Paradise Island Tourism Best places to visit in Bali

10 Tempat Terindah Di Dunia

2011-09-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ini mungkin adalah tempat-tempat terindah dan paling spektakuler di dunia yang sangat jarang dilihat sebelumnya. Dari keindahan Antartika, kota-kota diatas awan, pantai-pantai tersembunyi yang spektakuler, dan tempat-tempat lainnya, yang bahkan lebih mengagumkan.

1. Di Suatu Tempat di Puncak Dunia.

Gambar diatas, adalah puncak Himalaya Tibet . Ini adalah titik tertinggi di seluruh Planet Bumi. Dengan foto dan cahaya seperti ini Himalaya tampak seperti sebuah tempat di planet lain.

2. Cahaya Misterius di Utara.

Sinar Aurora Borealis yang "spektakuler" di langit Alaska (ujung utara Amerika, dekat Kutub Utara). Aurora sebenarnya adalah cahaya natural di angkasa yang terjadi akibat tabrakan partikel-partikel medan magnet bumi dengan atom dan molekul dari atas atmosfir bumi. Warnanya yang paling umum ada dua, hijau dan merah dan dapa dilihat pada waktu malam.

3. Benteng Chittogarh, India.

4. Desa Warna-Warni.

Cinque Terre , Riviera , adalah salahsatu tujuan wisata paling populer di Italia. Kota yang terkenal keindahannya ini dibangun selama ratusan tahun, dan keunikannya tetap terjaga.. Makanan laut disini juga sangat istimewa, tentu karena letaknya yang di pinggir laut Mediterania (Bagian dari UNESCO World Heritage Site).

5. College the Valleyfield.

Sebuah universitas pendidikan di Quebec , Kanada, dengan pemandangan kampus yang tidak ada duanya di dunia.

6. Sebuah Kota Diatas Awan.

Inilah Machu Picchu, kota dari peradaban Inca yang hilang. Letaknya di Lembah Urumba, Peru , di puncak gunung, 2430 meter diatas permukaan laut. Tempat ini dibangun pada puncak kejayaan peradaban mereka, tahun 1460-an.

7. Massif De La Chartreuse.

Formasi bebatuan yang super unik di pegunungan di timur Perancis.

8. Rekreasi di Ujung Dunia.

Berdayung santai di laut Arktik yang sejernih kristal (tapi dingiiinn). Arktik adalah wilayah di Kutub Utara bumi (dari Bahasa Yunani yang berarti Beruang).

9. Sebuah Kota Di Dalam Gunung.

Petra , adalah kota yang dibentuk di dalam sebuah gunung batu di Yordania. Tempat ini awalnya dibangun 100 tahun sebelum masehi oleh bangsa Nabatean. Petra dulu sempat berkembang menjadi pusat perdagangan yang makmur di zaman Romawi karena letaknya yang strategis di Arabia . Didalamnya juga terdapat aliran sungai bawah tanah yang airnya berlimpah.

10. Gunung Tungurahua, Ekuador.

Source www.vivanews.com

Pantai Terbaik di Asia untuk 2011

2011-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Oleh Esther Cheng

Banyak yang bilang bahwa pantai-pantai terindah di Asia biasanya jarang dikunjung orang, dan sulit dicapai. Itu mungkin benar, tapi waktu yang Anda habiskan untuk mengunjungi pantai-pantai ini akan terbayar.

Dari Borneo sampai Republik Seychelles, berikut adalah beberapa pantai dan resort paling indah untuk 2011.

Pulau Mabul, Borneo

Mabul terletak di lepas pantai timur laut Malaysia. Pulau terpencil ini cocok untuk penyuka pantai dan penyelam. Salah satu resort favorit kami adalah Sipadan Water Village Resort yang terdiri dari 45 bungalow. Seluruh penginapan ini berdiri di atas penyangga kayu.

Borneo adalah salah satu lokasi penyelaman terbaik di dunia, termasuk Pulau Sipadan, yang terletak 15 km dari Mabul. Dengan laut yang tenang, angin sejuk, dan terumbu karang berwarna cerah, keindahan pulau ini tak perlu dijelaskan lagi.

Agak sulit menuju ke Sipadan. Itulah alasannya kenapa turis-turis lebih sering berbondong-bondong ke Pulau Redang dan melewatkan Sipadan.

Perjalanan pertama cukup mudah, penerbangan langsung ke Kota Kinabalu. Sekalinya tiba di sana, turis harus berganti pesawat dan menaiki penerbangan domestik ke bandara Tawau di pantai timur Sabah.

Meski perjalanannya panjang, pemandangan yang akan Anda lihat bersama dengan hanya 44 orang lainnya akan mengesankan.

Con Dao, Vietnam

Terkenal karena perairannya yang jernih dan berwarna hijau-biru, pantai berpasir keemasan, hutan mangrove yang rimbun dan terumbu karang yang kaya, Con Dao adalah kepulauan yang terdiri dari 16 pulau di tenggara Vietnam.

Awalnya, Con Dao adalah hutan lindung dan taman nasional yang meliputi berbagai aspek ekosistem pesisir dan kelautan. Salah satu klaimnya adalah, tempat ini menjadi daerah penetasan telur penyu terpenting di Vietnam. Selain itu, dugong dan lumba-lumba pun bisa Anda temukan di sini.

Meski lokasinya seperti sangat jauh, Six Senses Con Dao tidak sulit dicapai, terletak di pantai tersembunyi hanya 8 km dari bandara Co Ong.

Hanya terdiri dari 50 vila modern, Six Senses menawarkan ruangan pribadi di tengah vegetasi mangrove yang cukup rimbun serta pemandangan indah. Setiap vila memiliki kolam yang 'menjuntai' langsung menghadap ke Laut Cina Selatan. Gaya desain yang unik mengurangi kebutuhan pendingin udara dan Anda bisa menikmati ventilasi alami.

Sangat mudah menuju tempat ini. Con Dao terletak sekitar 230 km dari Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer penerbangan ke Con Dao butuh waktu 45 menit.

Praslin, Seychelles

Resort pantai terbaik di dunia adalah Raffles Praslin Seychelles yang baru saja buka. Terletak di pulau pribadi dengan pemandangan mencengangkan di Praslin, sekitar 15 menit naik helikopter dari pulau utama Mahe, Seychelles. Seychelles adalah sebuah negara kepulauan dengan 115 pulau yang tersebar di Samudera Hindia, sekitar 1500 km timur Kenya, Afrika.

Ada 86 vila di resort Raffles Praslin Seychelles, termasuk suite satu dan dua kamar tidur, lengkap dengan pemandangan ke Samudera Hindia. Semua vila sudah termasuk kolam pribadi dan pelayan 24 jam sesuai dengan tradisi Raffles yang menyediakan pelayanan pribadi dan eksklusif.

Ingin tahu seperti apa tempat berbulan madu Pangeran William dan Kate Middleton? Anda juga bisa mendapat pelayanan ala raja di Raffles Praslin Seychelles setelah mereka menawarkan paket bulan madu "Prince William and Kate Middleton" -- Anda bisa mendapat semua keistimewaan ini tanpa gangguan paparazzi.

Paket ini mewajibkan tamu tinggal minium tiga hari, dan harga awalnya mulai dari $1500 per malam, termasuk vila dengan kolam menghadap laut, sarapan, sampai perawatan spa selama 90 menit, makan malam romantis di pinggir pantai, dan tur pribadi berpemandu menuju Situs Warisan Dunia UNESCO Vallée de Mai. Paket pantai ini tersedia sampai 26 Desember 2011.

Sepuluh Pulau dengan Pantai Terbaik di Asia

2011-08-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

Ditulis oleh Natasha Dragun, dengan laporan tambahan dari Cynthia Rosenfeld, Leisa Tyler, David Tse, Martin Westlake, dan Petrina Price.

Untuk mencari kedamaian tropis, pantai dengan hamparan pasir akan menjadi pilihan. Apalagi jika pantai tersebut terletak di pulau yang juga tenang. Setelah melihat berbagai pulau di kawasan ini, para penulis kami telah mengidentifikasi 10 pantai yang bisa disebut terbaik di Asia. Beberapa pantai indah ini letaknya terpencil dan belum berkembang, sementara yang lain sudah terbiasa memanjakan pengunjung dengan penginapan mewah. Tapi semuanya menawarkan kualitas kesurgaan yang dicari.

Dari Malaysia sampai ke Maladewa, Asia memiliki banyak sekali pulau-pulau eksotis, negara kepulauan dan pantai-pantai legendaris. Banyak dari pulau-pulau ini yang juga menawarkan atraksi selain pantai dan penginapan mewah. Di sini, kami bepergian ke 10 negara untuk menampilkan pulau-pulau incaran, hamparan pasir yang berbatasan dengan hutan hujan dan terumbu karang, termasuk petunjuk kapan waktu yang tepat untuk berkunjung, apa yang bisa Anda lakukan, tempat untuk menikmati liburan, makanan enak serta tempat menginap terbaik.

BAI SAO
PHU QUOC, VIETNAM

Butuh kesabaran untuk sampai di Bai Sao, atau biasanya dikenal sebagai Star Beach. Tapi kesusahan Anda akan terbayarkan. Pantai ini terletak di tenggara Phu Quoc, pulau terbesar di Vietnam. Sekitar 50 km dari pulau utama, di Tanjung Thailand-Bai Sao, pasir-pasir lembut akan menjorok ke perairan yang dangkal dan berwarna hijau-biru dan hangat sepanjang tahun.

Tempat menginap Terlepas dari beberapa pondok pantai, Bai Sao belum berkembang. Meski begitu ada beberapa penginapan nyaman di dekat situ. Di pantai barat Phu Quoc, yaitu Duong Dong, terdapat La Veranda. Jarak tempat ini hanya empat kilometer dari Bai Sao, sehingga mudah dicapai dengan sepeda atau taksi. Di kamar-kamarnya terdapat balkon pribadi, kipas angin, dan lantai keramik berdekorasi. Di sayap utama resort ini terdapat restoran berangin dengan pemandangan ke laut.

Yang bisa dilakukan Pesta hidangan laut panggang di restoran kecil di sepanjang Bai Sao setelah berenang di air laut yang hangat. Untuk kegiatan yang lebih aktif, sewa sepeda dan pergilah ke desa Ham Ninh, tempat berbelanja mutiara dan kecap ikan yang membuat desa ini terkenal. Menyelam di antara terumbu karang yang dangkal di sini tak perlu tangki udara, tapi ada beberapa tempat menyewa pakaian menyelam di pulau ini. Hiu bambu juga sering terlihat di pinggir pantai.

Kapan pergi Muson datang ke pulau ini antara Juni dan November. Hindari musim hujan dan datanglah saat musim kemarau, ketika suhu berkisar antara 30°C.

GODELLAWELA BAY
SRI LANKA

Pantai Godellawela yang tampak sempurna, terlihat dari resort Amanwella. Foto: Amanwella.Terletak di pantai selatan Sri Lanka, oleh orang lokal, Pantai Godellawela disebut Pantai Mimpi. Di pantai ini, terdapat pasir putih yang memanjang, gelombang rendah, dan air sejenih kristal sepanjang mata memandang. Di pinggir pantai, terdapat pohon kelapa dan tebing berbatu-batu, menjadikan kawasan ini salah satu teluk paling tertutup di pulau.

Tempat menginap Pemandangan indah tersedia lewat salah satu dari 30 kamar di Amanwella. Tinggallah di tempat tidur di teras pribadi sebelum masuk ke suite--bayangkan keeleganan khas Aman lengkap dengan jendela-jendela besar dari lantai ke atap dan furnitur kelapa-kayu serta kipas angin. Restoran resort ini menawarkan ikan segar tangkapan harian mereka di atas kolam sepanjang 47 meter.

Yang bisa dilakukan Waktu seperti tak ada artinya di Amanwella, tempat tidur dan ayunan tidur banyak terlihat sepanjang perjalanan menuju pantai. Tapi pemandangan di pantai tak kalah indahnya, ada penyu yang menetaskan telurnya di sini tiap musim semi. Lebih jauh lagi, ada gajah, burung-burung eksotis dan harimau yang berkeliaran bebas di Taman Nasional Uda Walawe.

Kapan pergi Matahari Sri Lanka bersinar paling terang dari November sampai April.

PANTAI KENTING
TAIWAN

Pantai ini terletak di ujung selatan Taiwan dan dikelilingi oleh perkebunan tebu, pisang dan pohon kelapa, serta hutan hujan. Pantai Kenting adalah lokasi liburan yang populer. Tapi jika Anda datang di waktu yang tepat, pantai ini bisa menjadi milik Anda sendiri.

Tempat menginap Kenting Chateau Beach Resort memiliki tiga sayap dengan tema masing-masing; kamar-kamar di Marbella Hall dan Positano Hall yang bergaya Italia memiliki pemandangan ke laut dan balkon privat. Makanan laut adalah bintang utama di empat restoran di resort ini, sementara Barbados Beach Bar hanya beberapa meter dari pantai dan tempat sempurna untuk melihat matahari terbenam.

Yang bisa dilakukan Dari mengamati burung sampai naik banana boat, waktu di Pantai Kenting akan terisi penuh. Para penyuka burung akan menikmati Taman Nasional Kenting di pinggir Danau Lungruan. Sepanjang Oktober, ribuan burung elang muka-kelabu dan alap-alap Cina melewati kawasan ini. Jika Anda gatal beraktivitas seru, cobalah paralayang, sepeda gunung atau menyelam.

Kapan pergi Para peselancar pasti tidak ingin melewatkan gelombang yang terjadi antara November sampai Maret. Dengan berlalunya angin muson, bulan-bulan ini cocok untuk penyelaman dan snorkeling. Airnya sejernih kristal dan kerumunan turis sudah berkurang. Hindari musim panas, saat suhu udara naik dan pantai terlalu penuh dengan orang yang berlibur dari Taipei dan Kaohsiung.

PANTAI LANDAA GIRAAVARU
ATOLL BAA, MALADEWA

Di Maladewa, resort Four Seasons menghadap ke pantai pribadi, Landaa Giraavaru. Foto dari Four Seasons.

Lautan warna azur yang mengelililingi pulau seluas 18 hektare di Atoll Baa ini menjadi berwarna-warni karena ikan giru dan oriental sweetlips. Tempat ini bisa dicapai dengan penerbangan pesawat kecil selama 45 menit dari bandara internasional. Dari sekitar 1190 pulau terumbu karang Maladewa, Landa Giraavaru adalah yang paling romantis karena warna pasir dan bentuknya yang berubah dari matahari terbit hingga terbenam.

Tempat menginap Para tamu bisa menginap di Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru, inilah satu-satunya akomodasi di pulau tersebut. Di sini, mereka bisa melihat ikan-ikan berseliweran di balik kaca sambil dipijat di spa-spa yang terletak di bawah laut. Ombak akan pecah di vila-vila karya arsitek Sri Lanka Ismail Murad, sementara di restoran terbuka Al Barakat, lampu-lampu bawah tanah akan menghibur para tamu yang menikmati couscous ayam dan kayu manis, chickpea, dan kismis serta berbagai hidangan Timur Tengah (mezzes)

Yang bisa dilakukan Mengikuti tur lepas pantai dengan salah satu dari enam biologis yang tinggal di resort tersebut, mereka bertugas mengamati perkembangan lebih dari 200 proyek terumbu karang yang akan memperluas laguna di pulau tersebut. Mereka yang suka snorkeling di Samudera Hindia bisa melihat ikan kupu-kupu dan ikan unicorn buntut putih, atau pakailah tanki udara dan menyelam bersama manta dan hiu.

Kapan pergi Waktu terbaik untuk melihat kehidupan bawah laut adalah antara Desember sampai April, saat laut paling jernih dan tenang. Manta dan hiu paus bisa dilihat dalam jumlah terbanyak dari Juli sampai November.

PANTAI LUHUITOU
PULAU HAINAN, CINA

Pulau Hainan terletak di provinsi paling selatan Cina, biasanya terkenal karena resort Pantai Yalong. Tapi di dekat situ terdapat Pantai Luhuitou merebut hati kami karena pasir putihnya yang tidak dikunjungi orang. Pantai di kaki bukit ini menawarkan perairan yang tenang dan jernih, serta beberapa lokasi penyelaman terbaik di pulau ini.

Tempat menginap Buka pada 2008, Banyan Tree Sanya Resort & Spa menawarkan 49 vila, masing-masing dengan kolam pribadi, taman lansekap, dan bak mandi di luar ruang. Dekorasinya minimal dan canggih dengan palet warna netral yang sesuai untuk kawasan tropis di sekitarnya. Empat restoran dan bar terbuka menghadap langsung ke Laut Cina Selatan, tempat perahu-perahu nelayan berkeliaran untuk mencari hidangan Anda berikutnya.

Yang bisa dilakukan Tempat ini tidak memiliki pusat penyelamannya sendiri, tapi Banyan Tree bisa mengatur ekspedisi scuba dengan cepat. Selain itu, maksimalkan tur-tur resort ke berbagai desa, atau bermain golf di Lapangan Golf Sanya Luhuitou dekat situ. Pulihkan tubuh di spa Banyan Tree yang luas, pengobatan tradisional Cina dipasangkan dengan fasilitas hidrothermal terbaru.

Kapan pergi Musim hujan akan datang di pulau ini antara Mei dan Oktober dan merubah pasir jadi lumpur. Waktu terbaik untuk berkunjung antara November sampai Maret, saat suhu berada di kisaran 20 derajat.

PANTAI NIHIWATU
SUMBA, INDONESIA

Pemandangan Pantai Nihiwatu dan resortnya di Sumba. Foto dari Nihiwatu Resort.Sekitar 400 kilometer timur dari Bali, di barat daya Pulau Sumba, pantai sepi ini menjadi tujuan populer para peselancar yang datang ke sini untuk menaiki ombak yang dikenal sebagai God's Left. Tapi saat mereka selesai berselancar di sore hari, pantai sepanjang 2,5 km itu akan menjadi milik Anda.

Tempat menginap Resort Nihiwatu terdiri dari vila-vila yang menghadap ke laut, termasuk juga bungalow dengan tiga kamar tidur besar di atas bukit, lengkap dengan kolam pribadi yang menghadap ke Samudera Hindia. Kamar-kamar dengan atap ijuk dilengkapi dengan tekstil Sumba dan berbagai perlengkapan modern.

Yang bisa dilakukan Untuk menjaga keselamatan para peselancar, berlaku kebijakan keselamatan yang membatasi hanya boleh ada sembilan peselancar di laut. Sambil menunggu giliran, ada banyak hal yang bisa menghibur Anda, seperti aktivitas memancing (ikan yang paling banyak di sini adalah mackerel Spanyol, wahoo, dan trevally), snorkeling, scuba diving dan tur berperahu ke teluk-teluk Pantai Konda Maloba, sekitar satu jam ke selatan. Saat gelombang sedang surut, staf resort akan mengantar Anda ke desa-desa sekitar, sehingga Anda bisa berbincang dengan penduduk sekitar dan membeli suvenir indah.

Kapan pergi Waktu terbaik adalah saat bulan April sampai Desember, sesudah itu angin muson berhembus. Resort Nihiwatu tutup dari 10 Januari sampai 28 Februari.

PANTAI RADHANAGAR
PULAU HAVELOCK, INDIA

Satu dari sedikit tujuan wisata di Pulau Andaman di ujung India, Havelock menawarkan pantai putih impian yang didatangi 10 ribu turis per tahun. Para pengunjung akan mendapatkan dua kilometer pantai tanpa jejak kaki di sepanjang pantai barat Havelock. Radhanagar, secara tidak resmi dikenal dengan sebutan Pantai Nomor 7, tersembunyi di balik hutan hujan yang lebat, pohon kelapa muncul dari atas dedaunan hijau dan membayangi teluk-teluk jernih dengan dasar berpasir.

Tempat menginap Tempat menginap terbaik di pulau ini, Barefoot at Havelock, adalah resort tradisional yang meminimalkan dampak terhadap lingkungan sekitar. Ada 18 gubuk yang dibangun dari bambu dan pohon kelapa. Beberapa ada yang dilengkapi dengan pendingin udara, tapi cara terbaik untuk mendinginkan badan adalah dengan ikut kelas yoga Iyengar di air. Bahkan pejalan paling kawakan sekalipun bersedia membayar biaya lumayan besar untuk bisa berfoto di bawah laut dengan Rajan, gajah peliharaan resort berusia 58 tahun yang menggunakan belalai sebagai snorkelnya.

Yang bisa dilakukan Ikan lepu dan Napoleon banyak ditemukan di 15 titik penyelaman lepas dari Radhanagar. Para penyelam akan terhenyak dengan warna-warna dari taman terumbu karang di laguna ini, hanya beberapa meter dari pantai. Pengunjung juga bisa mengayuh kayak melewati hutan mangrove untuk mencari kadal dan buaya, trekking menuju hutan kanopi (habitat untuk 150 hewan dan spesies tumbuhan yang hanya ada di pulau ini), atau pergi melihat rusa di speanjang pantai saat matahari terbit.

Kapan pergi Sepanjang angin muson datang, antara Mei sampai Oktober, Rajan tidak akan menyelam. Untuk menghindari hujan dan melihat penyu menetaskan telur, datanglah antara Desember sampai Maret.

PANTAI SIARGAO
SIARGAO, FILIPINA

Pulau Siargao, sebuah pulau kecil sekitar 800 km tenggara Manila, adalah satu lagi tujuan rutin para peselancar. Ombak di Cloud 9, titik yang menawarkan ombak ganas lepas pantai ini, adalah yang terbaik di Filipina, dan pasir putihnya sangat halus seperti bubuk.

Tempat menginap The Kalinaw Resort adalah satu-satunya akomodasi mewah di pulau ini. Kalinaw (yang berarti 'Damai' dalam dialek Visayan) menampilkan serangkaian pondok yang didesain dengan lantai kayu, lengkap dengan akses wi-fi gratis dan pemandangan pantai.

Yang bisa dilakukan Jika Anda tidak sibuk bermain dengan gelombang Cloud 9, pergilah ke Gua Sohoton, di pinggir pantai berbatasan dengan hutan liar dan terdapat gua-gua yang setengah terendam air. Selain itu, mintalah pada resort untuk mengemas makanan piknik dan habiskan seharian mendayung di antara karang-karang dangkal.

Kapan pergi Ombak terbaik adalah antara Juli dan November, meski pada bulan-bulan ini bertepatan dengan musim angin muson. Untuk menghindari hujan, datanglah antara November sampai Mei.

PANTAI SUNRISE
KOH LIPE, THAILAND

Tempat tidur yang berdekatan dengan pasir di Idyllic Concept Resort di Koh Lipe. Foto dari Idyllic Concept Resort.

Koh Lipe adalah satu dari 51 pulau di Taman Laut Nasional Tarutao di Laut Andaman, lepas pantai barat daya Thailand. Pulau ini terkenal karena pasir dan lautnya. Salah satu dari empat pantai utama di pulau ini, Sunrise, mendapat keindahan dari terbitnya matahari pagi. Siluet pohon kelapa pun berbayang di sepanjang pasir lembut.

Tempat menginap Salah satu hotel terbaru di pulau ini, Idyllic Concept Resort terletak di tengah taman tropis, terdiri dari bungalow-bungalow yang menghadap Pantai Sunrise. Sekitar 16 vila yang ada di sini memiliki desain minimal, tapi memiliki kelengkapan modern seperti TV layar datar dan akses internet broadband.

Yang bisa dilakukan Pulau mungil ini mudah dijelajahi dengan berjalan kaki, tapi Idyllic juga bisa mengorganisir tur sepeda dan sepeda motor. Terumbu karang di sini penuh dengan kehidupan laut (tsunami pada 2004 tak memiliki dampak di sini), tapi para penyelam jangan melewatkan kesempatan untuk menjelajah Tarutao, taman laut pertama Thailand, dengan luas 1490 km persegi. Perairan ini adalah habitat lumba-lumba, paus, dan skeitar 25 persen dari spesies ikan tropis dunia.

Kapan pergi Waktu terbaik, dan tersibuk, untuk mengunjungi Koh Lipe adalah pada bulan Desember saat suhu relatif sejuk dan musim hujan sudah berlalu. Penyelaman akan optimal dilakukan pada Maret dan April, saat air tenang dan jernih serta jumlah turis sudah menurun. Setiap hari tersedia feri yang menghubungkan Koh Lipe dengan pulau-pulau di sekitarnya dari November sampai Mei, sementara pada Mei sampai November feri tersedia seminggu sekali.

PANTAI TELUK DALAM KECIL
REDANG ISLAND, MALAYSIA

Kamar mandi dengan pemandangan ke Resort Pantai Berjaya Redang di Malaysia. Foto dari Berjaya Redang Resort.Pantai berpasir lembut yang dikelilingi hutan tropis ini terletak di ujung utara Pulau Redang, lepas pantai timur Tanjung Malaya. Berendamlah di air kristal di laguna yang terlindung ini atau berenang ke Aziz's Reef, sekitar 100 meter lepas pantai, dan Anda bisa menemukan kehidupan bawah laut yang meriah.

Tempat menginap Penginapan terbaik di pulau ini adalah vila-vila baru di bukit di Berjaya Redang Beach Resort, lengkap dengan patio pribadi dan pemandangan laguna yang sempurna.

Yang bisa dilakukan Sangat sulit untuk tidak bermalas-malasan di pantai, maka tariklah salah satu kursi malas, dan berlindunglah di bawah payung lebar. Selalu ada permainan voli dan Berjaya selalu bisa membantu penyelam dari berbagai tingkat pengalaman dengan alat penyelaman. Anda juga bisa berjalan ke hutan hujan di Pantai Teluk Dalam Besar, sama-sama indah dan lebih sering ditinggalkan orang.

Kapan pergi Kecuali antara November sampai Januari, saat angin muson menyerang, Redang biasanya selalu berlangit biru.
http://id.travel.yahoo.com/jalan-jalan/172-sepuluh-pulau-dengan-pantai-terbaik-di-asia

Tourism in Bali

2011-06-08T19:23:00.001-07:00

Nusa Lembongan Island

Nusa Lembongan is the perfect location for a holiday hideaway, with few visitors and pristine unspoilt beaches,
Nusa Lembongan (Nusa = Island) is one of three neighbouring islands of Bali, approximately 12 miles from south east Bali and 20 miles from Lombok. The other two (2) islands are Nusa Penida being the bigger and Nusa Ceningan being the smaller.
Nusa Lembongan is the most popular of the 3 islands across the Badung Strait (the others being Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida). The island is popular with surfers for the 3 breaks (Playgrounds, Shipwrecks and Lacerations), day cruise people and overnight tourists. Nusa Lembongan is only 4km long and no wider than 3km wide and takes 3-4 hours to walk around. There are motorbikes for hire in Jungkutbatu. The reefs are enjoyed also by scuba divers and the snorkeling is awesome.
Nusa Lembongan has several thousand locals, engaged in seaweed farming activities as well as serving tourist needs. Similarities to the Bukit Peninsula create a quiet environment, ideal for relaxation.

Nusa Lembongan is a pristine tropical island, its highest point is 50 meters above sea level. Lembongan has an average rainfall of approximately 1000 mm per year. Little temperature variation from 30 degrees Celsius occurs between the only two seasons this island experiences being the wet and the dry. The wet season is from December to February and the dry is from March to November. As it has only three months of rainfall, this island is dry for the remainder of the year. Little cultivation occurs, as almost 2/3 of the island is infertile. Seeding is normally done on the wet season and only corn, cassava and peanuts are farmed. Also found on the island are cashew nuts, mangoes and coconut. Fresh water is limited and most of the supply is derived from wells up to 60 meters deep.

Nusa Lembongan is located on the Wallace line. Sir Alfred Wallace, a historic naturalist who conducted extensive studies of this area, determined the Wallace line. The Wallace line is still recognised as a biological division between Asia and Australia/Pacific. Many species of bird, animal and flora indigenous to Australia are not found West of this line, as the flora and fauna on the west ‘Asian’ side are not found to the east of this line. The ocean currents that funnel their way between these islands are rich in macrobiotic life that support abundant coral and fish life in shallow waters surrounding these islands.

•Getting to Nusa Lembongan:
Public boats from Sanur beach, leaving daily at 8am and 10am (90 minute one-way, 35,000rp). Coming back the boats leave at 7.30am from Jungutbatu.

Perama does a shuttle from Sanur, leaving at 10.30am and returning at 8.30am, for 50,000rp. It is possible to charter a private boat for 300,000rp. For people staying in Kuta, Perama has an office about 50 meters before the bottom end of Jl. Legian. Pop in and ask about their latest schedules and rates.

Several luxury boat lines do day trips to Nusa Lembongan, dropping people of on the beach, giving them a bbq, snorkeling and then back to Benoa harbor. Companies such as Bali Hai have their own accommodation (Tide Huts) which can be booked in a package with the cruise.

The main cruise operators serving Nusa Lembongan are:

Bali Hai
0361)720331

Bounty
(0361)726666

Island Explorer
(0361)728088

Lembongan Island Cruise
(0361)271212

Quicksilver
(0361)729564

Sail Sensations
(0361)725864

Waka Louka
(0361)723629

Call around for the latest deals and specials.

•Accommodation on Nusa Lembongan
Budget accommodation can be found at Jungutbatu, while more luxurious accommodation is located at Mushroom Bay.

•Post & Money on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan has no post office but Perama can handle your mail as long as you have stamps. Most places rely on the 3pm-8am locally generated electricity, with high-end places having their own generators. It is advisable to bring plenty of rupiah with you. Perama and Bank Pembangunan Daerah Bali can change currency and travelers checks, though the rates are not so good.

•Medical services on Nusa Lembongan
A local doctor in Jungutbatu will charge you 300,000rp for a consultation. There is a small nurse’s clinic in Jungutbatu also which is cheaper.

•Gear rental on Nusa Lembongan
There should be no shortage of places offering snorkeling, surfing and cycling gear. Negotiate if you want a good price You might try Ketut’s Bungalows and expect to pay something like 35,000rp for a bicycle per day, 30,000-40,000rp for snorkeling gear per day and 40,000rp per hour for motorbikes.

•Snorkeling & Diving on Nusa Lembongan
World Diving located on Jungutbatu Beach at Pondok Baruna, can do PADI courses and pleasure dives. Contact the website for current prices and deals. You will also find other operators in Jungutbatu Beach. You can join a diving trip with World Diving, if you just want to snorkel, for a fee. This is a smart idea as you have the security of the boat. Other boat operators might charge 40,000rp - 60,000rp per hour. Jungutbatu Beach has good spots for snorkeling off of the beach.

•Telephone & internet access on Nusa Lembongan
There is a wartel (phone office) that also has internet located at Mainski Inn. Bunga Bungalows also has internet access. Connection speeds for Nusa Lembongan are likely to be awful, given the speeds back on the mainland for anywhere outside of Kuta / Seminyak / Ubud.

•Food & Drink on Nusa Lembongan
Most hotel / guest houses have some kind of restaurant attached. The cheaper the accommodation, the cheaper the food. Plenty of options and Jungutbatu is where you’ll find the deals.

Tanah Lot - Land in the Middle of the Sea

Tanah Lot is a famous rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of a famous pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot and a popular picture motiv for tourists.

Tanah Lotis located on the coast of West Bali, at the village of Beraban in the Tabanan Regency.
It is also called Tanah Let which means ancient land and also Tanah Lod, which means the land to the south.

Tanah Lot means "Land in the Middle of the sea" in Balinese language. The temple sits on a huge offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is said to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. The story goes that during his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

The Tanah Lot temple was then built and has been an important part of Balinese mythological history for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. It was said that each of the sea temples was to be within eyesight of the next so that they formed a chain along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. There is said to be one giant snake which also protects the temple. It is believed that this snake was created from Nirartha’s scarf when he established the island.
The temple Pura Tanah Lot, simple in its construction, is dramatic in its ocean-front location and is one of the main temples in the worship of Balinese gods.
Tanah Lot has a long history in the world of tourism.The temple itself is built on a small promontory which is only accessible at low tide.During high water the rock takes on the appearance of a large boat at sea, such is its shape.

Sunset is the best time to visit Tanah lot, when the golden red skies frame the temple and waves crash into the rocks. It is advisable to avoid the tourist crush here as it can be severe.

Accomodation
Le Meridien Nirwana Bali Golf & Spa Resort is located in Tanah Lot - Bali, within easy traveling distance from some of Bali's best known places of interest such as Ubud - a flourishing artist colony, the sacred Sangeh Monkey Forest, Mengwi Temple, Lake Brattan as well as many of Bali's most scenic forest drives.

Set within the 100-hectare, Le Meridien Nirwana Bali Golf & Spa Resort, Tanah Lot - Bali, offers the Resort guests an exhilarating feeling of spaciousness and an affinity with the natural surroundings of rice terraces, lushly landscaped gardens and pools.

The showpiece of the Le Meridien Nirwana Bali Golf & Spa Resort is the beautifully designed and luxuriously appointed 278-rooms the Resort, which opened on November 14th, 1997.

Ideal for romantic getaways, family retreats or peaceful hideaways, Le Meridien Bali Resort offer interconnectng rooms and suites as well as our luxurious one or two bedroom villas, complete with private plunge pools, outdoor showers, personal butler service and private outdoor living pavillion and Balinese garden.

To sleep, perchance to dream in the cool Balinese elegance of marble and wood which characterises the luxurious accomodation at the Le Meridien Nirwana Bali Golf & Spa Resort, will delight.

Spacious deluxe rooms and executive suites at the Le Meridien Nirwana Bali Golf & Spa Resort, offer tasteful repose with connecting en-suite bathroom, each with its own private balcony over-looking the tropical gardens and out onto the Indian Ocean.

Nyepi - a day to make and keep the balance of nature.

Westerners open the New Year in revelry, however, in contrast, the Balinese open their New Year in silence. This is called Nyepi Day, the Balinese day of Silence, which falls on the day following the dark moon of the spring equinox, and opens a new year of the Saka Hindu era which began in 78 A.D.Nyepi is a day to make and keep the balance of nature.

Balinese use many different calendar systems. They have adopted the Gregorian calendar for business and government purposes. But for the endless procession of holy days, temple anniversaries, celebrations, sacred dances, building houses, wedding ceremonies, death and cremation processes and other activities that define Balinese life, they have two calendar systems. The first is the Pawukon (from the word Wuku which means week) and Sasih (which is means month. One is Pawukon system, a 210-day cycle that divided into ten separate week system. The other one is Saka Calendar, a lunar calendar that originally from South India and brought to Indonesia around 465 AD. One Saka year has 12 month and each month ends on a new moon. The Saka Year is 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar. The calendar begins on the first day of the 10th lunar month or ends on the new moon of 9th month. It usually falls on March or April on Gregorian Calendar. To mark the New Saka Year, Balinese celebrates a Nyepi Day.

The main purpose of the Nyepi Day ceremonies is to pray to the God (Hyang Widhi Wasa), wish that HE to clean the universe (bhuwana agung) as well as the 'universe" within men (bhuwana alit). Based on the history of its birth of Saka Year, Nyepi Day also means to be a momentum to increase genuine solidarity and tolerance between people, accept the differences and similarity as natural factor of life and put them in a balance proportion so they can be in a positive side of life. We do not to fight each other because our differences.

The lead upto Nyepi day is as follows:

* Melasti or Mekiyis or Melis (three days before Nyepi)
Melasti is meant to clean the pratima or arca or pralingga (statue), with symbols that help to concentrate the mind in order to become closer to God. The ceremony is aimed to clean all nature and its content, and also to take the Amerta (the source for eternal life) from the ocean or other water resources (ie lake, river, etc). Three days before Nyepi, all the effigies of the Gods from all the village temples are taken to the river in long and colourful ceremonies. There, they have are bathed by the Neptune of the Balinese Lord, the God Baruna, before being taken back home to their shrines.
* Tawur Kesanga (the day before Nyepi)
Exactly one day before Nyepi, all villages in Bali hold a large exorcism ceremony at the main village cross road, the meeting place of demons. They usually make Ogoh-ogoh (the fantastic monsters or evil spirits or the Butha Kala made of bamboo) for carnival purposes. The Ogoh-ogoh monsters symbolize the evil spirits surrounding our environment which have to be got rid of from our lives . The carnivals themselves are held all over Bali following sunset. Bleganjur, a Balinese gamelan music accompanies the procession. Some are giants taken from classical Balinese lore. All have fangs, bulging eyes and scary hair and are illuminated by torches.The procession is usually organised by the Seka Teruna, the youth organisation of Banjar. When Ogoh-ogoh is being played by the Seka Teruna, everyone enjoys the carnival. In order to make a harmonic relation between human being and God, human and human, and human and their environments, Tawur Kesanga is performed in every level of society, from the people's house. In the evening, the Hindus celebrating Ngerupuk, start making noises and light burning torches and set fire to the Ogoh-ogoh in order to get the Bhuta Kala, evil spirits, out of our lives.
* Nyepi
On Nyepi day itself, every street is quiet - there are nobody doing their normal daily activities. There is usually Pecalangs (traditional Balinese security man) who controls and checks for street security. Pecalang wear a black uniform and a Udeng or Destar (a Balinese traditional "hat" that is usually used in ceremony). The Pecalangs main task is not only to control the security of the street but also to stop any activities that disturb Nyepi. No traffic is allowed, not only cars but also people, who have to stay in their own houses. Light is kept to a minimum or not at all, the radio or TV is turned down and, of course, no one works. Even love making, this ultimate activity of all leisure times, is not supposed to take place, nor even attempted. The whole day is simply filled with the barking of a few dogs, the shrill of insect and is a simple long quiet day in the calendar of this otherwise hectic island. On Nyepi the world expected to be clean and everything starts anew, with Man showing his symbolic control over himself and the "force" of the World, hence the mandatory religious control.

* Ngembak Geni (the day after Nyepi)
Ngembak is the day when Catur Berata Penyepian is over and Hindus societies usually visit to forgive each other and doing the Dharma Canthi. Dharma Canthi are activities of reading Sloka, Kekidung, Kekawin, etc.(ancient scripts containing songs and lyrics).

From the religious and philosophy point of view, Nyepi is meant to be a day of self introspection to decide on values, eg humanity, love, patience, kindness, etc., that should kept forever. Balinese Hindus have many kind of celebrations (some sacred days) but Nyepi is, perhaps the most important of the island's religious days and the prohibitions are taken seriously, particularly in villages outside of Bali's southern tourist belt. Hotels are exempt from Nyepi's rigorous practices but streets outside will be closed to both pedestrians and vehicles (except for airport shuttles or emergency vehicles) and village wardens (Pecalang) will be posted to keep people off the beach. So wherever you happen to be staying on Nyepi Day in Bali, this will be a good day to spend indoors. Indeed Nyepi day has made Bali a unique island.

Practical Info for visitors
To witness the Melasti procession, it is best to be around the beach either in Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Sanur and others. Ask people at your hotel which part of the beach that usually use for the Melasti near by your hotel and when they usually held the procession. If you happen already on the road and see people dress in white and yellow on a parade, just follow them. Please dress properly with sarong, sash and shirt. Should you are on the beach sunbathing with your bikini and the procession pass by you please kindly change your bikini with proper cloth or stay away for a while. It is just too much contrast, you with your bikini sunbathing, and one meter away Balinese with traditional cloth perform a serious religious ceremony.

Most likely each village will make at least one Ogoh-ogoh, the giant doll, and this particular thing will amazed you a lot. Do drive around in the morning of the day before Nyepi when the Ogoh-Ogoh will usually placed side of the road. It is a great picture time for the scary face of the Ogoh-Ogoh. The actual procession of the Ogoh-Ogoh will be held around sunset so make sure you come back with your vehicle before that if you do not want to get stuck behind the procession. It is wiser and easier to witness the procession near by your hotel by foot. In some main town like Sanur, Kuta, Denpasar, Ubud and others, there are contest for the best Ogoh-Ogoh. .

Should you be in Bali or first arrive in Bali on the juncture of Nyepi Day, you must take the subsequent orders into account:
The silence begins at 5 a.m. of March 21st and the next 24 hours.The airport will be totally closed on March 21st, so there will be neither arrival nor departure in the airport on that day. All connecting airports around the globe have been informed about it in advance. If you take surface trip, you should not plan your arrival in Bali on March 21st, there is no activity in the bus terminal and most importantly there will be no traffic on that day in the whole Bali Island.

You should stay inside your house/hotel. Do not go out of the house/hotel. Should you need food or anything to buy, do it on the previous day because on Nyepi Day all shops do not open. Since all activities throughout the island are paused during the Nyepi Day, put your plan before or ahead. Should you want to make a light or play the music, keep it minimum, no light and sounds are allowed.Don't make any noise while you are at home/hotel.

There will be local officer on duty to ensure everybody including visitors obey the prohibitions. Some exceptional are made only for hospital, emergency situation and family with very young babies. If you experience any emergency situation please report to the hotel staff or manager on duty to obtain proper permission.

Tumpek Kandang - Animal Walfare

Tumpek Kandang, also called Tumpek Andang, falls on Saturday of Uye, the 22nd week of the pawukon cycle. The name Tumpek Kandang is derived from two words, “Tumpek” that means Saturday that coincide with Kliwon (name of a day based on Pancawara*) and “Kandang” refers to Balinese word for pen, symbolizing the domesticated animals that Balinese Hindu highly honor. They include cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, dogs and birds.

Tumpek Kandang is dedicated to Sang Hyang Rare Angon, the god of all cattle and livestock. On this day Balinese show their appreciation and thankfulness to all domesticated animals that help them in everyday life.

On this holiday day, domesticated animals in Bali receive a great attention; the cows are washed in the river and dressed-up like human beings, with special cone-shaped spiral of coconut leaf placed on their horns. The pigs are decorated, with their bellies wrapped with a white or yellow cloth. The domesticated animals are fed with the best food.

A special offering is made for Sang Hyang Rare Angon, the god of all cattle and livestock, prayer is offered to the God for the welfare of the domesticated these animals. Holy water and rice are sprinkled to the head of these animals at the end of the ceremony.

This ritual certainly not an animal worship ritual, The Balinese consider the animal as a friend of life and fellow brother created by God as a living creature. Human life is much assisted by animals, especially in satisfying the needs of food, the labor force, religious ceremony and economy. For the sake of preservation and prosperity of such animals, the Balinese plead for God as the Greatest Source.

Tumpek Kandang has more meaning on the showing of evidence that Balinese is a community that is aware of animal welfare. This means, there is an awareness of owing “merits” to the animals, since such creatures are the preserver of the equilibrium of the ecosystem. Without animals on earth, the life cycle does not work, and even interrupts.
Tumpek Kandang, sometimes called Tumpek Andang, falls five weeks later on Saturday of Uye, the 22d week of the Pawukon cycle. The name comes from kandang, the Balinese word for the household animal pen, because this is the day to honour domestic animals, especially cows and pigs, which are highly valued by the Balinese.
The cows are washed, kambens are thrown over their backs and special cone-shaped spirals of coconut leaf are placed on their horns. The pigs are usually just decorated by wrapping a white cloth about their bellies. The animals are given special foods, prayers are offered, and they are sprinkled with rice and holy water.

Bangli Regency and It's Tourism Object

Bangli Regency is located precisely in the central part of Bali province, is one of the eight regencies in Bali that has no coastal areas. Its neighbouring regions are the Regional Government of Buleleng in the North, Klukung and Karangasem in the East, Gianyar and Klukung in the South, whereas Badung and Gianyar in the West.
In this northen part located Kintamani a renowm tourism resort all over the world with Mount and lake Batur. In the southern part of this regions stretches a broad plain which laying about 100 meters above sea level most of them are rice fields.
Bangli Regency has land areas of 520,81 square kilometers, administratively consisted of 187 community group (banjar), 69 administrative / traditional villages and 4 districts namely : Bangli, Susut, Tembuku and Kintamani.
Bangli Has tropical climate so that it has two different seasons namely wet season last from Oktober till April and dry season from April to Oktober. The temperatures is 28oC. rainfall average between 1500mm3 up to 3000mm3 and the thickest can be seen in the western part of this region. The average humidity is 79%. From December to February the wind blows from west to east while from June to August it blows from east to southeast.
The population mainly life is on agriculture with rice as a staple food. The other crops are sosonut, bean, cassava, coffe, tropical fruit such as oranges, mangos, salak, durian, bananas and many others. Almost 95% of the population are Hindu, is to reach peace and harmony of life guided by the Wedas as Holy Scraptures.

ACCESS TO BANGLI

There are four ways to get to Bangli :

I.From West Side (from Badung Regency)
There are also two ways to get there from this route.
-Firstly, trough Denpasar – Kintamani, passing Batubulan station, Celuk, Sukawati, Ubud, goa Gajah, Tampak Siring and Kayuambua is the first village we come to Bangli Regency.
-Secondly. Trough Denpasar – Bangli route, passing batubulan, Sukawati, gianyar, Guliang, Taman Bali and arrive in town of Bangli. Many public transportation ply trough this route, start from Batubulan station (Gianyar Regency) and take about 1 hour drive.

II.From Nothern Side (From Buleleng Regency).
There are many public transport ply this route, start from Kampung Tinggi Bus Station Singaraja through Kintamani.

III.From Eastern Side (from Karangasem Regency).
There are also two ways to get to Bangli Regency
-Firstly, from Besakih to Menanga village and arrive at Suter Village. In the northern side of this villageone can enjoy beautiful view of Mount and Lake Batur.
-Secondly, from Besakih trough Rendang Village and arrived at Bangbang village. Place of interest worth visiting here are a cape and Puser Jagat Temple with 15th century statues.

IV.From Southern Side (from Gianyar and Klungkung Regency).
Passing Sidan village and arrive at bunutin, the first village we come to Bangli Regency. Public transports are very easy to get and they ply from early in the morning till evening.

There is however,alternative route how to get to Bangli that is from Bitra Village to the north we will arrive at Kayuambua and trought a head to the north we will arrive at Kintamani, at Kayuambua take the southern road that lead to Bangli.

Interesting Places

Batur Temple

Batur temple or commonly called Ulun Danu Temple is situated at 900 meters above sea level of Kalanganyar, Batur village, Kintamani District on the eastern side of the main road leading to Denpasar or Singaraja Via Bangli.

The temple faced west ward where mount Batur and remains of its solidified black laves serve as backdrop and lake Batur stretches far down the slope, enchased the beauty to nature around the temple.

Formerly, before it is in its present location Batur temple is located on the south western slope of mount Batur.

Since the devastating eruption in 1917 which destroyed everything, including the temple its self, then initiated by the head of the village along with other prominent figures, they brought the surviving shrines with them and rebuilt Batur temple to the higher place at Kalanganyar on its present location.

The ceremony in this temple is held annually commonly called Ngusaba ke Dasa

In 1927,the people of Batur began rebuilding Pura Ulun Danu, the temple which once lay at the foot of the volcano. It was an ambitious project. The majority of the 285 planned shrines are yet to be completed. At present, the temple is finely and simply designed. Two august gateways, severe in contrast to the elaborate split gates of South Bali, open onto spacious courtyards laid with black gravel.

Rows of meru towers silhouette against the sky in full view of the smoking volcano. The bale gedong, a storehouse of precious relics, contains a bell of solid gold. As the story goes, the bell was presented to the treasury of the temple by a king of Singaraja in atonement for his having insulted the deities. The ritual in this temple is closely linked with the veneration of Lake Batur and supplication for the blessing of irrigation water. The mountain, lakes help regulate the flow of water to he fields find villages through the many natural springs lower down the slopes.

Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple is one of ancients temples in Bali where were housed three old bronze-made manuscripts. This temple is worshipped by the people around of the village. The ceremony takes place on 'Buda Kliwon Shinta' where Ngusaba ceremony is held one in a three years period, which is fall on 'Purnama Kelima' around November This place can be reached by any mode of transports through a well keptashalted road, or a short walk from Sasana Budaya Giri Kusuma Cultural Hall. The word "Kehen is drived from 'Keren"meaning flame. Formerly, it was known as "Hyang Api' Kehen Temple is located on the southern slope of Bangli Hill about 2 kms from the town. It is really an historical temple worth visiting with a long plight of steps pointing down to the south.

Penglipuran Traditional Village
This village can be reached through roads connect¬ing district of Bangli with Kintamani. From Bangli townto the north up to Kubu Village about 5 kilometers, then have a left turn, one will arrive at Penglipuran and will be received with warm welcome by the villagers. The air is fresh because it is located at 700 meters abo ve sea level. From hrstorical point of view, according to the village elders, the words Penglipuran' is drived from the words 'Pengeling Pura'means a holy place for remembering their ancestors. It is reasonable since their ancestors came from Bayung Gede village, still In Kintamani district. Since from Bayung Gede to Penglipuran is quite along distance there fore the people of Penglipuran, established the same temple as the temple In Bayung Gede. We can drow conclusion from this matter that the people of Penglipuran is still remembering their origin. Another opinion stated that Penglipuran'is derived from the word Penglipuran'means 'relaxation'since on the royal period this place was a good spot for resting place.This village has cultural potency which is up to the present time still well preserved in the from of tradi¬tional Balinese buildings; which differentiate this village from others.The population is 743 person, most of them are farmers and just few as civil servants. Dances and handi¬crafts are well developed in this remote village.

Penglipuran Heroes Monument

This monument is located in the Southern part of Penglipuran Village, on an area of 1,5 hectare in Ba¬linese style equipped with Curayudha Building, a court¬yard for a certain activities, and parking area. It was built in 1959 in memory ofRevolution struggle in the Regency of Bali, commanded by Captain Anak Agung Anom Muditha with his 18 troops. The monument was built for remembering Captain Anak Agung Anom Muditha and his troops who are dead in facing NICA (Dutch troops) out during the revolution era.

Penelokan Tourist Resort
Penelokan (look- out point) is situated on the southern part of Batur Tengah village, Kintamani Dis¬trict about 23 kms from the Bangli town or 63 km from Denpasar, capital city of Bali province.The entire Batur area, with its spectacular scenery, belongs to the district of Kintamani in northern Bangli, The Pene%kan ( Look-Out Point ) offers views of Mt. Batur and Lake Batur, highlighting most tourist's visit to Bali. A t about 900 meters abo ve sea level, this vista point is cool and refreshing throughout the year with tem¬peratures a veraging 2-2'C at mid-day and 16'C at night. Pene%kan is just 27 kilometers from Denpasar is well maintained asphalted roads. Many visitors, both Domestic or Foreign, drop over to this resort, breathe the cool and refreshing moun¬tainous air and all at once to enjoy the breath-taking beauty of panoramic view with its solidified black lavas serve as a deaf witness to the 1917 eruption which dev¬astating entire villages sorrounding it. Meanwhile for those who like 'adventuring' could go for hiking up to the peak. The beauty of this caldera or crater really beggars description. Inspite of its beautiful panoramic view, we can also take a look the beauty of lake Batur with its crystal - clear water and mountainous areas serve as the unique graveyard and the Barong Brutuk of Trunyan village - which can't be found anywhere else in Bali.

Kedisan Village

Kedisan village is located on the southem bank of Mount Batur, 7 kms from Penelokan and belongs to Kintamani district or 27 kms on the northern regency of Bangli. An idyllic little village, cool and refreshing air and hospitable people along with other villages such as Batur Buahan, Trunyan, and Songan village is called Bintang Danu village because of their location on the banks of Mount Batur. It has its own dockyard where one can hire a boat to visit the unique village of Trunyan. The cost of around trip-tickets and its schedules have been set by the LLASDP.

Terunyan Villages
The name of Terunyan is derived from the word “Taru” and “Menyan”; the smell of a fragnant tree of incense which grows in that village. The village consider that the tree is very important because the corpses of the dead person are just laid down on the open grave under the tree and left the face open; where as their bodies are simply covered by white clothes and by “ancak saji”. This method of burying corpses is called “Mepasah”.
The village of Terunyan lays on the banl of lake Batur or on the west foot of Abang hill of Kintamani District. It is a village inhabited by the 'Origines' of Bali Aga with its unique cultural aspects. This village is attainable only by boat from Kedisan village, crossing along lake Batur in 30 minutes.

Pengotan Traditional Village

Pengotan Village is another unique village besides the traditional village of Penglipuran. It offers plenty uniqueness, which are different to those owned by Penglipuran. The people have a different socio-life. Their houses are arranged in unique patterns and made of bamboos.
Traditional arts also evolve well here, with arts like BarisJangkang, SarisJojor, Barls Perasi, Bans Perancak, Barls Blongsong, Barls Bajra, Barls Juntal, and Barls Dapdap Dance. The dances are often performed at the village temples. The so-called Perang Papah Is a unique tradition where performers hit each other using the stems of banana leaves . It is performed at Pedunungan Temple on Balinese calendar of Purnama Sasih Kenem (around December).
Mass marriage is another uniqueness owned by the village. In this ritual, many couples are doing their wedding rituals together, which are held at their Penataran Agung Temple. These event is conducted a Sasih Kadasa (around April-October).
The other different tradition worth knowing is the burial ritual. The corpse is carried by two people to the cemetery, running. Arriving at the place, the corpse's cover is unveiled, making It naked. Then It Is rolled down into the hole for burying that has been prepared. Afterward, itis covered, face up-down-ward, overlooking northwestward.

Pancering Jagat Temple
The Temple of Pancering lagat is located at Trunyan village, Kintamani District. The name of the temple is derived from the megalithic statue with 4 meters high, locally known as Arca da Tonta or Ratu Gede Pusering jagat among the common people. The ceremony in this temple takes place on purnamaning sasih kapat around October. On the same occasion the Barong Brutuk dance is performed for commemorating the legendary wedding anniversary between Ratu Sakti Pancering Jagat; the patron guardian of the village and Ratu Ayu Dalem Pingit (Ratu Ayu Dalem Dasar ). This temple is worshipped only by the people of Trunyan.

