Discover beauty of Indonesia
While traveling with the Master Lin and Grandmaster Tio
Bali, Indonesia
The Island of Gods
In 2007 the readers of Travel and Leisure magazine voted Bali as the World's Top Island for 6 years in a row. An award was presented to Indonesian Consul General Trie Edi Mulyani during the ceremony in New York on July 23 2007 for Bali, Indonesia as Best Island. For the eighth time, Bali heads the list of tropical vacation paradises, just beating out the Hawaiian islands of Maui & Kauai. Here is the list of the top 10:
| Rank | Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bali | 86.30 |
| 2 | Maui | 86.22 |
| 3 | Kauai | 85.92 |
| 4 | Galapagos Islands | 85.92 |
| 5 | Santorini | 85.82 |
| 6 | Vancouver Island | 85.17 |
| 7 | Dalmatian Islands | 85.15 |
| 8 | Phuket | 84.56 |
| 9 | Hawaii | 84.40 |
| 10 | Great Barrier Reef islands | 83.70 |
On the side notes, Bali also received a significant title
from SmartTravelAsia.com where Bali was chosen as the Best Holiday Destination of
200, holding this title from 2006.
Quoted from their review at SmartTravelAsia.com: "Bali held top spot - and by a wide margin
- demonstrating that integrity and authenticity can attract visitor
votes, and dollars. This is a reassuring message in an age of
instantly bottled and serially manufactured destinations where neon
and crocodile shows push everything else off the stage."
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Tari Barong (Barong Dace)
Theater and dance is an integral part of Balinese
culture. Balinese dances are famous all over the world and the Balinese
themselves take them very seriously. Birthdays, weddings, and temples
festivals are all occasions for dramatic performances and dance is
inextricably linked with the Balinese religion. The commercial
performances for tourists that are today offered on a daily basis in
several places of Bali do, of course, not have the same religious
significance and atmosphere of a dance that is performed at a real
temple festival.
Legong Dance
For instance, if performed in the context of a religious ceremony, the
Barong Dance is ritual theatre with a genuine exorcistic background. It
is about restoring the balance between good and evil and the dualities
of life, a ritual contest between chaos and order. On the stage in
Kesiman or Batubulan this aspect is of course lost and it is more like a
colourful musical comedy (with some slapstick elements). Nevertheless,
the commercial Barong Dance performances are very interesting and you
should not miss the opportunity to see one.
The Student of the Witch (in the background: Sadewa)
This is the story behind the Barong Dance:
The final fight between the Barong (good) and Rangda (evil) is preceded
by a play called Calonarang. Calonarang was a legendary queen who was
accused of practising black magic. According to some versions of the
story, she killed her husband by pointing with the left hand at him, in
others, he just plain deserted her. Anyhow, she becomes known as the
Widow (Rangda) and turns into a terrible Leyal (witch-monster) that is
finally killed by a saint who assumes the form of the Barong.
Every performance starts with a short prologue that features a scene
with monkeys in a forest and has no connection to the rest of the story
other than to show the good character of the Barong. After the prologue,
two young girls perform a Legong, a very abstract and difficult dance.
After this, the main story starts:
The Boar attacks the royal ministers
A young prince, Sadewa, is going to be sacrificed to a terrible witch
monster, and two servants of the royal household are discussing
opportunities to prevent this, when Kaleka, a student of the witch,
enters the stage. The servants are deeply concerned about her appearance
and send for the prime minister. The prime minister arrives, followed by
the queen herself. The queen is desperate about having to sacrifice her
son, but Kaleka, the student of the witch casts a spell on her and the
queen changes her mind, starts beating her son and orders the prime
minister to lead Sadewa to the cemetary where the witch lives. At first,
the prime minister refuses to do so, but the student of the witch casts
a spell on him as well and Sadewa`s fate seems to be sealed.
