Johan Hensen Column The writer is a retired hopitality consultant and living in Bali. Any comment about this article, please email at johan@bits.bali.com or HP 081558582853

Many times during my long stay here in Bali, lots of visitors complained to me about the lack of information in Bali. Especially about where to see the real Bali and more so when it comes to events, exhibitions, festivals and Hindu ceremonies. According to them, they only receive the information through media coverage when the event was already over. It is only then when it is reported. Well, to please you all, in this publication, I am going to do something about that. Below you’ll find some information about 5 great upcoming international events:

The capital town of Tabanan is located 20 Km west of Denpasar. The regency of Tabanan, like old Balinese realms, has a mountain to the sea axis – an ordering of the physical landscape that mirrors the ordering of the cosmos with major points marked by temples. Two of the main temples to be found in Tabanan are the seaside sanctuary of Tanah Lot and Batukaru temple high up on mount Batukaru. The temple in the sea is about 20 Km west of Denpasar on the main highway, one arrives at the town of Kediri where a large sign at the main intersection announces a turn off to the left toward Pura Tanah Lot – the famous seaside temple

Tanah Lot Bali International Kite Festival: 11 – 13 August 2006
The location of this international festival, the stunning temple on a rock in the ocean, is already reason enough to visit this event. Combined now with this spectacular international Kite Festival, I guarantee you that you will experience an unforgettable time. To know more about Bali Kites, see the article on page.., about the local kite festival that was held recently in Sanur. For more information, visit: www.bali-travelnews.com/kites-festival Or contact us at Bali Travel News

The 1st Royal Singaraja North Bali Festival: 12 – 14 August 2006
This first time event, promises to be extra ordinary. Not one single day will be boring, as they are all filled with a great variety of activities. It is going to be 3 days full of Art, Culture, Fashion, Food, Golf and Jazz.
Miss Indonesia 2005, as well as over 30 Royalties from all over Indonesia, are the special guests during this festival. Their special attention is the Miss & Mister Tourism 2006 contest, but also the many other events are worthwhile visiting North Bali’s Lovina and Singaraja: Jazz and Rock concerts every night, gamelan, traditional dance performances, fashion shows, kite fighting contest, colorful street parades, food festival, Royal Culinary dinners at the Royal Palace, a celebrity golf event, boat racing and much, much more!
For more information, visit their websites: www.northbali.com, www.royalpalacetours.com or contact this magazine Bali Travel News.

The 4th Kuta Karnival Festival: 16 – 24 September 2006
This already famous festival is filled with a great variety of activities, starting with its spectacular Rio-style Opening Parade. Other events are: Surfing competition & demonstrations, Skate boarding competition, Bali Food Festival (a culinary highlight, not to be missed), Fashion festival and shows, Live Music Concerts, Beach activities, Fairs and much more. It is fun for everyone. For more information, just visit their website: www.kutakarnival.com or contact us at Bali Travel News.
Already a combination of visiting the first 2 events will give you a taste of the real Bali.
But still you might be able to combine it with 2 other recommended visits during the same period:

The "Mekepung" Bull Race Regent Cup in Negara – Jembrana on August 13 2006
A spectacular and amazing event with lots of fun for all.

The "Bleganjur" Gamelan marching band Competition in Tabanan City on August 11, 2006.
This event is only held once a year. Stunning and spectacular. As I visited the previous 3 Kuta Karnival events, I know that the Kuta Karnival Festival is an event not to be missed. Do yourself and your dear ones a favor and check it out yourself.
This must be reason enough to extend your stay or to come back. Please inform your friends at home as well. It shows that Bali is very much alive, vibrant and the people are proud to show you their way of life: "Bali: My Life"