BALI

Bali is one of the world's top tourist destinations, blends spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful beaches with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and spiritual places: is truly magical all over the year with plenty on offer for everyone. This is a miraculous island indeed, for after decades of popularity, Bali continues to amaze both local and international visitors alike.  Here gather a variety of visitors from around the globe: from those who come to surf the waves of Kuta, Uluwatu and Dreamland, to others who love the panoramic beauty of mountains, rice fields and lakes at  Batur, Kintamani, or  Lake Beratan at  Bedugul, to those who merely love shopping or spend endless days on the beach.

Following some of the interesting places of BALI

Tanah Lot (Tabanan Regency)

Located in the sea some 300 meters from shore, the huge rock of Tanah Lot is reachable overland at low tide. On its northern side stand two Balinese temples built on an overhanging cliff which connects the islet to the shore. Underneath the rock are caves that are inhabited by sea snakes, believed to be the guardians of the temples. The Tanah Lot temples form an inseparable part of the Dang Kahyangan temples, the six most holy temples on Bali, but here believers pray to the god of the sea.  On the west side of the rock is a spring which the Hindus believe to be holy water and the reason why the temples were built on this rock. Tanah Lot is derived from the words “Tanah” meaning a rock or land, while “Lot” or “Lod” means south or the sea. Therefore Tanah Lot means the Rock by the Sea.

Pura Besakih (Karangasem Regency)

Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900 meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali , and is referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali. It covers a vast area that offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding this beautiful and artistic temple complex. The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Pura Penataran Agung, or the “Great Temple of State” is the center of the temple complex and is Bali’s main place of worship, a complex comprising twenty-two temples on six rising terraces set on parallel ridges. This complex expresses the essential belief of the Balinese known as Tri Hita Kirana, meaning that life on earth must be lived and kept in balance and harmony between man and God, man and society and his fellow human beings, and man and his natural environment.

Besakih Temple is open to visitors all year round during the official opening hours between 8 a.m. up to 5 p.m.

Ubud (Gianyar Regency)

Steeped in culture and enhanced by magnificent vistas, Ubud offers a respite from the humdrum of your busy life. In the past, Ubud was just a small village, but now it has grown into a thriving yet laid back cosmopolitan community. This region is steeped in history and culture. Many remains from the old kingdoms of Bali can be found here, and unique arts and crafts are just waiting to be discovered. Known for its tranquillity, Ubud offers several natural retreats. Ubud is where famed Elizabeth Gilbert found peace and her love as written in her best selling memoir “Eat, Pray,Love”.

Ubud is the home of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (www.ubudwritersfestival.com) where book enthusiasts, writers and readers around the world gather annually and share their experiences and stories. This festival is usually held in October every year.

The Ubud Monkey Forest, a popular tourist attraction, is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud. It houses approximately 340 monkeys which are known as long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis). There are four groups of monkeys each occupying different territories in the park.

Around Ubud there are lots of beautiful temples to visit like:

Pura Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. At the facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365.

Pura Gunung Kawi is a very unique Balinese temple complex, carved into the mountain and located on Pakerisan river. It' s an 11th-century temple and funerary complex thought to be dedicated to King Anak Wungsu of the Udayana dynasty and his favourite queens. The temple is surrounded by a lush green tropical rain forest.

Pura Tirta Empul  is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring. The temple compound consists of a petirtaan or bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go to for ritual purification. The temple pond has a spring which gives out fresh water regularly. Tirta Empul means Holy Spring in Balinese.

Ulun Danu Bratan (Tabanan Regency)

It is a major Shivaite and water temple on Bali. Located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul, this temple serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak). Built in 1663, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali. 

Brahmavihara Arama (Buleleng Regency)

Brahmavihara-Arama is Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery, located up in the hills of Banjar, only 1.5km west of the Banjar Hot Springs. Opened in 1970, Brahmavihara-Arama comprises a hectare of hillside, with numerous meditation rooms, libraries, beautiful gardens, and an impressive mini replica of the world's largest Buddhist archaeological site, Borobudur, on its highest grounds. Tall pine trees, trimmed lawns, well-maintained flower gardens and its high altitude all add up to the sense of peace you can enjoy here. Several main sections include the Uposatha Gara, which is a restful and quiet meditation room in the western section, with walls depicting Prince Siddhartha Gautama’s birth, and a statue of the Buddha in his state of reaching Nirvana. The site is also a meditation place for Buddhist pilgrims during the holy day of Vesak or Asada. This important Buddhist observance is when the monastery grounds and mini Borobudur are at its most attractive with monks in procession. 

