Bali, Tidak Hanya Pantai & Laut (Part-1)

Pantai, laut, dan matahari adalah tiga hal pertama yang terlintas dalam benak saya apabila mendengar kata "Bali". Pulau kecil di bagian timur Indonesia ini merupakan destinasi favorit para pelancong lokal maupun internasional, yang rata-rata memiliki tujuan untuk menghabiskan waktu liburan dengan berjemur, melakukan olahraga air, dan berpesta!

Namun tentu saja Bali tidak hanya memiliki pantai yang cantik, Bali juga memiliki pegunungan dan dataran tinggi yang indah. Oktober tahun lalu, saya dan tiga orang teman saya berkesempatan untuk berkeliling Bali dengan tujuan utama untuk mengeksplorasi bagian dataran tingginya.

Selama lima hari empat malam kami berencana untuk menginap di TuneHotels Legian, sebuah hotel yang dikelola oleh salah satu maskapai penerbangan asal Malaysia. Hotel ini saya rekomendasikan untuk para flashpacker karena standar fasilitasnya yang sekelas hotel berbintang namun dengan harga yang lebih ekonomis. Namun bagi backpacker sekelas saya, sepertinya hostel-hostel di sekitar Jalan Poppies dan Benesari sudah cukup nyaman dan lebih bersahabat untuk dompet Anda. Yeah, I'm so cheap... Terpaksa, karena tarif hotel di Bali rata-rata cukup mahal.

Titik keberangkatan kami bermula di Blok M, DAMRI menjadi pilihan moda transportasi kami untuk mencapai Bandara Internasional Soekarno-Hatta. Cukup dengan Rp 20.000,- Anda akan tiba dengan nyaman dan selamat sentosa di terminal keberangkatan Anda.

Terminal 3 di Bandara Soe-Ta masih tampak lengang saat kami tiba. Saat ini memang hanya ada dua maskapai yang beroperasi di terminal paling lawas di bandara internasional tersebut. Oh ya, tips saya, bawa bekal dari rumah kalau kira-kira harus menunggu agak lama di bandara. Kenapa? Karenaaa, harga makanan di bandara berkali-kali lipat dari harga normal.

Akhirnya pesawat kami mendarat di Bali saat menjelang malam. Untuk mencapai hotel kami, taksi adalah satu-satunya pilihan karena tampaknya keberadaan kendaraan umum memang kurang umum di Bali, yang umum tersedia adalah sewa mobil atau sewa motor. Begitu mencapai terusan Jalan Legian, pengendara taksi kami menurunkan kami di gang depan hotel tersebut karena jalan masuk yang cukup sempit. Tapi cukup jalan kaki sedikit ke dalam, akhirnya kami tiba di TuneHotels! Yippy!

TuneHotels ini adalah salah satu budget hotel yang men-charge biaya kamar sesuai dengan fasilitas yang kita pesan, contohnya: handuk, AC, dan sebagainya. Dengan biaya sekitar Rp 400.000,- per orang untuk 4 malam, kami mendapatkan sarapan dan kredit AC 24 jam. Malam telah larut, sehingga kami segera bersiap-siap untuk beristirahat dan menyiapkan diri untuk jalan-jalan besok.

Hai kawan, saya kira Bali itu kecil. Ternyata luas banget, kawan!
Berhubung saya yang bertanggungjawab atas itinerary kami selama di sana, saya belajar bahwa ... Bali itu ternyata luas banget ya!! Saya kira bisa muter-muter Bali dalam waktu dua hari penuh, dan masih punya banyak waktu untuk bersantai-santai di hari-hari selanjutnya. Ternyata itinerary yang sudah saya buat itu rupanya agak ngerjain travel yang kami sewa, hehehe maaf yah, saya memang lemah dalam geografi...

Peta Bali Tengah.
Sumber: Wikipedia

Hari Pertama: Goa Gajah, Tampaksiring, Kintamani, Desa Adat Penglipuran, dan Tari Kecak
Tujuan utama kami hari itu adalah menyusuri Kintamani di Bali Timur, dengan Goa Gajah dan Pura Tirta Empul sebagai pemberhentian pertama. Untungnya cuaca hari itu tampak terik dan amat cerah, mendukung acara jalan-jalan kami yang cukup jauh.

Setelah menyelesaikan sarapan di Es Teler 77 —rupanya TuneHotels Bali bekerjasama dengan Es Teler 77 sebagai anchor restaurant-nya—, kami berangkat dari Legian pada pukul 9 pagi dan sekitar 45 menit kemudian kami tiba di Kompleks Goa Gajah.

TuneHotels Legian dan sarapan kami.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Kompleks Goa Gajah yang terletak di Desa Bedulu ini adalah sebuah kawasan yang memiliki sebuah gua dan sebuah area bekas tempat pemandian yang dibangun pada sekitar abad 11. Yang menarik dari Goa Gajah ini adalah ukiran pada mulut gua yang dipahat menyerupai kepala besar sebuah tokoh dengan mulut terbuka, di kedua sisi mulut gua terlihat dua patung yang seolah-olah menjaga gua tersebut. Begitu kami masuk ke dalam, tampak beberapa cerukan yang cukup dalam dan berjejer di dinding gua, rupanya cerukan tersebut adalah tempat bermeditasi para tokoh agama di jaman dahulu.

Goa Gajah dan area pemandian di depannya.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Beralih dari Goa Gajah, kami menuju Pura Tirta Empul di Desa Tampaksiring. Di dalam kawasan ini terdapat istana presiden di atas bukit —yang entah mengapa kok diletakkan di sana, strategis banget buat ngintip— dan sebuah area pemandian yang dikelilingi oleh kompleks pura yang lumayan luas. Sumber air di Pemandian Tampaksiring ini berasal dari mata air yang dipercaya memiliki kekuatan magis. Hari itu kawasan tersebut tampak penuh dengan pengunjung, teriknya matahari Bali seakan-akan mendesak para pengunjung untuk segera masuk ke dalam pemandian yang airnya dingin dan amat jernih, untuk kemudian melakukan ritual pembersihan diri.

