Kuta Beach Activities

Kuta Beach Activities

What to do in Kuta Beach

Most of the activity in Kuta is related to the beach. The options are endless – you may try surfing, swimming, wakeboarding, sunbathing or kite flying, or heading into neighbouring Tuban for some waterslide action. If you just want to have fun or relax, you can try kite flying or employ a team of masseurs while you sunbathe.

In

You will know the massage ladies immediately from their cries of ‘Hello, yes? Massage?’ and if you aren’t accosted by a team of them offering pedicures, manicures and hair-braiding alongside a massage as soon as you step onto the beach, you will easily spot them sitting along the beach, waiting for their next customer.

Kite Flying

Here is an idea for a safe, fun activity on the beach with your family – kite flying! Wondering where to buy one? You can easily find a line up of small shops and vendors selling traditional Balinese kites ranging from small to giant size, such as Bebean (fish-shaped), Janggan (bird-shaped) and Pecukan (leaf-shaped), the prices vary according to size and the material. Now, find a deserted windy spot and away you go!

Slingshot

Care for a little bit of adventure? Kuta has its own way to slake your adrenaline thirst. At a spot in front of Kuta Paradiso Hotel, there is a giant slingshot that can catapult you 52 metres in the air. The forked Y-shaped frame has two rubber strips attached to the uprights, leading back to a pocket for holding two safely designed seats. Open every day 11:00 – late.

Waterbom Waterslide Park

Waterbom is a sprawling 3.8 hectare tropical adventure park of thrilling water rides. It has 15 high-speed slides, some reaching up to 50kph, dizzying trails, cardiac-pounding rides and wall climbing. Even for the faint hearted, there are a lot of facilities; try the river raft that leads you down a lazy river where you can enjoy drifting along in a tube raft through cascading waterfalls, languid ripples and even luxuriant tropical foliage to screen you from the flurry of excitement, not to mention the spa facilities for an even more relaxing option.

On top of that you can sunbathe in the grassy gardens, relax in a gazebo or swim along to the Poolside Bar, to quench your thirst before a second round of adrenaline-charged adventure! For children, the park features a Kiddy Park, which is designed for child safety and is supervised at all times. If you get hungry during all the activity, head to the food court in the centre of the park as it is forbidden to bring any food or beverages in from outside. 

Surfing

Kuta Beach is famous for its breaking waves and waist-deep water, making it such a perfect beach for surfing beginners. To get some basic knowledge of surfing, sign up for lessons with one of the well-known surfing schools located just in front of the beach such as Odysseys, Rip Curl Surf School or Surfer Girl Surfing School.

A three-day surfing course in an accredited school costs approximately US$ 100. The next time you come back, as long as you keep in practice, you’ll be able to explore the hidden surf beaches on the island, for sure! For more advanced surfers, you can choose from over 30 other surfing breaks, all within 30 minutes drive from Kuta.

Sunbathing

If you are coming from more temperate countries, sunbathing must be tempting. Kuta Beach is a magnet for beachgoers, especially for those who are keen to get that much-coveted tan. Lying on the beach wearing your bikini or shorts and sunglasses could be an effortless way to spend the day in Kuta or you can rent a sun-lounger for only around IDR 30,000 a day.

However, beware of the harsh rays – you will be very uncomfortable the following day if you don't apply sunscreen! Choose protection with a high SPF content and avoid the intense midday heat to be sure you get a beautiful glowing tan before you return to your home country. To avoid dehydration you are advised to drink plenty of water and soft drinks – all available from vendors patrolling the beach, also selling snacks, ice cream and fruit.

Thailand Travel Situation Update

Travel Situation Update (Official Statement from TAT)
The message TAT would like to convey to all the tourists who are planning a visit to Thailand.
Latest Official Statement from TAT


TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND FACT SHEET
STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND SPORTS THE ROYAL THAI GOVERNMENT


Pursuant to the Declaration of a Severe Emergency Situation in the areas of Bangkok and some provinces in Thailand implemented by the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in an Emergency Situation of B.E. 2548 (2005), the Ministry of Tourism and Sports wishes to announce that political unrest in Thailand has been brought completely under control and order in the capital of Bangkok and the provinces of Thailand has been restored.




Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has strongly reaffirmed the government’s intention to continue on the National Reconciliation Roadmap to resolve the political situation nationwide. Peace and normalcy have been restored in Thailand, making it once again a safe and pleasant destination in the region for foreign tourists. Major tourism destinations in provinces across the country are still pristine, peaceful and safe. Various measures have been implemented to bring normalcy back to the country, and to reassure foreign visitors that Thailand still remains a quality, value-for-money destination.


The Ministry of Tourism and Sports places the safety and security of international tourists above all else. Free travel insurance for foreign tourists and a waiver of tourist visa fees have been extended to 31 March 2011. The Royal Thai Government has issued insurance measures to protect foreigners visiting Thailand who are injured or unable to travel out of Thailand due to rioting. This programme is intended to boost the confidence of foreigners visiting Thailand.


The Royal Thai Government has launched an urgent recovery plan with measures that enable the tourism industry, especially small and medium enterprises, to recover their businesses as soon as possible. The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, related government agencies and local residents have made a concerted effort to return normalcy to the Bangkok business environment.


Major tourist destinations, facilities and services are still regularly accessed by both domestic and foreign tourists. Public utility and mass transportation services are fully operational. Suvarnabhumi International Airport and other international airports have remained operational without any disruption. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working closely with other ministries and agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of all visitors travelling in Thailand.


With the integrated efforts of all government agencies and the full engagement of the private sectors and other related stakeholders, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports affirms that public safety and security, including peace and normalcy, flourish once more in Thailand.


26 May 2010
Ministry of Tourism and Sports


POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THAILAND as of 29 MAY 2010


THE CURFEW HAS BEEN LIFTED.
The curfew in Bangkok and the 24 provinces covered by the Emergency Decree* has been lifted, but the Emergency Decree will remain in place to ensure peace and order.


*Areas Covered by the Emergency Decree
Bangkok and the provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nan, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Nong Bua Lampoo, Sakhon Nakhon, Kalasin and Mukdahan.


Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva stated that the decision was in line with the recommendation by the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) which had confirmed the situation is now under control.


As the situation in Bangkok has returned to normal, the BTS Skytrain has resumed full service on both the Silom and Sukhumvit lines from 06.00 hrs to midnight from 29 May onwards.

Tourists should carry passport or some form of ID and evidence of residence to gain access if stopped by the authorities. In case of departing from Thailand, tourists should carry both passport and air ticket along.

Visa Inquiry contact (+662) 02 134 0222 24 hrs

Tourist Police's help desk will be stationed at The Intercontinental hotel.

The TAT call center 1672 is temporarily close for service.

To contact your country’s embassy in Thailand or airlines in Thailand in order to check your flight status or more related information

source : http://www.tourismthailand.org/thailandtourismupdate/

Things To Do in Indonesia

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Canoe Ujong KulonPaddle in a dugout canoe through Ujong Kulon National Park at the extreme south western tip of Java in search of the elusive Java rhino.

Diving 
Indonesia's coastline is reputed to contain 15% of the world's coral reefs. Bunaken National Park and Lembeh Strait, both in North Sulawesi, are magnificent. Beginners can even go wreck-diving to Tulamben Wreck off east Bali.

Jungle trek
Jungle trek through the Indonesian rainforest - Irian Jaya, Kalimantan and Sumatra offer the most remote and untouched terrain. The best trails include trips to Bukit Barisan National Park, a remote and beautiful peninsula in Sumatra and the Muller Mountain in Kalimantan.

Meet Orang-utansVisit and give your support to the rehabilitation centres on Sumatra and Kalimantan that rescue orphaned, injured and captive orang-utans and return them to their habitat.

