SINGAPORE – Agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline.com Inc. (Nasdaq: PCLN), today launched special deals to celebrate this year’s Bali Arts Festival.
Bali has long been the place to go for those seeking a quintessential island holiday. Surrounded by coral reefs, edged with white sand beaches, and draped in stunning scenery, it’s a dream destination for many.
For decades, tourists have traveled to this famous Indonesian island to savor its beauty and immerse themselves in the friendliness of its people. Since 1979, travelers have also had the chance to enjoy the showcase of Balinese culture that is Bali’s annual month-long arts festival, “PKB,” or Pesta Kesenian Bali.
This year’s event runs from June 11 to July 9 and begins, as ever, with a parade through Denpasar, from the Bajra Sandhi monument to the Indonesian Institute of the Arts. This spectacular procession of costumed performers and gamelan orchestras is a vivid introduction to two important aspects of Balinese and Hindu tradition – music and dance.
The festival itself includes exhibitions, song and dance performances, shadow puppet plays, film, poetry, and more. Highlights include the President’s address on opening day, the traditional Legong dance dramas, and the exciting and sometimes menacing mask dance.
Beyond the attractions of the arts festival, Bali offers visitors a wealth of things to do. From swimming in turquoise seas and basking on glorious beaches, to elephant trekking, snorkeling, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting, there’s an activity for all energy levels.
For those who prefer a relaxed pace, Bali’s stunning natural beauty and rich history provide plenty of great places to explore. Sunset at Uluwata Temple is one unforgettable experience. Perched atop a cliff on the southwest tip of the island, this ancient Hindu shrine is unrivaled as a vantage spot for watching the sun slowly melt into the sea.
Ubud is also a must-see. With lush vegetation, terraced rice fields, and temple ruins, this mountainous area is an epicenter of fine arts, where travelers can pick up handicrafts and browse arty cafés. After a day of excitement – or enlightenment – visitors can head to Kuta for the nightlife and the backpacker buzz.
Agoda.com has a great range of hotel specials in all price ranges, just in time for the Bali Arts Festival 2011. Travelers can visit this idyllic island and see its biggest annual event while enjoying some great savings.
AGODA.COM BALI ARTS FESTIVAL HOTEL SPECIALS
The Studio One @ Nusa Dua – 2 stars
Just opened! Last-minute rate: book within 3 days of arrival and enjoy a 10% discount. Rates from US$33 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/the_studio_one_at_nusa_dua.html
Fave Denpasar – 2 stars
Funky modern hotel! Save up to 38% on all room types. Rates from US$38 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/the_studio_one_at_nusa_dua.html
Champlung Mas – 3 stars
Kuta location! Save up to 20% on all room types. Rates from US$43 per night. http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/champlung_mas_hotel.html
Home@36 – 3 stars
Free WiFi! Book at least 2 nights and enjoy a 15% discount on all room types. Rates from US$63 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/home_36_condotel.html
Best Western Resort Kuta – 4 stars
Free WiFi! Book at least 2 nights and enjoy a 20% discount on all room types. Rates from US$63 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/best_western_resort_kuta.html
Ramayana Resort & Spa – 4 stars
Newly renovated! Enjoy up to a 30% discount on all room types – rates from US$90 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/ramayana_resort_spa.html
The Bali Khama – 4 stars
Private beach! Save up to 19% on all room types. Rates from US$127 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/the_bali_khama_a_beach_resort_spa.html
Amor Bali Villa – 5 stars
Intimate and luxurious! Book at least 2 nights and save up to 30% on all room types. Rates from US$101 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/the_bali_khama_a_beach_resort_spa.html
Intercontinental Bali – 5 star
Exclusive Jimbaran Bay location! Early-bird special: book at least 14 days in advance and enjoy 20% off. Rates from US$195 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/intercontinental_bali_resort.html
Alila Villas Soori – 5 star
Wow-factor luxury! Book now and receive a 20% discount. Rates from US$400 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/asia/indonesia/bali/alila_villas_soori.html
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- Perched atop a cliff on the southwest tip of the island, this ancient Hindu shrine is unrivaled as a vantage spot for watching the sun slowly melt into the sea.
- This year's event runs from June 11 to July 9 and begins, as ever, with a parade through Denpasar, from the Bajra Sandhi monument to the Indonesian Institute of the Arts.
- After a day of excitement – or enlightenment – visitors can head to Kuta for the nightlife and the backpacker buzz.