HISTORY
Bali has been inhabited since early prehistoric time firstly by descendants of a prehistoric race who migrated through main land Asia to the Indonesia archipelago, thought to have first settled in Bali around 3000 BC. stone tools dating from this time have been found near the village of Cekik in the island’s west.
Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, and particular Sanskrit, culture, in process beginning around the first century AD. The name Balidwipa has been discovered from various inscriptions, including the Blanjong chrater issued by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 913 AD and mentioning Walidwipa. It was during this time that the complex irrigation system Subak was developed to grow rice. some religious and cultural traditions still in existence today can be traced back to this period. The Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293-1520 AD) on eastern Java founded a Balinese colony in 1343. When the empire declines, there was an exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests, and musician from Java to Bali in 15th century.
The first European contact Bali is thought to have been when Dutch explorer Cornelis De Houtman arrive in 1597, though a Portuguese ship had foundered of the Bukit Peninsula as early as 1585. Dutch rule in Bali came later, was more aggressively fought for, and they where never ultimately able to establish themselves as they had in other parts of Indonesia such as Java and Maluku.
In the 1840s, a presence in Bali was established, first in the island’s north, by playing various distrustful Balinese realms against each other. The Dutch mounted large naval and ground assaults first the Sanur region and then Denpasar. The Balinese where hopelessly overwhelmed in number and armament, but rather then face the humiliation of surrender, they mounted a final defensive but suicidal assault, or Puputan. Despite Dutch demands for surrender, an estimated 4,000 Balinese marched to their death against invaders. Afterwards the Dutch governors were able to exercise little influence over the island, and local control religion and culture generally remained intact.
Japan occupied Bali during world war II during which time a Balinese military officer, Gusti Nurah Rai , formed a Balinese “freedom army”, following Japan’s Pacific surrender in August 1945, the Dutch promptly returned to Indonesia, including Bali, immediately to reinstate their pre-war colonial administration. This was resisted by the Balinese rebels now using Japanese weapons.
On 20 November 1946, the Battle of Marga was fought in Tabanan in central Bali. Colonel is Gusti Ngurah Rai, 29 years old, finally rallied his forced in east Bali at Marga Rana, where they made a suicide attack on the heavily armed Dutch. The Balinese Battalion was entirely wiped out, breaking the last thread of Balinese military resistance. In 1946 the Dutch constituted Bali as one of the 13 administrative districts of newly-proclaimed and headed by Sukarno and Hatta. Bali was include in the “Republic of the United States of Indonesia” when the Netherlands recognized Indonesian Independence on Dec, 29, 1949. In 1950 Bali Officially renounce the Dutch Union and legally became a province within the republic of Indonesia.
The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung killed thousands, created economic havoc and forced many displaces Balinese to be Transmigrated to other part of Indonesia.
In 1965, after a failed Coup d’etat in Jakarta against the national government of Indonesia, Bali, along with other regions of Indonesia most notably Java, was the scene of widespread killings of ( often falsely-accused ) members and sympathizers of the Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI) by right-wing General Soeharto- sponsored militias. Possibly more than 100,000 Balinese where killed although the exact numbers are unknown to date and the events remain legally undisclosed. Many unmarked but well known mass graves of victims are located around the island.
CULTURE
Bali is famous for many forms of art, including painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handicrafts, and performing arts. Balinese Gamelan Music is highly beloved and varied. The dances portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana. Famous Balinese dances include Pendet, Legong, Baris, Topeng, Barong, and Kecak (the monkey dance)
National education programs, mass media and tourism continue to change Balinese culture. Immigration for other parts of Indonesia, especially Java, is changing the ethnic composition of Bali’s population.
The Hindu new year, Nyepi, is celebrated in the spring by a day of silence. One this day everyone stays at home and tourists are encouraged to the remain in their hotels. On the Preceding day large, colorful sculptures of ogoh-ogoh monsters are paraded and finally burned in the evening to the drive away evil spirits. Other festival throughout the year are specified by the Balinese Pakuwon Calendar system.
INTERESTING PLACES
Besakih Temple:
Baliís ìmother temple,î Besakih is the largest temple in Bali. Situated over 900 meters up the slopes of Gunung Agung, it has been regarded as a holy place since pre-historic times. The first recorded mention of its existence is from an inscription that dates from the year 1007 AD. Since the 15th century, it has been regarded as the central temple for the entire island. Each traditional kingdom has its own temple within the compound, and so do each of the caste groups. There is a total of 18 separate sanctuaries.
To the Balinese, a visit to the temple sanctuaries at Besakih is a special pilgrimage. During full moons, the entire compound of Besakih celebrates the visits of the gods with an enormous throng of visiting pilgrims.
Goa Gajah:
Literally meaning ‘Elephant Cave’, Goa Gajah was an ancient monastery of Hindu and Buddhist monks who used to meditate in the cave. Believed to be built in the early 11th century, its face is elaborately carved and depicts a demon splitting open the rock with its bare hand at the mouth of the cave.
Kedonganan Beach:
About 3 kilometers south of Bali’s international airport, the fishing village of Kedonganan boasts a traditional fish market and a great number of traditional fishing boats that can be engaged to sail around the gulf for a picturesque view of the cresent beach.
Kertha Gosa:
The Kertha Gosa pavilions, built in the 18th century, are located in Klungkung, 40 kilometers northeast of Denpasar. They are especially known for their ceiling murals that depict punishments in hell for miscreants and rewards in heaven for the righteous.
