Exotic Bali offers bargains at all levels

This island's tropical charms are more affordable than they have been for years.

This Hindu-majority island and tourist destination near the center of Indonesia's archipelago has always offered bargains. But a series of factors has made it even better, including the impact of the global recession and a 20 percent strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Indonesian rupiah since 2006.

Many five-star hotels on the island offer rooms for under $200. Spas price hour-long massages at $10. Restaurants sell fresh seafood dinners for less than some fast-food meals in the United States. Local shops offer activities including scuba diving and horseback riding for a fraction of what they cost in the West. And airfare deals keep popping up that make getting here at least somewhat affordable -- around $1,200 from New York.

MiamiHerald.com, FL