your chance to get out and see the sights
tips on where to go and how to get there for bali and east of bali
For those of you who feel like getting around Bali, this is your chance to get out and see the sights. The following pages let you know where to go and how to get there. So if you need a break from the beach, start reading...
TEMPLES - COASTAL
Tanah Lot - Southwest Bali, Tabanan regency. Built on a large rock, cut off from the mainland at high tide, this is one of Bali's most spectacular sunset sights.
Uluwatu - South Bali on Bukit Badung. This cliff-top temple, dedicated to the spirits of the sea, has spectacular views and is popular for viewing sunsets. During the Galungan festival, people from all over the island travel here to worship.
Pura Jayaprana - Northwest Bali. Superb views of Menjangan Island and the surrounding coral reefs can be seen from this temple.
Pura Rambut Siwi - Southwest Bali, (10km from Medewi). Another cliff top temple with views of Java and on a clear day, Mt. Bromo. Steps down the cliff from the temple lead to a black sand beach where one can swim.
TEMPLES - INLAND
Pura Besakih - Besakih, Karangasem regency Northeast Bali. Bali's most important temple with great views of Mt. Agung. The temple complex houses over 80 shrines to the various gods and spirits.
Pura Luhur Batukau - Tabanan, South Bali. Dedicated to the god of Mt. Batukau, this temple is a small haven for flower and bird lovers.
Pura Yeh Gangga - near Mengwi, Tabanan.
Pura Ulun Danu Batur - near Batur village. The second most important temple after Besakih, housing more than 90 shrines. Worth visiting at any time of year, especially during the Odalan festival, usually in March depending on the full moon, which is dedicated to the goddess of the crater lake, who is said to control the irrigation systems for the entire island.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan - near Bedugul. This temple has several shrines, which are located on both the lake's shore and on various small islets.
The following three temples are between Seribatu and Tampaksiring,
north of Ubud:
Pura Gunung Kawi - Set in a ravine in Tampaksiring, the temple 'Candis' are carved into the rock face. There are five Royal Tombs at the rear of the temple complex.
Pura Tirta Gunung Kawi - A water temple dedicated to the Rice Goddess. Near the temple grounds is a small spring-fed lake with sacred goldfish, which are said to be the guardians of the Spirit of the spring.
Pura Tirtha Empul - Considered the holiest spring in Bali, this temple is frequently visited by Balinese seeking mental cleansing and physical healing.
Brahma Vihara Ashrama Buddhist Monastery - near Lovina. (Combine with a visit to Banjar Tega Hot Springs). The largest Buddhist monastery in Bali, set in beautiful surroundings.
CAVES
Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave - near Teges, Gianyar regency. Dating from the 11th century, there are conflicting opinions as to whether this cave was originally a Buddhist or a Hindu hermitage. Although not very large, it boasts some interesting carvings.
Goa Lawah or Bat Cave - Klungkung regency. Famous for the thousands of fruit bats that live here, this can be an interesting, if pungent, experience.
Goa Karang Sari - on Nusa Penida Island, Southeast of Bali. This cave extends over 200 meters into the hillside and during the Galungan festival hosts a torchlight procession and various ceremonies.
PALACES
Puri Semara Pura - Klungkung. A palace dedicated to the god of love, this palace was home to the kings of Klungkung. Although only two pavilions and the entrance gate remain, the hall of justice, Bale Kerta Gosa, is worth seeing for its beautifully painted ceiling and carved pillars.
Puri Pemecutan - Denpasar.
WATER PALACES
Taman Ujung Water Palace - near Amlapura, East Bali.
Set in a beautifully landscaped park, the ruins of this palace are a tribute to the slightly eccentric designs of King Anak Agung Ngurah.
Puri Agung Kanginan - Karangasem, Amlapura. Built from a hotchpotch of different styles, including Chinese, European and Javanese, this place is fascinating architecturally; a monument to the Balinese ability to blend outside influences into their own culture. Tirtha Gangga Royal Bathing Pools - near Amlapura, Karangasem regency. Great views of both Mt. Agung and the Lombok Strait. This palace was damaged during the 1963 eruption of Mt. Agung, but the pools still function and can be taken advantage of, for a small fee.
VILLAGES
Asak - near Amlapura, East Bali - Traditional costumes, stone carvings and woven crafts.
Bungaya - near Amlapura, East Bali - As in Asak, this village specializes in traditional arts and crafts.
Krambitan - near Tabanan - Specializes in bamboo instruments and music.
Negara - West Bali - Famous for bull races.