Rangda attacks the now immortal prince Sadewa
The following scene finds the poor prince tied to a tree at the cemetary,
awaiting his death at the hands of the witch. The god Shiva however, has
mercy on Sadewa, appears in the disguise of a priest (but flowers are
thrown on the stage when he appears to indicate that he is in fact a
god) and makes the prince immortal. When the student of the witch, who
has followed him, notices this, she turns first into a boar, then into
giant bird. Sadewa wins over both. But then the witch finally turns into
Rangda, the evil of all creation. In order to fight her, Sadewa himself
turns into the Barong (a kind of stylized lion) who represents the good
powers. Rangda and the Barong fight, but as their powers are balanced,
none of them can win.
The Kris Dancers
The Barong now calls for his followers, the kris dancers, to assist him.
The kris dancers attack Rangda with their magic knives (kris), but she
casts a spell on them so that they fall into a trance and stab
themselves with their knives instead of her. However, the Barong makes
one final appearance and releases the kris dancers from her curse. In
the final scene a priest pours holy water on the kris dancers and
awakens them from their trance. (All pictures on this page have been
taken at performances of the Batubulan Dance Company).
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Pura Tirtha Empul, Bali
This temple marks one of the headwaters of the Pakerisan River.
While the temple itself is not particularly old, it is of special
importance to the local people and some of the festivals at the temple
are large and interesting. The temple itself is fairly large and the
buildings well decorated.
For ceremonial purposes, the most important aspect of the temple is the
spring fed bathing pool. According to legend, the springs at Pura Tirta
Empul revived the celestial army of Indra and enabled them to defeat
King Maya Danawa. After many ceremonies, you will find temple visitors
bathing in the pool.
This temple is easy to access and explore. Make sure the members of your
party have sarongs and temple sashes.
Pura Tirtha Empul
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Kintamani, Mount Batur Bali
Kintamani is the most favorite tourist destinations in Bali with the
active volcano of mount Batur and beautiful lake. Kintamani is
surrounded by the captivating nature and there are six ancient villages
around cauldron of Batur Lake which is often conceived by Bali Age
Village. The local people from these Bali Age villages own the unique
cultures, houses and life style. Kintamani Area is consisted of some
Villages those are Kedisan Village , Buahan, Abang, Trunyan, Songan,
South Batur, Middle Batur, North Batur, Sukawana and Kintamani Village .
The total of resident in these area are about 15 thousand who are mostly
working as farmer, merchant, or work at industrial tourism.
Kintamani, Bali
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Elephant Cave Bali (Gua Gajah), Near Ubud
Bali is one of the most exotic places on earth. Apart from Sightseeing in Bali, there are lot many other exciting locations that interests the tourists to the island. One of the major Tourist Attractions in Bali is the Goa Gajah that also literally means Elephant Cave. The Goa Gajah in Bali stands close to Bedulu in Peliatan from the 11th century. The mysterious Goa Gajah is not very far from central Bali in Gianyar.
The Goa Gajah in Bali is a cave shaped in the form of the letter 'T'.
The entrance of Bali's Goa Gajah beautifully exhibits depiction of
animals, entangling leaves, waves of the ocean and rocks. The monstrous
Kala head or the demonic human shaped head depicts as if it split opens
the rock with its hands at its entrance. The interiors of the cave are
exquisitely and extensively decorated with shrines. An elephant statue
also stands inside the Goa Gajah cave.
The Goa Gajah in Bali in Indonesia was a monastery for the Buddhist and
Hindu monks in the ancient times. The monks used to meditate in these
caves. The complex also features two stone bathing pools that are quite
deep and fed by water spouts held by 6 female figures of nymphs or
goddesses. A clamber that lies below the rocks and rice terraces, fifty
meters behind the cave leads to scatters and fragmentation of a fallen
cliff face with 2 Buddha statues of the ancient times.
The Goa Gajah in Bali is definitely a must see for the tourists who want
to take a look deep into the old times of the island.
Also known as "Elephant Cave". Goa Gajah is a cave with a decorated
entrance located just off the main road, about 20 minutes outside of
Ubud. It is one of Bali's most striking sights the carved rock entrance
of the cave shows a wide-eyed head with an open mouth and fangs. The
opening of the cave is the creature's mouth. No one knows what the head
represents but there are a variety of local legends to explain it.
The site was one of Bali's most important Buddhist sanctuaries up to
about the 14th century. Near the cave you will find statuary, including
a 1,000 year old statue of Buddhist goddess Hariti.