Eco Tourism Bukit Bangli

Eco Tourism Bukit Bangli is located about 1 Kms from central of Bangli City. It can be reach through the street which connect the Bangli city and Kintamani Tourism object.
This object is developing tourism object because of it beauty, various kinds of flora and fauna from the top of the hill we can enjoy the beautiful, scenery of Bangli City and surrounding.
The place is also good for meditation, tracking and clambing activities the northen side is supported by the Hindu education centre that support the Eco Tourism Bukit Bangli.
Pucak Penulisan Temple

Pucak Penulisan Temple is situated at 1745 meters above sea level about 3 kms from Kintamani, or 30 kms from the capital town of Bangli regency, on the east side of the road leading to Denpasar or Singaraja. Based on the old-Balinese manuscripts, it was told that Bukit Penulisan is also called Bukit Tunggal since its location is separated from the chain of mountains, stretching along from west to east, dividing Bali island into 2 parts, the northern and southern Bali. Around IX century on the peak of this Bukit Penulisan, the temple of Tegeh Koripan was constructed which is commonly called Pura Pucak Penulisan because it is located at the peak of Penulisan Hill. The temple of Puncak Penulisan, beside its location on a hill, composed of several terraces, even up to 11 terraces. These terraces reveal the continuation of the pyramidal from of cultural aspects of the megalithic age. Its is also a complexes respectively called Pura Danu and Pura Taman Danu, located on the third called Pura Ratu Penyarikan, located on the 4th terrace also on the west part of the temple. The 4th complex, Pura Ratu Daha Tua, is located at the west side on the 1611 terrace. The last or the fifth complex is Pura Panarajon situated on the eastside of the peak. This complex is the highest one compared to the four former complexes. Inside of this temple complex, visitors can find stone made statues and are believed to be derived from olden Balinese period as the remains of the megalithic culture.
Bamboo Forest ( Hutan Bambu )

The forest is situated at Kubu V1llage, about 5 Kms from the town and 700 Meters above sea level, just a short walk from Penglipuran Village to the North. A cool and fresh air, also the unique sound of the bamboo whenever they touching each other.

Jatiluwih - See beautiful rice terrace unfolding from the foot of mountain until the coastal side.

Jatiluwih was recently listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its preservation of traditional Balinese farming techniques.

Jatiluwih is one of places to visit in Bali with the beautiful view as according to its name from Jati and luwih, where Jati mean really and Luwih meaning especial, good, and beautiful or the equivalent.

Jatiluwih is surrounded by cool atmosphere because it is located in the height of 700 meters above sea level. Besides its nature potency, Jatiluwih is also saving the cultural potency, especially history of the Petali Temple existence that is related to the power of Ida Dalem Waturenggong King in Keraton Gelgel (1460 - 1552). The distance from Denpasar to Jatiluwih is about 48 km and it is situated in upstate of Tabanan town (28 Km).

Jatiluwih is a favorite tourist destination in Bali famous with the beautiful rice terrace unfolding from the foot of mountain until the coastal side.

The local paddies are planted in this place look typically of the high relative size plant if it is compared with other pre-eminent paddy planted by most farmers in Bali . Despitefully, Jatiluwih also famous with its organic agriculture system due to the location is located in the in the plateau of Watukaru Mount which is suitable for the agriculture development.

The road to this place has been progressively improved so that motor vehicle can enter from east side through Pacung Village and go to Jatiluwih and also from the west side from Watukaru Temple pass to Jatiluwih. Jatiluwih is many visited by tourist from local and foreign countries who want to enjoy the cold atmosphere and beautiful panorama of rice terrace. Jatiluwih as a nature tourist destination in Bali which has been recognized since Dutch colonial build the Security Headquarter and until now the local residents conceives with the Dutch Tangs. Indonesian government has assigned the Jatiluwih to be a Tourist Destination Village because of this potency.
Other Unique

Jatiluwih also keep the unique religious ceremony attraction which is famous know as Patirtaan in Petali Temple on Wednesday Kliwon Ugu (Based on Balinese Calendar). The local residents believe that Petali Temple is a worship center of The Hyang Widhi Wasa (the God) as agriculture power. Beside of Petali Temple , there is also Pucak Rsi Temple is located in this area. As a tourist object, Jatiluwih provides the public facilities like parking area, toilet, resting bale and Wantilan for tourist who is enjoying the beautiful panorama. Some restaurants have been built to serve the food and beverage. Watukaru Tour is an exciting tour to visit Watukaru Temple and other tourist destinations like Jatiluwih.

From an elevated vantage point the natural beauty of this area appears to have been created by a higher force. It is as if the shade of emerald green from a painter’s palate has been generously spread over the land. Towards the south there are slight tinges of Blue Ocean, while the opposite direction reveals clear outlines of the Agung and Batukaru Mountains in a majestic stance of silent wisdom. The prevailing ambience is one of peace with cool pockets of air bringing a refreshing change from the oppressive tropical heat of Bali’s south.

The glorious ridges of Jatiluwih have always been an artists’ dream; a place to reflect the gift of nature bestowed by the Gods and where one can create in solitude Bali’s most famous expatriate artist was Walter Spies who lived in Ubud during the 1930’s and he would often visit the picturesque fields of Jatiluwih. Later in his studio he would record his impressions of these exotic views with magical brush strokes upon canvas. Mexican artist Miguel Covarrubias in his book entitled ‘Island of Bali’ also narrated the precious beauty of the Balinese landscape as the first classical introduction to the island and its culture. These splendid writings perhaps precipitated the gradual flow of visiting artists in the ensuing years that came seeking inspiration.

The agricultural community in Jatiluwih has more or less remained untouched by the impact of tourism. Instead many villagers seem to maintain a simplistic lifestyle that concentrates on the continual cycle of harvesting their crops and their strong faith in the Hindu religion. There are frequent ceremonial rituals prepared by each family of farmers to express their gratitude to the Gods for the provision of earth, water and all of nature’s components that allow mankind to exist.

The process of growing and harvesting rice is just one fragment of the unique Balinese culture that is guarded by the Goddess Dewi Sri. It is a culture that signifies a customary way of life where rice and all of its stages of process is a powerful driving force behind all form of activity within the community. Food, medicine, art, hope and the ideologies that exist within the village are all directly related to the rice field. The Goddess Dewi Sri symbolizes fertility and prosperity as well as the cycle of human life. The practice of planting rice, maintaining the crop and harvesting is a definite parallel to the full circle of life from birth until death. In Bali there is a real relationship between man and the environment, which follows the Hindu philosophy of maintaining a harmonious balance between all living things to appease the Gods as well as unseen entities.

A day trip is highly recommended as it enables visitors to observe the realities of rural Bali. The opportunity to wander through the fields and watch the birds as they attempt to pilfer rice grains from immature stalks is an enriching experience. Another interesting aspect is the organized irrigation system where farmers share water in a tradition that dates back centuries and has united generations of farmers in their common need for this highly valued resource.

West Bali National Park - Where to Stay & What to Do

The area of Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) situated at the Edge of north Bali Island is the stretch of green ground along the 150 km road that link Gilimanuk and Denpasar or Gilimanuk and Singaraja. It is located between district of Gerokgak in Buleleng regency and district of Melaya in Jembrana regency. It is reachable from Gilimanuk as the main entrance to West Bali, and from Denpasar. This 77,000-hectare park was established in 1941.

With almost 200,000 acres of arid forests and mangrove swamps, Bali Barat (West Bali) National Park is a valuable natural treasure. The park is home to several very rare species; foremost is the Bali starling, the island's mascot. Also known as Rothschild's mynah, this soft, white bird has a blue band around its eyes; the world's last 50 or so of these winged creatures are here, and an on-site breeding program is trying to save the species. Less rare but still of interest are several species of deer including the mouse deer and the barking deer and several types of monkeys, leopards, and civets.

Lush forests still grow on Bali's southern and western slopes. West Bali National Park (covers 50,000 hectare on the western tip of the island. It also includes another 7,000 hectares of coral reef and coastal water. Considering in the small size of the island as a whole, the National Park is a major commitment towards attempting to preserve the wildlife found on Bali. The forest in this area has been determined as " Nature Park" - later on known as Taman Perlindungan Alam Bali - based on the decision of " Raja-Raja di Bali" (Kings in Bali) dated 13th August 1917 noE-1/4/5. This regulation is intended to preserve the flora and fauna in this area.
The region is watered by clear streams and traversed by footpaths, which offer often steep but relatively easy walking. Explore the forested hills, scrub acacia near the coast, and the unspoiled reefs and dense mangrove swamps along Teluk Terima and the bays to the East.

The diverse fauna exist here, including Jalak Putih Bali/Bali starling (Leuoeopsarrhotschildi) and Bull (Bos javanicus), Antelop (Muntiacus Muntjak), deer (Cervus timorensis), monkey (Presbytis cristata, Macaca sp.), Scaly anteater ( Manis javanica), boar (Sus scrofa), hedgehog (Hystrix javanica), Sturnus melanotenus, Sturnus contra, Acridotenis fuscus, Picoides mucet, Orialus chinensis, Haliastur sp., Galus sp.
Since Bali is such a densely populated, intensively cultivated island, very little wild forest is left. Such primary monsoon forests as remain (about 50,000 hectares) are found along the watershed at the western end of island, on the slopes of the mountains Sangiang, Merbuk, Musi, and Patas, an area not nearly as rugged as the higher mountains of eastern Bali.
More like a forest than a jungle, the park offers exceptional walking and first class panoramas. The types of the land are forest, savannah, mangrove, coast, beach, and conservation forest. The plantation that formed the pure forest are sawo kecik (Manilkara kooki) and palm (Borrassus flellifer).

Where to Stay:

A Lakeside Hideaway at Taman Wana Villas

A Deluxe Hut at Waka Shorea Jungle Resort
This hotel is on the west side of the Singaraja. Begin your adventure by boat to this hotel (about 10 minutes from the civic area). Being part of the Bali Barat National Park, you may spot several monkeys and deers along the way to its main area. Here, rooms and villa with all its natural setting and atmosphere are at your disposa

What to Do :

Diving, Snorkelling, Boat Trips, Tours, Trekking, Hiking, Painting, Dancing, Cooking Classes.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
Help the turtles at Kurma Asih Conservation Site

Tips :

Bali Barat National Park has some interesting points to it, including a short circular hiking route, which starts at the Ranger Station. Along the north edge of the park, close to the coast, one will find fertile grasslands. There is a fishery research project going on at Pantai Gondol.

The wild Samabar deer roam free, in on the NE slops of the park. Balinese Sapi (local cattle) are descended the wild benteng, that live on the SE slopes of the park. Benteng are rare but you might be luck. A hundred years ago Bali and Java had tigers, wouldn’t that be a treat! The mountains sitting on an East-West axis, split the park in 2, with the wetter scenery on the southern side, the dry grassland on the northern, which is dotted with acacia, palms and shrubs.

In the far NW of the park lies Menjangan Island, a favourite with divers. Bali’s only remaining native bird, the Bali Starling is still alive in the national park. Close to the Ranger Station is a breeding facility for the Bali Starlings.

The deal with access to the park is you need a permit, obtainable at the park HQ, for overnight travel, or extensive trekking. The only hiking trails are near the park HQ, but intrepid souls might fancy heading off into the wilderness.

If you need a permit you have 3 choices:
1. Indonesia Forestry Service (PHPA) office, Jl. Suwung 40, BOX 329, Denpasar.
2. Park HQ,
Jl. Raya Gilimanuk, Cekik
(0365) 61060
8am- 2pm Mon-Thurs, 8-11am Fri, 8am-noon Sat.
3. Ranger Station
Labuhan Lalang
8am-6pm daily.

Balinese Dances - Know It, Before you Watch it ...

In many cultures dance and drama are important to pass on customs and mores from one generation to the next. Such is true in Bali where dance & drama has historically been used to pass down cultural values through the tales of Ramayana, Mahabarata and other epic stories from Balinese history. It is interesting to note that the Balinese never tire of watching these dances even though they may have seen them umpteen times before and know each movement by heart.

History Of Balinese Dances

After the Majapahit warriors subdued Ball in the 14th century, Javanese mini principalities and courts soon appeared everywhere, creating that unique blend occur and peasant culture, which is Bali highly sophisticated, dynamic and lively. The accompanying narrative for dance and drama is to a large extent based on court stories from pre-Majapahit Java. Even the Indian epics, another favorite of the stage, especially the wayang, use Javanese, complete with long quotes from the ancient Javanese Kakawin poetry. So Javanese culture, which disappeared from Java following Islamization in the 16th century still survived in Bali in a Balinese for which became classical ~Balinese culture. However, colonization brought about the fall of classical Bali. With the rural courts defeated and with new lords of the land, the centre of creativity shifted to village associations, and to the development of tourism. The 30's and 50's were particularly fertile decades; while the old narrative-led theater survived, lively solo dances appeared everywhere, accompanied by a new, dynamic kind of music called gong kebyar. This trend continued in the 60's and 70's with the creation of colossal sendratari ballets, representing ancient Indian and Javanese stories adapted to the needs of modern audiences.

Movement and Dance

The typical posture in Balinese dance has the legs half bent, the torso shifted to one side with the elbow heightened and then lowered in a gesture that displays the suppleness of the hands and fingers. The torso is shifted in symmetry with the arms. If the arms are to the right, the shifting is to the left, and vice versa. Apart from their costumes, male and female roles can be identified mostly by the accentuation of these The women's movements. Legs are bent and huddled together, the feet open, so as al a sensual arching of to reve the back. The men's legs are arched and their shoulder pulled up, with more marked gestures, giving the impression of power. Dance movements follow on from each other in a continuum of gestures with 110 break and no jumping (except for a few demonic or ,animal characters). Each basic posture (agem), such as the opening of the curtain or the holding of the cloth, evolves into another agem through a succession,, of secondary gestures or tandang. The progression from one series to the other, and the change from right to left and vice-versa, is marked by a short jerky emphasis called the angsel. The expression is completed by mimicry of the face: the tangkep. Even the eyes dance, as can be seen in the baris and trunajaya dances.

The Gamelan

Balinese music is based around an instrument known as the gamelan. The gamelan is such a central part of Balinese music that the whole 'orchestra' is also referred to as a gamelan. Gamelan music is almost completely percussion. Though it sounds strange at first with its noisy, jangly percussion it's exciting and enjoyable.

Kecak

Probably the best known of the many Balinese dances, the Kecak is also unusual in that it does not have a gamelan accompaniment. Instead the background is provided by a chanting 'choir' of men who provide the 'chak-a-chak-a-chak' noise. Tourists especially enjoy the performance staged by the Kechak dancers. This dance is also deeply rooted in local tradi- tion and Indian mythology and is inspired by Ramayana, an epic poem written in Sanskrit. The dance brings to life the tale of King Rama, his wife Dewi Sita and his brother Laksamana who were exiled to the forest for 14 years following some complex scheming in a struggle for power. In the forest, they are persecuted by Rahwana, the ogre king who then abducts Dewi Sita and makes her a prisoner of his palace on the Island of Lanka (Ceylon) . Rama strikes an alliance with the monkey people whose army de- feats Rahwana’s troups, making it possible for King Rama to rescue his wife. In each Kechak performance, a hundred or so dancers play the monkey army while a few female dancers are assigned specific roles (Dewi Sita, Trijata). The performance generally lasts one hour and takes place in the evening, preferably around 7 PM.

Barong & Rangda

It's the most popular dance for tourists. A straightforward battle between good, the barong, and bad, the rangda. The barong is a strange creature, half shaggy dog, half lion, propelled by two men like a circus clown-horse. The widow-witch rangda is bad though and certainly not the sort of thing you'd like to meet on a midnight stroll through the rice paddies. The Barong dance is truly a triumphant display of bright colors and graceful movements. Greatly appreciated by the tourists, special performances are staged for their benefit, generally in the morning, and last one hour. The villages of Batubulan as well as Tegaltamu and Singapadu, small towns located 30 minutes from the capital, are known for putting on the best performances. There is, however, more to the Barong dance than the folkloristic dimension, It is, in fact, an integral part of the island's culture and has an evident sacred connotation. It isn't rare, in fact, to see the Balinese dancing the Barong during their religious ceremonies, regardless of the presence of tourists. Inspired by an episode taken from Mahabharata, an epic poem written in Sanskrit. the dance evolves around the character of the Barong, the king of the jungle. A mythical animal, not clearly identified (perhaps a lion), he is the symbol of virtue and good, subject to the continuous struggle against the evil forces that threaten life and the integrity of the forest, this being an element very dear to the Balinese population. In detail, the Barong embodies everything that can be beneficial to man, and help him defeat illness. black magic and any other kind of misfortune. The evil entity against which he must relentlessly fight is personified by Rangda, queen of death and devourer of children. She is characterized by a dark and gloomy mask from which a red tongue of fire hangs. The entire dance is centered around the struggle between these two rival characters. The Barong is interpreted by two dancers whose rhythmic movements bring to life the beautiful and elaborate cos tume they wear. a large animal head skillfully carved out of wood, brightly colored in red, white, black and gold. It is adorned with a crown extending outwards from the sides of the head, and by a prominent necklace which hangs from the neck, The final touch of the costume is a tail made out of bison leather which is elaborately finished and guilded. The first character to appear on the stage is the Barong with his swaying gait: his dance is meant to express the joy of living. He is followed by a group of armed supporters who stand ready to defend him.

When Rangda strikes her terrible blows. It isn't at all rare for the dancers playing the Barong's followers to become so engrossed in the sacredness of the per- formance that they go into a real trance. A cloud of characters surround the Barong on stage. Rangda, goddess of death, personification of evil, the young girl servant Kalika; Dewi Kunti, queen of the kingdom of Hastina and her stepson Sadewa who will be sacrificed in order to placate the anger of Rangda, the minister Dewi Kunti; Patih who ex- presses sorrow for the fate of Sadewa (Rangda will have to enter his soul in order to make him accept the sacrifice), and then the monkey supporters of the Barong, producers of palm tree wine (nira). A very important element in the entire dance is the large orchestra, known as gamelan, which is essential to underscore the ritual nature of the performance. Many are the instruments that make up the orchestra: some metal xylophones which stand out not only because they are so numerous but because of their power ful and imperious sound; there are also drums as well as flutes, the rebab (a type of violin) and the gender (typical xylophones). All together, these instruments are essential in guiding the dance and underscoring the rhythm of well coordinated movements. These along with the joyful colors are the most alluring elements of this remarkable perfor mance. At the end of the dance, the masks of the Barong and of Rangda, as proof of their sacred nature, are stowed in a special room inside the temple. They are covered very carefully, especially Rangda's mask, because its deadly powers are greatly feared. It's a way of saying that the ritual victory of the Barong, that is of good, which marks the end of the dance, is only temporary: tomorrow the eternal and unresolved conflict could begin again.

