The Kilkenny Observer Friday 17 September 2021
19
kilkennyobserver.ie
Travel & Leisure
Discover Bali Island of the Gods LOOKING for a slice of paradise? Bali is exactly that. Whether you come to relax, explore or party ‘til dawn, the ‘Island of the Gods’ has no end of beaches, nature reserves and landmarks to discover. From the idyllic stretches of golden coastline to the picturesque mountains, volcanoes and hillside temples, there’s always more to explore. With its dramatic shoreline and scenic fishing ports, Bali’s coast is full of postcard-perfect spots to visit. The wide, sandy beaches are naturally a big draw, as are the crystal-clear
waters – ideal for spotting the island’s exotic marine life. Jimbaran is a quaint fishing village located south of Kuta. Its breath-taking white beaches are the perfect place to while away a few hours with a book. Be sure to test the delicious local fish dishes. Despite its popularity with tourists, Bali has some of the most undisturbed natural beauty spots and historic temples in Indonesia. From water gardens to places of worship, these landmarks are the perfect escape from the shore when the sun’s at its
highest. Discover Bali’s local blend of Hinduism and animism at Pura Geger, a clifftop temple perched over the ocean in Nusa Dua. As you go inside, take a moment to stop and admire the intricately carved gate guardians and gilt detailing over the doorways. Tirta Gangga is a peaceful water garden in an enchanting former royal palace. Its pools meander through mini pagodas, fountains, pavilions and statues. Don’t forget to try the stepping stone pool. While away an hour studying the ceiling of the Hall of Justice
Top 5 travel apps for a well-planned holiday IF you love to travel, you know how chaotic planning and taking a trip can be. That’s where a great travel app can help you get organised. Here are some of the best travel apps to help you plan your next adventure. 01 KAYAK Award-winning travel app Kayak allows you to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The clean interface gives you a full list of possible options, including reduced hacker fares, where you book outgoing and returning flights with two separate airlines.
02 PACKPOINT A delight for anyone who hates packing, PackPoint tells you exactly what to bring. First, enter where you’re going, when, and for how long. Choose business or leisure, then select the types of activities you’ll be doing. 03 GOOGLE MAPS Google Maps is great for finding your way around in your city or anywhere in the world. Get the best route with automatic rerouting based on live traffic updates and road closures.
04 XE CURRENCY This currency converter and money-transfer tool allows you to determine exchange rates quickly and easily. Type an amount in one denomination and see the results in as many other denominations as you want. 05 ITRANSLATE Use this app to type or speak your sentence, and get the translation in your chosen language. A handy expand feature lets you display the result on your full screen to show to locals you’re trying to communicate with.
at Klungkung temple. Its unique frescoes, painted in the local wayang style, depict different punishments in the afterlife – a warning for convicts as they came to hear their sentences. The iconic Tanah Lot temple, situated on an island near Kuta and devoted to the sea god Dewa Baruna, is a must-see. Catch the sunset from here for a great photo op. If you’re visiting during the day, don’t miss the local markets to pick up presents and souvenirs. The awe-inspiring Besakih Temple sits 1,000 metres above sea level on the hillsides of
Mount Agung. It’s the largest religious site on the island – actually a complex consisting of 23 temples and pavilions, built
on six levels. Parts of the site date back over 2,000 years and it’s now the centre of Balinese Hinduism.
GETTING THERE…
• Abbey Travel offer a package from Dublin to Bali Denpasar International including: • Seven nights at Lumbung Sari Cottages & Spa in Ubud, Bali (bed & breakfast) • Room service • Transport to and from airport • Massage • Bike rental • Swimming pool * €977 per person PLEASE NOTE: Price may vary and travel is pandemic dependent.
