Bali Travel Guide

Ulun Danu Bratan

2007-01-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

On the western shore of the lake, dramatic Pura Ulun Danu
Bratan projects into the water. This is the temple of the lake goddes
who is much revered as a source of fertility. Built by the king of Mengwi
in 1633. it consists of four compounds, the two outermost of which are
completely surrounded by water.

When the three-tiered Siwaitic lingga petak was recently restored, the
builders discovered a bubbling spring and a big white stone flanked by
two red ones a phallic lingga representing the reproductive power of Siwa
as the god of fertility. Towering above this, on a separate islet, is
a single shrine of 11 roofs dedicated to Wisnu in his manifestation as
the lake goddess Dewi Danu. who protects all living creatures.

Ubud

2007-01-21T09:40:00.001-08:00

Ubud is located in attractive

environment of picturesque emerald green rice fields, along the edges

of deep gorgeous river in the stunning center Balinese foothill around

30 km from Denpasar town. Ubud got its name from ubad, which means medicine,

due to the fact that there are many plants in this area used in making

traditional medicine. Ubud surrounding, are considered the best on the

island, the traditional dancing and music is of excellent quality.

The trip to Ubud is a time change: from stone dwellings of antiquity to

a current center of fine arts noted for its painters. On the threshold

of Ubud is the village of Peliatan with an especially active dance troupe

and gamelan orchestra. These famous musicians have represented Indonesia

abroad in Europe and the United States. The village puri continues the

tradition of fine performing with private dance lessons for aspirants

from the age of five. it's delightful to watch a Legong instructor glide

through the motions of the dance trailed by four little girls, their feet

weaving patterns over the courtyard and their faces set in concentration

to the essential rhythm of the drum.

A quieter rhythm guides the daily life of Ubud. Each morning, farmers

set their fighting cocks along the roadside to bask in' the sun. Covarrubias

says they do this so the cocks will be amused watching the passerby: sturdy

women suspending hemisphetes of pots to be sold at market, farmers bearing

sheaves of rice, and nowadays passing automobiles. It's nice to join them

and stroll through the plentiful shops that line the avenue opposite the

old puri in the town's center. Ubud is excellent for shopping. Galleries

display contemporary styles by old masters of thirty years experience

and young boys who have developed a manner of their own-the "Young Artists"

style. Many shops have studios at the back where you may watch painters

at work.

For decades the serene beauty of this village has lured celebrities and

artists from all over the world, some of whom stayed to build their homes

here. Down the road at Campuan, the junction of two rivers that flow through

Ubud, are the former residences of Waiter Spies and Rudolf Bonnet, artists

who lived here during the thirties. With the support of Cokorda Gede Agung

of Ubud, these two painters founded the Pitha Maha, a society which encouraged

the young artists of the area, criticized them, provided them with materials

and encouragement, and patronized their work. Spies' own paintings inspired

the Balinese artists to abandon the rigid forms of the traditional style

and adopt such European techniques as perspective. (Spies died during

World War li.)

Since the turn of the century the art of North Bali had come under European

influence. The modern styles of Ubud and Batuan drew their inspiration

from the scenes of everyday life about them, besides from the classic

stories of Old Javanese literature. Many Balinese painters associated

with Pitha Maha are internationally renowned, like the late 1 Gusti Nyoman

Lempad, and others remain to this day among the island's most outstanding

artists: A.A. Gede S brat, lda Bagus Made Poleng, I Gusti Ketut Kobot

and several others, each working in his own style. An outstanding woodcarver

was 1 Tjokot from the village of Jati, 1 5 kilometers north of Ubud. Mas

and Nyuhkuning are other early woodcarving centers still active.

At the present time, Dutch-born Han Snel and the American Antonio Blanco

are the long resident foreign painters. They have galleries in their homes

where their works may be seen. Dutch-born Arie Smith encouraged young

artists to create bold, simplistic paintings from which arose the "Young

Artists" style with its bright colors. The patronage of the arts continues,

with friends and collectors intermittently sponsoring exhibitions abroad.

