One of the fourteen thousand islands of the Indonesian archipelago is the island of Bali. It sits exactly twelve time zones away from New York City, approximately halfway between Singapore on the tip of the South East Asian peninsula and Darwin on the north western part of Australia. One thing to remember about Bali is that the island is not too big. It is about one hundred miles from North to South, and one hundred miles from West to East.

The sun rises at six am and sets at six pm most of the year. The temperature variation is very small and Bali does not have four seasons but has only wet season, typically from September to February and a dry season for the other half of the year. However the difference is marginal. At the peak of the wet season you will see about a half hour to an hour serious downpour in the afternoon about perfect for a siesta. The rest of the time Nice, warm temperature, especially with a twist of sea-breeze in the beaches of Kuta or Nusa Dua.

The island of Bali is blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Contrary to popular beliefs spread by travel guidebooks, not all of night life activities in Bali are the result of foreign tourists. Two spectacular night time activities that are on the opposite end of a spectrum are distantly Balinese The Kecak Dance and Wayang Kulit or Shadow Puppet.

It is a shoppers paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artefacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, youre sure to need more room in your suitcase. Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.

The perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia.