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Samba dancing may sound only as fun, especially for foreigners. But in Brazil, this activity is taken very seriously by amateur and professional dancers, as we will see below. Samba dancing in the Carnival of Brazil is part of our culture and somehow national identity. Just like Jazz in New Orleans, Tango in Argentina, and Salsa at the Caribbean, samba dancing is taught since the very early stages of life of Brazilians. In a natural form, every woman, (and some men too), learn how to samba dance to some extent, but are evidently not professionals. On this article, we will explain how samba-schools like Mangueira and Unidos da Tijuca, clubs, and other institutions linked to the carnival in Brazil conduct contests to discover and pick the best samba contests in Brazil.

As you have probably heard or seen, the Brazilian Carnaval became a very professional institution. Everyone involved want to make sure only the best resources are used, both material and human. A carnival parade encompasses many wings, and in one of them, as an example, only the best can join, as the “elite samba dancers’ wing”, or, as they care called in Portuguese, the “Passistas Wing”. Now how do these traditional samba-schools pick the very best samba dancers among thousands in the country, to represent the samba-school during a carnival season? Well, most of them conduct a challenging and very competitive samba dance contests in Rio and Sao Paulo.

The contests may sometimes take more than 2 or 3 rounds, and they normally happen at the samba-schools premises or famous samba auditoriums or specialized clubs. A series of criteria are used to aid jurors select the best dancers. Just like a beauty pageant contest in the US, not only the beauty, or in this case, the dance per say is evaluated, but a series of attributes. Some of the criteria evaluated by the specialized jury include the candidates´ grace, posture, and coordination. But above all, the judging panel closely look at the “samba at the feet” criterion, or “Samba no Pé”, to use the original expression in Portuguese, which is the specific ability to dance the samba.

The jury is normally composed of experienced samba dancers, choreographers, former “Drum Queens” and important personalities in the Samba community. Number of candidates may vary and range from 20 up to 50, in famous contests. Some of the samba dancers come from very simple background, and they see these contests as a great opportunity to project themselves within the carnival community and media in general. Many of them, after winning these contests became authentic Carnival Queens, Muses, actresses and models. Tatiana Pagung, one of the all time Samba Dancers in the Carnival of Brazil, started her professional life winning several contests. Shayene Cesario, former Carnival Princess in Rio and this year´s Carnaval Queen, won Rio de Janeiro contest mainly because of her great samba skills and impressive beauty.

Rio hosts several contests, and one of the most important samba dancing contests is the Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen and Princess competition promoted by the city´s official tourism body, called RIOTUR. This contest is always held on October and is extremely concurred. This year, more than 30 candidates took part of the competition and all major contenders displayed excellent samba routines. So next time in the Carnival of Brazil, try to visit one of these interesting contest-shows in the pre-Carnival period. Maybe you will learn how to dance the samba too!

Andre Skowronski is lover of the Brazilian music & managing partner of http://www.brazilcarnival.com.br. He created the 1st local site in English entirely devoted to RioArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/goddesses-of-samba-in-brazil180s-carnival-how-are-they-chosen-1660798.html

The Blackall Range on the Sunshine Coast has some great accommodations and you should look at it while you are searching for the best accommodations in Australia. It can provide retreats and cottages which are very nice, along with some charming bed and breakfast places.

The Blackall Range is known for some of the best dairy products in the world and is the known for its award winning ice creams, cheeses and yogurts. Many of the local restaurants offer the tastes of the countryside including these delectable dairy treats as well as some of the fine wines, produce and seafood that is derived from this region.

Though only about half an hour away from the Sunshine Coast, it appears to be a different world composed of so many sensory experiences you will be amazed. It offers some of the most beautiful vistas available in Australia. The tourists flock here as do couples about to be married, it is one of the most popular wedding places in the country.

There will be no lack of activities once you arrive here, what with the wilderness exploration, fine dining and some amazing art galleries, you won’t have to look for something to do. Some world renowned artists have their art on display here for all to see and enjoy. There are so many things to do and if you are visiting the Sunshine Coast you must schedule time to come visit this special area.

Spend some time in the Blackall area and you will come away with wonderful memories of the amazing nature that is offered here. There is no shortage of rainforests, waterfalls, and fabulous national parks for any event you may want to have or simply for your enjoyment and relaxation time.

Going on holiday is the best! If you’re traveling to the Sunshine Coast visit sunshinecoastinformation.com for all the information about the region essential for your trip. You can book Mooloolaba Hotels from this site or if you need to book sunshine coast accommodation that’s available too. Visit sunshinecoastinformation.com soon!