Inside the cave you will find evidence of the Hindu influence on the
island with a Hindu lingga and a statue of the Hindu goddess Ganesha.
Also at this site are sunken bathing pools which were excavated in the
1950s. Their connection and importance to the temple is unknown. A
walking path leads down a nearby ravine which includes broken fragments
of a stupa, a hermit's cave, and two small Buddhas.
This site is very popular with tour groups and invariably the parking
lot features a number of touts and locals who wish to serve as guides.
Make sure that each member of your party brings a sarong and a temple
sash. A bottle of water is also a good idea on warm days, but you can
buy refreshments there if you prefer
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Balinese Traditional market of Sukowati
Vacation is not complete if we don't have original souvenirs for the
friend, family or lover. and one of the famous central souvenirs in Bali
is "Sukowati Art Market"
Sukawati area is known for its art market that become 'a must see' place
by tourists especially the local ones from Jakarta or other area in
Java. Huge number of small stalls occupied the two stories building
offer a lot of cheap souvenirs. Almost any kind of Bali's souvenirs can
be found in here either painting, woodcarving, clothes, temple umbrellas
and other temple accessories, leather puppet, wind chime, jewelries and
others. The souvenirs choices are has huge quantity and available in
various choices.
Sukawati road-facing market located in_Gianyar Regency has a strategic
position, as it is passed through during the tour to some destinations
to the east. Sukawati art market is close to Celuk village, the center
of gold & silversmiths. We can drop in after watching barong and Kris
dance performance in the morning. It cans be accessed through bemo
transport, tour bus or taxi.
Two hundred meters toward west from the Sukawati Art Market, on the
right side of the road, there is another market called 'Pasar Seni Pagi'
or 'the morning Art Market' which only open very early in the morning
until around 7 AM. The crowd of souvenirs retailers from other part of
Bali will come here to get semi-finished product with a very low price.
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Tanjung Benoa, Bali
Tanjung Benoa, or the Benoa peninsula just north of Nusa Dua has
become much busier over the years and has a wide range of accommodation
including prestigious resorts like 'The Conrad'. Benoa peninsula is a
scenic 5 kilometers of coconut palms and fine sand. The area is the
almost exclusive home of luxury hotels, private villas, fine
restaurants, open-air cafes and water sports facilities. The resort has
become busier over recent years with more hotels Bali Resort and Spa
joining impressive resorts like the Aston Bali. The shape of the beach,
also makes Tanjung Benoa perfect for water sports with no shortage of
shops catering to marine sports enthusiasts.
Right at the tip of the peninsula is the quiet port of Tanjung Benoa,
with its village like alleyways and rows of traditional fishing boats
and yachts. Offshore "Turtle Island" is the site of a sacred sea temple.
Tanjung Benoa has something for everyone -especially if we are a water
sport fun. Snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, powerboats,
banana boats and reef fishing. (The reef is just 200 meters from the
shoreline at the northeastern tip)
Tanjung (cape) Benoa is the long point of land that extends north
from Nusa Dua. Like Nusa Dua it is home to many large resort hotels.
Unlike Nusa Dua, it is not located inside a deluxe complex, but rather
runs along a street trafficked by locals as well as tourists. Tanjung
Benoa a great variety of high end hotels, such as the Conrad, and water
sport activities. You’d stay in Tanjung Benoa if you wanted a resort
experience with more interaction (although still limited) with locals.
Tanjung Benoa, otherwise known as Benoa Peninsula, is one of the
most prominent attractions in Indonesia, situated on the Bali's
south-eastern coast. Once a small typical fishing village, the
destination has now been transformed into one of the most sought after
beach resorts in Indonesia. Located to the north of Nusa Dua, Tanjung
Benoa is a picturesque five kilometer long peninsula, boasting of a
breathtaking landscape consisting of gorgeous white sandy beach,
majestic mountains, and incredible coconut plantations.
Further, Tanjung Benoa is only minutes away from some of the most
tourist spots in Bali. For instance, it is just 15 minutes drive away
from Kuta and about 25 minutes drive from Sanur. Tanjung Benoa is
connected by a narrow bustling road packed with a plethora of upscale
hotels, private villas, first class restaurants, and elegant open air
restaurants.
