When it comes to London, I have been on both sides of the equation. I’ve been the wide-eyed tourist when I was younger, thoroughly amazed by all the huge buildings and landmarks; and I’ve been the cynical resident who has lived there for years and come to love it despite the stresses that come from the London life.

It’s like going from the honeymoon period to real life with a long term partner – the love is still there, it just changes. And one of the things I find myself thinking now is that I wish I’d had some of the knowledge I have now, back then. If only I had known how to get the most out of London, how to avoid paying over the odds, and where all the little hidden gems were back when I was still in awe of the city and still much freer to explore as a visitor.

To help out the rest of you London tourists then, I present to you some of my top tips for making the most of London that you only learn from living here. This is how to save money, to see more and to ensure the whole thing goes as smoothly as butter.

Using the Tube

Photo Courtesy: Erin Faulkner

When you come to London, the most important tip is to learn to use the tube. Wherever you stay, make sure that there is a tube stop within easy walking distance and that way you’ll be able to get easily to any part of London you might want to visit. The most cost effective way to do this is by using a London travelcard every day (which gives you access to any station for that day), or if you’re staying there more than a few days, to get an Oyster Card which will earn you impressive savings and save you the long queues at the terminals. Avoid travelling on the weekdays in rush hour though, as it will be a nightmare and cost you more as well.

Another tip is that your Oyster/Travel cards can give you access to both the cable cars and the boats that run along the Thames – so this is a cheap way to catch a different view of London.

Nights Out

The London Eye at night – Photo Courtesy: Nuno Silva

Nights out in London can get expensive, but there are some good ways to enjoy them for cheaper. One is to make sure that you start early – this way you might be able to catch the last tube home and you’ll be able to benefit from the happy hour drinks offers.

Another is to start your night in a pub like Weatherspoons where you’ll pay considerably less than the snazzy bars. Finally, if you must get a cab home on the way back, make sure to call them rather than waiting at a taxi rank. You’ll pay considerably less. If you want a great night then visit Covent Garden and go to Adventure Bar, Foundations or Road House.

Free Activities

The British Library, London – Photo Courtesy: Ian Patterson

While visiting London can get expensive, there are plenty of great things to there for free. My favourites include the British Library (highly underrated), the various museums (the science museum in particular), the art galleries and just exploring the parks and along the Thames.

Amy Sawyer is a freelance writer based in the UK. She just loves the city of London and considers it as the best city in the world. For first timers, the city can be a revetting experience. Other than London, she loves Paris and is specially impressed with the service provided by Alamo car hire in France in the French capital.

It may have been a long, cold winter, with the sun rarely showing it’s face – but already we can sense summer rapidly approaching, where lighter evenings, pub gardens, fresh grass and blue skies all make an appearance.

It’s the time to pack up the car and take yourself and the loved one away from the hustle and bustle of working life on a well-deserved holiday. It could be to the country for a relaxing camping break? Or possibly you’re interested in something a bit more adventurous? If this sounds like your cup of tea then you might want to think about a sailing break. Relax on the water enjoying the great outdoors, and get the adrenalin flowing and learn new skills by controlling your own yacht.

Not just your average beach holiday

Admittedly, it’s something a bit different – and more active – than your average beach holiday, but that’s the fun of it! It’s good to try something new and be adventurous every now and then, and the memories to come out of it are something to be enjoyed for the rest of your life.

Other adventurous outdoor activities such as rock-climbing and white-water rafting are also great ways to vary up your couples retreat this summer. This may not be your cup of tea, and that is completely understandable; however, the phrase “don’t knock it before you try it” springs to mind and could really change the way you plan your future outings!

Broaden your horizons with a sailing break

With sailing, it’s not just a “one off” experience; once you’ve learnt the art of sailing, you’ll be proficient in the sport for life! A sailing course will add to your skills set, broaden your horizons and enable you to choose a different kind of adventurous and interesting holiday for both you and your partner.

Photo Courtesy: iStockphoto

Most yacht charter companies insist on a certain level of skill before you can charter a yacht. The most widely recognised of these is the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Day Skipper qualification.  This comes in two parts – the theory which covers navigation, laws of the sea and terminology and the practical which is setting sails, steering and mooring.