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-sunshine-coasts-fabulous-blackall-range-1660892.html

Turkey,with crystal clear waters, breathe taking scenery and pine covered mountains is one of the hot favorites for hiking holiday lovers.It is also a favorite destination for any holidaymaker.

Turkey has a very uneven and diverse terrain consisting of mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Turkey has numerous seas surrounding it-the Black Sea,the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and is laced by beaches,coves,ports and islands. The country is known for its Mediterranean climate, which makes it more ideal destination to enjoy a pleasant stay.

The 365 days of sunshine along with vibrant spring season make this place as one of the ideal choices for holiday. Turkey is one of the few travel destinations that can offer you ample of options to enjoy various outdoor and various adventure activities. As a holiday maker, you can enjoy different outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, mountain biking and different water sports like swimming, boating, surfing and much more.

Adding to this, you can also enjoy the trill of adventure sport like hot air balloon flight. However, if we look at the current scenario, hiking is one of the key outdoor activities and adventure sports of Turkey that has pulled the attention of numerous holiday makers from all across the world. In fact, these days many local tour operators in Turkey are offering various hiking tour programs for local and international travellers.

Today while spending your holiday in Turkey you can enjoy hiking at the number of marked hiking trails. If you are one of those hiking lovers, here is a list of different spots in Turkey where you can enjoy one of its own kinds of hiking experience: – The Lycian way is Kate Clow’s 500-km marked trail starting from Fethive/Oludeniz to Antalya through the Teke Peninsula. – St Paul Trail- This trail follows the Lycian way marked from the St Paul Trail north from Perge and Aspendos to Yalvac on the Anatolian plateau, Cappadocia.

One of the great pleasures that you can enjoy while hiking through these trails are visiting different classical sites that feature stunning views. Every trail offers a unique hiking experience. In fact, the best part of hiking through these trails is you get the chance to discover some of the most amazing views that are worth being captured in your camera. As you go hiking in the ridges and foothills of the Lackar and Güngörmez ranges, you can view tiny alpine flowers that have emerged from the melting snow- snow cock and black grouse.

Adding to this, hiking through the Cappadocia valley, you can also enjoy the unique formations shaped by the eruptions of three volcanoes- Mount Erciyes (3,917m), Mount Hasan (3,263m) and Mount Melendiz (2,963m). The most striking part of this valley is earlier it was used to hide the first churches of Cappadocia carved into fairy chimneys and caves.

The Rose Valley located between Goreme and Cavusin villages is another option if you love hiking. This valley is divided into many smaller valleys namely – Gulludere, Kizilcukur, Meskendir and Zindanonu valleys and famous for its rose-colored rock that varies in intensity depending on time of day, season and weather conditions. During the hike, you can visit several cave churches, cave tunnels and cave houses. Apart from this, the stunning & lush Ihlara Valley boasts the deepest gorge in Asia Minor and can be considered as the perfect hiking option. The key feature that makes hiking through the Ihlara valleys unique is the Melendiz River which runs from the bottom of the valley in the village of Ihlara and paints the gorge in beautiful shades of blue and green.

Turkey is a country which offers various exciting offers to the hiking holidaymakers. All you require is making the right selection of hiking spot that can meet your requirements and budget-limit.

Enjoy Hiking in Turkey with your family at a very affordable price. Holidayclick offers cheap holidays in Turkey from all major airports in UK. Spend your holidays with a splash. Book cheap holidays abroad to beautiful holiday destinations.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/turkeythe-ultimate-destination-for-hiking-holiday-lovers-1660915.html

If you’re planning to visit New York City it really pays to make the investment in The New York Pass. This pass will allow you free entrance into some of the biggest attractions that New York has to offer in addition to discounts to many more attraction and a 140 page guide book that gives you information about many of the places you won’t want to miss while you’re visiting this great city.

Some of the places that you are allowed free admission by way of your New York Pass include the following: The Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Isle with a free round-trip ferry ticket and gives you skip ahead privileges for the ticket line, free admission to the Guggenheim Museum (though you may need to pay additional fees for special exhibitions), the New York Skyride, and the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum. These are just a few of the many places you can go for no additional fees. If you’re planning to fit many activities into your time in New York, this is by far the best way to go.