Tanah Lot:
Carved out of the landscape by tides, wind, and rain, the huge offshore sentinel rock of Tanah Lot supports a small but picturesque temple that is Bali’s most photographed location. Only reachable by land during low tide, Tanah Lot Temple is the favored destination of most tourists to view the sun set as it retires behind the remarkable natural formation.
Taman Ayun Temple:
Taman Ayun means ‘beautiful garden’, an appropriate name indeed for this most picturesque temple located in Mengwi. King of Mengwi I Gusti Agung Anom built is stately courtyards and its large moat in the year 1634. Containing both the royal family ancestral shrines and shrines to the major deities, Taman Ayun was the main temple for the ancient kingdom of Mengwi and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Tanjung Benoa:
Located north of Nusa Dua, this is a beautiful white sand beach area where visitors can enjoy many types of water recreation and sports such as snorkeling, parasailing, diving, boating, sailing, and more. This area is an extension of Nusa Dua, with easy access to its luxurious hotels and other tourism facilities.
Ubud:
Famous for its painterís community, Ubud is special in more ways than one. Its beautiful surroundings and gracious way of life have drawn celebrities and artists from all over the world for decades; some have even adopted Ubud as their home. An array of boutique hotels and unique restaurants now beckon to Bali’s most culturally inclined tourists.
Batubulan:
Just outside of Denpasar on the road to Ubud, the small village of Batubulan greets you with platoons of stone statues that line the roadside in a impressive array. Terrible fanged demons, noble warriors, and animals of all shapes and sizes and at all stages of completion rest under the shady trees waiting to be purchased.
Bedugul:
In the center highlands of Bali is the serene mountain area of Bedugul where high altitude vegetables, fruits, and flowers thrive in the cool climate. There is also a large botanical garden nearby. At Lake Beratan, various water sports are also available.
Celuk:
Balinese jewelry is unique, and Celuk is the home of much of it. Nearly every family in Celuk is involved in their trademark gold and silver work that has become very famous over the years.
Gitgit Waterfall:
South of Singaraja is Gitgit waterfall, Baliís highest waterfall. Nestled deep in the mountains, this beautiful wilderness area is a must for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the larger towns.
Goa Lawah:
About 43 kilometers east of Denpasar, Goa Lawah is one of the most sacred temples in Bali. Built in the 11th century, this temple occupies a natural cave that is inhabited by thousands upon thousands of chirping bats.
Gunung Kawi:
These 11th century tombs, carved out of the rock face of the gorge of the Pakerisan river, are approached by a steep descent through breathtaking scenery. Across the gorge are some more impressive tombs that were the meditation caves of the men who were the keepers of the tombs.
Jatiluwih:
Approximately 20 kilometers from Tabanan, the road climbs up high into the hills to a small village named Jatiluwih. At 850 meters altitude, the view here is one of the finest in Bali. Baliís trademark terraced rice fields stretch into endless contours over the hills and valleys as far as the eye can see.
Jimbaran Beach:
Jimbaran Beach is just south of Kedonganan Beach and has very beautiful white sand suitable for recreation and relaxation. It is quieter than its neighboring beaches, and one will find nice hotels and many seafood restaurants. Jimbaran is, in fact, known for its delicious fresh seafood.
Kehen Temple:
Just north of Bangli, Kehen Temple is one of the largest temples in Bali and is a stirring example of the skill of the stone-carvers of the region. Founded in the 11th century, Kehen Temple has three courtyards that are each entered through towering, carved gateways.
Kintamani:
At 1,500 meters in altitude, the beautiful Kintamani area has a cool climate suited to growing certain fruits and vegetables. Situated on a ridge across a volcanic lake from the active volcano Mt. Batur, Kintamani offers some of the most stunning scenery to be found in Bali and is a must-see for most tourists.
Kuta Beach:
Once a poor fishing village with a black history of lepers and witches, Kuta began to provide what visitors wanted and soon became a key point on the sea route from India through Southeast Asia to Australia. Now, Kuta is Bali’s most famous and popular beach town. One of its primary attractions is its long stretch of white sand along its picturesque bay. The famous Kuta sunset is stunning, and there is a wide selection of hotels and bungalows to choose from. Kuta is also known for its lively nightlife, its wide variety of international restaurants, and its many recreational activities.
Yeh Pulu:
In Yeh Pulu you can see carvings that defines daily life story in the former time. The relief has measure 2 x 25 meter’s, and in this site area there is small garden as the source of the water (yeh) flout out from a Gentong (Gentong = pot container for rice). It had been discovered in 1925 and investigated by Dr.W.F Sutterheim in 1929.
Monkey Forest Ubud:
Nestled between the villages of Nyuh Kuning and Padang Tegal in Ubud lies Wenara Wana, more polulary knows as the monkey forest. This small forest is inhabited by hundreds of macaque monkeys who delight visitors with there antics. Being used to humans, the monkeys will frolic with each other and steal any food away from you, so be careful! there is a lovely little grotto down below with an ancient banyan tree as well the local temple called Pura Dalem.
