Bali
Province
The Capital
City of Bali Province
is “Denpasar”
Bali,
the fabled “Island of The Gods”, has
been enchanting visitors for centuries with it’s rich cultural traditions and
spectacular panoramas. Bali has so much
been written about Indonesia’s storybook island of the Gods, also dubbed the
island of Demons, or the Morning of the World. That any new discussion of it is
bound to fall into repeattions. Suffice it, therefore, to give here a brief
summary of some of the most essential facts which make Bali the unique
phenomenon that it is.An extention of the mountain chin which runs from the
Asian mainland over Sumatera and Java, the island is separated from the latter
by only a very narrow channel. Apart from some coastal strips and a larger
lowland plain in the south, the whole island is mountainous. The highest peak
is that of the active volcano Mount Agung, 3,200 meters in the northeast.
Hindu
settlers are believed to have come to the island during an early period in it’s
history, and later established contact with Java. In the 15th
century the royal nouses of Java and Bali intermarried. The East Javanese
influence in Bali became more pronounced. The fall of East Java, based
Majapahit empire near the end of that century was a major turning point in the
history of Bali.One of the royal princes of Majapahit fled to Bali accompanied
by scholars land priests. Here, this prince established himself at Gelgel as
the supreme Lord of Klungkung under Dewa Agung Ketut. To his most trusted king
and associated he awarded eight kingdoms,, Karangasem, Mengwi, Badung, Bangli,
Tabanan, Gianyar, Buleleng and Jembaran.
The
power of the royal houses has long since gone, but their seats of that power
still exist and are now the district heads of those eight regions. Hinduism is
the religion of some 95 percent of the island’s population of about three
million. Bali’s Hinduism differs in many respects to that of India, having
taken up many elements of Buddhism and traces of the old indigenous animistic
beliefs in the process of setting.The faith, known officially as Hindu Dharma,
recognize the Hindu trinity (Trimurti) of Brahma as the Lord of Creation, Shiva
the Sustainer, and Wisnu, the Benevolent but also the Lord Destruction.
Religion permeates the entire life of the Balinese. Gods and Demons (Buta) are
omnipresent and their influence on human life must always be reckogned with.
Balinese life is filled with rituals meant to please the Gods and avert the
evil spirits.
From
lofty, mist enshrouded volcanoes and cool mountain lakes down through terraced
rice fields to a golden strand lapped by azure waters, every square inch of
Bali offers a fresh and unforgettable image. The enchanting paradise of Bali,
just 8 degrees south of the equator, is the gateway to the Indonesian
archipelago of 17,000 islands. A wealth of activities and attractions, and a
population of naturally hospitable people. Six volcanic peaks, encircled by
Hindu shrines and temples, tower above sparkling lakes and 162 winding rivers.
The geography spans from monsoon to tropical rain forests, savannahs to
grasslands, fruit and coffee plantations to steeply terraced rice fields. High
limestone cliffs along the coastline are a stark contrast to seemingly endless
sandy beaches ringing the island.
No less
enchanting are it’s people, some 2.7 million souls whose artistry and piety are
recognized throughout the world. Balinese Hinduism, a complex fution of Indian
cosmology, Tantric Buddhism and home grown mythology, is the primary faith of
Bali’s inhabitants, and so deeply woven into the pabric of their daily lives
that the line between the spiritual and the material is blurry at best.Those of
you keen on delving into the island’s fascinating culture will have plenty of
opportunities, as colorful ceremonies and traditional performances occur with
the regularity of sunrise. The hill town of Ubud, the island’s premier arts center,
also has a full schedule of performances, and the nearby stone cutter’s village
of Batubulan is famed for it’s Barong lion dances.
The
shoppers among us will find Bali a treasure house of handicraft and fine works
of arts. The Balinese are incredibly gifted artists and craftmen, and their
material creations are imbued with the same sense of wonderment with which they
rigard their universe. Stone and wood carvings, traditional and modern
paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily
available in shops and galleries throughout the island. For recreation, there
is no shortage of options. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surving
event bungy jumping and whitw water rafting await the adventurous here.
