|
|
Nicknamed
as “The Island of the Gods” Bali offers the perfect blend
of natural beauty, year-round sunny weather and inexhaustible supply of
the Balinese spirit through its lush history, culture and spiritual believes.
Peppering
the Balinese countryside is a fantastic wealth of gently terraced rice
paddies, lush emerald rainforests, soaring volcanoes and sacred temples,
make the island become even more attractive and interesting inland.
Synonymous
with paradise, if not a blissful exile, Bali attracts visitors with its
relative remoteness and unique culture. Thus, to discover the island’s
true splendor, one must escapes the confines of its tourist playgrounds,
venture beyond its sandy shores, and experiences the absolute paradise
that is Bali.
Bali's
Regencies
:
| |
| Bali,
one of Indonesia's 31 provinces, is made up of eight Regencies; Denpasar,
the capital is considered to be within the Badung Regency. |
| |
|
 Denpasar: Bali's
capital. |
| Sites
and places of interest in Denpasar: |
|
Museum
of Bali |
|
Puputan
Sq. Denpasar's only museum was built in 1932. This ethnographical
museum (ethnography being the study of a particular society and
culture) contains many prehistoric and historic instruments and
textiles. |
|
Pura
Jagatnatha |
|
|
|
One
of Bali's most visited temples, located next to the museum, Puputan
Sq. and near the Four faced Statue in central Denpasar. This temple
is especially worth visiting for the Saraswati, Galungan and Kuningan
ceremonies. |
|
Art
Centre Werdhi Budaya |
|
Puputan
Sq, Bali's centre for dance and art. This art complex has a large
amphitheatre that stages many of Bali's traditional dances. It is
the centre of activity throughout the Bali Art's Festival held every
year, mid June - mid July.
Indonesia Art Institute - Bali's dance, music and art institute.
The STSI amphitheatre stages monthly full moon dance performances.
|
|
Badung/Kumbasari
Market |
|
Recently
renovated market that provides for al the locals needs. Beautifully
arranged fruit, flowers for offerings, herbs, spices and all kinds
of local handicrafts stretch out into two main buildings over the
Denpasar River. Jl. Sulawesi is the neighboring street that provides
a myriad of fabrics and textiles. |
|
Kreneng
Market |
|
|
|
The
second largest traditional market in Denpasar. It is renowned for
its night stalls selling many varieties of Balinese food and drink. |
|
Bird
Market |
|
|
|
Located on Jl. Veteran, this market sells an assortment of beautiful
birds and other animals including the unique Kintamani dog. Please
remember it is illegal to keep certain birds and animals in captivity!
|
|
Puputan
Badung Square |
|
The
city's central park. A statue commemorates a heroic moment in the
battle of 1906. It is the location for many of Bali's pageants and
processions. Nyepi and the opening ceremony of The Bali Arts Festival
is held around this square. One of Bali's oldest temples Puri Jaganatha
and the Museum of Bali are on one side of this square. |
|
Catur
Muka Statue (Four faced statue) |
|
Standing
in the centre of Denpasar, to one side of the Puputan Square, is
a large granite, statue depicting Brahma as the almighty Creator
of the world, nature and all it's inhabitants. |
|
Puri
Satria, Pemecutan Jero Kuta & Puri Kesiman |
|
These
palaces have seen better days but all are a good example of traditional
Balinese architecture. |
| |
|
Badung Regency |
| Capital |
: |
Denpasar |
| Population |
: |
Over
300'000 |
| Location |
: |
Central
& South Bali |
| Important
Phone numbers |
: |
Direct
Enquiries - (0361) 108 |
| Badung
Tourist Office |
: |
Jl.
Bakungsari #1, Kuta. Telp: 756176 |
| |
| Villages,
sites & temples of Badung Regency are: Denpasar - capital of regency;
Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa (tanjung - peninsula), Uluwatu, Jimbaran,
Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Petitenget Temple, Canggu, Kapal, Mengwi,
Taman Ayun Temple, Bukit Sari Temple, Sangeh monkey forest. |
| |
| Other
interesting locations within the Badung Regency are: |
|
Uluwatu
Temple |
|
Perched
on a high cliff on the Southwest tip of Bali, Uluwatu Temple is
one of Bali's older places of worship. Built around the 11th century,
by Hindu high priest Empu Kuturan; it is inhabited by a group of
sacred monkeys who guard the temple. This is one of Bali's best
sunset spots. |
|
Beaches
on Bukit |
|
Southern
peninsula; Uluwatu, Gerger, Goa Suluban, Padang Padang, Nyang Nyang,
Bingin, Dreamland, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kedonganan. Many of the above
beaches are famous surfing spots, some are difficult to access and
the waves are generally for the intermediate to advanced surfer.
