Kindle Edition Amazon GypsyDuo Category:  Travel ISBN-10:  0985816406 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 136 Copyright: April 5, 2012 ISBN-13: 9780985816407 An introduction to the iconic island of Bali, a destination that has become a major holiday location for people all over the world. Available both as an ebook and in paperback.  Bali has become a top vacation spot for travelers from all over the world who often become enchanted with the island and return over and over. In How To Find The Heart Of Bali, you will discover for yourself the passion that Bali has inspired in Western visitors for more than a hundred years. Kate Benzin is a highly experienced tour director who has lived in Indonesia for more than 30 years and knows the island as few other outsiders do. As Kate makes clear in her Introduction, this is not a typical guidebook and does not recommend specific hotels or restaurants. Rather, she gives great insight to the first time traveler to Bali so that he or she can experience a dream holiday in this iconic 'tropical island paradise' destination full of culture and wonder. Excerpt Introduction “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine Bali is considered by many to be one of the most spiritual and enchanting places in the world. It can be the perfect place to have your dream vacation. Maybe even a destination wedding or honeymoon. If you are reading this book, then you are probably already dreaming about a vacation to Bali. Maybe you’re wondering just what you would find there. Bali is one of Indonesia’s more than 17,000 islands, 90 miles east to west and 50 miles north to south. It is situated between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Bali is in the tropics just south of the equator, but it is not your typical tropical destination. Yes, it has all the typical amenities of other tropical islands, but there are 3 things that make it far more special – -a rich and unique culture that permeates just about every aspect of daily life from the little offerings that are put out 3 times a day to the religious festivals that seem to take place just about every day somewhere on the island -scenery that is beyond belief, from rugged volcanic mountains to lush verdant rice fields to beaches that provide some of the best surfing in the world -warm, gentle people who take it upon themselves to make sure that you have a wonderful experience on their island Bali has become one of the leading holiday destinations in the world. In fact, Arthur Frommer, famous for his many best selling travel guides, listed Bali at #3 in his 10 favorite travel destinations for 2012. Here’s what he says: ‘#3 Bali, Indonesia: This destination usually conjures images of lazy days spent in the tropical South Pacific. But Frommer finds cultural goings-on’s as fascinating as the terrain. "A Hindu outpost in a Muslim nation, it is inhabited by some of the most gracious people on Earth, who invite you to witness their religious processions, wedding ceremonies and joyous funerals."’ - Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger, January 25, 2012 Before getting into the meat of the book, I want to make it clear that this book is meant as an introduction to Bali. It is not a guide book. There are many excellent guide books available, and you will surely want to buy at least one of them for more detailed information. I’m not going to recommend which hotel to stay at, which restaurants to eat at, which sites to see. Instead, my aim is to talk to you just like a friend would. Imagine that you have just told me that you’re thinking of taking a trip to Bali. I’ve been there many times and just want to give you the gist of what’s in store for you. Just about everything in the book is from my own personal point of view. I want to share all that I have gained from my many experiences in Bali so that your dream vacation will be everything and even more than what you hoped for. I am a Westerner who has been living in Indonesia for more than 30 years, and I feel that writing from a Western perspective but knowing the country so intimately, I have special insight into what it is like for a Westerner traveling in exotic Bali.

Practical and enticing
Reading this book is easy because it's like having a conversation with a local about the place she knows and loves. It gives you enough practical information to make you more eager than ever to plan a trip to Bali. Thanks to this book I now have specific things I will do on this island and I know how to do them. Especially intriguing for shoppers are the step by step bargaining hints.

Personal Insight into Bali
Quick and easy read with great photos accompanying the text. Together they give a colorful and enticing picture of Bali. The text clearly reveals Kate's love for Bali, and she freely expresses her enthusiasm and her personal perspective.

Inspires me to return
Having been to Bali a few times already, the book inspires me to return to enjoy once again its beauty, culture and ambiance. I know that the authors have an in depth knowledge of the place and travellers' needs. As a first work, I am impressed and looking forward for their future products on Indonesia, specially, the upcoming one on Java.