AROUND 2 ANGELS

The Bukit (as it is commonly referred to) includes the famous cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu, a number of Bali's very best beaches including Balangan, and the top surfing spots on the island. The two main towns with strong local communities on the Bukit are Pecatu and Ungasan.

Exploring the Bukit peninsula lends itself very well to a rent motorbike. A number of the nicer beaches are reached via small roads or dirt tracks and a motorbike is the best method. Motorbike or scooter give you solution for jammed traffic.

Uluwatu Temple

Pura Uluwatu is a Hindu temple set on the cliff bank in the south just 15 minutes by motorbike far from us. It is one of Sad Kahyangan Temple in Bali (six big groups of Bali Temples), situated on the coral reef sordid to sea about 80 meters above the sea level. It is featured by a small dry forest which is mostly called by Alas Kekeran (interdict forest) which is belong to the temple and dwelt by a lot of monkeys and other animal. Name of Uluwatu was come from the word Ulu meaning the head and Watu meaning stone. Therefore Uluwatu Temple means the temple built on top of coral reef.

Here the Kecak Dance is performed daily. The drama depends entirely on the natural light of day. Starting at dusk, the story continues into the dark, when only light comes only from flickering bamboo torches. This unique dance is performed by a hundred or more men using their voices as percussive musical instruments. Instead of the traditional “gamelan” orchestra which usually accompanies other Balinese traditional performances, the Kecak is simply accompanied by the chanting of the chorus of men representing an army of monkeys continuously intoning “Cak! Cak! Cak!” or “Keh-Chak" in polyrhythmic sounds during almost the entire performance. The performance relates the shorter version of the epic Ramayana Saga with dancers playing as Rama, Shinta (Sita), Lakshmana, Rahwana (Ravana), Hanoman (Hanuman), Sugriwa (Sugriva), and other characters. The storyline starts when Prince Rama wanders into the woods with his wife Shinta and brother Lakshmana. There, the giant Rahwana kidnaps Shinta and holds her in his palace. Rama, then, seeks  help and sends Lakhsmana to find his friend Sugriwa, the King of the Monkey Kingdom. Sugriwa sends his commander, the white monkey Hanoman, to check on Shinta in Rahwana’s Palace. At first, Rahwana and his troops manage to overrun Rama. However, Sugriwa and Hanoman then come to Rama’s aid along with the rest of the monkey troops, defeat the evil king once and for all. Kecak Dance is said to originate from a Balinese ancient ritual called Sanghyang, aimed as a form of exorcism or to repel evil spirits in which dancers fall into a trance.

It is an absolute must see for visitors to Bali.

GWK

Just few minutes far from us there's the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. Situated 300 meters above Bali’s shoreline, it offers a grand view on Jimbaran Bay and Kuta to the west, and Tanjung Benoa and Sanur to the east with the imposing Mount Agung and Mount Batur as its background. Focal point of this Cultural Park is the magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, that will reach a total height of 126 meters, weighing 3,000 tons, that will be taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York. The statue depicts Lord Vishnu mounting the mythical Garuda bird, as manifestation of the conscience of Amerta, the Perennial Goodness. Unfortunately, work on the statue had stalled 16 years, but will now finally be resumed, which will take three years to complete.

Meanwhile, the extensive Cultural Park where the statue stands is already operating in full swing. GWK Cultural Park covers more than 240 hectares of land; the Lotus Pond surrounded by gigantic pillars seats 7,500 persons. The Street Theater where fashions shows and parades are held packs 2,500, the Amphitheater seats 800, and there is also the 200 square meters Exhibition area, and the Indraloka Garden, which is a favorite for weddings and dinners. There are Balinese dances daily, Indonesian cultural performances and other activities.

The GWK Cultural Park is open from 8.0 am to 10 pm.

Balangan Beach

Ranked 1st in CNN Go’s "Bali's best 5 hidden beaches" released on January 2012, this paradisiac spot is just 5 minute by motorbike far from us.

