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Spending Christmas on the 'Island of Gods'
Despite its predominant Hindu population, Christmas has become part of yearend celebrations in Bali
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Despite its predominant Hindu population, Christmas has become part of yearend celebrations in Bali. Not only is the Island of Gods gearing up for welcoming the New Year but many places are set to hold various exciting events to make Christmas merrier.
Since the beginning of December, Christmas trees and colorful decorations are seen adorning such places as offices, malls, restaurants, hotels and resorts.
For visitors, both local and international tourists, wishing to celebrate Christmas while spending their yearend holiday, Bali should be on their travel bucket list.
The island's warm tropical climate, stunning beaches and breathtaking volcanic mountains are some of the reasons that make Bali an obvious choice. This is not to mention the charm of locals who always welcome every visitor from anywhere in the world.
Observing the Christmas Eve sunset in the beautiful Tanah Lot or immersing yourself in beautiful wreaths of rice plants is quite an experience indeed.
No less interestingly, some hotels and resorts on the island feature various Christmas offers that can make your holiday exceptional.
St. Regis Bali Resort is featuring its award-winning culinary team with the creation of palatable Christmas menu, on Dec. 24 and 25. The resort's beachfront restaurant, Kayuputi, and signature restaurant, Boneka, are set to spoil visitors' taste buds. And head to the resort's Gourmand Deli for Christmas goodies.
Go to the Haven Bali Seminyak; this four-star resort is ready for special Christmas celebrations.
There will be a Christmas charity, in which each visitor can buy tree decoration to decorate the resort's unique Balinese Lontar Christmas Tree. The amount collected for the charity will be channeled to help the children from the Anugrah orphanage in Denpasar, the island's capital.
The resort will feature Pan Indonesian Gala Buffet Dinner on Dec. 24. It's a great culinary experience for foodies seeking to savor a variety of Indonesian dishes. Here, guests will be entertained with a Balinese dance performance while spoiling their palate with authentic flavors from different regions across the archipelago. Pairing the food with Asian beers and signature cocktails is also worth a try.
For a holiday shopping spree, many malls and shopping centers, such as Beachwalk shopping center, Bali Galeria and Discovery Mall, are throwing good bargains on local and international brands in the wake of Christmas season. Beachwalk in Kuta, for example, features more than 100 fashion retail brands offering up to 70 percent discount.
As in the previous years, Christmas Eve and New Year Eve are cheered up with the fireworks sparked in the island's commercial and entertainment hubs, such as Kuta, Sanur and Nusa Dua. Cultural performances, such as Kecak dance, are often staged for the public to make the December holiday season more festive. (JP)
