Places of Interest

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Bali is well-known for its culture and beautiful nature. The culture is exceptionally unique and that you can not find elsewhere. The culture and the nature have a strong relation with Hindu, most Balinese religion. Everywhere you go, you may find many Hindu temples. Balinese life is also strongly related with and influenced by culture and religion. This is the reason why Bali is called the Island of God, the Island of Thousand Temples, and the Paradise Island.

Interesting places in Bali Island:

 

DENPASAR CITY (The capital city of Bali)

Denpasar city tour is a unique tour to visit Denpasar town with all its local society activities. Some other places on interest are also visited on this tour like Kumbasari traditional Market, Jagatnatha Temple and Bali museum.

City tour is one of the short tours in Bali which take around 4-5 hours. The tour will bring you to unique places like traditional market where you can see the local society perform their activities in the market.

Badung Traditional Market

This market is located in the main road, Gajah Mada street, is the centre of town’s economics. This area has become a shopping centre of Bali. This market can not be discharge from the existing market across Badung river, called Kumbasari Market because the local society will that their shopping experience would be incomplete without visiting Kumbasari Market, especially for Balinesse who want to buy their traditional items. Kumbasari market sells costume and clothing items at prices relatively cheaper compare to the one sold at the shops at Jalan Gajah Mada. This market previously called peken Payuk (pot market). So many pot such as Gerabah, cobek (clay plate), paso (clay bucket), caratan (clay water jug) jading (clay barrel), penyantokan (clay mixer), coblong (clay cup), kekeb (rice cover) and many more. All of those items are used as kitchen ware and for religious activities.

The location of Badung market is encircled by shops along the street of Gajah Mada. On the right side, Sulawesi street, is very famous for its textiles (fabric) and Badung market is progressively strengthening the identity of Denpasar’s economic centre which is open 24 hours and always full of visitor (buyer).
At the traditional market, you will find transactions taking place between buyers and merchants with multifarious merchandise to satisfy life’s daily needs such as kitchen supplies, appliances required for Hindu ritual, fruits and traditional clothes. In this market, you will see the local people especially women who carry extremely heavy items in the big basket balanced on their head.

Jagatnatha Temple

This is the biggest Hindu temple in the town, where Hindu people in Denpasar visit to pray, particularly on the full moon and new moon. This temple is full of religious and artistic ornaments. In the centre of the temple area, there is a high temple building encircled by the fertile tropical garden. From the entrance gate to the temple building you will find the Balinese decoration full of meaning to Hindu devotees.

Bali museum

This museum is located next to Jagatnatha temple and here exhibits ancient artifacts of t pre history which have high artistic value. The collection in this museum provides a different experienced on your tour. If the museum is not opened on the day of your tour, you can visit Bali Art Centre at Nusa Indah street where you can see the biggest open theater in Denpasar town.

Bali Struggle Monument, Bajra Sandhi

This monument is erected in the middle of Denpasar civic centre, Renon. This is a symbol of Bali people’s struggle to gain independence after the Dutch colonials retreated from this country. This monument immortalizes the soul and spirit of Bali people’s struggle. It is also aims to develop, preserve and take care of Balinese culture for future generations.

 

GIANYAR REGENCY

Bali Bird Park

The birds from Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and other parts of the world can be found in Bali Bird Park, Singapadu Gianyar.

Wanara Wana Forest (Monkey Forest)

This monkey forest is nestled between the village of Nyuh Kuning and Padang Tegal in Ubud. This small monkey forest inhabited by hundreds of macaque monkeys who delight visitors with their antics. Being use to human, the monkeys will frolic with each other and steal any food away from you, so be careful. There is a lovely grotto down below with an ancient banyan tree as well the local temple called Pura Dalem.

Tirta Empul Temple

Known as a holy Geyser, the water here is the original meaning of Tirta Empul. This place has 30 different functions : for cleansing the body, for removing evil temptation, for cleansing objects, for ceremonies and rituals, etc. The weather is cool with light breezes.

