Bali Nature and Interesting to Visit.

BALI NATURE AND INTERESTING TO VISIT. Geographically, the Province of Bali is located 80-30'-40" to 80-50'-48" south of the Equator and 1140-25'-53" to 1150-42'-40" east longitude.

The relief and topography of Bali have their main features of a mountain range that transverse the island from West to East. Among those mountains are two of significant sizes: the volcanoes of Gunung Agung ( 3.140 m ) and Gunung Batur (1.717 m).

As well as these features, Bali also has four lakes: Lake Beratan (375,6 Ha), Lake Buyan (336 Ha), Lake Tamblingan (11 Ha) and Lake Batur (1.607,5). Rivers, which have their sources on these lakes as well as forests, flow to the southern side of the island. Such rivers are; Unda, Petanu, Ayung, Pulukan, Loloan and many others.

Because of its location, Bali has a tropical climate, which is influenced by seasonal wind pattern and alternate every six months. There are two seasons: the dry season from April to October and the rainy season from October to April. With such climate, Bali is in inhibited by variety of tropical flora and fauna.

Badung
A Brief History
When the other rival kingdoms in south Bali were defeated by the Dutch in 1900, Badung Kingdom gained an expansive links trade. But it was last only for six years as Badung was finally invaded in 1906 through a massive battle known as Puputan Badung. The battle is commemorated by a large statue in Denpasar's central Puputan Square.

In 1990 the area was split into two, Badung and Denpasar (a regency and a municipal). The Badung regency covers Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, and Mengwi. Meanwhile Denpasar, the capital city of Bali, covers the capital city itself and Sanur

Places of Interest
Benoa Harbour
Benoa Harbour, situated on the southern part of Denpasar, is the place for ships delivering container from or out of Bali. It is also the departing harbour for tourist ships that cruise to nearby islands such as Lembongan, Nusa Penida, the Gilis, and Lombok.
Canggu
Canggu, an extension of Kuta beach development as a beach resort, offers a perfect escape from the tourist crowd. Many private villas or Balinese style cottage built with a blend view of rice terrace and ocean. Most of the villas are built and own by expatriates but many of them available for short or long term lease.

 

Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach is a the surfer's paradise where any tourist need except quite place are comfortably available. Kuta will still alive by all the pubs and nightclubs until 4 a.m. Amazingly, among those tourist hustle and bustle, a religious ritual rites and procession are not rare things to witness.
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua, the most exclusive and well-planned tourist resort in Bali, is a place where a row of international chain hotels reside within a well-maintain resort. Before it turned into tourist resort in 1970s, the spot was a quite and dry fishermen village. Unlike at present time, it was not expensive and attractive place to live back then. Beside the luxurious tourist amenities provided, the main attraction is the white sandy beach. Tanjung Benoa, further north outside of the organized Nusa Dua area, provides extensive choice of water sports.
Sangeh
Sangeh often considered as the biggest monkey sanctuary in Bali. The sacred monkeys live within the forest of towering 30-metre-tall trees. Some monkeys are aggressive therefore beware of your belonging.
Serangan Island
Serangan island, a 73-hectare island located just 250 metres off the southeast coast of Bali, is the resident of Sakenan temple--one of the most visited temple for religious purpose on the southern part. Serangan island also known as turtle island. According to the legend Sakenan temple was founded in the 10th century by wanderer-priest Mpu Kuturan. The island can be reached by boat either from Sanur, Suwung, or Tanjung Benoa. Since a road has been built as part of exclusive resort project on the island, now it can be accessed by car, make a right turn in east of Benoa harbour intersection.
Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran, about 5 minutes driving from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, is a village for fishermen. Here you can find many fresh seafood restaurants that usualy come with fried peanuts, five type of 'sambals', a basket of steam rice, Balinese vegetable of 'plecing', and sliced fruit for desert. Diners are given opportunity to choose their fish, shrimp, or crab from the aquarium in front of each restaurant. Once you find a good fresh fish with a good deal then go for it. If not then continue your quest.
Taman Ayun
Temple Taman Ayun Temple was built in 1634 by the King of Mengwi. In 1937 the temple was restored and enlarged. The pool surrounding the temple complex gives floating impression to the temple. A smaller pool with lotus flower is built within the inner sanctum. The middle part of the temple is occupied with impressive high building for kulkul--the hollowed wooden bell-- meanwhile the outer part is beautified by trim gardens (see Photo Story).
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu, means the head of the stone, is located in the edge of stone cliff in southern part of Bali. It will give an impressive picturesque view especially on the sunset time. The three courtyards are surrounded by hard weathered white coral. The guardian gate in the middle courtyard has similar appearance of East Javanese temple architecture. The sacred resident monkeys are smart enough to steel your belonging even from your pocket, so beware.

