Travel

Bali, the beautiful island in Indonesia, has a rich history that is laden with stories of natural beauty, volcanoes, invasions, art and hospitality. This island is a vivid tapestry of adopting and adapting. 

This island has modernised and matched pace with the rest of the world while preserving its natural beauty and rich culture. Bali has been inhabited since the palaeolithic era and witnessed several stages of human evolution. 

Relationship With India

India and Bali’s relationship dates to 2000 BC. Around this time, Bali began to attract a large number of settlers from Java, Assam, Yunnan and Tibet. Evidence also suggests that by 700 AD, many Indonesian islands, including Bali, were practising Indian governance systems. 

Hinduism arrived in Bali from Java. It is believed that Hinduism was adopted in Bali from the 7th century onwards. There is also evidence to suggest that Buddhism arrived a century later in the 8th century. 

Today, 83% of Balinese people practice Hinduism, combined with animism (belief in spirits). Balinese art, music, craft, food and architecture, all showcase its strong ties with Hinduism and India. The island is dotted with several majestic and spectacular temples and the country celebrates most of the Indian festivals in their own way. 

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Invasions – Ancient and Modern

Bali was invaded several times by the rulers of Java. It has also been under Javan rule for several centuries. The most notable regime has been the rule of Gajah Mada who established the Hindu Majapahit control over the island. In the 15th century, the Majapahit dynasty fell to the Demak Sultanate, and Bali became independent. 

In the 16th Century, Bali was discovered by European traders. The first to arrive on the island was a Portuguese expedition. Over the next two centuries, Balinese kings collaborated with Europeans to strengthen their economy and defences against neighbouring islands. In 1846, Bali was attacked by the Dutch military. The locals refused to surrender and fought them bravely.

This battle was followed by a century-long Dutch rule on the island. During this period, the island became popular as an exotic tourist destination, and to this day, it is flocked by tourists from all over the world. 

During World War II, the Japanese invaded and occupied it until the war got over. After the Japanese surrender, Indonesia was declared as an independent nation. Today, Bali is one of the 34 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia. 

Modern Day Bali

Today, Bali is a favourite destination for family holidays. This island, with its rich culture and pristine white beaches, attracts tourists from far and wide. It is where people come to hike up the volcanic mountains, dive in the deep sea, enjoy water sports, visit the spectacular temples and learn yoga in one of its many meditation retreats. Have you visited Bali yet? Make it your next holiday destination! Come alone or come with your family, you are sure to fall in love with Bali. 

Check out these range of Indonesia & Bali holiday packages from SOTC as you plan your next trip! 

To explore holidays & experiences in Indonesia with SOTC visit: https://www.sotc.in/international-tour-packages/indonesia-tour-packages?utm_source=Blogger&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=IndonesiaNTO

So, have you planned your honeymoon yet? Not a clue yet? Looking for a perfect honeymoon destination with picturesque landscapes and which also pampers your wallets? Don’t let the question keep nagging! We’ve got your back here!

Topping the charts of honeymoon hotspots across the globe is the majestic country of 7000 islands: The Philippines. It is the ultimate destination for the most romantic getaway with your partner. Be it holding hands and taking walks on the white sands, beside the shimmering waters at a moonlit beach, stargazing, spending quality time at a secluded beach, experiencing and enjoying the nightlife, watching the sunsets together and sipping cold beer or renting a studio apartment and forgetting about the rest of the world. The Philippines is your dream destination!

Here is an elaborate list of what you shouldn’t miss, while honeymooning in Philippines:

1. Boracay Island

An idyllic honeymoon on this romantic island is a must for couples. The white sand beaches, clear blue waters and the tropical holiday vibes will astound you. You can go kayaking, scuba diving, cliff jumping, island hopping and jet skiing here. Built on the edge of a cliff is the Spider House Bar that serves drinks and delicacies with a spell-bounding view of the sunsets.

Catering to the needs of your top-most priority: privacy, there are secluded beaches with resorts and hotels at reasonable prices on the Banyugan Beach, White Beach, Punta Bunga Beach and the Lapuz Lapuz Beach. Try out the drool-worthy fresh seafood at D’Talipapa.

2. Coron

The secluded natural landscapes here are a must visit for a private yet adventurous getaway. It is also one of the most economical picks for a getaway. You can easily reach here through a ferry ride or taking a flight from Manila.

The hotspots are lake Barracuda and lake Kayangan. The limestones and vibrant coral reefs will leave you enchanted. You can also opt for a island hopping tour to nearby islands of Sangatisla, Diwaran or Calamian. A lot of water sports and activities are available here to keep you engaged. There are secret and untouched lagoons around here to explore with your muse!

La Natura Resort is one of the best budget stay options. Or you can book a private island resort for less than half the price you’d pay somewhere else like El Nido for example! The most popular activities amongst couples are hiking, scuba diving, snorkelling and simply chasing waterfalls!

3. Donsol

Renowned for registering among the very few places that let you experience a whale shark encounter, Donsol is an adventure like no other. You can swim along whale sharks, click pictures and boast away! The prime season for this particular adventure lasts from November through May. 

Another mesmerising experience is to hop in a firefly cruise and tour. It is a one-hour trip and is hands down, one of the most romantic experiences one can dream of. As the cruise takes you down the river, the skies are illuminated with plenty of fireflies as the stars twinkle beyond the deep blue skies. The water underneath shimmers with bioluminescent planktons. You can just hold hands and take this serene experience all in, one moment at a time!