Gunung Kawi

Guning Kawi means carving in the mountain. This is the monument of King Udayana and his son. When you arrive in this area you will see the vihara Buddhist monastery dating back to the ancient time (11th century). This place is located 40km from Denpasar.

Goa Gajah Temple

Located at Bedulu Village, 26 kilometers from Denpasar, there is the ruins of Balinese palace complex, complete with a huge cave for hermitage. The cave used to be a meditation site for Hindu and Buddhist monks, dating back to the 11th century. The frightening demon head was carved out of the cave’s rock face, while inside the cave, A God statue with elephant head “Ganesha” can be seen at the west end and Tri Lingga statue at the east end (the cave is T shaped). Two bathing places at the cave’s yard have six nymph statues, each holding a water fountain on its umbilicus as a symbol of the six holy water in India.

Taro Elephant Park

Two experiences in one! See the wonderful Balinese village of Taro from atop an elephant’ back. Taro is located in the village of Tegallalang District in Gianyar regency.


 

TABANAN REGENCY

Tabanan is the name of one district and town in Bali. Thought Tabanan is not really a tourist town there are still some interesting aspects to it. Back in 190 the Balinese and Dutch were fighting over control the island.

Subak Museum

One of the more positive historical points of interests is the Subak Museum located to the main bypass road. While the museum itself is nothing special, it documents one of the most important social/economic/cultural institution in Bali, the Subak. Dating back to 600AD, Bali has been using a system of unmechanized rice cultivation and water management. Bali’s ability to produce and endless supply of rice year around is central its history. The subak controls management of the water courses, stretching all the way to the highland lakes. A farmer can not simply flood all of his fields at the same time, or divert a main stream to access more water. The system is intricate and the Subak museum is the place where it’s officially documented.

Yeh Gangga, Lalang Linggah and Balian to the west are beach environments around the area. Highlights of the area close to Tabanan include Taman Kupu-Kupu (butterfly park) in Wanasari and Yeh Panes (hot spring)

Tanah Lot Temple

One of the most popular places of interest on Bali, located on the coast of west Bali, at the village of Beraban in Tabanan regency. It is also called Tanah Let, which means ancient land, and also Tanah Lod means the land to the south. This temple, simple in its construction, is dramatic in its ocean-front location and is one of the main temple in the worship of Balinese gods.
Tanah lot has a long history in the world of tourism. The temple itself is built on a small promontory, which is only accessible at low tide. During high tide the rock takes on the appearance of a large boat at sea, such is its shape.
Poisonous snakes live in the nearby cave to “guard” the temple and contribute to the temple’s dangerous reputation. Sunset is the best time to visit Tanah Lot, when the golden red skies frame the temple and waves crash in to the rocks. It is advisable to avoid the tourist crush here, as it can be severe.

 

BANGLI REGENCY (The only non-coastal regency on the island)

Bangli, capital town of the regional government of Bangli, which is located precisely in the central part of Bali province, is the only one of the nine regencies in Bali that has no coastal areas. The mountainous area with its beautiful valleys and steep slopes give this northern part of the region its unique side. Mount Abang, the highest peak is about 2.152 meters above sea level.

Kintamani

A worldwide renowned tourism resort is located in this northern part. In the southern part of this region, about 100 meters above sea level stretches a broad plain of mostly rice fields. Its geographic background shows its neighboring regions are the regional government of Buleleng in the north, Klungkung and Karangasem in the east, Gianyar and Klungkung in the south and Badung and Gianyar to the west.

Kehen Temple

Pura Kehen is one of the most ancient temples in Bali. It is here that three old bronze manuscripts were housed. The people around the village worship in this temple. The ceremony takes place on Rabu Kliwon Shinta where ngusaba ceremony is held once in every three-year period, which falls on Purnama Kelima around November.