There are often offers for discounts if you are purchasing multiple days of The New York Pass, the fact remains however that if you are choosing more than two events on any given day you’ll probably be saving money on admission alone by purchasing the pass. If you’re only planning on one paid activity per day then you’re better off not making the purchase of a pass. With all vacations there are simple matters of economics involved. There are two forms of economics that come into play on a vacation-money and time. Time is often the most carefully guarded of the two while vacationing and people forget to pay attention to cast budgets as a result feeling it is better to waste money than to waste time.

I personally like to waste neither. I enjoy the skip ahead privileges that having city passes often allow as well as the knowledge that I’ve already paid for the days activities and can keep a better eye on where the remainder of my funds are being spent.

In addition to the many freebies that are involved as a result of the New York Pass there are also invaluable discounts that you can get on dining, souvenirs, even tours such as the New York Helicopter Sightseeing Tours. And then there are some tours that having a New York Pass will allow you to experience for free as well. Among those are: the United Nations Tour, The NBC Studio Tour, the Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour, the Rockefeller Center Tour, and the Tour at Lincoln Center.

The pass will introduce you to museums and zoos with free admission that you may not have otherwise considered and open the doors to extra entertainment for the entire family. If you’re going to be in New York for an extended period of time, 3 days or more, and plan to take a lot of tours and do a lot of sight seeing on your trip, I seriously recommend that you buy the New York Pass and use it every chance you get for free entrance fees and merchandise or food discounts and freebies. This is by far one of the best tips anyone can give you about your visit to New York and your budget. I also recommend tailoring your experience to the free things offered as much as possible and save your money for gifts, mementos, and the wonderful food and shows that abound in this fabulous city. Be sure to pay close attention when ordering tickets and checking to see if you are entitled to a discount because of your New York Pass. Do your best to enjoy your time and try not to fit too many things into one day. There are only so many hours in a day and while New York may be the City that Never Sleeps, we all need to sleep sometime.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/an-introduction-to-the-new-york-pass-1657711.html

Indian sub-continent is a beautiful with varied landscapes and monuments. The southern part of the country has some well known states namely Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. There are beautiful temples in South India. South Indians are assumed to be of the Dravidan’s race. The South Indians have lots of interest in music and dance. The land is blessed with the beauty there are striking beaches like Kovalam beach which mesmerizes its viewers. Mostly people here take coffee therefore the production of coffee in this region is very high. Cashew nuts are also produced on high scale over here.
The South Indian States
Karnataka
Karnataka is considered to be the land of fragrance. Here one can have the fragrance of sandal and agarbathis, the smell of roasted coffee beans just leave the people captivated. Kannada is the common language spoken in Karnataka, initially this state was known as Mysore. This place is the perfect combination of natural attractions and historic monuments. 
Bangalore, is the capital of Karnataka and is known as the IT hub of India, this industry is growing here with a fast pace. A
Tamil Nadu
 
Tamil Nadu is a very old region in Indian History. This state is the true representative of Dravidian culture. Tamil Nadu has been ruled by many dynasties like the Cheras, the Cholas (Karikalan Chola, was considered to be the greatest ruler of the early Cholas) and the Pandyas before the Christian era. 
 
The British came to Tamil Nadu and established the East India Company at Madras in the year 1639, with this began the new chapter in the history of Tamil Nadu. Gradually the whole state was taken over by the British.
 
Tamil Nadu is famous for temples and has many striking features beautiful coastline Coromandel Coast is an ideal location for sightseeing. There are gold sea beaches which attract the visitors. The name of Madras was changed to Tamil Nadu on 14th January 1969. Visitors come to this land from far flung places to spend some leisure time and to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Kerala
Kerala another South Indian state is known as the land of backwaters and rivers. Kerala is bestowed with the natural beauty; the tourists who come to Kerala are left captivated. There are much natural splendour like lush green fields, mountains & valleys, lagoons, striking beaches & backwaters which leave the visitors awestruck. This land is rich in coconuts

Author is an associate editor for India Travel. Get all possible information about Holiday Packages India and Online Hotels Booking. We also provide information about online hotel reservation, Holiday Packages and Flights Booking in India.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/travel-to-south-india-1658615.html

There is a stretch of bogland west of the town of Ardee in County Louth in the north east of the Republic of Ireland, that covers about 25 square miles running towards the village of Drumcondrath in County Meath. The bog is crossed by two narrow, twisting roads that are bumpy and uneven. Very few people live on these roads with just a scattering of small cottages that are occupied mostly by an older generation of people. The remnants of some old deserted houses lay along the lonely isolated terrain bearing testimony to a backward existence generations ago when harvesting the fruit of the bog was the only way to earn a living.