Puppet shows
Puppet shows are staged throughout Java, in which traditional wayang golak and wayang kulit marionettes act out stories based on well-known legends; performances can sometimes last all night.

Search for the Komodo
Take a boat to Komodo and Rinca islands in search of the world's largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon. But don't get too close as their bite can be fatal.

Surfing
The best surf spots are in Bali, Flores, Java, Lombok, Sumatra, Sumba and Sumbawa. Some well-known surfing beaches, such as Ulu Watu on Bali, tend to get overcrowded, and are for very experienced surfers, but organised trips to isolated areas are widely available. 

Tour Mahakam River
Take a tour up the great Mahakam River in Kalimantan, Borneo (www.visitborneo.com), which is dissected by a network of rivers running from the mountainous interior to the coasts. Starting from the port city Samarinda, such tours continue deep into the upper jungle reaches, where tribal communities have largely preserved their traditions.

Volcanoes
Trek up an active volcano: on Java island, hike Mount Bromo, (the most visited of Indonesia's volcanoes) and Kawah Ijen crater lake (www.central-java-tourism.com). Take a boat trip to view Krakatoa located between Java and Sumatra. Dormant volcanoes include Gunung Agung in Bali, Gunung Rinjani on Lombok island (www.lomboksumbawa.com) and Keli Mutu on Nusa Tenggara Barat (www.ntb.go.id), which has lakes with different coloured waters.

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net

Things To Do in Malaysia

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• Attend one of Malaysia's annual festivals, magnificent spectacles bursting with colour. Puja Umur (the Sultan's birthday) is celebrated with a week-long festival, beginning with a parade in Kota Bharu. The Annual Sabah International Dragon Boat Festival is also popular.

• Scuba-dive in the tropical waters off Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Prime sites include Layang Layang, Miri, Pulau Redang, Pulau Sipadan, Pulau Perhentian, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Labuan Island. 
• Go jungle trekking in the Taman Negara National Park (website: www.tamannegara.org). There are many clearly marked trails including a canopy walkway. Expert guides should be hired from the Wildlife Department at the Taman Negara Resort at Kuala Tahan.  

• Ascend southeast Asia's highest peak, Mount Kinabulu (4,094m/13,432ft), located in the Kinabalu National Park. No technical skills are required, but a guide and a climbing permit (which can be bought on location) are compulsory.

• Play one of Malaysia's traditional, unusual sports, including gasing, or top spinning (called Main Gasing), which uses tops fashioned from hardwood and delicately balanced with lead, Wau-kite flying and Sepak Takraw, a game like volleyball, played with a ball made of rattan strips. 

• Stay in a Malaysian longhouse, which are common along the rivers in Sarawak and Sabah, and are really entire villages housed under one single roof, inhabited by native communities. Visitors should be accompanied by a local guide. 

• Relive Malaysia's colonial past at its oldest city, Malacca (website: www.tourism-melaka.com), a couple of hours south of Kuala Lumpur on the coast. Sights include the Portuguese enclave and numerous Dutch colonial buildings, as well as the distinctive Jonker Street, whose shops offer a range of traditional goods. 

• Walk in the delightful parkland surrounding Tugu Negara, Malaysia's National Monument in Kuala Lumpur, which commemorates the ultimately successful struggle against the occupying Japanese during World War II and communist insurgents in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

• Bathe in the restorative waters of the Pedas Hot Springs, 30km (18 miles) south of Seremban. Visitors will find bathing enclosures, dining and recreational facilities. 

• Stroll through the Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens, one of Kuala Lumpur's best-known natural landmarks. Within the gardens are Parliament House and the National Monument, an impressive brass structure and one of the world's largest free-standing sculptures.  

• Take in a spectacular cityscape from the viewing level of Kuala Lumpur's voluminous Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the city at a height of 436m (1,453ft). Alternatively ascend the dizzying heights of the Menara Kuala Lumpur. 