The Museum Puri Lukisan (Palace of Fine Arts), also called the Museum

Ratna Wartha, was begun in 1954 and opened two years later as a permanent

collection of modern Balinese art. Beautifully situated above a garden,

the museum displays sculpture and paintings in chronological order, giving

a clear view of the modern movements in Bali's art centers. In the early

seventies two new buildings were added, one being used for exhibitions.

Bonnet returned to Bali in 1 973 to help expand the permanent collection.

Ubud is the only important

tourist center in Bali outside the Denpasar-Sanur-Kuta area. There are

several hotels, and recently in 1975 electricity came. Many tourists like

to make Ubud their home while in Bali and travel out from there. Besides

the main trips, there are many roads and places near at hand that are

enjoyable to visit. The terraced fields and waterfalls in nearby gorges

invite one to leave transport behind and set off on foot. Any direction

is fine. The best-known walk is to the monkey forest, just south of Ubud,

where a troop with a fine-looking king inhabits the surviving patch of

jungle. A great banyan tree straddles the nearby gorge on the path down

to a delightful 13tthing place. The Pura Dalem on the edge if the forest

has exceptionally fine statues of Rangda gorging herself on young children.

The road south through Padangtegal leads 6rf to Pengosekan, a village

of painters since the thirties. It is well known for the varied and individual

style of its artists and was visited by Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1974.

Cross over the suspension bridge at Campuan, and turn left several hundred

meters beyond, for the path to Penestanan, main village of the "Young

Artists". On trips further a field on the back roads, a motorbike is best.

From Ubud, two roads, besides the usual one via Tampaksiring, lead to

Kintamani. One road goes through Payangan, famous for its lychees which

grow nowhere else in Bali. The second road is surfaced as far as Tegaialang.

Jati, where 1 Tjokot lived, is just off the latter road beyond Tegaialang.

There are several art shops along the road. Up nearer the crater, be prepared

to encounter thick volcanic sands left behind when Gunung Agung erupted

in 1963. Ubud serves well both the traveler who wants to get about and

those who prefer a quiet relaxing stay.

Tenganan Village

2007-01-21T09:39:00.001-08:00

The village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient
pre Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders.
Tenganan Pegeringsingan is one of the most conservative villages of
the Bali Aga "original Balinese". Tenganan is also well known for its
geringsing cloth or double ikat. Through an intricate process of weaving
and dyeing, known only here, a single cloth takes five years to complete.
which is supposed to protect the wearer with magic powers. Here unique
rituals offering dances, and gladiator ( the fight of the Pandanus leaves)
takes place only once a year.

On a side-road, leading inland to the hills near Karangasem,
is Tenganan, one of the most conservative villages of the BaliAga11
original" Balinese. This is a walled village. Within the bastions, all
living compounds are identical in plan and are arranged in rows on either
side of the wide, stone-paved lanes which run the length of the village.
The people of Tenganan claim to have come originally from Bedulu. The
legend of how they acquired their land dates from the 14th century:
the mighty king Dalem Bedaulu lost his favorite horse and sent the villagers
of his kingdom in all directions in search of it. The men of Tenganan
traveled east and found the corpse of the horse.

When
the king thereafter offered to reward them, they requested the land
where the horse was found, i.e. all the area in which the carcass of
the dead horse could be smelt. The king sent an official. With a keen
sense of smell to partition the land. For days, the chief of Tenganan
led the official through the hills, yet still the air was polluted with
odor of dead horse. At last, the tired official decided this was enough
land and departed. After he had left, the BaliAga chief pulled from
his clothing a very smelly remnant of the horse's flesh.

Tenganan still owns, communally, these large tracts of well cultivated
land. Traditionally, the men were not accustomed to work in the fields
with their own hands and hired out their land to men of neighboring
villages. The aristocratic Tenganese went to the fields chiefly to collect
tuak, a popular palm beer. The women of this village weave the famous
"flaming" cloth, kamben gringsing, which supposedly has the power to
immunize the wearer against evil vibrations.

Through an intricate process of weaving and dyeing, known only here,
a Single cloth takes five years to complete. Only the finest pieces
are worn by Tenganan people for ceremonial dress. The imperfect ones
are sold, since they are much in demand throughout Bali.