Puri Saren Ubud:
Puri Saren Ubud (Ubud Palace) is an Ubud Kingdom Palace with beautiful Balinese traditional houses as a residence of Ubud King. It is set in the center of Ubud Bali with traditional art market just in front of it and it is found by Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel who has commanded from year 1800 – 1823. This palace is an artistic cultural life center, while the traditional market is the symbol of local economics resident. The existence of Puri Saren as a palace is equipped by a Wantilan/auditorium that is a large building of meeting room and a banyan tree as shelter place at the daytime. The traditional market is the place of society economics and its existence is always border on palace as artistic cultural life center. It means that the both pole meeting is describing the dynamics of society and kingdom life.
Painting Museum:
Panting Museum is located about 200 meters from Puri Saren / Ubud Palace and it is dissociated by dell, climb a piece of wide plain with beautiful view. It is situated in calm and peaceful area of Ubud Bali so that this place is an ideal place for who wish to see and enjoy result of art from all big actor like I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Ida Bagus Nyana, Anak Agung Gde Sobrat, I Gusti Made Deblog, Rudof Bonnet, Walter Spies and more.
Tampak Siring Temple:
Tirta Empul Temple or Tampak Siring Temple is a holy spring water temple located in Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar regency and it is about 39 km eastwards from Denpasar town. It is set in the dale and encircled by the hill. In the west side of this temple, there is an Indonesian President palace which has been found by the first president. The name of Tirta Empul is loaded in a inscription which is kept at Sakenan Temple, Manukaya village, Sub district of Tampak Siring, about 3 km from Tirta Empul Temple. In this inscription, the Tirta Empul is named by the Tirta Ri Air Hampul and then the name has changed into Tirta Hampul and finally become the Tirta Empul. Tirta Ri air hampul is meaning the water emerge or the holy pool (Petirthan) which is the water emerge from the land.
The wellspring emerges from the land is believed that it is the infinite creation. According to the history, that, that this water source is arranged and sanctified by king Indrajayasinghawarmadewa in the year 882 Saka (960 M). He has given the name with Tirta ri air hampul. The data is loaded in the inscription that is located at Sakenan Temple. Besides of the above epigraphy data, in Tirta Empul Temple is also found the archaeology omission like Colossus Yoni, Arca Lion, Tepasana and Tirta Empul Pool. According to papyrus of Usana Bali narrated that Tirta Empul is created by Bhatara Indra (Sun Deity) when bearing arms against the king where his palace is located in Bedahulu Countryside. He is known as a very miraculous king, which he can lose or show suddenly, therefore he is named by Mayadenawa. Because of its miracle, he becomes the arrogance and expressing himself as a god. The Mayadenawa King owns the assistant (Patih) which is called Kalawong. They prohibit the people to do the Yadnya (praying to the god) so that is often happened the natural disaster, disease epidemic, agriculture fail and finally miserable life society. Finally Betara Indra (one of Hindu God) gives battle against the kings that happened in Tampak Siring and then the Mayadenawa is gone to the wall and disappear. King Mayadenawa has also created poisonous pools which can the team of Bathara Indra die and faint after drinking this water. Then Bathara Indra stick the weapon of Umbul-umbul and finally the water is emerging so that called by Tirta Empul and then it is passed to the dead and faint soldier that made them back to live. Therefore at the moment this pool water is sanctified by the Hindu society in Bali and they believe that this water source can heal various of diseases, hence every day this place is a lot of visited by Hindu people to do the ritual and sanctify them self . This place has been opened for public and as a famous tourist destination in Bali.
Gunung Kawi:
Gunung Kawi is a Hindu Temple complex with old omission from the stone era located in Gianyar regency. Based on the inscription of Tengkulak A on 945 saka (Balinese calendar) which is released by Marakata King, the ancient omission complex is located at the Pekerisan River then it is called Katyangan Amarawati. Pekerisan River is also named by Jalu which is according to the inscription chiseled on the above of the biggest temple door sound ‘Haji Lumahing Jalu’. The name of Gunung Kawi is the name given on the omission which is related to the complex of temples because the temple on this area is like the symbol from the mount. There are 3 temples which so called the name as Gunung Kawi in Bali those are Gunung Kawi in Sebatu countryside, Gunung Kawi Temple in Keliki countryside and Gunung Kawi Temple in Babitra countryside. The ancient omission complex of Gunung Kawi is founded on 10 century. It is founded in the era of Udayana about 989 M. At the period of Marakata governance on 1023, the omission which is called Katyagan Amarawati is developed and continued by the governance of Anak Wungsu which is guess lead between the years of 1049 – 1077 M.
Subak Museum:
Subak Museum is a museum colleting the Balinese traditional agriculture tools and old documentation to remind all young generation about Subak Organization which has famous in the world. It is located in Sanggulan countryside, Kediri sub district and Tabanan regency precisely 20 Km west part of Denpasar town. This museum is opened for public and to be one of tourist destinations in Tabanan regency, west part of Bali. It is strategically located in Tabanan town and close with other tourist destinations in this regency.
Subak Museum History
Tabanan regency is one of the regencies in Bali own the widest rice field, so that frequently this regency is called by the Rice Barn of Bali Island. Sanggulan countryside has been choose as a place of Subak Museum because considering that Subak Rijasa in this regency that in year 1979 have reached the National Champion in Intensification Program that lifting Bali’s name in the national level. Beside of that Tabanan regency owns more Subak Organization if it is compared with other regencies. The development of Subak Museum is inspirited by intention of all Balinese culture lovers. This museum is expected to preserve Subak as a local cultural asset which have meritorious in developing and improving agricultural rice field production, especially rice and traditional irrigation system. This system is very famous in foreign countries because own the similar irrigating system like Fai in Thailand and Zangera in Philippine with the chasm and its specification do not like Subak which is existing in Bali. Subak is wet farm farmer organization to get the water irrigation from the sources.