Bali is
the star jewel in the treasury of the Indonesian archipilago. It has been well
known to be one of the most beautifull and exotic island of the world with
breathaking sceneries and hospitable people. The religion influence is strongly
felt in the arts. It almost seems that every person is an artist in some form,
whether in dancing, painting, weaving or carving. On the many shrines arts,
culture, religion, dancing and gamelan music are inseparable from Balinese
people’s life style. Bali which is almost completely Hindu, and has it’s own
cycle of celebrations and even it’s own calender. Nyepi or Balinese New Year
comes around every 210 days. At present Indonesia’s main tourist destination
Tour Adventure is nothing new to Bali.
In as early as the 1920s, people from Europe and as far as the Americas began
coming to Bali. Arts, cultures and religion are too closely interwined to daily
life in Bali.
While
we are in Bali, we could visit places of interest such as Bali Museum, Bali Art
Foundation, Art Market of Kumbasari in Denpasar City. Royal Temple of Taman
Ayun, The sacred monkey forest at Kedaton and Tanah Lot Temple built on a
barren rock island in Mengwi. The Elephant Cave at Bedulu. The Holy Springs
Temple at Tampaksiring and Gunung Kawi and we will find in the ravines, royal
tombs, a hermitage and monk’s caves cut out of solid rock. Bali Agricultural
Museum at Tabanan, hotspring at Penebel, Jatiluwing Temple located on a steep
terraced ricefield, cool mountain resort of Pacung, long green vegetation by
mountain resort of Bedugul, Lake Beratan,
the fruit and flower market at Candi Kuning, Singaraja the former
capital of Bali, Lovina Beach, magnificient landscapes and beautifully carved
rice terraces, Barong & Keris dance performance at Batubulan, Celuk home of
gold and silverworks, Mas as a village famouse for it’s woodcarving, painters
community at Ubud.
Bedulu
as and old monastery known as elephant cave, volcano and the blue lake of Batur
at Kintamani, Driving northeastern coastline to Tengaran, the ancient Balinese
valley preserve their customs and unique culture, Tirta Gangga water palace,
Candi Dasa Beach sightseengs enroute, The Bat Cave at Kusamba, Lake Batur,
traditional salt making at Kusamba, Kertagosa court of justice at Klungkung,
Paintings Museum at Ubud, Penglipuran as typical Balinese Village, Tenganan the
ancient Balinese Village, Pura Beji, the beautiful carved rice fields in
Pupuan.
Denpasar
The Bali museum on the capital’s main square was
eshtablished in 1932. It’s building faithfully represent the best of the court
architecture of three regions of the island, Tabanan in South Bali, Karangasem
in the East, and Buleleng in the North, and are filled with objects of art and
implements from prehistoric times up to the present.Bali is one of thousands of
islands constituting the Indonesia Archipelago that has long been renowned as
an eminent tourist destination in Souuth Pacific or even in the world. Many
names have been given to this beautiful island, like “Island of The Gods”,“The Last Paradise on Earth”, “Morning of the
World”, and still so many other names.
The
island covers an extent of 5,632,86 square kilometers, consisted of mountain
range streches from the West tip to the East end with Mount Agung, considered
as the holiest by the Balinese, as the highest peak. The volcanic range divides
the islandinto two part of plain which are constantly cultivated with the rice
as the staple crop. About 70% of the whole extent is agricultural ground, while
the other part of 22 % consist of forest and only a little part about 8% left
uncultivated.It has for centuries lured visitors from various countries with
it’s exotic and vibrant culture, natural scenic beauty, and the friendly smiles
of the peoples. The stronghold of their traditions and beliefe based on
Hinduism has dotted the island with ancient remains , ornately sculptured
temples or holy places and this may be the main factor to keep away any of
negative outside influence.
To the
wide variety of landscape and marvelous panorama, the Balinese and their
colorful festivals, ritual ceremonies, traditional music and dances and no
wonder of income within the national economic development.
The
History
The
Balinese had already owned their belief and culture when Hinduism brought into
Indonesia about 200 years ago. Around 400 A.D. the Hindu Kingdoms in Central
and East Java had their great influence over Bali but when a new religion,
Moslem brought in, the Hindu Kingdoms in Java had been more and more declined.
At that time a large number of priests, noblemen artists and their followers
refused the new religion and escaped to Bali.They blended their belief and
traditions with those of the local people a blend or which is inherited by the
present Balinese people, the rich culture which instead of the scenic beauty of
the island, has attached more and more visitors from time to time.
The
People and Daily Life
The
population about 3,000,000 people mainly live on agriculture with rice as the
staple food. The other crops, among others, are ; coconut, maize, soybean,
cassava, coffee, slove, vanilla, etc. Bali is also known for it’s wide variety
of tropical fruits such as manggo, banana, jacjfruit, water melon, salak the
thornyskined, durian the tasty but smelly one, grape and so many
others.Everyday life in Bali merges with social duties and religious
obligations while the art reflects and unnoticed integrations of environment,
religion and community in which indivual is a part. The organization of the
villages, land cultivations up to the creations of art are of communal efforts.
Village in Bali is the central place for it’s people while a society which is
grouped into “Banjar”, the group unit of several families.
Traditional Costumes
The traditional dresses worn by Baliness
are always reffered to ritual ceremonies. The Baliness men
wear Kamben Endek or Stagen linen, white or yellow Saput clothes, Udheng
Songket (linen), and slipped Sumpang flower in between their ears. The
Baliness women wear Tapih under-wear linen, Kamben Songket linen; Stagen
beltsand Giwang Subeng (earrings).Their hair adorned with Pusung Tagel and
Kembang Goyang.
The
Climate
Bali
has such a mild and agreeable climate the whole rea around. The sunny days
within dry season between May and September are cool and pleasant, while in
rainly season between October and April, tropical shower will alternate with
clear sky and sunshine.The average temperature of the day in coastal areas
varies from about 280 Celcius during May, June, July, to about 300
Celcius in March and October. It is approximately one and half hours
drive to the highland where the temperature varies from 160 Celcius
to 260 Celcius and it is known to drop to about 80
Celcius. The humidity is high (from a minimum of 70% to a maximum of 95%). The
weather is most pleasant between May to September.
The
Language
English
is widely understood, particularly in major tourist destinations, where it is
almost the second commercial language. Other languages like ; French, Javanese,
Italian, etc., are also spoken in some hotels, shops and restaurants instead of
English.Spoken and written Bahasa Indonesia is largely in comprehensible to the
casual visitors but it could easily be learnt just in a couple of months.
The
Temples
The
temples are the most important institution in Bali, reflecting the important
role religion plays in the life of Balinese. A temple is place for
communicating with the divine spirits through offerings and prayers. On holy
days, when the deities and ancestral spirits descend from heaven to visit earth, the temple becomes the center of activity.From
family shrines in every house, three temples in each village, small shrines in
the middle of paddy fields, important temple at the most holy of them all,
Besakih on the slope St. Mount Agung, the temple takes a central place in the
community. Temple festivals are guided by priests and the ceremony includes
blessing and purification by the sprinkling on holy water. Whole communities
take part in these festivals, bringing baskets of food and flowers for
offering.While “Pura” means temple, a “Puri” is the residence of the locaal
prince, which many function as a cultural center.
Music,
dances, and cockfights began as part of temple rituals to please the gods.
Following the caste system of the Hindus and some of it’s other rites and
beliefs like incarnation, the greatest festivals in Bali are cremation
ceremonies. Burials is only temporary while the family prepares for the
cremation, which is joined by the community as it means the liberating of the
soul for rebirth.
The
Events
Important Festivals of the Balinese life occurs on
fixed dates according to the Balinese Calender.instead of temple festivals take
place mostly in every 210 days or six months, there are annual cycle and every
six months celebrations of holidays, life cycle ceremonies of a Balinese person
since the time inside the mother’s womb followed in stages up until marriage
and the most important of the Balinese ritual is that includes funeral rites.To
maintain and preserve the every aspect of the Balinese’s cultural life, annual
festival are regularly held by the Provincial Government, such as : the annual
festivals ussually takes place in every middle of the year with exhibitions and
performances of various kinds of artworks and cultural achievements, Kite
Festival, and so on.
Ngaben; a Balinese Cremation, a Great Event
Puri
Ubud is a place where the family of the Ubud king has lived from generation to
generation. On 18 August, the Ngaben ceremony was held. Thousands of
tourists came to Ubud to witness the great event. Some guests who came to the
cemetery were public figure like celebrities, family members of the other
kingdoms in Bali and of course some local, national authorities and other
important figures. As a result, the security of the event was very tight with
hundreds of police men standing by. Fulfilling people’s expectation of the
great event, the cremation ceremony was both spectacular and memorable.The
event started at 1 o’clock at midday with some dance performances in Puri Ubud.