During ceremonies here, girls, from the age of two, wrap their
bodices in silk, don a multi colored scarf and flowered crowns of beaten
gold. Men begin to play the mysterious melodies of the gamelan selunding,
an archaic orchestra of iron sound-bars, seldom heard outside a few
cloistered villages in the east. Very slowly the girls file out of the
darkness, their eyes cast to the ground. Silently, they lift their scarfs
and let them fail again, always moving in slow, dreamlike elegance.
This is Rejang, a ritual offering dance.

The Fight of the Pandanus Leaves at Tenganan takes place only
once a year during a festival called Usaba sambah. To the accompaniment
of the sacred gamelan selunding, two men each within round, plaited
shield attack each other with wads of pandanus leaves, the variety with
thorns down either side of the leaf. The two favorite tactics are to
rush and clench the opponent. The clench has one disadvantage: while
one man rubs this thorny wad across his opponent's back, he is rather
open to the same treatment. Occasionally, the earnestness of an expression
makes one wonder if an insult is not being repaid. During this festival,
ferries wheels, such as you pass on the road past Klungkung, are set
up on the rising terraces of the village. Some have one wheel of seats,
others two, and the whole wooden contraption is turned by the foot-power
of two men at the tops of the poles on either side. Within a few kilometers of
Tenganan are other conservative and secluded villages that enact, unchanged,
rituals peculiar to them. At Asak, dancers sweep their hair in a great
coil to one side, as seen in old stone statues of noblewomen. Men play
the ancient gamelan gambang of wooden keys. Beyong Tenganan, the main
road crosses a pass overlooking a huge valley. At the highest point,
where drivers often place offerings, a path climbs steeply up to Pura
Gumang and a great view.

Tenganan Village

2007-01-21T09:38:00.001-08:00

Sangeh Monkey Park

2007-01-21T09:36:00.001-08:00

Sangeh is the village whose northern part covers about 14 hectares of a holy homogen forest of "Pala" trees with hundreds of monkey in habitants. The trees cannot be found on any other part of Bali and their existence in this village remains a mystery. Look for a lovely mossy temple, which is hidden amongst the tall and gracious "Palatrees".

The Sangeh Monkey Forest, a cluster of towering trees and home of hundreds of sprite monkeys. The forest is sacred and for many years no one has been permitted to chop wood there. The temple was built around the 17th century by the first king of Mengwi Kingdom, and dedicated to the God of Mount Agung.The temple is surrounded by tall nutmeg trees. Many monkeys roam the surrounding forest .As they live in this sacred forest, the monkeys are also held sacred and are rather tame, but it is advisable not to play with them.

Sangeh monkey have a special status in Hindu religin, and a number of temples in Bali boast a resident monkey population, respected by devotees and duly fed and photographed by tourists. The Monkey Forest (Bukit Sari) in the village of Sangeh is probably the most visited of these on Bali, its inhabitants the sef-appointed guardians of the slightly eerie Pura Bukit Sari. According to local legend, the forest itself was created when Rama's general, the monkey king Hanuman, attempted to kill off Rama's enemy, Ravana, by squashing him between two halves of the sacred Mount Meru. In the process, part of the mountains fell to earth at Sangeh, with hordes of Hanuman's simian retainers still clinging to the trees, creating Bukit Sari and its monkey dynasty. The temple was built here some time during the seventeenth century, in a forest of sacred nutmeg trees, which tower to heights of forty metres.

The forest borders the main road, and as soon as you pull up at the roadside car park you can see just how untamed Sangeh's monkeys are - every small warung in the vicinity is wreathed in wire netting, and the creatures race fearlessly up and down the road and over any parked vehicles. As you pass into the forest area (donation requested), huge signs warn you to beware of the monkeys, and the attendants hand out sticks in case you are attacked. This can make you feel pretty uneasy, but it's unlikely you'll have any trouble if you keep cameras and jewellery out of sight and remember to take all foodstuff out of your bags and pockets.