The end of the Barong dance is like an entirely separate performance. Also known as the Kris dance, it is named after the famous Malese dagger. The idea is based on the philosophical concept rwa bhineda. good and bad, evil and goodness which have always been present and have always existed together albeit in a constant and inevitably unre solved conflict. Nothing will change in the future. While man is left free to try to develop his positive attitudes and let them win over the negative ones, he must nonetheless resign himself to the fact that the presence of both good and evil is a law of nature and as such must be accepted. When the dance is performed, Rangda is the evil spirit which enters the bodies of his victims, usually followers of the Barong, and pushes them to the edge of suicide. The dancers attempt to stab themselves in the chest with their krises until they are finally stopped by the beneficial appearance of the Barong. It is he who will save these unfortunate beings by revealing that the notion of good and evil will always be inevitably present in the world and in everyone's life and that they must therefore accept it.

Kris Dance
In the Barong play, Bali's mythical guardian, Barong, battles Rangda, the demon - Queen. barong's supporters are a group of Balinese men with the natural ability to enter a trance state. They are armed with a kris ( traditional sword). Rangda insults Barong and taunts the men- enraged and in a trance they attack her! But her powers are so strong that they are knocked out. When they come to they are so distressed by their failure, that they try to impale themselves on their kris. But their trance state amazingly protects them from injury.

Legong

It's the most graceful of Balinese dances. A legong dancer is known as a young girl, often as young as eight or nine years, rarely older than her early teens. There are various forms of the Legong but the Legong Kraton is the one most often performed.

Baris

The warrior dance, known as the Baris, is traditionally a male equivalent of the Legong femininity and grace give way to energetic and warlike martial spirit.

Ramayana Ballet

Basically, it tells the same story of Rama and Sita as told in the Kechak but without the monkey ensemble and with a normal gamelan gong accompaniment.

Kebyar

It's a male solo dance like the Baris but with greater emphasis on the performer's individual abilities. There are various forms of Kebyar including the Kebyar Duduk and Kebyar Trompong.

Barong Landung

The giant puppet dance take place annually on the island of Pulau Serangan and a few other places in southern Bali.

Janger

The Janger is a relatively new dance which suddenly popped up in the '20s and '30s. Today it has become part of the standard repertoire and no longer looks so unusual.

Topeng
A mask dance where the dancers have to imitate the character represented by mask. A full collection of Topeng masks may number 30 or 40. Closely liriked to religious ceremonies and processions, and danced as a ritual interval, the Topeng dance ultimately takes on a sacred connotation. As a matter of fact, foreigners are allowed to see the dance only if they behave appropriately and respectfully. Actually, some performances are staged only for the benefit of the tourists, but do not enjoy the same following of the Barong and Kechak dances. Peculiar components of the Topeng dance are the masks used to hide the faces of the dancers. Specific attributes are used, instead, to identify the characters (a mustache and thick eyebrows for the elder, arrogance and defiance for Patih, and so on). The rhythm of movements (perfectly in accordance to the age and role of the character) is underscored by a large orchestra, the garnelan, which is essential for the success of the performance.

Jauk

Also a mask dance but strictly a solo performance.

Pendet

It's an everyday dance of the temples, a small procedure to go through before making temple offerings.

Sanghyang (Fire Dance)
The Sanghyang trance dance originally developed to drive out evil spirits from a village. The Sanghyang Dedari dance is performed by two young girls who dance a dream-like version of the Legong but with their eyes closed. The Sanghyang Jaran, a boy dances around and through a fire, riding a coconut palm hobby-horse. In both dances, a priest is always on hand to help bring the dancers out of their trancestate at the end of the performance.

Subak Museum - Miniature of Subak

What is SUBAK ?

The general Balinese philosophy guiding the subak system adheres to the principle of Tri Hita Karana which emphasises that happiness can only be reached if the Creator (God), the people (the farmers) and nature (the rice fields) live in harmony with each other. Based on this philosophy are the ceremonies which are a substantial part of the rice cultivation cycle. The ceremonies are carried out at the various temples which are associated with the subak.

They are organised hierarchically as follow: the simple shrine (chatu) at the individual water inlet, Bedugul temple at the dam or tunnel intersection, Ulun Suwi / Ulun Carik temple at each subak area, penyungsungan subak temple ’sanctuaries which were originally desa temples that one or more subaks helped to worship, after which in the course of time, all the expenses connected with the temple services and offering ceremonials have, gradually fallen to the subak or subaks and Ulun Danu temple, the Baliwide inter-subak temple at the crater lake Batur, the most sacred lake in Bali. For all the temples and other places of worship there are certain times when religious ceremonies are held, either periodically or as occasion demands.
The periodical ceremonies are divided into ngerainin and ngebekin or ngusaba. Ngerainin consists of making a flower offering in the puras ulun charik and penyungsungan subak; it takes place on certain favorable days (rerainan) such as full moon, new moon, Wednesday-Kliwon, Anggara Kasih (Tuesday-Kliwon), and the like, and is performed by the pemangku without the members of the subak being present. No ngerainin takes place at the chatus, which, since they are not puras, do not have pemangkus.

The harvest festival is celebrated in the last stage of the ripening of the rice, in alternate years as ngebekin and ngusaba. New moon is considered a favorable time for ngebekin, while ngusaba takes place at full moon. The former ceremony has the character of an offering to the demons; the latter, primarily a festival of thanksgiving to the deity, is more elaborate than ngebekin and is often accompanied by the Placing of festive Poles of bamboo (penjor) each kesit (field).
The ceremonies are not just performed based on the calendar but also carried out regularly following the stages of rice growth and the sequences of rice farming activities (which are quite similar with the rite of passage) starting from land preparation which is presided by “water opening ceremony”; seeding; transplanting; blooming of rice plant; milking; harvesting until the harvest being stocked at granary. The rituals may be performed individually by each farmer at his own altar as well as in a joint cooperation with other members of the same subak or even different subaks at relevant temples according to the kind of ceremony to be performed.

The Tri Hita Karana philosophy is also the basis for the clearly defined rules of a subak, called awig-awig. This set of laws regulates rights and duties among the members. It includes public obligations, regulations concerning land and water use, legal transactions of land transfers, and collective religious ceremonies. For instance, all members have the right to the same share of water at all times. This principle of equitable water sharing is put into action by fixed proportional flow division structures.
Subak internal matters are handled by the pekaseh, the subak head who is democratically elected by all members of the subak. He is responsible to overlook the irrigation management within the subak area, to schedule cultivation cycles and to organise subak ceremonies. He is supported by several assistants, such as the vice subak head (petajuh), the secretary (penyarikan), the treasurer (petengen or juru raksa), the messenger (kasinoman), special helper (saye) and the heads of the sub-subak groups. Bigger subak are divided into sub-groups, called munduk. Munduk may have a separate inlet from the subak main canal. A munduk usually comprises an average of 20 to 40 farmers.
Every munduk is headed by a pengliman who receives direct orders from the pekaseh and is responsible for all matters related to the munduk. As a sub-group of the subak, the munduk has to follow the subak rules and regulations. However, certain organisational and water management issues can be decided autonomously on the munduk level. The munduk is an important dimension within the subak. Day-to-day cultivation decisions are made on this level and provide the fine-tuning of the subak water and crop management – not always following the subak laws by doing this. The relationship between subak and munduk is to facilitate top down and bottom up information flow.

Members of subak also form an informal group which is called sekaa, in order to make ease a certain working activity on the rice field by working together on a certain field and certain activity. For examples: sekaa numbeg (for land cultivation), sekaa jelinjingan (for water tunnel maintenance), sekaa sambang (for water and pest surveillance), sekaa mamulih (for seed plantation), sekaa majukut (for plants surveillance), sekaa manyi (for harvest work), sekaa bleseng (for carrying paddy to the barn). These sekaa may recruit workers outside subak members. The code of work in these sekaa is simple, “I scratch yours you scratch mine.”
The indigenous social-administration organization in subak also supported by efficient and effective water system. Subak’s water system comprise of many parts such as empelan (dam) functioned as water reservoir, aungan (tunnel), telabah (primary waterway), tembuku aya (primary inlet), telabah gede (secondary waterway), tembuku gede (secondary inlet), telabah pamaron (tertiary waterway), tembuku pamaron (tertiary inlet), telabah penyacah (quaternary waterway), tembuku penyacah (quaternary inlet), tembuku pengalapan (individual inlet), tali kunda (individual waterway). Subak’s water system also has complementary part such as penguras (flushing), pekiuh (overflow), titi (bridge), Jengkuwung (small tunnel), abangan (off-land tunnel), petaku (waterfall structure), and telepus (siphon).

SUBAK MUSEUM

Subak Museum is definetely one of the most interesting museums in Bali. It is located in Sanggulan village two km east of Tabanan. The Subak Museum houses exhibits on the history and development of Bali’s unique Subak irrigation organization. This is the only museum in Bali to focus on agriculture, provides all information on agricultural life of Bali and all its related aspects.
As its name suggest the main display in Subak Museum is the miniature of Subak which provides series of pictures of development of a Subak from finding a wellspring, creating tunnels and dams, channeling water through tunnels and dams to managing the water in the rice fields. Displays of farming implements for cutting, cleaning and pounding rice; tools for leveling land, ploughing, weeding, and digging water tunnels; various fish traps; tweezers for catching eels, wooden net used to catch dragonflies, and all implements in relation with Subak activities can be found here.

The Subak Museum provides a film which describes the process of handling the agricultural land. This process consists of various activities, from the meeting of Subak members to arrange the Subak rules to cultivating the land up to expressing gratitude to God for a good harvest. The museum also shows the variety of ceremonies commonly conducted at various stages of the cultivation cycle. There are also a miniature of kitchen with utensils used for cooking rice, a scale model of traditional house compounds which is built based on ancient architectural science of Asta Kosali Kosali.

For the visitors who want to get further information on Subak, a library with complete collection of books, palm leaves manuscripts and carved copper plates concerning with the Subak is at your service. The collections mainly deals with variety of rituals held at every stage of cultivation cycle, method of farming and auspicious days to start activities including their abstinences. The library not just houses collections in relation with Subak (irrigated field) but also provides complete collection of literature on Subak Abian (non-irigated ricefield).

Subak Museum not just gives complete information on Subak but also provides an image on how deeply rice farming intertwines inextricably with daily life of Balinese as well as with Balinese culture and religion.

Tulamben - a popular dive site in Bali

Tulamben is a small town on the north-east coast of Bali. It is a popular dive site in Bali. It is a very easy wreck dive and may by done by divers of all certificatin levels. It is accessed directly from the shoreline and located about 25 meters from shore. At it deepest point, it is about 30 meters from the surface and it tops out at about 5 meters from the surface.

Tulamben has become Bali's most famous diving area and therefore where you are most likely to meet internationally recognised underwater photographers and writers. Tulamben Bay, like the rest of Bali, is situated in the richest marine biogeographic zone in the world. Being on the north-east coast, the bay receives very plankton-rich waters from the major ocean current that moves from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. This, coupled with the fact that the three main dive sites provide totally different physical environments, mean that Tulamben contains a stunningly diverse underwater ecosystem.

The beach is fist-sized black volcanic rocks that become sand in the shallows. This black sand does not provide the reflective properties of white limestone sand and, combined with the amount of plankton in the water, accounts for the relatively low visibility (12-25M). It does however provide a dramatic contrast, which brings out the colours of the corals, gorgonians, fish and other marinelife. The 100s of macro-species that live here both blend and contrast beautifully with the sand.

Tulamben is a wonderful place to learn to dive and to learn about underwater life. There are occasional sightings of Mola-Mola (Sunfish), Manta Rays, Whale Shark, tuna and other pelagics but it is the permanent population of Tulamben that brings people here for the 1st and 100th time.

Tulamben Wreck is situated directly near the beach on Bali's northeast coast. The 120m long wreck rests in a 90 degree angle with the deck facing the sea side and used to be an American supply ship named „USA Liberty". Anchored off the coast of Lombok, the ship was hit by a Liberty Wreck Bali Japanese torpedo during World War II. Miraculously nobody got hurt, but the damage turned the ship into a non-functioning and useless hull. The American Navy's plan to tow the ship to Singaraja harbor (north Bali) failed as the harbor was completely occupied, so the ship was intentionally stranded on the rocky beach of Tulamben, where it was unloaded. In 1963 the volcano Agung erupted and the magma flow pressed the ship back into the sea where it presently rests at a depth of 3 to 29 meters. Since then, coral covered the wreckage completely and turned it into a home for many species of fish. From time to time, a Napoleon fish or huge barracuda drops by. You may dive or snorkel this wreck comfortably, accessing it directly from the beach.

Tulamben Wreck at a glance

Reef characteristics: wreck
Visibility: 15-30 m
Current: none to moderate
Coral growth: wreck is completely covered by stone- and soft coral
Marine life: vast schools of fish (fusiliers and surgeon fish)
Highlight: the wreck is easy to dive even suitable for discover scuba diving .

Tulamben Wall ...divides into three great dive sites: the wall, the coral garden and shark point. All dive sites can be accessed directly from the beach.

The Wall starts at a depth of 1 m to then drop straight to 40 m. Besides amazing coral growth this reef also features an unbelievable landscape sculpted by many overhanging rocks. The presence of smaller reef fish is abundant, with angel fish being the species worth mentioning. Besides emperor angel fish, yellow-faced angelfish and blue-banded angel fish can be found with the duke fish rounding out the selection as a member of the angel fish family. Quite often, huge schools of jack fish pass the wall, darkening the sun. Although it is a wall, this dive site is also suitable for snorkeling.

The coral garden is only about a hundred meters away from Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben, which is located directly at the beach. The coral garden starts at a depth of 2-15 m and is wonderfully grown featuring stone- and soft coral alike. Besides numerous species of reef fish, the beautiful blue-yellow ribbon moray eel has found a home here. This dive site is also a superb snorkelling spot with none to moderate current.

Sharks in BaliShark Point can be reached via snorkelling close to the wall. The residing sharks are commonly whitetip- and blacktip reef sharks and may rest at a depth of 20 to 30 m in a sandy area. When currents are present, occasionally grey reef sharks and even hammerhead sharks circle the blue. The current may become quite strong here and sometimes cold water might swell up forming thermoclines. Thermoclines may lower the water temperature to 24 degrees for a short period of time. This dive site is not suitable for snorkelling.

Tulamben drop off at a glance

Reef characteristics: drop off
Visibility: 15-30 m
Current: none to moderate (shark point to strong)
Coral growth: many stone and soft coral
Marine life: many species of reef fish, specially angelfish
Highlight: easy to dive, also visited during the open water course
.

Special Dive sites and Daytrip Info at a glance

Night diving
All above mentioned sites are ideal for a night dive. You will see the Bumphead sleeping family in the wreck, morey eels swimming or even the spanish dancer!

Batu Kelebit
This site can ben reached by boat (10 minutes ride with the local fisherman's boat). A higher chance of bigger fish. A huge napoleon and whitetip reef sharks are frequently encountered here.

Nusa Penida
The island is known for its exceptional drift dive. Life is just extraordinary, and visibility usually over 30-40 metres. The biggest chance to see big fish.

BBQ / Mimpang
We dive the shark point where encounter is most likely, and also at Mimpang where we usually see whitetip reef sharks.

Amed
The small village Amed hide various dive sites accessible form the shore with the local fishermen's boats. Nice corall walls and abundant marine life..

agrotourism as an alternative form of tourism in bali

2011-03-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

Abstract Thesis

Posted by raiutama in Journal. Tagged: agrotourism, bali, barriers, farmers, indonesia, opportunities, stakeholders,thesis, uniqueness. Leave a Comment

Abstract Links to Journal Agrotourism Summary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Project Research, Authors This study discusses the general preview of tourism and agriculture in Bali, the opportunities and barriers of agrotourism development in Bali, stakeholders’ opinions concerning the development of agrotourism in Bali, agrotourism contributions toward economy and social [...]

12NOV

Executive summary

Posted by raiutama in Journal. Tagged: agrotourism, bali, barriers, farmers, indonesia, opportunities, stakeholders,thesis, uniqueness. Leave a Comment

Executive summary Links to Journal Agrotourism Summary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Project Research, Authors This dissertation entitles “Agrotourism as an Alternative Form of Tourism in Bali”. The introduction describes the background, problem statement, research questions, and purposes of the research. The problem statement is how could agrotourism [...]

10NOV

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

Posted by raiutama in Journal. Tagged: agrotourism, bali, barriers, farmers, indonesia, opportunities, stakeholders,thesis, uniqueness. Leave a Comment

CHAPTER 1 Agrotourism as an Alternative Form of Tourism in Bali (Case Studies: Bayung Gede, Candi Kuning, Blimbingsari, and Pelaga Villages) Links to Journal Agrotourism Summary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Project Research, Authors 1. Introduction 1.1. Background Before the 1998 economic crisis, Indonesia belonged to a new Asian Tiger [...]

9NOV

CHAPTER 2: Literature Reviews

Posted by raiutama in Journal. Tagged: agrotourism, bali, barriers, farmers, indonesia, opportunities, stakeholders,thesis, uniqueness. Leave a Comment

CHAPTER 2 Literature Reviews Links to Journal Agrotourism Summary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Project Research, Authors This paper will describe some reviews related with tourism, agriculture, and agrotourism itself. 2.1 Tourism as an Interdisciplinary According to Jafari and Ritchie (1981), tourism is an interdisciplinary and integrates a [...]

8NOV

Chapter 3: Methodology

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Chapter 3 Methodology Links to Journal Agrotourism Summary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Project Research, Authors This chapter deals with conceptual framework, research design, instruments used in collecting data, sampling technique, justification of selected method, analysis techniques, and limitations of the research. 3.1 The Conceptual Framework Figure 1.1 [...]

7NOV

CHAPTER 4: Finding and Analyses

Posted by raiutama in Journal. Tagged: agrotourism, bali, barriers, farmers, indonesia, opportunities, stakeholders,thesis, uniqueness. Leave a Comment

CHAPTER 4 Finding and Analysis Links to Journal Agrotourism Summary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Project Research, Authors The collected data are analyzed and interpreted to describe the current situation of tourism and agriculture in Bali particularly areas selected as case studies comprise Bayung Gede, Candi Kuning, Blimbingsari, and [...]

6NOV

CHAPTER 5: Conclusion and Recommendation

Posted by raiutama in Journal. Tagged: agrotourism, bali, barriers, farmers, indonesia, opportunities, stakeholders,thesis, uniqueness. Leave a Comment

CHAPTER 5 Conclusion and Recommendation Links to Journal Agrotourism Summary, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Project Research, Authors 5.1 Conclusions 1) The opportunities of agrotourism development in Bali Agroutorism development in Bali has a number of opportunities such as increasing family incomes, creating working fields for the [...]