 

gianyar
Overview Until the fourteen century Bali was ruled Bali by the Warmadewa dynasty. The Buddhist ruling kingdoms is centralized in Bedulu, five kilometres west of Gianyar town. After Javanese conquered Bali the capital move to Samprangan, north of the present Gianyar town before it moved again to Gelgel and Klungkung in the east. During the Dutch conquering in early nineteen hundreds, Gianyar was restored.

 

Batubulan
At least there are four stages setup for regular Barong and keris dances within this stone carving village. There are hundreds or maybe even thousands of stone carving are offered in the workshops along the village to the local or foreign consumers. The price of the stone carving maybe not the biggest consideration for foreign consumers but the shipment cost will.
Celuk
Gianyar town: Rows of huge white statues beautified this regency capital of Ginyar. A visit to one or two of the single ikat Batik factories will give opportunity to visitors to observe more of the making process of the most wore Balinese clothes.
kapal.
Goa Gajah
Literally means 'Elephant Cave". Although named by 'elephant' it doesn't mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. The name Goa Gajah derived from 'Lwa Gajah' which is mentioned in the manuscripts found in this site. This temple complex was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site.

A seven-metre deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village's local temple. The cave it self is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is 'boma', a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if you give more attention look to the rest of the carving. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Nowdays, those holes are used to placed offerings whenever there is ceremonies taking place.

On the left end side of the cave is Ganesha statue, believe it as 'the God of knowledge'. Meanwhile on the right end side can be found three 'linggas', that each of them dedicated to the three common God manifestations in Bali, Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. There are other three stone carvings in the centre wall, one of them figuring head and face.

Three other statues of Ganesha, demons and Men Brayut, a legendary lady with her beloved children, are placed on a high building located on the left side of cave entrance. It is considered that these statues are 1000 years old. In the middle of the complex, in front of the cave, there is bathing place that is not any longer used by the local people. The angle figures within the bathing complex are about similar to common figures found in India.

On the south part of the complex, there are along flight of step leads down the lower part of the valley. After crossing a bridge above a small creek and follow another flight of steps up to eastern side of the valley, a headless sitting Buddha statue can be seen. Another evident of a close relationship between the two religions.
Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring
An archaeological complex lies on gorge of Pakerisan River. To reach the complex visitors must walk about 600 metres from the parking area to the ticket counter than walked down on 315 stone steps. Before take a cross on the bridge at the bottom of the valley make a turn to the left to see the first stone monument. Another group of stone monument is located on the left side of the main temple across of the river.

The monuments are hewn in relief on a solid rock hill commonly call candi. There are shaped like burial towers found all over Central and East Java. However, there are many theories telling identity of the royal personages honoured here. One very credible theory suggests the five 'candi' in the main group were built for King Udayana, his Javanese queen Gunapriya, his concubine, his illustrious eldest son Airlangga who ruled over East Java, and his youngest son Anak Wungsu. Reigning over Bali from AD 1050 to 1077, Anak Wungsu is believed to have given up his kingdom to become a religious hermit.

In the right of the main ensemble of temples is a cloister with five cells carved out of rock. The cloister inmates most likely were caretakers of the 'candi'. There's a second hermitage near the main cloister, consisting of niches around a central courtyard, which might have served as sleeping quarters for visiting pilgrims. To get into this part of the temple visitors must take of their shoes.

