali is a feast for every vacationer. How big is your appetite?