Showing posts with label BALI INTERESTING PLACES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BALI INTERESTING PLACES. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

KINTAMANI (LAKE BATUR)

The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain. Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.

The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap cottages are available here.
Kintamani can run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani. Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge "Baby" statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli. From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon.
Tour to Kintamani is a very impressive experience where Kintamani Area have very beautiful panorama located in plateau and also encircled by mountain atmosphere with the windblast from Mount Batur. Carpet of Batur Lake seen far below and also there are local resident house beside of Batur Lake. Beside of that, Mount Batur which to date still be active growing its beautiful for Kintamani Area.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Padang Beach Jimbaran Bali


Padang - Padang beach is a beach with white sands and exotic coral. It is located in Jimbaran, Badung Distric. The beach is still natural to fit in great waves to surf.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Goa Gajah Cave Ubud, Bali

Gajah Cave (Goa Gajah) locate in Gianyar Bali, literally means ‘Elephant Cave”. Although named by ‘elephant’ it doesn’t mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. The name Goa Gajah derived from ‘Lawa Gajah’, which is mentioned in the manuscripts that found in this site. This temple complex was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site.

A seven-meters deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village’s local temple. The cave it self is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is ‘boma’, a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if we give more attention look to the rest of the carving. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Nowadays, those holes are used to place offerings whenever there is ceremonies taking place. On the left end side of the cave is Ganesha statue, believe it as ‘the God of knowledge’. Meanwhile on the right end side can be found three ‘linggas’, that each of them dedicated to the three common God manifestations in Bali, Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. There are other three stone carvings in the centre wall, one of them figuring head and face.

Three other statues of Ganesha, demons and Men Brayut, a legendary lady with her beloved children, are placed on a high building located on the left side of cave entrance. It is considered that these statues are 1000 years old. In the middle of the complex, in front of the cave, there is bathing place that is not any longer used by the local people. The angle figures within the bathing complex are about similar to common figures found in India. On the south part of the complex, there are along flight of step leads down the lower part of the valley. After crossing a bridge above a small creek and follow another flight of steps up to eastern side of the valley, a headless sitting Buddha statue can be seen. This is the evident of a close relationship between the two religions.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

SEMINYAK


A few miles north of Kuta is Seminyak which is the hippest part of southern Bali. More upmarket than Kuta and home to Bali's best bars, clubs and restaurants with new places opening almost weekly. Creative energy is the phrase that best sums up Seminyak, energy which also extends to the fashion boutiques.

Cool comes at a price, featuring strongly are world class hotels and resorts located next to the beach. Expect prices to be a little higher than Kuta.


Friday, April 3, 2009

Bedugul


Bedugul is an area in the central mountains of Bali. Bedugul Area is composed of 3 lakes (Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan) and one main town (Candikuning). At an alitude of 1.150 meters above sea level, Bedugul
Bedugul is located 48km north of Denpasar, on the main road from South Bali to the North Coast (Lovina and Singaraja)

The most visited places of Bedugul are:

  • Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan. Unique Temple on a small island on the lake.
  • The Bedugul Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya) with trees collection and Bali Treetop Adventure Park.
  • The Traditional Market of Candikuning.
  • The Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club.
Do
  • Bali Treetop Adventure Park, Bedugul Botanical Gardens, Tel.: (62)(361) 8520680 The park includes six main circuits that stretch from tree to tree, as well as nets, Tarzan Jumps, and bridges. Each run also features "Flying Fox" zip-lines of up to 160 meters, providing heart-pounding thrills to guests as they fly through the air. Two circuits are designed for young children from 4 years old.
  • Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. At an alitude of 1.142 meters above the sea level and surrounded by green mountains, crater lakes and ancient forest, the course is considered as one of the greatest golf course in the world.
  • Water sports on lake Bratan. Parasailing, speedboat, jetski.
  • Trekking in the mountains. Departure from the Lake Bratan or from Bedugul Botanical Gardens
  • Soaking in Angseri hot springs. Angseri lies about 20km to the south. From the main market head directly south. It is well sign-posted.
Buy
Bedugul Traditional Market in Candikuning. Bedugul is the garden of Bali with lots of fruits and vegetable. In the market you can find strawberry, corn, and lots of spices. Also an art market with lots of handicraft.

