Denpasar

Denpasar

Denpasar is Bali's capital city. Although the modern centre of government departments, international banks, and many other offices, it still retains its unique Balinese personality. This is strongly felt and clearly seen in its many temples, universities and pleasant gardens, which still maintain their presence and influence. Denpasar has the Pura Jagatnatha, a temple dedicated to Bali's Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi. There are interesting statues of a turtle and two mystical dragons in the temple, signifying the foundation of the world. The Pura's awesome architecture resembles that of Balinese palace. It has now been converted into a museum housing a fine collection of prehistoric and modern art. The famous 4th century Pura Maospahit, is right next to Pura Jaganatha.
There is also an interesting place like; the government-supervised art centre, Sanggraha Kriya Hasta, which also home to a tremendous variety of handicraft and works of art. Taman Wedhi Budaya, meanwhile, is an arts centre with occasional exhibits of paintings, crafts and carvings, and holds traditional dances every evening. It is also the host of the annual Bali Arts Festival in June to July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest, and other activities of artistic nature.
The main street of Denpasar start with Gajah Mada Street in the west, Surapati Street in the centre, followed by Hayam Wuruk Street and ends as Raya Sanur Street in the east. There are many things of history and culture to see. The Puputan Square, with its heroic Catur Mukha, fondly commemorates the Balinese's suicidal stand against the Dutch. Until today, it is touchingly, a popular meeting place for locals in the evenings.

Source : www.indonesia-tourism.com

Ubud, Bali

what's ubud
Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.
Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.
Why peruse these web pages? The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special. Then use it after the guidebooks for up-to-date information, news and features about our extra ordinary town.

source : www.indo.com

Tanah Lot

TANAH LOT

From the village of Marga, the trip west returns to the main route leading to Tabanan. At the crossroads of Kediri, a side-road branches to the sea, ending on a green hill which slopes down to the beach and to the remarkable temple of Tanah Lot, suspended on a huge rock offshore. Set apart from the land by a stone basin, the rock has been carved by incoming tides. Tanah Lot, with its solitary black towers and tufts of foliage spilling over the cliffs, recalls the delicacy of a Chinese painting. If hearsay is to be believed, there dwells inside one of the shrines at Tanah Lot a huge snake, discreetly left undisturbed by the Balinese. Although a small sanctuary, Tanah Lot is linked to a series of sea temples on the south coast of Bali: Pura Sakenan, Pura Ulu Watu, Pura Rambut Siwi and Pura Peti tenget. All these temples are related to the principal mountain sanctuaries: Besakih at Gunung Agung, Pura Batur at Batur and Plura Luhur at Mt. Batukau. The upland temples venerate deities associated with mountains and mountain lakes, while the sea temples include homage to the guardian spirits of the sea within their ritual. These main temples are often listed with the sad-kahyangan the six holy "national" temples, which exact tribute from all Balinese. The chronicles attribute the temple at Tanah Lot to the 16th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bringing gifts, invited him to stay at their hut. Nirartha refused, saying he preferred to spend the night on the little island. That evening he spoke to the fishing folk and advised them to build a shrine on the rock, for he felt it to be a holy and fitting place to worship God. The villagers kept their promise. The beaches of Tanah Lot are ideal for relaxing, especially in the late afternoons, when the temple on the rock dissolves into a striking silhouette against the evening sky.

Target out of the landscape by tides, wind and rain, the high off shore sentinel rock of Tanah Lot. Supports a picturesque see temple, which cans small here ached by a scramble over the wet rocks.
This Temple was built in the 15th century by the priest, Pedanda Bahu Rawuh or Danghyang Nirartha from Majapahit Jawa. Near this Temple there are several small and big shrines, the biggest one is Pekendungan Temple. There is a spring considered sacred not far from this temple.

Tanah Lot is 13 km from Tabanan is Beraban village. When the tide is low people can walk to the temple. It looks like a floating one if the tide is high. There are many caves under the temple lived by the peaceful sea snakes, which has white and black colors.
It's located 16 kilometers west of International Airport Ngurah Rai, or a 20 minutes drive through Sunset Road. Coming in from Java Island through Gilimanuk, and arriving at the Kediri intersection, at the Wisnu Murthi statue, turn right. In front of the Kediri police Station, turn left, and keep following this smooth road. In less than 10 minutes you will be there. Admission is Rp 1,000.- per person.