Pemandangan di sekeliling Pura Tirta Empul; Foto di kanan atas menunjukkan Istana Tampaksiring yang berdiri di puncak bukit.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010



Pemandian Tampaksiring.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Setelah puas berfoto, kami menyempatkan untuk mampir ke sebuah restoran di Kintamani sekaligus untuk menikmati pemandangan dari atas bukit. Udara sejuk pegunungan dan pemandangan Gunung Batur dan danaunya yang membentang indah di horizon benar-benar membuat kami malas bergerak dari kursi. Tadinya kami berencana untuk sekaligus ke Desa Trunyan, tapi mengingat hari sudah agak sore akhirnya destinasi kami beralih ke Desa Adat Penglipuran yang terletak di Kabupaten Bangli.

Gunung Batur dan danaunya.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010


Desa Adat Penglipuran, Kabupaten Bangli.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Desa Adat Penglipuran ini sebenarnya tidak ada di itinerary yang saya buat, tapi menjadi salah satu objek wisata yang paling saya suka selama berjalan-jalan di Bali. Desa Adat ini awalnya adalah sebuah desa biasa dengan kawasan yang tertata rapi dengan pemandangan alam yang asri dan luar biasa indah, sehingga membuat kami betah berlama-lama di sana. Dengan didukung pula oleh sistem masyarakatnya yang masih kuat dan unik, pada akhirnya desa ini diangkat oleh pemerintah lokal menjadi salah satu objek wisata Bangli.

Bangunan rumah dan pura di Desa Adat Penglipuran.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Dari beberapa sumber yang saya temukan, kata "Penglipuran" diambil dari kata "Pengeling Pura" yang artinya tempat suci untuk mengenang para leluhur. Penataan fisik kawasan ini terlihat unik dan rapi dengan bagian depan rumah yang dibuat serupa satu sama lain, baik dalam hal fungsi, material, dan bentuk. Desa ini terletak di sebuah dataran tinggi dengan area utama berupa pura yang diletakkan di kontur tanah yang paling tinggi. Untuk memasuki kawasan ini dikenakan biaya Rp 11.000,- untuk rombongan kami, dan kita diharuskan berjalan kaki ke dalam kawasan karena kendaraan tidak diperbolehkan masuk.

Setelah puas berkeliling dan memotret Desa Adat Penglipuran, tak terasa perut kami kembali minta diisi. Pemandu kami mengusulkan untuk berhenti dahulu di Warung Ijo, di daerah Gianyar. Walaupun terlihat sederhana, tapi makanan di sini benar-benar memuaskan! Kami memesan 5 porsi nasi paket, yang isinya 1 ekor ikan bakar beserta sambalnya, sayur plecing, sate languan, bakso ikan laut, nasi putih, dan minuman. Semuanya hanya menghabiskan Rp 79.000,-! Kenyang, enak, dan relatif murah.

Makan siang kami di Warung Ijo, Gianyar.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Hari itu ditutup dengan mencari Tari Kecak! Karena Tari Kecak biasa diadakan pada saat menjelang matahari terbenam, kami segera bergegas menuju Batubulan, lokasi terdekat dari tempat kami saat itu. Pertunjukan akan segera dimulai saat kami menginjakkan kaki di Sahadewa, sebuah gedung kesenian yang mempertunjukkan berbagai jenis tarian khas Bali. Setelah membeli tiket seharga Rp 80.000,- per orang, kami segera masuk ke dalam bangunan dan mencari tempat duduk.

Tari Kecak di bangunan pertunjukan Sahadewa.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Tari Kecak sendiri adalah tarian khas Bali yang paling terkenal, tarian ini tidak menggunakan alat musik namun menggunakan suara para penari laki-laki yang terdengar berbunyi "cak.. cak.. cak..". Tari Kecak menceritakan kisah Ramayana dengan tokoh-tokohnya yakni Rama, Shinta, Rawana, dan beberapa tokoh punakawan. Menjelang malam, suasana mistis terasa makin kuat, apalagi saat tarian Kecak Api mulai dipertunjukkan. Saat sang penari mulai dirasuki roh dan menerjang api, tak pelak mata kami yang saat itu mulai mengantuk serentak terbelalak karena rasa terpesona.

Tari Kecak Api, terlihat sang penari yang kerasukan roh dengan ganas menerobos api unggun di depannya.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2010

Pertunjukan selama satu jam itu akhirnya selesai sudah, tak lupa kami meminta foto bersama para penari di panggung untuk kemudian melanjutkan jalan pulang ke hotel kami. (Saran saya, patut dicoba pula untuk menonton pertunjukan Tari Kecak di Pura Uluwatu saat matahari terbenam, karena lokasinya yang terletak di atas tebing membuat suasana mistis lebih terasa.)

Okeh, sekarang kami harus bersiap-siap untuk istirahat karena besok kami akan menjelajah ke Danau Beratan dan Pura Ayun di daerah Bali Utara...

Bersambung ke Bali, Tidak Hanya Pantai & Laut (Part-2) - coming soon!

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Backpacking in Bali: The Budget

Posting tamu oleh: Wenny Rosliana

Gw heran.

Pulang dari Bali yang ditanya bukannya kisah perjalanan gw selama di sana, ehh malah tanya budget-nya. Tapi gpp deh, emang gw ngirit-ngiritan sih di sana, hehehehe...

Tiket Pesawat
Dimulai dari hunting tiket pesawat murah. Untuk trip bulan Juni 2009, gw beli tiketnya Agustus 2008. Saat itu AirAsia.com lagi promo 1.000.000 free seat. Yang itu kursi cepet banget abisnya. Dia pake indikator bar gitu. Kalo bar-nya warna hijau berarti tiket gratisnya masih banyak, kalo kuning tinggal sedikit, kalo merah berarti tiket gratisnya udah sold out.

Destination yang paling cepet abis itu Bali, Medan sama Bangkok. Pada saat itu direct flight ke Singapore belum ada. Pengertian gratis di sini juga bukan gratis tis, tetep aja ada biaya fuel surcharge (sekarang udah ga ada) + vat + dan lain-lain lah.

Intinya gw dapet tiket Jakarta-Bali-Jakarta 537.000 after tax.

Sampe di Bandara Ngurah Rai, gw laper trus mampir ke Solaria bandara. Harganya +3.000 dari harga Jakarta per item nya. Di situ gw tanya sama mbak-nya kalo mau ke Pantai Kuta ada angkot ngga? Si mbak-nya bilang ga ada. Kalo mau murah, naek taksi Blue Bird tapi naeknya di luar bandara. Ga kayak di Jakarta yg dari bandara ke rumah penduduk jauh. Di Bali deket kok, bisa jalan kaki aja.