Whatever your age or experience of the water, a sailing holiday will give you memories to treasure forever.

This post was written by First Class Sailing, a UK-based sail training firm, which provides a range of RYA-approved sailing courses including Day Skipper Theory and Practical. For more information learning to sail, please visit their website at http://www.firstclasssailing.com/.

Some times when we go on holiday somewhere, it is hard to truly experience what the place or country is really like. We get a false impression of where we stay as we are usually in a tourist area which can give you a false impression. If you really want to get to know a place then you need to get away from the trappings of the tourist industry and really immerse yourself in the local culture and also its people. By doing this you can not only have one of the best holidays in your life, but you also get a true reflection of what the place and the people are like as well. Ideally, you will require more than the usually two weeks that people go on holiday for, so that you can explore everything that takes your fancy.

The Language

Beautiful Olhos d’Agua, Algarve – Photo Courtesy: Sue Elias

One of the best ways to get to know a population, and the country that they live in, is by learning the language. There are plenty of courses that you can take using the internet where you can learn Portuguese for when you visit the Algarve. Learning and speaking the language when you are on holiday will go a long way with the locals who, even though may speak English or whatever your native language is, will appreciate you making the effort to speak with them in their own language. By striking up a conversation with some of the locals, you may even be able to find some new friends who can show you the Algarve from a local person’s perspective; taking you to places and showing you sights which are frequented mainly by locals rather than tourists.

The Time of Year

The Algarve is a year round resort as it gets great weather all year round being situated in the southernmost point of Portugal. In the winter, you can get temperatures of 25°C whilst in the summer it can get as high as 45°C. If you can come in the low season then you can still get some great weather but you can avoid some of the crowds.

Cliffs of the Algarve – Rock formations in the south of the Algarve, Portugal. Photo Courtesy: Sebastian Fuss

The Algarve gets, on average, 300 days of sunshine a year, so the weather is pretty much guaranteed. So you will need to avoid the summer months and also Christmas and New Year as well. Any time of the year that the schools are on holiday, you will also need to avoid as these are not only busier times, but more expensive times to visit as well. One of the best tomes to visit may be October where you still have a warm temperature, although you may get some rain, but there are also fewer tourists visiting as well.

Where you stay

Where you stay can also have a big influence on the side of the Algarve that you see. If you are staying at a hotel with lots of other tourists then it is hard to get away from that scene and immerse yourself in the local culture. It is hard to know what the local culture is sometimes when surrounded by tourists and places which cater towards them.

Cacela Velha, Ria Formosa, Algarve – Photo Courtesy: Carlos Pinto

A good way to avoid this is to try renting an apartment in an area well away from all of the tourists. You may even be able to rent a house as well in an area where you find mainly locals or expats. This should help you see how the locals live and experience a different side of the Algarve. This is where speaking a bit of Portuguese can really come in handy as you can try talking to your neighbors and get some advice from them as to where you should go and what to see. They may even take you out to their local favorite restaurant and introduce you to some of their friends which can be a great way to experience the local hospitality and also the cuisine as well.

Ideally, you will need to go on holiday in the Algarve for at least a month to really get to see a different side of the Algarve and get to know some of the locals. You never know – you may just make some friends for life which will keep you coming back for years to come.

Ted Hunter has written this article for Travel Republic. Ted is a keen travel writer who likes to share his stories and experiences in his blogs that he writes.

Holidays are a magical time of the year, especially if you have a young family. Kids can make the holiday a real fun event, but we need to ensure that they come to no harm. We all remember that sad event when the young girl went missing from her parents’ holiday home. It was a million to one incident and the poor child was never found.  But there are everyday day issues that you need to watch out for, especially if you are going abroad this year.

Let’s have a look at how you can safeguard you kids and ensure you have an awesome holiday at the same time.

Poolside Safety

Hailey, Zoe, Mazzy – Fun Time. Photo Courtesy: Melia Shumaker

We all love to kick back and relax on holiday, and the pool area is usually the prime spot for this lovely non-activity. It can be difficult to keep an eye on your little ones, especially when the swimming pool is busy. Just ensure that either you or your partner is always keeping an eye on your kids. If one of you needs a nap, take it in turns to keep watch. You can always join in the fun and take part in their games.

