A Topless Beach Plus 3 Other Secluded Seaside Sanctuaries in Bali

With its azure waters, rich culture, premier Kuta accommodation options, and welcoming locale, Bali is in itself a near-perfect travel destination. Quite simply, this tropical paradise has become a favored hideaway for thousands of travelers, making it more difficult for many to find a quiet spot to enjoy at one's own pace. Fortunately, the Island of the Gods is not short of tranquil sanctuaries. Away from the overcrowded beaches of Legian, Kuta, and Seminyak, you'll find these 4 beaches that will truly revitalize your soul:

1. Geger Beach

Description: The sparkling, turquoise water here is relatively calm with gentle rolling waves. The sand is soft yet packed hard, allowing visitors to go for a leisurely beach run or play a game of volleyball.

Tip: Topless sunbathing is allowed.

Directions: Geger Beach is set near the Nusa Dua golf course and next to the St. Regis Nusa Dua Resort.

2. Balangan Beach

Description: This surfing place is defined by a long stretch of white sand and rocky cliffs. Its shore is lined by an array of local cafes and affordable huts. Here, you can go swimming when it is high tide or just laze in a hammock to relish breathtaking views.

Tips: It is highly recommended to wear reef shoes as the beach has a sharp, rocky base. For first-time surfers, there are several freelance instructors who’ll be willing to give you lessons for a price.

Directions: From Best Western Premier Sunset Road, head to the Bypass Ngurah Rai towards Nusa Dua. After about 10 minutes, you'll see the Uluwatu turn off to the right. From here, keep your eyes peeled for signs that lead you to Balangan.

3. Amed Beach

Description: Unlike the other beaches around the island, Amed is lined with local fishing boats. This place boasts a number of wrecks that are perfect for some quality diving. Snorkelers will also love this spot because of its abundant coral reefs and underwater life.

Tip: During your visit to Amed, cap your day with a simple stroll on the beach.

Directions: Amed is about 2 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport. A taxi ride from here usually costs about USD44.

4. Bias Tugal

Description: Also known as Little Beach, this commonly deserted spot is accessible only after a 500-meter trek down a rocky trail. After your mini-hike, you'll be welcomed by a body of water in varied shades of blue, which is embraced by a strip of white sand and coconut trees.

Tip: Non-experienced swimmers must be extra cautious, because the current here can be strong.

Directions: Jump-off point is Padang Bai's ferry terminal. From here, head east up the hill and keep walking until you reach an exposed part of the bay.

Take a leap toward Indonesia and discover these hideaways. Don't forget: It's not just the first-rate hotel in Kuta, Bali that make the island a prime tourist destination. Blissful experiences lie in Bali's many attractions.

5 Typical Massages Offered in Seminyak Spas

Seminyak is known for 3 things: high-end fashion, luxury lodgings, and spa treatments. Accommodations in this area of Bali, like Umalas Hotel & Residence, offer in-house spas that save their guests the hassle of taking trips before and after a relaxing treatment. Here are some of the choices that are readily available in Seminyak spas.

1. Lurlur Ritual
Once reserved for Javanese royalties to prepare and pamper them for their weddings, the lurlur has become one one of the staple offerings of spas all over the country. This treatment involves the application of a mixture of rice powder and spices as scrub, which is then followed by fresh yogurt and body lotion. This leaves the skin soft, supple, and radiant.

2. Chocolate Massage
This sweet treat has found a place outside our hearts and palates since it has been discovered to have properties that leave the skin healthier, firmer, and moisturized. The caffeine in the chocolate is said to stimulate blood circulation and heal the skin by preventing aging and loss of elasticity. The oils in chocolate are recommended for dry skin and rough patches like elbows, knees, and soles. Chocolate also causes the brain to feel euphoria.

3. Stone Massage
For this treatment, stones act as an extension of the therapist's hands. The hot and cold stones are placed in specific points to warm the muscles while the rest of the body is massaged.

4. Shiatsu Massage
Similar to acupuncture, shiatsu focuses on balancing the flow of energy in the body by stimulating meridians or pressure points. Instead of needles, a shiatsu massage makes use of finger pressure, hence its name: 'shi' for finger and 'atsu' for pressure. The treatment is said to improve blood circulation and provide relief both mind and body.

5. Herbal Massage
Herbal massages make use of a concoction made up of leaves and spices, which is scrubbed all over the body. The herbal pouches are usually filled with lemongrass, clovers, lime, tamarind, and ginger. The combined effect of the scrub, oils, spices, and massage relieves the body of stress and fatigue, among many other positive effects.

