By Henrylito D. Tacio

Henry lounging in one of Bali's enticing beaches.

"Rice paddies trip down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soar through the clouds, the forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean." That is how the travel guide, 'Lonely Planet,' describes Bali.

So, when I learned that that 9th International Coral Reef Symposium would be held in Bali, I immediately applied for a scholarship. Good enough, the Washington-based SeaWeb funded my attendance.

As expected, I learned so many insights and reports about the vanishing coral reefs. "Like the tropical rainforests, coral reefs are being endangered by a diverse range of human-related threats," said the World Resources Institute (WRI), also based in Washington, D.C.

Aside from the coral reef presentations and updates, another thing that really fascinated me was the place itself: Bali. The perfect holiday destination for all ages, it offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. Ninety-three percent of the people are Hindu.

The island's rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere. The island of 5,620 square kilometers has more than 20,000 temples. They are found everywhere - scattered in the terraced rice fields (much like our Banaue rice terraces!), in cemeteries, in markets, on the beaches, in caves and even among the roots of giant trees. It was said that the spirit world dominated the lives of the people of Bali more than anywhere on earth.

As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. You can eat not only local delicacies like "nasi goring" and "sate campur" but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. Don't forget its wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.

Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. One afternoon, science journalist Linda Bolido and I went out and did our usual "pasalubong" shopping. It was good that the shopping center was just a few walks away from the convention center.

During our brief shopping, we observed that one of the unexpected local bargains is leather ware - with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase!

There are many modes of transport to help you "Jalan Jalan" your way around Bali. A variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and tour operators which abound in the province.

However, walking is still one of the best ways to see Bali. In fact, in going to the Bali Convention Center, where the symposium was held, from the hotel I was staying, I usually walked (that is, if I woke up early in the morning). It was much fun walking under the trees!

Just a reminder though: If you're walking in Kuta be wary of the undulating footpaths and open access holes placed every meter or so in the footpath. Every so often, the access holes are left open or the lid is broken, which can result in a nasty fall especially at night.

If you want to experience Bali at its best, walk. Listen to the words of one recent visitor: "I walked out into the villages. I watched lizards stalk flies. I watched bamboo grow. I reconnected with life. I found an amazing house and view. And then it was like a door inside myself opened - and I walked through it."

But riding in a taxi can also be fun. At one time, when there were three of us who were almost late, we took a taxi. My two companions - an Australian and a British - decided to stay at the back, so I was sitting in front. We were about one kilometer away when the driver started talking to me in his language. I abruptly stopped him: "Sorry, I can't understand you. I am a Filipino." The driver apologized; he thought I was Indonesian. Of course, among the three of us, I definitely looked like one.

When the sun sets, the choices are either a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.

By the way, the people of Bali are very polite and courteous. They abhor aggression and forgive faux pas. But just the same, mind your manners. Dean Foster, author of the "Global Etiquette Guides," shares some tips:

Keep smiling and tone everything down. "Everything is done, literally, with a smile, including requests and even complaints (apologize first for bringing their attention to a difficulty."

When visiting temples, show respect. "Guests may enter most temples anytime as long as they wear traditional dress - including sashes around the waist. No shorts or bare shoulders. Remove your shoes at the entrance."

Watch your hands. "The Indonesian handshake is soft and gentle. Use only your right hand for anything that can be done with one hand, including touching, eating or passing food, papers, money, etc. (the left hand was traditionally reserved for body hygiene). Don't touch anyone's head as the Balinese see the head as sacred."

If you are a first timer, "get as far away as possible from the tourist ghettos," advises a travel agent. "There's a short but wonderful road between Randang and Sidemen in eastern Bali that passes by the huge, deep rice fields at Muncan. Another breathtaking drive is the road from Antosari north to Pupuan in west Bali."

For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving and snorkeling. "Diving in Bali ranges from the superb to the mundane to the awful," said Kal Muller, who has spent over 20 years tromping around the archipelago and author of 'Diving Indonesia.' "Most of the larger fish cruise Nusa Penida, requiring a fairly long boat trip. Divers should have some experience with currents."

Most international visitors arrive by air, either directly or via Jakarta. I flew from Davao City to Singapore via Silk Air and then directly to Bali via Singapore Air Lines. Those from Australia also fly via Singapore. Americans, however, have to go via Japan, Korea, Taiwan or Hong Kong before going to Bali.

Transport from Ngurah Rai international airport, two-and-half kilometers south of south of Kuta, is quite simple. Choose from an official taxi counter, where you pay a set price in advance, or walk across the airport car park and hail a metered cab. Another option is to get a taxi from the airport to Bemo Corner in Kuta for a fixed rate and then get a metered taxi or a chartered "bemo" (minibus) to a more distant destination.

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