Ulun Danu Temple:
Ulun Danu Temple is a Balinese Hindu Temple located at Candi Kuning countryside, Baturiti sub district and Tabanan regency. Its distance from Denpasar town is about 50 km north side the way from Denpasar to Singaraja. It is set at lakeside of Beratan with beautiful lake view and hills surround it. It is situated in the plateau area with cool atmosphere surround it and hills as a backdrop. We can find at north side of this temple is Pucak Sangkur mount, in the eastside there is Beratan Mount which also referred as Pucak Mangu or Pucak Pangelengan, in the south side there is Terate Bang Mount and in the Westside there is Tapak Mount and Watukaru Mount.
Watu Karu Temple:
Luhur Watukaru temple or Pura Batukaru is one of the biggest temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan) with Catur Lokapala Temple and Padmabhuwana Temple status. It is set in the plateau area with lush tropical rain forest surround it. It is situated in the peaceful area which is far from the local resident that is ideally for worship. There are some temple building spread out through the tranquility of rain forest and the big mountain of Batu Karu as a back drop.
Hot Spring:
Tabanan Hot Water is one of tourist destinations in Tabanan regency, west part of Bali. it is about 15 minutes from Tabanan town and close to Batukaru Temple. It is set on the hill bank and the river valley just in front of it. There is a main pool located in the lowest level and just beside of river meanwhile other small pools are set on the bank. This hot water is come from the Batukaru mount and flows to the hill bank at Penatahan village, the location of Tabanan Hot Water.
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest:
Alas Kedaton is a small forest with the width about 6-7ha located in the middle of the rice field in Tabanan regency, west of Bali. The total size of this forest, temple and its supporter facility is about 12 ha. In this forest, there is a temple called Alas Kedaton Temple and owns the natural environments that is looked green with its fresh air and create the calm, quite and holy atmosphere. The monkeys in Alas Kedaton are very tame and free gallivanting in temple yard, so that the calm atmosphere is sometime solved by noise voice of the monkey, which are playing around and scrambling of food. The monkeys who dwell in this forest, there are jump up and down in temple wall, take a bath in moat or there is also hang out in few leaves representing impression view. The monkey like as custodian of temple, which are always ready to greet all visitor who are paying a visit to this place. Beside monkeys, in Kedaton forest also can be met the bats and some other animals. At least 24 types of grove plant have been identified in Alas Kedaton.
Sakenan Temple:
Sakenan Temple is a Hindu Temple located in the northwest of Serangan Village, Sub district of Denpasar and Badung regency. It is about 10 KM south part of Denpasar Town. We see a coastal view with beautiful sea, hill consecution and Nusa Dua Beach which are located in south side. The structure of Sakenan Temple is divided into 2 groups those are Sakenan Temple is a temple complex which is located in eastside and Dalem Sakenan Temple is a temple complex located in west side.
Bali Museum:
Bali Museum is strategically located in Major Wisnu Street in Denpasar Bali and it is find it due to the location is in the heart town. In the north side there are glorious temple of Jagatnatha , meanwhile in front of it the Puputan Badung (Badung Courtyard) and four face statue (Catur Muka Statue) are located. The development of Bali Museum is begun by the existence of initiative how to vitally the heritage of Balinese culture and taking care of, preserve and maintaining. The initiative is based on the existence of feeling to worry, that there is symptom a kind of culture erosion, so that the cultural heritage become totally disappeared, lose, what omit only photograph and documentations.
Badung Traditional Market:
Denpasar Traditional Market is a center of town’s economics which is located in Gajah Mada Street, that is main road and become a shopping centre of Bali. This traditional market is apposite to the village temple that is one of three biggest temples in Denpasar. It is initially does not as big as like now because have changed experiences and modification which is adapting to the requirement and town growth. This market cannot be discharged from the existence of an existing market in the cross Badung’s river that is called Kumbasari Market because the local society will feel incompletely go for shopping if they are not come to Kumbasari Market, especially for the Balinese who want to buy the ceremony items.
Jaganatha Temple:
Jagatnatha Temple is a Hindu Temple located in the center of Denpasar town. It is precisely located in Major Wisnu street eastside field of Puputan Badung. This temple is categorized as Kahyangan Temple and become an altar to the god for Hindu people. If it is compared with the name of Kahyangan Temples or other temples around Bali Island , this temple’s name is taken from the name of mount or village which is relevant to the temple located in Besakih Temple area, Ulundanu Batur Temple area, Lempuyang Temple area, Andakasa Temple area, Puncak Mangu Temple area and others.
Bajra Sandi Monument:
Bajra Sandhi Monument is monument of Balinese People Struggle . This Monument is recognized by the name of Bajra Sandhi because it’s form is looking like Bajra or Genta or bell used by all Hindu Priest in reading off Weda holy sentence (mantra) at religious ceremony. This monument is built in the year 1987 and it is opened by president of Megawati Sukarno Putri on 14 June 2003. The purpose of this monument is to immortalize the soul and spirit of Balinese People struggle, at one blow dig, looking after, developing and also preserve the culture of Bali to be bequeathed to a router generation as advancing capital stroke tread a world of loaded progressively with the challenge and resistance.