Eat

  • Pacung Indah Restaurant with a great panoramic view on all South Bali, from the Ocean to the Mount Agung.
  • Strawberry Stop near the Ulun Danu Temple. To try the Bedugul strawberry.
  • Lake view on the way down from the Market to the lake.
  • Roti Bedugul. Bakery famous for its international quality of bread, croissant and danish pastries.

Sleep

  • Many small and affordable guesthouses in Bedugul.
  • Pacung Indah Hotel, 10 kilometers before Bedugul. 8 bungalows with panoramic views.
  • Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. Up market hotel in the golf course.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Bali Zoo Park



Situated in the cultural heart of Bali, the zoo is only 15 minutes drive from Ubud, and 45 minutes from the tourist areas of Kuta, Tuban, Legian and Seminyak. The sandy white beaches of Sanur are only 20 minutes' drive away or a 1 hour drive from Nusa Dua Resort.

Open Daily: 9am to 9pm. Every day of the year (except Nyepi - Balinese day of silence).

Entry fee:

* Adult: USD 20 * Child (2 - 14yrs): USD 10
* Infants under 2 years: Free
* Family Pass (2 adults & 2 children): USD 54.50

Domestic/KITAS holder entry

* Adult: Rp55.000
* Child (2 - 14yrs): Rp27.500
* Infants 0 - 2yrs: Free


Dining Facilities

Try our first class restaurant, Starbhoga, for a mouth-watering meal. All tastes are catered for. For snacks and cold drinks, we have small stalls located throughout the zoo grounds.

If you would prefer to bring your own food, we also have a new BBQ and picnic area available for your use.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Ubud



Ubud is located 35 km northeast of Bali's International Airport. It is attractive to tourists for a variety of reasons. On a relatively small island with a horde of attractions, Ubud is centrally located, and even the closest beach is only 15 minutes away.

The Ubud area is around two- to three hundred meters above sea level and surrounded by rice fields, which makes it noticeably cooler than then other tourist destinations in Bali. Neighbouring villages are well known for unique bamboo crafts and furniture, wood- and stone carving and many other crafts.

Ubud is famous for it's regularly nightly traditional dance performances, which are part of the traditional culture and are arranged for tourists on a regular schedule. Hindu-Balinese ceremonies take place on a nearly daily basis, especially in the European summer, which is the driest and coolest season here.

Ubud is popular in part today because it is the best place in Bali to break out of the tourist mode and get off the beaten path, although far from undiscovered. Hotels are plentiful; home stays and Indonesian guesthouses (losmen) are easily available to the foreign tourist. Many tourists simply base their entire stay in the city and travel to other destinations from Ubud.

Accommodations in Ubud are also somewhat more reasonably priced than in the beach towns of Bali. But atmosphere is perhaps the major attractions. One visitor summed it up this way: Kuta is madness, Sanur is sterile, and Nusa Dua is culturally isolated; Ubud is the place to go.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali


You will find numerous tourist places for Sightseeing in Bali, which is known as the last paradise on earth. You will get detail information about what to do in Bali from the Bali Travel Guide. Bali is a popular holiday destination for many reasons. You will be fascinated by captivating sea beaches of Bali, and some of them are truly breathtaking and will offer you complete privacy. Bali is also a favorite among adventure lovers as it has many swift rivers, forests, caves and cliffs to explore. Those who come to Bali make it a point to visit Bali National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary and especially the wonderful Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali.

The Butterfly Park of Bali is not only a park in that sense, but it also gives you a clear picture of the life cycle of butterflies. The Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali is located 7 km from Tabanan on the way to Panebel. The park is easily accessible from any part of the city by taxi, bus or private car.

The Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali boast of being the largest in entire Southeast Asia solely devoted to butterflies. You can spend your whole day with family and friends in this park, which is open from 8am-5pm daily.

