If adrenaline is not what you came for and you rather spend your holidays among relaxing activities to stimulate your body and mind, you might want to choose one of the spa services offered at most Costa Rican hotels, or perhaps for a complete relaxing environment you might want to head to Arenal Volcano Hot Springs and National Reserve where only the landscape is relaxing enough for formidable vacations.

Tourism is one of the main economic activities in Costa Rica, therefore the country has invested time and money on preserving the astonishing flora and fauna hosted in several Wildlife Refuges throughout this land. The Monteverde and Santa Elena cloud forest is the perfect example of Costa Rican conservational efforts, the forest host more than 100 species of mammals including wild cats and birds and over 2500 species of plants with 420 being orchids that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Costa Rica is certainly a wonderful country full of new things to discover… Become the next explorer of this great tropical land.

However, be sure to take long clothes for the evening because of mosquitoes. Buy a sarong on the market in order to enter places of worship, otherwise you can rent at the entrance of the temple. Avoid necklines and miniskirts away from beaches.

TIPS

Tipping is a practice that has developed in Bali with tourism. People who work in tourism-related services may expect a small gesture on the part of visitors.

CUSTOMS

The Balinese are mostly Hindus with ancient animist traditions still very present. Very close to nature, they spend much time with offerings and prayers dedicated to the gods and other deities. During a walk, it is not uncommon to see a multitude of altars placed near a tree, a river or at the intersection of a crossroads. The many temples are everywhere: every house has one. The most important are those of Besakih, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot yet.

The Balinese life is marked by ceremonies, rituals and religious festivals. For processions, women are in their finest sarongs with a small belt tied around the waist. They are balanced on the head of offerings (flowers, fruits and other sweets) to the temple.

PHOTO TIPS

Ask permission from the person you want to shoot. The camera equipment is readily available in major cities of the island. The film and photo development are cheaper there.

From 32 countries, estimated as many as 370 athletes will perform accompanied by 80 coaches, 90 officials, 150 nonofficial and 20 media from participants. This event will compare the two numbers re curve and compound.

Tip number 1 – Find a taxi stand.

If you just came out of the airport, you can easily locate taxi stands just about and near the spot. It possible a bit similar to what you have in your state. You just have to become aware of the congregating taxis under a sign that you cannot read and that would probably be it. If unsure, ask a police person. In general terms, only cabs that are authorized by the government to board passengers are the ones that can park under these stands. This also means that the taxi driver is licensed. Never let drivers that are aggressive to win you over. They might have another intention than bringing you to your destination.

Tip number 2 – Recognize something about the place where you are heading.

Traveler should have even the slightest idea regarding your destination. if required, try to avoid shortcuts because this can confuse your memory and lead to another street that you are unfamiliar with. Become aware of If you are heading south and the taxi is going opposite direction, be determined to ask or otherwise make the cab stop for if not, juts jump out of your seat and ask for help.

Tip number 3 – Monitor for taxi similarities.

Glance at the color of the cab. Is it he same with others? Do they have certain similarities that can assure you of some firm facts that the cab is really safe? You can never trust a taxi that seems different from the others because in some area, thieves use fake cabs to get your money.

Tip number  4 – Keep your luggage close.

If you are traveling on your own and your are carrying a really big and heavy bags, sit beside them. Keep it very close to you. Otherwise if it is in the trunk, it will be very difficult for you to pull it out if in case anything bad occurs.

Tip number 5 – Make a note of phone numbers.

Minicab companies love promotion. That is why; legitimate taxis are the ones with plastered company numbers either on the trunk, roofs and doors. Never get into a taxi that does not have the company’s phone number on its interior or outer surface.

Tip number 6 – Sharing alert.

Sharing your taxi with somebody can reduce your consumption and impose some kind of safety within you. Even though, you should try to say “no” if your taxi driver wanted someone to share with you no matter how peaceful the stranger looks – especially in foreign countries. You could end up being kidnapped because the peaceful-faced stranger is a camouflage and is actually a bad person.

Tip number 7 – Get a hold of the door grip.

