Emotions Travel travel blog.

5 Must do things in Bali

2010-11-14T20:41:00.000-08:00

Bali in Indonesia has an amazingly rich culture that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, and the island offers so many activites to enjoy. While you're there there are 5 must do things:

1. Learn to Surf (or if you already surf try one of the many famous beaches)

Learning to surf in Bali is something every tourist must experience. It is part of the culture and way of life for the balinese. Walking down the back alleys or roads, or beach you are sure to encounter someone who is going surfing. It is a great activity, and there are so many quality locations to do it. It is probably better to learn in a real surf school than by people who offer their services on the beach, it may be cheaper but they tend to lose interest and just aren't as helpful. There are several fantastic instructors at several schools who take small groups to learn to surf. They have a stock of many longboards (easiest to for beginners), and you start by using the extensive pool, which makes learning easy since there isn't much of a current. You then, after about an hour go into the ocean and try your skills there, with the instructors helping you first-hand. They are friendly and really make you feel good about your abilities (no matter if you're terrible) and i can tell you the moral support is needed! They guarantee you will learn by the end of the lesson, otherwise you get another free lesson! Kuta beach is a fantastic beach to start learning how to surf, and then for the more adventurous there are numerous scattered around the island with different sizes of waves and difficulty.

2. Go Quad-Biking and White Water Rafting

This is more for the thrill seekers, but it's a lot of fun! There are several companies who offer it for different prices so shop around to make sure you have the best deal. Its nice to know that the quad bikes are relatively well kept, and that you will have a free shuttle service to and from your place of residence. The quad-bikes are located in-land, and you are taken to an area which has rich landscapes! each one person gets their own, and they make their way around rice-fields, down steep slopes, and on rugged and wet terrain. It's very thrilling! Afterwards, there is white water rafting, so bring your rash-vest and boardies/swimsuit! The water is quite cold dependent on the time of year, but definitely not as bad as the ocean, i certainly got used to it and didn't notice after a while. You are on a raft with 4-6 individuals and a guide, who helps you. Each person gets an oar and is motivated to try and make the journey more fun! You make your way down slow and fast rapids, and the end is a small drop where you get your photo taken! This is one of my favorite and most memorable activities in Bali. There's a meal, shower, changing area and toilets at the end of the day, so that you can freshen up. Make sure you're fully energized if you do this!

3. Go Scuba Diving

There are a superb array of scuba diving sites around bali, and scuba diving companies so again make sure that you shop around for the best deal, and to make sure that they are fully licensed and that there is good customer feedback! There are dive sites for beginners, learners, moderate and advanced divers too. Currents vary from the location on the island, and the advanced ones are quite difficult but you are guaranteed to see some stunning sea-life. One location has a regular cluster of hammerhead sharks (advanced), and you get to swim to depths up to 35m and enjoy this thrilling experience. Other areas include arrays of exotic fish, and have superb clarity. Scuba diving is highly recommended, just because of the diversity and size of the island. Each area is different, and you are guaranteed to have a great time!

4. Bike and nature trails in the Ubud Jungle

This bike trip takes place in an inland area of Bali called Ubud. It is renowned for it's superb natural beauty, and permits the idea of a serene rainforest. The Banyan Tree Bike Tour is highly recommended as an activity, for bikers of all expertise and experience levels. With a free pickup, there are several superbly informative guides which will take you on your adventure, completely knowledgable and will be willing to ask any question (i urge you to challenge them! They really know their stuff!) Starting in the morning with a free pickup and breakfast at their starting location, you then become acquainted with the guides and the area, and then set off! With fantastic views over the amazing Mountain at the center of Bali you twine your way around the natural trails. Most of the cycling in downhill and is around 25km in length, making it a suitable and easy activity for childrens and adults alike.

5. Experience Bali's superb nightlife

Bali holds itself true to the idea that it has bustling nightlife. Tourists and locals flock daily (no matter what day of the week) to the many bars and clubs which exist on Bali. The people are relaxed in dress, especially at one of my favorite clubs "OceanBeach club" which is at the north end of Kuta beach, spanning a vast area with several bars, bathrooms and music types. Techno, hip-hop or alternative this club has it all, and has a gender mixed welcoming crowd (as all bars in Bali do :] ). The floating dancefloor offers relief to those who maybe get too hot, as many in jump straight into the pool! There's often live acts and music throughout the night, but i would advise you NOT to take the free drinks which they may offer, or at least ask for NO ICE. I never had a problem before but this club gave me a terrible sickness for about 3 weeks (the flight back was NOT pleasant, not to mention i was flying Yemen Airways!). Other great bars and clubs to try out include the rootop lounge, and several down the main streets of Bali. You are sure to find something to suit your tastes!