Once out in the centre of this small bogland, one could be anywhere such is the disconnection with everyday life. Silence is the dominant sound. During even the sunniest day, the eerie feeling of discontent and unidentified tension is palpable. Decades ago, people from the town of Ardee would come out and cut their winter supply of turf. Nobody comes anymore, however.

It is a subject not talked about by the locals, but the bog contains, it is said, a fearful secret that led to the virtual de-population of the area. Those residents remaining are old and would not talk about what sometimes is called the “presence” in the bog. From the early seventies, stories began to emerge about strange movements in the topography of the bog akin to wave like shifts. Earthy sounds emanated from the western side and animals belonging to local farmers which grazed on solid ground near the bog started disappearing. Children out playing near the bog reported of being “pulled” towards one particular stretch by some mysterious force.

Investigations took place, organized mostly by locals initially and by geological experts on soil and bogs later. The experts concluded that the movements in the bog were not geologically possible. They did however discover that at night the bog gave off a hue of reddish light to the western side, which they could not explain. It was like a fog hanging close to the top of that section.

Numerous tales of a magnetic pull towards the bog abound from people, some of whom might be the worse for wear with drink on their way home through the bog, and others who were extremely credible, sober and lucid in their descriptions. In the late seventies, two people mysteriously disappeared whilst walking home through the bog at twilight. Their bodies have never been found despite extensive searching. After that incident the bog became a virtual no-go area, although there have been numerous incidents during the intervening 30 years.

One theory about the “presence” in the bog may have validity. In the early seventies, Ireland was hit by a meteor shower in the north east of the country. It is thought that a meteor landed in the bog of Ardee and sank so deep to be beyond trace. Could this have something to do with the strange presence in the bog? Assuredly there is something strange in this eerie place. But is it an ghostly presence or an alien one?

The question remains: why doesn’t somebody in authority investigate?

Seamus Maguire is a 54-year old businessman who lives in Collon, County Louth, Ireland with his wife Brid and two boys Dominic and Ciaran. He writes about Ireland as a hobby but with a serious passion and extensive knowledge. He runs a website called Look Around Ireland, www.lookaroundireland.com, which provides detailed information and interactive virtual tours of all the highlights that Ireland has to offer to the visitor. On his website, there is a specific section called the Ireland Travel Guide, http://www.lookaroundireland.com/ireland-travel-guide.php, which is a very useful detailed travel tool for the first time visitor to Ireland.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ghosts-or-aliens-in-an-irish-bog-1659063.html

For such a compact and accessible destination, holidays to Bermuda can be surprisingly eventful. This island paradise, locked in the warm embrace of the North Atlantic Ocean, has an area of only about 22 square miles, but manages to pack in some of the most stunning beaches and coastal scenery in the world. Long renowned for its relaxed ambience and friendly atmosphere, the cool breezes and temperate climate of Bermuda entice thousands of visitors every year to experience the unique pink sands and turquoise waters of the islands.

With a breadth of only a mile at its widest, it is said you are never more than a stone’s throw from the beach in Bermuda so, naturally, many of the activities on offer are water-based. However, if you want to really get out and explore the island, a great way to do it is by scooter. With a leisurely speed limit of 20 mph and not much chance of rain, it’s an ideal day trip out, so grab a helmet, pack a picnic lunch and set off on a mini tour of Bermuda!

Set off from Hamilton

Your first port of call, where you hire your scooter, will probably be Hamilton, the island’s capital. If you are based in Hamilton on your holidays to Bermuda, the hire company will probably be happy to deliver your bike to you. You can choose from either a single or two-seater and after a short lesson in safety you will be on your way. To get your bearings, why not take in a few of Hamilton’s attractions before you set off further afield? You can visit the fascinating Underwater Exploration Institute; or ride along the seafront and enjoy the oleander and hibiscus which decorate the shores of the picturesque harbour. Then, take a quick trip up the hill past the superb gothic architecture of the Anglican Cathedral of Most Holy Trinity, before heading out of town.