Spread over 3,500 square meters, this enclosed huge park is perfect for studying ecosystem, breeding and protection of butterflies. You can watch various colorful and exotic kinds of butterflies, including the rare Bird Wing Butterfly. The park guides will give you lots of information about how to conserve them and before leaving collect gift from the special souvenir shop.

Tabanan Tourist Object

Tabanan Tourist Object and Travel Guides

The first impression in Tabanan is the green and fertile land. The series of hills and the mountain ranges at its northern border, adjacent to Beratan Lake, Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake have made the regency full of water. From the cool climate and weather and the steeping hilly landscape in the north to the beachside in the south, Tabanan positions itself as an ideal location for wetland farming and plantations. Fruits and vegetables are produced in the northern part of the regency and high quality rice gain is produced in the central and southern part of the region.

Occupying an area of around 893.33 square kilometers, Tabanan has a population of 374,000 which are spread equally throughout 10 districts. Although the opportunities to work in the tourism industry and other sectors are not widely opened, many people in Tabanan continue to do their common ways of living. The shortage of labors for farming sector is managed through the implementation of modern and efficient ways of farming. Thus, Tabanan is still the provider of basic needs for most people in Bali.
Hotels Last Minute Deals!
The beauty of the wildlife in Tabanan, such as its rice fields has the potential for attracting tourists who are in search of breathtaking landscapes. Tanah Lot, Penebel, Jatiluwih, Pupuan, Antosari and Bedugul are most visited places by tourists from around the world and many countries who are the nature adores.

Some hotels list in Tabanan District:

Sanda Butik Villas Bali
Desa-Sanda, Pupuan 82163, Tabanan - Bali

Waka Gangga Resort Bali
Jl. Pantai Yeh Gangga, Desa Sudimara, Tabanan, Bali

Waka Gangga
Jalan Yeh Gangga, Desa Sudimara, Tabanan, Bali Indonesia Tabanan
Bali, Indonesia Traveler Opinion

Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa
PO Box 158, Kediri, Bali, 82171

Gajah Mina Beach Resort
Suraberata, Lalanglinggah,selemandeg, Bali

Sanda Butik Villas & Restoran
Desa-Sanda, Pupuan 82163, Tabanan - Bali

Puri Dajuma Cottage
Pekutatan Negar BaliIndonesiaa Pekutatan Bali

Cempaka Belimbing
Ds. Suradadi Belimbing, Pupuan Tabanan

Puri Lumbung
Jl. Tunggul Ametung Vii No.9, P.o. Box No. 3603, Denpasar 80036 Bali

Pacung Asri Mountain Resort
Jalan Raya Baturiti Bedugul, Tabanan 82191, Bali, Indonesia

Kuskus Indah
Jl. Pulau Batam, Bali 82111

Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort Bali
Jl. Raya Tanah Lot, Bali 82162

Friday, September 5, 2008

Banjar Hot Spring

Banjar Hot Water is a nature hot wellspring from the ground and it is believed can heal the disease. Its water is accommodated at one small swimming pool encircled by unique rural nature, its situation close to the Wihara ( Buda Temple ). Banjar Hot Water is located in Banjar Countryside, Banjar sub district and Singaraja Regency. It is about 1,5 Km from Banjar or 24 Km from Singaraja Town . To reach the Hot Water location in Banjar, we can use the motor vehicle through the main road with good condition and passing the Balinese Village with unique culture life. The nearest accommodations like hotels or lodging including restaurants are also available in particular at Lovina Beach area. There are many public transportation also available to connect the travel to Singaraja town.This hot wellspring source is predictably built since of hundreds of year ago and since the Japanese colonize the Indonesia, this place has developed into three pools to relocate the water for taking a bath. The Japanese had also developed its military officer resort close to this area. Having bathing in the heat water containing the brimstone, it will be able to heal the skin disease. This public bath which is built by Japanese now is exploited by public society. Beside of that, now this place is opened for tourist who can use this bathing place to swim in hot pool and also enjoy the water fall. Enjoying the hot water fall, we can feel like squeezing, especially at pool equipped by the douche with the high about 3,5 meters, so that can make the body refresh and relaxation.

