SOBEK, 4 WD Adventure

Take a look behind the scenes and discover the warm hospitality of the Balinese people and an amazing array of cultural riches.


Experience the thrill of offroad adventure, trek through stunning landscapes and lose yourself in Bali's serenity and witness traditional crafts in the making.

Join us on a journey of discovery and adventure by Land Rover to the ancient kingdoms of East Bali. Drive down hidden roads twisting and turning their way through ancient villages, over mountain rivers and along forgotten valleys.

Flanked between the giant shadow of Mount Agung and the turquoise waters of the Bali Straits, a traditional royal culture survives amidst a thriving rural community. Explore mythical TAMAN BALI, one of the islands old settlements unique for its unusual customs, festivals and practices.

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Alas Kedaton

Monkey Forest

 



Alas Kedaton or “Holy Forest: is a small forrest measuring 12,00ha where you can see hundreds of monkeys in their natural habitat. It's one of the place in Bali where monkeys exist, free and peaceful. There are hundred of monkeys in this forest and high up on the big trees many bats area hanging and singing with their loud voices.

Located in Sangeh Village, the six-hectare forest is populated with giant nutmeg trees of up to 40m in height. Hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, located in the heart of the forest, will greet you as you enter the forest, some of them even daring to get close to you. The monkeys have become well acquainted with human company, but beware - sometimes in their attempts to get food, they will snatch some object in order to trade for food. Be aware that the monkeys are easily attracted by shiny objects, such as cameras, jewelry, wristwatches or glasses - best to leave these things behind or keep them hidden.

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Amed

Amed Beach East Bali is everything you dreamed it would be a rare and special paradise of outstanding exotic beauty, vibrant culture and friendly people. Here you can finally find peace and quiet, enjoy great food and take advantage of comfortable and inexpensive accommodation. From the beach, Amed offers an excellent site for training dives. It has a flat bottom lagoon for instruction and a coral reef only 5 minutes swim away.

This location is highly recommended for introductory dives. By boat, Amed has a nice wall dive just a few minutes away. It is a fun, easy dive for everyone. Snorkeling and diving off the black-sand beaches here is exceptional, the variety and numbers of fish on display are among the best on Bali and the water temperature is a constant 28 degrees. Schools of cardinal fish, triggerfish, black snappers, pyramid butterflies, banner fish, and damselfish can be seen on the sand slopes, while table corals, big fan gorgonians, and magnificent stag horn Acropora and Dendronephthya trees, dense growths of sponges, crinoids, and sea fans are commonly found within 20 meters of shore.

Cemuluk, on a protected bay, is an ideal place to begin snorkeling. Four kilometres further south along the coast is Banyuning, where there's a small wreck and some of the most beautiful coral gardens to be seen anywhere in the Lesser Sundas. The water is a little deeper here and sometimes there is a slight swell, so this area suits people with experience.


Getting There

Just 30min NE from Amlapura.
By public transport: From Denpasar, Batubulan Terminal, take a bus(medium size) to Amlapura, for 2 hours. Then change to a bemo to Amed, for 30min. The bemo will stops at the village, but the driver may take you to Jemeluk Beach.

Where to Stay

Amed is actually the name of just one village and not the place to base yourself; the villages to the south are more attractive. There are dozens of places to stay along this coast, from non-star hotel to star hotel.

Moving Around

You're free to explore Amed beach on foot.

Dining Guide

You can find food stalls (warung) whose sell snacks and nasi campur. The best restaurant in the area is the Baliku, approximately one kilometer south of the Blue Moon. And in the Lipah area serves good Indonesian food.

Souvenir Tips

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc.

Other Things to See or Do

You can visit the fish market early in the morning when the tuna come in, And you can also enjoy the views surroundings Amed village.

Travel Tips

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Most hotel staff can also arrange sailing or fishing trips so you can catch your own dinner. Your hotel will most probably have snorkeling gear for hire.
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If you're on the Amed coast and want to dive, steer clear of the dive operators and check the prices at the other operators. Just make sure you take a look at the dive operator's equipment to make sure it's up to snuff before you decide to dive with them.

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Badung Place of Interest

Museum Bali

On the eastern side of Puputan Square is the Museum Bali. Erected in 1932 by the Dutch, and with the subsequent assistance of Walter Spies, it attempts to present a historical account of Balinese culture within an architectural framework.
Housed in Tabanan, Karangasem and Buleleng styles of architecture, the museum illustrates the two types of construction in Bali: temples and palaces. The split gate, outer and inner courtyards, and kul kul drum typify the temple; while the thatched roofs, ornate windows and verandahs characterize the palace.


The main two storey building located at the back of the entrance courtyard, houses traditional artifacts from Bali’s prehistory, including a massive stone sarcophagus. There are also two black and white photographs documenting the 1906 puputan at Badung.
The first pavilion was designed in the Singaraja style of architecture and contains textiles including endek (ikat), geringsing (double ikat) and silk songket. The second pavilion, built in the style of an 18th century Karangasem palace, houses religious and ceremonial artifacts. The third pavilion is reminiscent of Tabanan palaces and displays the masks, costumes and puppets associated with music and dance.
The museum's contents are a little disappointing, as some items are poorly labeled and rather haphazardly arranged. Nonetheless, the museum is worth visiting for the examples of architecture, and it does give the visitor an idea of the history and culture of the island.
The museum is open: Tuesday to Thursday 7.30am 1.30pm. Friday 7.30am 11.30am. Saturday to Sunday 8arn 12pm. Closed Monday.
Kumbasari Traditional Market
A traditional market that most balinese bought all the necessary material needed to make offerings. Start early in the morning. The seller mostly from north part of Bali. If near Hindu holy day like Galungan the market packed onto the street causing traffic jam.