• Relax on Penang's sun-kissed beaches (website: www.tourismpenang.gov.my), and explore historic colonial George Town, the island's capital. Penang is also famous for its food. 

• Spend, spend, spend in the free port and duty-free shopping haven of Langkawi Island, where pristine sandy beaches await at the end of a long shopping trip. 

Read more: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/

Penang - Top 10 - What to Eat

Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but her myriad of flavours are definitely unique to the island state. With each race offering their own traditional fare, foodies will be spoilt for choice. Although every culture has their signature dishes, they are also influenced by other cooking styles and have managed to come up with their own special creations that represent a beautiful blend of tastes and spices.

NASI KANDAR     Nasi Kandar Rice served with an unending list of curries and dishes meticulously prepared with fish, chicken, squid, prawns and beef – a hearty meal for those who love aromatic spices!     LAKSA     LaksaThere are two variations of the Laksa – one is sour and tangy while the other is cooked with rich coconut milk.     CHAR KOAY TEOW     Char Koay Teow This flat, fried white noodle dish has been described as a taste of heaven and it is certainly no exaggeration!     HOKKIEN MEE     Hokkien Mee The Penang version of this dish is craved by many including those who do not hail from the state. The yellow noodle cooked in tasty prawn soup is definitely a local favourite!     NYONYA DISHES     Nyonya dishes, deserts and kuih The Nyonya community’s cooking skills are legendary. Infused with herbs and spices, the dishes are a perfect accompaniment to steaming white rice while the desserts and local cakes (kuih) are a sight to behold with their unique soft texture and colourful appearance – sinfully delicious.     ROJAK     Rojak A delicious mix of fresh fruits and vegetables like pineapples, cucumber and water apples with cuttlefish slices. Generously topped with a local prawn paste dressing, it is a heady combination indeed!     BUKIT TAMBUN SEAFOOD     Bukit Tambun Seafood Bukit Tambun on the mainland is only a short distance from the Penang Bridge and serves some of the cheapest and freshest variety of seafood in the country! Indulge in succulent prawns, tasty crabs and your favourite fish dish without burning a hole in your pocket.     PASEMBUR     Pasembur A slightly different version of the Rojak, the Pasembur features a mix of deep fried items and shredded vegetables. The dressing is a peanut-based sweet sauce that will leave you hungering for more.     EURASIAN FOOD     Eurasian food  Sourcing for authentic Eurasian cuisine maybe a bit of a challenge because the community is dwindling in numbers. However, the Little Penang Street Market at Upper Penang Road (only on the last Sunday of each month) and a small Eurasian restaurant tucked away along Kelawai Road serve very good Eurasian specialties. Among the popular dishes are the Debel (Devilled) Curry, pickles, sweetmeat, roasts, patties, spicy Mulligatawny Soup, kedgerees, stews and pies.     BAK KUT TEH     Bak Kut Teh Pork ribs simmered in herbal soup, Bak Kut Teh is a well-loved Chinese dish. Often, regulars will request for “extras” like pork intestines and pork skin. Eaten with white rice, nothing beats a steaming hot bowl of Bak Kut Teh!

Penang - Top 10 - What to See

While soaking in the sun at one of the many beautiful beaches is a must, visitors must bring along their most comfortable walking shoes because there is a whole new world to be explored in the quaint nooks and crannies of George Town . Offering the best of Asia, Penang 's sights and sounds reflect the colourful heritage of her many races and the pride of her people. Be it lush tropical gardens or ornately designed temples and unique heritage buildings, Penang will give you a glimpse into a world where nature, tradition and history blend into a rich cultural tapestry.