People who have long ago discovered the joys of massage can easily choose a spa in a hotel accommodation in Kuta, Bali and point out which treatment they would like to have. Of course, if you have a specific part of your body or condition that you want to focus on, or you want to try out a new treatment, you can always ask your therapist's recommendation. If you're staying in Seminyak, Bali, drop by Umalas Hotel & Residence's spa for any of these treatments.

Umalas Hotel & Residence Now Accepts Direct Bookings, Giving Instant Confirmation

Bali, Indonesia – Securing an accommodation at Umalas Hotel & Residence in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia has been made easier because of its website's new online booking system powered by DirectWithHotels. In addition to the simplified process of making hotel arrangements, guests will enjoy getting instant confirmation when they book over at http://www.umalashotelandresidence.com/index.html.

After going to the website and clicking on the “Check availability and prices” button, they can easily select their dates on the booking calendar and pick the type and number of rooms they need. They confirm reservations by providing the necessary personal information and 10% prepayment via credit card.

Once guests have supplied all the requirements, they will get an email reporting the status of their payment moments after they click on the “Confirm reservation” button. As for the remaining balance, it must be settled directly at the accommodation in Kuta, Bali.

Transactions made on the website's booking system as well as personal information and account details are monitored by top Internet security providers Trustwave and VeriSign.

Guests are allowed to make modifications and cancellations for free, subject to hotel policies. The booking system also has a print button, bookmarking feature, and currency converter for easier referencing of the hotel's rates.

Umalas Hotel & Residence offers for all types of travelers the relaxing atmosphere of a beach resort and the conveniences of a city hotel. Bask in the peaceful views of rice fields and trees from the 102 spacious and cozy guestrooms. These are appointed with premium bedding, self-controlled air-conditioning, LCD TV, wireless Internet access, a kitchenette, private bath with a tub and shower. There are facilities and services for leisure, wellness, dining, and events. These include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, spa, free shuttle services, tours, bicycle rentals, gym, and massage services.

The hotel's location gives visitors convenient access to attractions and destinations. For example, the town and its shopping centers are just 5 minutes away. Kuta Beach, on the other hand, only requires a 10-minute drive. The Ngurah Rai International Airport, and culture-rich Ubud are only 30 and 40 minutes away, respectively, from this hotel in Kuta, Bali.

Umalas Hotel & Residence
Jl. Umalas 2 no. 83, Seminyak
Kuta, Bali 80361
Indonesia

Phone Number: +62 361 737 500

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

5 Activities You Can Do Without Leaving Kuta in Bali, Indonesia

Now that you've arrived at your hotel in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia, what activities can you take part in to maximize your vacation? Here are a few suggested endeavors which you will no doubt find convenient to do, all without going far from where you are staying.

1. Clubbing
Kuta is the center of Bali's nightlife and its clubs attract a large number of younger tourists. The clubs and bars in Kuta tend to have a Western influence and can be a bit less “classy” and more action-packed than those found in Seminyak.

2. Culinary tour
Indulge your palate by sampling the food in Kuta. Here, you can easily find restaurants that serve local, regional, international, and fusion dishes. The prices range from dirt cheap to 5-star.

3. Shopping
Legian Street, which can be found at the back of the hotels that line the shore, has a lot of stores where you can buy native handicrafts and international luxury brands. It's also a good place where you can buy souvenirs before you leave Kuta.

4. Surfing
Surfing really draws in crowds to Kuta. Despite the influx of tourists, Kuta, to this day, remains as one of Bali's best surfing beaches. If you're a newbie, you can easily find a school or a new friend to teach you the basics of the sport. Aside from surfing, anyone can easily go swimming or engage in other water sport activities such as parasailing and paragliding.

5. Sunbathing
Last but not the least, enjoy the beach. Put on lots of sunscreen and take in the picturesque scene of Kuta's coconut-lined beaches, white sand, blue water, and spectacular sunsets.

Note that Kuta is Bali's most popular tourist destination, with its crowd made up mostly of young people. And, as mentioned in the list, there are plenty of options for all-night partying while in Kuta. If you're planning on joining an overnight celebration, it's best that you find a hotel which has 24-hour front desk service. If you're not among those of the party-going crowd or if you wish to spend evenings closer to your hotel, you can always pick an accommodation that has a restaurant and bar within its vicinity. You don't have to worry if you're not yet entirely sure on what kind of vacation you're after or how you want your accommodation to be. You'll have a lot of hotels in Kuta, Bali to choose from and you're sure to find one that has the services that best fit your vacation plans.

5 Activities That Will Get You Excited About Visiting Kuta, Indonesia

Looking for something to spice up your life? On your next vacation, book a nice hotel in Bali, specifically Kuta, where many exciting activities are in store.