A dramatically ornamented bade, cremation tower that houses the
corpse on its final journey. It was measured an unbelievable 24 meters and
weighed about 10 tons. The bade was made by Tjokorda Gde Raka
Sukawati, the first son of Anak Agung Rai. Aside from the bade, the
sculpture of a black cow called lembu was also created by Tjokorda Gde
Raka Sukawati. The lembu was about 7,5 meters high.
Since
the day of her death, news about the upcoming great cremation ceremony or Ngaben
in Puri Ubud spread around Bali and beyond. Ngaben or the traditional
cremation ceremony of Hindu Bali is known as a very attractive cultural event.
Therefore, many people wish to witness the rare occassion of a great cremation
ceremony. It shows visitors a glimpse into the intricate cultural rites and
traditions on Bali.
The other events
Saraswati, Pagerwesi, Galungan,Kuningan, Nyepi
Art
Centers
The
impressive Abian Kapas Art Centers on the outskirt of Denpasar Houses works, of
some Bali’s greatest painters and a wide collection of other major works af
art. Dances and dance dramas are often performed on the open stage inside the
center’s compounds. The buildings are in themselves magnificent samples of the
traditional Balinese building style as applied to today’s needs.Werdi Buydaya,
another art center near Denpasar, was designed to promote the local arts and to
prevent the loss of major art objects. It has exhibition halls as well as a
stage for performance.
Besakih
Shrine
Besakih
Shrine. Bali’s “Mother Temple” is a
sprawling complex of shrines and pavilions set high on the slopes of sacred
Mount Agung. This Bali’s Mother shrine, consisting of 18 complexes. According
to existing information, this shrine or temple on the slope of Mount Agung,
Bali’s holy mountain was built before the 5th century. A long flight
of stone steps leads through seven terraces to the innermost courtyard with
it’s central shrine, three stone seats, dedicated to the Hindu trinity Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva.
Bangli
Pura
Kekeh, the Bali’s second largest temple is located in Bangli. There teraced
court yards are connected by steps, and their balustrades are decorated with
carving and statues. A large “Waringin” or bayan tree with a tower for signal
gongs shades the first or lowest courtyard where the shrines are kept.
The
West Bali National Park
The
West Bali National Park, the Bali’s largest nature reserve encompasses covers
70,000 hectares of rainforest and 7,000 hectares of coral reefs and is home to
many rare species of fauna. It’s famous for white starling (Leucopsar
Rotchildii) and wild bull (Boss Javanicus).
Menjangan
Island
Part of
West Bali Wild Life Reserve with it’s under water beauty and flocks of
protected deers. And austere yet complex in it’s layout, Besakih is easily
Bali’s most impressive temple. Menjangan Island, or Pulau Menjangan at the
western tip of the island is part of Bali Barat National Park. The sea around
the island, with it’s beautiful coral reefs and fish, are excellent for diving.
The park is home to many rare and protected animal species like the Bali
Starling.Menjangan Island as diving calm waters and few currents. Ride the boat
just 30 minute from Labuan Lalang. Up to 50 m, abundant corals and fish.
Shipwreck at 40 – 45 m on the western trip.
Batur
Caldera
Batur
Caldera, The enormous crater basin of Batur is a spectacular sight. Dominating
it’s center is Mount Batur, a brooding, blackened cone that has erupted four
times this century. Six small villages eke out an existence within the walls of
the caldera, peopled by a simple mountain folk known as Bali Aga (The Original
Balinese).
Kintamani
A cool
little town on the slope of Mount Batur offering a beautiful view of the still
active volcano and the Lake below. Some of the sacred dances performed in
temple festivals could be seen here.Painters made Ubud famous. In the 1930s,
the Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet and his German colleague Walter Spies lived and
worked nearby Campuan, just one kilometer from his cool village. Arie Smith
established the much more recent “Young Artists” school of painting with it’s
brilliant colours.The Puri Lukisan or “Palace of Painting” in the village keeps
a collection of modern traditional Balinese painting, dating from the early
decades of this century. And for visitors, Ubud has a number of modest hotels
catering to tourist.
Kuta
Beach
Kuta
Beach. One of the most famous in the world. Kuta’s main beach is hardly
deserted. Kuta Beach, at one end of the isthmus which connects the Bukit
peninsula with rest of southern Bali, is one of Bali’s best known sea side
resorts. Mostly young people from almost all over the world come here to enjoy
the proverbial pleasures of sun, sea and sand white gethering freely with local
population.Kuta’s sands are white in the south, but get more grayish as one
moves toward the north. The big surf makes Kuta a good surfer’s beach.