The prime draw of Tanjung Benoa is unquestionably its stupendous beach
with clean safe waters. The beach is truly a mecca for enjoying a number
of water sport activities, from parasailing, wind surfing, and jet
skiing to snorkeling, banana boat sailing, and reef fishing.
Additionally, the beach provides excellent facilities for diving
enthusiasts, with a number of certified diving centers. Apart from
these, a plethora of shops operate here in order to make you available
all types of rental equipments for enjoying several water sport
activities.
But, attractions as well as activities that can be enjoyed in Tanjung
Benoa are not just beach and its area, but beyond that. Tanjung Benoa
also contains a number of other interesting tourist spots. A visit to
the destination would not to be complete without taking a tour to
Batubulan, a serene as well as calm village which is well-known for its
stone carvings.
You can find here a large number of statues displayed in the street
starting from Batubulan village to Tegaltamu. Apart from these stone
statues, Batubulan is also renowned for its magnificent shrines. Of
which, the most popular is Pura Paseh, which is noted for its exquisite
art and architecture. The temple is just few blocks away from the main
road. Further, Batubulan provides options to shop items such as
textiles, handicraft and carved items, and traditional clothing items.
There are also some shops conducting traditional Balinese performances
such as Barong and Rangda dances.
Nearby Batubulan village is yet another popular tourist spot, namely,
Taman Burung, which is an incredible park. Situated to the north of
Tegaltamu, Taman Burung is spread across about two hectares of land, and
is home to more than 1000 birds of about 250 different species, which in
turn are collected from different parts of the world. Birds of paradise,
African Hornbill, Bali Starling, Blue and Gold Macaw, and flamingos are
just few among the specialties found here.
Also, within in this bird park is a reptile park, with an amazing
collection of reptiles that have been primarily collected from different
regions of Africa and Indonesia. Among the residents here are piton
snake, monitor lizard, komodo, mega snakes, and crocodiles. A fine
restaurant and several gift shops can also be found within the park. In
short, with these rare bird and reptile species, the park is really
worth a visit.
Points of interest in Tanjung Benoa also include the Bali Golf and
Country Club, which is in turn is Asia's one of the most popular golf
courses. Equally fabulous would be to take a tour to the quiet port,
with village-like atmosphere. Likewise, spiritual travelers should not
miss to take a tour to the Chinese Buddhist Temple found here. Further,
while your stay at Tanjung Benoa, take a tour to Serangan, otherwise
known as Turtle Island. The focal point of this spot is a temple dating
back to 16th century.
Above all, Tanjung Benoa is much famed for its world class restaurants
serving sumptuous sea food specialties.
When comes to accommodation, Tanjung Benoa allows guests to choose from
an array of accommodation choices. As mentioned earlier, many of the
hotels in the area are concentrated around the beach area. Many of the
hotels and resorts in the area come with a range of options such as
double rooms, single rooms, and villas, all of which are attached with
amenities such as air conditioning, direct dial telephone, iron and
ironing board, television, in-room safe, king-size bed, and round the
clock room service. In addition, some of the most sophisticated hotels
offer a variety of dining options such as daily theme buffet dinner,
beach restaurants, and relaxing bars.
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Dreamland, Bali
Dreamland beach is similar in nature to the other beaches in Bukit
Peninsula, but it is popular not only with the surfers, also with the
beach lovers. It easy access combined with the presence of warungs
serving BBQ seasfood and cold cold beer make it attractive to anyone who
just wants to get away from the hustle of Kuta life.
Dreamland is located in the Pecatu countryside around 20 minutes from
the Ngurah Rai Airport. Park in the lot at the top of the hill and walk
down.
The area has a beautiful beach and panorama, with the high wave reaching
4 meters makes this place become a favorite place for surfers and boogie
boards.
The wave is hollow, fasts, and powerful and the quality is standard with
reef's (coral, sharp rocks with sand) bottom, can only be safely explore
by the experienced surfer. During the normal day, it will be few people
do the surf, but at the weekend this place is crowded.
The sparkling blue wave breaks right on the shore so be careful or
you'll be eating sand (and watch out for the rock on the left a couple
of meters off shore!).