Pura Bukit Sari, located in the heart of this fairy-tale forest, is best appreciated in late afternoon after the tour buses have left. During peak hours, the place can seem disappointing, but seen in waning light with only the monkeys for company, the forest and the temple take on an attractive ghostly aspect, pound of the weathered and moss-encrusted grey-stone temple is out of bounds to everyone except the monkeys, but beyond the walls you can see a huge garuda statue, stonecarved reliefs and tiered thatched meru. There are no paths through the forest, but a track runs clockwise around most of its perimeter, along the edge of an expancse of cultivated land that drops down to a river a few hundred metres to the west.

Rawana, the villainous giant of the Ramayana epic, could die neither on earth nor inair.Tokill him,themonkeygeneral Hanuman devised a plan to suffocate the giant by pressing him between two halves of the holy mountain Mahameru-a destruction between the earth and air. When Hanuman took Mahameru, part of the mountain feli to the earth in Sangeh, along with a group of his monkey armies. And so they stayed to this very day.

Such is the legendary origin of Bukit Sari, or The Monkey Forest, a cluster of towering trees and home of hundreds of sprite monkeys. The forest is sacred and for many years no one has been permitted to chop wood there. A moss-covered temple lies in the heart of the woods and is a familiar hideout for the nimble inhabitants. You make many friends b buying a bag of peanuts, and for such a east the monkeys often bring their families along.

Fulmar tells of a king of the monkeys who invariably has the first choice in selecting peanut handouts. He oversees one camp, while a rival king and his followers control another area of the forest. A beautiful restive place, Sangeh has long been an inspiration for painters and monkey-watchers.

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.

There is a separate route linking Sangeh directly with Denpasar that begins at Jalan Kartini, making it a short trip. A side - road joins Blahkiuh, just south of Sangeh, with Mengwi which can also be reached by returning to Denpasar and taking the trip to the west. A sub-standard road links Sangeh with Ubud

Pasar Badung

2007-01-21T09:32:00.003-08:00

Pasar Badung is a biggest traditional market in Bali, locted
in the center of the city of Denpasar. It open 24 hours, which is available
all everyday life need. All offer Bali distribute the sale stuffs at Pasar
Badung. It is divided into two part which is cut by Tukad Badung River.
The tourist may see the traditional trade here.

Munduk Coffee Plantation

2007-01-21T09:32:00.001-08:00

Munduk is located just 5 kilo meters from
Lake Bratan. Coffee plantation spread up on the hill, facing to the
lakes, Bratan, Tamblingan. Driving up from Bedugul, make this area fresh
due to up area and breeze of tropical trees.

Mas Village

2007-01-21T09:31:00.001-08:00

According to the Balinese chronicles, Danghyang Nirartha (Padanda
Sakti Bahu Rauh) came to Bali from Java at the end of the 15th century
and made his home in this village. This priest, from whom almost all of
Bali's Brahmanas claim descent, gave Balinese Hinduism the form it now
presents, including its highly complex offerings and spectacular cremation
rituals. He became court priest of the Gelgel ruler.

Dozens of temples in Bali are associated with his name, for he made long
trips on foot through the island. Most of the villagers of Mas (which
means "gold") are Brahmanas who honor their ancestor in the Pura Taman
Pule built upon the site of Nirartha is residence.

In the olden days, the fine arts of woodcarving
and painting were reserved almost exclusively for royal and religious
purposes. Nowadays they are also produced for enjoyment and commerce.'
Men of every caste are artisans, and in Mas live some of the most talented.
The best known is lda Bagus Nyana, who in 1 974 received a high national
reward in recognition of his art. For many years he has not sold his beautiful
and original carvings, which may be seen at his home. His son, lda Bagus
Tilem, is one of several accomplished sculptors working at Mas.

Some carvers specialize in masks for the Topeng and other dances. Do not
be surprised when you visit an art shop to find a corps of woodcarvers
making statues-the Balinese do everything in groups, and many of the young
carvers work under the direction of a master. A carver selects his seasoned
block of timber-often, an ebony from Sulawesi then shapes the rough form
with an axe. With a mallet and dozens of small chisels, the carving is
worked into its finished form and finally smoothened. The polish is nothing
more than shoe shine. Again, the sculptors begin young. The most expensive
carving is often done by boys of twelve years.