Setelah gw ikutin saran si mbak Solaria, naek taksi Blue Bird lah gw. Trus gw bilang ke abangnya "Pak ke pantai kuta. Ke penginapan yg murah yg pake kipas angin," trus si pak supir bilang "Oh, kalo yang kaya gitu banyaknya di jalan Benesari." Syipp lah... meluncur deh kita ke Jalan Benesari. Sampe di jalan Benesari hanya dengan argo 18ribu sekian. Cingcay lah jadi 20ribu. Kabarnya sih kalo naek taksinya dari dalem bandara, tarif taksinya borongan 50ribu.

Akomodasi
Sampe di Benesari kita mulai keluar masuk hostel tujuannya untuk cek harga. Cari yang paling sesuai. Range harganya untuk kamar dengan 2 kasur + kipas angin + kamar mandi di dalam itu 80ribu - 150ribu. Yang 80ribuan itu bentuknya kaya kos-kosan. Yang 150ribu itu ada kolam renangnya di taman. Gw akhirnya pilih yang harganya 100ribu. Kaya gini nih bentuknya:

Komala Indah Cottage.
Foto (c) Wenny Rosliana, 2009

Penginapan gw itu namanya Komala Indah Cottage. Letaknya di belakang Kamasutra Pub. Ini cottage walaupun letaknya di dalem gang tapi deket banget dari pantai Kuta. Cuma jalan kaki ga sampe 3 menit. Kaya dari halte busway Polda Metro ke Pacific Place deh.

Transportasi
Untuk transportasi selama di Bali: Gw sewa motor. Harganya tuh 50ribu/24 jam. Terserah mau lo bawa ke mana aja. Cuma perlu ngasih jaminan 200ribu sama titip KTP asli. Tapi ntar pas balikin motor, uang ama KTP-nya kembali lagi. Gw sewa buat 2 hari dan dapet motor Mio. Selama 2 hari itu gw abis buat beli bensin 25ribu. Padahal itu motor udah gw pake muter-muter.

Enaknya jalanan di Bali itu ga macet dan banyak petunjuk jalannya (plang ijo). Jadi ga usah takut nyasar. Penduduk asli Bali juga friendly kok, cuma mereka bermasalah ama jarak dan arah. Mereka kalo nunjukin jalan itu utara-selatan-timur-barat gt. Trus kalo bilang 100 meter, itu bisa berarti 1 km. Dan kalo mereka bilang 30 km, itu bisa brarti 300 meter. Wakakakakakaak.

Water Adventure
Setelah sunset pertama dinikmati di pantai Kuta, besok paginya kita ke Tanjung Benoa. Triknya biar dapet murah: selalu beli paket water adventure di travel agent yang tersebar di sepanjang jalan Legian-Kuta sampe ke dalem gang kecil.

Jangan bayarnya on-the-spot. Karena harganya jauuuhhh lebih mahal.

Perbandingannya nih:
Parasailing: di agent 80ribu, di lokasi: 120ribu
Jet Sky: di agent 120ribu, di lokasi: 200ribu
Diving: di agent 350ribu, di lokasi: 500ribu.

Nah gw beli paket yg dapet parasailing+jetsky+diving hanya dengan harga 375ribu rupiah saja. Wakakakakakakkak! Puass banget rasanya! :)

Kuncinya, lo tawar sebisa-bisanya lo nawar. Sampe murahhh banget. Dari ngerayu sampe memelas. :P

GWK = Patung Tertinggi di Dunia yang Ngalahin Liberty
Dari maen aer di Tanjung Benoa, gw meluncur ke Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK). GWK ini letaknya di atas bukit. Objek wisatanya itu patung Wisnu yang lagi nunggangin Garuda sebagai kencana-nya. Sayangnya patung ini blom selesai dibuat.

Gosip-gosipnya sih selain terkendala masalah dana, kalo udah jadi, patung ini akan menjadi patung tertinggi di dunia yang ngalahin Liberty. Ada unsur politis kali yee.... Dan another gossip ada yang bilang kalo patung GWK yg sekarang aja udah bisa keliatan dari Australia. But I doubt that. Soalnya pas gw parasailing yang bentuk pulau Bali aja keliatan pada saat terbang, GWK-nya ga keliatan tuh. Apa gw kebetulan ga ngeliat aja kali yee...

Untuk masuk ke GWK bayar 20ribu. Menurut gw itu mahal, secara cuma buat liat patung doang. Borobudur aja kaga segitunya.

Sunset di Tanah Lot
Dari GWK, gw menuju ke Tanah Lot buat ngedapetin sunset di sana. Tapi ternyataaaaa... Dari GWK ke Tanah Lot itu jauuuhhh banget! Perjalanan naek motor sekitar 2 - 2,5 jam deh. Fiuhhh... Yang ada pas sampe Tanah Lot cuma duduk dengan tenaga yang tersisa ngeliatin orang foto-foto.

Tapi sunset di Tanah Lot itu lebih keren daripada di Kuta. It worth to see. Bayar masuk ke Tanah Lot 7.500/orang. Motor 2.500. Setelah magrib di Tanah Lot, kita kembali ke hostel di Kuta. Dan ini adalah friday night. Sayang banget tidur cepet. Jalan-jalan ke Legian ahh...

Heaven in Hell
Gw menyebut Jalan Legian itu "SEPANJANG JALAN MAKSIAT".
Giilllaaaa itu tuh beneran heaven in hell. Musik-musik dugem dari pub di kiri kanan bikin pengeng. Itu gw yang di jalanan, gimana yang di dalemnya ya?? Hmmm... itu baru dari indra pendengaran, kalo dari indra mata lebih kacau lagi... Wakakakakakak. You know what I mean. :P

Oleh-Oleh!
Besoknya gw jalan ke Denpasar, Sanur trus ke Pasar Sukowati buat beli oleh-oleh. Di Sukowati kalo nawar mesti tega-tegaan.

Sarung Bali yg warna-warni itu mereka buka dengan harga 60ribu, dan gw dapet dengan harga 14ribu! Wakakakakakk... Walaupun itu blom puas banget sebenernya, soalnya nyokap bisa beli dengan harga 10ribu beberapa tahun yang lalu.

Budget buat belanja di sini ya tergantung kebutuhan aja. Bisa mahal bisa murah. Gw abis sekitar 200ribu itu udah dapet 17 items berbentuk sarung bali, baju, tas, ama kalung kerang.

Seafood at Jimbaran
Sebenernya ada 1 spot lagi yg worth to come yaitu Jimbaran. Jimbaran itu tempat makan seafood di pinggir pantai (masih terusannya pantai Kuta). Katanya sih keren tapi sesuai ama harganya. Temen gw makan seafood di Jimbaran abis 500ribu sekali makan.

Kalau mau macem-macem seafood-nya = 100ribu; 1 ekor lobster = 400ribu. Wakakakakkaak makin deg-deg-an aja gw ngeluarin duit di sana. Hmmm, ga jadi deh... Toh kalo mau makan seafood di pinggir pantai, di Jakarta ada Bandar Jakarta kok. Dengan harga yang normal. Hehehehhe... Akhirnya sunset terakhir gw nikmatin di Kuta aja.

Besok paginya gw langsung check out dan kembali ke Jakarta pake pesawat jam 10 pagi.

+ + + + +

Jadi total dana yg dikeluarin:
Tiket Pesawat PP: 537.000
Airport Tax PP: 70.000 (40ribu di soekarno hatta, 30ribu di ngurah rai)
Damri PP: 40.000
Hotel 3 malam: 300.000
Motor 2 x 24jam: 100.000
Parasailing+jet sky+diving: 375.000
Karcis GWK & Tanah Lot: 30.000 (GWK 20ribu, Tanah Lot 7500, motor 2500)
Bensin motor selama 2 hari: 25.000
Oleh-oleh: 200.000

Total: 1.677.000 Blom termasuk makan. Buat orang muslim, menurut gw susah makan di Bali. Takut ga halal. Jadi pilihannya kalo ga indomie telor, ya fastfood. Itungannya 50ribu lah buat seharian (3 kali makan).

Thatz all.

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Profil Kontributor
Wenny, kini bekerja di sebuah lembaga pemerintahan di Jakarta. Hobi jalan-jalan dengan budget minim dan sudah berencana untuk jalan-jalan lagi dalam waktu dekat. :)

[ Ingin turut menyumbang catatan perjalanan, artikel traveling, atau foto? ]
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Travel to bali - thing to do in bali

hello world, do you have a plan to travel to indonesia? do you have plane come to bali? enjoy your holiday in bali? i have list alot of things that you can do in bali indonesia.
if you travel to bali indonesia you must do our list of activity and enjoy your holiday. here is some list of things that you can do in bali.

Hard Rock Hotel –
This is a favorite for kids. Although located in downtown Kuta, there is enough going on in the resort to keep the whole family entertained all day. Waiters on monocycles serve the delicious western and Asian style food to you circus style. You can swim over to watch the band while it bashes out some great tunes that the whole family will love from a small island beach area in the middle of the pool. You can play beach volleyball on real sand on the island and if it gets all too much, then you can hire a private cabana, which sits on stilts in the water and dive off your own balcony if you wish. The kids can choose to slide down the two waterslides into the pool or may want a break from Mom & Dad and retire to the Kids Club. Evenings are just as fun as yet another band will entertain you Unplugged Style at Center Stage located in the Front Lobby Lounge Area. Budding singers will appreciate cutting their very own CD at the hotels state of the art professional music studio for a very competitive fee. A personal CD is an amazing keepsake and is the best gift for all the Grandparents and family back home! Massage and spa treatments are also available – so there is definitely something for everyone. Plan to spend the entire day at the Hard Rock (you can pay a small fee at the entrance for a day pass) or stay on in the super cool rooms complete with a great in room boom box or listen to Hard Rock radio hosted live from its own DJ Booth located in the hotel on your TV – it is well worth it.

Waterbom –
Another full day out. Waterbom is located in the heart of Kuta and has something for everyone. The park is set in a beautiful tropical Balinese garden paradise with 14 waterslides, relaxation pools and numerous leisure facilities. There are water features for all whether you prefer a leisurely river ride or a fast and furious tube ride. The harnessed bungee jumping swing was a huge hit for my kids and if you have a child who will not smile and pose for you in ordinary circumstances, then put them on this and click away. Massage and spa facilities are available as well. Open 9 am-6 pm.

Surfing –
Kuta and Legian are world famous for their “Learn to Surf Schools”, and if you or your children have ever had an interest in this sport, then this is the place to try it out. The nice thing about Indonesia of course, is the warm ocean water. Perfect for learning. The 6 km beach break stretching from Kuta to Petitenget has a range of waves and ideal conditions for learning. The School of Surf (Tel: 735 858) provides surf lessons for the uninitiated. Australian and Japanese instructors are available.

Shopping –
Too much choice to mention, but if you have ever wanted a leather jacket custom made, leather is big business in Bali indonesia. Bags, belts and footwear can all be found along Jl Legian. Surf wear shops abound in Kuta – you name it, its here: Mambo, Billabong, and Quicksilver and so on. If you have teenage kids they are bound to want to do the Jl Legian walk and discover them all. Bali Design, Gang Poppies II and Jl Legian have surf wear at more reasonable prices.

The best area for shopping is Jl Legian, Jl Bakungsari, Jl Melasti and nearby back lanes such as Poppies I and II. Shopping stretches all the way to Seminyak, where some of the funkiest shops exist and don’t forget the night markets. Jl Seminyak is where you will find some of the best buys in home wares and women’s fashions. This area is were the Bali resident expats always shop for the trendiest designs.

Adventure –
If you’re into adventure then it’s all available in Bali. ATV rides, mountain biking, white water rafting, trekking, 4WD Touring and Paddy Trekking it is all easily arranged. Padi Adventure is a pretty good one – Tel 289 748

Exploring by Car –
I would really recommend taking a driver and car rental and go off exploring for a day or two. The nice thing about taking a driver is their local knowledge and the places you can be taken that are totally off the tourist-beat. With your own wheels you have the flexibility to go at your own pace and spend time in places of your own choosing. You can simply stop the car for that awesome photo of a procession of Balinese women taking offerings to a temple or a special event. We stopped one afternoon, on the way back from Ubud - the kids were getting ratty in the back and we went scrambling up the rice terraces as the sun was setting. It was such a magical experience; we raced each other to the top and caught the most incredible views from last terrace. It is still one of the most memorable things I have done with my kids and it was totally impromptu. We could never have done that without a private car. Rp 250,000 per day including driver. There are many car operators, so ask your concierge for a recommendation but always remember that cars rented from the hotel will always cost much more than going direct to a car operator.