National Park West of Bali

2010-10-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

National Park West of Bali

The area of Taman Nasional Bali Barat (national park of the west of Bali) located in the edge of the island of the north of Bali is the green Earth streching throughout the way of 150 kilometers that binds Gilimanuk and Denpasar or Gilimanuk and Singaraja.

It is located between districto of Gerokgak in the regency of Buleleng and districto of Melaya in the regency of Jembrana. It is accessible of Gilimanuk like the main entrance to Bali of the west, and of Denpasar. This park of 77,000 hectares was established in 1941. The Lush forests still grow in the southern and western inclinations of Bali. National park of the west of Bali (covered 50,000 hectares in the western extremity with the island. Also it includes another 7,000 hectares of coralline Filo’n and coastal water.

Considering in the small size of the island in its totality, the national park is an important commission towards trying to preserve the fauna found in Bali. The forest in this area has determined as “park of nature” - known later as Taman Perlindungan Alam Bali - based on the decision of” I gave to Bali” (the kings in Bali) Noah-1/4/5 them with date of the 13 of August of 1917 of Crack-Crack. This regulation thinks to preserve the flora and the fauna in this area. The region is watered by the clear currents and crossed by the footpaths for pedestrians, who offer to often walk steep but relatively easy.

To explore hills forested, to mop the acacia near the coast, and marshes unspoiled of dense Filo’n and of mangle throughout Teluk Terima and the bays to the east. The diverse fauna exists here, including Jalak Putih starling of Bali/Bali (Leuoeopsarrhotschildi) and Bull (javanicus) of Bos, Antelop (Muntiacus Muntjak), red deer (timorensis) of Cervus, monkey ( Presbytis cristata , Macaca SP ), to anteater escamoso (javanica) of Peanuts, verraco (scrofa) of His, Hystrix hedgehog (javanica) , Sturnus melanotenus , Sturnus against, Acridotenis fuscus, Picoides mucet , Orialus chinensis, Haliastur SP, Galus SP.

Since Bali is such populated salary dense, the cultivated intensive island leaves, very small wild forest. The primary forests such of the monsoon as remain (near 50,000 hectares) are throughout the dividing line of waters in the western end of the island, in the hills of the mountains Sangiang, Merbuk, Musi, and Legs, an area not almost as rough as the highest mountains of Bali of the east. Rather a forest that a forest, the park offers exceptional panoramas of the class which they walk and first. The types of the Earth are forest, savannah, mangle, coast, beach, and forest of the conservation. The plantation that formed the pure forest is kecik of sawo (kooki of Manilkara) and palm (to flellifer of Borrassus).

Source: Taman Nasional Bali Barat (national park of the west of Bali)
Jembrana.. The northwest regency of Bali

Denpasar

2009-10-15T17:36:00.001-07:00

Denpasar

Denpasar is Bali's capital city. Although the modern centre of government departments, international banks, and many other offices, it still retains its unique Balinese personality. This is strongly felt and clearly seen in its many temples, universities and pleasant gardens, which still maintain their presence and influence. Denpasar has the Pura Jagatnatha, a temple dedicated to Bali's Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi. There are interesting statues of a turtle and two mystical dragons in the temple, signifying the foundation of the world. The Pura's awesome architecture resembles that of Balinese palace. It has now been converted into a museum housing a fine collection of prehistoric and modern art. The famous 4th century Pura Maospahit, is right next to Pura Jaganatha.

There is also an interesting place like; the government-supervised art centre, Sanggraha Kriya Hasta, which also home to a tremendous variety of handicraft and works of art. Taman Wedhi Budaya, meanwhile, is an arts centre with occasional exhibits of paintings, crafts and carvings, and holds traditional dances every evening. It is also the host of the annual Bali Arts Festival in June to July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest, and other activities of artistic nature.

The main street of Denpasar start with Gajah Mada Street in the west, Surapati Street in the centre, followed by Hayam Wuruk Street and ends as Raya Sanur Street in the east. There are many things of history and culture to see. The Puputan Square, with its heroic Catur Mukha, fondly commemorates the Balinese's suicidal stand against the Dutch. Until today, it is touchingly, a popular meeting place for locals in the evenings.

Nusa Lembongan Island

2009-10-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

Nusa Lembongan Island

Nusa Lembongan, a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in Badung Strait, is the perfect holiday hideaway with few visitors and pristine un-spoilt beaches. A low, protected island about 11 km southeast of mainland Bali, measuring only four by three km and ringed with mangrove swamps, and palms and white sandy beaches. Inland the terrain is scrubby and very dry, with volcanic stonewalls and processional avenues crisscrossing the small cactus-covered hills. Overlooking Sanghiang Bay with its clear blue waters, the Nusa Lembongan Resort offers a panoramic view of eastern Bali and the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung. Known for its great surf, the excellent crystal-clear waters also make it a perfect place for snorkeling and diving. It's still a basic place, but interesting, and there are some lovely places to stay.

The island is small enough to explore on foot, offering pristine beaches and coves, majestic views of Mount Agung, unique Balinese architecture, and the friendliness of a simple country folk. With a lack of arable land and a severe shortage of tourist attractions, the island's economy is limited to its underwater wealth-seaweed. A secondary occupation is catering to visiting surfers. Between Nusa Lembongan and the adjacent of Nusa Ceningan Island, the population is only 60,000.

There are just two villages on Nusa Lembongan, the large, spread out administrative center of Lembongan Village, and Jungut Batu village. Surfers and backpackers hang out in the latter, about 150 per month, for an average stay of three to five days. The only other visitors are European, Japanese, and Australian day-trippers on excursion boats. Jungut Batu offers the island's best accommodations and water sport opportunities. There's motorcycle traffic between the two villages and it's easy to get a lift. Both villages are heavily involved in the cultivation of seaweed. Before government-supported commercial seafood production in 1980, the people of the island lived on maize, cassava, tuber, beans, and peanuts. Today most everyone is involved in one way or another with cultivation of "sea vegetables," and the air is permeated with its smell.

Visit the seaweed gardens at low tide; they look like gigantic underwater botanical gardens. Two kinds are grown, the small red pinusan and the large green kotoni. Almost the entire crop is exported to Hong Kong for use in the cosmetics and food processing industries. After harvesting, gatherers leave a floating offering of rice and flowers that gently drifts away on the outgoing tide.

Life on Nusa Lembongan is very relaxing, with cool breezes, little traffic, no big hotels, no pollution, no stress, no photocopy machines, and hardly any telephones. Best of all, there are almost no pedagang acung (pushy vendors) and few thieves. Jungut Batu's charming "tree house" bungalow-style accommodations with outdoors open-air 'mandi', rickety wooden furniture, sand floor restaurants and offices are reminiscent of Kuta Beach 20 years ago. Crops are meager, and the only fruit available is melon. All other food must be imported from the market in Denpasar or from the neighboring island of Nusa Penida.

Kuta Beach

2009-10-15T17:27:00.000-07:00

Kuta Beach

Once a lonely little village on the road from Denpasar to Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now the tourist Mecca of Bali, popular mainly among the young and adventurous. Kuta beach is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta is most breathtaking. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport's runway, which gives the visitors a breathtaking landing experience. Kuta Beach bustles with tourists' vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle.

While the surfers are still part of the Kuta scene, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The accommodation in Kuta range from a modest home stay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, five star, international hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night. Legian Street, situated directly behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. We can find any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores such as the leather store staffed by two young Balinese men that will perfectly sculpt a leather jacket. (They are all extremely talented artists). _At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs. Gastronomical demands inspire a multitude of restaurants, serving traditional Indonesian and Balinese food to various ethnic meals from Japan, Switzerland, etc. As if these were not enough, various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.

Mount Bromo

2009-06-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

Understand

Bromo isn't the highest mountain in Java — that honor goes to nearby Mount Semeru at 3,676m — but it's probably the most famous one. Bromo is in fact only one of many peaks inside the massive Tengger Caldera, but it's easily recognized as the entire top has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. The inside of the caldera, aptly dubbed the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) is coated with fine volcanic sand and the overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly, especially when compared to the lush green valleys all around the caldera.
Orientation

The major access point is Cemoro Lawang at the northeast edge, but there are also trails from Tosari (northwest) and Ngadas (west). The village of Ngadisari, on the road from Probolinggo about 5.5 km before Cemoro Lawang, marks the entrance to the national park. Both Cemoro Lawang and Ngadisari are rather picturesque, with brightly-painted houses and flower beds outside.
Get in
By plane

The nearest major airport is in Surabaya, three to four hours away by car (and more by bus).
By bus

The nearest larger town is Probolinggo, on the north coast of Java. It's about one hour from Probolinggo to Ngadisari and another half hour all the way to Cemoro Lawang, and it's (just) possible to visit on a day trip, although most visitors prefer to climb overnight and see the sunrise.

To go there, take a 'Damri' shuttle bus from the Juanda International Airport in Surabaya, to go to the Bungurasih bus terminal(terminal Purabaya). Then, take an express Patas air-conditioned bus for a 2-3 hours ride from Surabaya to Probolinggo.
Get around

It's a fairly easy 3-km hike from Cemoro Lawang to the foot of Mount Bromo. Alternatively, you can hire a pony to do the drudge work for you, or have it even easier and do the trip by jeep. Private cars are not allowed inside the caldera. You can join the jeep package at Rp40.000 per person at the Probolinggo entrance office. On the next morning 4am, the jeep departs from hotel to catch the sunrise at Mount Batok (costs Rp40.000 per person for entering the compound). After the sunrise, go down to Mount bromo. You can hire a horse (Rp50.000) to bring you up and then You walk thru the last stair-case to reach the top of Mount Bromo.

* Unfortunately, some overly-enthusiastic crowd members can be rather annoying with their loud laughters and blinding flashes. Therefore, it would be pleasant, if everyone try to maintain a certain level of decency so that the "sun-rise watch" experience becomes more enjoyable.

See & Do
Mt. Batok and the Sand Sea in the Tengger Caldera
Mt. Batok and the Sand Sea in the Tengger Caldera

When timing any activities in the area, bear in mind that sunset is soon after 5 PM and sunrise is correspondingly early at around 5:30 AM. This means you'll usually need to get up by 3:30 AM or so to get there in time for dawn.

* Mount Batok (2440m) is a brown volcanic cone at the north center of the caldera. Unlike the other nearby peaks it is no longer active and actually has some vegetation growing on it, mostly the local cemara tree that somehow manages to survive even on volcanic ash.

* Mount Bromo, edges tinged with white sulphur and always bubbling, is the main sight. To reach it on foot, pick the left fork at Cemoro Lawang's solitary crossing, then head down the ramp into the caldera and then across the caldera to the Hindu temple at the foot of the mountain. From the temple a steep path of 250 steps leads to the edge of the crater and a precarious meter-wide ledge from where to gaze into the volcano. Beware of local jeep-hirers, who often try to persuade tourists the journey to the mountain is not walking distance (in order to hire them jeeps, or horses). The walk from the tourist centre to the top of the mountain should take no longer than 1.5 hours by foot, and is about 3km.

* Mount Penanjakan (2770m), located just north of the caldera, is a mountaintop viewpoint accessible by paved road from Tosari and hence popular with jeeps and even tour buses. Most of the crowd comes to see the dawn at 5 AM, and you'll likely have the large concrete observation post to yourself if you arrive later in the day.

* Viewpoint #2, along the trail from Cemoro Lawang to Mt. Penanjakan, is an excellent way to get a stunning view of the caldera (see pictures above) without the crowds. To reach it, head west from Cemoro Lawang (past Cemero Indah) for 6 km, past farms and fields. The paved road eventually turns into a twisty mountain trail that ends with a flight of stairs on the right, and the viewpoint (with concrete shelter) is at the top. Allow 1.5 hours for the climb up at a steady pace, and bring along a torch if attempting this at night.
o From here, you can continue onto Mt. Penanjakan by following the trail upward, after which the trail merges onto the paved road to the viewpoint (total time about 60 minutes one way). If planning to return the same way, mark the spot where the trail emerges onto the road (if you pass a stone lantern on the way down, you've gone too far!), and note that descending on this section can get slippery due to loose sand and rocks.

As of September 2008, the direct way from Cemoro Lawang up to Penanjakan and Viewpoint #2 is severely damaged because of landslides. The path is still passable, but it can be tricky to spot the dangerous parts in the dark — you need a good lamp for every hiker.
Tour operators

* Volcano Adventure Indonesia, Sukapura, tel. +62-335-581439 , +62-81319090225, [1]. To enjoy the exotic Bromo adventures, there is no other tour operator you can rely on. Volcano adventure indonesia guarantee you will get what a volcanic adventure should give. Be ready to have extra pleasures and surprising unforgatable experiences that you may not imagine before. All-inclusive two-day tours from Surabaya start from EUR 190/person.

Buy

The most popular local product, at least based on the number of hawkers selling them, appears to be the Bromo hat, a colorful wooly hat with "BROMO" embroidered on it. Scarfs and extra warm clothing are also popular, and useful if you are not prepared for the cold mountain air.
Eat & Drink

Every lodge has an attached restaurant, and simple roadside warung sell basic Indonesian dishes and mugs of hot Javanese coffee (kopi panas). There is no nightlife in the party sense of the word, but all restaurants are open at 3 AM as that's when everybody wakes up to see dawn over Bromo.

* Waroeng Basuki. Nice eatery serving many traditional Indonesian items like tahu tek (tofu/beancurd), rujak cingur (fruits with a sweet and spicy sauce garnished with ox-nose) and also serves Chinese food. Reasonably priced.

* Java Banana Bromo. It's a cafe with a very nice gallery, their specialty is in the coffee and banana snacks and drinks. Some traditional and western foods and beverages are also available.

Sleep
Colorful farm house, Cemoro Lawang
Colorful farm house, Cemoro Lawang

There are plenty of accommodation options around the mountain. Facilities at Cemoro Lawang side of the caldera are rather basic, but there are good hotels in Sukapura and Probolinggo.

* Java Banana Bromo, Wonotoro, tel. +62-335-541193, [2]. A cozy boutique hotel with the beautiful landscape of Bromo. It's a lodge, cafe, and gallery. Room rates start from IDR 650,000 (Jan 2009).
* Bromo Cottages, Tosari, tel. +62-31-515253, [3]. Despite the name, it's actually an upmarket hotel. Net rates from US$47 for a double.
* Cemoro Indah, Cemoro Lawang +62-335-541019 (http://www.bromotrail.com) It has a nice view of Mount Bromo and provide hot water. You can sit down in its restaurant and view the Mount Bromo directly. An ecomomy room is 75,000rp.
* Lava View Lodge, Cemoro Lawang, tel. +62-335-541009. The most upmarket option in Cemoro Lawang, located at the caldera edge some 500m west of the village and price is more up than other hotels.
* Yoschi's, Ngadisari, tel. +62-335-541018. Cozy guesthouse done up to look like a Balinese temple. Note that the cheapest rooms here don't have hot water.
* Cafe Lava, Cemoro Lawang. This is the best budget option at 120,000 for an economy room.

A word of warning: Take your money (and anything else that you cannot afford to lose) with you when you leave your room. Especially when you take a tour or are away for some time. Theft from rooms is not unknown and criminals will take any opportunity presents itself. You could discover that an economy room wasn't.
Stay healthy

Temperatures on Mount Bromo are refreshingly cool during the day (although sunburn is still a real danger), but outright cold at night, as temperatures can drop to zero in the summer and are rarely much above 5°C in winter. If needed, you can rent jackets and hats at Cemoro Lawang and the Penanjakan viewpoint for about Rp.5000.
Stay safe

Mount Bromo really is a live volcano that erupts with disturbing regularity: in 2004, two tourists were killed and five injured when the mountain spit out molten rock as far as the temple. Keep your distance if the mountain is acting up.

Pay attention to the geologists who can normally accurately predict the state of the volcano and the associated danger level.
Get out

All roads into Mount Bromo are dead ends, so you'll have to go back the way you came unless you are an experienced hiker and prepared to hike across the caldera to villages on the other side.

Prambanan Temple

2009-06-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

The masterpiece of Hindu culture of the 10th century during the reigns of two kings, Rakai Pikatan & Rakai Balitung

the greatest Borobudur

2009-06-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

Generous support of Garuda

Experience the beauty of the greatest Borobudur as world heritage at any time, shines through be it high noon, sunrise or night at any time

Luxury hotel on Paradise destination

2008-08-06T23:49:00.000-07:00

Luxury hotel on Paradise destination

List of international tourism destination such as: Bali, Barcelona, Beijing, Berlin, Florence, Jakarta, Java, Lombok, London, Mallorca, Paris, Rome, Shanghai, Venice, Yogyakarta. When, I decide to visit the destination, the first job only try find best hotel and I try to find where I should find the best information about hotel.

Folder for International Hotel

Lots information about hotels but are not like this, very clear and complete information, furthermore lots of people want to find easily what they need but, only here we can find this, just click and get here. Remember! If you want to book a hotel, make sure that these hotel really your choice. Think!, insight in the management of hotel’s room reservation processing. How the handle the guest, by phone, answer the email, they handle the billing, what method they are using for their hotel, such as; online reservation, manual reservation etcetera.
And look for their brochure, their website, their hotel’s environment and their employer after your visiting. Compare with the others hotel, after that you will find that our hotel will be filled the best. In my experiences when I would like to find hotel, I just look for their price and than I compare with their facilities, their location, and others things are like how far from tourism attractions, is available for leisure activities or not, is available for entertain my self or not, just easy things like that. If you are doubt with your hotel, just click this hotel folder and get the complete information that you need.
Finally, I decided to visit Bali Island that it most popular with “island of god”, paradise for the young people and silent place for the old “grandfather/mother”.
Nowadays, this is where modern tourism in Bali all started and it’s still the most happening place of all. With the building of the airport in Bali, Bali became a firmly established part and the Balinese responded with smiles, home stays and other best accommodation, and eateries. Before you decided for traveling, make sure that you already book a hotel with international standard.