This temple is located on the southern slope of Bangli hill, about two kilometers from the town. It is really an historical temple worth visiting. It has a long flight of steps pointing down to the south. It can be reached by any mode of transport through a well kept shafted road or a short walk from Bangli cultural hall (Sasana Budaya Bangli).

Penelokan Tourism Resort

Penelokan (look-out point) is situated on the southern part of Batur Tengah Village, Kintamani district, about 23 kilometers from the Bangli Town or 63 kilometers from Denpasar, capital city of Bali Province.
Penelokan offers you a beautiful panoramic view as well as the beauty of lake Batur with its crystal-clear water. Mountainous areas serve as the backdrop, combined with the unique graveyard and the Barong Brutuk of Trunyan village which cannot be found anywhere else in Bali.

 

KLUNGKUNG (The smallest regency on the island)

This is the smallest regency in Bali. It covers only 121 square kilometers and included three island, Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan. Despite its size, its influence on Balinese culture has been very powerful. It was here, in the shadow of the holy Volcano Agung, that the princess and priest of Majapahit gathered in 1343 to continue the Kingdom by setting up “Keraton’ in Samprangan, but within a couple of generations, they moved to Gelgel and then Klungkung, in 1710. In the 16th century the Gods smiled on Gelgel when Dalem Baturenggong reached an impressive political and cultural achievement to earn his ‘golden age’.

Kertha Gosa

Kertha Gosa is situated in the central of the town of Semarapura, was the place for administration and traditional justice in the pre-colonial times by a council consisting of the great king and his priests. Next to the Kertha Gosa is Taman Gili, known as floating house (Bale Kambang) which was the King’s Guard’s headquarters. These two building are decorated with Kamasan Traditional Paintings. A colonial building, located next to these two buildings, is Semarajaya museum, exhibiting some handicrafts, pre-historic and historic articles especially those used in the period of klungkung’s heroic battle. In the southern part of the museum area, we can see the main gate of Semarapura Palace “Pemedal Agung”.

The newest sight in Semarapura Town is Patung Kandapat Sari, situated at the main junction of Semarapura Town. Some people consider this statue as the landmark of Klungkung Regency. Next to this landmark stands an historical monument known as Monument of Klungkung Heroic Battle. This monument is a cenotaph reminiscent of an event that once took placed on April 28th, 1908. It is well known as ‘Puputan’. A counter-defense of the Great King of Klungkung against the Dutch soldiers,. Moving south of Semarapura town along the main road, one will arrive in the ‘under construction area of tourism village, home of traditional painting Kamasan Village and Bali’s original capital, Gelgel.

 

A GLIMPSE OF KARANGASEM

The regency of Karangasem is one of the nine regencies in Bali, situated in the eastern part of Bali, covering an area of 83,954 sq. kilometers. Karangasem itself consists of eight districts namely Karangasem, Mangggis, Rendang, Selat, Sidemen, Bebandem, Abang and Kubu district.

Karangasem has an extraordinary variety of scenic landscape. Low and high mountain range s intermingle with upland plain, tropical forest, terraced rice fields, beautiful beaches, culture and historic archeological remains, traditional Baliaga village with their way of life make Karangasem worth visiting.
It is very easy to reach all of the interesting places in Karangasem which are supported by fairly good road conditions, facilities such at hotels, restaurants, money changers, souvenir shops, and other which one would expect in a tourist environment.

Puri Agung Karangasem

Anak Agung Gede Jelantik, the first king of Karangasem Kingdom, built Puri Agung Karangasem or Karangasem Palace in 19th century. This tourist destination is visited for its unique architecture which is the combination of Balinese, Chinese and European architecture.

The location of Karangasem Palace is in the center of Amlapura, approximately 78km from Denpasar. As mentioned before, the architecture of Puri Agung Karangasem is the combination of three different styles. Balinese architecture can be found on the carving of Hindu statues and the relief on the walls of the building. The European influence is seen in the style of the main building with its large veranda, while the Chinese architecture is implied in the style of the windows, doors and its other ornaments.