Beware of corals and strong currents. |
|
Nusa
Dua |
|
A
major tourist resort on the southern most peninsula of the island.
Set on about 450 hectares, this well groomed tourist enclave boasts
3.5 kilometers of white sand beaches, a number of five star hotels
and one of the world's best golf courses, Bali Golf & Country
Club - recently voted to be amongst the best 5 courses in the world.
Convention halls, amphitheatres, shopping centers & immaculate
landscaping make Nusa Dua an ideal place to stay if you wish to
get away from it all. |
|
Tanjung
Benoa |
|
Benoa
Peninsula - bordering Nusa Dua to the north this peninsula offers
travelers fine hotels, water sports and similar environs as Nusa
Dua. |
|
Jimbaran |
|
On
the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula, near the airport, is Jimbaran
Bay. It is home to some of Bali's top hotels, Four Seasons Resort,
Ritz Carlton and Bali Intercontinental Resort. Guests can sail swim
and even go fishing in the bay. Jimbaran village has long been one
of Bali's traditional fishing villages and the traditional fish
market offers delicious seafood right on the beach. |
|
Tuban |
|
The
area, just slightly north of the airport, known as Tuban, has long
enticed tourists to her reasonably priced hotels, well-groomed beaches
and organized nightlife. The Waterbom Park & Spa, go-karts and
hotel sports facilities fulfill daytime pleasures; large shopping
centers with many restaurants, local, international and fast food
outlets stay open well into the night. Tuban is also well known
for the horse drawn carts that can be seen taking visitors around
the area. |
|
Kuta |
|
World
famous for sand, surf and shopping, this area is jam-packed with
activity 24 hours a day! Kuta is a major hustling & bustling
resort town, with hundreds of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops.
Here, small guesthouses and large hotels jostle for positioning
along the beachfront. Beach sellers endlessly offer their wares
to the sun-worshipper; sarongs, jeweler, shells, massages and manicures;
even bows and arrows. |
|
Proclaim
an interest in purchasing something and these beach marketers will
crowd round the unsuspecting tourist until a sale is struck. This
is part of the fun of Bali. Nightlife is a major happening in Kuta
with a number of surf bars, cafes and restaurants offering videos,
cheap drinks and even cheaper food. |
The
more upmarket restaurants are ensconced in Kuta's small narrow (gangs)
alleyways. The internationally famous Poppies and a string of other
hidden garden paradi offer the weary tourist a welcome respite from
the haggling streets. Cold beers, exotic cocktails, delicious food
all, at a fraction of the European price. If action is what is wanted
then Kuta is the place to be! |
|
Seminyak |
|
Heading
north along the main street of Kuta (Legian St) is Seminyak, the
slightly more up market area of Kuta, housing the quaint local hangouts
of some of the foreign Bali residents. Italian, Indian, Greek, French
and many more are just a sample of not only the food on offer but
also of the cosmopolitanism that Seminyak has become. |
|
Fashion
boutiques, interior designers, candle makers, painters and many
more are the chosen careers of these eclectic nomads. The most famous
landmarks here are Teras, Pantarei, Ryoshi, all restaurants that
usually start buzzing at about 10pm. ; Café Luna, Café
del Mar, the A-Bar & Liquid are the human watering holes all
located on Jl. Dhyana Pura that really come alive after midnight.
Double Six (66) the only beach night-club in the area stays open
until 6.00 am. |
|
Kapal |
|
This
roadside town produces a large part of Bali's ceramics, statues
and temple accessories. The Sadat Temple in the town centre has
interesting wall carvings. |
|
Mengwi
& Pura Taman Ayu |
|
Originally
built in the 17th century, this royal family garden temple was extensively
renovated in the early 1900's. Surrounded by a moat and lotus lake,
the temple's inner courtyard has an impressive number of Merus -
tiered shrines built for the Bali's ancestors and heroes. |
|
Bukit
Sari Monkey Forest & Pura Bukit Sari |
|
Near
the village of Sangeh, just north of Mengwi. A troupe of monkeys
guard the impressive 17th century temple, which is set in the heart
of a nutmeg forest. Beware of the monkeys as they have a reputation
for being swift of hand and light of foot! Hold onto your cameras
and bags tightly, it is best if you don't wear jewellery. |
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|
Bangli Regency |
| Capital |
: |
Bangli,
Highest Peak - Mt. Abang - 2'152m. |
| Location |
: |
Central
- Eastern Bali |
| Land
Area |
: |
520'81
sq. km. |
| No.