Cruises & Water Sports–
I think it is always nice to get out on a boat, and generally kids and boats go together. From Benoa Harbor you can catch a beach club cruise, luxury sailing catamaran, go out for fun on a banana boat, parasail, jet ski or get into some sea kayaking. Most kids love to fish and many of the boats are equipped with fishing gear. Fishing is a fun activity to do while the boat is moored for lunch or people are off snorkeling. Your driver can take you to any of the numerous locations on the harbor. Just remember to bargain! Again a good child/adult combination day out.

Restaurants and Dining
One of the most memorable things about Bali is the dining experience. It is simply out of this world and some of the most notable restaurants are either beachfront or near enough to the ocean to catch the breeze. The following restaurants are all located within walking distance from each other in the Seminyak area. Always bear in mind that bookings are considered essential at these very well known restaurants. In high season you may have to book days in advance.

Living Room –
Located on Jl Petitenget/Jl Seminyak this very romantic restaurant, is set in the open air with a magical tent-like atmosphere. Candlelit tables dot the large garden and cool music plays all night, with their own “Living Room Compilation CD” available on every table.

Ke de Ta –
Just along from the Oberoi Hotel, this is a total beachfront dining experience. Really nice Australian-style and international food with the coolest of décor and architectural design. You can spend many hours sitting on the deck over a meal and watch the world go by on the beach. Nice for breakfast, lunch or for dinner.

Gado-Gado –
Just along from Ke de Ta this a dining experience all to its own. Catch the ocean breezes at this legendary restaurant and dine out on the Balinese ambience at this very superb restaurant.

La Lucciola on Kayu Ayu Beach (Petitenget) is a perfect spot for a long breakfast/lunch or dinner. A beautiful open-air restaurant that is totally beachfront and the service is excellent. Nice Italian selection as well as western dishes. Good wine list. Sun loungers available and with a large grassy area opening out onto the beach, this is a good choice to share with kids and adults alike. A perfect spot for cocktails at sunset.

and many more things that you can do in bali indonesia and here is the list of nice places in bali travelplaces. if you have plan to travel here, read our list of location that make your holiday unforgotten moment in life.

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Bali indonesia travel to Sangeh Monkey

bali indonesia ha a large travel place after bali sanur beach now let i review about sangeh monkey. It is located near to Sangeh village; the renowned 6 hectares of Bali Sangeh Monkey Forest are filled with giant nutmeg trees capable of growing as high as 40m. Sangeh Monkey Forest near the village of Sangeh, in southwestern Bali, has six hectares of forestland with giant nutmeg trees. The main attractions here are the hordes of funny yet wise Balinese monkeys inhabiting both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, found in the heart of the forest. The monkeys of the forest are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. But visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jeweler should be left behind or kept well hidden under clothes or in a bag when exploring Sangeh Bali.

Near Sangeh village, about 20 km north of Denpasar. This forest of approximately 6 hectares is filled with giant nutmeg trees that can grow up to 40m high. The main attractions are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit sari, located in the heart of the forest. The temple, Pura Bukit Sari, was originally built around the 17th century as an agricultural temple and has been restored several times, most recently in 1973. In the central courtyard, a large statue of Garuda, an old carving of uncertain date, symbolizes freedom from suffering and the attainment of amerta, the elixir of life. The forest of nutmeg trees in which it lies was presumably planted deliberately a long time ago, for it is unique in Bali.

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Bali indonesia Travel - Sanur Beach

Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages but it's also one of the most established tourist areas. Sanur was Bali's first beach resort but still retains its Balinese character and old style village ambiance. On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive.

Bali indonesia travel in Sanur Beach is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as we jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resorts developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.here is more beautiful place then bandung indonesia travel.

Palm-lined beach, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east,Bali indonesia travel Sanur is an excellent place to see the sun rise in the morning. "Bali is the morning of the world", it is the right sentence for Bali if we has visited Sanur. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves, and make it popular for windsurfing, boating, and other water sports. It is one of the first areas where one can find good hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourist facilities.

It's also the place for some of Bali indonesia chic fashion shops, hot hotels and well-known restaurants. It is a good location to explore the rest of Bali. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues complement traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life. Gradual and early development has meant that Sanur has grown alongside the village, with hotels located right next door to local meeting halls and Brahmanic temples. Many hotels have expansive gardens that face the ocean in a picturesque unbroken seaside promenade.

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Kuta Beach in Bali

Kuta Beach is a tourist place, located in the south of Denpasar, the capital of Bali, Indonesia. Kuta is located in Badung regency.here there are many star hotels and foreign tourists
This area is a tourist destination overseas that is famed. In Kuta alone there are many shops, restaurants and the bathing season and the self.

Kuta Beach also often referred to as the Sunset Beach or the beach as the sunset from the beach opposite Sanur.
Kuta in addition to being the Sunset Site Number One, with its daily spectacular sunsets, it is also the centre of night life activities in Southern Bali and a shopping mecca, with its lines of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Restaurants line up the streets as well as the Bachfront,Hotels, ranging from a small, inexpensive homestay to a luxurious resort, will ready accomodate you.

The beach of Kuta is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport’s runway, which gives you a breathtaking landing experience. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, waves will invite you to test your surfing

Kuta is very short drive away from the airport, and transportation is readily available to take you from and to Kuta to and from anywhere else in Bali.

Major Air I Gusti Ngurah Rai is located not far from Kuta.
This location is the most popular attractions in indonesian. where the natural scenery is very beautiful. many of the foreign tourists who come to the balinese for tour but they fall in love with Bali then settle and live in bali. so if you want to travel to indonesia you must come to Bali. The great beach in the world

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Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran is directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar towards Nusa Dua. Jimbaran village is the narrow neck of Bali Island, and thus it has two remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beach faces the Jimbaran Bay, recently lined by new luxurious resorts. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor. Jimbaran is a sleepy cove where fleets of fishing boats color the scene. Formerly a relatively quiet area, its image has improved dramatically with the opening of the beautiful Four Season's Resort and the Inter-Continental. The last couple of years, it has become even busier still with grilled seafood restaurants going up at a rapid pace along the beach, attracting local families and tourists in droves.