Mas Village

2007-01-21T09:30:00.001-08:00

Kertha Gosa (Court Hall-Floating Pavilion)

2007-01-21T09:05:00.001-08:00

Klungkung was the oldest kingdom on the island and its "Raja"
the most exalted. Kertha Gosa (The Court Hall) and Taman Gili (The Floating
Pavilion) were formerly parts of Semarapura Palace of Klungkung Kingdom,
built in the 18th century. A main gate or the royal palace well known
as "Pemedal Agung" is hitherto standing intactly at the Western part of
the Court Hall and the Floating Pavilion. For its ceiling painted in the
traditional wayang style portraying punishment in hell and the rewards
in heaven and other aspects of moralities. The floating pavilion, garden
and lotus ponds in this walled- in complex, located on the main intersection
of town are a reminder of the former glory of this kingdom.

Taman Gili, Royal Courts of Justice Pavilions, with their surrounding
lotus ponds, are a graceful reminder of the former glory of this kingdom.
These pavilions, built in the 18th century, are located at the main road
intersection side of the town of Klungkung (40 km. from Denpasar). They
are especially known for their ceiling murals, painted in the traditional
"Wayang" style, depicting the punishments in hell for miscreants, and
higher up, the rewards in heaven for those that lead a good and honest
life. The courts were presided over by three pedandas (high priest), and
continued to fulfill their function through Dutch colonial times. The
Kerta was the island's highest court of justice. The old buildings were
renovated and restored in 1960. Behind the Kerta Gosa stands a tall gateway.
This gateway is all that remains of what was once the first and most elaborate
palace in Bali, which was destroyed by the Dutch artillery when they bombarded
the town of Klungkung and Gelgel into submission in 1908. As had happened
in other kingdoms in Bali, the Dewa Agung led a great "Puputan", or ceremonial
fight to death, and so ended 600 years of rule in Bali by the lineal descendents
of the emperors of Majapahit. After this conquest, the Dutch had gained
control of all of Bali.

Kerta Gosa

The town of Klungkung centers around the Puri Smarapura or 'Palace of
the God of Love" former home of Bali's most illustrious line of kings.
Unfortunately, all that remains now are the great gate and garden, and
two pavilions with magnificently painted ceilings. These are the Kerta
Gosa Hall of Justice overlooking the town's main intersection, and the
larger Bale Kambang or Floating Pavilion just behind it.

The rest of this splendid complex was razed to the ground in 1908, during
the royal mass suicide or puputan ('ending") against the Dutch invaders.
This event removed the last obstacle to Dutch domination of the island.
A monument commemorating the puputan now stands across the road.

The Kerta Gosa was a place for the administration of traditional justice
in precolonial times by a council consisting of the great king and his
priests. The Paintings on the ceiling tell of the punishments awaiting
evil-doers in hell, and of the delights of the gods in heaven. Different
levels and stations in heaven and hell are described through the story
of the hero Bima, who journeys to the underworld to save the souls of
his parents. These scenes were used to alternately threaten and cajole
anyone who appeared before the court.

Like the Sistine Chapel, the Kerta Gnsa presents a whole complex of ideas
on the workings of fate and the role of the divine in human affairs. The
ceilings themselves have been repainted three times in recent memory.
The last complete refurbishment occurred in 1960 under the famous artist
Pan Seken, although in 1984, weather damage caused a number of panels
to be repaired.

Jatiluwih Rice Field

2007-01-21T09:02:00.001-08:00

Approximately
20 km. from Tabanan, the road climbs up high into the hills to a small
village named Jatiluwih at a height of 850 meters above the sea level.
The view here is one of the finest imaginable - Bali's terraced paddie
fields stretching in endless contours over hills and valleys as far as
the eyes can see.

The village of Krambitan, southwest of Tabanan, was once an extension
of the ruling Raja's court, and is still a cultural stronghold, with music
groups maintaining ancient customs of music and dancing using bamboo instruments.