Balinese Culture Lesson

2008-06-02T01:55:00.000-07:00

Balinese Culture Lesson

Balinese Culture Lesson
Balinese Culture Lesson Tours is one of unique tours and travel guides to learn the comprehensive range of Balinese Cultures like paintings, dances, wood carving, kite making, material hand making, instrument/Gamelans, batik and others. It provides a short course of a part of Balinese Culture where you will have a different and unique experience during your vacation in the beautiful Island of Paradise Bali.
What kind of Balinese cultures you can learn?
Balinese cultures are the most complex culture in over the world which are very unique and never meet in other place. There are several of Balinese cultures that you can learn on this sort course with culture choice as below:
BALINESE DANCE COSTUME

Balinese Dance CostumeA set of beautiful Balinese dance dress is provided to be used and dressed by professional Balinese staff complete with a smear of soft cosmetic could make you handsome or beautiful looking. Afterward you may take the picture for your memory to bring home with your wonderful action. Should you have a sensitive skin of the certain cosmetic product, you may bring your own cosmetic to be used on the dressing and making process. The staff will happy to serve your request and make your face like a Balinese.
PRICE: US$ 25 net/person Balinese Culture Lesson Duration 60 minutes (Minimum 2 pax)
For Single Traveler is US$ 40 net/person
Inclusion : Welcome drink
What to Bring Balinese Culture Lesson Camera, MoneyBali Tours
BALINESE DANCE LESSON

Balinese Dance LessonBalinese Dance Lesson is an interesting experience and you will know how is the difficulty and unique of the Balinese Dance. The elastic movement is making this dance more beautiful to see and here you will be guided from the first step how to dance it. We encourage you enjoy the real experience to perform the beautiful dance during your holiday in Bali.
PRICE: US$ 25 net/person Balinese Culture Lesson Duration 60 minutes (minimum 2 pax)
For Single Traveler is US$ 40 net/person
Inclusion : Welcome drink
What to Bring Balinese Culture Lesson Camera, MoneyBali Dance
BALINESE GAMELAN LESSON

Balinese Music Gamelan LessonA nice sound and compact of Balinese Gamelan is very amazing. Here you will be teach with the foundation of Balinese Gamelan where most of them from the ‘Gending Rare' (children song). The speed and the accurate of Balinese song are the point to learn the Balinese Gamelan. You will be guided by some professional and friendly staff to follow the instrument that you hit to make the sound more beautiful.
PRICE: US$ 25 net/person Balinese Culture Lesson Duration 60 minutes (minimum 2 pax)
For Single Traveler is US$ 40 net/person
Inclusion : Welcome drink
What to Bring Balinese Culture Lesson Camera, MoneyBalinese Gamelan
BATIK LESSON

Bali Batik LessonA sheet of white material is drawn and sketched by the ornament and you will be guided how to make a Batik by following the sketch. The ink process is also the thing of interest to know and the carefully and concentrations are the point to make Batik to be well looking. Bring home your batik hand made after you completing to draw the Batik and you can see how beautiful your batik hand made was. It is guided by the professional and patiently staff that make your lesson are more enjoyable.
PRICE: US$ 27 net/person Balinese Culture Lesson Duration 60 minutes (minimum 2 pax)
For Single Traveler is US$ 45 net/person
Inclusion : Welcome drink
What to Bring Balinese Culture Lesson Camera, MoneyBalinese Offerings
BALINESE OFFERING LESSON

Balinese Offering This lesson is making the offering that is a part of daily Balinese activities particular for the Balinese woman. The unique form from the ornament and it is made from the young coconut leaf. You will be guide by the Balinese girls from cutting the coconut leaf and designs it. The simple of the Balinese offering is called ‘Canang Sari'. The indentation of the young coconut leaf and put the colorful tropical flower will make your Balinese offering are good looking.
PRICE: US$ 27 net/person Balinese Culture Lesson Duration 60 minutes (minimum 2 pax)
For Single Traveler is US$ 45 net/person
Inclusion : Welcome drink
What to Bring Balinese Culture Lesson Camera, MoneyBalinese Cooking Class
BALINESE FOOD COOKING LESSON

Balinese Cooking ClassBalinese food is one of the points the visitor are looking for in Bali Island and here is the place you can learn how to make the Balinese Food. Balinese Food has a specific character where most of them are spicy because all of the ingredients are come from the tropical tree in particular to tuber or root. Let taste your original Balinese Food making and it could be your experience to bring home as practice it self at your house. This process is started from the cooking spices process until it be a Balinese Food.

PRICE: US$ 27 net/person Balinese Culture Lesson Duration 60 minutes (minimum 2 pax)
For Single Traveler is US$ 45 net/person

Tamblingan Lake

2008-06-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

Tamblingan Lake is a lake located in the plateau area with green hill surrounded. It is situated adjunction to Buyan Lake with cool weather surrounds it. It owns the fascination where the nature authenticity is felt and the inexistence of boat use motorize here. These beautiful lakes can be seen from the top hill right from Asah Gobleg Countryside, Sukasada District and Singaraja regency, north part of Bali . This lake is encircled by hill and covered by fresh cold atmosphere will fascinate all visitors who pay a visit to this place. This lake is ideal for Jungle Trekking Adventure because it was very amazing with the rain forest including flora and fauna observation. Beside of that, many local visitors are doing camping program or outdoor team building while enjoy the beautiful nature. Here we also can see the local residents use the small traditional boat which is called Perahu to cross it or doing fishing.
The fascination of Tamblingan Lake
Places to visit in Bali, Buyan LakeThe existence of monkey which is not far from these two lakes are precisely located in road side of the main road from Denpasar to Singaraja. In progressively, the amounts are more and more dwelling this area and it was one of fascination for tourist who visit it. It is located in Sukasada sub district, 21 Km south side of Singaraja town. It is situated in the high enough about 1000 meters above sea level so that the atmosphere is rather cold and chilled at night time.
Location
In order to reach Buyan or Tamblingan Lake , it can pass through Munduk countryside, Gobleg countryside and penetrate in Lovina area. Along the way to this lake, we will enjoy the magnificent view of Tamblingan Lake in particular from the top side. From Munduk countryside, this lake can be reached through the road which is made by local society. Tamblingan Lake is strategically located in the tourist destinations area like Bedugul and Beratan Lake ..
Conditions
The broadness of Tamblingan lake is 1,9 Km with the maximum deepness is 90 m and its volume 0,027 km3. The public facilities available in this area are the parking area, boat rental for fishing or simply visited and lodging. The hotels are spreading around the village which are the most own the magnificent view to the lake. Despitefully in some places alongside of the lake there are places for seating for simply drinking coffee, eat the cake or look into the beautiful view of lake. Every day these lakes are many visited by the tourist from local and foreign countries.

Tenganan Village a Balinese Traditional Village

2008-06-02T01:47:00.000-07:00

Tenganan Village a Balinese Traditional Village

Welcome to the Balinese Traditional Village of Tenganan which is located in Karangasem regency which so many referred by cultural literature science of Tenganan Pegringsingan. Tenganan village represent one of a number old countryside in Bali Island. Its society life pattern represents one example of Bali Aga Village culture (Hindu Pre) different with the other countryside in plain of Bali. As a place of tourism destination, Tenganan village can serve the attractive and unique matters adding variation of object and fascination the tourist in Bali.
Tenganan Village presenting the unique traditional culture

Specification which is there is in object of wisata of Countryside Tenganan consisted of:

1. Countrified pattern of rural having the character of Linear
2. The structure of bilateral society orienting at seniority collective
3. Special Ritual System in high frequency by serve the religion solidarity, artistic and social mechanical solidarity
4. The tradition Mekare-Kare in each June that is tradition fight the screw pine in ritual context, religion value, spirit of struggle and test of physical delaying accompanied by traditional gambelan of selonding
5. Art of crafting weave to fasten the cloth geringsing by designed and arrange the typical colour.

Tenganan village is located among hill countryside, the hill at west part and east part. This countryside is inclusive of Manggis sub district, Karangasem regency, consisted of three Banjar those are Banjar Kauh, Banjar Tengah and Banjar Pande. The regional of countryside consisted of three complex those are resident complex, plantation and rice field complex. History of Tenganan village expressed in a few version, first version mentioned that resident of Tenganan village come from Paneges village, a near by countryside of Bedahulu in regency of Gianyar, second version express that word Tenganan recognized in one of Bali inscription with the word Tranganan, the third version express that resident of Tenganan village pray to Bukit Lempuyang temple who trace the coast of Candi Dasa to the east about 10 and 11 century. The word of Tenganan ascribed by a Tengah root word which can mean to aim to middle of Pegringsingan, representing the cloth type weave to fasten typically produce by Tenganan village resident. The structure of resident in Tenganan village is built in linear consisted of six ray, every ray consisted of some lawn broadly, form the building which relative, existence of art shop have altered the original some types of the resident. All the tradition existence of the human being harmonious with the God, human being with the human being and human being environmentally as according to conception of Tri Hita Karana. The Tourism Destination of Tenganan remains to draw during the time, goodness as tourism cultural object, tourism nature and agriculture tourism.

Bali Art Center

2008-06-02T01:45:00.000-07:00

Bali Art Center
Bali Art Center, Taman BudayaTaman Budaya or Bali Art Center is the culture building complex with the best style of Balinese traditional architecture. It is featuring the good lay-out building of amphitheater to be a place/hall of show performance purpose. It is symbolizing the twiddling of Mandara Giri mount in the milk ocean and spattering the Amerta holy water for the life of endless as according to nature of dynamic culture and stayed alive during the human being still dwell the earth planet. This amphitheater can accommodate up to 6.000 audiences for the show of colossal both for modern and also traditional. This Taman Budaya (Cultural Park) is opened in the year 1973 with the Bali Artistry Party (Pesta Kesenian Bali) within one month. On that month, there are full of entertainment amusement traditional dance, exhibition, and other cultural activities. At the opening ceremony enlivened by artistic parade started from Puputan Park and finish at the Art Center. Its distance is about 2 Km and this parade is followed by entire regencies and towns in Bali by delivering their artistry mission. This event is often followed by other provinces in Indonesia as well as from outside country like Japan, Korea, Europe, America etc. In this culture parade is presented in so many forms those are from the sacral until contemporary traditional. There are also type of marry and custom clothes from each area, instrument of music or gamelan, forms Sesajen (offering) and others
Bali Art Center in Bali Tourism Development

In fact this event is not tourist event due to visitor and audience are mostly come from the local resident. But some of tourists can enjoy this party which is every year. The person who is propose this yearly culture event is Mr. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra (who was been a Bali Governor. Taman Budaya or Bali Art Center is published as one of place to visit in Bali or tourist destination in Bali.

Bali

2008-05-23T21:46:00.001-07:00

Bali is an Indonesian island located at 8°25′23″S, 115°14′55″ECoordinates: 8°25′23″S, 115°14′55″E, the western most of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island.

With a population recorded as 3,151,000 in 2005, the island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority. 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, while most of the remainder follow Islam. It is also the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music.

History
Temple offering in predominantly Hindu Bali island.

Bali was inhabited by Austronesian peoples by about 2,000, who migrated originally from Taiwan through Maritime Southeast Asia. Culturally and linguistically, the Balinese are thus closely related to the peoples of the Indonesian archipelago, the Philippines, and Oceania. Stone tools dating from this time have been found near the village of Cekik in the island's west.

Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, and particularly Hindu culture, in a process beginning around the 1st century AD. The name Balidwipa has been discovered from various inscriptions, including the Blanjong charter issued by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 913 AD and mentioning Walidwipa. It was during this time that the complex irrigation system subak was developed to grow rice. Some religious and cultural traditions still in existence today can be traced back to this period. The Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293–1520 AD) on eastern Java founded a Balinese colony in 1343. When the empire declined, there was an exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests and musicians from Java to Bali in the 15th century.

The first European contact with Bali is thought to have been made by Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman who arrived in 1597, though a Portuguese ship had foundered off the Bukit Peninsula as early as 1585. Dutch colonial control was expanded across the Indonesian archipelago in the nineteenth century (see Dutch East Indies). Their political and economic control over Bali began in the 1840s on the island's north coast by playing various distrustful Balinese realms against each other. In the late 1890s, struggles between Balinese kingdoms in the island's south were exploited by the Dutch to increase their control. The Dutch mounted large naval and ground assaults at the Sanur region in 1906 and were met by the thousands of members of the royal family and their followers who marched to certain death against superior Dutch force in a suicidal puputan defensive assault rather than face the humiliation of surrender. Despite Dutch demands for surrender, an estimated 4,000 Balinese marched to their death against the invaders. In 1908, a similar massacre occurred in the face of a Dutch assault in Klungkung. Afterwards the Dutch governors were able to exercise little influence over the island, and local control over religion and culture generally remained intact.

Dutch rule over Bali had come later and was never as well established as in other parts of Indonesia such as Java and Maluku. Imperial Japan occupied Bali during World War II during which time a Balinese military officer, Gusti Ngurah Rai, formed a Balinese 'freedom army'. Following Japan's Pacific surrender in August 1945, the Dutch promptly returned to Indonesia, including Bali, immediately to reinstate their pre-war colonial administration. This was resisted by the Balinese rebels now using Japanese weapons. On 20 November 1946, the Battle of Marga was fought in Tabanan in central Bali. Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai, 29 years old, finally rallied his forces in east Bali at Marga Rana, where they made a suicide attack on the heavily armed Dutch. The Balinese battalion was entirely wiped out, breaking the last thread of Balinese military resistance. In 1946 the Dutch constituted Bali as one of the 13 administrative districts of the newly-proclaimed Republic of East Indonesia, a rival state to the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed and headed by Sukarno and Hatta. Bali was included in the "Republic of the United States of Indonesia" when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence on 29 December 1949.

The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung killed thousands, created economic havoc and forced many displaced Balinese to be transmigrated to other parts of Indonesia.

Bali blast monument.

Mirroring the widening of social divisions across Indonesia in the 1950s and early 1960s, Bali saw conflict between supporters of the traditional caste system, and those rejecting these traditional values. Politically, this was represented by opposing supporters of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI), with tensions and ill-feeling further increased by the PKI's land reform programs. An attempted coup in Jakarta was put down by forces led by General Suharto. The army became the dominant power as it instigated a violent anti-communist purge, in which the PKI was blamed for the coup. Most estimates suggest that at least 500,000 people were killed across Indonesia, with as many as 100,000 killed in Bali, equivalent to 5 per cent of the island's population. With no Islamic forces involved as in Java and Sumatra, upper-caste PNI landlords lead the extermination of PKI members.

As a result of the 1965/66 upheavals, Suharto was able to manoeuvre Sukarno out of the presidency, and his "New Order" government reestablished relations with western countries. The Bali as a tourist paradise which was instigated during the pre World War II colonial time was revised in a modern form, and the resulting large growth in tourism has led to Balinese standards of living rise dramatically and significant foreign exchange earned for the country. A bombing in 2002 by militant Islamists in the tourist area of Kuta killed 202 people, mostly foreigners. This attack, and another in 2005, severely affected tourism, bringing much economic hardship to the island.

Geography
Topography of the island

The island of Bali lies 3.2 km (2 mi) east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km (95 mi) wide and is approximately 112 km (69 mi) north to south; it's land area is 5,632 km². The highest point is Mount Agung at 3,142 m (10,308 feet) high, an active volcano that last erupted in March 1963. Mountains cover centre to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Mount Batur (1,717 m) is also still active, an eruption 30,000 years was one of the largest known volcanic events on Earth.

In the south the land descends to form an alluvial plain, watered by shallow rivers, drier in the dry season and overflowing during periods of heavy rain.

The principal cities are the northern port of Singaraja, the former colonial capital of Bali, and the present provincial capital and largest city, Denpasar, near the southern coast. The town of Ubud (north of Denpasar), with its art market, museums and galleries, is arguably the cultural centre of Bali.

Southern Bali in the foreground and Mount Agung behind

There are major coastal roads and those that cross the island mainly north-south. Due to the mountainous terrain in the island's center, the roads tend to follow the crests of the ridges across the mountains. There are no railway lines.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs. Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west have black sand. The beach town of Padangbai in the south east has both. The Ho River is navigable by small sampan boats. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot.

To the east, the Lombok Strait separates Bali from Lombok and marks the biogeographical division between the fauna of the Indomalayan ecozone and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia. The transition is known as the Wallace Line, named after Alfred Russel Wallace, who first proposed transition zone between these two major biomes. When sea levels dropped during the Pleistocene ice age, Bali was connected to Java and Sumatra and to the mainland of Asia and shared the Asian fauna, but the deep water of the Lombok Strait continued to keep Lombok and the Lesser Sunda archipelago isolated.

Ecology
This section does not cite any references or sources. (October 2007)
Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

The Bali Starling lives only on Bali. As few as six may exist in the wild Bali has around 280 species of birds, including the critically endangered Bali Starling. The only endemic mammal of the island, the Bali tiger, became extinct in the 1930s.

The Bali Barat National Park, located on the north western side of the island, is a refuge for wildlife such as the pangolin, common muntjac, chevrotain, leopard cat, black giant squirrel, macaque and leaf monkey.

Administrative divisions

The province is divided into 8 regencies (kabupaten) and 1 city (kota):

* Badung
* Bangli
* Buleleng
* Denpasar (city)
* Gianyar
* Jembrana
* Karangasem
* Klungkung
* Tabanan

Economy
Rice terraces near Ubud; until the late-twentieth century tourist boom, agriculture dominated Bali's economy

Rice terraces near Ubud; until the late-twentieth century tourist boom, agriculture dominated Bali's economy

Three decades ago, the Balinese economy was largely agriculture-based in terms of both output and employment. Tourism is now the largest single industry; and as a result, Bali is one of Indonesia’s wealthiest regions. The economy, however, has suffered significantly as a result of the terrorist bombings of 2002 and 2005.

Although in terms of output, tourism is the economy’s largest industry, agriculture is still the island’s biggest employer, most notably rice cultivation. Crops grown in smaller amounts include fruit, vegetables and other cash and subsistence crops. A significant number of Balinese are also fishermen. Bali is also famous for its artisans who produce batik and ikat cloth and clothing, wooden carvings, stone carvings and silverware.

Although significant tourism exists in the north, centre and east of the island, the tourist industry is overwhelmingly focused in the south. The main tourist locations are the town of Kuta, and its outer suburbs of Legian and Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, Ubud, and the newer development of Nusa Dua. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is located near Jimbaran, on the isthmus joining the southernmost part of the island to the main part of the island. Another increasingly important source of income for Bali is what is called "Congress Tourism" from the frequent international conferences held on the island, especially after the terrorist bombings of 2002; ostensibly to resurrect Bali's damaged tourism industry as well as its tarnished image.