Pura Maospahit

Of the temples, the most ancient is Pura Maospahit, right in the middle of the city on the road to Tabanan. It dates back to the Javanization of Bali in the 14th century. No less interesting, although more recent, are the temples of the royal families: Pura Kesiman with its beautiful split gate, Pura Satria and its lively bird market, and Pura Nambang Badung near the princely compounds of Pemecutan and Pemedilan.
Werdhi Budaya Art Center

For modern Balinese architecture, do not miss the Werdhi Budaya Art Center. New shrine of the island’s culture, hosts a museum of the Balinese arts as well as stages for dance and theater. On its monumental Ksira Arnawa stage are held equally monumental displays of modern Balinese choreography.
Le Mayeur Museum

The former home of the Belgian painter, Le Mayeur (1880 1958), who arrived in Bali in 1932 at the age of 52. He lived on the outskirts of Denpasar until captivated by the young Legong dancer, Ni Polok. Said to be stunningly beautiful, she regularly posed for the artist and they later married and moved to the residence in Sanur. The house has been maintained as a museum by the Indonesian Government since Ni Polok's death in 1985.
Built on the beachfront, much of the original 1935 dwelling remains. The low roofed wooden house is quite impressively decorated with ornate carvings, gold and red doors, and window shutters displaying carved scenes from the Ramayana. Most of Le Mayeur's work was undertaken in the tiny garden courtyard which is littered with statuary and shrines. Many of his works are displayed inside, but there's a surprising dearth of
his Balinese paintings. Le Mayeur often worked in offs but there are also charcoal and photographic portraits. Two of the most outstanding portraits are of Ni Polok, but from the displays, it's obvious she was not his sole inspiration.
Located behind the Grand Bali Beach Hotel. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 8am 4pm; Friday 8am 1.30pm; Sunday 8am 4pm Closed on Monday and Saturday.
Prasasti Blanjong

The Sanur area, with traditional Intaran at its heart, has evidently been settled since ancient times. The Prasasti Belanjong, an inscribed pillar here dated AD. 913, is Bali’s earliest dated artifact now kept in a temple in Belanjong village in the south of Sanur. It tells of King Sri Kesari Warmadewa of the Sailendra Dynasty in Java, who came to Bali to teach Mahayana Buddhism and then founded a monastery here. One may tiresume that a fairly civilized community then existed the Sailendra kings having built Borobudur in Central Java at about this time.
It is interesting that the village square of Intaran is almost identical to that of Songan village on the crater lake of Mt. Batur particularly the location and size of the bale agung, the wantilan community hall and associated buildings. The priests of Sanur-Intaran are often mentioned in historical chronicles dating from Bali’s “Golden Age” the 13th to the 16th centuries. It was not until the arly 19th century, however, that the king of the pemecutan court in Denpasar saw fit to lace his satriya princelings outside the village’s medieval core.
Before that, Sanur consisted of Brahman griya (mansions) in Inataran and several attediant communities the brahman banjar of Anggarkasih, the fishing village of Belong (which still holds a yearly baris gede warrior dance at the Pura Dalem Kedewatan temple near the Grand Bali Beach Hotel), and the village of Taman, whose Brahmans have traitionafly served as the region’s chief administrator or perbekel. Taman is also home to an electric barong troupe complete with an impish telek escort, a pas de deux by the freaky jauk brothers and a spine tingling last act featuring the evil witch Rangda all amidst fluttering poleng checkered banners.
Sanur Village

The black and white checkered cloth standard of Bali’s netherworld is nowhere more aptly hung than on the ancient coral statues and shrines of Bali’s largest traditional village: Sanur. This was Bali’s first beach resort a place of remarkable contrasts.
Sanur today is a golden mile of Baliesque hotels that has attracted millions of paradise seeking globetrotters. And yet, within the very grounds of the 11story The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, a war-reparation gift from the Japanese, nestles the sacred and spikey temple of Ratu Ayu of Singgi, the much feared spirit consort of Sanur’s fabled Black Barong.
Sanur is famous throughout Bali for its sorcery. Black and white magic pervades the coconut groves of the resort hotels like an invisible chess game. And yet the community is modern and prosperous.
Sanur is one of the few remaining brahman kuasa villages in Bali controlled by members of the priestly caste and boasts among its charms some of the handsomest processions on the island, Bali’s only all female keris dance, the island’s oldest stone inscription, and the hotel world’s most beautiful tropical garden. Even the souvenirs sold on the beach beautifully crafted kites and toy ontriggers are a cut above those found on the rest of the island.
Serangan Island

Serangan is a small island lying just off Bali’s southern coast near Sanur. It has an area of only 180 acres and a population of about 2500, and is known principally for its turtles and its important Sakenan Temple.
Kuta & Legian Village

Kuta/Legian beach is living proof that one man’s hell is another man’s paradise. This bustling beach resort has in the short space of just two decades spontaneously burst onto center stage in the local tourist scene. It is here that many visitors form their first (if not only) impressions of what Bali is all about. Many are shocked and immediately flee in search of the “real Bali” (a mythological destination somewhere near Ubud).
The truth is, nevertheless, that certain souls positively thrive in this labyrinth of boogie bars, beach bungalows, cassette shops and honky tonks all part of the Kuta lifestyle. What then is the magic that has transformed this sleepy fishing village overnight into an overcrowded tourist Mecca with no end in sight to its haphazard expansion?
Before tourism came to the area, Kuta was one of the poorest places on Bali — plagued by poor soils, endemic malaria and a surf-wracked beach that provides little protection for shipping. In the early days, it nevertheless served as a port for the powerful southern Balinese kingdom of Bathing whose capital lay in what is now Denpasar.
Nusa Dua Village

Nusa Dua and Tanjung Benoa are Bali’s modern tourist resorts a government-run dreamland of coconut palms, white sand beaches and pristine waters located near the island’s southernmost tip. Geologically, the area is quite different from the rest of Bali, and even from the rest of the Bukit peninsula upon which it rests.
Instead of rice fields or limestone cliffs, there is sandy soil reaching down to a long, sandy beach protected by a reef. Coconut trees are everywhere. Nusa Dua was once a huge coconut plantation. The climate here is also drier than the rest of Bali, freshened by a mild ocean breeze.
Jimbaran Village