Beach Safety

Photo Courtesy: Elliott Brown

The beach is another wonderful place to let it all ‘hang out’ for a few hours; however, just ensure that your kids do not wander too far. If the beach is busy, let your kids know the boundaries and explain that they should not go beyond a certain distance. Always keep an eye on them and do not let them get into deep water. Even if the beach has an active lifeguard, do not let them slip out of your site.

Eating Out

No matter how tempting it may seem, you should never leave your kids alone in the room when you go out for a meal. You can either take advantage of any childcare facilities, or ask another couple to help out. In both cases, you should be one hundred per cent confident in the carer’s ability. (Note of caution: Do not ask a couple that you have just met and expect them to do the right thing.)

Many families take holidays together and this is one of the benefits. You could always take your kids with you; there are many child friendly options and they may even enjoy the experience!

Get Lost!

Losing your kids is every parent’s nightmare and it happens quite often. Ensure your kids have you and your partner’s full names and contact details at all times. Arrange for them to go to a pre-determined meeting point if you ever get separated.

Room Safety

Photo Courtesy: Suzette Pauwels

If you have little ones that tend to investigate everything in the area, it is a wise idea to avoid a room with a balcony. Check where the fire escapes are in advance, just in case an emergency should occur. Bring your own carbon monoxide detector with you if you are worried about leaks. When you get to your hotel room or holiday villa, just ensure you make a quick sweep and remove any potential dangerous items, including knives and glass ornaments. Low coffee tables with pointy edges should also be moved away.

Joshua Daniel is a freelance travel writer and has visited a number of places around the world. He finds staying in villas at Lanzoarote a great option for family vacations. Visit A1LanzaroteVillas.com to view A1 villas in Lanzarote for rent.

Easter is a great time to take a few days of holiday as the temperature cools a little before winter. It is perhaps the last time that you can get away to enjoy some reasonable weather before the cooler months arrive. (We’re talking about Australian weather here folks, as opposed to North America or Europe)

So, let us have a look at a number of destinations that make for an excellent Easter holiday break.

Surfers Paradise, Queensland

The Gold Coast’s beaches are world renowned as some of the best, cleanest and safest beaches in the world. From Main Beach to Coolangatta, you will find your own personal spot on the 65 km of stretching golden sands.

The Gold Coast is undoubtedly one of the most popular year round holiday destinations in Australia. The centre of attraction, where millions of tourists flock to each year, is Surfers Paradise. Here you can enjoy a walk along the extensive beach and take in the newly refurbished Surfers Paradise foreshore that was completed in 2011. There are excellent shops to wander around and restaurants catering for all tastes.

Lorne, Victoria

Lorne Beach in Summer – Photo Courtesy: Alex Proimos

Lorne is renowned as being one of the most popular family holiday locations with its beach running for 2 km with the backdrop of the Otway Ranges. There are numerous types of holiday accommodation available ranging from country hotels to beachside apartments.

Byron Bay, New South Wales

The beautiful Cape Byron Lighthouse – Cape Byron is the easternmost point of the mainland of Australia. It is located about 3 km northeast of the town of Byron Bay and projects into the Pacific Ocean. Photo Courtesy: Eduardo MC

Byron Bay has an ideal temperature at Easter – not too hot and not too cold. Enjoy the local beaches with your children and dine in some of the excellent restaurants. This is a place to come and relax with a large choice of holiday accommodation options available.

Cowes, Victoria

Leaving Cowes Pier Phillip Island – Photo Courtesy: Paul Arps

Cowes is situated on Phillip Island, under two hours’ drive from Melbourne. It is particularly appealing to those of you who are lovers of nature. You can observe seals, koalas, penguins and various other forms of wildlife.

Hamilton Island, Queensland

Hamilton Island Yacht Club – Photo Courtesy: Ralph Bestic

Hamilton Island is a beautiful island to visit and provides access to the Great Barrier Reef where you and your family can enjoy snorkelling or just lounge about at an exclusive hotel.