There is a tiny road leading from Wongaya Gede across steep rice terraces
to the village of Jatiluwih.The view of rice terraces is beautifully more
than the one at Tegalalang in Ubud area. On the road south back to Tabanan,
stop in to see the Pura Puseh in Penebel, which possesses an ancient lingga
(phallus, symbol of Siwa) with a yoni pedestal in a pavilion west of the
entrance tn the inner court. These are quite common in Java, but rare
in Bali.

Goa Lawah (Bat Cave)

2007-01-21T09:01:00.001-08:00

As the
name indicates the meaning the bat cave Goa Lawah is the home of thousands
of bats, hanging on the upper surface of the cave during the days and
leaving their abode during the nights. Nobody knows precisely when the
cave was found except, maybe, the ancestors of the bats. The cave is considered
as holy, so the locals built a temple on its front yard. If hearsay is
to be believed there is a hole extending back to the base of mount Agung
but who wants to prove that?

Instead of proving that hearsay
it is rather enjoyable if one walks for a minute across the road to the
beach where the people make their salt. Since hundreds of years ago the
way they produce the salt, from the process of drying the wet beach-sand
to the boiling of the salty water, has never changed. They still use the
same type of huts and tools and system. Perhaps because salt itself keeps
its salty taste forever.

Goa Gajah cave

2007-01-21T08:59:00.001-08:00

A
short distance from Bedulu stands the mysterious Goa Gajah or Elephant
Cave. A fantastically carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks,
animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping
mouth which forms the entrance to the cave.

The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the
rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in
Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman.
The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably
served as compartments for ascetics.

Recent excavations carried out in 1954 unearthed bathing places in front
of the cave with six female figures, representing. nymphs or goddesses
holding water spouts. An energetic clamber down rocks and rice terraces
fifty meters behind the cave leads to the fragments of a fallen cliff
face with the enshrining two ancient Buddha statues.

An old Javanese chronicle written in 1365, some twenty years
after the Majapahit conquest of Bali, says that one of the two Buddhist
bishops in Bali at that time had his hermitage at Gwa Gajah, the "elephant
river", which probably alludes to the Petanu River which flows nearby
in its deep gorge.

However, Goa Gajah dates back certainly to the 1 1 th century. Whether
it was originally a Buddhist or Hindu hermitage cannot be answered with
certainty, for there are both Hindu and Buddhist sculptures
inside or outside the cave. Perhaps monks of both religions had hermitages
close to one another. In pre-Majapahit Java and Bali, the two religions,
both influenced by Tantric beliefs and practices, had begun to amalgamate
into what is called the Siwa- Buddha cult. Buddhist practices and doctrines
survive to this day amongst a small segment of the Brahmana broken bas-reliefs
of stupas and a tiny cavern priests who are mostly found in East Bali.

Gitgit Waterfall

2007-01-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

For tourist who
wants to enjoy agro tourism, you can continue your journey North of Bali,
exactly in Gigit Village about 10 kilometres south of Singaraja. In this
village you can enjoy vast coffee and clove gardens. Walking and enjoying
coffee garden is a right choice if you visit Gitgit Village. The area
located more or less 500 metres above sea level is a strategic place for
tropical plants to grow well. 350 metres walk from the main street tracing
the coffee and clove garden, you will find a waterfall about more or less
50 metres height as the highest waterfall in Bali.

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

Celuk

2007-01-21T08:28:00.001-08:00

A silver-spun dragon
twice encircles the wrist to form a bracelet sold in the village of Celuk,
a center of gold and silver work. Original designs in delicate filigree
make Balinese jewelry one of the most unusual styles in Asia. Although
individual pieces are elaborate, they have simple origins in their making.
Artisans use a tree stump with a protruding iron spike as a pounding base,
a bamboo stem to catch the filings, and a manually operated gas pump for
heat. As with most Balinese crafts, gold and silver work is largely an
hereditary trade. Apprentices begin young. By the time the boys are twelve,
they are already producing fine ornaments from the precious metals. However,
the increased demand by tourists has resulted in the craft extending beyond
the traditional clan. Almost every family in Celuk now makes or sells
gold and silver work.