1. Surfing

Indonesia, particularly Bali, is one of the best destinations when it comes to surfing. People from all over the globe travel long distances just to surf in Kuta. Especially since the waters here are free from dangerous corals and rocks. There are also many shops here that rent and sell boards and other gear for surfing. If you have been riding for a long time, you will have no problem finding a spot that you would like. There are even locals that can teach you how to properly surf if you have no prior experience.

2. Swimming and sliding

If you are traveling with kids or your parents, a trip to Waterbom Park will supply all the family-oriented fun you need. Also known as 'Bali's best water park', this place has amazing rides and slides with names like the Climax, Superbowl, Raft River, Boomerang, and Race Track. To add extra delight, there is also a spa facility where your kids, parents, and even grandparents can relax before returning to your Kuta, Bali hotel.

3. Bungee jumping

Another extreme thing that you can try out during your holiday is bungee jumping. While certainly not for the faint of heart, this activity is geared towards men and women who are open to adventure and new experiences. This will not only make your adrenaline flow, it will also offer you with a different means of viewing Bali's natural surroundings.

4. Riding the slingshot

If you consider jumping off a tall bridge or a cliff with only a rope separating you from the ground below an extreme activity, then wait until you hear about the slingshot. This ride hoists you up 52 meters into the air with 5 g force speeds. This activity is suited for younger crowds who want to challenge themselves. People with heart conditions and other similar sickness are strictly encouraged to pick another less adrenalin-pumping ride.

5. Getting lots of pampering

While it will not give you a heart-racing feeling, basking in the comforts of your hotel or resort accommodation is something to really look forward to. Cipaganti Legian Hotel, for example, offers spacious and stylish accommodations, prime facilities for leisure and pampering, and even a SlimCare program that you won't easily find in other hotels in Bali.

7 Stops for An Unforgettable Experience of Bali's Nightlife

Many, if not all, travelers who book a hotel in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia want to immerse themselves in the province's extraordinary nightlife scene. And with the place's many chill-out spots that offer varied levels of entertainment, this doesn't come as a surprise at all. Are you wondering which sites you must visit if ever you find yourself aching to soak in the vibe of this popular tropical destination? With this shortlist of bars and restaurants, you won't have to look further.

 

1. Adora Super Club (Jalan Bypass Ngura Rai, Sanur)

If in Sanur to party all night, you should not miss Adora Super Club. Here, you will be welcomed with state-of-the-art Martin Audio sound system, so you can guarantee that your hours will be filled with as much music as you want.

 

2. Akasaka Bali Karaoke, Music Club & Restaurant (Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar)

Seated right at the Simpang Enam roundabout, Akasaka Bali is your one-stop entertainment spot when spending days in Denpasar. Here, you can sing your heart out, as well as delight in tasty dishes. If you would like to enjoy privacy, you may book any of the bar's trendy VIP rooms that can carry up to 20 people each.

 

3. Bali Rock Cafe & Sports Bar (Jalan Melasti, Legian)

A popular hangout in Legian, Bali Rock successfully mixes Australian nightlife and Balinese hospitality. During your visit, remember to try their icy-cold beer and unique frozen cocktails. The place also doubles as a sports bar, making it a favorite among game enthusiasts in town.

 

4. Boshe VVIP Club (Jalan Bypass Ngura Rai, Kuta)

If ever you find yourself in your hotel at Kuta, Bali looking for an adrenaline pump to last you for the whole night, then head to Boshe VVIP Club. This watering hole boasts of high-technology strobes and a Funktion-One Surround audio system, which are sure to give you an energy-filled night out.

 

5. Candi Agung 2 (Jalan Raya Candidasa, Candidasa)

For a more relaxed atmosphere, head over to Candidasa's Candi Agung 2. Seated along the main road in East Bali, this is where you can savor a night of enchanting gamelan tunes and traditional Balinese dance performances.

 

6. Hard Rock Cafe (Jalan Pantaim Kuta, Kuta)

From your accommodation in Kuta, you can get to Hard Rock Cafe's branch in Bali by simply taking a ride to Jalan Pantaim Kuta. First opened in 1993, this is where you will find one of the liveliest dance floors in town. On the second floor, it features a spacious restaurant that serves American dishes.

 

7. Ku De Ta Bali (Jalan Laksamana, Seminyak)

Open from morning to midnight, Ku De Ta Bali is among the most desired drinking and dining areas in the province. To reach its address from your hotel in Kuta, Bali, you only have to take a short trip to Jalan Laksamana in Seminyak.