Wednesday 14 November 2007

Beach Life in Bali is Pure Fun in the Sun

As the temperature gets chillier in many Northern Hemisphere countries, tropical destinations such as Baliseem all the more attractive. With their bona fide friendly nature and ingenious for hospitality, the Balinese make the island an even more popular destination to beachcombers in search of sun, sand and surf.

Bali also has a variety of beach options to suit every kind of traveler. There are the popular surf spots of Kuta and Legian, the luxurious and private shores of Nusa Dua, the chic and romantic Seminyak beach and the beautifully serene locale of Sanur.

Says seasoned traveler Ganesh Manickavasagar, Director of D’Casting Company, “Bali is one of those locations... where you really feel an affinity with the environment. The picturesque beaches, charming people and traditional culture combine together to create a unique experience that really is unmatched by other tropical destinations.”

With its clean break waves and lengthy golden shore, Kuta has been a favourite among surfers since the 1970s. These days, the area is something of a tourist Mecca, offering a prime nightlife and entertainment scene in addition to its vast array of beach activities and hotels. The area is also brimming with shopping options, with everything from branded luxury clothes and accessories to bohemian beach wear.

The Kuta town and surrounding suburbs are suitable for all types of tourists including seasoned solo surfers, young groups of friends, couples and families. It is an epicenter for surf, sun and fun – but not necessarily peace and quiet. For this year’s summer high season, Agoda.com has hot deals around Kuta beach and the suburbs of Legian at Santika Beach Hotel, The Rani Hotel and Spa and Legian Beach Hotel.

“Bali is my favorite holiday spot. I’m from Sydney and love surfing back home but Bali has a different, more laid back feel. I love the food, the people and Balinese culture. Also, you cannot get a beach massage Balinese style at such a cheap price back home; they’re sublime!” says frequent Bali traveler and customer service manager, Natalie Brooks.

Not far from Kuta town is the trendy Seminyak beach. Quickly earning a reputation for being a sleek, boutique hotspot, Seminyak has a first-rate swimming beach and a number of designer accommodation and fine dining options. Agoda recommendations include the Resor Seminyak Resort & Spa and the opulent Oberoi Hotel.

The luxurious beach cove of Nusa Dua is a favorite among those traveling to Bali, because of its calm, tranquil atmosphere and inviting turquoise waters. It is a perfect place for romancing honeymooners but also for those with a passion for underwater life – there are good diving and snorkeling spots to be found in this area. Agoda has special discounts at Nikko Resort & Spa, Melia Benoa Hotel and Nusa Dua Resort & Spa, all known for their splendid outdoor landscaping, Balinese architecture and high levels of service.

Closer to Denpasar, the quiet beach of Sanur is a pleasant alternative to the highly developed and more popular beach spots of Bali. Everything at Sanur moves at a leisurely pace, and guests can experience a more traditional Bali, with local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day and the soothing sounds of the nearby temple, offering a unique atmosphere. Agoda has special hotel rates at Sanur Beach Hotel, Mercure Sanur Hotel and Sri Phala Resort and Villas.

San Sebastian Tours

San Sebastian also known as Donostia-San Sebastian is the capital province of Gipuzkoa in the basque country, Spain. Surrounded by beaches this place is blessed with pristine beauty located on the Basque coast of northwest Spain 20 km away from the French border. Strolling on the La Concha beach, the most famous and usually packed in July and August with large number of tourists is simply amazing. It is larger on the west side with an island and boats in the bay. Those people who love sports and adventures this place is heaven for them. La Zurriola is on the east of the old town and river is very popular and mostly thronged by the tourists as it is a surf beach were you can simply get in and ride the Atlantic waves and enjoy the beach sports.

Another beach Ondarreta is also famous for surfing and adventure sports. If you want you can go for hiking on the top of the mountain between the beaches. Hire a kayak and try to measure the depth of the water and tryst with the panoramic view. The city of Guipuzcoa is beautifully decorated with the breathtaking green mountain landscapes which attract attention... of one and all. Going to this place and not visiting the museums and knowing its past history would be something like things done half heartedly. The Dominican monastery built in 16th century has remarkable collection of Basque artifacts from prehistoric times. The museum of San Sebastian is worth seeing.
Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz is an Oceanographic museum takes you to the underwater walkways and allows you to take glimpse of sharks, rays and other marine creatures. It also boasts of huge collection of numerous marine creatures kept in large tanks. The maritime museum shows the fascination of mankind towards the sea since ages with historical displays of naval artifacts, fishing gear and marine fossils.

San Sebastian has long known for its style and very conscious of the image formed since past gives way to the high-end shops with trendy boutiques filled with something which is off-beat or way-out designer gear. The Basque Cuisine is famous within Spain and San Sebastian is famous for its bar and restaurants. Every bar in San Sebastian burst with delicate looking Tapas which is usually enjoyed with a glass of wine or a small beer. The kalimotxo is a local drink made of 50% wine and 50% coca cola is very famous among the youngsters. The food available here is varied, one can go for Basque cuisine if not Chinese, German, Galician and Italian are also available. Some people enjoy the freshest seafood served in San Sebastian.

San Sebastian International Film Festival and International Jazz Festival are some of the biggest event which attracts not only the tourists but also the celebrities. There are some fine hotels here but not sufficient to accommodate the influx of tourists especially in the months of July and august to witness the unique candlelit ceremony, takes place to venerate San Sebastian's devastating 1813 fire. So reservation in advance is essential.