Jimbaran as an administrative entity part of Kuta. and encompasses the area just of Bali’s international airport. Most of jimbaran’s 12,000 inhabitants live in a cluster of traditional battier neighborhoods at the narrowest part of the isthmus, but the Jimbaran area also includes the sparsely populated nort est corner of the Bukit plateau. Click here for more informations.
Uluwatu Temple

The Bukit’s most famous landmark in Jimbaran is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, an exquisite monument situated on a headland at the westernmost tip of the Peninsula. The carvings which decorate the temple are very well preserved in comparison to many of Bali’s temples, due to the extremely hard, dark gray coral stone used in its construction.
Uluwatu was reputedly built by the architect-priest Mpu Kuturan around the 11th century as one of the six major sad kahyangan territorial temples of the island. The reformer priest Pedanda Wawu Rauh, rebuilt it in its present state in the 16th century. He is said to have attained his moksa (release from earthly desires) here. The temple is home to a small colony of monkeys who have caused some damage to the temple over the years, but still retain their status as sitting tenants.
The temple’s structure follows the tripartite pattern of godly, human and demonic courtyards. The outermost entrance is a candi bentar split gate shaped as a set of curved Garuda wings, an unusual feature as they are usually left smooth. Inside the temple, a second gate is capped by a monstruous Kala head guardian figure. At the foot of the gate, right and left, are two Ganesha “elephant god” statues.
The temple underwent renovations in the late 19th century, in 1949, and more recently in the 1980s, and some parts are actually as new as they look. Despite the temple’s mixture of old and new it is a breathtakingly beautiful spot, especially when the sun begins to set.
Ulun Siwi Temple

Pura Ulun Siwi (or Ulun Swi) is Jimbaran’s best-known “sight” for the Balinese as well as for tourists. This large temple lies at the northwestern corner of the principal crossroads, across the street from the market. It is unusual for several reasons. Firstly it faces east, rather than south. During prayers. the worshippers face west, rather than to the north, to Gunung Agung, as is the usual practice. This is attributed to the fact that the temple once a primitive shrine, became a Hindu- Balinese temple fairly early, in the 11th century- At this toe the Javanese holy man who founded the temple, Mpu Kuturan, still followed the custom of his native Java in orienting his temples toward holy Mt. Semeru, in East Java. It was only much later that Gunung Agung became the focus of Balinese Hinduism.
The temple has only two courtyards, instead of the usual three. The spacious intedor courtyard measures 66 x 30 meters and is dominated by an enormous eleven-tiered meru tower that is more massive than artistic. The temple has been periodically renovated, but remains simple and rustic, lacking the ornate paras stone carvings that characterize the temples of Gianyar.
The principal gate, a kori agung with wings, is very similar in construction to that of Pura Uluwatu on the Bukit, except that it is made of brick instead of coral stone. There is a close connection between these two temples, and it is said that one should pray at Pura Ulun Siwi before proceeding to Pura Uluwatu.
Ulun Siwi is unusual in yet another way. It is the principal temple in Bali dedicated to the welfare of both wet and dry rice fields, and the spirits which live in the temple are thought to control the mice and insects such as grasshoppers that periodically infest the fields. Farmers and farming groups regularly come to Pura Uluwatu to get water, which they then take back home and sprinkle on their fields either to protect them from these pests or to rid them of those already present.
Sangeh Mongkey Forest

In Sangeh, 15 km beyond Mengwi, lies the famous Monkey Forest and Pura Bukit Sari temple. This small temple may date from the founding of Mengwi, although it is also said that it existed in the 17th century. There is an old statue here of Garuda, the mount of Wisnu, who is also associated with the search for the magic elixer (amreta) to release his parents from their torments in hell.
The temple is surrounded by tall nutmeg trees with greyish-white trunks. These are very rare in Bali, and it is clear that they have been planted deliberately. Many monkeys roam about in the forest. They are quite a nuisance, for they attack visitors and steal their spectacles, jewellery, watches and handbags, and make life impossible for souvenir vendors in little shops closeby. It is said that some of Hanoman’s monkey troops fell down with the top of Mt Mahameru on Sangeh when he tried to crush the evil demon king Rawana with it.
Mengwi Village

The village of Mengwi, the former political center of the region, is reached via a turnoff to the right just past Bringkit. Traveling north for 3 km, one soon enters the town, and just west of the main crossroads, the palace of the present Cokorda is to be found. It is surrounded by grey walls and in the northern corner stands a large, square bell tower with lovely carvings.

Pura Taman Ayun

A hundred meters east of the crossroads lies the fabulous state temple of Mengwi, Pura Taman Avun. Taman Ayu refers to a huge open space (ayun) representing a garden (taman). It was constructed under Cokorda Munggu around 1740, and was restored and enlarged in 1937. It “floats,” as it were, surrounded by a moat with lotuses. This represents the heavens, where divine nymphs and ancestors relax in floating pavilions and enjoy themselves. At present, one may row round the sanctuary in a little rented boat.
Pura Sada

The rulers of Mengwi were famous for the temples they built. The oldest of these is Pun Sada, a few hundred meters south of the main road in Kapal, about 15 km to the northwest of Denpasar. The name sada may derive from the Old Javanese and Sanskrit term prasada, meaning a tower temple. There is indeed a huge shrine in the shape of a tiered tower in the inner conrt. The local inhabitants call this temple a candi, meaning a funerary monument for a deceased king.more details

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Badung Regency

The regency of Badung extends in a narrow ribbon from the central uplands in the north of the island to the Nusa Dua Peninsula, also known as Bukit Badung, in the south. The Peninsula is strikingly different from the northern fertile volcanic plain, consisting of a slightly-raised limestone plateau surrounded by sea. Kuta and Jimbaran are to the north and west of the peninsula, Sanur to the east (see article Kotamadya Denpasar), while the famous Nusa Dua resort area is on the eastern tip of the peninsula itself.

The local government became concerned about the "immorality" of the Western hippie communes which developed in Kuta (see below). So it was decided to isolate future tourist resort. The development of Nusa Dua was therefore carefully planned. Today, while Kuta is still synonymous with sun, fun and youth, Nusa Dua-which was developed in the 1980's is home to the five-star resort. Tanjung Benoa, Jimbaran, Sawangan and Batu Pageh (Bali Beach), are the latest additions to the list of attractions Badung has to offer.