Of Districts |
: |
4 (
Bangli, Kintamani, Susut, Tembuku) |
| Important
Phone numbers |
: |
Direct
Enquiries - 036691108 |
| Bangli
Tourist Office |
: |
Jl.
Sriwijaya #23, Tlp: 0366 - 91537 |
| |
|
History |
|
As
Lake Batur located in the Bangli Regency, was a major source of
irrigation water for south & east Bali, the regency was greatly
fought over by neighboring rulers. Bangli became the capital of
this Balinese kingdom in the year Balinese Icaka year of 1204. |
|
Sites |
|
Bangli
Town - Located in the southern part of the regency, on the foothills
of the Batur volcanic range -: The ancient Kehen Temple (Pura
Kehen) in Bangli, is famous for having been built under an enormous
Banyan tree*.. The walls are inlayed with pieces of chipped porcelain
and the upper sanctuary has 11 tapering merus (resting places
of the gods). There is a small museum (Saison Buddha Bangle) nearby.
Every 3 years the Kehen temple celebrates a unique festival, in
which offerings tower high in the courtyard and ritual Baris Warrior
Dances are performed utilizing different weapons. The nearby Sasana
Art Centre also organizes the occasional art & dance performance.
The view beyond the town of Bangli, from Demulih Hill (Bukit),
offers and astounding view.
(* These trees -fiches benjeminica or religiosa-, visible all
over Bali, can grow with or without aerial roots. They are of
special significance to the Balinese who believe that they are
the dwelling place of spirits. They are usually sashed around
the trunk, with a chequered black & white cloth, and are the
recipients of many daily offerings.)
|
|
Bamboo
Forest nr. Kubu |
|
Located
5kms. From Bangli; many different types of bamboo, such as Petung
and Bambu Talang grow in this forest, the sound of the wind blowing
through the bamboo is quite unique. |
|
Dusun
Kuning Waterfall |
|
6
kms. South of Bangli; near to Dusun Kuning village is a 25 m. high
waterfall that flows into the Melangit River to the south. The cool
and shady clove-tree forest that surrounds these falls is home to
hordes of monkeys. |
|
Mt.
Batur |
|
1'750m.
Last active 1926. The Batur complex has been described as one
of the largest and finest calderas in the world, (caldera being
a volcano with a lake in the centre of the crater). Lake Batur,
is a major source of irrigation water for both south & east
Bali. On the western shore is Toyah Bungkah; surrounded by a stark
volcanic landscape is an ideal spot for fishing and swimming.
A hot spring, with supposed curative powers, is worth a visit.
Terunyan
village - Located on Northeast shore of Lake Batur, and only accessible
by a 30 minute boat trip, departing from Kedisan village, located
on the southern side of the lake. (The name of this village is
derived from the words Taru & Menyan - the smell of the fragrant
tree of incense growing in this village). One of Bali's most famous
sites, this village's immaculately kept houses, streets and grass
verges are reminiscent of what Bali might have looked like in
days gone by.
This
Bali Aga village does not perform the ngaben, or usual cremation
ceremony, that Bali is famous for, but uniquely preserves it's
deceased by leaving the bodies, (although covered in shrouds,
the face is left uncovered) under the fragrant & magical,
incense tree. This method of "embalming" is called Mepasah.
Trunyan's temple is the Pancering Jagat Temple (or navel of the
world temple) and houses a 4 meter high statue known as Arca da
Tonta. The Barong Brutuk dance is staged here on the full moon
of (Purnama) Sasih Kapat. Masked dancers whip bystanders &
spectators in this totally unique land fertility dance.
|
|
Penglipuran |
|
A
traditional, picturesque Balinese village, with a population of
750. The Penglipuran Heroes Monument was built here in commemoration
of Cpt. Anak Agung Gde Mudith and his troops. |
|
Pengotan
Village |
|
A
traditional pre Majapahit village with different traits and customs
than other villages in Bali. Many unique dances are staged at Pura
Penataran during temple festivals. The Papah "war', various
Baris dances and even the manner in which they bury their deceased
is completely different to that other Balinese villages. |
|
Penulisan |
|
|
|
Picturesque
village with panoramic views. Nearby in the village of Tegeh Koripan,
a temple with a long flight of stairs is often shrouded in mist
giving it a magical appearance. |
|
Pura
Dalem Balingkang |
|
Pinggan
Village (located in the northern part of Lake Batur)originally built
as a palace, this unique temple has a delightful mix of Balinese
and Chinese influences. Picturesque mountain scenery. |
|
Puncak
Penukisan Temple |
|
This
temple located on Penulisan hill, the dividing line between north
and south Bali, consists of 5 different temple complexes situated
on various terraces. Stone statues in the fifth complex are believed
to be from the megalithic era. |
|
Pura
Ulun Danu Batur |
|
990m
above sea level - in Kalanganyar, Batur Village, Kintamani District.