GEORGE TOWN All the major heritage buildings and clanhouses in the George Town inner city!  Be impressed by the unique charms of Straits eclectic architecture and colonial past that has earned George Town a place in Unesco’s heritage site listing and be humbled by the grandeur of a priceless religious and cultural legacy  - here, every building represents a page of our history and every street corner has a tale to tell. THEE KONG TUA Thee Kong Tua (Jade Emperor’s Temple) in Air Itam The Jade Emperor's Pavilion is a stone’s throw away from Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill Railway Station in Air Itam. The temple is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, who according Taoist believe, is the supreme ruler of heaven. This temple is the only one in the country built specifically for devotees to pay homage to Thee Kong. After undergoing massive renovation work, the 140-year-old temple is applying for Unesco heritage conservation recognition. During Chinese New Year, devotees throng the temple to pay homage to the deity on his birthday (which falls on the ninth day of the celebration). PENANG HILL Penang Hill At 821m above sea level,Penang Hill visitors will be privy to some of the grandest colonial mansions (which are now restaurants and guests houses) while enjoying the cool, refreshing air and bird’s eye view of the island. The hill (originally known as Strawberry Hill) was first cleared by Captain Francis Light (who first established Penang as a British colony) to plant strawberries – hence its original name.  KEK LOK SI TEMPLE Kek Lok Si Temple Construction for the temple started in 1890 and to date, is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, Kek Lok Si ranks as among the best known temples in the region.  Overlooking the town of Air Itam, the best time to visit Kek Lok Si is during Chinese New Year because thousands of lights are switched on to mark the celebration, transforming the place of worship into a brightly-lit fairyland at night. RECLINING BUDDHA  Reclining Buddha  Located in the quaint Pulau Tikus town, Wat Chayamangkalaram was built in 1845 by a Thai Buddhist monk. It houses a 33-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha that attracts devotees from all over the world (especially during the Sonkran and the Loy Krathong festivals). Dragons, mythical serpents, elaborately decorated shrines and Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes dot the temple grounds. A small Malaysian-Thai community lives around this temple. Right opposite Wat Chayamangkalaram is the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple. NATIONAL PARK National Park (Muka Head) While Penang’s National Park in Pantai Acheh may be the smallest in the country, it is by no means less impressive. Eco-attractions like the pristine Pantai Kerachut beach and meromictic lake (a body of sea water and fresh water that do not mix) provide the perfect spot for picnics and fishing, swimming and trekking. Boat rides can also be arranged or those who want to visit the nearby islands. Also, do look out for the old lighthouse which was built in 1883 – it is still operational and visitors are welcome! TOY MUSEUM Toy Museum The Penang Toy Museum in Tanjung Bunga is no kid’s play! With more than 100,000 toys, dolls, models and other fun collectibles, it is the largest museum of its kind anywhere in the world and the first in Asia. Featuring life-size models of super heroes to tiny action figures, this is one playground both kids and adults won’t want to miss! TROPICAL SPICE GARDEN Tropical Spice Garden (it’s the only spice garden in South East Asia) Having the distinction as being South East Asia’s only dedicated spice sanctuary, the Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang is indeed paradise on earth. Nestled among lush green foliage, exotic ferns and flowering plants, the garden’s café overlooks the pristine blue sea and is the ideal setting for an afternoon drink.  Spread over a sprawling 3.2ha, the garden boasts of more than 500 varieties of flora from Malaysia and other regions. Oh, and the souvenir shop is a one-of-a-kind boutique that carries some very interesting items made from the most popular local spices! SNAKE TEMPLE Snake Temple The Chor Soo Kong Temple (as it is known among locals), is “guarded” by green Wagler Pitt Vipers believed to have slithered to the temple to protect the deity. Although these snakes are believed to have been rendered harmless by the sacred joss stick smoke and incense, their venom has been removed so visitors can heave a sigh of relief! BUTTERFLY FARM Butterfly Farm This tropical butterfly farm in Teluk Bahang is so famous that it was visited by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife when they came to Penang for a private holiday in 2008. A live museum with winged beauties fluttering about as well as a breeding research centre, the farm is an eco-tourism gem indeed.