Threacherous currents, make it unsafe for swimming to venture too far out into
the sea.
Kuta
Beach with it’s long stretch of white sand and brilliant sunset, has attracted
swarms of visitors since it’s rediscovery by surfers and sun worshippers in the
1970s. the abundace of operators along the main drag means plenty of choice,
waterskiing, paragliding, sailing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, surfing. Some
good breaks, and is relatively safe for beginners. Best waves in the morning
and late afternoon. More challenging waves, short, fast, tubes aplenty.The
village with it’s young, international air, just behind the beach, has
virtually everything to cater for the visitor’s wants or needs.Cangu,
Pererenan, Balian and Madewi are less crowded than Kuta, with moderate level
beach and point breaks.
Pura
Luwur Uluwatu
Uluwatu.
Perched on a limestone cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, this 11th
century temple is one of Bali’s holiest sites.At the edge of a cliff which
plunges several hundred feet down toward the foaming surf of the Indian Ocean,
this temple is one of Bali’s most spectacular sights. The beach below is rocky
but excellent for surfing.Those who are willing to take the trouble to walk a
short distance from the main road over a path leading down the cliff will be
rewarded with the discovery of one of Bali’s most romantic, most secluded
beaches.The nearby island of Lombok has also been added for those who wish to
explore Bali’s neighbour. Amazing temple perching on the edge of stiff cliff on
the South Coast.
Nusa
Dua
Nusa
Dua. The beautifully landscaped beach resort of Nusa Dua is home to no less
than 15 five-star resort hotels, the 18 hole Bali’s Golf & Country Club and
excellent shopping facilities. This newest international tourist resort on the
island of Bali has some very good beaches. The sea around the sheltered beaches
at the north side of the resort is calm and good for swimming. The waves are
bigger in the south. The Nusa Dua resort is located at the southern end on the
secluded Bukit Limestone Peninsula, south of the Ngurah Rai International
Airport. Nusa Dua meaning “Two Islands” is a haven from the relentless, 24
hours a day souvenir sellers that have sadly become a fixture in Kuta over the
recent past.This former coconut plantation was developed in the 1980s as
Indonesia’s first state run Tour Adventure
enclave. An area totally dedicated to leisure. Nusa Dua is one giant,
beautifully landscaped beach resort.
Sanur
Beach
Sanur.
The resort area of Sanur has grown up around Bali’s largest traditional villege
and today boasts excellent facilities for the international visitors. Good
sites for beginners or refresher dives. In 1920s, 30 and 40s, Sanur Beach was
desolate strip of clean white beach lined with coconut groves and whole
stretches of tall alang-alang grass. Villagers came here during the daytime to
make offerings at the seaside or occasionally, to relax. At night, at least so
older people say, it was haunted by witches who flew like balls of fire from
tree to tree.Take a boat a few hundred meters, and the majority of marine life
could be seen around 9 – 10 meters. Visibility, generaly 9 – 12 meters. Best
for surfing. And the reef breaks are best off season ; November to April. Fast,
exciting, dangerous.
As a
major tourist resort, Sanur has it assortment of retaurants, art shops and
everything else that is normally associated with modern Tour Adventure. The Belgian painter “Le Mayeur” in 1932 built himself a
cottage here, with a garden, a pond statues and bright Bougainville hanging
over the walls. Here hi stayed with his Balinese wife, a famous legong dancer,
until close to the time of his death in the 1950s. The idyllic cottage is now a
museum filled with some of his painting and books all the furnishing he left
behind.
Sangeh
Monkey Forest
Sangeh
Monkey Forest. Populated by a larger troupe of monkeys, this thick stand of
nutmeg trees is believed by legend to have fallen out of the sky during a
mythic battle between the gods, carrying with it a battalion of Wisnu’s Monkey
Army.This former court temple is located inside large a nutmeg grove inhabited
by tame monkeys near the village of Sangeh. The temple was built by Anak Agung
Ketut Karangasem, an adopted son of the ruler of Mangwi, whose territory at the
beginning of the 17th century included parts of Java’s Blambangan
peninsula.