The scrub and bushes give Bukit Badung a weird Mediterranean air during the dry season. No rice paddies are to be seen anywhere. The plateau rises up to 200m above sea level, ringed to the south and southwest by cliffs with small beaches. The view over the white sand is best at sunset.

Bukit Badung is famous among surfers for its long, white rollers. The best surfing is at Suluban, Labuhan Sait and Bingi. For hikers, there are paths running along much of the cliff, while the inland region has many prehistoric caves including Gua Selonding.

The tallest statue in the world, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (145m), is built in an ancient quarry at the highest point on the Bukit. The famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an achitectural marvel situated on a headland at the western tip of 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. The split entrance gate is shaped as curved Garuda (eagle) wings. Inside, a second gate is topped by the monstrous head of Kala, with two statues of Gana at its foot.

NUSA DUA

Nusa Dua and nearby Tanjung Benoa are in a world of their own, where the idea of tourism insulated from the Balinese environment has been implemented. Some of the most famous hotels in Asia are to be found here, among them the Hilton, the Hyatt, and Club Med. Their neo Balinese architecture (giant split gates, huge statues and halls) complements the beautiful natural surroundings palm trees, to provide all the ingredients of a tropical paradise.

Nusa Dua differs from the rest of the Bukit Peninsula. In place of cliffs, sandy soil descends to a long white beach stretching from Nusa Dua proper all the way to Tanjung Benoa harbour, five kilometres to the north. The beach at Nusa Dua is sheltered by coral reef, creating an ideal family beach, while Tanjung Benoa specializes in water sports.

The Bukit peninsula is connected to the rest of Bali by a narrow neck of land. Here, the Jimbaran by area has one of the safest and most tranquil white beaches on the whole island. Jimbaran is renowned for the Barong (trance) dance. It also has Pura Ulun Siwi, a beautiful temple made of brick.

KUTA

To the north of the Bukit peninsula is the popular beach resort of Kuta. Its claim to fame owes much to two things: its beach (originally Bali's best) and the sunset. The beach front is now host to star hotels, except for Legian and Seminyak, where much of the social scene is now centered. The main shops are located along Legian street.

Beach bungalows first opened in Kuta in the 1930's. But mass tourism did not start here until the late 60's when it became known as a hippie haven. Kuta soon boomed. The bamboo beach bungalows were turned into losmen, then into hotels. T-shirt sold on the beach were replaced by a thriving garment and handicraft industry. The hippies either left of struck it rich, and Kuta has become one of the most dynamic places in Indonesia, a place to encounter new ideas and lifestyles and a place to experience all manner of pleasures.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

Another resort to the south of Kuta is Tuban. Originally part of Kuta, it now claims an independent status. To the west of Kuta are the new resorts of Peti Tenget (with its beautiful temple), Canggu and Seseh.

Most of the places of interest in the northern part of Badung regency are on the main roads leading out of Denpasar to the north and west.

Just outside Denpasar, on the road westwards to Tabanan, is the village of Kapal, home to a small earthenware industry. But Kapal is better known for the Pura Sadha temple, with its multi-tiered prasadha shrine. And Pura Puseh temple has some interesting Ramayana reliefs.

Further west is the little town of Mengwi, which has one of the grandest temples of the island, Taman Ayun. Until the end of the last century, Mengwi was one of the main island kingdoms, and this temple was built around 1740. Pura Taman Ayun is a water garden temple, symbolizing the cosmic union of sea and mountain. You can even row in the moat in a rented boat. The architectural structure has three parts, duplicating the order of the cosmos-nista (impure/demonic); madia (middle/human); and utama (godly)-corresponding to the three successive courts. Most sacred (utama) is the inner court. The shrines are made and decorated in the finest traditions of Balinese carving.



To the north of Mengwi is the famous Monkey Forest at Sangeh, set in the heart of the only primary forest in southern Bali. This forest comprises entirely of pala (nutmeg) trees. The monkeys living here are considered sacred, an association from the Ramayana epic, wherein Prince Rama allied himself with the monkey hero Hanoman to attack Alengka. Some of the forest trees are also considered sacred and hence used to make barong. After Sangeh, the road heads northwards to Kintamani past some beautiful scenery near Plaga.

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Bali's Kuta & Legian Beach

Bali's Kuta & Legian Beach Advice Guide

Honest area information about Kuta, Legian and Tuban-Kuta Bali

The beach area from Tuban through Kuta proper to Legian is the most popular holiday / vacation destination in Bali. It is therefore also the busiest. What it does have going for it is a large number of shops, entertainment, and a Westerly / Indian Ocean facing beach (with superb sunsets). The sea here is ideal for surfing, but not so for swimming (due to the swell / waves).

What is has against it, is the hustle and bustle. This includes persistent street vendors, drug / "lady" pushers, timeshare salespeople, people "partying", cramped conditions and busy / noisy roads. Also, you will not get a feel for the true Bali in this area.

Staying in the Kuta central area is therefore most attractive to young people looking for clothes and bars, people who don't really want to leave their hotel except to shop and eat, and as a staging point for when you arrive in Bali (due to it's close proximity to the airport and the large number of banks, transport and rental bikes / cars available here). People who wish to shop in Kuta / Legian, but would prefer not to stay in the central area, should perhaps look at theSeminyak / Canggu area just to the north (and with frequent transport into Kuta).

Tuban-Kuta

Tuban is the area just north of the airport before you come into Kuta proper. The first hotels you come across do suffer therefore from airport noise. Although Bali's airport is not the world's busiest! Tuban Beach is not as wide or white as Kuta Beach proper. Also, many of the hotels are separated from the beach by sacred land (cemeteries, etc.). There are some exceptions though. Although all of this beach area is "patrolled" by local salespeople, so relaxing on the beach is not easy anyway.

