The exotic beauty of Bali's people and landscape transport visitors to another time and place, where tradition is treasure. Enjoy artist mountain villages, manicured rice terraces, cleansing rivers, world-class diving, surfing and golf, and the amazing Balinese furniture and architecture.

Instructions

• STEP 1: Be prepared, Bali is sheltered from the turmoil other parts of Indonesia can experience. Rich in natural and cultural beauty, the island offers myriad outdoor activities - but luxury and relaxation don't come cheap.
• STEP 2: Fly Singapore Airlines (call (800) 742-3333) to Denpasar, and book through Asian Affair Holidays (call (800) 742-3133), which runs fantastic round-trip airfare specials with five-night accommodations for as little as $1,200 U.S.
• STEP 3: Stay in one of the deluxe Begawan Giri Estate villas in Ubud, Bali's famous artist and craftsperson town in the rice-terraced mountainous interior.
• STEP 4: Stroll the sculpted gardens of Begawan Giri (Wise Man's Mountain), swim in placid pools and marvel at the luxurious carved wood furniture and villa architecture.
• STEP 5: Enjoy the world-class golf and surfing beaches while renting an authentic Balinese villa through Bali Vacation Properties (see bali-properties.com).
• STEP 6: Prepare for heat, humidity and mosquitoes (mostly at night). Wear light clothing and a bathing suit where appropriate, and long-sleeved shirts and long cotton pants at night to ward off possible malaria-infested mosquitoes (see Warnings).
• STEP 7: Drink Bintang (Star) beer, Bali's own brew. Cool down in the shade and rehydrate with some bottled water whenever possible.

Tips & Warnings

• If staying in an open air bungalow (recommended), make sure you have a bed with mosquito netting, and burn mosquito coils to keep the critters away or you may come prepared with mosquito repellant.
• Hire a day boat from Sanur to take you to the tiny island of Nusa Lembongan for fantastic snorkeling in the shallow bay.
• Flag a bimo (taxi) and visit the lake and volcano regions and their many temples. A bimo can be as cheap as $10 per day.
• Getting to Bali is usually your major expense, so eat and drink well as long as the U.S. dollar is strong against the rupiah.
• Get a massage often (it costs as little as $5 per hour).
• Check with your local county health agency to see if anti-malarial medication and any other shots are recommended.
• Wear reef shoes/booties if you plan to surf or walk over the reef. Sea snakes live there, and cuts and scrapes can become infected if not scrubbed and kept clean. [adapted from ehow.com]