Best Family Beach Vacation - Destination Guide

Orderform

Categories

Destination Guide



Planning a family vacation? Want to get the best but can't afford much? Want to take more than one holiday this year? This is the right source for you and your family! Here you will find saveral holiday destinations available at one low price. Yes, low price, cheap, call it whatever you want... but of the best quality! For a limited time, Best Family Beach Vacations is offering you with collaboration with some partners a dream vacation for you and your family. *5 RESORTS - 4 PERSONS - 7 NIGHTS ONLY $169!** Check out our destination guide and see what we are offering you. Hurry up because these prices are only for a short period of time! *Please note that all our prices are inclusive of VAT. What you see is what you pay! No hidden last minute costs.

Destination Guide

Portugal

An independent kingdom since 1143, Portugal established its continental frontiers in 1297 and is one of the oldest nations in Europe. Situated on the west side of the Iberian Peninsula, its geographic location along the Atlantic coast soon determined its vocation to the sea.

Practical Info

Climate: Mild year round. Summers are dry and clear, with warm sunshine extending long into Autumn. Winters are moderately cool and are the rainiest time of year, except in subtropical Madeira, where there is little rain. Mid-Summer temperatures range in the 70 F, while Winter temperatures range from the low to mid-50s.

Time: Continental Portugal and Madeira Island are on the Greenwich time - five hours ahead of Eastern Time & eight ahead of Pacific Time. The Azores Islands are 1 hour behind the Portuguese mainland. Daylight savings time begins the last Sunday in March (clocks are turned one hour ahead) and ends the last Sunday in October (clocks go back one hour).

TRAVELERS TO PORTUGAL WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE LOCAL CULTURE THROUGH YEAR-ROUND FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS!

Calendar of Events for 2006

Jan 1, New Year’s Day
Feb 28, Mardi Gras (Carnival)
Apr 14, Good Friday
Apr 25, Freedom Day
May 1, Labour Day
Jun 10, Portugal Day
Jun 15, Corpus Christi
Aug 15, Assumption
Oct 5, Republic Day
Nov 1, All Saints’ Day
Dec 1, Restoration of Independence Day
Dec 8, Immaculate Conception
Dec 25, Christmas Day

VISA and ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Andorra, Liechtenstein and Malta require an identity card in order to gain entry into Portugal. Visitors from countries requiring a visa, the maximum length of stay in Portugal is 90 days. American and Canadian nationals may stay without a visa for up to 60 days with a valid passport. When this limit is exceeded, a fine is levied in accordance with the number of days in excess of the limit. The passport must be valid for three months longer than the period of stay except in the case of countries from the European Union and the European Economic Area.

Citizens from the following countries require both a visa and a valid passport: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola (holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from visa requirements), Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia (visas are only required by holders of service passports), Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brunei, Bulgaria (visas are not required by holders of diplomatic passports), Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde Islands (holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from visa requirements), Central African Republic, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (ex-Zaire), Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Fyrom (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco (holders of diplomatic, service and special passports are exempt from visa requirements), Mozambique (holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from visa requirements), Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Mariana Islands, North Korea, Oman, Palau, Pakistan, Palestinian National Authority, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania (visas are not required by holders of diplomatic passports), Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, São Tomé and Príncipe (holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from visa requirements), Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa (holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from visa requirements), Sri Lanka, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia (holders of diplomatic and service passports are exempt from visa requirements), Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela (visas are only required by holders of Service Passports), Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Madeira
If you look at the size of Madeira, you can hardly imagine that this island has so much to offer! From many historical monuments, squares and streets in the capital of Funchal to enchanting gardens, picturesque villages, amazing landscapes, impressive volcanic caves, rugged coast lines, beautiful natural beaches and, last but not least, breathtaking views, there is so much to see that you will soon realize that one visit to Madeira just isn’t enough!

Cyprus

Welcome to Cyprus, an island of legends that basks year-round in the light of the warm Mediterranean sun. A storied past 10,000 years long has seen civilizations come and go and the likes of everyone from Alexander the Great to Cleopatra stake their claim here - but then, people do tend to get possessive when faced with such beauty. Aphrodite made her home on Cyprus, and travellers throughout antiquity came here just to pay her tribute.

Today Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people. This official website of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation is designed to be your electronic entry to the quiet beauty of Cyprus in all its dimensions. Step inside for an in-depth look at an island that is as exotic as you imagine - and more accessible than you might think.