These surviving shrines of this temple were relocated to its present
location after a devastating eruption in 1917.An anniversary ceremony
(Ngusaba Ke Dasa) is held each year. This temple houses an impressive
Gong Gede (large gong) which is used to accompany the sacred Baris
& Rejang dances which usually take place around the third week
of March. |
|
Tamanbali
- Raja |
|
A
large water garden temple built by King Sang Anom. Ponds and water
features with a vast array of tropical flora surround this temple.
|
|
Bangli's
Arts & Crafts |
|
Article
Village |
|
- |
Palm
Leaf Handicrafts - Cempaga, Tanggahan, Peken, Susut, Kayubihi, Undisan,
Throughout Bangli |
|
- |
Gold
& Silver |
|
- |
Bamboo
Handicrafts |
|
- |
Wood
Carving(Furniture & temple) |
|
Other
sites are |
|
- Balai Seni Art centre - Kintamani. |
|
-
Subandar shrine. |
|
-
Penelokan - volcano & Lake view. |
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|
Buleleng Regency |
| Capital |
: |
Singaraja
|
| Location |
: |
North
& North Western Bali |
| Important
Phone numbers |
: |
Direct
Enquiries - 0363 22108 |
| Buleleng
Tourist Office |
: |
Jl.
Veteran 23 Tlp: 0363 61141 |
| |
Villages,
sites & temples of Buleleng Regency are: Singaraja - capital
of regency; (sites are listed from west to east). Deer Island (Menjangen),
Teluk Terima, Pulaki Temple, Gondol, Banjar Hotsprings, Banjar Tega's
Buddhist Monastery, Temukus War Monument, Sing Sing Waterfalls,
Lovina, Banyuning, Beratan, Sangsit, Jagaraja, Sawan, Kubutambahan,
Air Sanih, Ponjok Batu, Julah, Sembiran, Gitgit Waterfall, Pancasari,
Munduk. |
|
Singaraja |
|
|
|
Bali's
chief port in Dutch colonial times, this town received many influences
from the foreign traders. Singaraja has a number of Chinese Temples
and colonial buildings. The Gedong Kertya Library houses a unique
collection of Lontar (palm leaf) scriptures written in Balinese
covering many issues including traditional literature, medicinal
formulas, black magic and many more. There are a number of old books
in English, Dutch and Ancient Javanese (Kawi). |
|
Buleleng
Harbor |
|
|
|
This
historical but unused harbor is located along the north coast. Old
warehouses, an ancient jetty and an arched bridge are all that is
left of this one time major seaport. Here a monument has been built
in commemoration of Bali's struggle to defeat the Dutch. |
|
Singa
Ambara Raja |
|
A
famous town landmark is the winged-lion statue located on Jl. Veteran,
near the Tourist Office and opposite the office of the Governor
of Buleleng, which symbolizes the heroic spirit of the people of
Buleleng. |
|
Pura
Agung Jagatnatha |
|
One
of Bali's biggest & newest temples; an outstanding feature is
the Padmasana, a shrine that symbolically represents the three parts
of the Balinese Universe.
Deer Island (Pulau Menjangan) - 79 km west of Sinagraja. One of
the most famous marine parks in the world, and part of the West
Bali National Park. Rare and protected Java Deer inhabit this small
island, however visitors usually come for the diving and snorkeling.
|
|
Labuhan
Lalang |
|
A
small port where divers and visitors may catch a boat to Deer Island.
|
|
Teluk
Terima |
|
76
kms west of Singaraja. Also known as Jayaprana's grave; this site
remembers the sad love story between a prince wishing to marry a
country girl, however the king also wished to marry the girl and
so had the prince killed. On dreaming of the happenings the girl
killed herself rather than marry the wicked king. A panoramic view
to the north makes this a site well worth visiting. |
|
Banyuwedang |
|
|
|
60 km west of Singaraja. Natural Hot Springs with supposed curative
powers near a temple. In need of upkeep. |
|
Pulaki
Temple |
|
53
km west of Singaraja. A large temple on both sides of the road part
is perched on craggy rock looking out to sea, the other part climbs
into the hills, both parts house monkeys that are keen on eating
almost anything in sight! Balinese women sell fruit to tourists
and it seems that grapes are their favorite. |
|
Gondol
|
|
50
km west of Singaraja. A Government-run fish breeding project. Turtles,
shrimp & prawns are included in the program. |
|
Banjar
Tegah Hot springs |
|
18km
west of Singaraja. These slightly sulphuric hot springs are well
worth visiting. Set slightly back in the hills, dragon fountains
fume hot water into the tiered bathing pools. A number of souvenir
shops and a restaurant cater to tourists. A number of local visitors
and schools visit at weekends and holidays. |
|
Banjar
Tegah Buddhist Monastery |
|
Bali's
largest Buddhist monastery set in beautiful valley scenery. |
|
Temukus
War Monument |
|
15
km from Singaraja. Built by the Dutch and destroyed by the Balinese
during the Independence struggle. It was rebuilt by the local Government
in 1992. The monument affords an extraordinary view of Lovina and
the coastline. |
|
Sing
Sing Waterfall |
|
13
km west of Singaraja. Gushing falls in the wet season the water
may no run as swiftly in the dry season. The falls are well signposted.
