CONFERENCE VENUE

The Conference will be in Bali, Indonesia – Island of the Gods. August 27—29th, 2008. Held at the Sanur Beach Hotel, Jl. Danau Tamblingan. 20 minutes by taxi from the airport. [For reservations please check rates on this page. Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page. When in contact with the hotel, do mention that you are with the AfA 2008 Conference to assure a special rate.]

INTRODUCTION

Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago of 18,500 islands and lies approximately 8°C south of the equator. The overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of Bali are Hindu.

Because Bali is blessed by nature with a short, hot wet season and a longer, dry season when the humidity it tolerable and inland more cooler, tourists flock here year round, with more choosing to arrive in the dry season - which nowadays stretches from April to late November.

This island also known as the 'Island of the Gods', the 'Morning of the World' and the 'Emerald Isle' is the jewel of the Indonesian treasure chest but in reality no mere sobriquet can do justice to the incomparable magic of Bali.

First Impressions
Formed million of years ago by volcanic activity, Bali landscape is dominated by mountains, coastal low lands and limestone outcrops that drop into great heights to the oceans. In addition Bali is better known for its rich culture, superb surfing and sparkling beaches. The sights of sacred and secular dances and religious processions, the magnificent textiles, the mesmerizing sounds of gamelan, the arts and paintings are among some of the unique experiences of Balinese culture that have long fascinated the hearts of visitors to Bali.

As a visitor to Bali, it is extremely difficult not to be drawn by the magical atmosphere in this island which exudes from the land, its people and their spirits manifested so clearly in their long processions of costume clad villagers carrying flower and fruit offerings on their heads or in fascinating dancers acting out an ancient Hindu story of the good overcoming the evil.

Wherever you are and whatever you choose to do in Bali, there is always the smile and open embrace of a people who appreciate a world of their own and would love to share some of this magic wholeheartedly with you.

Observations
On a leisure aspect, there are opportunities to ride the most exciting surf in this part of the world, leisurely walks in peaceful jungles and villages, diving, shopping, trekking volcanoes and indulge in the local Balinese fare. Most popular of all is the visits the some of the most sacred Hindu temples in Bali which are built on cliffs, coastal areas and on top of mountains. Each of the temples carry legends and beliefs that have brought the Balinese people into one God fearing community that is manifested in their daily worship rituals and countless festivals.

Bali is magical from the noisy playground of Kuta with its spectacular sunsets and lively nightlife to the elegance of Sanur Beach, the water sports arena of Tg Benoa, the manicured beauty of Nusa Dua and beyond and to the heartland scattered with temples and around the coast fringed with rustic villages and magnificent beaches.

The more adventurous  can explore the mountains, rivers and seas selecting from a wide range of leisure activities from trekking and four wheel drive to white water rafting and riding horses, elephants and even camels. There’s always the exhilarating rush of adrenalin when one ventures into the wilderness areas of Bali.

However you may have the opportunity to participate in mythical experiences by visiting one of the numerous sacred temples with ancient bas reliefs or you may be lucky to observe a temple festival or public cremation or perhaps immerse yourself in one of Bali’s many dances ranging from the Barong dance where good overcame evil, welcoming dance by children, Kecak dance by hypnotic dancers around a fire or the Legong Dance comprising of a series of dance scenes.

It is this sense of exoticism and magic in the sights, sounds and tastes of an island so rich in culture and the people so immersed in their own world that visitors from all the world would be happy just watching and learning.

The Balinese people are the soul of courtesy and their land adapts very well to the waves of tourists who are all searching for the unique experience for which is island is famed.

All in all, Bali captures the heart and soul of Indonesia yet it has evolved a unique culture of its own making Bali a very special place of its own.

Geography
Geographically, Bali of only 5000 sq kilometers is situated between the heavily populated Java Island and the idyllic island of Lombok in the Indonesia archipelago. The landscape of Bali centres on a line of active volcanoes with alluvial slopes extending out to the coastal plains. Cultivated rice fields and crop growth fringe the mountain slopes in terraced formation. The lower part of the plains transform into water logged mangrove swamps leading to the ocean. A number of rivers and streams transverse the landscapes carving deep chasms as they go.

Climate
Bali’s climate is consistently warm which is particularly mild in the dry season and the mountains ensure that there is a steady rainfall to periodically cool the island down through the rainy season. The mountainous region offers a refreshing temperature all year round and a relief from the heat and humidity in the plains.

The busiest period is during the European holiday of August, which is also the coolest month.

Transportation
Transportation is relatively cheap in Bali. One can join the locals in their non-air-conditioned bemos (vans) for short distances or just hail a taxi (Bluebird being the most popular). For private tour of the island go for chartered vans or car rental. Be forewarned that roads in Bali especially in rural areas, can be very narrow and road signages are scarce and the driving is crazy!

NOTE: The menu will be vegetarian—mainly vegan with the exception of certified free-range eggs in some dishes.

If you have any questions, email us at AfAbali@gmail.com

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