Up to the Crystal Caves

Once you leave Hamilton you can motor up along the coast to the Crystal Caves. These magnificent subterranean caves are the highlight of just about everyone’s holidays to Bermuda, and the fantastic world which lies beneath the surface is nothing short of entrancing. Visitors enter the caves via a set of steps which lead down into a magical underground world, and then follow a wooden pontoon suspended over the top of the deep aqua water. Other-worldly stalagmites and stalactites adorn the ceiling and you are guided through a silent, eerie journey through the labyrinth. When you emerge into the bright Bermudan sunshine, take a moment to adjust before climbing back on your scooter to continue your tour.

Down to Church Bay

Staying on the main island, you can now veer off down the east coast leg of your mini tour. Take a quick detour to ride around picturesque Harrington Sound, then set off along the coastline past the pink sands of Warwick Long Bay; stop for your picnic lunch at the famous Horseshoe Bay with its fabulous sweeping cove; and then finally arrive late afternoon in Church Bay. Many people on holidays to Bermuda make this location a priority as it is the ideal place to go snorkelling. The coral reef which protects the cove is teeming with colourful fish and marine life, and it is one of the best sites on the island for an underwater encounter.

On your way back to Hamilton stop off at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and brave the 185 steps for a bird’s eye view of the entire island, before arriving back in time for cocktails on the harbour under a painted Bermudan sunset.

John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays and visits Bermuda at least twice a year. He has been providing luxury holidays to Bermuda and many other destinations for over 30 years.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/a-mini-tour-around-bermuda-1659111.html

There’s nothing quite like a spa break to truly unwind. Holidays to Bermuda are the ideal time to enjoy a bit of five star pampering.

If you are looking for a break that offers sheer relaxation, it’s hard to do better than a visit to a spa on your holidays to Bermuda. Not only do you get to enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and warm local hospitality of the Bermuda Islands, you also get to experience top quality spa treatments amidst the five star luxury of the country’s finest hotels.

If you are interested in spa holidays to Bermuda, you will find plenty of hotels to choose from, but there are a few that stand from the crowd. Here are five of the very best…

The Fairmont Southampton

With close to six hundred rooms and outstanding quality of service, the Fairmont Southampton is one of the best large hotels in Bermuda. The superb facilities include a golf course, water sports, six restaurants and a private beach, but the jewel in the crown is the Willow Stream Spa, offering everything from saunas and massages to specialist skin treatments and pedicures. The Fairmont Southampton is also notable for being one of the most family friendly luxury hotels on the islands. It has its own dedicated Explorers Kids Camp to keep youngsters entertained and occupied, so you can enjoy the spa facilities without having to worry about the children!

Cambridge Beaches

Widely regarded as being one of the very finest accommodation options for luxury holidays to Bermuda, Cambridge Beaches is also home to the excellent Ocean Spa. With its “his and hers” massages and intimate atmosphere, it is particularly suitable for couples looking for a romantic break – or perhaps even a honeymoon destination! Away from the spa, the cottage accommodation is refined and luxurious, and the rest of the facilities certainly do not disappoint.

The Pompano Beach Club

If you are looking for a holiday that combines golf and spa, the Pompano Beach Club is naturally the best option. Located just a stone’s throw from the famous Port Royal Golf Course, the Pompano is also home to a small but well provisioned spa. So if you like to unwind after a day’s golf with some pampering in the spa, the Pompano Beach Club will certainly suit your needs!

The Elbow

With fifty acres of landscaped gardens, three excellent restaurants and set on a gorgeous stretch of Bermudan beach, this popular resort hotel oozes quality. The quality of service on the beach is particularly notable, with waiter service available. It also offers several spa suites facing out over the ocean, providing high class services in truly stunning natural surroundings.

The Reefs

For those who want to experience luxurious elegance on their holidays to Bermuda, The Reefs will provide exactly what you are looking for. The beautiful design of this hotel is matched by the quality of the onsite restaurants and the small spa, La Serena. The spa overlooks the hotel’s private beach, and offers a selection of personally tailored health and beauty treatments. For a spa holiday that is a feast for all the senses, it is hard to better The Reefs.