Banjar Hot Water, Places to Visit in North Bali

Hot water in Banjar is progressively recognized to be a place of interest in north of Bali or a tourist destination in Singaraja Bali. Now this place visited by many tourist from local and Foreign countries. It is a mini tourism object which is easily reached from Lovina Beach and it is opened daily from 07.00 am until 18.00 pm daily except Nyepi Day (Silent Day).From Singaraja Town, take the way to Gilimanuk or to the west part of Singaraja and we will meet the Banjar Countryside which is show the direction sigh of this hotel water place.

(balistarisland.com)

Lovina, Singaraja, Bali

Lovina Beach is a 12 km stretch of coast to the North West of Singaraja in North Bali. It is several resorts rather than one. It comprised of several narrow stretches of black volcano sand. Lovina, like most of Bali, fills up with tourists from all over the world in August. It is a nice break from the bustle of the South. These days the mix of tourists is mainly families and couples rather than the backpackers of yesteryear.

Kalibukbuk is the largest and most developed village but it is just two streets of hotels, bars, restaurants, and dive shops running down to the beach. There is a wide range of accommodation and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. There are two clubs and several bars, but the nightlife is generally low key and easy giong.

You can easily get to Lovina by bus from all parts of Bali, but it is along ride from the East or South. Getting your own car with or without a driver ( I don't recomend without!!) is a much easier way to get to the North. Bemo’s are the local public transport buses and they ply all the local routes. Again it is much easier to hire a driver and car for any longer journey. You can travel from Kuta in less than 3hrs and from the airport or Sanur in about 2.30hrs. You will travel through (Pura Ulun Danau), Bedugul and could go the pretty way through Munduk if you are not in a hurry. So you could stop to take in the temple, lakes and rice paddies on your trip and make a day of it.

Sightseeing trips are easy to organise either with drivers on the street or through your hotel. Some sugestions are:

Air Banjar Hot Springs - Located west of Lovina, Air Banjar (or Panjar) is an enchanting hot springs with stone carved mouths gushing water among a lush garden setting. A nominal entrance fee is charged. Go in the morning if you want some peace and quiet, you will have the place to yourself if you get there before 9am.

DolphinTrips - These trips leave early each morning and are great fun for the kids, despite the critiscism that the boats tend to outnumber the dolphins. Prices are fixed by a dolphin cartel, they are around 50.000 (4 euro).

Snorkeling is possible on the reef just offshore from Kalibukbuk in the mornings around 10am. You will need to hire a boat for this and it costs about 50,000 per head (includes gear). Snorkeling and scuba diving trips leave from Kalibukbuk for Menjangan and other north shore dive spots. There are several dive operators based out of Lovina that operate daily dive trips to Menjanan Island, Tulamben and Amed, as well as night dives from the local shore. "Spice Dive" are based out of Lovina and offer day trips to all of the dive spots on the northern shore. Guides are available in a variety of languages and multi-day discounts are available. http://www.lovinadive.com/" hours="averages" price="US$55-$75 per day.

Spa - Lovina is lucky to have several spa facilities. While a little more low key than the spas to the south, the service is excellent and the prices, being much less than the opulent spas in the south, are an excellent value and well worth it. ''Agung's Spa offers body scrubs, facials, massage, etc. It is also the nicest spa facility in Lovina, though by Balinese standards it is much smaller and basic than what you would find elsewhere on the island. 'Bali Samadhi Spa [http://www.BaliSamadhi.com] (Tel. 081 338 558 260) in Lovina offers a variety of massages. One is called Rebalancing Massage a very nice mixture between therapeutic and well-being massage. Mandi Lulur scrubs are available including the yogurt mask.

Eating and Drinking - 'Kakatua' in Kalibukbuk is one the most popular with tourists and not without reason. The menu is varied, the staff friendly and you can see the food being prepared and cooked from fresh ingredients. There are many good restaurants and bars listed on other pages in the site.

Singaraja

Singaraja is the regency seat of Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia. The name is Indonesian for 'Lion King'. It is on the north coast just east of Lovina. It has an area of 27.98 km² and population of 80,500.

