Bali
One of the most magical islands in the world, Bali justly deserves its nickname 'The Island of a Thousand Gods'. The southern beaches of Kuta and Nusa Dua are blessed with long swathes of golden sand with azure waters lapping at the shore. Although much of the north coast is covered in black, volcanic sand, the beaches here tend to be somewhat quieter and still offer a wonderful location for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing.
Natural attractions don't stop at the beach; in the east, the volcanic mountain of Gunung Agung soars up into the clear blue sky. The island's interior has its own charm. Terraced rice fields cascade down the hillside, providing a green backdrop to the terracotta-hued temples that dot the countryside.
For culture lovers, Bali has kept alive its traditional music and dance. The best place to enjoy such cultural attractions is the town of Ubud in the centre of the island, where visitors can see performances of gamelan music, besides the traditional kecak and barong dances.
See & Do
Apart from the obvious activity of lying on Bali's beautiful beaches, there is a wealth of history, art and stunning natural scenery on the island. The artistic centre of Bali, the charming Ubud is home to numerous art galleries and craft shops, making it an ideal place for art lovers to browse while soaking up the very Balinese atmosphere. Some of the best traditional dance shows can be seen here. Stroll down to the aptly named Monkey Forest, located just outside the town, to see some of its inhabitants swinging from the trees. Kuta, the tourist capital of Indonesia, is well worth exploring. Jimbaran and Seminyak offer very different alternatives. The laid back town of Seminyak has become a centre for many upmarket restaurants and clubs. A region known as Kintamani is worlds away from the calm beaches of the south. Volcanic mountains soar up to well over 2,000 metres. Also worth a visit is the Tanah Lot temple, Nusa Dua and the capital city of Denpasar..
Shopping
If you're interested in ethnic handicrafts, traditional fabrics, wooden ornaments or even furniture, you'll find Bali to be a shopping paradise. There are heaps of markets, shops and shopping centres on the island offering excellent deals on good quality products Handicraft production is centred in the areas near Denpasar and Ubud. Ubud has numerous shops selling crafts and souvenirs but is mainly famous for its galleries, where a number of local painters display their work, many of them modern, abstract pieces. If you're looking for wooden carvings, Ubud has several stores offering excellent examples of these. Kuta has a mix of cheerful little stores selling fake designer goods and more upmarket shops selling the real thing. Kuta is also home to the biggest and most modern shopping centre in Bali, Bali Galeria, a huge complex with a cinema, duty-free shop and many stores selling international brands.
Dining
Bali is a foodie's paradise, offering both variety and quality. There are some lovely, romantic restaurants in all tourist areas, but you need to try the very small Indonesian-only places, called warungs, to really get a taste of the local cuisine. Each resort has its own restaurants, but the best places are around Seminyak or Kerobokan for western cuisine; and in Denpasar for Chinese or Indonesian fare.City
IndianGateway of India II: Jln Pantai Kuta 11B, Kuta.
Local Cuisine
Bumbu Bali Restaurant: JL. Pratama Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua.
Bali Hilton International *****
The magic of Bali Hilton International defies description. The hotel painstakingly blends the hospitality and grace of Bali's engaging people with the Hilton standards of excellence to create the perfect recipe for comfort and indulgence.
LOCATION
In the heart of Nusa Dua, a secluded yet luxurious resort development in the south of Bali, the hotel enjoys a stunning position overlooking the Indian Ocean. You get a tantalising glimpse of Bali's secret mountain, Gunung Agung, in the distance and immediately adjacent lies the Bali Golf and Country Club.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
Set amidst lush tropical gardens, the rooms offer a remarkable view and quiet surroundings. While some face the gardens, others overlook the golf course, the swimming pools and peaceful lagoons. All of the 537 tastefully done up rooms and suites have large, comfortable balconies. The Bali Hilton offers a host of recreational activities. For children, the Wayan Made children's club offers unlimited fun under the watchful eye of the guest activities attendants. Other facilities include a large swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts, two squash courts and a health club with a gymnasium. For golf enthusiasts, an 18-hole golf course is just next door. As for water sports, there are facilities for surfing, snorkelling, diving, parasailing and wind surfing.
DINING
In keeping with Balinese traditions and Hilton's reputation for excellent cuisine, the hotel has a variety of restaurants that serve both regional and international dishes. At Lagoona, the restaurant by the beach, you will find south-east Asian cuisine while Genji serves authentic Japanese cuisine. The 24-hour Waterfall Café presents international and Asian dishes and themed buffets. Octopus restaurant offers an à la carte menu featuring authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Surfer's Corner, beside the landscaped swimming pool, is a casual café and snack bar. The hotel's bars include the Beachfront Bar, the Vista Terrace and Lounge and the UG Pub with a live band. The Balinese Theatre provides the perfect setting to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and unique Balinese cultural performances.
SPECIALS
The resort offers its guests a uniquely Balinese experience. The great Hindu epic Ramayana is depicted in the magnificent architecture of Bali Hilton. The resort is designed to resemble a Balinese water palace in all its grandeur. Magnificent stone statues, resplendent fountains and stunning lagoon pools welcome you on arrival. Beautiful bas-relief and sculptures are featured throughout the landscape.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
A complimentary welcome drink and a fruit basket. Book two Grand Rooms and get a 25% discount on the second room.
Grand Plaza Park Royal, Kuala Lumpur *****
The resort's distinctive blend of refined luxury and warm hospitality make this beachfront resort a favourite with the world's jet set. This resort has played host to royalty, heads of state and the world's beautiful people.
LOCATION
Just minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport on the sun-drenched shores of beautiful Nusa Dua. Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa's 23 acres of sculpted gardens provide an oasis of space and tranquillity in the heart of Bali.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The resort's 381 guestrooms offer a subtle blend of modern amenities and artistic traditions. Each room features air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, private safes and entertainment facilities. Fine examples of the island's vivid arts and crafts, including batik textiles and ornately painted wall panels, are displayed throughout the hotel. The Balinese open-air theatre and Budaya cultural theatre offers cultural performances and theme buffets. Shows include the traditional Ramayana ballet and Legong dances. For the more active, a sports centre offers tennis courts, squash courts, a fully equipped gymnasium, a lap pool, mountain bikes, a climbing wall and an exercise video library.
DINING
Raja's Table, the resort's signature restaurant boasts a panoramic view of the beach and swimming pools. It offers the most delicious varieties of fish from the Asia Pacific region. Wedang Jahe is an informal restaurant for international cuisine nestled amidst palm trees and landscaped gardens, providing an idyllic setting for a lavish breakfast buffet or a midnight snack. The Chess Beach Barbeque offers themed dining with a difference and specialises in seafood. The Spa Cafe, adjacent to the spa lap pool, offers a wonderful dining alternative with fresh, nutritious fare.
SPECIALS
The resort's acclaimed spa features a wide range of decadent treatments. Guests may Opt for treatments in the Body Spa, the Spa Villa or Spa Pavilion. The spa's indulgences include a sauna, a lap pool, steam rooms and a Jacuzzi, as well as a hair and beauty salon.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for three nights and get a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room.