Do not ride a cab when the door handle inside it is malfunctioning or is conked out. It would be very difficult for you to escape a predicament with a busted taxi exit. If in case all of these tips not succeed, always have an emergency line where you can call local security guard. It is always a remark to put safety first when traveling especially in overseas.

May 12, 2009
Odalan, holy place anniversary celebrations at :
* Pura Dalem Kediri, Silakarang, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Dalem puri, Batuan village, Gianyar regency
* Pura Dalem Kediri, Silakarang, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Dalem Singakerta village, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Desa, Gajah Mada street, down town of Denpasar.
* Pura Puncak Payogan, Kedewatan village, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Dalem Tampuagan, Peninjoan village, district of Tembuku, Bangli regency.
* Pura Dalem Waturenggong, Taro village, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Dalem Puri, Peliatan village, Goanyar regency.
* Pura Puseh, Ubud village, Gianyar regency.

May 19, 2009
The major cultural event through out the year, a whole month celebrations, with the details of the programs as follows : From 21 of May until 20 of June.

“Mamiut and ritual held at every temple ao the village, asking for safety and success for the biggest ceremony to be held during 3 month time.

May 21, 2009
The biggest cultural event through out the year, a whole month celebrations, with the details of the programs as follows : From 21 of May until 20 of June.

Meeting and rituals held at Pura Puseh Sembangan attended by the temple’s adherents, cheered with Selonding Orchestra.

May 25, 2009
The biggest cultural event through out the year, a whole month celebrations, with the details of the programs as follows : From 21 of May until 20 of June.

“Mati Ombo Sanghyang” special event when deities abide at bale Agung during three days time. The event commenced with slaughtering a buffalo with sacred kris at 12.00 hours, accompanied by slonding orchestra, preceded by procession to Bale Agung at 17.00 hours.

May 27, 2009
Odalan, Temple anniversary celebrations at :

* Pura Puseh/Desa, Sukawati village, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Merajan agung, Batuyang village, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Maspahit, Sesetan village, south of Denpasar.

May 28, 2009
The biggest cultural event through out the year, a whole month celebrations, with the details of the programs as follows : From 21 of May until 20 of June.

Last day of Mati Ombo Sanghyang When The deities return in procession to Pura Raja Purana at 18 hours will the ancient-swing is set up, cheered with Selonding Orchestra.

May 30, 2009
The biggest cultural event through out the year, a whole month celebrations, with the details of the programs as follows : From 21 of May until 20 of June.

A Group of maidens collect holy water to public-bathing place, While the other pray at Pura Batu Keben and Pura Telaga. The ancient swing is purificated, blessed and then tried while selonding Orchestra cheers the atmosphere. this event followed by a special ceremony for boys who officially accepted as “calon teruna” (bachelors of the village).

May 31, 2009
The biggest cultural event through out the year, a whole month celebrations, with the details of the programs as follows : From 21 of May until 20 of June.

Second day of collecting holy water while the men attending a meeting. This event then followed by swinging together on the ancient swing.

April 05, 2009
“Ngarebong” “special event/ritual”, when a group of the temples adherents being in trance, stab themselves with kris, the scared daggers. just to indicate that the series of ritual have been in process accordingly.
- Pura Petilan Pengerebongan, Kesiman village, East of Denpasar.

April 09, 2009
Odalan and purnama, Temple anniversary celebrations and full moon ceremony at :

* Pura Batur, Kalanganyar village, Bangli regency.
* Pura Dalem, Tangsub village, Sukawati, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Penambangan Badung, Pemedilan village, downtown of Denpasar.
* Pura Desa, Singakertha village, Ubud, Gianyar regency.

April 09, 2009
“Bethara turun kabeh” (the descendent of all Deities) special ceremony, held once in year time at :
* Pura Penataran Agung Besakih (the mother temple) Karangasem regency .

April 09, 2009
“Ngusaba” special regency, special ritual held every certain period of time, after harvesting, etc at :
* Pura Bukit Jati, Bangli regency
* Pura Lempuyang Madya, Purwayu village, Karangsaem regency.