Singaraja was the Dutch colonial administrative centre for Bali and the Lesser Sunda Islands until 1953, and the port of arrival for most visitors until development of the Bukit Peninsula area in the south.

Gedong Kirtya, just south of the town centre, is the only library of lontar manuscripts (ancient and sacred texts on leaves of the rontal palm) in the world. (wikipedia)

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Karangasem Grand Palace, Karangasem Bali

Jati Luwih, Tabanan Bali

Jati Luwih, Tabanan Bali

Jatiluwih is one of the places of interest with marvelous natural attraction in Bali. Its cool weather being about 700 m above the sea level, terraced of rice field back grounded by mountain covered by dense tropical forest is really a spectacular natural charm.

Instead of its natural potency, Jatiluwih is also known for its Cultural belonging, mainly the construction history of a temple related to the reign of King Ida Dalem Waturenggong at Gelgel Palace (1460¬1551).

Location

It is about 48 km in distance from Denpasar, or about 28 km, north of Tabanan town. To enjoy the visit to the village, the tour itinerary can be combined: Denpasar - Bedugul (the junction at Pacung - Baturiti)- Jatiluwih-Penatahan hot spring & Spa -Subak monument/ museum - Alas Kedaton monkey forest - Tanah Lot (to enjoy sunset on the beautiful beach of Tanah Lot/Temple on the rock)

Facility

This place of interest has been completed with parking lot, toilet, resting place and viewing spot. Some restaurants are available but there is no accommodation there yet. The road going there is also under improvement so motor vehicle can pass through East line i.e.: via Pacung Junction to Jatiluwih or through West line via Penatahan Hot spring -Batukaru Temple -Jatiluwih.

Tourist Visit

This place of interest has long been visited by abundant visitors, domestic and overseas to enjoy its fresh weather, spectacular view of the extensive rice terrace. Instead of that, once in 210 days according to the Balinese Calendar, people go to Petali Temple on the upper land of the village when a sacred dance called "Wali Pendet' dance is performed to celebrate the temple's anniversary.

Description

Jatiluwih as a natural tourist attraction, had actually been known since the Dutch colonization in Bali (1910-1942), because the Dutch troop once built a military base camp on the western part of the village and up to this moment the locals call it as "Tangsi Belanda" (The Dutch Barrack).

The Provincial Government of Bali has announced Jatiluwih as one of tourism villages as to increase the number of tourist arrival to this island because of its great potency as previously mentioned.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Besakih Temple, Karangasem, Bali


This temple was intentionally built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

While in the mythology of Samudramanthana it is mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the BesakihTemple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. However, the construction was troubled by the spread of disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of his followers, he then constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

Location:
The location of Besakih Temple or Pura Agung Besakih is at Besakih village, Rendang district, on the south west of Mount Agung. It is about 44 kms from Amlapura and 62 kms from Denpasar.

Facility:
Some facilities are available in this area to support the tourism activities in Besakih, like food stalls, fruit stalls and art shops. There is also a quite large parking lot and local guides who will always be ready to give their best service.

Description:
Besakih Temple is one of tourist objects which has its own uniqueness compared with other places. It becomes famous because of complex of temple established here, also known as the Mother Temple in Bali. Besakih which offers religious atmosphere was built based on the four directions.

Candidasa, Karangasem, Bali


Previously, Candidasa was known as Teluk Kehen (Kehen Bay). But when this area was finally opened as tourism depelovment area, the name Candidasa was started to be used.

There is no certain report about the historical backgound of the name. However, it is assumed that the choice of this name is connected with the story of "lingga" inside the temple lies on the top of Candidasa hills.

An old manuscript found here mentions that Candidasa Temple was built on the 12th Century. There is a remain called "lingga" inide the temple, which is believed as the symbol of God Siva. In this holy place hermits often received their highest solitude or "heaven" by uttering 10 letters called "Dasa Aksara" (10 = Dasa).

Another story says that the name Candidasa was inspired by a statue near the lingga. It is a statue of Goddess Hariti that surrounded by 10 children. It is believed that Goddess Hariti could give blessing of welfare and prosperity to the people who pray here.

