Bali has many nicknames – The Isle of the Gods, the Island of Peace, the Island of Love – but Royal Holiday members traveling to this Indonesian jewel will find much more than names; they will discover one of the world’s greatest vacation destinations. An island steeped in Eastern religion and its own distinct Balinese culture, its vast natural beauty and tropical climate make it a year-round favorite. Royal Holiday members will do well to come to Bali to unwind, relax, and enjoy vacations as they were meant to be enjoyed.
Due to the eternal popularity of this enchanting isle, Royal Holiday offers travelers two resort choices in Bali. Those looking to experience the island at its most affordable will want to choose the Royal Bali Beach Club at Jimbaran Bay, a luxury resort located on the beach between Kuta and South Kuta. Featuring attractive one-bedroom apartments complete with kitchenettes and private courtyards or balconies, the Beach Club at Jimbaran Bay provides room service, a relaxing swimming pool, and easy access to some of the best beaches in Bali. Those who wish to experience the island at its finest, however, should choose the Royal Bali Beach Club at Candidasa, an exclusive resort on Balina Beach. Units ranging in size from cozy studios to expansive presidential rooms offer balconies, kitchenettes, and luxury furnishings, while the on-site amenities, like a pool and Jacuzzi, as well as daily entertainment and excursion programs, make for a perfectly relaxing vacation.
Europeans discovered Bali in the late 1500s, but the island has thrived for some 4,000 years. Before 1 AD, Bali had already absorbed considerable culture from nearby China and India, including a vibrant and unique form of Hinduism. The following centuries brought Javanese influences, as well. The Dutch eventually colonized the Balinese as they spread over Indonesia, and the first tourists from the West began arriving just before the start of World War II. The island gained its independence in 1949, and while regional unrest occasionally surfaces, Royal Holiday members will find an island confident in its ability to provide tourists with a memorable vacation.
Naturally, beaches like Seminyak and Kuta will be the main draw, and surfers and divers alike will find much to do along the endless beaches lining the coast. The best site to check out the island under the waves is Menjangan Island, and dedicated divers will make the drive to Bali’s north shore to find some of the most astounding coral reefs in the world. Getting around Bali is best accomplished by hiring a driver. A day trip to the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple at Lake Bratan or the dormant Mount Batur is well worth the expense for Royal Holiday members who want to see some of the island’s most astounding sights.
Families will likely want to experience Taro’s Elephant Safari Park & Lodge, which features a great museum and plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. Shoppers will find much to do in Bali, as well, with designer stores and boutiques competing with local handmade goods for tourist dollars. However, be sure to save your money for the many restaurants and eateries on the island; Royal Holiday members should sample the cuisine liberally, especially the regional delicacy, Babi Guling.