Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Image Provided by Flickr Lali Masriera

I have received a record number of wedding invites this year, which can only mean three things – I’m getting old, I will soon be broke and it’s wedding season! Love is most definitely in the air. While I myself am not getting married, I have to admit I cannot help but think about what my own wedding would be like. My thoughts range from the food that will be served, the flavor of the cake, the dress (obv), and (drum roll please) the honeymoon! Ok, so based on those topics, maybe I just want to have a great meal in a beautiful dress while on a beach – the wedding can wait. For those of you who are preparing for your upcoming nuptials but are not quite sure where to go for your honeymoon, here are a few ideas to get you started:

According to the travelchannel.com, some of this year’s Top Honeymoon Hot Spots for 2012 include Botswana, Bali, the Virgin Islands, Italy, Mexico, and Greece. Although I have to say this unique list of Honeymoon Choices for 2012 caught my attention which includes Croatia, Mozambique, Boracay, and Buenos Aires to name a few. As much as I love laying around and being a bum while I’m at home, I prefer to be as active as possible while traveling. I’m sure my hypothetical honeymoon would be much the same!

Here are some exciting things to do in a few of the countries listed above:

1. Bali, Indonesia: Definitely spend some quality time on the beach, but then get out and about. Here’s a list of a wide variety of Bali tours available to satisfy your travel dreams, be they cultural, leisurely or adventurous! You can enjoy the beauty of Kintamani while experiencing two forms of traditional Balinese dance, go white water rafting on the Ayung River, or my personal favorite, ride an elephant ride through the countryside!
2. Mozambique: For an easy, comprehensive guide to Mozambique, Lonely Planet is the place to turn to. They have created an itinerary for a 14 day vacation to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. Go fishing on Lake Chicamba and you are likely to spend your day checking out the Zebras that tend to hang around. Go on a game drive at Kruger National Park for a chance to see the famous “big five” animals: lions, elephants (my favorite!), leopards, cape buffalos, and rhinoceros. And when you’re tired of adventure, kick your feet up in Vilankulo, a paradise that promises glistening sandy beaches and gorgeous coral reefs.
3. Boracay, Philippines: Did you know that Bulabog Beach in Boracay is known for being the best kitesurfing destination in Asia? You do now! This island in the Philippines has so much to offer and is said to rival the best beaches in the Caribbean. Which is OK, I mean, if you are into that sort of thing. Check out White Beach, Puka Beach, Baling Beach, and after you’ve had too much sun, escape into the Bat Cave. Not to be confused with Batman’s lair, but it is home to insectivorous bats.

OK that’s all for now. Now go, get married… or dream about getting married! What would your dream honeymoon look like? Let us know in the comments below! I know you think about it, if you didn’t, Pinterest wouldn’t exist… just sayin. And if you’re already married and want to brag about your amazing honeymoon, tell us what you did! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Honeymoon Ideas in Time for Wedding Season)

Two Dancers Perform the Kecak Dance in Ubud, Indonesia. Photo by Author.

I’ve never been much of a beach lover. While others seem to enjoy hours upon days of sun and waves, I have about 2 hours of stamina before I’m burned out on my salty-sandy state. I really just go for the company… and maybe a piña colada or two…

I know it sounds blasphemous to say, but after a day at Uluwatu– the Balinese surfer’s paradise– I was a little beached out. Luckily for people like me (I know you’re out there!) there are so many more things to do in Bali than simply beach bum.

Hundreds of years of water-locked culture have evolved into a fascinating art and music scene that make this Southeast Asian destination stand apart from the rest.

• Balinese Dance: A choir of voices clicking rhythmically creates an unmistakably musical soundtrack for the Kecak Dance. Amongst fire torches, lavishly costumed dancers recreate the story of the Hindu god Rama through emotional gestures and deliberate steps. The Kecak, amongst other Balinese dance performances, makes your annual trip to see the Nutcracker seem like yesterday’s stale bread, so if you have any interest in the tradition of Bali, a glimpse at Balinese dance is essential.
• Traditional Art: Whether you have a trained eye or are simply intrigued by the stunning sarongs and elaborate wooden statues around town, you have to make a trip to an art workshop during your trip to Bali. Batik, woodcarving, and silver craft are among the many traditional art forms that are thriving on the island. You can watch artists work for free at one of the many factories as long as you’re willing to at least browse the gallery when you’re finished.
  

  Making Beads at the Silver Shop. Photo by Author.

• Local Music: The islandy influence has made modern Balinese music a combination of reggae and mellow rock. Look for restaurants featuring live musicians for a casual sampling of local rhythms or spend an evening at a concert for a bit of Balinese culture. If you’re feeling especially inspired by the island breeze, join in on a beach jam session or sing along with the band after the bar closes to covers of Sublime and the Red Hot Chili Peppers–songs that feel so much more inspiring by the sea.
• Contemporary Art: Indonesia has a surprising presence of modern art forms created by young people straying from the traditional variety. Often, art schools will hold exhibitions where you can check out the artistic perspective of Southeast Asian youths through funky batiks or abstract sculptures. Also, keep an eye out for cafes and restaurants that feature the work of local artists for a bit of culture while taking your morning coffee.

Whether or not you’re tired of the beach, the unique cultural offerings of Bali are wonders no traveler should miss! The enriching artistic side of Bali spills out as far as the sand and you’ve gotta see it to believe it, whether formally or more casually.

So wipe off that sand, put that sundress back on and dig into Balinese culture! If you’re feeling inspired, check out some of these great tours of Bali with Gray Line.

Whats your favorite way to escape the beach? (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Beached Out in Bali? Get Artsy)