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Uluwatu, Bali
Uluwatu proper is a small village on the west coast, south of Jimbaran, but for most visitors it refers only to the famous temple of the same name, several kilometers further south. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit, while Pecatu (peh-CHA-tuh) refers to a small village inland.
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six
directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. Though a
small temple was claimed to have existed, the structure was
significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th
Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha [1] is
credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have
attained Moksha[2] here. More remarkable than the temple itself is its
location, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean
waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over
Uluwatu are a sight to behold.
Entrance fee is Rp 3,000. As usual, you need to be properly dressed to
enter and sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once
famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although
they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course.
Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the
central courts can only be entered during special rituals.
The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely
adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and
eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away
your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the
monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless
to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal
more. Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for
you, naturally in exchange for a tip (Rp 10,000 - 50,000).
There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading
into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.
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Garuda
Wisnu Kencana, Bali
Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana, or Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) is a
private cultural park on the Bukit Peninsula at the southern end of the
island of Bali in Indonesia. Bukit is a limestone plateau with Uluwatu
to the west and Nusa Dua to the eastern.
It is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the
mythical bird who is his companion.
Currently, the statue of Vishnu is 23 m high, although the original plan
was for a 146 meter gold plated Vishnu riding Garuda on top of an 11
storey entertainment complex. The idea was not without controversy, and
religious authorities on the island complained that its massive size
might disrupt the spiritual balance of the island, and that its
commercial nature was inappropriate.
The 50 or so visitors milling around the 20-hectare Garuda Winsu
Kencana cultural park in Jimbaran looked small in comparison to their
surroundings.
“It’s like visiting a cemetery,” said a young girl watching the sunset
from the park, which sits on a hill south of Denpasar.
The beautiful and serene park, overlooking Jimbaran Bay, was originally
meant to be the best cultural park in Indonesia, and maybe, one day, the
world.
But now it is just another remnant of the New Order regime, part of an
ambition to build world-class landmarks to compete with iconic
structures like the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Under the auspices of Soeharto, local artist I Nyoman Nuarta was
commissioned to create a huge statue of Wisnu, the god of creation,
sitting on Garuda, the mythical bird that carries him, with a final
height greater than that of the Statue of Liberty.
The park was also to be equipped with a performance center with 7,500
seats, and ampitheather, a street theater, galleries, restaurants and
other artistic attractions.
Problems began to emerge almost as soon as construction started in 1997,
with the budget ballooning to hundreds of billions of rupiah.
The park was initially the idea of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Foundation,
a grouping that included then minister of tourism and telecommunications
Joop Ave, then mining and energy minister IB Sudjana, along with Nuarta
and several other influential individuals and businessmen close to
Soeharto.
It was to be built in the rocky and hilly area of Jimbaran, which
present new logistical problems. The hills had to be cut flat to create
the area required for the statue, which is still not finished today.
Only the head and torso of Wisnu have been completed.
Land clearing was also an early problem. A 250-hectare plot of land, 100
hectares of which belonged to Badung regency, and the rest to residents,
was required. Ten years later, there are still disputes over the matter.
“The clearing program with the local residents has not yet been solved
properly,” said Anak Agung Ngurah Rai Riauadi, the park’s public
relations manager.
Management of the park’s construction was not effective because so many
people shared their ideas and wanted to see them put in place, “which
were of course very difficult to accommodate,” he added.
The monetary, social and political crises between l997 and l998 worsened
the situation. The fall of the Soeharto administration badly affected
the project badly.
Today, only 20 percent of the original project has been completed, and
construction was halted entirely in September 2004.
Earlier this year, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono promised to fins
investors to continue the project.
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Pure Taman Ayun, Mengwi, Bali
During their trip to the amazing island of Bali,
the tourists would find a number of places for Sightseeing in Bali in
Indonesia. Pura Taman Ayun occupies a prominent place among the Bali
Tourist Attractions. And if you are confused that how to go about
traveling the whole of Bali then you can simply enquire at the Bali
Tourist Information Center for detailed information on the area. Also
Bali Travel Guide provides you with detailed information on the exotic
island of Bali.