Practical Info

Climate: Cyprus enjoys an intense Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and with mild winters from December to February which are separated by short autumn and spring seasons. Summer is a season of high temperatures with cloudless skies, but the sea breeze creates a pleasant atmosphere in the coastal areas. Winters are mild with some rain and snow on Troodos Mountains (usually starting before Christmas). In Cyprus there is abundant sunshine as indicated in the tables above. Even in December and January, there is an average of six hours of bright sunshine per day.

Public Holidays: The following is a list of public holidays for 2006 as celebrated in Cyprus.

Jan 1 2006: New Year’s Day.
Jan 6: Epiphany.
Mar 6: Green Monday.
Mar 25: Greek National Day.
Apr 1: Greek Cypriot National Day.
Apr 21: Greek Orthodox Good Friday.
Apr 24: Greek Orthodox Easter Monday.
May 1: Labour Day.
June 12: Pentecost (Kataklysmos).
Aug 15: Assumption.
Oct 1: Cyprus Independence Day.
Oct 28: Greek National Day (Ochi Day).
Dec 24-26: Christmas.

Who requires a visa?
Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, Other EU, Japan for a stay of up to 90 days;
(b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Korea (Rep), Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela, and Special Administrative Regions of the Peoples’ Republic of China: Hong Kong and Macao for a stay of up to 90 days;
(c) transit passengers continuing their onward journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

What documents will be required?
Passport valid for at least 6 months required by all except:
1. nationals of EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who hold a valid national identity card with the bearer’s photograph. Passports must be valid for 3 months after day of departure for visitors not requiring visas. Those requiring visas must have passports valid for 6 months from date of intended stay;
2. holders of: (a) Laissez-passer issued by the United Nations. Nationals of Egypt and Israel can enter Cyprus with a Laissez-passer provided they hold an entry permit previously obtained by the Immigration Department in Nicosia. (b) Travel documents issued by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus to Cypriot nationals. (c) Documents issued to stateless persons and recognised refugees.

Paphos

- Home To Aphrodite, Adonis, Dionysus, and Lucky Mortals

Paphos, a small charming harbour town, on the west of the island, which has been, during certain times in antiquity, the capital of Cyprus, has a history which goes back literally thousands of years, and has always attracted visitors from the rest of the island and abroad.

From the modern town centre to the picturesque harbour and, stretching across the coastline, lie innumerable ancient sites which not surprisingly have now been included in UNESCO's list of World Cultural Heritage sites. After all, this is the birthplace and centre of worship of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty and the whole area retains some of this magic.

Bordered by a lovely coastline, the Paphos area has charming villages in its mountains, here life has gone unchanged over the years, where the customs and traditions of the country have been kept alivc because that is ow it has always been. And in the heartland, are famous monasteries such as Ayios Neophytos and Chrysoroyiatissa with modern day pilgrims.

Spain

Spain, together with Portugal, forms the westernmost of the three major peninsulas of southern Europe, an enormous octagonal promontory, at the extreme southwest of the continent. It is situated in a temperate area, between latitudes 43 47' 24''N. (Estaca de Bares) and 36 00' '3'' S. (Punta de Tarifa) and between longitudes 7 00' 29'' E. (Cabo de Creus) and 5 36' 40'' W. (Cabo Tourinan). Out of a total of 580,825 square kilometres, Spain occupies four fifths of the Peninsula. It borders to the North on the Bay of Biscay, France and Andorra; to the East, on the Mediterranean; to the South, on the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, and to the West on the Atlantic and Portugal.

Practical Info

Climate: Spain's predominant climate is Mediterranean-temperate, with dry summers, and pretty constant temperatures during the winter. In Spain, you will enjoy more than three thousand hours of sunlight. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that this region is one of the warmest in Europe.
In this sense, we should mention the Canary Islands. Because of its peculiar location, in front of the African coastline, these islands enjoy a mild climate, with generous temperatures (the annual average on the coasts being 22ºC), without a major difference in weather between daytime and night time.

Public Holidays: The Spanish calendar is dotted with holidays of many different kinds. Whether local or national, most of these holidays include an interesting calendar of events, with concerts, fairs, open-air dances, religious celebrations, and popular festivities.
Many of them have been declared to be of Tourist Interest, both nationally and internationally. Visiting Spain during these festivities is, without a doubt, a great idea.

The following days are Spanish national public holidays for 2006:

January 6. Epiphany.

14 April, Good Friday.

1 May, May (Workers') Day.

August 15. Assumption of the Virgin.

October 12. El Pilar.

November 1. All Saint's Day.

December 6. Spanish Constitution Day.

December 8. Immaculate Conception.

25 December, Christmas Day.

What documentation do I need in order to travel to Spain?
Travelling to Spain is easy. The documents you need vary depending on where you are from.