Art Center:
Taman Budaya or Bali Art Center is the culture building complex with the best style of Balinese traditional architecture. It is featuring the good lay-out building of amphitheater to be a place/hall of show performance purpose. It is symbolizing the twiddling of Mandara Giri mount in the milk ocean and spattering the Amerta holy water for the life of endless as according to nature of dynamic culture and stayed alive during the human being still dwell the earth planet. This amphitheater can accommodate up to 6.000 audiences for the show of colossal both for modern and also traditional. This Taman Budaya (Cultural Park) is opened in the year 1973 with the Bali Artistry Party (Pesta Kesenian Bali) within one month. On that month, there are full of entertainment amusement traditional dance, exhibition, and other cultural activities. At the opening ceremony enlivened by artistic parade started from Puputan Park and finish at the Art Center. Its distance is about 2 Km and this parade is followed by entire regencies and towns in Bali by delivering their artistry mission. This event is often followed by other provinces in Indonesia as well as from outside country like Japan, Korea, Europe, America etc. In this culture parade is presented in so many forms those are from the sacral until contemporary traditional. There are also type of marry and custom clothes from each area, instrument of music or gamelan, forms Sesajen (offering) and others
Bali Art Center in Bali Tourism Development
In fact this event is not tourist event due to visitor and audience are mostly come from the local resident. But some of tourists can enjoy this party which is every year. The person who is propose this yearly culture event is Mr. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra (who was been a Bali Governor. Taman Budaya or Bali Art Center is published as one of place to visit in Bali or tourist destination in Bali.
Gitgit Waterfall:
Gitgit Waterfall is a beautiful tourist destination in north part of Bali. Gitgit waterfall is located in the plateau area with the height about 35 meters and it is surrounded by tropical tree and emits the constantly natural water debit during the year. Waterfall voice around the charming nature was amazing and it was the separate attraction which can be enjoyed by each visitor who comes to visit. There are some plantations protecting the rain forest around the waterfall and in this place we often met the wild monkey to get the water from this waterfall.
Buyan Lake:
BuyanLake is a smallest lake in Bali located just a next door of Tamblingan Lake. It is located in the plateau area with cool weather cover it. It is situated in the high land with hill and rain forest surrounds it. Since the location in the plateau area, the fog is usually blanketing the area. This lake can be seen from the top of hill which is called Asah Gobleg. Asah Gobleg it self is the name of the countryside located on the top of hill where the villager with agriculture life on top of it.
Tamblingan Lake:
Tamblingan Lake is a lake located in the plateau area with green hill surrounded. It is situated adjunction to Buyan Lake with cool weather surrounds it. It owns the fascination where the nature authenticity is felt and the inexistence of boat use motorize here. These beautiful lakes can be seen from the top hill right from Asah Gobleg Countryside, Sukasada District and Singaraja regency, north part of Bali . This lake is encircled by hill and covered by fresh cold atmosphere will fascinate all visitors who pay a visit to this place. This lake is ideal for Jungle Trekking Adventure because it was very amazing with the rain forest including flora and fauna observation. Beside of that, many local visitors are doing camping program or outdoor team building while enjoy the beautiful nature. Here we also can see the local residents use the small traditional boat which is called Perahu to cross it or doing fishing.
Ponjok Batu Temple:
Ponjok Batu Temple is a stone temple where all temple buildings are made from stone. It is located Banjar Alasari, Pacung countryside, Tejakula sub district and Singaraja regency about 24 km eastside of Singaraja town or north part of Bali. This temple area own the wide area about 35 acre in form of black stones bank. The position of this temple is rather sticking out to the sea as a foreland or Ponjok. Base on the position and condition then this place is named by Ponjok Batu so that the temple is standing above foreland petrify and it is referred as Ponjok Batu Temple.
Ponjok Batu Temple in history
<In papyrus of Dwijendra Tattwa elaborate that Danghyang Nirartha (who one spread out the Hinduism in Bali) besides executing Tirtha Yatra (visit the holy places) in Bali area, he also do at Lombok and Sumbawa Island . When he does the tirta yatra in Lombok and Sumbawa Island , he leave in Bali passing the north area of Bali and then it is named by Denbukit. Hereinafter narrated that Danghyang Nirartha found the lodging that is located in coastal periphery with its stone bank and steep rather sordid to sea in the form of a foreland which is called Ponjok. After omitting a few moments in the lodging then he go to Lombok and Sumbawa Island to conduct the Tirtha Yatra. At the end, the Pesraman/lodging of Danghyang Nirartha is built an altar named with Ponjok Batu Temple which has been existing since 16 century. It is founded together with the execution of Danghyang Nirartha journey in north part of Bali .
Function of Ponjok Batu Temple as follows:
According to the archaeology omission at Ponjok Batu Temple , there is an Arca (statue) with four hands as a fundamental of Ponjok Batu Temple building. The attribute (icon) of this Arca have timeworn, so that any kind of object brought is ignorable and the God Arca it self can not be identified. Besides of the God Statue (Arca), in Ponjok Batu Temple is also found a Lembu Nandi Arca (a cow statue) is meaning from Siwa God. If the both Arcas are interacting hence the God Arca with 4 hands in this temple is Arca of Siwa God.