April 22, 2009

Odalan, Temple anniversary celebrations at :

* Pura Luhur Puncak Padangdawa, Bangli village district of Baturiti,   Tabanan regency.
* Pura Silayukti, Padangbai village, Karangasem regency.
* Pura Air Jeruk, Sukawati village, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Dangin Pasar, Batuan village, Gianyar regency.
* Pura Puseh, Bebandem village, Karangasem regency.

The topic is “Yoga for peace and health” and all activities take place in Bali People Struggle Monument in the area of Niti Mandala Renon Denpasar.

During the festival, yoga teachers would be happy to facilitate people who are interested in yoga.

February 19, 2009
Meeting and Rituals held at Pura Besaka called. “Neduh have a tabuh rah or cook fighting.

February 21, 2009
“Tumpek uduh”/tumpek wariga, the day devoted to God as “Sanghyang Sangkara”, lord of all food-plants and vegetation, when blessing ceremony is held for good crop and product.

Temple anniversary celebration at :

- Pura Penatasan pande, Kusamba, village, Klungkung regency.
- Pura Ida Ratu Pande, Besakih (Mother Temple), Karangasem regency.
- Pura Taman, Bubunan Village, Seririt district, Buleleng regency.

Events 21 January, 2009
Temple anniversary celebration at :

- Pura Puseh and Desa, Bebalang Village, South of the town of Bang
li, Bangli regency.
- Pura Dalem Perancak, canggu village, kuta district, Badung regency.
- Pura Gede Gunung Agung, Munggu village, district of mengwi, Badung regency.
- Pura Kereban langit, Sading village, district of Mengwi, Badung regency.

27 January, 2009
Temple anniversary celebration at :

- Pura Dalem Lagan, Bebalang village, South of the town of Bangli.
- Pura Dalem Ganda Mayu, downtown of klungkung
- Pura Puseh, Lembeng village, district of Sukawati, Gianyar Regency.
- Pura Penataran Sasih, Pejeng Village, District of Tampaksiring, Gianyar regency.

31 January, 2009

First day, preparation of the main ceremony at Bale Agung (the village Hall) and Gaduh Temple accompanied by Selonding music orchestra.

Ulam Restaurant
Jl. Pantai Mengiat 14, Pemengi
Nusa Dua
Tlp. (0361) 773776
Fax. (0361) 771902

Sama-Sama Resturant
Jl. By. Pass Ngurah Rai
Nusa Dua 128
Tlp. (0361) 771129
Fax. (0361) 776366

Oce-Oce
Bali Colection Nusa Dua
Tlp. (0361) 774208

Angsa Putih
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 99 X
Tlp. (0361) 773444
Fax. (0361) 773445

Jali-Jali Restaurant
Bali Galleria Kuta
Tlp. (0361) 758853
Fax. (0361) 761967

Fokutaro Yakiniku
Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta
Tlp. (0361) 758851

Made Warung
Jl. Pantai Kuta
Tlp. (0361) 755297

Matahari Food Court
Mall Bali Galeria Lt. 1
Tlp. (0361) 754442

Poco Loco
Jl.Padma Utara
Tlp. (0361) 756079

Poppies Restaurant
Jl. Poppies 1
Tlp. (0361) 751059,
Fax. (0361) 752364

Indah Sari
Jl. Legian Kuta
Tlp. (0361) 751854

Cafe Warisan
Jl. Raya Kerobokan Kuta 38
Seminyak
Tlp. (0361) 731175

Macaroni
Jl. Legian No. 52
Tlp. (0361) 754662

Abian Boga
Jl. Kusumasari, Sanur No. 5
Tlp. (0361) 287174
Fax. (0361) 287837

Penjor
Jl. Danau Tamblingan No 141, Sanur
Tlp. (0361) 288567,
Fax (0361) 288766

Canangsari
Jl. Danau Batur No. 2, Sanur
Tlp. (0361) 287027,
Fax. (0361) 289345

Hongkong Garden
Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai

Padanggalak
Sanur
Tlp. (0361) 462163, 462392
Fax. (0361) 463192

Kopi Bali
Kompleks Pertokoan Graha Niaga,
Sanur
Tlp. (0361) 270990,
Fax. (0361) 270993