Flanked between two rock cliffs, the coastline of Balangan Beach stretches for about 1 Km.  The amazing mixture of white and black sands on some spots of the beach, the unique green and dark brown musty stone texture on the shore, and the pond-like hollow spaces with clear water where sometimes little fishes are trapped,  are among some of the features one will find in this secluded paradise.

A perfect place to stroll down and enjoy the tranquility of nature at its finest, the coast is a perfect playground for kids or families where they can collect shells, build sand castles, or just play around in the water.  Similar to most beaches on Bali , Balangan beach also presents the spectacular sight of sunsets over  its afternoon horizon.

For surfers, this is where one of Bali’s longest left-hander breaks are found and, when the swell is big enough, there may well be one or two tube sections. The sheer length of this wave means that it has several starting points, as well as varied sections – in a word, everything the surfer’s heart desires: whether steep or simple drops, sharp faces or smooth longboard sections, there’s something for everyone. Even advanced surfers can learn something here. With the best waves size averaging from 4 to 8ft, Balangan features very classy waves, meaning, surfers will be challenged by the fast waves on some good days with  smaller swell during dead low tide days. From April to November constant south-west swells and off-shore winds ensure perfect waves, and loads of point breaks and tubes.

 Dreamland Beach

A vast stretch of soft pearly white sand, clear blue sky over the enchanting blue waters, and nothing but the fascinating sounds of waves hitting the shores, Dreamland is far from the crowded and vibrant atmosphere of the original Kuta Beach. Instead, the beach offers tranquility and much more exciting waves perfectly fit for advanced surfers.       

The beach is 5 minutes by motorbike far from us, it stretches some 1 kilometer and is considerably cleaner than most beaches in Bali. As any beach at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dreamland is also decorated with beautiful rocky cliffs on its shore which radiate an enchanting atmosphere. The vast stretching shoreline also makes it a perfect place to bask under the tropical sun or to stroll along the indulging sands, or simply sit down and immerse oneself in the dream-like beauty of nature.   

About surfing, the beach features a break with longer left and a short right handers, “surfable” at low to dead low tide and works well when there is an average swell above 3ft coming in. However, when the swell is over 7ft, the waves tend to be unpredictable and close out. The soft, fat waves and deep water make it suitable for the professionals or those with some learning experience behind.

Karma Beach

In only 10 minutes by motorbike from us, you reach the temple Pura Masuka. Behind it, there is a 300steps stair going down on the cliff. Following it you will discover this wonderful white sand beach with colorful coral reef and deep blue water.

With low tide you will be able to lay in the water and just relax enjoying the beautiful landscape of the cliff.

You can also do snorkelling or rent a kayak from the near Beach Club to have a trip around.

For your safety there's a Lifeguard spot.

Uluwatu for surfers

Uluwatu is the most famous wave of Bali. There is always some swell here so it's also always crowded. The spot offers several waves which are working with different swells and tides:

The Peak: best at mid and high tide. Closes out at low tide. In front of the cave. it's the most consistant. Short and powerful waves, tubes. The take off is moving. It works from 1ft to 8ft. The most crowded. One of the sections closes more than the others.

Racetracks: 100 meters further. fast wave, a lot of sections with easy tubes. Best at low tide and at 6ft. Can hold bigger swell. On the right tide and the right swell, "The Peak" connects with "Racetraks" (you need to be a good tuberider). Over 10ft, Racetracks breaks until "The Corner".

Inside Corner: best at mid and low tide with a 6ft swell. At first, it's a fun wave and the final bowl is a tube. Don't do a cutback just before the bowl! Take plenty of speed, stay high in the face and trim. You will pass the tube.

Outside Corner: the REAL Uluwatu. Works only with big swells (>8 feet) and at low tide. The lower is the tide, the better is the wave. Take at least a 7' board. It is a succession of long walls good for carving and, sometimes, a beautiful final tube. The length is around 300 meters.

Temple: less surfed. Two waves in fact ("Outside temple" and "The Bombies"). Only for experts because the water is very shallow. For them, it is a incredible tube when it works.