Kuta Beach

Kuta beach is a beautiful beach for sure, and much more attractive than Tuban Beach. Although, incredibly, only one hotel is actually on the beach (Natour Kuta Beach). All others are separated by the very busy Jalan Pantai Kuta (Kuta Beach Road). The larger hotels in Kuta tend to be along this road and are predominantly filled with package tourists. Running back from the beach road are a number of small lanes (also busy), the most notable being "Poppies 1 & 2". Off of these lanes are a large number of small hotels / accommodations, mostly targeted at the budget traveler. Local salespeople walk up and down this beach trying to sell to visitors.

Kuta Central

Kuta Central really means the shopping area along the very busy Jalan Legian (Legian Road) down to the Kuta Square area (Both Poppies lanes run from the beach road to this even busier road). Here you will find the vast majority of street salespeople in the area. Some budget and mid-sized hotels run off of these roads. At night, the bars get very busy and noisy in this central district. The shops here are dominated by clothes and fake consumer goods items (watches, sunglasses, etc.).

Legian Beach

Actually, Legian has absolutely no beach-front hotels, despite what they say / market. That is because the new "Sunset Road" runs along the entire length of Legian. Currently, the road is meant only to be used by motorized transport during ceremonies, etc. But that has not always been true and may not be so in the future. However, if the road is closed to traffic, it does not interfere much with the view from the beach-side hotels. Although, as in the other areas, beach salespeople will stand in front of your seaward gaze and attract (distract) your attention. So it is not a beach you can really relax and enjoy.

Legian Central

Up from the beach, there are a good number of economy hotels / accommodations around the shopping area. Apart from the main road into Kuta, Legian tends to be a quieter shopping district with more crafts shops. Although most of the crafts are mass produced. Legian is also noted for a large number of bars, but these tend to be less rowdy then those in Kuta.

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Bali Diving Spot

Bali Diving Tours are offering the exciting diving tour with selection of best spot diving in Bali with beautiful coral and colorful fish. It is very fun dive tour to explore the underwater world in the warm blue seawater. With the professional dive instructor, you will be guided into the wonderful experience to see the variety of colorful fish, beautiful coral under the clear water. There are several best spots diving available in Bali like Nusa Dua, Padang Bay, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Candidasa, Tulamben and Menjangan Island. Bali Diving Tour will bring you to the best choice of diving spot points and obtain the memorable experience on your life.


Nusa Dua



Nusa Dua is the most popular diving centers which is located in south part of Bali Island. It offers the beautiful coral and variety of fish in not too deep location. It is ideally for the new divers or beginner to trek and experience the tropical atmosphere underwater. This spot diving is exactly located in Tanjung Benoa, just a step from Nusa Dua Bali where this place is to be a marine sport center in Bali.

Nusa Penida or Penida Island


Bali Dive CenterNusa Penida mean Penida Island is a beautiful island located in east of Bali. It is a small island with beautiful white sandy beaches offering the best spot diving in several locations. It is presenting the beautiful coral and colorful fish in the clear water to bring you to the unforgettable experience. This island is just 2 hours from Bali Island by boat and departs from Benoa harbour or Tanjung Benoa Diving Center.

Nusa Lembongan or Lembongan Island


Bali Scuba DivingIt is a beautiful island located closes by the Nusa Penida or Penida Island however this island is smaller than Penida Island. This island offers the similar fascination for divers who wish to explore the beautiful tropical coral and fish. It owns the beautiful white sandy beach and to be a favorite tourist destinations or tourist sites in Bali. It is just 2 hours across by boat from Tanjung Benoa or Benoa Harbour.

Candidasa/Padang Bay

Candidasa/Padang Bay is located in the same area, in east part of Bali. These are right located in Karangasem regency, about 2 hours from Denpasar airport. These own the beautiful beach with interesting of dive spot points.

Amed and Tulamben



Amed and Tulamben are the popular diving spot point in Bali located in northeast of Bali Island. These places are just in the back side of mount Agung, the biggest mountain in Bali. These are just 2,5 hours driving from Bali’s International Airport to reach this place. Amed and Tulamben are offering the beautiful coral and colorful fish that will bring you the memorable experience

Menjangan Island



Menjangan Island is located in northwest of Bali Island. This island provides the beautiful coral and clear water that is ideally for diving tours. It is one of favorite diving spot points in Bali with variety of fish and colorful coral. Your diving tour will enjoyable and full of fun to explore this beautiful island. It is located 3 hours from Bali’s International Airport or 1,5 hours from Singaraja Town.

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Bangli Regency Sight Seeing

The region of Bangli, up in the higher elevations of central-eastern Bali. embraces some of the island’s most spectacular scenery. This is a relatively remote region, with a population of only 188,000— second lowest of Bali’s eight regencies after tiny Klungkung.

The overwhelming majority still derive a livelihood from agriculture, growing rice, corn, sweet potatoes, cassava and cabbages on non-irrigated fields, as well as coffee, tobacco, vanilla, citrus, passion fruit and cloves, much of it for export. Tourism is not well-developed here, with the notable exception of Kintamani and other towns up on the crater of Mt Batur, which on account of its breathtaking views has become one of the island’s major tourist stops.

Amongst the Balinese, Bangli is renowned for its black magic, or “knowledge of the left” as the Balinese put it. This is difficult to verify, as practitioners keep their black arts a secret. More in evidence are the large number of successful trance healers, called balian. who follow the “knowledge of the right.” Bangli’s healers have an island-wide reputation, and one will often see clients arriving from other areas of Bali, bearing offerings dressed in their ceremonial finery.

Ulun Danu Batur Temple

Lake Batur, Bali’s largest lake, is the source that feeds an underground network of springs throughout the southern-central flanks of the mountain. Homage is paid here to the life-giving grace of the lake at Pura Ulun Danu Batur. The original temple is down by the lake, but during the l920s it was built a new on the western rim of the crater near the town of Kintamani. Click here for more informations.

Penelokan

A paved road follows the crater’s rim around its southern and western circumference. From the south, the first stop is penelokan which means “look-out,” and indeed the views from here are stunning. Enterprising people are capitalizing on the panorama and there are swarms of peddlers and a string of shops, restaurants and small hotels all along the road to Kintamani.