Dubai, the city of Dreams

2010-11-11T23:13:00.000-08:00

Dubai, the city of dreams, a city growing by an average of 10,000 individuals every month. The city has increased in size and magnitude more than anyone else could have imagined and with it has brought the most eclectic mix of cultures, people and activities. I lived here for 11 years and I can assure you that should you visit Dubai you will have a great time! There is always something to do, no matter what the time or date and in comparison to other cities of the same magnitude or cultural affluence it is far cheaper.

Myths associated with Dubai. Is it Safe? What can I wear?

The top myths i get about Dubai (especially from Americans) are, is it safe to go here? It's in the middle east... well that's just Rubbish! Dubai has been voted in the top 15 places in the world, above Norway and Sweden in the United Nations report for 2010. The crime rate is less than 4 per 100,000, and of these 4 i assure you none of them will be serious. Dubai is the safest city i've been to. The police don't even bother carrying guns, i mean why would people commit crimes? It's a city filled with money and good times, they've got no reason to! Dubai has less terror presence than any western city i've been to, it's like the Switzerland of the middle east, neutral in all respects!

Another myth I often hear is, What can i wear in Dubai? I watched Sex and the City 2 and was appalled by what they were saying. It is not a representation of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai, with its safety and eclectic mix of people has to be tolerant to new views and fashions, people of all walks of life visit without a problem. Just don't do anything you wouldn't do in your home country, like walking around a shopping mall in a Bikini. It is nice to be respectful of their country, but you shouldn't have a problem. Wearing a bikini or whatever you want at a hotel pool is completely fine, i mean it is a pool.

Is kissing in public forbidden? The answer here is yes, it is. Unfortunately since Dubai lost it's money in the economic downturn i first hand witnessed the power of the country shift to the Capital, Abu Dhabi which is more conservative and backward thinking. You may see a sign in the malls which says kissing is forbidden. Now, this is just there to warn you in case you do get into trouble like in the paper, but a friendly kiss is fine, just don't make out in public. I have never actually seen this enforced myself after 11 years, but its something i wouldn't really do anyway so i guess i never had to notice it.

What's the alcohol laws in Dubai? The alcohol laws in Dubai state that Alcohol can be served in the presence of a hotel or an event. Well, i can assure you people have found ways around this, there's a restaurant (Sezzam) in the Dubai Mall which serves a medley of alcohol products. You shouldn't drink in public, but at your friends place this is fine. I suppose the law is similar to the United States in that respect.

Dubai's two seasons, What's the Best season to go to Dubai?

Dubai has 2 seasons, winter and summer. I would certainly advise you not to travel in the summer. It is far too hot, and temperatures can reach 150F or 60C at times, with blistering humidity to make it worse. You may think it's nice to go to the beach to cool down, think again! I remember going to the beach, getting out of the car and sweating and burning with heat, then going into the water only to find it's hotter than my bath!! The summer months are May to August. The best times to travel to Dubai are during the Winter months which are mid-September to mid-May, where temperatures are a superb 30-35C, and the weather is fairly predictable, dry, warm and sunny with a passing cloud and cool light breeze. It is complemented with the superb array of hotel pools and beaches and outdoor activities, the ocean is a reasonable 24-26C.

Top 9 Places to Visit in Dubai

There are so many places to visit in Dubai, and if you follow my advice on the season to travel in this superb city! I list these in no particular order:

1. Burj Khalifa - Tallest Building in the World.

Standing at 818 meters, this building is a triumph to the middle east boom, and the only one that was actually built before the boom ended in 2008. I saw the rise of this tower from foundation to finish, it truly is magnificent. I have NEVER seen anything taller in my entire life, and is absolutely breathtaking. You can go to the observation deck on the 124th floor for around 100dhs (US$ 30) waiting admission, or 400dhs (US$ 110) immediate admission. I would just wait, it's normal anyway right? There's a Dubai Metro stop right at the tower, so it's easy to find. You can also hail a cab to the "Burj Khalifa".

2. The Dubai Mall - Largest Mall in the World.

This mall has its own rollercoaster, aquarium with one of the worlds largest public viewing screens, cinema along with about 1200 stores including Bloomingdales and about every store you could ever imagine, there's 4 food courts. I remember walking from one side to the other to meet my friend, and it took me 15 minutes. And that's only to walk across the mall. It takes a full 45 minutes to make a circle on ONE floor of the mall (there's 5 floors). This mall is situated right next to the Burj Khalifa and the Old Town district which has some nice Shisha (Hookah if you're American) coffee shops, perched right outside to watch the dancing water fountains at the base of the Burj Khalifa. I would recommend going to Cafe Blanc, and using their outdoor verandah. It has fantastic coffees, the most amazing shisha in the city, and superb views of the fountains, not to mention underfloor outdoor cooling so even if you do go in the summer you can STILL sit outside in cool comfort!! Only in Dubai!