Approximate corresponding dates for Vesak, based on the 'sixth full moon' each year are as follows: June 20, 2016 - June 10, 2017 - May 29, 2018 - May 19, 2019

Gitgit Waterfall (Buleleng Regency)

Located in a plateau about 300 mt above sea level, not too far from Lovina and the old island capital Singaraja, Gitgit waterfall is the height of about 40 mt, surrounded by tropical treas and lush green environment. The way to Gitgit waterfall is paved with lot of stalls and on the either side of the path you can find some lush plantation (coffee and cloves). The sellers are not aggressive at alla and you can finally enjoy a 15 minutes walk without getting hassled by anyone.

Mount and Lake Batur (Bangli Regency)

The mountainous region around Kintamani, centering on the spectacular volcanic caldera of Mount Batur with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, is rugged with a high and wild beauty. Mount Batur is actually just a small volcano, but its setting is in the heart of a huge crater 14km in diameter. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake, all surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. Mount Batur's original height was about 4000 mt in prehistoric times. aftr an enormous eruption northing was left apart from a large caldera which in 2012 became part of the Global Geopark Network by UNESCO. The actual height of Mount Batur is 1717 mt. It offers a great opportunity to all cycling and trekking fanatics. The Sunrise Trekking Tour is highly recommended to all those who are physically fit.

Art District (Gianyar Regency)

A trip to the enchanting island of Bali will not be complete without taking home some of the fine pieces of its illustrious artworks and handicrafts; and there is no better way to obtain these than through the art of bargaining with local sellers at an authentic Balinese folks market. On the way from Ubud to Denpasar you will find a bunch of villages distinguished in traditional balinese arts.

Sukawati Art market

This is the best place to shop. Located on the Sukawati main road in the Gianyar Regency, 20km northeast from the capital city of Denpasar, open daily from 08.00 to 19.00, Sukawati Art Market is Bali’s largest, most distinguished and long-standing art market.
A wide range of Balinese distinct souvenirs can be found here from framed paintings, carvings, traditional woven textiles, traditional kites, handmade bags, women’s accessories, shirts, sarongs, to Balinese ceremonial items and daily local household items, and more. All at reasonable bargain prices.
The experience of dealing with local people, browsing through the shops along small market alleys, choosing what to buy from a pile of goods, and bargain for a good price will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Batuan

It is a major painting center and contains a number of art galleries and cooperative art societies which have played a key role in promoting the art of Batuan. In the Batuan style of painting, the emphasis is adoption of sombre colour, generally in black and white with preponderance of mystic Balinese religious ethos related to sorcery and witchcraft. They are also famous for the miniature painting with great attention paid to detailing.The artists have an eye for detail as they paint with great patience. The village is also known for its performance of the ancient Gambuh dance, it is a theatrical dancing art form which is a fusion of singing, drama and visual art forms. The dance is performed every Full Moon day.

Mas

Mas Village, situated in Ubud District, is a village of art with a focus on carving of wood sculptures. It has a distinctive style in the art carving of wood sculptures that promotes characteristic synergy of humanism and naturalism.

Batubulan

Batubulan is a unique village because most people have the expertise to make sculptures and carvings. The ability is passed on from generation to generation and continue growing until now. Because of the rapid expertise resident of this village, then along the road which divides the village of Batubulan there are many art galleries and shops (art shop) that sells artwork and crafts.

Celuk

Celuk village owns the individuality and excellence in production of gold and silver crafting. The productions of gold and silver at this village have penetrated to the local, national and international market. It can be measured from the type of artwork result and variation of ornament, good as present and also export commodity. The type of gold and silver craft has been produced in this countryside are covering various of rings, bangles, chokers, earrings, mother of pearls, Tusuk Konde, broach and other types.