4. Palawan Island

A pool of romantic destinations such as El Nido, Port Barton and Coron fall in the vicinity of each other is all for you to explore once you arrive here. This paradisal destination is neatly hidden away among the mountains. It is also known as the Last Frontier and is home to the most beautiful coral reefs and diverse aquatic life. It is noteworthy that the Palawan Island has been named the most beautiful island of the world multiple times.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable honeymooning experience. There are fishing villages, dive sites, mountains and jungles here. Puerto Princea Underground River, National Park, limestone cliffs, Cathedral, Night Market for shopping and palatable seafood as well as street-food are worth exploring during your stay.

The entirety of Palawan can be explored within a week. For shorter stays, choose either El Nido or Coron only. Even with a week to spare, you won’t be able to see and do everything as this island is so full of adventures! For that reason, it might be better to book a Palawan tour package from a local agent, as transfers between locations can otherwise consume too much precious time if you try to do everything on your own.

5. Cebu

Featuring a ton of islets and islands under its umbrella, Cebu is a hotspot for romantic destinations that are quick rides away from each other and offer an exotic getaway like none other. Getting here is easiest and most economical if you catch a flight to Cebu directly from anywhere in India. Then you can use cars or ferry rides to explore one island after the other.

An adventurous experience with your partner in crime is to go diving with the majestic thresher sharks in Malapascua island, with whale sharks in Oslob, with wild dolphins in the clear blue waters at Pescador island or with sardines at the Sardine Beach, Moalboal. There is an endless line of beaches here offering warm culinary treats and water-sport activities. The Chocolate hills of Bohol are known for their naturally brown landscapes that resemble your favourite confectionery! Canyoneering near the Kawsan falls is popular amongst the tourists that flock here all year round.

6. Manila

The National Capital of Philippines is where most of the flights from India are scheduled to land. Manila is well within reach of the famous tourist destinations around and present in the heart of the country. Shared modes of conveyance within the city, ferry and bus rides to nearby hotspots, plethora of stay and dining options make it a perfect destination for a budget stay.

There are pubs and bars that will ensure a happening nightlife in the busy streets of the city. Not to mention the exclusive range of culinary treats to pamper your palate varying from warm traditional delicacies to exciting street-food options.

The Taal volcano, museums of natural and cultural heritage, Churches and Cathedrals, remains of old forts, shopping centres and Pagsanjan Falls must be on your checklist.

The nightlife hotspots include Makati, El Chupakabra and Z Hostel for cheap beers, DJ and partying all night long.

Not to mention that the locals here are amicable and will guide you for an amazing tour around the place if you haven’t organised and planned already. We all know the excitement and hurry in which honeymoons are planned! 

So, get on that plane while you still pamper your wallets and head for the most memorable honeymoon one can dream of!

Are you planning to travel solo to Orlando? A great idea, after all, Orlando an amazing vacation destination. However, while travelling on your own and alone can fun and exciting, it can be a bit overwhelming too, especially if you carry limited information. Orlando is a fun-filled city with endless attractions for its visitors. It is a great place to meet people and one can get adventurous and spontaneous.

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Do you ever feel like getting out of your dull and boring life and going on a holiday? If you do, then you aren’t the only one. The hectic schedules of the current age are making more and more people opt for frequent holidays. This is actually good as they are able to stress out by visiting new places. Georgia is a beautiful country that you may have heard of. The tremendous scenic beauty forces people to avail for a Georgia visa and go out for a long trip. So, here we will introduce you to the country so that you are the next one to book your tickets.

About Georgia:

Georgia is a country that is situated in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It falls between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The capital of this country is Tbilisi which is also the largest city. Georgia took an active part in the world politics and is now in a stable and happy state with more than 3.5 million people residing in it.

The main religion of the country is Christianity of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Georgian is the language that is spoken countrywide. A lot of history is present in the country due to its crucial role with the world. A person visiting the country should definitely look into them.

Places to see in Georgia:

• Tbilisi:

When you are in Georgia, you cannot miss out on its capital city. You will be amazed to see the beauty of the city along with the hospitality of the people. The city is situated in the banks of the Mtkvari river and enclosed by mountains. You will need to roam through the Old Town to take in all the colours. The city has the contrast of the modern along with the most basic life of people. Do visit the Narikala Fortress to get a panoramic view of the whole of Tbilisi.

• Mtskheta:

Religion is a very important part of Georgia. They accepted Christianity a long time back and they still follow it dominantly. This city is the religious capital of the country and it holds some of the important churches. You have to visit the Svetitskhoveli, Jari and Samtavro Monastery to know more about the religion. You will also get to know about Saint Nino, a woman who is said to have spread Christianity in the whole of Georgia.

• Vardzia:

This spectacular place holds a cave monastery which looks extremely beautiful. It is situated in Southern Georgia near Aspindza. The monastery was constructed during the 12^th century and several monks lived in it. It acted as a city in its own. You can roam through the places to actually see the brilliance of it. You will do need to pay a little fee to get inside the place.

• Svaneti:

When you are in a country like Georgia, you should see the native places where people actually stay and make their living. Svaneti is a province lying in Northernwestern Georgia at the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. You have to drive to the place crossing through the rugged terrain by the mountains. The villages are built along the slopes and they look strikingly beautiful. The Alpine landscape will give you the feeling of staying at the place. Ushuguli is a village that you must visit when you are in the province. It is 2200m above the sea level. You will also need to visit Mestia as it is the central village of the province.

So, here are the places that you must visit in Georgia. Make friends when you are in the country because you will fall in love with the people. We hope that you have a great time when you visit Georgia on your next trip.