Location:
Candidasa is located at Samuh - Bugbug village, Karangasem district. It is about 65 km from Denpasar and 12 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Facilities available here are restaurants, small hotels to star hotels and other facilities needed to support the industry.

Description:
Candidasa is well known for its shiny white sand. Tourism industry flourishes significantly in this area that background by the Indonesian Ocean. From this place, we will see Lombok Island and Nusa Penida in a distance and the sparkling light of "Jukung" or traditional boat at night that will always draw us to come again.

Tirtagangga, Karangasem, Bali


Tirtagangga is a small village located in E part of Bali, 15km N from Amlapura where You can see a very elegant Balinese Water Palace built for the holly spring. The village is a very small and very relaxing.
To come to this village, Perma does not have a regular service to this village. You have to book in advance with minimum 2 persons in your group, theirfore it is a bit expensive to come here by
It is not so difficult to come by public transport from Denpasar. Take a bus from Batubulan to Amlapura, then take a bemo to Tirtagangga.

Near the Water Palace

h1 Dhangin Taman Inn: near the entrance of Tirtagannga Water Palace. T22059, f ab 35/40,000, large rooms 50/70,000 bf C3 basic

h2 Tirta Ayu Bungalows: inside of Tirtagangga Water Palace.. T21697, f ab d250,000 HW sw(water palace)C4 Go through the gate and walk right. The rooms rates includes the entrance of the water palace and use of its swimming pool. This is the only upper class accommodation.

h3 Homestay Rajasa: T21873, just opp from the entrance of Tirtagangga Water Palace, f ab 40/60,000 bf C2 Rooms in the back have better view and better porches. Good cheap option.

h4 Good Karma: on the main road 22445, f ab 60/80,000 bf R towel C4 Very large rooms and large porches with terrace view Very relaxing place Its restaurant is on the main road and the rooms are acturally located behind the restaurant in the miidle of the rice field. Rec
Just after crossing the bridge

h5 Puri Sawah: Just N from the bridge, walk left to a small road. T21847, PO Box 110 Amalapura, f ab CW 1F 100,000, 2F 200,000, HW 1F 200,000 R(rice terrace view) bf towel C4 Large rooms and large porches

h6 Kusumajaya Inn: on the hill side, walk from the main raod, 50m N from the bridge, T21250, f ab 70/90,000, 80/100,000 bf towel R C3 Great view to the sea but it is a bit hard to climb up the hill. Rec
On the hill side N from the Water Palace

h7 Pondok Lembok Dukuk: on the slope of the hill behind Water Palace, f ab 50/80,000 bf C3 Excellent view to the volcano up on the hill. Walk from the side of Good Karma restaurant.

h8 Batur Indah: on the slope of the hill behind Water Palace T22342, f ab 80/125,000 C4 Excellent view to the volcano. Walk from the side of Good Karma restaurant. Or take a bemo to Ababi, 2km N from Tirtagangga and phone.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Interesting Places in Bali (Paradise Island) 2

Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah is the bat cave. This cave is crammed with thousands of bats which are unseen but certainly not unheard during the day. The cave is part of a temple that is said to lead all the way to Besakih but it's unlikely that anyone would be interested in investigating.

Kerta Gosa
Kerta Gosa was used a venue for the administration of justice by kings and priests during pre-colonial times. It is surrounded by a moat and is decorated with beautiful paintings on its ceilings, which depict tortures in hell and bliss in heaven.

The Bale Kembang (Floating Pavilion) stands behind the Kerta Gosa. Its painted ceilings depict the legend of the hero Sutasoma and his sacrifices, and of Pan and Men Brayut, known as the couple who had too many offspring.

West Bali National Park
West Bali National Park is situated in two regencies: Jembrana and Buleleng. The entrance on the Jembrana side of the park is at Melaya on the Denpasar - Gilimanuk road. Visit this place if you are looking for pristine tropical nature. The park is the last natural habitat of the endangered Jalak Putih, fewer than fifty are believed to be left in the wild, where they are threatened by poaching. The park also home to banteng and deer-like Menjangan. The National Park contains a broad rang of natural environments, from magrove coastal forests to savana and rainforest shelters.