|
|
Lovina |
|
10
km west of Singaraja. Buleleng's main tourist area. Black sand beaches
fringed with palm trees open onto a calm sea where travelers can
view dolphins, snorkel, dive, sail, fish and swim. A resort area
with a full range of accommodation. |
|
Singaraja |
|
Buleleng's
capital, see start of Buleleng Province for more info.
Banyuning - 1 km east of Singaraja. A village known for pottery and
ceramics. |
|
Beratan |
|
1
km south of Singaraja. Famous for gold and silver works of a unique
style. |
|
Sangsit |
|
8
km east of Singaraja. Pura Dalem (the temple of the ancestors) is
famous for its unique and amusing stone carvings and Pura Beji,
a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Rice, is also a recipient for
these extraordinary carvings. |
|
Gitgit
Waterfall |
|
11
km south of Singaraja. An impressive waterfall cascades into a small
lagoon in a plantation of coffee and clove trees. |
|
Kubutambahan |
|
12
km east of Singaraja. The Maduwe Karang Temple is renowned for carvings
of a very imaginative nature. One such carving is that of a Dutch
colonialist riding around on a bicycle whose tires are made entirely
of petals! |
|
Jagaraga |
|
13
km south east of Singaraja. Another northern temple that has amusing
carvings, some of the carvings depict the Dutch colonialists getting
drunk, an armed robbery and a wartime dogfight between aero planes.
Sawan - 16 km south east of Singaraja - The villagers are traditional
makers of gamelan gongs and other gamelan instruments. The Batu
Bolong temple is quite distinct looking. |
|
Air
Sanih |
|
18
km east of Singaraja. A cool natural spring-fed pool borders the beach. |
|
Pancasari |
|
24
km south of Singaraja. A mountain village known for the golf course,
Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club and two of Bali's lakes, Buyan and
Tamblingan. |
|
Ponjok
Batu |
|
25
km east of Singaraja. The Ponjok Batu Temple (ponjok batu meaning
pile of stones) perches on a rocky cliff next to a beach. A fresh
water spring bubbles forth right on the beach. |
|
Julah |
|
29
km east of Singaraja. It is said that this is the oldest village in
North Bali. |
|
Sembiran
|
|
30
km south east of Singaraja. Probably a megalithic village, the culture,
dialect and rituals are quite different from the rest of Bali. |
|
Munduk |
|
South
west of Singaraja - Bali's ecological village. This scenic village,
located in the mountains, is an ideal place to stay and escape from
the heat. Foggy afternoons, fields of blue hydrangeas and numerous
waterfalls make it an ideal place to go hiking. |
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|
Gianyar Regency |
| Capital |
: |
Gianyar |
| Important
phone numbers: |
: |
Direct
Enquiries -108 |
| Gianyar
Tourist Office |
: |
Jl.
Ngurah Rai 21, Gianyar Tlp: 93401 |
| |
|
History |
|
Gianyar
Town - District capital of Gianyar Regency - Located in the south
eastern part of the regency, Gianyar is well known for it's roasted
babi guling (suckling pig). It is a large town that holds little
of interest for the tourist. The temple of Pura Dalem just north
of the town has fine examples of stone carvings and you may wish
to visit some of the small weaving industries. |
|
Batubulan |
|
Stone
carvings line the road, many are made on the premises however a
few are also carved elsewhere. Many types of Balinese dances including
trance dances are performed here for tourists. |
|
Blahbatuh |
|
Gaduh
Temple houses the ancient, folkloric, stone head of Kebo Iwa, a
Balinese hero of the Majapahit era. |
|
Bedulu |
|
This
village houses the Museum of Archaeology, which exhibits pre-Hindu
artifacts, stone carvings and old Chinese porcelain and the Samuan
Tiga Temple, which stages an eleven day ceremony during the 10th
full moon according to the Balinese Calendar. |
|
Bona |
|
A
village dedicated to producing bamboo products. Said to be where
the Kecak dance originated. |
|
Celuk |
|
This
village specializes in gold and silver works, producing all kinds
of jewellery and ornaments.
Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah) - An 11th century Buddhist meditations
cave with a statue of Ganesh in the interior and other elaborate
carvings. |
|
Gunung
Kawi |
|
A
candi complex dating from the 11th century, in which the candis
have been carved directly out of the rock. The surrounding area
is very picturesque. Not as dramatic as the other nearby candis
and caves are Garba Cave and Candi Krobokan, two 12th century monuments,
worth visiting if just to get off the beaten track. |
|
Mas |
|
A
village renowned for producing Bali's sacred masks. |
|
Pejeng |
|
Home
to the temple of Penataran Sasih or Temple of the Moon. It contains
the famous bronze Moon Drum, said to be over 2000 years old. It
is the largest, single cast, bronze drum in the world. Good examples
of 13th and 14th century stone carvings can be found at the nearby
Pusering Jagat and Kebo Edan temples. |
|
Sukawati |
|
A
market town selling all of Bali's souvenirs in one location. It
is also a market for the local Balinese looking to buy ceremonial
articles. |
|
Tegallalang |
|
Shops
abound on either side of the road. Slightly north rice terraces abound
and, at nearby Petulu, see white Herons return to nest as the sun
goes down. |
|
Tirta
Empul |
|
Since
the 10th century Tirta Empul has been one of Bali's holiest places.
Balinese come to bathe in the ancient pools as the waters are said
to have curative powers. |
|
Ubud |
|
Now
the cultural and artistic centre of Bali and a blossoming tourist
destination. Bali's four art museums namely, ARMA, Neka, Puri Lukisan
and Rudana are all located here. The surrounding hamlets are all
worth visiting. Ubud has many traditional dance and music performances
and a number of workshops and courses are available. Accommodation
ranging from five star luxury boutique hotels right through to guesthouses
abound. |
|
Yeh
Pulu |
|
Close
to the Elephant Cave are some 14th century bathing pools with interesting
carvings. |
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|
Jembrana Regency |
| Capital
|
: |
Negara. Highest Peak - Mt. Patas - 1'500 m. |
| Location |
: |
Western
Bali |
| Land
Area |
: |
841'80
sq. km. |
| No.
Of Districts |
: |
4 (Melaya,
Negara, Mendoyo, Pekutatan) |
| Important
Phone numbers |
: |
Direct
Enquiries - 0365 41108 |
| Jembrana
Tourist Office |
: |
Jl.
Setia Budi, Negara. Tlp: 0365 - 41210 |
| Museum
Gilimanuk |
: |
Tlp:
0365 61328 |
| BUPATI |
: |
Tlp:
0365 41210 N.B. Negara's famous Bull Races are in August |
| Negara
- District Capital of Jembrana - Located on the south-western part
of the Regency. |
| |
|
History |
|
This
regency is thought to have been established in the early 1400's,
although civil war broke out and the regency became part of the
Badung regency. In the 17th century, sparsely populated Jembrana
was not of much interest to the other royal Balinese kingdoms and
for a time it was ruled over by a prince from Sulawesi. Jembrana
was one of the first kingdoms to surrender to the invading Dutch
in the 1800's. |
|
Negara
Town |
|
A
small town on set along the main road between Denpasar & Gilimanuk.
Negara itself does not have many tourist sites although it is famous
for the bull races, held every year in October. Domesticated water
buffalo races and horse races attract a number of tourist as well
as many Balinese. Jegog - the giant bamboo gamelan (orchestra) -
is typical of Jembrana and is seldom heard outside the regency.
|
|
West
Bali National Park |
|
This
Park is home to the rare Java Deer, the rarer Bali Starling and
many other animals such as the Boss Javanicus, or wild bull. |
|
Medewi
Beach |
|
Famous
for surfing, the long left handers are best in the morning before
the wind gets up. The beach itself is not fantastic. Tourist accommodation
ranges from guesthouses to smarter hotels with pools. |
|
Gilimanuk |
|
Bali's
most western town, this is the ferrying point for people wishing
to cross to Java. The tranquil bay is good for water sports and
it is the closest place to stay if you wish to visit West Bali National
Park. |
|
Cekik |
|
A
village just south of Gilimanuk, with prehistoric remains
(Circa 1000BC) The headquarters of the National Park and visitors
centre are located here. |
|
Palasari
Dam |
|
The
dam is good for water sports and the nearby village of Palasari is
one of the few Catholic communities in Bali. The church is quite distinctive.
|
|
Candikusuma
Beach |
|
Large
wide beach with views to Java. Very popular at weekends and holidays
with the local community. |
|
Baluk
Rening Beach |
|
This
beach comes alive in August when the annual Jukung races take place.