According to Papyrus of Dwijendra Tattwa, the history elaboration can be said that the function of Ponjok Batu Temple is for worship the supremacy of Danghyang Nirartha as a Teacher in settling Hinduism teaching, especially Siwaism. The function strengthened with the existence of special temple building in Ponjok Batu Temple is called Danghyang Nirartha Temple.
Lovina Beach:
Lovina is one of the famous tourist places in north part of Bali which own beautiful of calm sea water, blackish chromatic sand and the sea with its dolphin. One of the favorite fascinations in Lovina is dolphin watching tour. Hundreds of dolphins can be seen in the morning time around 1 km offshore. We can see the dolphin attractions in this place like jumping. It is not fail to draw if the tourist has the time to see the sunset here. Lovina area is also supported by the number of tourism fascination which is can be reached from this location. Places of interests around Lovina are Hot Water Banjar, Wihara Budha (Buddies shrine), Gigit Waterfall and some countryside exist around the location.
Banjar Hot Water:
Banjar Hot Water is a nature hot wellspring from the ground and it is believed can heal the disease. Its water is accommodated at one small swimming pool encircled by unique rural nature, its situation close to the Wihara ( Buda Temple ). Banjar Hot Water is located in Banjar Countryside, Banjar sub district and Singaraja Regency. It is about 1,5 Km from Banjar or 24 Km from Singaraja Town . To reach the Hot Water location in Banjar, we can use the motor vehicle through the main road with good condition and passing the Balinese Village with unique culture life. The nearest accommodations like hotels or lodging including restaurants are also available in particular at Lovina Beach area. There are many public transportation also available to connect the travel to Singaraja town.
Pulaki Temple:
Pulaki Temple or Pura Pulaki is a Hindu shrine located in the hill bank and in front of the beautiful beach in north part of Bali. It is one of the biggest Hindu temples in Bali situated in the coastal side west part of Singaraja town or 1 hour drive to the west from the town. This temple is set on the flat land with stone hill bank as a back drop meanwhile the blue ocean is just in front of the temple.
Panglipuran Village:
Penglipuran Village is a traditional countryside owning unique characteristic life, socializing and culture. It is located in Kubu Village , Bangli Sub district and Bangli Regency. The natural nature and environments of countryside is designating the pittance touch of modernization influence. This countryside is supported by cool atmosphere because it is located on the height land about 700 m above sea level and according to history of all old doyens that this countryside is taken away from the word Pengeling Pura what its meaning remember to ancestor, but there is also telling that the word of Penglipur mean the entertainer. It is said that at former empire era, all king often use this area as a place to amuse themselves, because its nature is beautiful and can give the peacefulness and inspiration at the time of experiencing a problem.
Tenganan Village:
Welcome to the Balinese Traditional Village of Tenganan which is located in Karangasem regency which so many referred by cultural literature science of Tenganan Pegringsingan. Tenganan village represent one of a number old countryside in Bali Island. Its society life pattern represents one example of Bali Aga Village culture (Hindu Pre) different with the other countryside in plain of Bali. As a place of tourism destination, Tenganan village can serve the attractive and unique matters adding variation of object and fascination the tourist in Bali.
Tenganan Village presenting the unique traditional culture
Specification which is there is in object of wisata of Countryside Tenganan consisted of:
Countrified pattern of rural having the character of Linear
The structure of bilateral society orienting at seniority collective
Special Ritual System in high frequency by serve the religion solidarity, artistic and social mechanical solidarity
The tradition Mekare-Kare in each June that is tradition fight the screw pine in ritual context, religion value, spirit of struggle and test of physical delaying accompanied by traditional gambelan of selonding
Art of crafting weave to fasten the cloth geringsing by designed and arrange the typical colour.
Tenganan village is located among hill countryside, the hill at west part and east part. This countryside is inclusive of Manggis sub district, Karangasem regency, consisted of three Banjar those are Banjar Kauh, Banjar Tengah and Banjar Pande. The regional of countryside consisted of three complex those are resident complex, plantation and rice field complex. History of Tenganan village expressed in a few version, first version mentioned that resident of Tenganan village come from Paneges village, a near by countryside of Bedahulu in regency of Gianyar, second version express that word Tenganan recognized in one of Bali inscription with the word Tranganan, the third version express that resident of Tenganan village pray to Bukit Lempuyang temple who trace the coast of Candi Dasa to the east about 10 and 11 century. The word of Tenganan ascribed by a Tengah root word which can mean to aim to middle of Pegringsingan, representing the cloth type weave to fasten typically produce by Tenganan village resident. The structure of resident in Tenganan village is built in linear consisted of six ray, every ray consisted of some lawn broadly, form the building which relative, existence of art shop have altered the original some types of the resident. All the tradition existence of the human being harmonious with the God, human being with the human being and human being environmentally as according to conception of Tri Hita Karana. The Tourism Destination of Tenganan remains to draw during the time, goodness as tourism cultural object, tourism nature and agriculture tourism.
Besakih Temple:
Besakih Temple is the biggest Hindu temple in Bali which the local people call Pura Besakih. It owns beautiful view from the top of temple area where we can see the wide nature panorama until to the ocean so that way this temple is many visited by tourists from all over the world. Besakih Temple is located in Besakih countryside, Rendang sub district, Karangasem regency, east part of the island. It is located in southwest side bevel of mount Agung , the biggest mounts in Bali . It is because pursuant to Agung Mount confidence is holiest and highest mount in Bali Island.