It is located near to Sangeh
village; the renowned 6 hectares of Bali Sangeh Monkey Forest are
filled with giant nutmeg trees capable of growing as high as 40m. Sangeh
Monkey Forest near the village of Sangeh, in southwestern Bali,
has six hectares of forestland with giant nutmeg trees. The main attractions
here are the hordes of funny yet wise Balinese monkeys inhabiting both the
trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, found in the heart of the
forest. The monkeys of the forest are believed to be sacred and indeed
will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. But visitors should be
aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jeweler
should be left behind or kept well hidden under clothes or in a bag when exploring Sangeh Bali.
Near Sangeh village,
about 20 km north of Denpasar. This forest of approximately 6 hectares is
filled with giant nutmeg trees that can grow up to 40m high. The main
attractions are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit the trees
and the temple, Pura Bukit sari, located in the heart of the forest.
The temple, Pura Bukit Sari, was originally built around the 17th century as an
agricultural temple and has been restored several times, most recently in 1973.
In the central courtyard, a large statue of Garuda, an old carving of uncertain
date, symbolizes freedom from suffering and the attainment of amerta, the
elixir of life. The forest of nutmeg trees in which it lies was presumably
planted deliberately a long time ago, for it is unique in Bali.
Tanah
Lot
Tanah
Lot or Eart from the Sea. Tanah Lot is a stunning 15th century
sanctuary located on Bali’s South Coast, built atop a rocky mound that at high
tide is completely surrounded by water. This an interesting temple on a rock
surrounded by sea is perhaps Bali’s most photographed. The temple which was
built in the 15th century at the order of Dang Hyang Niratha, one of
the princes who fled from Java to Bali after the fall of the Majapahit Kingdom.
The rock was apperently initially part of the mainland and was later separated
from it by erosion by the sea.
Tampaksiring
Tampaksiring,
on the road to Lake Batur, is the site of the famous Tirta Empul springs and
baths. On a bluff overlooking the springs, at the spot where the country
residence of the Raja of Gianyar once stood, is one of the state owned
Indonesian Presidential Palaces. A boat trip across the lake brings the
visitors to Trunyan, home of the Bali Aga, Bali’s oldest inhabitants who
neither bury nor cremate their dead, but leave their bodies on leaves in a
forest cemetry to decompose.
Ubud
Ubud.
Ubud is located in the peachful foothills of Gianjar Regency 25 km north of
Denpasar. Ubud is Bali’s foremost artistic community. It’s serene beauty and
rich cultural tableau have been attracting visitors for decades, including
early celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward and Barbara Hutton. A fair
share of foreign painters have also taken up temporary or permanent residence
in Ubud over the years, reshaping age old artistic conventions and inspiring an
axplotion of creativity among local artists. The center Balinese painting
Ubud’s Museum or Palace of Fine Arts has a permanent collection of modern works
of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. There are also several art
galleries and homes of famous artists here, includind that of Dutch born Hans
Snes and American Antonio Blanco. The “Young Artist” style now popular in
Balinese painting was introduced by Dutch painter , Arie Smith. In the past,
other foreign painters inspired Balinese artist to adopt Western techniques.
Traditional Balinese painting are stilll made and sold.
There
are now hundreds of galleries and studios in the Ubud area, and no less than
three impressive art museums ; Neka, Agung Rai and Puri Lukisan. Restaurants
and handicraft boutiques also abound here, and there are numerous performances
of music, dance and also drama to enjoy.
Bali
Barat National Park
The natural tourism object
Bali Barat National Park lies at the western side of Bali and is 77,000 ha,
some 10% of Bali's total land area. The park is the last refuge of one of the
most endangered birds of the world: the Bali Starling. Bali Barat is mountainous
and consists of primary monsoon forest, mangrove forest, savannah and coral
islands. The peninsular Prapat Agung, with its extensive web of footpaths, is
the most accessible part of the park. Here at Tegal Bunder, you will find the
Bali Starling Recovery Project where the PHPA is trying to reintroduce Bali
Starlings.
Bali Barat National Park is
easy accessible from Gilimanuk, the ferry port where ferries to and from Java
come and go. Gilimanuk is reached by ferry from Java or by bus from Denpasar or
Singaraja. From Gilimanuk take a minibus or ojek to Cekik for the last three
kilometer. Here you will find the PHPA headquarters. An other entry point is
Labuhan Lalang, accessible by minibus from Gilimanuk. Labuhan Lalang lies at
the main road to Singaraja, which cuts through the park. To reach Pulau
Manjangan you can hire a motorboat from Labuhan Lalang (30-40 min). Permits and
obligatory guides are available at the PHPA headquarters at Cekik, at the PHPA
office in Labuhan Lalang or at the PHPA office in Denpasar.