3. Ski Dubai - The world's largest indoor ski slope.

I know, i know, a ski slope in the middle east? Yes it's true! With its own chairlift and black run, it makes for a fun few hours skiing or snowboarding, or even learning to snowboard (i learn't here from Austrian snowboard instructors). It's humungous, and fully themed! There's a nice restaurant (Sezzam) at the base of the slope, so if you want to sit and watch, or if you're a family and some want to go and some don't you can enjoy a nice glass of wine or coffee. The Ski Dubai is at the Mall of the Emirates, which has it's own Metro Station so it's easy to find. You can also hail a cab to this mall, by asking to go to the Mall of the Emirates. Once here you should also have a mosy round the Mall, since it used to be the third largest in Asia. There's again, so many things to do here with an indoor amusement center as an example (not to mention the ski slope).

4. Aquaventure Waterpark, at Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah

Aquaventure = one word, WOW! It's a superb day out for the whole family! Tickets average 240dhs for adults (US$ 65) which is reasonable since it is amazing! The Atlantis Hotel is perched on the very tip of the Palm Jumeirah, the palm tree shaped island off the coast of Dubai. You can drive here or take a taxi, there's a bridge to take you onto the island and a tunnel that runs under the sea to take you to the Atlantis Hotel. There's ample parking so don't worry! Bring flip flops, sometimes the ground gets hot! There's so many slides and rides it's unfathomable and something for thrillseekers or the more relaxed waterpark enthusiast. The lazy river even has rapids at certain areas and it winds excitingly all round the park! I would recommend visiting the Dolphin area at the Atlantis hotel, you can walk there from the waterpark (which had a beach did i mention?). You can swim and meet dolphins here, it's fantastic! They're very happy and in temperature controlled, humungous lagoon conditions filled with love and care so don't worry :) Bring your waterproof camera and good camera. The views from the top of the central 'Ziggarat' slide area has a great vantage point over Dubai, the palm and the Arabian Sea!

5. Desert Duning / Dune Bashing

Take your car or go with an experienced tour guide into the fantastic deserts of Dubai, and go Dune bashing! It's so thrilling and exciting and a must do for tourists and visitors who pass through Dubai. The views over the endless deserts with it's deep red sands and rolling dunes are superb so bring your camera! The well known mountain, Big Red is the largest sand dune within proximity to Dubai. Make sure if you bring your car you bring a friends in case you get stuck, so they can pull you out. I guarantee you will have the time of your life! If you want to be more thrillseeking venture in the 'Empty Quarter', inland from the United Arab Emirates. It is the world's largest uninhabited desert, with sand dunes reaching hundreds of meters high for hundreds and hundreds of miles. There's a new luxury hotel which opened up (the Anantara) so you should make a day of it! Bring plenty of water for you and for your car, but don't worry in Dubai there's always signal! (go with Etisalat!)

6. Go for a car ride down Sheikh Zayed Road

This is the central artery for Dubai, and runs right through the city. If you start at the south end of the city, close to the Abu Dhabi border and ride your car leisurely from one end to the other you will see all of Dubai in it's glory. Towers as far as the eye can see, hundreds and hundreds of them. You will pass through Dubai and across the creek into the Old Dubai district, seeing what the 'old' 15 year old Dubai looked like. If you do this you should stop near the creek to go for a ride on an Abra, a traditional arabic boat. This is available for around 15dhs per person and is managed by the city ($5).

7. Take a helicopter tour of Dubai

Taking a helicopter of Dubai is the only sure way to see Dubai in all it's glory. You will have the preferred aerial view over the city, circling the burj Khalifa, the emirates towers, the tallest block on the planet (where each building exceeds 110 floors, there's 20 of them!), the palm jumeirah, the world islands and go to see the older areas of Dubai too.

8. Go for a sports car ride at the Dubai Autodrome

The Dubai Autodrome is located near the Arabian Ranches district of Dubai. The sports car experience takes place on Dubai's own racing track, capable of holding F1 races (it did in the past). You get to choose your choice of cars, of which Dubai is synonymous for in its cars. When you arrive here you will notice that the family sedan of the city is the Range Rover (pretty much every mother has one) and at my secondary school the family car was the Maserati (everyone had one). A Porsche is just not going to cut it in this city! Supercharged cars race you round the track at breakneck speeds, doing awesome manouvers, don't worry! You're being taken around by experienced drivers!

9. Visit the free beach in front of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (known to locals as JBR).

This is a fantastic place to people watch, and be seen! There's a fantastic area called 'The Walk" with coffee shops, stalls, shops and more, people are going into starbucks in their beach clothes to grab a frapuccino, and then back down the the beach they go to soak up some more sun! It's a fantastic place to go early, i wouldn't suggest driving, a taxi is probably better. The area consists of hundreds of chic towers, each apartment going for around a million dollars, and right behind the JBR? It's the Dubai Marina with more towers going for around the same amount! It's just a very vibrant place to go. If you go early, go for breakfast, grab a coffee and get prime spacing on the beach. It's a very modern beach, lots of locals and tourists alike (a great place for people watching did i mention?). I used to go every week during the winter months.