Sydney

Sydney really needs very little introduction. It is the country’s biggest city with so much to see and do. Places to visit include Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. There are beaches to enjoy with the children as well as parks and gardens.

Sydney at Night – Photo Courtesy: Flying Cloud

You may also like to take the children to visit the wildlife at Taronga Zoo. In Easter, you can also visit the Sydney Royal Easter Show that takes place at the Sydney Olympic Park – it is Australia’s largest agricultural show. As far as holiday accommodation is concerned, you will be spoilt for choice.

Tasmania

Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin, Tasmania – Photo Courtesy: Feral Arts

Tasmania is an island located off the south east coast of Australia offering an ideal climate during Easter. There are so many places to visit here such as Hobart that is famous for its Georgian properties and Launceston with its Edwardian features, from where you can venture out to visit the wilderness of the Cataract Gorge. On the island you will find a wide range of holiday accommodation to choose from to cater for all tastes and budgets.

The above are but a few of the wonderful Easter holiday destinations Australia has to offer. Enjoy.

Katherine Flowers loves travelling and sharing her experiences with holiday accommodation options such as Surfers Paradise apartments.

When some people think of hot air balloon rides they picture a dull, slow-moving day out, when nothing could be further from the truth. These people may consider the experience to be quite boring in comparison with a ride in a helicopter or flying lesson in a plane, but they’re actually completely different things that shouldn’t be compared. Here are just a few of the great reasons to take a trip in a hot air balloon:

1. See your country like never before.

An exciting balloon ride over the Hunter Valley in Australia

Going up in a hot air balloon will give you the chance to see the countryside as you’ve never seen it before. Everything will be put into perspective, and you’ll see the natural beauty of the planet from afar, but at a nice, gentle pace which allows you to take everything in.

2. Get a sense of your place in the world.

Once you’ve seen the world from such a great height, you’ll never think of it in the same way again. Your new perspective will make you appreciate how truly huge the planet is and how small your part in it is – but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing! It can help you appreciate the smaller things in life as well as its grandness.

3. Feel inspired to do something with your life.

A stunning view of Hunter Valley, Australia from a Cloud 9 Balloon Flight

If you’ve been floating apathetically through life, you may feel inspired to do something different with it once you’ve truly appreciated your place in the world. You may feel inspired to venture to distant lands, or to try and make a difference to the people right below you, in your community at home.

4. Bond with your loved ones.

A hot air balloon trip isn’t necessarily a solo experience – it can be a wonderful, romantic experience to have with your partner, sharing champagne and a kiss while you breathe in the high, fresh air. It can also be a lovely family day out, giving your kids a whole new appreciation for the world.

5. Make new friends.

Hot air balloons are often shared with a big group of other people, many of whom will be strangers. However, you clearly have interests in common as you have all chosen to take a trip in the hot air balloon. Use this opportunity to get to know the people sharing your ride, and you may find you make some life long friends.

6. Learn the science behind hot air balloons.

If you have an interest in science, you may have wondered exactly how hot air balloons work. And even if you don’t have a particular interest in science, you may find yourself fascinated with the mechanics of how a hot air balloon works, as well as gaining an understanding of the precise weather conditions required for a successful trip.

7. Feel alive.

There’s not much else that can compare to the feeling of floating high above your country to make you appreciate life. Stretch out your arms, breath deeply, and take it all in. This is your life, and you get to spend it doing fantastic things like this.

Gareth Heller loves adventure filled activities. He doesn’t back down from anything, no matter how scary it looks. He is a really big fan of the Hot air balloons in NSW.

Las Vegas is a city that everyone should visit at least once. It’s arguably not the wisest choice if you’re looking for somewhere to live but in terms of sheer hedonism, it’s one of the most exciting tourist destinations on the planet.

Unfortunately however, if you don’t know you’re way around, it can also be pretty damn expensive. And that’s not even counting what you lose on the Blackjack tables. Should you be looking to experience this amazing city on a tight budget, here are six simple tips for doing just that.