 

BULELENG REGENCY (North and West Bali)

Buleleng is located in the northern and western part of Bali. Singaraja wasthe first capital of Bali before Denpasar became the capital in the shoutern part of Bali.

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 may 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/sanskrit).

Buleleng Harbour – this historic but unused harbor is located along the north coast. Old warehouse, an ancient jetty and an arched bridge are all that is left of this once major seaport. Here a monument has been built in commemoration of Bali’s struggle to defeat the Dutch.

Deer Island (Menjangan island) – 79 km west of Singaraja. This island is one of the 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 diving and snorkeling.

Banyuwedang – 60 km west of Singaraja. Natural Hot Springs with supposed curative powers near a temple.

Pulaki Temple – 53 km west of Singaraja. A large temple on both sides of the road. Part of it 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 tourist and it seems that grapes are their favorite.

Gondol – 50 west of Singaraja. A government-run fish breeding project. Turtles, shrimp and prawns are included in this program.

Banjar Hot Spring – 18 km west of Singaraja. These slightly sulphur 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 weekend and holidays. Close to this area is the Buddhist Monastery, Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery set in beautiful valley scenery.

Lovina – 10 km west of Singaraja. This is Buleleng’s main tourist area. Black sand beaches fringed with palm trees open onto a calm sea where travelers can viewed dolphins, snorkel, dive, sail, fish and swim. A resort area with a full range of accommodation.

Sangsit – 8 km east of Singaraja. Pura Dalem ( the temple of ancestors) is famous of its unique and amusing stone carvings and Pura Beji, a temple dedicated to the Goddes 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 Meduwe Karang Temple is renowed 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 colonialist getting drunk, an armed robbery and wartime dogfight between aero plane.

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.

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 afternoon, fields of blue hydrangeas and numerous waterfalls make it an ideal place to go hiking.


 

JEMBRANA REGENCY

The regency is thought to have been esthablished in the early 1400s, althought civil war broke out and the regency became part of Badung Regency. In the 17th, sparsely populatedJembrana 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 1800s.

Negara Town – A small town set along the main road between Denpasar and Gilimanuk. Negara itself does not have many tourist sites although it is famous for the bull race, held every year in October. Domesticated water buffalo races and horses races attract a number of tourists as well as many Balinese.
Jegog – the giant bamboo gamelan (orchestra) – is typical of Jembrana and 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 lefthanders 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 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 sport 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. It is very popular with the local community at the weekends and holidays.

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 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 of Bali. It was built in 1500s by the same priest who built both Uluwatu and Tanah Lot temples, Dang Hyang Nirartha. The sunset from this vantage point is outstanding.


 

BADUNG REGENCY (South Bali)

Nusa Dua

It means ‘two islands’ in Bahasa Indonesia. This is one of the premier resort areas in the world. The area is located 20 minutes south of Ngurah Rai International Airport and is a short drive to many of Bali’s attractions and beautiful beaches. This is the home of many of Bali’s world-class luxury resort hotels.

Jimbaran Beach

This area is just south of Kedonganan beach and has a very beautiful white sand beach area and clear sea water that is suitable for relaxation and recreation. It is quiter than its neighboring beaches and one will find nice hotels and mostly seafood are served at Jimbaran bay restaurants. Jimbaran is in fact famous for it delicious seafood, particulary its typical grilled seafood with Jimbaran’s secret sauce. You got to taste it to believe it.

Uluwatu Temple

At the westernmost tip of Bukit Peninsula, this is one of the Bali’s nine ‘directional’ Khayangan Jagat Temple. The location is dramatic, perched on the edge of a high cliff with a picturesque sunset view. The temple was first used for worship by the 11th century holy priest, Empu Kuturan, who came to Bali to bring religious law and to form desa adat (traditional village). The area where spectacular sunset can be viewed is filled with the scent of frangipani blossoms and is also the home of unfriendly monkeys.