Bali Map
Bali Map at AllBaliVillasHotels.com, detailed map of Bali and its area/regency description.
Bali, one of Indonesia's 31 provinces, is made up of eight
Regencies; Denpasar, the capital is considered to be within the Badung
Regency.
Badung Regency
Capita l: 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.
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.
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 - Tlp: 0366 - 91537
(Address - Jl. Sriwijaya #23)
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. Vetran 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 Tlp: 93401
(Address - Jl. Ngurah Rai 21, Gianyar.)
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 - Tlp: 0365 - 41210
Address - Jl. Setia Budi, Negara.
Museum Gilimanuk - 0365 61328
BUPATI - 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 - Tlp: 0363 - 21196
(Address - Jl. Diponegoro, Amlapura.)
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 Tlp: 0365 - 21448
(Address - Jl.Surapati 3, Semarapura.)
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.
Kamasan - A small village near Klungkung
from which a style of Balinese painting originated, the Kamasan style,
based on east Javanese shadow puppets or wayang.
Kusamba - A salt panning village with
a black sand beach.
Lembongan & Ceningan Islands - Small
islands of the east coast of Bali, with a number of caves and beaches
to explore. Lembongan is a very popular one-day cruise destination.
Paksa - A village famous for re-enactments
of ancestral battles. The participants re-enact these battles whilst in
a trance.
Penida Island - Originally the penitentiary
island for the Klungkung kingdom. The Dalem Peed Temple is associated
with myth and black magic.
Nusa Penida - the largest of the three
outlying islands measuring approximately 200 sq kilometers. White sand
beaches, white cliffs prove that this island is not volcanic but made
mainly from limestone.
Historically Nusa Penida was a penal colony for the Klungkung Regency,
undesirables were sent here after having been judged in the Kerta Gosa.
A very dry climate and a local myth of a ferocious giant, giving Penida
a reputation as an evil place, maintains the population at about 45'000.
For the most part Penidan families fish and farm for a living, with seaweed
being probably the largest export of this island. The main town is Samplan,
on the north east coast of the island, this and another 18 hamlets make
up the extent of the residential part of Penida. Two temples, Peed &
Batukuning are interesting to visit. The dive spots on Penida are very
challenging as currents are strong.
Nusa Lembongan - a small low-lying island
of approximately two & a half kilometers wide by 4 kms in length.
This island has white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs
and is currently developing as a promising tourist destination. Cruise
operators visit this island with diving, snorkeling, glass bottom and
banana boat rides being the main focus of tourist attention. The main
cottage industry here is seaweed farming and the seaweed gardens are well
worth visiting at low tide. A unique place to visit on the island is an
underground house which was supposedly carved out of the ground with a
spoon! Other attractions include walking around traditional village and
catching a small boat to tour the mangroves. Surfers all head over to
Jungut Batu on the north east of the island.
Nusa Ceningan - the smallest of the three
islands, made up mainly from a sand flat. The name comes from cenik -
the Balinese word for small. Seldom visited the small islet is home to
a bat cave, incredible coral and marine life.
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Tabanan Regency
Capital - Tabanan
Highest Peak - Mt. Batukau - 2'276 metres above sea level
Location: South-western Bali
Important phone numbers:
Direct Enquiries - 108
Tabanan Tourist Office Tlp: 811602
(Address - Jl. Gunung Agung, Tabanan.)
History :
Founded in the 14th century Tabanan had a mixed history with numerous
conflicts, mainly with the neighboring kingdom of Mengwi. By the end of
the 1700's Tabanan had managed to claim part of the Mengwi kingdom however
lost it back to the Mengwi Royal household by the mid 1800's. By 1906
the Dutch having conquered Tabanan, imprisoned the king and his son.
Tabanan - District Capital of Tabanan -
Located on the south eastern part of the Regency. A very large, clean
town with wide-open streets. The Subak Museum dedicated to rice cultivation,
and the Gedong Marya theatre, dedicated to the famous dancer Mario, are
the only real tourist sites in Tabanan, however the rest of this fertile
region has many diverse attractions.
Alas Kedaton Temple - Near the village
of Kukuh, an ancient temple is located in this12 hectare forest that houses
both monkeys and large bats.
Abiantuwung - This village stages many
dance performances, both old and new. It is also boasted the Whrahatnala
School of Dance, which has now sadly shut down.
Batukaru - With the highest peak at 2'276
metres above sea level, this volcanic massif has three small nature reserves
on and around the three smallest peaks, Lesung, Tapak and Pohen.
Bratan Lake - Japanese caves on the west
shore and a pleasure park on the southern shore of the lake and the cool
mountain air make this a pleasant place to spend a day. Various water
sports are available at the pleasure-park.
Botanical Gardens - Raya Eka Karya Gardens
- With a land area of 129.2 hectares the Botanical Gardens maintains up
to 650 species of tree and approximately 450 species of orchid.
Bedugul - A cool, mountain, market town
that supplies much of the fruit, vegetables and flowers that Bali consumes.
One thousand five hundred metres above sea level, Bedugul is on the shores
of Lake Bratan, the crater-lake of Mt. Bratan
Jatiluwih - Famous for the view over endless
rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see. Here, at 850 metres
above sea level, temperatures are cooler.
Kediri - A small village near Tabanan
that stages an interesting cattle market every three days.
Kerambitan - Puri Gede, Puri Anyar Baturiti,
are two 17th century palaces of the former Tabanan royal family. Interesting
stone carvings and antique Chinese porcelain plates embedded in the walls
of the gong pavilions are amongst the various items of interest.
Marga - National Monument of Margarana,
built to commemorate the bravery of I Gusti Ngurah Rai and his followers
in Indonesia's struggle for independence against the Dutch.
Pura Luhur Batukau - A royal ancestral
temple, with a seven-tiered pagoda, built on the foothills of Mt. Batukau.
Not as easily accessible as others, this temple remains off the beaten
track its forest surroundings have an abundance of flora and fauna.
Pujungan Waterfall - Near the village
of Pujungan. Coffee plantations can be seen en route to this waterfall,
which plunges down between narrow white cliffs.
Soka Beach - A wide, quiet, white sand
beach with a few kiosks and colorful fishing boats.
Tanah Lot - This famous temple sits on
top of an eroding sentinel rock and high tides cut it off from the mainland.
Underground caves are said to house sea serpents that guard this temple.
This is probably Bali's most photographed temple, and is renowned for
stunning sunsets.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple - A 17th century
temple, dedicated to Sang Dewi Danau, goddess of the lake. Part of the
temple just out into the lake and a Buddhist stupa near the outer courtyard
bears witness to this temple's Hindu- Buddhist roots. Early mornings are
the best time to visit, as clouds or mist soon roll in.
Yeh Panas & Penatahan Hotsprings -
These hot springs are located on the banks of the River Ho. The bubbling
water contains sulphur and sodium and is said to cure skin problems. Tourist
accommodation is available.
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