1. Enjoy a Night Out(side)

Above: A happy couple, Elena and Goyo enjoy their drink outdoors in Las Vegas. Photo Courtesy: Mario Antonio Pena Zapatería

If you want to have a few drinks without blowing your budget, take full advantage of the fact that it’s perfectly legal to drink outdoors in Las Vegas. Though doing so mightn’t be much fun in most cities, Las Vegas is a completely different animal. Lively streets, ridiculous light displays and the beautiful climate make drinking on the streets a popular activity among both tourists and locals.

2. Take Full Advantage of Coupons

Coupons for Challenge Casino at Hooters Hotel, Las Vegas – Photo Courtesy: inazakira

No article about visiting Las Vegas on the cheap would be complete without a mention of coupons. Coupon books are widely available and they offer substantial discounts on everything from dining to entertainment. Search online for printable coupons before you go and ask at your hotels front desk when you arrive.

3. Eat Exclusively at Buffets

MGM Grand Buffet, Las Vegas – Photo Courtesy: Calgary Reviews

If you want to keep your food costs to a minimum, take full advantage of the cities ample all you can eat buffets. Not only are they surprisingly cheap, many of them are surprisingly high quality. Time your visits correctly and you can easily limit those visits to twice a day. Just don’t be afraid to take full advantage of their all you can eat nature.

4. Be Smart About Taxis

Photo Courtesy: Ben Fredericson

Like anywhere else with ample tourists, there are plenty of taxi drivers in Las Vegas who are more than happy to take advantage of ignorance. Never get into a taxi without knowing where you are, where you are going and the optimal route for getting there. If you don’t have access to such information, always agree on a price beforehand.

5. Be Flexible About Hotels

It is possible to find fantastic value accommodation in Las Vegas but it does require a little bit of flexibility.

• If at all possible, visit midweek. Regardless of the time of year that you plan on heading to Las Vegas, you will pay significantly less by avoiding the weekend.
• Provided you’re not too picky about where you stay, book your hotel no more than a few days prior to your arrival date. When hotels expect to have too many vacant rooms, prices tend to plummet.
• You’re not going to Las Vegas to sit around your hotel room all day, separate rooms are therefore completely unnecessary. The more people you can pack into one room, the less you can expect to pay.

6. Don’t Gamble (Much)

Finally, if you want to enjoy your time in this dazzling city without blowing your budget, you need to keep your gambling to a minimum. A few dollars here and there is all part of the fun but set a small limit and stick to it.

Photo Courtesy: fictures

The cities casinos have turned fleecing tourists into an art form. Don’t allow yourself to get sucked in by the lights, the noise and the distinct lack of clocks.

This article is written by Barbara Woodberry, who works as an editor in a website called www.magazinesubscriptions.com. The website offers its clients a vast collection of magazine of various genre to subscribe from.

Cruises have always been a popular holiday option. However, with the number of cruise operators steadily rising, the fares are getting more competitive and there is a marked increase in the number of people that consider cruises to be a viable holiday option. Whether you are a pensioner, a honeymooning couple or a family, cruises always have something to offer for everyone. It is essential to ensure that you pack right in order to avoid difficulties and disappointment during your cruise holidays. Here are some top tips from holiday experts about packing for a cruise holiday.

Sort out your passport and all other important documents

Sort out your Passport and other documents before anything else. Above: An Australian Passport and Russian Visa Application – Photo Courtesy: Josh Stewart

The most common mistake people make before leaving for a cruise holiday is to leave sorting the passport and all other documents as the last thing to do before departure. It should actually be the very first thing that you do. In case there is something wrong with any of the documents or if you cannot find them, you still have some time on hand to have the problem rectified. Without your documents, you are not likely to go anywhere, no matter how much preparations you have made. It is advisable to make copies of your passport and all important documents; the copies should be kept separately from the originals.

Pack a proper medicine kit

Never ever travel without your medicines. Above: A nicely packed Medicine Kit – Photo Courtesy: Ratha Grimes

On a cruise holiday, you could be gone for weeks. Though the ship will stop at multiple ports, you will be spending most of the time out on the water. In case of emergencies, getting medical help quickly can get a bit tricky. Cruise ships do have a doctor on board and some medical equipment, but they are no replacements for a full fledged hospital. Packing a proper medicine kit often proves to be the crucial difference. Besides regular first-aid items like bandages and gauze, make sure you have stocked up on enough allergy medication.