Visit the Pura Taman Ayun or the 'Garden Temple in the Water' as it is
better known as is one of the six royal temples on Bali. This
magnificent compound of Pura Taman Ayun in Bali is positioned on an
island in a river. The innermost temple is an addition that is
surrounded by a moat. A large fountain basin is erected beyond a split
gate (candi bentar); in front of the entrance to the inner temple. The
fountain basin is devoted to the rulers of the underworld. The innermost
courtyard that can be entered through a covered gate (candi korung),
comprises of 27 buildings of varying size and function. The temple is
popular among the tourists for its exquisite wooden merus, or the
pagoda-like shrines.
The importance of the temple can be judged not only from the fact that
the place includes divinities but also from the range of devotess who
visit the temple during the time of festivals. At the far end in the
right hand corner there is an eleven-tiered meru which is dedicated to
the rice goddess Dewi Sri. On the left side is placed the third bale and
which is believed to be the domicile of numerous different gods.
The complex of Pura Taman Ayun was built in the year 1637, during the
reign of Raja Gusti Agung Anom. But it was considerably enlarged and
given its present form in the year 1937. The tourist site is open 24
hours a day for the tourists to visit anytime of the day. The tourists
can easily locate Pura Taman Ayun on the main road as one move to the
east in Mengwi Village, Badung Regency. It is also considered as one of
the most significant temples on the island of Bali.
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Botanical Garden, Bali
When you think of Bali, you think green. The entire character of
Bali is built around lush greenery, forests, wildlife, flora and fauna,
cinnamon trees and much more. Parks and Gardens in Bali are not mere
frills of Balinese life. They form a part of their psyche.
Parks and gardens enhance the sense of calm and quiet that Bali is
traditionally known for. One of the finest parks and gardens in Bali is
the Eka Karya Botanic Garden in Bali. Known for its natural splendor and
the sheer expanse of land it covers, it is a must-visit for tourists.
The Eka Karya Botanic Garden in Bali is spread over 130 hectares of
land. Look as far as your eyes will take you and look beyond the rolling
green hills that fill up your senses with a clam that is impossible to
achieve elsewhere. The greenery, the smell of the forest and the fresh
flowers in bloom will take your breath away.
The Eka Karya Botanic Garden in Bali is home to more than 650 species of
trees and more than 450 species of orchids. Paradise for botanists, this
park in Bali will make you a regular visitor to this stupendously
beautiful island in Indonesia.
Ideal for picnics, the Eka Karya Botanic Garden in Bali is always ready
to give a good time to tourists. Self-guided walking tours will not only
give you a wonderful time, but it will also make you familiar with
unknown species of plants and trees. A detailed brochure at the entrance
will tell you where you will get what. If you think it may become
difficult to take tours all by yourself, the English-speaking guides
will help you through the forests and hills in exchange of a minimum
fee.
Founded in 1959, Eka Karya botanical garden is the youngest and the
largest of the four Indonesian botanic gardens.
The park is set against a background of tropical forest and Bukit Tapak
hill with a panoramic view of Danau Beratan Lake below. There is a rich
collection of plants, a herbarium, and other facilities for botanical
study and research. Management also provides ecological education
complete with guides and facilitators who are ready to assist visiting
teachers and their students in research and discussion on plants. There
is a collection of 1,046 sorts of plants spread systematically
throughout the park, labeled with complete information. The collection
includes 316 kinds of natural orchid, which flower at different times of
the year according to the variety.
More than 650 tree species have been recorded in the park, and there are
459 different wild and propagated orchids, including some rare ones
collected from the nearby forest. Visitors interested to learn more are
welcome to call in at the Information Center, although it pays to take a
guide, as the staff tends to be hard to find and not fluent in English.
The situation is exacerbated by poor maintenance of signage.
The gardens are very large and rather more park-like than a true garden
or conservatory. Our trip in November of 2004 showed that many beds were
not properly tended and some exhibits and paths showed signs of neglect.
It seems to be treated more as a weekend getaway for locals to bring the
family, have a picnic and a run around in the grounds.
There are roads within the gardens, but to get the most out of the
experience, wear comfortable shoes, park in the front and explore on
foot. Bring water and sunscreen and expect to spend a few hours.