Located on Bali's west coast, Jimbaran offers a small-secluded beach area, where tranquility and perfect peace is the perfect antidote to a stressful world. The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest. A popular spot for windsurfing and sailing small craft, which are available for rent, Jimbaran's grey sand and calm waters are attracting more people but the beach still has a sleepy feeling. A day at Jimbaran is made even more popular because of the all the wonderful options to eat. Choose from simple local food, the freshest fish or 5-star luxury. It is also a popular spot for sunset.

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Tampak Siring

Pura Tirta Empul is the temple of Tampak Siring, built around a sacred spring. Tampak Siring is an inscription dates the spring all the way back to 926AD; and there are fine carvings and Garudas on the courtyard buildings. The temple and its two bathing spots have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years for good health and prosperity; as the spring water really does have the power to cure. Regular purification ceremonies also take place here.

A little off the main road in Tampaksiring is Mount Kawi with its group of large stone memorials cut into cliffs on either side of a picturesque river valley. It is believed to date from 11th century; one is of Bali's most impressive sights. Tampak Siring artists produce marvelous bone and ivory carvings. Both sites open daily. By public transport from Ubud, catch a bemo north to Tampaksiring from the junction in Bedulu, which is southeast of Ubud.

An archaeological complex lies on gorge of Pakerisan River. To reach the complex visitors must walk about 600 meters from the parking area to the ticket counter than walked down on 315 stone steps. Before take a cross on the bridge at the bottom of the valley make a turn to the left to see the first stone monument. Another group of stone monument is located on the left side of the main temple across of the river.

The monuments are hewn in relief on a solid rock hill commonly called candi (temple). There are shaped like burial towers found all over Central and East Java. However, there are many theories telling identity of the royal personages honored here. One very credible theory suggests the five temple in the main group were built for King Udayana, his Javanese queen Gunapriya, his concubine, his illustrious eldest son Airlangga who ruled over East Java, and his youngest son Anak Wungsu. Reigning over Bali from AD 1050 to 1077, Anak Wungsu is believed to have given up his kingdom to become a religious hermit.

In the right of the main ensemble of temples is a cloister with five cells carved out of rock. The cloister inmates most likely were caretakers of the temple. There's a second hermitage near the main cloister, consisting of niches around a central courtyard, which might have served as sleeping quarters for visiting pilgrims. To get into this part of the temple visitors must take of their shoes. A walk up north of the temple complex could be a short nice walking along the rice field and river stream. The path leads to a small waterfall after 800 meters away and about 1,5 kilometers to Mengening Temple.

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Tenganan Village

Tenganan, northwest of Candidasa, is situated about 5km from the main road. Tenganan is a symmetrically laid out Bali Aga village with a walled homes and unique crafts. Bali Aga was the original inhabitant of Bali, before the arrival of Hindu Javanese. Tenganan retains its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders, further enforced by the protection of its surrounding walls. Tenganan is charming and has some very fascinating authentic traditional festival (ritual dances and gladiator) like Bali Aga of Tenganan often holds the battle between local youths. The people of Tenganan are skilled in the unique technique of weaving, called the 'double ikat', where the belief in the magical power of the fabric is essential in bringing out the beauty of the ikat cloth.

There are some versions of story telling us the history of Tenganan village. Some say that the word Tenganan was derived from the word "tengah" or "ngatengahang" which means, "move to the inner area". This derivation of word was having a relation with the movement of the villagers from the seaside to a rural area, in which the position of this village is in the middle of hills, which are western hill (Kauh Hill) and eastern hill (Kangin Hill).
Another version reveals that the people of Tenganan came from Peneges village, located in Gianyar, precisely near Bedahulu. Based on the folklore, once upon a time Bedahulu King lost one of his horses. The people looked for it to the east and the horse was finally found dead by Ki Patih Tunjung Biru, the King's right hand. For his loyalty, the King finally gave Ki Patih Tunjung Biru an authority to govern the land as far as the aroma of the carrion of the horse can be smelled. Ki Patih was an intelligent person, so he cut the carrion into pieces and spread it as far as he could. Thus he received a quite large area.

Visitors will feel comfortable when visiting this area, for some facilities are available here, like food stalls, good toilets, arts shops and a quite large parking area. If we wish to have meal in restaurants or to spend the night near this area, we can go to Candidasa, which is only 3 km from this village. To get to Tenganan, get a lift up from the main road by ojek; and have a pleasant walk back down to the main road contemplating the intricacies of the Bali Aga culture. There is no entrance fee to Tenganan but a small donation is requested as we enter the village.

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Nusa Lembongan Island

Nusa Lembongan is situated 12 miles south east of Bali. It is one hour travelling time by boat from Benoa Harbour. This pear shaped island is around 4km long and 2km wide. It is surrounded by a beautiful fringing reef and the waters are renowned for their abundance of life and great surf breaks. The reef has been declared a marine park by the Indonesian authorities. Not only does the reef support its own Eco- system, but it supports most of the villagers on the island as well.

The local people farm seaweed. This seaweed is cultivated, harvested then exported all over the world for use in cosmetics, food stabilizers and medicines. Other sources of income include traditional wooden boat building, farming peanuts, sweet potato crops, and fishing.
Village life is very slow and enchanting. Very few cars and motorbikes are seen on the roads. The people are steeped in tradition, and one could imagine Bali being like this island thirty years ago. Although the island is small there are still things to do. Fishing, diving, surfing, mangrove exploring, discovering natural fresh water springs, underground cave house exploring, cycling around the island. A visit to the bat caves on a nearby island, or a picnic at a dream beach.

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Bali's Road, Water, and Air Trip (Part-1)

Ini adalah posting lama dari blog keluarga besar saya. Apa? Oh, tentu saja, kami sekeluarga sangat suka nge-blog! Hehehe... Oia, karena sebagian besar perjalanan ini dibiayai oleh orangtua-orangtua kami, jadi mungkin catatan perjalanan kali ini tidak bisa dibilang "irit", tapi semoga info tentang jalan-jalan di Bali ini dapat membantu para pembaca.

Yohooww...

Bermula dari tanggal 30 Juli hingga 3 Agustus kemarin, kita rombongan Soekardanoe dari Bandung-Jakarta-Surabaya bertolak ke Bali! Ada apa gerangan di sana?? Yakk, untuk mendatangi syukuran pernikahannya Mbak Anita & Mas Stuart (agak aneh juga kalo manggil-nya "Mas" ya, hehehe).