John Dixon is Managing Director of Prestige Holidays and visits Bermuda at least twice a year. He has been providing luxury holidays to Bermuda and many other destinations for over 30 years.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/pamper-yourself-on-a-spa-holiday-to-bermuda-1659122.html

When you think of vacationing in Argentina, Buenos Aires should come to mind, it is a beautiful city and is wonderful for vacationing. Being a city in a South American country, Buenos Aires, tends to more often than not have a nice weather and as such attracts many tourists at any given period. It is due to this popularity and constant vacationers, why Buenos Aires has so many wonderful rental apartments available and also at very affordable prices. Not only is the city a scenic eye-catcher, but there are lots of nice places to visit and activities to keep you and / or your family pleasantly occupied. There are always nice parties and clubs to go to in the night time and dances is also a popular activity, but whatever you are interested in, you will always something interesting and fun to occupy your time when you are Buenos Aires. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, you can opt to stay at one of the many luxurious Buenos Aires apartments, they are well equipped to provide for your every comfort and guarantee a wonderful stay. The apartments that are available to vacationers are fully furnished and have all the necessary furniture and appliances to be your temporary home away from home, with washing machines and dryers, LCD televisions, air conditioning, dish washers and even wireless internet so that you can keep in touch. Vacationers can share play by play memories by taking pictures or making videos and sending them to family and friends via the internet, while the business persons can still keep in touch and work from the comfort of their luxurious apartment. The fact is Buenos Aires has something for every one and you can enjoy a great vacation without sacrificing your regular home luxury and comfort.

Find out more about Buenos Aires apartments (Apartamentos Buenos Aires), check out welcome2ba.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/buenos-aires-apartments-are-a-great-choice-for-business-visits-and-vacations-alike-1659184.html

The warm climate and lush sub-tropical vegetation of Indonesia provides an ideal habitat for a diverse variety of animal and bird species. For visitors to Bali, holidays are invariably themed with at least some kind of brush with the wildlife. Despite Bali’s popularity as one of the world’s favourite tourist destinations, there are still many species of native fauna that live within the in the island’s eco-system. There are also a surprising number of sanctuaries and wildlife parks open to the public which are dedicated to the preservation of some of Bali’s more high profile natives. Depending on how up close and personal you want your brush with nature to be, on Bali holidays you will have the opportunity to encounter all creatures great and small.

On the Mild Side

Like the smiling Balinese people themselves, much of the animal life on the island is laid back and gentle. From delightfully coloured finches and sparrows, to lazily swimming giant sea turtles, it seems that the phrase ‘being on island time’ refers to the animal population as well as humans.

For a magical wildlife experience with one of nature’s most delicate creations, you can visit the Taman Kupu Kupu Butterfly Park on your Bali holidays. You will be able to see many rare species of butterflies endemic to Bali, as well as watch the birth of baby butterflies and hold them in your hand. As you walk through a netted enclosure, thousands of intricately decorated butterflies hover around your head and shoulders.

On the other end of the scale, but nevertheless almost as gentle, are the wonderful elephants of Bali. A visit to the Elephant Safari Park in Taro is a totally interactive encounter and it claims to be the only place in the world to give visitors a ‘complete elephant experience.’ Guests are encouraged to wander amongst the elephants and hand feed them as they sun themselves by the lake, plus there are plenty of opportunities to experience their gentle intelligence and friendliness. You can take a safari ride through the park high on the back of your own personal elephant; or you can view the incredible spectacle of these wonderful animals painting pictures with their trunks.

On the Wild Side

Years ago in Bali, animals such as tigers, panthers and leopards lived abundantly in the
forests and jungles of the island. Today, although they are still around, you are unlikely to come face to face with any of these creatures except in a zoo.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the must see places on your Bali holidays. It is a unique way to see these very lively, excitable creatures interacting in a natural habitat. The macaques (the Balinese monkey) can be extremely unpredictable, so visitors are not allowed to pet them. You can however get quite close to them because although they live in the wild, the macaques are well accustomed to human presence. The cheekiest amongst them are brave enough to sneak up close to steal your lunch and once it’s gone it’s gone! From a safe distance they are extremely entertaining and their mischievous faces can be most endearing.

If a visit to Komodo Island is not on your agenda, you can still see the famed and dangerous Komodo dragons on your Bali holidays. The Bali Zoo, just fifteen minutes out of Ubud, houses a number of these fascinating prehistoric animals and you can view them safely from outside their enclosure. The dragons are actually the world’s largest lizards and can grow up to a terrifying ten metres. For a truly exotic experience, the Bali Zoo is also home to reptiles, primates, tigers, lions and crocodiles; everything you could ever want to experience the wild side of this most gentle of Indonesian islands.

Peter Vasiliou is a Bali holidays, specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator offering Bali holidays as well as holidays to other destinations in the Far East; the Indian Ocean, Cuba and the Caribbean, Egypt, Southern Africa, Italy & the Mediterranean, Canada, Australia and the Pacific. key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-animals-of-bali-mild-vs-wild-1658792.html