Candi Dasa Beach:
Candidasa is located in hilly bank, beside of the main road between Semarapura towns with Amlapura (Karangasem). It is situated about 50 km to east way from Denpasar town or 1,5 hour from Bali’s International Airport. In the center of Candidasa there is a pool which is wide enough, and from that place we can enjoy the beautiful view of the Lombok Strait. Candidasa own beautiful beach with the black sand along the coastal and the magnificence view of the ocean. Now Candidasa is one of the famous tourist places in east part of Bali. In this place, we can find many hotels, villas, resorts and other accommodations which have been built to accommodate the visitor to pay a visit and enjoy the holiday in this beautiful area. Restaurant and art shop to sell the souvenir are also completing this area as a resort area in the tranquility of Bali.
Puri Agung Karangasem:
Puri Agung Karangasem or Karangasem Palace is one of palaces exist in Amlapura Town, east part of Bali owns the unique building architecture. If we see from palace ichnography, Puri Agung Karangasem owns two types those are the older shares with traditional ichnography and the at new building own the modern ichnography even its building name use the modern name like Maskerdam from word Amsterdam, London, Betawi, Yogya and others. The buildings are mostly decorated by Chinese architecture. The door is decorated by Barong Sai ornament and other bas-reliefs ornament at door leaf is fully patterned from china.
Tirta Gangag:
Tirta Gangga Garden is built in the year of 1948 by Karangasem king of Anak Agung Agung Angluerah Ketut Karangasem. Before this garden is built, that in the garden area there are big wellspring, so that local society called this place is embukan means wellspring. This wellspring is functioned by society from the village near by to look for the drinking water and place for having bath or hallowing the god therefore this wellspring is sacrificed by local people. From this wellspring the King of Karangasem get the idea to build a garden which is good from facet of cold air and wellspring suited for made a garden.
Tirta Gangga is a Magical Wellspring in East of Bali
Tirta Gangga Garden represent one more majored garden for the place of bath because water go out from very clear wellspring and chilled, causing all tourist swimming in that pool become fit and well. From other side it is own the clear water and chilled, also cold air make this Tirta Gangga is very charming for all tourist who pay a visit to this place. Some building and decoration intentionally be made as according to the spirit from Puri Agung Karangasem, so that between Tirta Gangga Garden and Sukasada Garden which is located in Ujung countryside becoming a union.
Kertagosa:
Welcome to Kerta Gosa at Klungkung Semarapura Bali which is one of the famous tourism destinations in Bali and many visited by tourist everyday. Kertha Gosa is located in the heart of Semarapura town and it’s name is taken away from a Sanskrit namely Kertha which is meaning Peaceful and Gosa from the Gosita word mean announcement. Thereby, the word’s meaning of Kertha Gosa is a building of a kind Jurisdiction in form of Bale for the king who announces the legislation, jurisdiction, penalization etc. The building of Kertha Gosa is very unique and full of high art value so that this place is a unique place to visit in Bali.
Kusamba:
Kusamba Beach is one of the favorite places of interest in Bali which is famous with the beautiful beach. The boat line with the outrigger belong to the fisherman from countryside are decorating the black sand unfolding along the coastal. Nusa Penida Island is across view which is only occupied by 40.000 people. Kusamba own the marvelous view with the splashing wave from the ocean and it is surrounded the tropical atmosphere with soft sea breeze.
Rambut Siwi Temple:
Rambut Siwi Temple is one of the biggest Hindu Temples in Bali located in Negara regency, west part of Bali. It is a beautiful Hindu shrine set in the cliff bank with wide Indian Ocean just in front of the temple. This temple has been renovated and moved to the top of hill for better location of worshiping to the god. Rambut Siwi Temple or local people call Pura Rambut Siwi is supported by the local resident including the maintenance, ceremony and other activities.
BALI NIGHT LIFE
Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Many visitors wonder where crowds of expats suddenly come from around 1:00 in the morning – even when all of Kuta has been very quiet during the whole evening, the IN-places often become crowded after midnight.
There’s a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali’s night owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you plan a night out don’t start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and midnight there are not many places we can recommend.
Visitors looking for company don’t need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem around – day and night. In Bali’s discos you’ll meet also many “kupu kupu malams” (“night butterflies” or working girls) and young boys who compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various “Houses of ill Repute” in Sanur’s narrow back lanes.
SANUR & NUSA DUA
Some quite popular places in Sanur are the BORNEO PUB on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the TROPHY PUB in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel. Both, however, close around 1:00 a.m.
The JAZZ GRILLE,
Located at the Komplek Pertokoan Sanur Raya No. 15/16 at the By-Pass opposite the Radisson hotel, was opened in February 1999 and attracts tourists and locals alike with live bands (from 9:30 to 12:00 p.m.), a smallish menu, and a billiard table upstairs.
KAFE WAYANG
In the same building has life music with a good local band and jam sessions with foreign guests every Friday – no wonder it’s very popular with many residents. JANGER is currently the only disco in Sanur. Most tourists and even the expats living in Sanur prefer to go to “Kuta” if they look for some fun.
The discos and pubs in Nusa Dua’s 5-star hotels are often rather empty. They are mostly frequented by those visitors who stay in-house and are too tired to make the 30 minutes drive to Kuta.