Cekingan

2007-01-21T08:24:00.001-08:00

Cekingan is the name of the village where we can see the
most beautifull scenery of rice terrace in Bali. Facing down to the
rice terraces, you may enjoy the cold drink at a small warung. Just
drive up 5 km from Ubud.

Blayu

2007-01-21T08:23:00.001-08:00

From Mengwi you may cross the range to the coast of North
Bali. A left turn off the main road leads to Blayu where the women are
weavers. The clicking of bamboo looms resound, as locally dyed threads
are interwoven in webs of gold embroidery to fashion ceremonial cloths
worn during festivaA sarong two meters long takes three weeks to a month
to weave, depending upon the intricacy of the design. The Balinese clean
such cloth by dusting it and letting it dry in the sun, since it is not
washable. In the past, girls were weaving with their mothers by the time
they were ten years old. Nowadays, they are away at school and the ancient
Balinese craft is left to their elders. The sarongs the Balinese wear
everyday are batiks from Java and cloths woven in Balinese factories.
BM the demand for songkets (the cloths with interwoven gold thread) for
festival and ceremonial use is still sufficient to keep busy the women
of Blayu and several other villagesls.

Batukaru Montain

2007-01-21T05:59:00.001-08:00

This 2,278-meter peak towers over the local landscape, and strongly
influences local spiritual beliefs. All local temples have a shrine
dedicated to the spirit of this "coconut-shell" mountain, and high on
its slopes is the public (Kayangan Jagat) temple of Pura Luhur Watukaru

Banjar Village Hot Spring

2007-01-21T05:45:00.001-08:00

From Temukus it
is 3 kms to the twin villages of Dencarik and Banjar. Pass through Dencarik
tu the neighboring village of Banjar Tegeha, home of the splendid Buddhist
Brahma Arama Vihara. This wihara is the residence of Bali's only Buddhist
monk and it plays a central role in Buddhist religious life and education.
Opened in 1971, it replaces another founded in Banjar in 1958. It combines
architectural and iconographic elements found throughout the Buddhist
world. Quiet, cool, and set high in the hills, it commands a view down
to the ocean. For 10 days each April and September the wihara is closed
to the public while people from around the world assemble here to practice
meditation. Visitors are requested to dress in a respectful manner,
to speak softly, and to remove their shoes before entering.

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

Bali Museum

2007-01-21T05:42:00.001-08:00

On the eastern side of Puputan Square is the Museum Bali.
Erected in 1932 by the Dutch, and with the subsequent assistance of Walter
Spies, it attempts to present a historical account of Balinese culture
within an architectural framework.

Housed in Tabanan, Karangasem and Buleleng styles of architecture, the
museum illustrates the two types of construction in Bali: temples and
palaces. The split gate, outer and inner courtyards, and kul kul drum
typify the temple; while the thatched roofs, ornate windows and verandahs
characterize the palace.

The main two storey building located at the back of the entrance courtyard,
houses traditional artifacts from Bali's prehistory, including a massive
stone sarcophagus. There are also two black and white photographs documenting
the 1906 puputan at Badung.

The first pavilion was designed in the Singaraja style of architecture
and contains textiles including endek (ikat), geringsing (double ikat)
and silk songket. The second pavilion, built in the style of an 18th century
Karangasem palace, houses religious and ceremonial artifacts. The third
pavilion is reminiscent of Tabanan palaces and displays the masks, costumes
and puppets associated with music and dance.

The museum's contents are a little disappointing, as some items are poorly
labeled and rather haphazardly arranged. Nonetheless, the museum is worth
visiting for the examples of architecture, and it does give the visitor
an idea of the history and culture of the island.

The museum is open: Tuesday to Thursday 7.30am 1.30pm. Friday 7.30am 11.30am.
Saturday to Sunday 8arn 12pm. Closed Monday.

Bali Museum

2007-01-21T05:41:00.001-08:00

Alas Kedaton

2007-01-21T05:40:00.001-08:00

Alas Kedaton temple has two unique characteristics. Firstly, it has
four gates: on the west, south, east, and north. secondly, the main
courtyard, the holiest place of the temple is in lower position than
the center and the outermost courtyards of the temple. The place is
surrounded by forest inhabited by sacred monkeys. There are also bats
hanging on the branches of big trees and flying around this area.