Pulau Menjangan, an island
north of the mainland part of the park, is an excellent place to explore the
coral reefs.
Fauna
Bali Barat National Park is
a paradise for bird-watchers. They will find about 160
different species in the park.
Birds
Bali Starling or
Rotschild's Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi), Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus
goiavier), Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis), Pied Fantail (Rhipidura
javanica), Edible-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga), White-bellied Swiftlet
(Collocalia esculenta), Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica), Crested Treeswift
(Hemiprocne coronata), White-breasted Wood-Swallow (Artamus leucorhynchus),
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica),
Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach), Striated Warbler (Megalurus palustris),
Collared Kingfisher (Halycon chloris), Sacred Kingfisher (Halycon sancta),
Javan Kingfisher (Halycon cyaniventris), Small Kingfisher (Alcedo
caerulescens), Rufous-backed Kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsus), Stork-billed Kingfisher
(Pelargopsis capensis), Racket-tailed Treepie (Crypsirina temia), Dollarbird
(Eurystomus orientalis), Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis), Collared
Scops-Owl (Otus bakkamoena), Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela), Javan
Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia bitorquata), Banded Pitta (Pitta guajana), Mangrove
White-eye (Zosterops chloris), Lesser Adjutant (Leptopilus javanicus), Great
Thick-Knee (Esacus magnirostris).
Animals
Banteng (Bos javanicus),
Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis), Long-tailed Macaque
(Macaca fascicularis), Ebony Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), Barking Deer
or Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata),
Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Pangolin or Trenggiling (Manis javanicus), Large Flying Fox or Kalong (Pteropus
vampyrus), Black Giant Squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Water Monitor (Varanus
salvator).
Batuan
Specializing
in tradition as painting and weaving as well as decorative wooden panels and
screens.
Air
Sanih;The Trangui beach with
fresh spring pools and accommodtion.
Alas
Kedaton;A temple surrounded
by monkey forest.
Amlapura;The Principal city of Karangasem district with Raja’s
Palace.
Banjar;The Hot spring bathing place with pool on the north
coast.
Batukaru;The temple on the highland with lush vegetation
surrounding.
Bona; The center of palm leat and bamboo handicrafts.
Bukit
Jambul;The marvelous scene
of rice terraces.
Canggu;The beach for avid surfers.
Belod
Berawah;The peaceful beach
on the west coast.
Gianyar;The Capital town of Gianyar District with old residence
of the former Rajah of Gianyar.
Gitgit; The breathtaking waterfall with natural beauty
surroundings.
Goa
Lawah;The Bat Cave. A
cave with thousands of bat inhabitants situated on a temple courtyard.
Jati
Luwuh; The most fantastic
viewing spot of rice terrace.
Jungut
Batu;The white sandy
beach for surfers and driver on Lembog, an island with simple accommodation.
Bedugul;The botanical garden with wide selection of plants, fresh
with mountain air.
Kamasan;The famous for typical traditional paintings, gold,
silver, and brassworks.
Kerambatan;The Royal Palace with spacious Gamelan Hall.
Kusamba;The Fishermen village with salting grounds.
Medewi;The Pleasant beach for water sport lovers.
Padang
Bay;The Bali’s ferry
port to Lombok.
Pancasari;The known for the best golf course.
Pejeng;The famous for the Penataran Sasih Temple with a big
bronze kettle drum inside.
Pulaki;The monkey temple with hot spring nearby on the north
coast.
Putung;The scenic point with marvelous panorama stretches to the
valleys while sparkling sea seen in the distance.
Rambut
Siwi;The temple on the
cliff known as the biggest in West Bali.
Serangan
Island;The known as Turtle
Island, with diving area and Sakenan Temple.
Singaraja;The principal town of Buleleng district formerly the
original capital of Bali, known for Gedong Tirta Museum, old manuscript on
palmleaf.
Sukawati;The art market with wide selection of artworks.
Suluban;The excellent beach for surfing.
Tenganan;The ancient village of the original Balinese, known for
“Ikat Handwoven” cloth called “Gringsing”.
TirtaGangga;The old royal bathing place of the former “Rajah” of
Karangasem with pools.