Should you have a spare time, a walk up north of the temple complex could be a short nice walking along the rice field and river stream. The path leads to a small waterfall after 800 meters away and about 1,5 kilometers to Mengening Temple.

Mas
The football field and the big banyan tree within the village notes the center of Mas village. However, since it become a known tourist stop for fine wood carving, galleries and workshop building are stretched starting from intersection of Sakah, where a huge baby statue stand in the middle, until another intersection up north at Teges Village. Small lanes on the left or right side of the main road are the houses of the woodcarvers and mask makers. Visitors can enter any houses with sign at front gates to see the artist at work and get a better price than the galleries on the main road.

Since the 1930s the subject use for carving slightly change become more realistic and contemporary such as people with their daily activities, animals, Buddha's and many other abstract figures. Formerly, carvings were made only for religious purposes and featured exclusively traditional characters from the Mahabarata and Ramayana.
Comparing to other carving village, wood carving in Mas village are made from high quality wood including sandal and crocodile wood. It usually unpainted, and smoothly carved.

Peliatan
Many Bali's most gamelan orchestra and dancing groups inhibit the village that located 2 kilometres east of Ubud town. The groups have performed in many Western countries. It is also the origin of one kind of Legong dance.
Pujung.

Petulu
A white heron village located in the north of Ubud. The best time to visit this natural bird sanctuary is around 5 to 6 PM when the sacred birds flew back home after a day of ill or fish hunting.
Ceking, Sebatu
A small but steep rice terraces located 15 minutes drive north of Ubud offer a postcard quality shot. Bicycling from Ubud and having a light refreshing meal in one of two restaurants in the area is a nice exercising arrangement.
Pakudui
Make a right turn after the Ceking rice terrace will lead you to the wooden Garuda village. The master sculptor of wooden Garuda statues lives at the end of the village. The rare 3,5 metres high Garuda statue are found in his place.
Sidan
A new developed tourist site in the east of Gianyar town, just before entering Bangli area offers a fascinating overlooking view of the rice terrace. Pura Dalem Sidan with its intricate and distinctive horror figures is well worth to visit.
Sukawati
It is known for its art market that become 'a must see' place by tourists especially the local ones from Jakarta or other area in Java. Huge number of small stalls occupied the two stories building offer a lot of cheap souvenirs. Almost any kind of Bali's souvenirs can be found in here either painting, woodcarving, clothes, temple umbrellas and other temple accessories, leather puppet, wind chime, jewelleries and others. It is better for you to prepare a list of souvenirs that you want to bring back home since you may be stuck in a confusion situation of too overwhelmed by the huge quantity of souvenirs and finally bring home nothing.

Two hundred metres toward west from the Sukawati Art Market, on the right side of the road, there is another market called 'Pasar Seni Pagi' of 'The morning Art Market' which only open very early in the morning until around 7 AM. The crowd of souvenirs retailers from other part of Bali will come here to get semi-finished product with a very low price.
Many of Bali's most established puppeteers live in Sukawati. In line with this fact, Sukawati is also the center of Shadow puppets production center. The leather puppet, 'wayang kulit' are made either of cow or buffalo hide.
Bona Village
One time in 1980s Bona village is the most well known place to see the Kecak and Fire. Now, it is more known for its bamboo furniture and handicraft, together with the nearby Belega village.
Tegalalang
And endless handicraft stalls located about 20 kilometers along the main road of this district. The craftsmen are too creative as they can make almost any thing that tourist have in mind with various art materials.
Ubud's Monkey Forest
Inhibited by up to 125 monkeys divided into 3 major groups. Comparing other sanctuaries in Bali, the mammals in here are tame. There are three local temples settle within the sacred sanctuary.
The Pejeng Area
The finding of many archeological sites within and beyond this area become one of the reason for the local government to built an archeological museum on the southern part of the village. Two most visited sites by tourist are Pura Penataran Sasih, the temple of a moon faced bronze drum, and Pura Kebo Edan, the temple of three meters high ancient stone statue.
Tirta Empul
This beautiful water spring temple was built around 10th century under the rule of Sri Candra Singha Warmadewa. The spring that piped to three fountains complexes is believed to have been created by the God Indra, who descend to the earth to brought back the life of his army, which was poisoned by the demon-king Mayadanawa. The water source is located at a pool on a higher level where water bubbling up and plants growing on the bottom as well as fish and large ill can clearly be seen.