Kintamani

The village of Batur/Kalanganyar borders the town of Kintamani, an administrative center in the district of Bangli. This was formerly a way station over the mountains that separate Buleleng (the old colonial headquarters of the Dutch) from the rest of Bali. The second hotel built in Bali was in Kintamani but the place still looks like a frontier town: wooden huts and no-nonsense little cement boxes for the municipal offices. What one notices most is the delicious air and the vistas the crater to one side and all Bali extending to the sea on the other.

Up the road going north is a market, busy every three days on Hari Paseh in the Balinese calender. This is interesting to visit to see the variety of produce from surrounding mountain farms oranges, corn, vegetables. fruit and the usual vast array of scented flowers, dried fish, tools, livestock, pots and baskets, plus a big clothing market. You may also see men cuddling big furry Kintamani puppies, highly prized all over Bali.

Penulisan Temple

A few km past Kintamani on the right is the entrance to the temple Pura Tegeh Kuripan, also called Pura Penulisan, the highest construction on the island (1,745 m) until a TV tower was installed next door few years ago. This temple is a powerful place ancient, royal and remote.

A long steep flight of stairs rises through the eleven terraces of the temple complex. The pyramidal form and the large stones that are still venerated there suggest that this place has been holy for many centuries.

From Pura Panarajon on the uppermost terrace, you can sometimes see as far as the north coast of Bali and the mountains of East Java. The proportions of the courtyard and various balai are modest but the atmosphere is heavy with the solitude of hallowed kings. There are many sacred statues including lingga and mysterious fragments housed in the open pavilions. Of particular interest is a royal couple bearing the ininscriptions “Anak Wungsu” and "Bhatari Mandul" dated Saka year 999 (A.D. 1077).

Mandul means “childless” and although it is impossible to know who this refers to, one interesting conjecture is that she was the Chinese Buddhist princess Subandar, whose shrine Stands in Pura Ulun Danu, and that her barrenness was caused by a curse from a siwaite wizard.

Trunyan Village

Of the lake villages, Trunyan is surely the most famous, and becoming notorious as a place not to visit after all. The village is virtually inaccessible except by boat, and on arrival the villagers will wade out to meet you and clamor for money. In Trunyan, it’s okay to beg, yet the properous residents have re-built their houses in modern materials (cement block and zinc). Traditional architecture is rare.

Still, the place is interesting to some. In the Pura Gede Pancering Jagat is a unique, four-meter guardian statue, Da Tonte or Ratu Gede Pancering Jagat, but it is stored out of view in a closed meru. The people of Trunyan do not cremate their dead, but place them exposed under a sacred tree by the lakeshore that has the remarkable property of preventing the decomposing corpses from smelling. Tourists are aggressively solicited to visit the graveyard and see for themselves. This is further down from the village itself and you may ask to skip Trunyan and go directly to the gravesite or kuburan.

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Bali History

The Creation of Bali Island

Perhaps it is too copious if it is said that Bali is an island that is full of uniqueness which distinguishes it with other islands in Indonesia.

As written in the Purana Sada Temple of Kapal Traditional Village, it is said that when the continents and various island had been created on earth, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi/bathara Pasupati (God), summoned the Gods to gather together on top of Mount Mahameru.

Then Sang Hyang Pasupati uttered to the nine Gods occupying the nine direction, to the six Gods (Sad Winayaka), to the group four Gods (Catur Dewa), to God Rsis, to God Dragon, Gods from Trinayaka group and to Gods in the universe, to make a new island known as Bali Island.

bedawang & naga basuki

Bathara Pasupati explained to all Gods, that island that is going to be created is a special island for the shrine of all Gods with the leader Bhatara Mahadeva/putranjaya. In this island, all Gods will be worshipped and dipuja (honored) till the end of the period. In this island the Gods will be awarded with big offerings by the dwellers. The Gods, is then, known as the name of Bali.

When this island was created, the God Dragon Sang Hyang Ananta Boga entered the bottom layer of the earth, and then this big dragon became the support of Bali Island.

After that, Sang Hyang Kurma Gni (turtle) entered the earth and became the foundation of it, and Badawang Nala manifested himself as the bottom layer of the earth of Bali. Sang Hyang Kala, then, created the soil and sky of Bali which is bright with colorful shine.

Finally, a beautiful island was created with the shine of extraordinary holiness. The Gods were very delightful with their successful works, and then selected their everlasting shrines at the new earth (banua bahru) named Bali. From here it is disclosed that Bali is the place of Gods (the Island of Gods). When foreigners came to Bali for the first time, they said this island is the last paradise.

The Corner of Bali are Guarded by Gods

The belief of Balinese society on the existence of main temples termed as Kahyangan Jagad of Bali, in Balinese society itself, moreover in spiritual groups, has various and different concept. The difference also happens on the literature of Balinese classic, so there is different perception with different reference.

But with the important role of Hindu Religion experts in Bali, these different views and belief is united in a unity of interpretation and then compiled into a book entitled “Compilation of Seminar Decisions on Interpretation of Hindu Religion Aspects I - XV. This book was published by Local Government of Bali in 1999/2000.

This book stated that Kahyangan Jagad in Bali is divided into two different conception (Rwabineda), such as, Besakih Temple in Karangasem Regency as Purusa (masculine) and Batur Temple in Bangli Regency as Pradana (Feminine).


sarad (naga)

Based on the conception of Catur Lokapala (four direction), Kahyangan Jagad consists of Lempuyang Luhur Temple in Karangasem Regency, Andakasa Temple is also in Karangasem Regency, Batukaru Temple in Tabanan Regency and Puncak Mangu Temple in Badung Regency.

Based on the conception of Sad Winayaka, Kahyangan Jagad consists of Besakih Temple in Karangasem Regency, Lempurang Luhur Temple also in Karangasem Regency, Gua Lawah Temple in Klungkung Regency, Uluwatu Temple in Badung Regency, Batu Karu Temple in Tabanan Regency and Puser Tasik Temple/pusering Jagad in Gianyar Regency.