Sawan - near Singaraja, North Central Bali - A picturesque village where Gamelan instruments are made.
Tenganan - A Bali Aga village renowned as a centre for weaving. The only place in Indonesia where 'geringsing' cloth is made. (See Arts & Artists chapter - extract on 'Textiles')
Trunyan - on the shores of Lake Batur, Northeast Bali - An original Bali Aga village set in a fantastic landscape
LAKES
Lake Batur - Mt. Batur, Bangli regency. The largest lake in Bali and home to the goddess Danu, this lake lies within the crater of Mt. Batur.
Lake Bratan - Mt. Catur near Bedugul. Location of the superb Ulun Danu Temple, this lake offers both superb scenery, and water sports such as jet skiing for the more adventurous.
Lakes Buyan and Tamblingan - Mt. Lesong in Buleleng province. Less visited, these lakes offer great walks and the chance of a little solitude for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist scene.
HOW TO GET AROUND
CAR HIRE
Car rental agencies can be found in all the major tourist areas. Prices start from app. USD30 a day for a Suzuki-style jeep (Jimny) and about USD45 for a new Kijang jeep. BALI CAR RENTALS offer a variety of safe and well-maintained cars with or without a driver. For pick up from the airport, or delivery to your hotel or home, call 411499, 411462 or 08123830079 E-mail info@balicarrentals.com or check out the website www.balicarrentals.com. Another recommended agency is TRAC Astra Rent A Car, Ph: 703333, with a great selection of vehicles w/insurance at reasonable rates. Most rental cars in Bali are in decent shape, BUT you should check them thoroughly before signing any forms. Always carry with you an international drivers license.
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
As with hire cars, you can find bikes for rent almost everywhere. Prices usually start from around US$6 a day for a standard 125cc motorbike. Scooters, affectionately called 'Bebek's' (Ducks), start at around US$5 per day. Like renting a car, you should always check the bike before parting with your cash. In Indonesia you have to wear a helmet by law and carry an international drivers license!
BICYCLE / MOUNTAIN BIKE
Cycling can be a cheap and enjoyable way to get around and about. It does, however, take quite some fitness to ride around the more central and hilly regions! The northern coastal roads are ideal for longer trips. You can find bike rental shops in all the main tourist areas.
BEMO
Public transport in the form of mini-vans is by far the cheapest way to travel, although not the most comfortable!
TOURS
Organised tours relieve you from the hassle of trying to navigate your own way around. You do have to follow itineraries however, so spur of the moment sight-seeing is not an option on these.
BEYOND BALI
Island Escapes
Ever wondered what lies beyond the beaches of the Island of the Gods? For visitors wanting to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds, a trip to Lembongan Island or the Gili Islands is an easy way to experience a different side of paradise. On these treasure islands you will find beaches of untarnished gold, endless stretches of shimmering aquamarine waters be-jewelled with an abundance of marine life, as well as surf-breaks and the timeless charm of island life...
Lembongan Island
Surrounded by reefs and drop offs, some of the regions best diving and snorkelling are to be found around Lembongan Island. There are plenty of areas that can be snorkelled directly from the beach, but the best areas are a short boat ride away. Lembongan also has some well known surf-breaks, making it a regular stop-off point for surf cruises heading east along the archipelago. The island is also home to a thriving traditional seaweed industry, as well as an amazingly elaborate underground cave house carved out by hand, and lived in, almost a century ago. Lembongan takes just 30 minutes by BlueWater Express from Benoa Harbour, making it perfect for both day trips and longer stays. Why not stop off in Lembongan on the way to the Gilis?
The Gili Islands
In recent years the Gili Islands have become a popular island paradise escape from Bali. Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, these three little atols are surrounded by pure white sand beaches and clear water, with superb diving and snorkelling straight from the beach. They also cater to a wide ranger of travelers desires; Gili Trawangan has accommodation ranging from backpacker homestays for less than Rp. 100,000 / night, to uber-chic private villas with private pool – and plenty of mid-range accommodation in between. Trawangan is also famous for rockin’ good parties pumping into the early hours, and is the most popular island. Gili Meno and Gili Air, on the other hand, offer a more back to basics desert island experience, being blissfully quiet with a few modest accommodations and small hotels. All three have excellent diving, and a choice of highly professional dive operators.
Getting to the islands is now very easy, with a direct daily shuttle service operating out of Benoa. Travel time is approximately two hours on the water, and hotel transfers in Bali are included free of charge. Benoa harbour is 15 to 20 minutes from Kuta and Sanur hotels.
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