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Bedugul, Bali
The Bedugul area provides the last remaining tropical forest of the
island. This crisp mountain town boasts three crater lakes, which are
hemmed by untamed jungle and patchworks of market gardens. Bedugul is a
favorite holiday spot for the Balinese and offers a wide range of
accomodations and restaurants; the local tourists are their best
customers. This is the place to retreat from the heat of the coast, to
fish, or to wander through the lovely botanical gardens.
Though it is only 60 kilometers from Seminyak, Bedugul is 1,500 meters
higher and this change in elevation is reflected by a cooler, dryer
climate. The temperate climate, abundant rainfall and rich volcanic
soils make the crater ideal for market gardening. In the early 1970s
most local farmers cut out their coffee gardens and started growing
vegetables. Now the Bedugul gardens supply the huge Denpasar markets and
hotel resorts with fresh cabbages, carrots, onions, strawberries,
passion fruit and other fresh fruits and vegetables.
Flower growing has also proved profitable, and bemo-loads of freshly cut
roses, lilies, gardenias and gladioli are sent southwards at dawn.
Nursery gardens and orchid shelters have sprung up all over the valley.
As you approach from the coast you will see roadside vendors and markets
offering a large selection of vegetables and fruits.
At the crest of the volcano is the village of Bukit Munggu. It's a small
town but it has a few places to eat and a colorful little market that
offers a wide sampling of the fresh vegetables, exotic wild orchids,
roses, and colorful birds. Should you be charmed with the place and want
to stay the night, you can also find modern rooms with lovely views of
the lake and the temple. There is also a large botanical garden nearby.
Bedugul's Bratan Lake is the home of one of Bali's most famous and
picturesque temples, Ulun Danu. The lake itself is not terribly large,
and you can rent canoes and paddle about and explore if you so desire.
The shattered rim of the volcano rises sharply above the lake framing
views of the temple and reflecting in the waters below. It's a pleasant
scene and worth staying for a while to relax. Between the climate, the
relaxed attitude, and the lovely views, it is no surprise that Bedugal
and Bratan Lake is a destination favored by well-to-do locals and
tourists in the know.
Few tourists stop to explore Bedugul and Lake Bratan on journeys to and
from the north coast. But this little hideaway is well known to
long-term Bali residents for its delightful scenery, spectacular
mountain walks and many other recreation opportunities.
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Alas Kedaton, Bali
Situated about 25 km to the north of Denpasar, Alas
Kedaton is a small natural area about 12 ha. in size. The site features
an old temple guarded by hundreds of monkeys. Frequently you can also
see huge fruits bats with massive wings resting in the trees.
While this is a bit off the standard tourist path, you will find at the
gate and around the park are stalls souvenirs and T-shirts. The monkey
population in Alas Kedaton is a somewhat less mischievous than at some
other locations. With less traffic at this site the monkeys are less
aggressive about snatching your personal items. Nonetheless, the best
course is always to leave your personal items inside the car --
including sunglasses, purses, etc.
There is no public transportation to this area, so it is best to rent a
car or motorbike. The turn off is at the Tabanan Regency. At the
junction road after the Kediri take straight instead of turn-off left;
this road will lead you to Alas Kedaton.
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Tanah Lot, Bali
Most people are familiar with the temple at Tanah Lot from articles
and travel brochures; it is certainly one of the most photographed spots
in Bali, and for good reason. The temple was originally built on a spit
of land which was connected to the mainland by an arch a land bridge. An
earthquake destroyed the archway, leaving the temple standing alone on
what is now an island. At high tide, the temple is completely cut off
from the land and waves break dramatically on its shores.
The proper name for Pura Tanah Lot is Pura Pakendungan and it was
founded in the 16th century. According to legend, entry to the temple is
guarded by sea snakes.
The temple is closed to visitors, which is probably a good thing given
the large number of tour buses that come every day. Most people come for
sunset, so if you want peace and quiet, try visiting at another time.
There are some trails that allow you to wander around a bit and explore
some other lesser temples. There is also a well-established bevy of
touts and vendors, should you want to do a little souvenir shopping or
get something to drink.
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