In classical poetry literature (geguritan) entitled Patijlamit written by Ida Pedanda Ketut Sidemen from Griya Taman Kelodan Intaran Sanur, it is stated the names of Local Gods worshipped in the temples considered as Sad Kahyangan Jagad Bali, such as : Bhatara Sang Hyang Purna Jaya is worshipped in Besakih Temple, with His weapon of Kris (tuwek) located in Karangasem Regency; Bhatara Sang Hyang Ningjaya is worshipped in Lempuyang Temple with the weapon of abet also located in Karangasem Regency; Bhatara Sang Hyang Jayaningrat is worshipped in Batukaru Temple with His weapon of arrow, located in Tabanan Regency; Herjeruk Temple is the shrine of Bhatara Sang Hyang Putra Jaya with sword weapon, located in Gianyar Regency; Luhur Uluwatu is the shrine of Bhatara Sang Hyang Manik Gumawang with spear located in Badung Regency; Puser Tasik/pusering Jagad Temple is the shrine of Bhatara Sang Hyang Manik Galba with duwung weapon, located in Gianyar Regency

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Beratan lake

Lake Bratan is located next to Mount Bratan and Mount Catur. It is the second largest lake in Bali. The important temple of Pura Ulun Danu solemnly guards the lake. The resort area of Bedugul offers excellent views of the lake, as well as a number of water activities such as parasailing, swimming, etc.

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The Barong Dance

 
The are several versions of the Barong Dance, as Bali has an abundance of myths and legends. There is Barong Ket, Barong Asu (Dog Barong), Barong Macan (Tiger Barong), Barong Bangkal (Pig Barong), Barong Gajah (Elephant Barong) and others.
 
One of the well known stories on which the Barong Dance is based, is the Kunti Seraya. The plot is very intriguing, showing the effect of the Gods intervention upon the people through supernatural powers.

It is told that Dewi Kunti, from the royal family of Hastinapura, was very ill. As a devotee of the Goddess Durga, she seeks help, however, the Goddess tells her that the price of health is her own son, Sahadewa. It seems that the Goddess fancied Sahadewa's young and luscious flesh for her dinner.

Dewi Kunta recovers from her illness and it is time to pay the price. She regrets her decision to pay the price but a promise is a promise. One of the Goddess's followers put her into a trance and enters her body. She becomes a terrifying creature and unconsciously beats Sahadewa mercilessly. She then takes him to an unpenetratable jungle and ties him to a tree. Later Sahadewa is given immortality by God and she overcomes the wrath of the Goddess and she is able to release her son.

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Pura Besakih

Bali's "Mother Temple"

High on the slopes of Bali's Mount Agung sits Pura Besakih, widely referred to as the "Mother Temple" of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Besakih, or Besakih Temple in English, is the largest of the island's 11,000 or so Hindu temples; its 35 shrines and halls draw devotees from all over Bali in massive numbers each year.

The world is lucky to have Besakih. In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed several nearby villages. Besakih was untouched.

The temple is generally agreed to date back to prehistoric times in Bali. It is named for Naga Besukian -- the dragon-god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit this, the highest mountain in Bali. But at the beginning of the 11th Century Besakih became the state temple at a time when Bali was no mean kingdom. It has remained the state temple in some form or another ever since and is state supported today.

Like most Balinese temples, Besakih is not a closed building but a mostly open-air affair. It is made up of courtyards with altars and shrines devoted to a number of gods. And those gods have better things to do than just hang around a temple; the Balinese believe that the gods visit a temple on particular dates -- and on those dates the Balinese hold festivals to honor (or placate) the gods. Of all the temples on Bali six are "supremely holy:" Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Gua Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu. Of these, Besakih stands higher than the others -- not because it sits some 3000 or so feet above the ocean on the mountain's side, but because it is more sacred to the Balinese. It is said to be the only classless, casteless temple on the island where any Balinese Hindu can come to worship.

Bali's Hinduism is unique. Many scholars believe it gives us a view of Hindu beliefs much as they existed 1500 to 2000 years ago. Hinduism was once the dominant religion in much of Southeast Asia and empires in the region where ruled by god-kings -- empires like Funan, Sri Vijaya, Angkor, and Bali.

The Hinduism of Bali is less fragmented than that of modern India. Balinese are generally said to worship one god, Brahman, who manifests himself in various forms or personalities.

Lee Arnold, in his article on The Temples of Bali, quotes an anonymous Balinese who explains their views: "I am just one person; someday I might be a farmer, another a driver, yet another a cook, but I am still only one person." In the same way the Hindu "gods" Siva and Vishnu (Siwa andVisnu in Balinese) are really just different manifestations of the one god, Brahman, in Balinese theology. While this may be true, temples generally end up serving as places where one of Brahman's manifestations is worshipped; and Besakih is dedicated largely to Siva worship.

While the Hinduism of Bali may provide a glimpse into the religion's past it is by no means pure. Balinese religion has kept Islam at bay, but has absorbed aboriginal animism and Malay cultic ancestor worship along with aspects of Mahayana Buddhism.

The temple's anniversary, Odalan, is an excellent day to visit if you are looking for pageantry. But you should expect a crowd of several thousand people. That ceremony comes in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar, usually in April.

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Buleleng Regency Sight Seeing

The important and historic realm of Buleleng is a narrow strip of land running the entire length of the island. Bounded to the north by the Bali Sea, it shares borders with Karangasem to the east and with Jembrana, Tabanan, Badung and Bangli to the south.

The spectacular chain of volcanoes that stretches right across the island for a distance of some 150 kms forms a natural frontier between Buleleng and all of the southern regencies. These mountains often appear as a distant backdrop, while at other times they seem to gently unfold right down to the coast. Lying between the mountains and the sea, Buleleng is a region of exquisite natural beauty.

In former times, the mountain range hampered contact with the rest of Bali, which in turn gave rise to Buleleng’s discrete culture. Buleleng also differs geographically from south Bali: its climate is drier and wet rice cultivation is not as widespread. In the western portion of Buleleng much of Bali’s fruit is produced, while the area is also renowned for the cultivation of coffee and cloves.