THE “KUTA” AREA
Everybody looking for some action and fun in the evening goes to “Kuta” which nowadays means the area extending about 4 miles or 7 kilometers North from the original village of Kuta and includes now Legian, Seminyak and even Basangkasa. Here are most of the better entertainment places offering EVERYTHING single male or female visitors as well as couples might be looking for.
There are several places such as CASABLANCA etc. – down-market open-air pubs and very noisy discos full of stoned Aussies courting Javanese “Kupu Kupu Malams”. PEANUTS Discotheque on Jalan Raya Legian at the Jalan Melasti corner (about the border between Kuta and Legian) has been re-opened very soon after it was gutted by a fire. The huge (air-conditioned) dance floor is often crowded, guests are a mix of locals and younger foreign visitors.
Closer to the center of Kuta you find the BOUNTY with a noisy, over-air-conditioned disco in the basement and the re-built PADDY’S not far from the original PADDY’S. Much more “IN” nowadays is the newer MbarGO which features really good music and a better crowd than most other places. SKY GARDEN is also on the main road and an interesting place to go. The bar is on the top floor, the three storeys below feature all different lounge areas. The menu is huge but the food is often disappointing. When most places close around 2.00 or 3.00 in the morning, night owls of all kinds continue drinking at nearby MAMA’S until sunrise.
For a somewhat more civilized evening out, you can have dinner and a couple of drinks at the bar at either TJ’s or KORI in Kuta, at POCO LOCO in Legian, at the open street side bar at NERO Bali right opposite AROMAS Restaurant in Kuta, at the re-built MACCARONI CLUB in Kuta, at MADE’S WARUNG in Basangkasa , or at the trendy HU’U Bar & Lounge near the Petitenget temple, LA LUCIOLA and THE LIVING ROOM.
Something more outrageous and only for open-minded people is HULU CAFE in Garlic Lane between Jalan Padma and Jalan Melasti in Kuta/Legian, a place which calls itself the “only real gay bar in all of Bali” with drag shows starting at 11:00 p.m. three times per week. The performances are actually kind of funny!
You’ll find a large and quite popular HARD ROCK CAFE right at the beginning of Kuta’s beach road with live music from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Expect to find many singles of all kinds here looking for company. If you think this is too noisy, too crowded, or the air-conditioning too cold for you, try the CENTER STAGE at the HARD ROCK RESORT located in the back of the CAFE. As the name implies, the band performs on a raised stage in the middle of the huge round lobby bar until 11:00 p.m. Both HARD ROCK outlets are expensive by Bali standards.
The JAYA PUB on the main road in Seminyak features also live music and attracts many Indonesian customers who don’t mind the chilling air-conditioning and the sometimes horrible bands and singers.
Seminyak’s best place to have a drink and some fun at night is nowadays probably SANTA FEE Bar & Grill, Jalan Abimanyu No. 11 (also known as Gado Gado Road or Jalan Dhyana Pura). Life music, reasonably priced cocktails, a surprisingly good wine list (you have to ask for it, but the prices are very low for Bali standards), and a menu offering local, Mexican, and Japanese dishes as well as a choice of pizzas around the clock and the friendly service attract many visitors until the early hours. If you feel too hot downstairs, you can move to the small air-conditioned “Wine Lounge” upstairs where you find also a rather good choice of wines to take home.
Other popular night spots nearby in the same street are SPY BAR, LIQUID, Q Bar (“for the alternative lifestyle”), Antique Bar, SPACE, THE GLOBE and “A” BAR. New bars and “Chill-Out Lounges” are opening all the time, and most of them feature DJ’s and/or live music on certain nights. Just walk down the road and check them out !
The open-air AINA Bali at the beginning of Jalan Oberoi (next to “Bintang Lima”) calls itself “The Ultimate Fully Unconditioned Cocktail Bar”. It’s not as unique as the Austrian owner/manageress would like you to believe but they attract on some evenings quite a number of regular guests and they serve decent drinks. (Open until 2:00 am, closed on Mondays.) Regrettably this is not always the case in the stylish HU’U bar and restaurant next to the LIVING ROOM: on our last visit three out of five drinks were not drinkable at all because of old canned orange and lime juice used.–>Later, from 2:00 a.m., it’s party time at the PAPARAZZI LOUNGE and DOUBLE SIX, a large open-air disco with several bars, big dance floor, and many tables. Both are located next to each other on the beach in Seminyak and charge an entrance fee of 30,000 to 100,000 Rupiah (depending on the day) for which you get a voucher for a free drink. Here you’ll find most of Bali’s night owls drinking and dancing the night away until 4:30 a.m. or so. (The legendary GADO GADO Disco has been re-converted into a restaurant.)
Also, watch out for notices and small posters in Kuta and Seminyak announcing special events such as Full Moon Parties, House Warming Parties, Body Painting Parties, etc, etc. If these “parties” are announced to the public (even if only by word-of-mouth), they are open for everybody. You’ll have to pay for your drinks, therefore, don’t be shy.
UBUD
Don’t expect too much here. We are not Ubud nightlife experts, but names frequently mentioned include PUTRA BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (every night live music ranging from Reggae to rock), MAGIC BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (live music and sometimes great atmosphere), JAZZ CAFE, Jl. Tebesaya (live music and jam sessions on different nights), EXILE BAR (Saturday nights only, great music), and FUNKY MONKEY (early hours cafe).