Toya
Bungkah;The known for hot
spring bathing place by the Lake of Batur.
Trunyan;The ancient village of the original Balinese with
specific tradition and custom, accessible by boat over the Lake of Batur.
Yeh
Pulu;The ancient reliefs
on rock wall.
The other of interest are
Penelokan, Lake Bedugul, Kamasan, Klungkung, Kerta Gosa, Candi Dasa Beach Diving, Padang
Bay, The Elephant Cave, Lovina
Beach, Mengwi, Bona, Talumben Diving, Tanjung
Benoa, Nusa Lembongan, Padang
Galak, Tirta Empu, Tulamben, Cemeluk Diving, Celuk, Batu Bulan, Mas, Peliatan, Antonio Blanco
Museum, etc.
The Etiquette
Social etiquette plays an important part in the
Balinese’s daily life and willingness to conform to their traditional manners
is always respected. Like in any other countries, there are cultural pitfall
however, mainly social relegious taboos, the breaking of which may couse social
and religious offence. It is considered rude to point with your toes at a
person or object and it is not acceptable to walk in front of praying people.
For
those who do not know each other well, it is considered impolite if one grabs
the other’s head since head is regarded to be the most significant part of the
human body. Visitors are always welcom to any of ritual ceremonies or temple
fetivals provided they are properly dressed and show their respect to the host
or deities of the family house or temple they visit at least by putting on sash
around their waist.It is totally unacceptable to take picture of women or men
bathing in public bathing place or river and for ladies having their period,
there is a strict prohibition of entering any temple or holy place.
The Health Regulation
Valid
vaccination certificates of small Pox, cholera and yellow fever are required
those coming from infected areas. Considering that Bali is a tropical resort,
visitors should be aware of getting sunburn, so it is advisable to wear a hat
as protection from the firceness of midday sun. medicines could be obtained
from local chemist’s shops called “Apotek” in comformity with doctor’s
prescription.
The Customs
Customs
regulations allow, per adult, a maximum of two litters of alcoholic beverages,
200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 10 gram of tobacco and a reasonable amount of
perfume. Photographic, video and filming equipment, typewriters and cars are
admitted provided they are recorded in your passport an entry and taken out on
departure. Narcotics, arms and ammunition, TV sets, radio cassette recorders
and Chinese medicines are items that strictly prohibited.While fresh fruit,
plants and animals must be passed by the Quarantine Office. There is no
restriction on import or export of foreign currencies, however it is
prohibited to import or export
Indonesian currency exceeding Rp. 50.000,-
The
Travel Formalities
Travellers
to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six month
after arrival. No visa required from nationals of 30 countries for a visit not
exceeding two months time. Those countries are : Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Thailand, United Kingdom, U.S.A. and Germany.For citizents of other than the 30 listed countries above, a tourist
visa for 30 days could be obtained on application to Indonesia Embassies or
Consulates in their respective countries, while any extension is at the
discretion of the immigration authorities.
Accommodation
Bali
has the biggest concentration of different types of hotels which cater to the
international tourist. All these hotels have conventon facilities, swimming
pools, sports grounds and of retaurants, bars, night clubs or discotheques and
beach fronts. There are also smaler cottage style hotels with modern amenities
and most unique. All hotels above and with two star have guestrooms with air
conditioning, attached bath rooms, telephones and TV sets.
Transportation
Bali
could easily be reached by air and there are international Airlines running
scheduled flights to Ngurah Rai International Airport, it is the Indonesia’s second
international air gateway and is served by some of the major airlines of the
world. Over land, Bali could be reached from Java by train to Banyuwangi, and a
connecting ferry service. Denpasar has all the public mean of transportation
one might need, from buses to minibuses and pedicabs, for trips inside the
city, and to outlying destinations. Ferry services provide links not only with
Java, but also with island of Lombok to Bali’s east.
Most of the Airlines fly to Singapore first as the nearest foreign Airport
and it only takes two and half hours flight from Singapore to Bali. There are
also flights to Bali via Jakarta. Two of the four sea ports in Bali are used by
international cruise ships and yachts. They are the port of Benoa, just around
the headland for larger and luxury cruise ships. The Harbor at Singaraja, on
the north coast the line between north Bali and Java.Gilimanuk on the northwest
links Bali with Java, there is a regular ferry service connecting the two islands,
with several ships serve Indonesian’s main ports.