A western facing beach with good sunset views. |
|
Perancak |
|
A
small village in which Bali's renowned Buffalo racing is performed
for tourists. A reptile park and a riverside temple are other Perancak
sites. |
|
Delod
Berawah Beach |
|
A
popular beach with the occasional bull and horse race |
|
Rambut
Siwi |
|
One
of Bali's major cliff-top temples and the largest in west Bali.
It was built in the 1500's by the same priest that built both the
Uluwatu and Tanah Lot temples. The sunset from this vantage point
is outstanding. |
|
Bunut
Bolong |
|
A
sacred banyan grows over the road, or rather the road goes through
this very large tree, up into the foothills of west Bali and towards
Pupuan. The surrounding area is tropical forest and has many impressive
trees |
|
Pengambengan
|
|
The
biggest fishing port on Bali, not an actual port but the here seas
are at their calmest and there are no dangerous reefs. |
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|
Karangasem Regency |
| Capital |
: |
Amlapura.
Highest Peak - Mt. Agung - 3'142 m. |
| Location |
: |
Eastern
Bali |
| Land
Area |
: |
839'54
sq. km |
| No.
Of Districts |
: |
8 (Abang,
Babandem, Karangasem, Kubu, Manggis, Rendang, Selat & Sidemen) |
| Important
Phone numbers: |
: |
Direct
Enquiries - 0363 21108 |
| Karangasem
Tourist Office |
: |
Jl.
Diponegoro, Amlapura Tlp: 0363 - 21196 |
| Amlapura
- Town of Karangasem - Located on the southeastern part of the Regency. |
| |
|
|
|
History |
|
This
regency founded in the early 1700's, was still recognized as a kingdom
even after Dutch conquest of Bali in the 1900's. This regency still
supports many traditions that have been in existence since the 14th
century, having resisted the Javanese influence that invaded other
regencies of Bali. |
|
Amlapura
Town |
|
This
regency capital changed its name from Karagasem to Amplapura 1963
after Mt. Agung erupted in the hope that a similar eruption would
never again take place. |
|
Agung
Kanginan Palace |
|
Reflecting
a number of foreign architectural influences in the late 19th century
by the king Anak Agung Gede Jelantik. This palace still maintains
the royal bedroom with Dutch furnishings, as well as various meeting
and ceremonial halls. Royal photographs of the late King and family
and various clothes are also on display. |
|
Taman
Ujung Pleasure Palace |
|
With
an outstanding view to the Lombok Strait over rice paddy fields,
this water palace, although barely more than ruins depicts a time
of glory and glamour. Moats, pools and water gardens were the passion
of the late King of Karangasem. Sadly the palace was badly damaged
in both the Mt. Agung eruption of 1963 and a subsequent earthquake
in 1979. |
|
Tirtagganga
Water Gardens |
|
Built
a few years later by the late King of Karangasem this water-garden
plays host to bathing pools fed by cool springs, ornamental water
features and a swimming pool. |
|
Candi
Dasa |
|
Tourist
Resort named after old temple on the nearby hillside. Beautiful
beaches, good accommodation make Candi Dasa a good place from which
to discover the eastern part of Bali. In the village you will find
a Gandhi meditation centre on the edge of lotus pond just beside
the beach. Offshore islets and coral reefs make it an ideal diving
and snorkeling spot. |
|
Tulamben
shipwreck |
|
A
cargo ship torpedoed in 1942 consequently sunk near the coast of
Tulamben and now offers divers an incredible array of marine life,
still within shallow waters (between 2-10 m) and in close proximity
to the coastline. |
|
Padang
Bai |
|
The
largest eastern port of Bali, where ferries & ships travel on
to Lombok and beyond. Large luxury cruise liners anchor here close
to the Silayukti sea temple. |
|
Tenganan |
| |
A
Bali Aga village - (Bali Aga - descendants of the Original Balinese
who lived on this island before the influx of Javanese courtiers
& artists of the Majapahit exodus from Java, between the 12
& 14th centuries). This immaculately kept village is 5 kms
north of Candi Dasa. They are famous for weaving the geringsing
a cloth that may take years to weave as the patterns of the textile
are dyed to their final design whilst still in the thread stage.
The conservative Bali Aga does not allow members of the village
to marry outside of their community. Youngsters wishing to do
so are banned from taking part in the intrinsic ceremonies. Their
religious calendar is quite different to that of the rest of Bali.