Bali's tourism brand is Bali Shanti Shanti Shanti. Where Shanti derived from Sanskrit "Çantih" meaning peace.

Demographics

The population of Bali is 3,151,000 (as of 2005).

Religion
The Mother Temple of Besakih one of Bali's most significant Hindu temples.

Unlike most of Muslim-majority Indonesia, about 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam (4.79%), Christianity (1.38%), and Buddhism (0.64%). These figures do not include immigrants from other parts of Indonesia.

Bali consists of about three million people, nearly all of whom practice the Balinese Hindu religion, a heterogeneous amalgam in which gods and demigods are worshipped together with Buddhist heroes, with the spirits of ancestors and with indigenous deities associated with agriculture and with places considered sacred. Religion as it is practiced in Bali is a composite belief system that embraces not only theology, philosophy, and mythology, but ancestor worship, animism and magic. It is supposed to pervade every aspect of traditional life.

Bali Hinduism, which has roots in Indian Hinduism and in Buddhism, adopted the animistic traditions of the indigenes, which inhabited the island around the first millennium BCE. This influence strengthened the belief that the gods and goddesses are present in all things. Every element of nature, therefore, possesses its own power, which reflects the power of the gods. A rock, tree, dagger, or woven cloth is a potential home for spirits whose energy can be directed for good or evil. Balinese Hinduism is deeply interwoven with art and ritual, and is less closely preoccupied with scripture, law, and belief than Islam in Indonesia. Ritualizing states of self-control are a notable feature of religious expression among the people, who for this reason have become famous for their graceful and decorous behavior.

Slattum, J. (2003). Balinese Masks: Spirits of an Ancient Drama. Indonesia, Asia Pacific, Japan, North America, Latin America and Europe: Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd.

Language

Balinese and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages in Bali, and like most Indonesians, the vast majority of Balinese people are bilingual or trilingual. There are several indigenous Balinese languages, but most Balinese can also use the most widely spoken option: modern common Balinese. The usage of different Balinese languages was traditionally determined by the Balinese caste system and by clan membership, but this tradition is diminishing.

English is a common third language of many Balinese, owing to the requirements of the large tourism industry. Staff working in Bali's tourist centres are often, by necessity, multilingual to some degree, speaking as many as 8 or 9 different languages to an often surprising level of competence.

Culture
Ogoh-ogoh monster in Ubud

Bali is renowned its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly developed and varied. Balinese dances portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, and kecak (the monkey dance).

The Hindu New Year, Nyepi, is celebrated in the spring by a day of silence. On this day everyone stays at home and tourists are encouraged to remain in their hotels. On the preceding day large, colorful sculptures of ogoh-ogoh monsters are paraded and finally burned in the evening to drive away evil spirits. Other festivals throughout the year are specified by the Balinese pawukon calendrical system.

National education programs, mass media and tourism continue to change Balinese culture. Immigration from other parts of Indonesia, especially Java, is changing the ethnic composition of Bali's population.

The Balinese eat with their right hand, as the left is impure, a common belief throughout Indonesia. The Balinese do not hand or receive things with their left hand and would not wave at anyone with their left hand.

Lombok

2008-04-29T01:33:00.000-07:00

Lombok (population 2,950,105 in 2005) is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a "tail" to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km² (1,825 sq mi). The administrative capital and largest city on the island is Mataram.

History

The Dutch first visited Lombok in 1674 and settled the eastern part of the island, leaving the western half to be ruled by a Hindu dynasty from Bali. The Sasaks chafed under Balinese rule, and a revolt in 1891 ended in 1894 with the annexation of the entire island to the Netherlands East Indies.

Geography and demographics

Gunung Rinjani

The Lombok Strait marks the passage of the biogeographical division between the fauna of the Indomalayan ecozone and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia that is known as the Wallace Line, for Alfred Russel Wallace, who first remarked upon the distinction between these two major biomes.

The island's topography is dominated by the centrally-located stratovolcano Mount Rinjani, which rises to 3,726 m (12,224 ft), making it the third-highest in Indonesia. The most recent eruption of Rinjani was in June-July, 1994. The volcano, and its sacred crater lake, 'Segara Anak' (child of the sea), are protected by a National Park established in 1997. The southern part of the island is a fertile plain where corn, rice, coffee, tobacco, and cotton are grown.

The island's inhabitants are 85% Sasak (a people, closely related to the Balinese, but mostly practising Islam), 10-15% Balinese, with the small remainder being Chinese, Arab, Javanese, and Sumbawanese.

Economy and politics

Lombok has much in common with nearby Bali, but less well-known and less-visited by foreigners. It has been working to increase its visibility to tourists in recent years, promoting itself as an "unspoiled Bali". The most-developed center of tourism is Senggigi, spread in a 10-kilometer strip along the coastal road north of Mataram, while backpackers congregate in the Gili Islands off the west coast. Other popular tourist destinations include Kuta (distinctly different from Kuta, Bali) where surfing is considered some of the best in the world by leading surfing magazines. The Kuta area is also famous for its beautiful, untouched beaches.
Local Sasak children
Local Sasak children

While the area may be considered economically depressed by First World standards, the island is fertile, has sufficient rainfall in most areas for agriculture, and possesses a variety of climate zones. Consequently, food in abundant quantity and variety is available inexpensively at local farmer's markets. A family of 4 can eat rice, vegetables, and fruit for as little as US$0.50. Even though a family income may be as small as US$1.00 per day from fishing or farming, many families are able to live a happy and productive live on astonishingly small incomes.

In early 2000 thousands fled from religious and ethnic violence that swept over the island, and tensions remain. Some travel websites warn that tourists sometimes provoke anger in this economically depressed region. This warning lacks credibility, since all of Lombok has had a long history of welcoming visitors to the island. Both the government and many of the residents recognize that tourism and the services required by tourists is Lombok's highest source of income. Further proof of the island's hospitality is show by the fact that tourists are virtually never seriously injured by any interaction with the local population. There is also a refugee camp on the island, costs paid for by Australia, which holds mostly Hazara Afghans who have tried to enter Australia by boat.

Emaar, Emirati property company planned to build a new town sprawled in 1,200 hectares in Central Lombok. It costs estimated at US$600 million. It will have a 7 km natural waterfront, which will support a marina, apart from luxury residences and five-star resorts by Ritz-Carlton[1]. The Ritz-Carlton will also have a world class golf course and retail amenities. The homes will employ tropical designs and low-rise architecture in tune with the surroundings.[2]

Mount Agung

2008-03-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

Mount Agung or Gunung Agung is a mountain in Bali. This stratovolcano is the highest point on the island. It dominates the surrounding area influencing the climate. The clouds come from the west and Agung takes their water so that the west is lush and green and the east dry and barren.

Gunung Agung last erupted in 1963-64 and is still active, with a large and very deep crater which occasionally belches smoke and ash. From a distance, the mountain appears to be perfectly conical, despite the existence of the large crater.

From the peak of the mountain, it is possible to see the peak of Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, although both mountains are frequently covered in cloud.

The 1963-64 Eruption

The lava flows missed, sometimes by mere yards, the Mother Temple of Besakih. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected. However, over 1,000 people were killed and a number of villages were destroyed in this eruption.

Climbing the Mountain

There are two routes up the mountain, one from Besakih which proceeds to a higher peak and starts at approximately 1100metres and another which commences higher from Pura Pasar Agung, on the southern slope of the mountain, near Selat and which is reputed to take 4 hours. There is no path between the two routes at the top. Cecilie Scott provides an account of the ascent from Pura Pasar Agung. The mountain can be seen from various directions in video, there is a well produced video of the climb from Pura Pasar Agung and a short video from the top above Besakih. Greg Slayden describes a climb from Besakih claimed to have taken a remarkable four and a half hours to the peak and Ken Taylor describes a climb that took much longer and which included getting lost.

Guides are available in Besakih and the mountain can also be climbed without a guide. The climb from Besakih is quite tough. It is sometimes tackled as a single climb generally starting about 10.00pm for a dawn arrival at the peak and sometimes with an overnight camp about three quarters of the way up. It is far harder than the more popular Balinese climb up Gunung Batur. It is not a mountain that needs ropes and not quite high enough for altitude sickness but adverse weather conditions develop quickly and warm waterproof clothing is required and should be carried. There is no water available along the route.

Proceed through the temple complex then continue on a path that travels continuously upwards on a steep narrow spur through open forest and jungle most of the way. There is little potential to get lost until the route opens up towards the top where the correct route doubles backwards. Many climbers miss this turn and continue up a small valley which can be climbed out of with some difficulty.

Nusa Penida

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Nusa Penida is an island southeast of Bali island, Indonesia. Administratively, the island is a subdistrict of Klungkung regency. There are two small islands nearby: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali.

Diving sites

Nusa Penida covers a wide area of diving locations. They are Penida Bay, Manta Point, Batu Meling, Batu Lumbung, Batu Abah, Toyapakeh and Malibu Point. The flow through the Lombok Strait is, overall, south-tending, although the strength and direction of the tidal streams are influenced by the monsoon seasons.

During the southeast monsoons, the tidal flow tends south; during the northeast monsoons, the tidal flow tends north. In the area of the strait north of Nusa Penida, the pattern is relatively simple, with a flow, at peaktide, of about three-and-one-half knots. Tidal streams in Badung Strait are semi-diurnal, but the character of the stream is very complicated because its direction runs obliquely to the general south to north direction of Lombok Strait, and the channel has a curved shape.

Toyapakeh

Toyapakeh has a stretch of reefs, and in the southern part of the bay there is a similar area of rugged bommies, rich with color and fish. Big schools of fish, sea turtles, and occasionally Mola mola (sunfish) are highlight of Toyapakeh diving. Toyapakeh is special for its pillars of coral.

Malibu Point

Malibu Point is a diving site with gray reefs, reef white tips, silver-tips and numerous sharks. While Penida Bay is another anchorage, and the rocky islands have an interesting forms; something like an old resting elephant. The bay is vulnerable to swell, creating-up-and-down-currents. Then, Manta Point is a limestone rock off Pandan cafe. The swell is relatively strong.

Nusa Penida/Lembongan

Nusa Penida/Lembongan is a diving site with vast spread of coral reefs and good visibility. Big fishes are frequently observed at the area. Manta rays or sunfishes appear in the certain season.

The site is also known of the very strong currents requiring divers some skills.

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is calmer than outer shore. There are schools of Anthias. A school of batfish comes around periodically. A bat cave is located nearby.

Goa Gajah

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Goa Gajah, ook wel Olifantsgrot genoemd, ligt ten oosten van Peliatan vlakbij Ubud in het midden van Bali. Goa Gajah dateert uit de 11e eeuw en is in 1922 ontdekt.

De ingang van de grot bestaat uit een soort monsterlijk wezen met wijd open mond. De grot heeft een 13 meter lange gang die uitkomt op een T-splitsing. Aan het uiteinde van de linkergang staat een beeld (1 m hoog) van Ganesha met vier armen (de hindoegod met de olifantenkop). In de andere gang staan drie linga, die de manifestaties van Shiva voorstellen. Vlak voor de ingang staat een beeld van de boeddistische godin Hariti.

Tegenover de grot ligt een fontein met zes vrouwenbeelden. Deze werd pas in 1954 blootgelegd door de archeoloog J.C. Krijgsman. Langs de grot loopt de rivier de Petanu.

Opvallend is de mengelmoes van hindoeïstische en boeddistische elementen. Rond het jaar duizend moet de grot al gebruikt zijn door hindoes; waarschijnlijk daarvoor door boeddisten.

Tanah Lot

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Tanah Lot is a famous rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of a famous pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot and a popular picture motiv for tourists.

History

http://www.tanahlot.net Tanah Lot means "Land in the Middle of the sea" in Balinese language. Located about 20 km from Denpasar, the temple sits on a huge offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is said to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. The story goes that during his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

The Tanah Lot temple was then built and has been an important part of Balinese mythological history for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. It was said that each of the sea temples was to be within eyesight of the next so that they formed a chain along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. There is said to be one giant snake which also protects the temple. It is believed that this snake was created from Nirartha’s scarf when he established the island.

Restoration

In 1980 the temple’s rock face was starting to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become dangerous.[citation needed] The Japanese government then provided a loan to the Indonesia government of Rp. 800 billion to conserve the historic temple and other beach locations around the island of Bali. As a result, over one third of the rock which can be seen is artificial rock created under the Japanese upgrade works.

Tourism

The area leading to Tanah Lot is highly commercialised and people are required to pay to enter the area. To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a carefully planned set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea. On the mainland cliff tops, restaurants are built for the tourists to relax.So tanah lot is a beautiful place to visit. 8-P

Bedugul

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The mountain village of Bedugul by Lake Bratan is on the main road connecting north and south Bali and is an interesting place to stay for a night or two, especially if you are a golfer as the renowned 18-hole Handara Golf Course is located here.

Again the accommodation runs from basic to first class. At 1500m above sea level it can be chilly at night.

Ubud

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The town of Ubud in the central foothills is set among rice paddies and ravines and still retains a relaxed pace and rural charm. Apart from its own attractions it is a good base for exploring some of the most historic sites (the “elephant cave” and 12th century reliefs at Gunung Kawi), trekking, bicycle riding and white water rafting. Ubud is also a town of painters.

Accommodation and dining ranges from basic to world class (Princess Diana stayed here). Good food to suit all pockets.

Nusa Dua

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Around 10 km south of the airport lies the international tourist enclave of Nusa Dua (meaning "two islands"). This purpose-built area is well planned and the site of beautiful top class hotels, with private beaches geared to the well-heeled and international conferences.

The enclave is safe and manicured, with international restaurants at international prices. Though a tad sterile for many, Nusa Dua has its adherents and is a perfect place for those unhappy with the hustle and bustle associated with other areas.

Sanur

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On the southeast Coast around 25 minutes from the airport is the site of Bali’s first luxury hotel, the multi-storied Grand Bali Beach.

Thankfully a later law prohibiting buildings higher than palm tree level has kept the Bali skyline much as it was before the tourist boom. A white sand beach sheltered by the reef, Sanur probably has the safest swimming on the island and is also good for windsurfing and sailing. You'll also find a wide variety of restaurants in the hotels, good outside eating and several interesting pubs.

Sanur has retained its village atmosphere and tends to attract a more mature clientele and families, with most younger people preferring to stay in Kuta. Oddly enough though, Sanur also hosts the island’s red-light district, hidden in alleyways away from the hotel area!

Sanur can be divided into 4 sub-districts:

1) The Grand Bali Beach Area

2) SINAHU - A classy area with good hotels on the beach, a boardwalk, an art market and good eating.

3) BATUJIMBA - Mainly villas belonging to the Indonesian elite and expatriates.

4) SENAWANG - South from the Bali Hyatt. Home to some pricey restaurants and the seedy red-light district.

Legian

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Legian extends from The Legian Beach Hotel to Hotel Jayakarta on what is still known as Rum Jungle Road. All types of accommodation including villas are available, along with some good eating and a few interesting bars, most of which close by midnight. Legian is a quieter area with less traffic than either Kuta Central or Seminyak as it has its own one-way system leading in and out. The Beach hotels are separated from the actual beach by the new village-owned road, which is closed to traffic.

Because of rocketing property values most expatriates have left this area for cheaper rents but you will still see untouristy things like westerners walking dogs and even one with a dog on his motorbike!

Kuta

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Kuta has traveled from slave port to stardom. This is where modern tourism in Bali all started and it’s still the most happening place of all.

With the building of the airport in Bali, Kuta became a firmly established part of the “Hippy Trail” and the Balinese responded with smiles, homestays and other simple accommodation, and eateries. From this small sleepy village with a white sand beach and good surf grew the Kuta of today which extends 8-10 km northeast of the airport and includes the villages of Tuban, the three villages of Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa and now Petitenget, with hotels, resorts and restaurants virtually lining the length of the beach.

It’s been fashionable for many years now to decry Kuta for its brashness, crassness and chaos, but the fact remains that the most cosmopolitan and interesting people are to be found here. Like it or not, this is 21st Century Bali, warts and all, without the sanitisation of the more planned areas.

But even in central Kuta you can find quiet hotels and intimate restaurants, and while the beach may be crowded in pockets, most of it is virtually empty, even in peak season. This is where you will find the widest range of accommodation and the best shopping, from trinkets to well-priced designer wear to elegant homewares and exquisitely crafted furniture.

You'll also find the best variety of eating and nightlife: The beachside Hard Rock Café; the tired 24 hour Mamas; the noisy unsophisticated drinking holes such as Sari Club and Flanagans in Central Kuta; the earsplitting beachside 66 (Double Six) Disco; the trendy bars and restaurants of Seminyak; and the air-conditioned cigar bar of KuDeTa restaurant in Petitenget.

Chaos and traffic notwithstanding, the Kuta area has it all. As the parts that make up the whole have their own distinct characteristics we list them going north/west along the beach from the airport. The divisions are not exact but close enough for our purposes.

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Tourism in Bali

Nusa Lembongan Island

agrotourism as an alternative form of tourism in bali

National Park West of Bali

Denpasar

Nusa Lembongan Island

Kuta Beach

Mount Bromo

Prambanan Temple

the greatest Borobudur

Luxury hotel on Paradise destination

Balinese Culture Lesson

Tamblingan Lake

Tenganan Village a Balinese Traditional Village

Bali Art Center

Bali

Lombok

Mount Agung

Nusa Penida

Goa Gajah

Tanah Lot

Bedugul

Ubud

Nusa Dua

Sanur

Legian

Kuta

BAI SAO
PHU QUOC, VIETNAM

GODELLAWELA BAY
SRI LANKA

PANTAI KENTING
TAIWAN

PANTAI LANDAA GIRAAVARU
ATOLL BAA, MALADEWA

PANTAI LUHUITOU
PULAU HAINAN, CINA

PANTAI NIHIWATU
SUMBA, INDONESIA

PANTAI RADHANAGAR
PULAU HAVELOCK, INDIA

PANTAI SIARGAO
SIARGAO, FILIPINA

PANTAI SUNRISE
KOH LIPE, THAILAND

PANTAI TELUK DALAM KECIL
REDANG ISLAND, MALAYSIA