If you are a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein: all you need is your Identification Card, or a valid passport. Minors travelling with their ID card must have a document that shows parental authorisation.

If you are from any of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, Korea, Romania, San Marino, the Holy See, Singapore, Uruguay, and Venezuela: all you need is a valid passport to enter Spain, where you can stay for a maximum of 90 days.

If you are from any other country, according to the criteria of the EU: you must request a visa at the Spanish Consulate of your country of residence. You will also need a valid passport.

For these cases, the Spanish authorities may ask documents showing where you will stay, confirmation of an organised tour, return air tickets, tourist circuit, or a personal invitation letter. You may also be asked to show proof of having enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain.

Since conditions may vary, we recommend you contact your local Spanish Consulate or Embassy for more information on these requirements. Here is a list of Spanish Consulates and Embassies in your place of residence.

Canary Islands
The Happy Islands - This paradisiac group of islands, with a preferred climate and constant temperature through all the year, and splendid beaches of fine sand, consists of 7 larger islands (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, Gomera, Hierro) and a few smaller ones (Alegranza, Graciosa, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, Roque del Oeste und Lobos). Surprisingly, the landscape of each island is radically different to the others.

Already Greeks and Romans reported on this archipelago of volcanic origins, and called it the Happy Islands, Garden of the Hesperides, Atlantida, ... Some historians suppose that the legendary continent Atlantis was located here. The islands' original population, called Guanches, is tall and of white skin.
In 1496 the islands became part of the Spanish kingdom, and the ships of Christopher Columbus stopped here on their travel to discover the New World.

Malaga
Málaga is the major coastal city of Andalucia and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city with a gritty individualism untouched by tourism and, to a large extent, the passage of time.

The Moors occupied the city until the mid fifteenth century, after which it grew to become one of the foremost merchant centres in the entire Iberian Peninsula. This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre, particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and is now a fascinating archaeological museum.

These days, Málaga prides itself on being a modern city with the heart of commerce dominated by Calle Larios which is the local Bond Street equivalent. Garden lovers won't be disappointed in Malaga either. In the centre of the city is the beautiful Alameda Gardens, and just outside on the way to Antequera one finds the extensive Jardines de la Concepcion.

Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms.

From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveller.

Practical Info

Climate: Thailand's climate is tropical, high both in temperature and humidity, and dominated by monsoons. April and May are the hottest months of the year, when even the locals are moved to complain about the heat. June sees the beginning of the South West Monsoon, and brings with it the rainy season, which continues intermittently until the end of October.
From November to the end of February the climate is much less trying with a cooling North East breeze and a reduction in the humidity level. This is also the main tourist season, and the best time to visit Thailand.
The north and north-east are generally cooler than Bangkok in winter, and hotter in summer. In the far north, around Mae Hong Son temperatures can occasionally drop as low as 2 Degree Celcius.

Events Overview: Many festivals are linked to Buddhist or Brahman rituals and follow a lunar calendar. New Year/Songkran, is celebrated in mid-April by 'bathing' Buddha images, paying respects to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands, and generally tossing a lot of water in the air for fun. Expect to get soaked, unless you'd prefer to skulk in your room. The sowing and harvesting of rice has given rise to a cycle of festivals. To kick off the official rice-planting season in May, the king participates in an ancient Brahman ritual in a large field (Sanam Luang)in central Bangkok; a Rocket Festival is held in May in the country's northeast, using a volatile mixture of bamboo and gunpowder to convince the sky to send rain for the new rice season; and the rice harvest from September through to May leads to joyous local celebrations throughout Thailand.

The Vegetarian Festival in Phuket and Trang, during which devout Chinese Buddhists eat only vegetarian food, runs for nine days from late September to early October. Merit-making processions are the most visible expression of this festival, but there are also ceremonies at Chinese temples. The Elephant Roundup in Surin in November is a festival popular with the kind of people who enjoy watching pachyderms play soccer. During the Loi Krathong Festival, held after the rainy season (usually in November), candle-lit floats are cast into waterways to bring good fortune for the coming year.