Take enough things to keep you entertained and occupied

Cruise operators go to great lengths to ensure that their ships are packed with amazing features. However, even on the biggest cruise ships, you would ended up seeing everything that is worth seeing within the first 2-3 days. From thereon, you have to find ways to keep yourself occupied in between port docking. Carry essentials like your mp3 player and a small number of books. E-book readers are very popular with those who have mastered how to enjoy cruise holidays.

Right: An eBook reader can come in handy after you get a fill of your Cruise Ship. Photo Courtesy: goXunuReviews

Pack clothing relevant to the different destinations

During a cruise, the ship stops at multiple ports and harbors. While packing clothes, make sure you have the right kind of clothes for each destination. If you have only brought normal clothes, you will look slightly out of place if the ship docks a party destination or a port with very fancy restaurants. Pack clothes and accessories according to the destinations you are expecting to visit.

If the ship docks a party destination or a port with very fancy restaurants, you should be ready for it. Photos Courtesy: Duncan Harris

Travel experts suggest that following these 4 simple tips is often enough to ensure that your cruise holidays kick off the right way. With a combination of helpful tips and common sense, you can help ensure that the holiday is devoid of any negative incidents.

Toni Dee is a travel agent and author of this post. He loves visiting beaches across the world and chooses OnTheBeach holidays to plan all his trips. Visit here to know more and plan your own beach holidays.

When you decide to travel to any destination, one of the issues that you will definitely need to deal with is how to handle your luggage. For one, carrying luggage around can be very cumbersome for most people. In addition to that, the likelihood of things such as losing the luggage while in transit is also high, especially when you are flying.

However, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you do not have such a hard time with your luggage. Some of these include:

Arrange your travel items properly

When you are looking to travel, you need to do so in such a manner that you carry as few pieces of luggage as possible. If you arrange your items well in a suitcase, for instance, you are bound to find that it will hold a lot more than if you decided to simply throw things in. By having fewer pieces of luggage, you will have a much easier time keeping an eye on it, and the chances of losing it will also be reduced.

Right: Baggage claim at Sacramento Airport (SMF) – Photo Courtesy: Rob Faulkner

Make early plans on how you are going to transport the luggage

Photo Courtesy: Marcin Wichary

You also need to figure out how much luggage you have, and then think about how you are going to move it around, such as from your home to the airport. If you only have a few pieces of hand luggage, you can easily carry them around without much of a problem, and you can even use public means to get to and from the airport. When you have heavy luggage, however, you may need to organize for a taxi or other means of transport that is more convenient, so that you do not have to be bogged down by it.

Find out your luggage limits before you set off

 Photo Courtesy: PracticalHacks

Most of the time, airlines and other transport companies will limit how much baggage you can transport. If you are flying, for instance, it would be a good idea to find out what the limit is in terms of weight and number of items you can carry. You should then factor this into your travel plans, so that you do not end up getting disoriented when you are asked to pay more for the luggage when you get to an airport or other transport facility.

Only carry essential items

Photo Courtesy: THOR

If you are going somewhere for only a short time (such as when going on holiday), you can reduce the amount of stress you subject yourself to by limiting your luggage to only what you need. For instance, if you are intent on going to relax for a week or two, there may be no point in travelling with items such as a laptop. You also need to think about transporting goods versus buying new ones when you get to your destination, and then make a decision on what would be better for you. For instance, if you are a fan of skiing and are thinking of going on skiing holiday, you can reduce the amount of baggage you need to carry by planning to rent the facilities you need rather than carrying your own. This will reduce the amount of luggage you have and will also make it much easier for you to travel in a more stress free manner.

Send extra baggage ahead of you

Photo Courtesy: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

When you are going to visit a particular destination, you can try to send your luggage ahead of you, so that it gets there before you do. For instance, if you are moving to a new city and need to travel with only a few suitcases, you can send the suitcases via a trustworthy courier service. This may be more expensive than simply travelling with your items, but doing so has the effect of making it much easier for you to have an easy time. You will not need to worry about having to carry your luggage around, which means that you can be a more relaxed traveller.