Untuk cerita road trip Bandung-Surabaya-Bali, itu satu cerita lagi. Maka marilah kita menunggu rombongan Bandung untuk menuturkan ceritanya. Ayooo!! Ceritakan, pasti seru! Hehehe...

Sekarang marilah kita memulai cerita saat semua sudah sampai di Bali.
Jadi, beginilah ceritanya...

Jumat, 1 Agustus 2008

Rombongan Jakarta, Ayu-Ajeng-Dimas berangkat pukul 06:45 WIB dari Jakarta. Dan dijemput pukul 10:30 WIT di Bandara Ngurah Rai, Bali, oleh Pakde Benny, Bude Annie, Mas Benito, dan rombongan Bandung yang sudah tiba sehari sebelumnya (Oom Harry, Tante Ida, Maya, Tya). Oia sama Mas Sebastian juga, yang ternyata juga mau menjemput istrinya, Mbak Natassya, sepupunya Mas Benito & Mbak Anita.

(1) Tanjung Benoa
Berhubung baru bisa check-in ke hotel setelah pukul 12:00 WIT, maka kita langsung ke... Tanjung Benoa!! Yihaaa! :D Tanjung Benoa ini terkenal dengan watersport-nya. Yang kita coba : Banana Boat, Flying Fish, dan Parasailing. Oknum-oknum yang "menghindari air" --alias ngga bisa berenang-- tentunya memilih Parasailing, hehehe.


Beginilah komentar mengenai wahana-wahana tersebut :

Banana Boat :
"Aahh, boat-nya tadi ngga dibalik-balik! Ngga seru! Ngga basah!"
Memang semua yang naek banana boat udah nyiapin diri untuk basah-basahan, namun sayang sungguh sayang, boat-nya gak dijungkirin.


Flying Fish :
"Pergelanganku... Huhuhu..."
Di sini memang sempat terjadi tragedi berdarah antara Tya-Bully dengan mas-mas "pengayuh" Flying Fish. Akibat ingin menyeimbangkan antara berat Maya dan Tya, si trainer sempet terjerembab jatuh ke Tya. Si trainernya bibirnya berdarah, Tya-nya pergelangan tangannya terkilir. Tapi tenaaang.. semua dapat teratasi dengan baik oleh dokter kita, pakde Benny :D

Team flying fish kedua, beranggotakan oom Harry dan mas Benito. Muka-mukanya sih pada cool, tapi dalam hati siapa tau?? Terbukti, waktu melayang, mereka tak segan-segan berteriak bagaikan menaiki wahana di dunia fantasi :D


Parasailing :
"Kiky, I love youuu!!"
"Seru! ...tapi kurang lama."
"Mas-mas nya picky!"
Kenapa disebut picky? Awal mulanya begini.. Waktu mau nyobain parasailing ini, Ajeng yang paling semangad mau cepet-cepet nyoba, sementara Ayu langsung deh tangan dingin dan deg-degan. Takuuuuut. Dan sepertinya trainer menangkap kekhawatiran itu di wajah Ayu. Ajeng yang udah semangad duluan dan ngacung aku-aku-aku, ditolak mentah-mentah oleh si trainer. Dia menunjuk ke… Ayu! HUWAAA!

Begitu Ayu turun, trainer kembali memilih mangsa. Ajeng lagi-lagi dengan semangat membara ngacung aku-aku-aku. Ditolak mentah-mentah (lagi), dan trainer menunjuk Dimas! Setelah 2 kali penolakan, Maya yang menyaksikan segalanya menyimpulkan kalo si trainer itu picky, hahahaha! :D Trainer yang aneh.

Tapi, secara keseluruhan sih, nyobain watersport di sini SERU! :D

(2) Restoran Ulam, Nusa Dua
Laperrr! Akhirnya kita makan di Ulam. Makan nasi ayam bakar, nasi ikan bakar, nasi bebek goreng. Wooaaahh, yang paling juara adalah nasi bebek goreng!!! :D Wuenyaks dan empuks! Tobh markotob!


(3) GWK - Garuda Wisnu Kencana
"Who is he?", "Why does Bali called Hindu Island?", "Why is it unfinished?"
Yakk... ada kemungkinan turis-turis kita bertanya seperti itu tentang GWK. Umm... sebenernya itu pertanyaan Sebastian, hehehe...


(4) Uluwati Uluwatu
Nontonin kera-kera kecil nan bandel. Masuknya dikasi selendang warna-warni. erus diperingatkan kacamata, topi dll, musti disimpan dalam tas karena suka disamber sama monyet-monyet itu. Disiapkan buah sawo untuk dikasiin ke monyet, dengan tanpa bersalah dimakanin sama kita-kita dooooong... ;p

(5) Krishna Gift Shop
Belanja.. Belanja.. Belanjaaa. Yak, pada kalap liat-liat souvenir untuk oleh-oleh. Dari kaos, sendal, peralatan makan, selendang, cemilan-cemilan.. Semuanya dengan cepat masuk ke dalam keranjang. Hihihi. Gak sempet foto-foto, kalaaaaap!!

(6) Unagi Gift Shop
Belanjaaa lagiii. Sebenernya sih bude yang belanja. Kitanya cuman liat-liat. Soalnya agak-agak ribet, untuk tau harganya kita musti nanya-nanya mulu sama mbak-mbaknya. Udah gitu, musti diitungin dulu pakek kalkulator. Lama. Barang-barangnya sih bagus-bagus, tapi harganya juga bagus, hehehe. (Aku di sini baru tau, mangkok yang motifnya ulir-ulir itu ternyata terbuat dari potongan-potongan kayumanis dan wangiii! I looove cinnamon! --Ayu)

(7) Ramayana Resort & Spa
Setelah menaruh barang-barang, istirahat sejenak & bersih-bersih, kita langsung menuju salah satu restoran dekat hotel. (I warn you! Soto Betawinya lama! Tapi enak sih... Habis tuntas dalam 15 menit. Entah karena aku udah laper atau gimana. -- Ajeng)

Yah.. eniwei.. setelah makan malam di restoran itu & ngemil-ngemil es krim di kedai sebelah, Bude memiliki ide cemerlang untuk kembali ke hotel dengan jalur yang berbeda.


Maksudnya : kalo harusnya kita lewat kiri, sekarang kita bakal lewat kanan. Dengan modal PeDe jaya, Maya & Ajeng berinisiatif untuk menjadi pemandu jalan. Dan dapat ditebak, mereka sempat "menyasarkan" para pengikutnyah!