To enter Bali National Park one must go to the park office in Cekik. Accommodation is available in basic huts but you must bring your own bedding and untensils.

Tampak Siring
The temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring at Tampaksiring. Over 1000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been used by the people for good health and prosperity because of the spring water's curative powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification. Specialties of the area are bone and ivory carvings, and seashell ornaments.

Batubulan
Driving northeast from Denpasar, stone figures on the roadside mark the village of Batubulan. Divinities and demons are carved from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples. Workshops can be visited to watch artists at work.

Batubulan also is famous for Barong Dance which is performed daily here. The dance symbolizes the never-ending battle between good and evil. The Pura Puseh Batubulan, a beautiful temple, is also worth visiting while in Batubulan.

Celuk
Celuk is center for Balinese goldsmiths and silversmiths. More 40 jewelry workshops are located along the road from Batubulan to Celuk. The jewelries are exported worldwide.

Sukawati
Sukawati is famous for its art market (Pasar Seni) and dalangs (puppeteers). Set in a two-floor building, the market sells everything from statues to dance costumes.

Mas
Mas is famous for woodcarving. Mas offers a myriad of wooden items. The main road of the town is lined with dozens of workshop.

Kuta
Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets.

Accommodation ranges from international hotels to home stays. The village abounds with restaurants, shops, discotheques and other tourist facilities. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists, than anywhere else in Bali. Some performances are staged nightly. The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.

Menjangan Island
This little island off Bali's west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs found nearby and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it. The island itself including Terima Bay, are by themselves worth a visit because of the beautiful sceneries they offer.

Nusa Lembongan Island
Nusa Lembongan, a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in the Badung Strait, is the perfect location for a holiday hideaway with few visitors and pristine unspoilt beaches. Overlooking Sanghiang Bay with its clear sapphire-blue waters, the Nusa Lembongan Resort offers a panoramic view of eastern Bali and the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung.

Nusa Dua
The Nusa Dua tourist resort is part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south. The most convenient form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by taxi.

Sanur
Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar. The palm-lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities. It is only a short distance from Denpasar. Public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into the night. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves to make it popular for wind surfing, boating and other water sports.

Peliatan Ubud
Peliatan is located between Ubud and Mas. It has been known as the center of traditional music, and dances. The fine art of local woodcarvers started a new style of wood carving producing such things as fruits, flowers and trees in their real shapes and colorings.

Interesting Places in Bali (Paradise Island)

Bali is famous for its culture and beautiful natural view. The culture is so unique and nowhere else to be found in the world. The view is dominated by beautiful rice field terraces, coconuts and rain forest as the main occupation of Balinese is farmer. The culture and the nature have a strong relation with Hindu, their religion. Everywhere you go, you may see many Hindu temples. And their life is also strongly related with and influenced by their religion. This is the reason why Bali is called the Island of God, the Island of Thousand Temples, and the Paradise Island.

Below some interesting places in Bali Island;

Besakih Temple
Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali", the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.

Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups.
To the Balinese, a visit to the temples sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or "Odalan". The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, colored banners add a touch of gaiety.

Bedugul
The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course. Located beside Lake Bratan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight is the "Ulun Danu" temple which seems to rise out of the lake. The area offers good-walks. Boats, water skiing, and parasailing are available for hire. The Bali Handara country club has bungalows for rent and a restaurant.

When the heat and humidity gets to you, why not escape to Bedugul, Bali's highland retreat tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 metres above sea level.
Here three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forests seem to create a freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruits , vegetables and flowers.

Kintamani
The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Lake Batur also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain.
The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap losmens are available here.

Tanah Lot Temple
One of Bali's most important sea temples, Tanah Lot is built a top a huge rock which is surrounded by the sea. Built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century, its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.

Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruder. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.

Denpasar City
The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called "Pura". One is the Museum called Pura Jagatnatha which is dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world.
The Museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, whereas its architectural design resembles that of a palace. The government supervised "Sanggraha Kriya Asta" has a wide variety of handicraft and works of art. The "Werdi Budaya" presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest and so on.