The villages of Tenganan & Dauh Tukad have many incredible
ceremonies between June and July. See Calender of Events- Mekare,
Malingan etc.
|
|
Asak
& Bungaya |
|
Two
villages that are renowned for village handicrafts such as stone
carving, woven crafts and traditional costumes |
|
Manggis |
|
A
pretty village in the foothills of Mt. Agung with cooler more agreeable
temperatures than the coast. A number of small hotels and villas
cater to those looking for a more secluded place to stay than Candi
Dasa. |
|
Balina
Beach & Yeh Malina |
|
Balina
Beach are beaches near to Manggis with white sand and clear water,
good for swimming and fishing. Sunsets from this vantage point are
very romantic. |
|
Sibetan
& Putung |
|
This
area is famous for the Salak or snake fruit plantations. Panoramic
views of terraced rice paddy fields and the blue sea beyond afford
good opportunities for avid photographers. |
|
Bebandem
& Putung |
|
Bebandem
is a pretty market town with nearby Putung offering spectacular
views on a clear day. |
|
Padangkerta |
|
Ceremonies
and rituals held at this village encompass trance dances, battles
using thorny pandan leaves and all decorated with spectacular offerings. |
|
Sideman |
|
This
village is famous for weaving brocades and the traditional Endek &
Songket fabric. |
|
Besakih
Temple |
|
Bali's
largest and most revered temple since the fifteenth century is
built 1'000 meters (3333feet) above sea level on the slopes of
sacred Mt Agung. This temple complex is entered by climbing up
one of two staircases past several terraces. Each terrace contains
about 30 different shrines or pagodas. Visitors are not allowed
to enter the inner temple courtyards.
Three
main temples, Penataran Agung, Kiduling Kreteg and Batu Madeg
were built to honor Siwa, Brahma and Wisnu respectively. Near
the main gate is a pavilion called Pawedaan that is used by both
Buddhist & Shiva priests when holding Weda recitations. Besakih
enjoys many celebrations and Hindu ceremonies throughout the year
and is visited by pilgrims from all over Bali.
|
|
Mount
Agung |
|
Climbing
this mountain may take between 8 - 10 hours and is only recommended
for the fit! Cloud cover may obscure the view from the summit. Trekkers
should start at fist light and will probably make it back by dusk.
A large amount of bottled water, dried fruits and sweets are very
necessary is as the descent is tiring due to partial exhaustion!
|
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|
Klungkung Regency |
| Capital |
: |
Klungkung |
| Location |
: |
Southeastern
Bali |
| Important
phone numbers: |
: |
Direct
Enquiries - 0366 - 21108 |
| Klungkung
Tourist Office |
: |
Jl.Surapati
3, Semarapura Tlp: 0365 - 21448 |
| |
|
|
|
History |
|
It
was in this part of Bali that the fleeing royalty of the Majapahit
dynasty set up their kingdom. Between the 14th and 19th centuries
Samprangan, Gelgel & Klungkung were all capitals of the Klungkung
Regency. Recognized by other Balinese kingdoms as the most powerful,
this regency was one of the last strongholds of the Balinese during
the Dutch invasion of 1900's. The Gelgel dynasty ruled in Bali for
over 600 years and throughout their reign the arts flourished |
|
Klungkung
Regency Capital |
|
This
busy market town on the main route to Besakih and Amlapura is steeped
in history and has some noteworthy sites, the Semara Pura Palace
complex which houses the Hall of Justice and Kambang Pavilion. The
market here sells interesting textiles woven in the eastern part
of Bali, one thing to buy is sea salt panned from the nearby beaches.
|
|
Taman
Gili Palace |
|
Built
in the Dewa Agung dynasty, by artisans of the royal court. Not much
remains of this palace, destroyed during the Dutch invasion of Bali,
except for the main gate and two buildings that were rebuilt and
restored in the 1940's. |
|
Kertha
Gosa |
|
Judgment
Hall - A Hall of Justice which functioned as the highest seat arbitration
in the kingdom. The ceiling friezes depict scenes of horror and
punishment. Villains judged here were imprisoned on Nusa Penida
Island. |
|
Bale
Kambang |
|
This
floating pavilion is adjoined to the Judgment Hall, the ceiling
friezes here depict scenes of Buddhist folklore and astrology |
|
Bat
Cave - Goa Lawah |
|
A
cave said to house the scared serpent that guards holy Mount Agung
and the cosmos. Teeming with bats, this cave has various passageways,
some up to 30kms long, in fact it is said that one leads all the
way to the Temple of Besakih. |
|
Gelgel |
|
The
royal household was based in the village Gelgel in the fifteenth
century. Both the Jero Agung and Dasar temples are worth visiting,
the latter being reserved for ceremonies of higher caste or aristocracy
of Bali. |
|
|