Werdhi Budaya Art Center

2007-01-20T21:27:00.001-08:00

The Werdhi Budaya Art Center was built in 1973 to the design of the prominent Balinese architect, Ida Bagus Tugur as a showplace for Bali's performing and fine arts. Strategically situated on Jalan Nusa lndah, Abian Kapas, Denpasar, the art center has three art galleries including one permanent art collection and several outdoor stages and performance pavilions including the huge open stage and arena, Ardha Chandra. Seminar and exhibition halls are often utilized by local artists and groups from dance drama and music school STSI. Since 1979, a tradition of a Festival of the Arts has been instigated as an annual fixture. This takes place each June-July, with a comprehensive program of gamelan and dance performances, competitions of traditional Balinese skill, and giant productions of the Ramayana and Mahabrata ballets, lasting about 4 weeks in all. Open everyday (08.00 - 16.00) except on official holidays.

One of the most beautiful temples of Denpasar is the Central Pura Jagat Nata at the northeast corner of Puputan Square. This temple comes alive at the full moon ceremony. Worshippers from all over the city are gathered to bring their offerings and devotions.

On the main street of Denpasar, its restful shade and gnarled frangipani trees offering a welcome contrast to the hub of city traffic is the market temple, Pura Melanting, where busy vendors pause to make their offerings for a prosperous day.

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

Tirta Empul

2007-01-20T20:44:00.001-08:00

Tirta Empul is the real name of the Temple and its Water Springs. But
more people prefer calling it Tampaksiring. According to the legend of
the locals, this Spring was created when the Lord of Heaven Indra had
to fight against a demon King Maya Denawa. And his blow that pierced
earth then created the Springs. The Spring of Tirta Empul are believed
to be sacred, so it is not allowed for the people to bathe there. But
in the lower part of the Temple there are several places for bathing.
According to stone document that read by DR. Stut Berheim this Temple
was built in 960 AD.

Close to the Springs on a hill, there is a Palace of
the first President of Indonesia Sukarno and formerly was the rest
house of Dutch Colonial officers. Tampak Siring is also famous for bone
carvings, hanger's key that are made of wood

The visitors are crowded enough either domesic or foregn visitors.

Bedugul

2007-01-20T20:26:00.001-08:00

Bedugul, Bali's highland retreat, tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano, 1400 meters above the sea level, it has cold climate with temperature at night is 18°C and 24°C at daytime. It is known for its excellent golf course.

Ulun Danu Floating temple, a temple which seems to rise out of the lake to present itself beautifully. Three lakes which are surrounded by mountain can be found in Bedugul provide the water for the fields, rivers and springs on the plains below. The biggest one is Lake Beratan. Boats, water skiing, and parasailing are among the many water sports available in this area.

To reach the mountain range, you drive west from Denpasar through Mengwi. As you leave the southern plains, the landscape changes from flowing tiers of rice to motley patches of onion, cabbage and papaya grown in the cool climate of the highlands.

The clusters off arm houses along the way are no longer the familiar thatched huts of the south, but sturdy cottages made of wood and tile to withstand the steady downpour of heavy rains. This is rich alpine country. The earth, saturated by mountain streams, is smothered with thick moss and creepers. The road climbs and winds its way around steep cliffs hung with ferns, wild flowers and elephant grass In jungle terrain lies the serene lake of Bratan, veiled with mist. It fills the ancient crater of Mt. Bratan. Because the lake is an essential water source for surrounding farmlands, the people of Bedugul honor Dewi Danu, goddess of the waters, in the temple UluDanu on a small promontory on the lake. One can stay overnight nearby at a rest house on the shore. It is peaceful and cool. Children fish for minnows and canoes cross the still waters, carrying firewood to villages on the further bank. Just near Bedugul is the market of Bukit Mungsu selling wild orchids and both temperate and tropical vegetables grown in the fertile soil here. Near the market are the botanical gardens. Lake Bratan is so lovely that it is easy to forget the surrounding forest-clad mountains. From the market a path leads through pine plantations up towards the primary jungle on the peaks.

Technorati Tags: bedugul