Gedong Kertya Museum

On JI. Veteran, stop in at No. 22 on the right-hand side. This is the Gedong Kertya, a library founded by the Dutch in 1928 for the preservation of lontar (Palrn.leaf texts collected in Bali and Lombok A glass display case in the second room contains these traditional manuscripts, as well as several Prasasti (ancient copper plate

Inscriptions). You may be fortunate to witness one of the employees copying an old lontar onto new palm leaves, or even see the now rare art of making prasi (drawings on palm-leaf).

Gitgit Waterfall

If you have private transport, a visit to Gitgit is a must. Ten km south of Singaraja, this is the site of Bali’s most dramatic waterfall. The road to Gitgit climbs steeply, offering fine views along the way. The waterfall, located about 500 m from the main road, is surrounded by lush vegetation. A fine, cooling mist hangs in the air, providing a refreshing welcome after the walk down. Dip your feet in the rushing river below. A rest area suitable for picnics has been built near the base of the falls.

Lovina Beach

Six km west of Singaraja. the popular beach resort of Lovina is a long stretch of black sand bordering the coastal villages of Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. Numerous hotels and restaurants have sprung up here, lining the coast for some 7 km.

The pace of life at Lovina reflects the calmness and safety of the sea. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, particularly near the reef, and local boats are for hire. The sunsets at Lovina are particularly spectacular.

The name “Lovina” was coined by the last king of Buleleng. A convert to Christianity, he gave the name to a small tract of land that he purchased at Kaliasem, where he built the Tasik Madu (“Sea of Honey”) Hotel in the 1960s. The name Lnvina sigaifies the “love” that is contained “in” the heart of all people.

Banjar Village & Hot Spring

From Temukus it is 3 kms to the twin villages of Dencarik and Banjar. Pass through Dencarik tu the neighboring village of Banjar Tegeha, home of the splendid Buddhist Brahma Arama Vihara. This wihara is the residence of Bali’s only Buddhist monk and it plays a central role in Buddhist religious life and education. Opened in 1971, it replaces another founded in Banjar in 1958.

It combines architectural and iconographic elements found throughout the Buddhist world. Quiet, cool, and set high in the hills, it commands a view down to the ocean. For 10 days each April and September the wihara is closed to the public while people from around the world assemble here to practice meditation. Visitors are requested to dress in a respectful manner, to speak softly, and to remove their shoes before entering.

Banjar is also the site of the so-called Air Panas, a sacred hot-spring. In 1985 the sulphurous spring water was channelled into a public bathing area consisting of 3 pools, set in a tasteful blend of jungle and garden, The water is a pleasant 38 C. There are changing rooms, showers, toilets and a restaurant.

Pulaki Temple

Pura Pulaki lies some 30 km past Seririt on the coast, Pura Pulaki is located in unusual terrain - a rock-face rises perpendicularly on the left-hand side of the road while the glimering Ocean laps the right-hand side. Pulaki, the home of monkeys who have a reputation for snatching bags and cameras, has recently undergone restoration and extension.

The temple has a fascinating history that is linked to to the legendary personage of Nirartha a Javanese priest who migrated to Bali in the 16th century. It is told that prior to his arrival a village of 8000 people existed here. When Nirartha visited, the village leader requested a boon that Nirartha granted: the entire village was to be given supernatural knowledge that would enable it to attain an immaterial state.

The invisible occupants of this village became known as gamang or wong samar and form the entourage of Goddess Melanting, whose abode is the nearby Pura Melanting. The Balinese in these parts fervently believe in the existence of the gamang and routinely make offerings to them.

For example, it is held that the entry of gamang into one’s houseyard is heralded by the howling of dogs. Occasional reports even circulate of the sighting of gamang who have momentarily materialized — they are said to have no upper lip and carry a plaited bag over one shoulder.

Menjangan Island

The most beautiful, unspoiled coral reefs in Bali are located off the coast of Pulau, Menjangan (“Deer Island”) - Comprising hundreds of species of coral, these reefs extend 100 to 150 m from the shore, then drop 40 to 60 m down to the ocean floor. Menjangan and the nearby mainland are excellent places for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A 45 minute nature walk on Pulau Menjangan, which is uninhabited except for the Java Deer, affords beautiful panoramic views of the mountainous mainland.

To reach Pulau Menjangan, hire a boat at Labuhan Lalang, just opposite the island on the north coast of Bali. The round-trip cost is about $20 for 6 people. Snorkeling and scuba equipment are not available here, but you can organize this through one of the many diving tour operators in Kuta or Sanur. The boat will stop wherever you want, and the boatmen are experienced guides. It is forbidden to spend the night on Menjangan, but food and simple lodgings are available at Labuhan Lalang.

Makam Jayaprana

At Teluk Terima, a short distance down the road, visit Makam Jayaprana. the gravesite of Jayaprana. According to Balinese legend, Jayaprana was an orphan who was raised by the ruler of Kalianget village. As an adult he married the lovely Nyoman Layonsari from the neighboring village of Banjar.

However, the ruler himself became enamoured of Javaprana’s bride and schemed to kill Jayaprana to have her for himself. He dispatched Jayaprana with an army to contain a band of pirates who he said had arrived in northwestern Bali. On arrival at Teluk Terima the ruler’s minister killed and buried Jayaprana. When the ruler asked Layonsari to marry him, however, she chose to remain faithful to her husband and committed suicide.

The temple marking jayaprana’s grave is a long and steep climb but the views from about halfway across to Mt Semeru on Java. to Menjangan Island. and to Gilimanuk at the western tip of Bali. make the effort all worthwhile. The temple, which contains a glass case displaying statues of Jayaprana and Layonsari, is pure kitsch.

Air Sanih

Seventeen km from Singaraja is the well known beach resort of Air Sanih. Its main attraction is not its beach but rather a swimming pool located near the beach. Its icy water originates from a spring and is said to flow at a rate of 800 liters per second. Not as popular with visitors as Lovina, Air Sanih with its accommodation and restaurants is, nevertheless, a good place to recuperate if you are traveling in the area.

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