source : www.balivision.com

Temple of Bedugul

The Ulundanu Temple of Bedugul

If you happened to have a journey to northern Bali why don'tyou drop in at one point of interests called Ulundanu. It is abig temple complex beside the lake Beratan at the village ofCandikuning, district of Baturiti, in the regency of Tabanan.It will take you about 75 minutes from Denpasar in a normaltraffic.
Cool temperature always covers the area of the temple since itis located around the mountainous area at the altitude of some1400 meters above sea level. The verdant tropical rainforestsurrounding the lake Beratan makes the view behind the templemore spectacular.
The temple lies on the side of the Beratan Lake. Separatedfrom the main complex of the temple, there are two groups'temple shrines in the lake. When the ritual ceremony or templefestival falls, a simple bamboo bridge will be built toconnect the temple with the main complex upon the ceremonytime.
Walking from the parking area, you will enter and enjoygreenery and the shadow of the Banyan tree. A small gardenwith some of local flowers raises the beauty of the landscapein front of the temple.
After visiting the temple, you can watch additional attractionon other part of the area. You can get in touch with some wildanimals such as anaconda-like snake, giant bat, iguana, andsome tropical forest birds. Their masters look after the birdscarefully. Take an amazing picture with the animals based onyour own request with certain amount of rental fee.
Black and white portrait paintings are available on thesouthern lakefront pavilion near the wooden jetty. The artistwill draw your face patiently while you are sitting relaxinglyon the stone-like chair. Certainly this can be a memorableitem on your journey on this island.
If you would like to explore the wonder of the lake, you havefreedom to choose between wooden jukung outrigger andspeedboat. Or just enjoying the panorama with the backgroundof the temple. This has been a classic for years with itsspecial characteristics for those who would like toimmortalize their visit and use it as background of theirpicture. You can also go fishing by hiring fishing equipmentand go sailing slowly with the colorful jukung.

source : www.bali1.com

picture source :www.tourdebali.com

Sanur beach

Sanur beach has long been popular recreation site for people from Denpasar and elsewhere. The palm lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east. The main attraction of Sanur beach is the beaches with their very white sand and the beauty of constantly calm water. Due to the protection of the lagoon, this beach is one of the safest on the island, and thus perfect for families. Offshore reefs protect the beach and make it popular for windsurfing; boating and other related watersports.Sanur is also the place where the few remaining of Brahman Kuasa villages found. Some of the charming ritual procession such as Balis only all-female keris dance is held in this area.The Prasasti Blanjong, an emblazoned pillar here dated AD 913, is Balis earliest behind the times relic and is now kept in a temple in Blanjong village, southern part of Sanur.
Getting There
Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a five to ten minute drive. You can get to Sanur from the airport by Taxi. Tickets available at the airport taxi co-op counter outside customs, near "left luggage".Where to StayThe choice of accommodations in Sanur ranges from the superior service and extensive facilities of the larger luxury establishment. Make your choice based on location rather than the number of stars. Sanur can be divided into several sub-areas:The Grand Bali Beach Hotel area. West and south of the hotel, at the point where the black and the white sand beaches meet. This northern section of Sanur is popular with local crowds. Sindhu is east of JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, and south of JI. Segara Ayu. Extending south to the first stretch of JI. Danau Tamblingan. This area is classier, with good hotels on the beach, night and art markets, and good restaurants.Batujimbar, further south, has few hotels, but is the location of expatriate and Indonesian jet set society mansions. Exclusive beaches are reached via small lanes.Semawang stretches south from the Bali Hyatt Hotel to the Sanur Beach Hotel and beyond. It houses both the priciest hotels and restaurants, as well as the red light district
Dining Guide

The beachfront esplanade has restaurants, warung and bars where you can catch a meal, a drink or a sea breeze. Cheap warung and street food carts can be found around Pasar Sindhu (night market), at the beach end of Jl.Segara Ayu and along Jl.Danau Poso, at the southern end of Sanur beyond the resort area. At the eastern end of Jl.Kesumasari, several cheap eateries face a nice stretch of beach. At the northern end of Jl Danau Tamblingan, theres a bar and restaurant who has happy hours and good quality standard tourist meals. For them who are vegetarian, there is a few of restaurants and cafes served vegetarian and health foods. For late-night eaters, Sanur has several moderately priced Padang restaurants open all night.
Moving Around
You can move around Sanur on foot while biking around Sanur is also fun, try to rent one.Other Things to See or DoYou can find almost every watersport imaginable here like diving and snorkeling, although not the best in Bali. Most of the facilities are found right on the beach in front of the big hotels Sanur is famous for its white coral temples (Pura Segara, Pura Merta Sari). There are many small ones hidden away along the south beach. In December and January, watch the huge processions to the sea with purification ceremonies on the beach. There are also often gamelan rehearsals in the evenings at the various banjar.
Souvenir Tips There is a night and art market in Sanur to buy some souvenirs from Bali.Tourist shops line all the main streets of Sanur. Otherwise, go to the arcades in the main hotels for high quality goods and no bargainingIt is quite common to bargain in markets, shops and art shops for buyers, so having a good price is partly dependent upon one's smartness in bargaining.
Travel Tips Public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into night.Sanur is an ideal base for trips to Bali's rice growing heartland and the mountain areas. Rent a self-drive car or a minibus with driver on a daily basis.It's good to speak a bit of the language of a country you are visiting, or at least understand it, commonly used expression or greetings - This will allow you to get better involved with the people and culture. It also helps to speak a bit of the language when bargaining for souvenirs in the tourism areas, as a little knowledge goes a long way to getting a better price!Wear a light, airy, and casual clothes like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions.Some hotels charge no extra cost for two children under 12 years old occupying the same room with parents. Ask your hotel for more information about this.Restaurants outside the hotels offer a greater variety of food in a broad price range. Most close at 10 pm.

picture source ; www.highwaybali.com

source : http://www.dunia-indah.blogspot.com/