Calendar for 2006

January 01, New Year's Day
January 02 - 03, Substitute for New Year's Day
February 13, Makha Bucha Day
April 06, Chakri Day
April 13 - 15, Songkran Days
May 01, National Labour Day
May 05, Coronation Day
May 12, Visakha Bucha Day
July 11, Buddhist Lent Day
August 12, H.M. The Queen's Birthday
August 14, Substitute for H.M. The Queen's Birthday
October 23, Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
December 05, H.M. The King's Birthday
December 11, Substitute for Constitution Day
December 31, New Year's Eve

What documentations do I need in order to Travel to Thailand?
VISAS: Required by all except the following nationals for stays of up to 30 days, provided they are bona fide tourists with valid passports, hold a confirmed date return ticket and are entering by air, sea or by any other means of transport via the Thai/Malaysian border:
(a) nationals of the countries referred to in the chart above;
(b) nationals of Bahrain, Brazil, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Indonesia, Israel, Korea (Rep.), Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, The Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam;
Note: nationals of Brazil, Korea (Rep.) and Peru can stay up to 90 days for touristic or temporary business purposes only.
(c) transit passengers continuing their journey within 12 hours, provided holding confirmed tickets and other documents for an onward journey and they do not leave the transit lounge.

Note: (a) The following nationals can obtain an entry visa on arrival at the immigration checkpoints at Chiangmai, Don Muang (Bangkok), Hatyai, Phuket, Samui, Sukhothai and U-Taphao airports, provided holding a confirmed ticket to leave within 15 days, a valid passport and that their visit is for tourist purposes only: Bhutan, China (PR), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, India, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mauritius, Oman, Poland, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine.
The fee for this service is approximately £30, which has to be paid in US Dollars or the Thai Baht equivalent; note this is subject to frequent change. Travellers should also note that there are normally long queues at the immigration checkpoints. (b) Anyone intending to stay longer than 30 days must obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Chonburi
Golf, Scuba & Nightlife in Pattaya - Pattaya Beach, in Chonburi province on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, is the most famous of the beach destinations in Thailand. The partying gets intense after the sun goes down, and the range of diversions appeals to every taste, interest and preference. You can find whatever you want in this cosmopolitan city dedicated to extravagant indulgence and the pursuit of pleasure.

A little over two hours from Bangkok by comfortable, air-conditioned bus, Pattaya is within easy reach of a dozen excellent, affordable golf courses which have spectacular views and all the amenities. It is also home to numerous fully equipped businesses which offer scuba adventures at one of the nearby islands. The beach on Pattaya bay itself is not ideal for watersports, but nearby Jomtien and Naklua beaches provide cleaner, less crowded venues for swimming, windsurfing, boating, and other kinds of sun-drenched fun in the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf.

Indonesia

Balmy breezes, silky sand and the occasional Komodo Dragon.

The floating emerald islands of the Indonesian archipelago have for centuries lured everyone from missionaries to pirates, mining companies and backpackers to their sandalwood and spice breezes, their Bali Hai lifestyle and their magnificent beaches, mountains and volcanoes.

However, the myth of paradise is often marred by deep racial divides, religious warring, high-handed autocracy, government corruption, economic mismanagement and natural disasters. The latest rounds of violence have made Indonesia a problematic destination for Western travellers.

Practical Info

Climate: Draped over the equator, Indonesia tends to have a fairly uniform climate - hot. It's hot and wet during the wet season (October to April) and hot and dry during the dry season (May to September). Temperatures climb to about 31°C (88°F) in coastal regions, dropping (but not by much) further inland. The best time to visit Indonesia in the south is from April to October. Northern islands tend to be wet all year round.

Events Overview/Calendar: With such a multiplicity of ethnic groups, Indonesia has a surfeit of cultural events throughout the year. On Sumba, mock battles that hark back to the era of internecine warfare are held in February and March. The day before Balinese Caka New Year (March-April) temple icons are taken to the sea to be bathed and drummers drive evil spirits back to the spirit world. During the Balinese festival of Galungan (moving dates) even the gods descend to earth and join in the revelry. There's a dramatic Easter Parade on the island of Larantuka, whip duels in Ruteng, Flores in August and Torajan funereal feasts in central Sulawesi, held mainly between August and October. As most Indonesians are Muslim, many festivals are affected by the lunar calendar; dates are subsequently 10 or 11 days earlier each year.

Public Holidays for 2006

January 01, New Year's Day

January 13, Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)

January 29, Chinese New Year

January 31, Muharram (Islamic New Year)

March 30, Nyepi (Hindu New Year)

April 11, Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)

April 14, Good Friday

May 13, Waisak Day (Buddha's Birthday)

May 25, Ascension

August 17, Indonesian Independence Day

August 22, Lailat al Miraj (Ascension of the Prophet)

October 22 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) (3 Days)

December 25, Christmas Day

December 26, Boxing Day

Documentations to enter the country
Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months as from the date of entry into Indonesia.
Onward or return tickets are compulsory
No compulsory vaccinations
Visitors on Visa-Free Short Visits must be enter and exit from certain airports and seaports in Indonesia.

Bali
Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Bali Island, 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. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. 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.

Bali Island is a shopper's 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, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.
When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.

As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquillity of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.

The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.