In summary, planning on how you are going to handle your baggage when you are travelling is something that has to be done if you are to have an easy time travelling. The above are just a few of the things that you can consider in order to ensure that this is done properly.

Chris is an avid blogger and the writer of this guest post. He provides useful travel tips and suggests various deals through his website. You can View more Lanzarote Villa deals from Lanzarote1.

Known for its lovely beaches, sophisticated nightlife and delicious cuisine, the island of Bali also offers visitors the chance to explore its pristine jungle landscapes that harbor exotic wildlife found nowhere else in the world.

West Bali National Park

Capping the northwestern end of the island of Bali, this protected area accounts for nearly 10 percent of Bali’s total land mass. Forward-thinking rulers set it aside as a nature park almost 100 years ago and formally made it a national park in 1941. Within its borders lies a myriad of landscapes, from mangrove forests to arid savannas and classic rain forests. Off its beaches, protected reefs harbor unique fish and aquatic mammal species.

The elusive and endangered Bali Starling – Photo Courtesy: Brian Gratwicke

The most meaningful way to experience the park is by hiking its established trails with a knowledgeable guide. Routes such as the Tegal Blunder Trail offer delightful opportunities for bird watching, including the elusive and endangered Bali Starling. The Gunung Klatakan Trail is longer and requires a bit more physical prowess, but rewards hikers with fine views of quintessential Balinese rain forest topography and wildlife.

Permits and hired guides for the park are available in Cekik or in Labuan Lalang, two villages located within its borders. For those wishing to explore marine life, boats to the nearby island of Menjengan can be chartered for a nominal fee. Here, visitors have the opportunity to scuba dive or snorkel in some of the clearest waters to be found in Bali.

Alas Purwo National Park, East Java

Alas Purwo National Park of East Java, Indonesia – Photo Courtesy: Rochmad Setyadi

While not properly on the island of Bali, this park lies just across the waters known as the Bali Strait and visitors can easily travel the short distance by ferry to this nearby island in order to experience the lush expanses of its untouched rain forests and savannas. Many protected and endangered species live here, including banteng cattle, monkeys, turtles and birds. A Javanese legend tells that this was the exact spot where the Earth emerged from the sea on the day it was created and the mystique of this miraculous beginning can be found in its hauntingly beautiful expanses of forest.

Some of the finest surfing in Southeast Asia can be found within the park at Plengkung Beach. 15-foot waves demand expert surfing prowess, with the season ranging from April to September.

Baluran National Park, East Java

Just across the Bali Strait, this park features a spectacular extinct volcano in its very center. Coastal mangrove swamps, lush rain forest and sprawling savannah characterize the landscape. Baluran began as a Dutch plantation, but its conscientious owner saw its potential as a preserve for wildlife and in 1930 it was formally designated a Wildlife Preservation Area.

Safari at Baluran National Park – Photo Courtesy: Roland Hunziker

Over 155 species of birds can be found within its boundaries, offering visitors exciting potential for any bird watching forays into its expansive forests. Mount Baluran rises 1,200 meters above sea level and represents the most primordial area of the park due to its remote location. Elusive species such as the fishing cat, a Southeast Asian wildcat similar to the leopard, can be found avidly swimming and fishing in secluded rivers.

Well-preserved reefs lie just offshore of the park, offering visitors a glimpse of life beneath the waves with colorful species of fish, sea turtles and squid.

Meru Betiri National Park, East Java

Village in the Meru Betiri National Park – Photo Courtesy: fr.zil

Many species of endangered turtles call this park home, laying their eggs on its protected beaches. From there, many peaks rise up to form one of the more mountainous parks in the region. Elusive species thrive in its sheltered expanses, including wild boar, panthers, exotic birds and a species of Javanese flying squirrel.

With so many airline carriers offering cheap flights, Bali becomes a destination that offers more than the usual tourist fare; these serene and protected expanses of untrammeled jungle and ocean waters give special insight into Bali’s very heart and soul.

This was a Guest Post by Brenda Panin. She is a regular contributor to several blogs and a web content writer for cheap flights to Bali. Brenda is an adventurer who likes to write about her travel experiences.