Ubud Village
The cultural image of Ubud is paramount to people as home to the best art museums in tte country, like Puri Lukisan, Neka Museum, ARMA (Agung Rai Museum & Art), etc. Ubud is an ideal place to see Balinese dance, Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in or aroud the Ubud area.

Ubud gives you opportunity to see real Bali. It is a place for leisurely strolls through rice terraces, lush forests, breath-taking gorges and deserted swimming holes, all within walking distance from the center of Ubud. You must visit Monkey Forest - walk along Monkey Forest Road from Ubud, down into a dense forest where you will find a bunch of happy monkeys waiting for passing tourists.

Goa Gajah Temple
The Elephant cave is carved in to rock face and reached by a flight of steps. It probably dates back to the 9-12th centuries and shows elements of both Hindu and Buddhist. You can enter the cave through the huge mouth of a demon. In front of the cave are two bathing pools with spring water gushing from spouts help by female figures.

A kilometer from Goa Gajah is Yeh Pulu. After a short walk through rice terraces, you will arrive at an ancient rock carving dating from the 14th century. The carving depicts various scenes of everyday life and the figures of elephant-headed Ganesha indicating a close relationship between the two sites.

Uluwatu Temple
South Bali on Bukit Badung. This cliff top temple, dedicated to the spirits of the sea, has spectacular views and is popular for viewing sunsets. The famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural marvel situated on headland at the western tip to the plateau. According to local tradition, the first Uluwatu temple was built in the 11th century, In the 16th century, it was rebuilt into its current state. The temple has some of the most exquisite architecture in Bali. The carvings made in the unusually hard coral stone have withstood time well.

Sangeh
Sangeh is the famous Monkey Forest, set in heart of the only primary forest in southern Bali. This forest consists entirely of pala (nutmeg) tree. The monkeys living here are considered sacred and hence used to make barong.

Lovina
Tourists looking for a quiet beach resort can head 10 km west from Singaraja to Lovina, a long stretch of beach (with hotels and bungalows). The black sand beach is safe and a perfect place for the swimming and snorkeling. Lovina also offers dolphin viewing. It is the perfect base from which to explore northern Bali.

SANUR

Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar and elsewhere. located on the eastern coast of Bali is the ideal beach for snorkelling as it is protected by a coral reef. The palm lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean to wards the east. Sanur is Bali's first beach resort, it is also Bali's largest traditional village.

Sanur is where Bali's first luxury beach hotel was built over 30 years ago, and has since been the spot for luxurious seaside accommodation. Conveniently located near Denpasar on the main road leading to the east, Sanur is not nearly as frenetic as Kuta, nor as well-mannered as Nusa Dua. Many foreigners have built lavish villas and bungalows here and this is the preferred place for up-market, long-term stays on the island, especially in the BatuJimbar and Belanjong areas.
The main attraction here is the white sand beach bordering a reef-sheltered lagoon. The beach stretches south from the The Grand Bali Beach Hotel and ends up in the mangrove marshes opposite Serangan Island. Due to the protection of the lagoon, this beach is one of the safest on the island, and thus perfect for families. There is no surf apart from out on the reef, and one cannot swim at low tide, but at other times this is the best place in Bali for windsurfing and sailing.

Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities. It is only a shot distance from Denpasar public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into night.

Sanur can be divided into several sub-areas:

The Grand Bali Beach Hotel area. West and south of the hotel, at the point where the black and the white sand beaches meet. This northern section of Sanur is popular with local crowds.

Sindhu is east of JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, and south of JI. Segara Ayu, extending south to the first stretch of JI. Danau Tamblingan. This area is classier, with good hotels on the beach, night and art markets, and good restaurants.

Batujimbar, further south, has few hotels, but is the location of expatriate and Indonesian jet set society mansions. Exclusive beaches are reached via small lanes.
Semawang stretches south from the Bali Hyatt Hotel to the Sanur Beach Hotel and beyond. It houses both the priciest hotels and restaurants, as well as the red light district.

Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves and make it popular for windsurfing, boating and other water sports.
Click Here for detail map of Sanur.