"Salah kalian sihhh..."
"Idihh, bukan salah KITA... Salah JALAN kok..."
"..."
"Sebenernya yang salah tu kita, kok bisa-bisanya percaya ma mereka."

Huahahahhaa!!! XD

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Kintamani

The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit.

Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain. Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.

The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap cottages are available here.

Kintamani can run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani. Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge "Baby" statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli. From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon.

Tour to Kintamani is a very impressive experience where Kintamani Area have very beautiful panorama located in plateau and also encircled by mountain atmosphere with the windblast from Mount Batur. Carpet of Batur Lake seen far below and also there are local resident house beside of Batur Lake. Beside of that, Mount Batur which to date still be active growing its beautiful for Kintamani Area.

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Ubud

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart. This area is located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family and a flourishing arts centre. Most of Bali's museums and galleries are centered in Ubud, but culture and history rich Bali is peppered with museums and galleries.

These museums and galleries offer paintings, woodcarvings, textiles and all kinds of souvenirs for viewing and also purchase. Puri Lukisan Museum in centre of Ubud, Neka Museum in Campuhan, Seniwati Gallery and Agung Rai Museum in Pengosekan is a must, to see the difference between creative art and more commercial products.

Inspired by vibrant green rice paddies, mountains and colorful Balinese festivals, the elite artistic colony that began in the 1930's with eminent European painters, writers and musicians has now grown into a thriving arts centre, drawing increasing numbers of visitors. Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specializing in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewelry as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art.

Ubud's role as the epicenter of Balinese culture makes it the perfect place to see traditional Balinese dance and drama. From the early 1920's the royal family ensured that most talented teachers of dance, music and drama were brought to Ubud to entertain the King and pass on their knowledge. Dances like Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in Bona village, just 15 minutes drive from Ubud. Bali's most accomplished dancers, musicians, painters and carvers live in just 10 square kilometers.

Balinese Hinduism remains stronger in Ubud than elsewhere in Bali, cremation ceremony or celebration of some kind. Balinese Hinduism is distinct from that of India and has absorbed the animism of Bali's pre-Hindu ancestors - inspired by the extraordinary beauty of Bali's landscapes - rice fields, mountains, river gorges, villages and ancient temples.

Visit Ubud Monkey Forest, a natural forest reserve popular with both locals and tourists. Inhabited by wild monkeys who will steal the camera, bananas, handbags, toupees, etc. These mischievous monkeys provide lots of entertainment. Interesting meandering paths lead to charming places like the bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of ancient forest. Just off the main square a lovely arched stone bridge leads to the Hindu elephant-headed Lord Ganesh overlooking a small, square, moss-covered pool where several koi swim at his feet.

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Bedugul

Bedugul is the name of both a small city and a mountain-lake resort area, which Balinese have long used for weekend retreats. Bedugul is located on the main north-south road between Denpasar and Singaraja in cool damp mountain country, an excellent base for walking trips around the lakes and surrounding hills. Bedugul is located in a high plateau at the center of the Island.

Cool air and mists are natural for the place. Bedugul is a resort in Bratan Mountains, famous for its golf course; and also the Ulun Danu. Ulu Danu is an amazing temple, which seems to have risen out of Bratan Lake 1,200metres above sea level. There are many water sports available here are boating, water skiing, and parasailing. When the heat and humidity are get, why not escape to Bedugul. Bali's highland retreat has tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 meters above sea level. Here three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forests seem to create freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are several places to stay near the lake and there is also an interesting temple, botanical gardens, an excellent golf course and a variety of activities on Lake Bratan itself.

Bedugul is a favorite place for Balinese family for weekend picnic. Bedugul is also a center of horticulture. We'll find plenty of fruits and vegetables here. Here we find 3 of Bali 4 lakes, Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. Bratan, the largest of the three is perfect place for water sports such as para sailing, motor boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, etc. Bedugul fertile soil also produced abundance of plants and trees, some of them formed rain forests with their exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures.

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Gajah Cave

Goa Gajah, literally means 'Elephant Cave”. Although named by 'elephant' it doesn't mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. The name Goa Gajah derived from 'Lawa Gajah', which is mentioned in the manuscripts that found in this site. This temple complex was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site.
A seven-meters deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village's local temple.

The cave it self is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is 'boma', a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if we give more attention look to the rest of the carving. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Nowadays, those holes are used to place offerings whenever there is ceremonies taking place. On the left end side of the cave is Ganesha statue, believe it as 'the God of knowledge'. Meanwhile on the right end side can be found three 'linggas', that each of them dedicated to the three common God manifestations in Bali, Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. There are other three stone carvings in the centre wall, one of them figuring head and face.

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

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Klungkung

Bali's smallest district Klungkung is located between Gianyar and Karangasem, and includes the island of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan. Klungkung itself is a bustling town. Based on the decree of the Governor of Bali Province on 1993 number 528, Nusa Penida in one of with also fixed as a tourist resort in Bali.

And then base of the Regency of Klungkung Government on 1996 decree number 284 there are 18 tourist object in the regency inclusive Nusa Penida. On reaching the town centre. Klungkung was the base of the ancient Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali, from where the Balinese royalty of today draws its bloodline. It is the oldest kingdom in Bali, with a most exalted Kings. The famous Kertha Gosa or Royal Court of Justice was built in Klungkung in the 18th century, displays one of Bali's masterpieces. It has a wonderfully made ceiling displaying one of Bali's masterpieces (murals portraying the punishment of hell and the rewards of heaven, and elaborated in thousands of panels of puppets) all on the ceiling. Klungkung's golden glory is forever captured in its floating pavilion, elaborate garden, and charming lotus ponds. Klungkung satisfies one's wish of returning to the glory of the ancient past.

Klungkung has played a most important role in Bali's history. It was the seat of rule of Bali's history. It also seat of rule of Bali's most powerful dynasty of rajas, Dewa Agung, under whom the island was united during a glorious period of rich cultural influence. Gajah Mada, head of Majapahit, pacified and united Bali towards the end of the 13th century, incorporating the island into the Majapahit Empire. He set king Kepakisan, the first Dewa Agung "Great Deity". To rule over the island from his court at Samprangan, near the present town of Klungkung. Several generations later this seat of power was removed to nearby Gelgel, where it established much authority and prestige under the fourth succeeding Dewa Agung.

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