Interesting Places in Bali 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.
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.
|