Bali’s Best bits
Beautiful Bali offers such a diverse and colourful experience. It is a humble and friendly island offering warm interactions, epic adventures, spiritualism and scenic surroundings. Bali is far more than just an inexpensive escape for Aussies. Balinese culture Dance plays a significant part in Balinese storytelling. The costumes and the bewitching movements that feature in traditional dance performances are fascinating to watch. A popular dance explaining Bali’s respect for both good and bad spirits is the Barong dance. Click here to read more about it. Scenery Bali is referred to as ‘The Island of the Gods’ and it is certainly worthy of the title. The beautiful island is full of…
10 Reasons to visit South East Asia
South East Asia consists of eleven countries, spread along the edge of the Asian continent and across island nations. The area offers a variety of exciting experiences from walking with tigers in Thailand, visiting ancient temples in Cambodia, joining a small group tour in Laos and scoffing tasty noodles in Bali. Adventurers reap many rewards. Discover Asian culture South East Asia offers wonderfully diverse cultures. The origins are mainly Indian and Chinese with Arab, Portuguese, Spanish and Malay influences depending on where you go. One great way to absorb local culture is through talking with people or experiencing local storytelling. The Barong dance in Bali is an easily accessible example.…
5 Reasons to try street food in Asia
Part of the joy of travelling is discovering new things and if like me you enjoy culinary adventures then Asian street food can really provide some fantastic experiences. The human experience Eating at street food stalls in Asian countries is a very personal experience. The stall holder will often smile and make friendly gestures while you point out what you want, and will then encourage you to take a seat or watch the cooking process. Adventurous eating Trying new things means you will discover new foods you never knew about before. Granted, locusts and grubs may be pushing your boundaries, but it is certainly an adventure. Is street food safe?…
Shopping in Bali
The Bali shopping experience is a lot of fun, firstly there are oodles of treasures to be found and secondly there are no fixed prices. Combine this with the friendliness of the Balinese people and shopping becomes a joy! It is a wholly different experience from the average high street. Bargaining is the norm in Bali and the increased level of personal interaction it brings is great fun once you overcome any personal discomfort about offering shopkeepers less than they ask. Shopping in Bali Bali is a veritable treasure trove for those who are keen to buy silk, silver or crafts. Almost every market stall and apparel shop sold simple…
Nasi Goreng
I wasn’t sure what to expect of Indonesian cuisine before arriving there. I will admit it concerned me a bit because of my severe dislike of spicy foods. I shouldn’t have worried though. I discovered nasi goreng and it was love at first bite Nasi Goreng Pronounced ‘nazee gorang’ and offered on most menus, nasi goreng was a reliable and tasty treat while I explored Bali and it was NOT spicy (although you can request it to be). Essentially it is fried rice served with fish, chicken, pork or beef and, often in tourist areas, a fried egg on top and a satay stick. Nasi goreng is a traditional dish…
Bali’s Barong Dance
Balinese mythology is often illustrated through dance. Bali’s traditional Barong dance is a mythical story about good versus evil and provides a fascinating insight into Balinese culture. Barong Barong is the good spirit and looks quite lion-like. He has a red head and his body is covered in white hair. His head is adorned with jewels and pieces or mirror providing sparkle. Despite his innate goodness the Barong mask can still look a bit frightening. Rangda Barong’s appearance is nothing as scary as that of Rangda however. Rangda is the evil spirit. She is portrayed as a witchcraft-practising widow. Her appearance features more black symbolising her evil nature, she has…