According to believe of the people, each fountains complex has their special religious functions. The complex located on most right sides is for spiritual purification; the one in the middle to cleanse from evil, meanwhile the left side one is an antidote to poison.
Ubud
Attributed by its natural and cultural atmosphere, Ubud has attracted many foreigners to visit or even live in this artisan's village since 1930's. Many expatriates especially foreign or local artists fall in love and decide to settle in this international village. The achievement of Ubud as a tourist destination cannot be separated from the effort of those artists who display Ubud to the world through their work.

Its location in the central of Bali makes Ubud become a good base for visitors to visit other places all over Bali. Nusa Dua, Kintamani, Lovina, Amed or Jembrana can be reach by just doing a day tour without so much tiring of driving. Many beautiful landscapes, interesting historical sites and not to mentioned art villages can easily reach even by walking.

Ayung river that stretch on the west part of Ubud offer a fascinating view of river gorge is the spot of several most luxurious hotels on the island. Attracted by the beauty of river valley at least five rafting companies run their trip on this part of the Bali's longest river. Other river hill that used as hotel nest are Campuhan river in the middle and Petanu on the eastern part. Most tourist accommodation are located in the center of Ubud. The center would be noted by former Ubud palace that is located across the art and traditional market of Ubud. The accommodation available suit to any budget and most of them will offer you a stay at charming cottages or a stay within a family house.

Instead of visiting it on the daily sightseeing tour, the best way to get the real atmosphere of Ubud is by spending couple of night within the area. Besides regularly dancing performance or permanent art exhibition on many fine art galleries, there are dozen of things can be explored. People preparing ceremonies, temple festivals, colourful celebration, dance, and traditional 'gamelan' rehearsals, occasional cremation are rarely unseen. It is not surprising anymore if you see foreigners in their complete Balinese dress involve in these local activities. There are some courses of Balinese dance and music, cooking classes, wood carving, mask making, batik painting or even learn the skill to be puppet masters are available for those who eager to have some of the local skills.

Tabanan
Overview Tabanan, the land of rice or even mention as a bowl rice of Bali, is a rich regency. Its fertile areas and vary in its landscape makes many kind of tourists' attraction can be developed in this area. The history of Tabanan can be started in the 14th century when Javanese invaders came in the area. As they expanded their territory, they came into conflict with the Mengwi house, founded during the id-1600s with the fall of Gelgel and allied with Buleleng. In the eighteenth century Mengwi was the second most powerful royal house after Klungkung. Internal conflict in the late 1700s weakened Mengwi and led to territorial losses to Tabanan which were retaken in the mid-1800s. By the late 1800s further conflict erupted and Klungkung withdrew its support, opening the way for its destruction by Klungkung, Badung, Bangli and the Dutch. Tabanan got most of Mengwi, but rising Dutch interests in Bali and the refusal of Tabanan to give in led to its end in 1906 with the imprisonment and suicide of the ruler and his son.

Alas Kedaton
A lovely, state-owned sacred forest with cool, peaceful walking paths.There is a small impressive local temple belong to people of Kukuh Village within the forest that inhibited by almost 700 hundreds monkey and kalong--a local big sized bats. Visitors will escorted by the an organized local guide who also the owner of shops in the area to hike around, in return they will gently ask you to visit their shop. Bali Handara Country Club Fresh air with green views, built at the bottom of the caldera next to the lush slopes of Mount Catur. Many pleasant bush walks to make in the area, especially between the lakes and surronding mountains.
Batukaru
The Batukaru area to the Southwest of Bedugul is the location of the biggest temple in Tabanan, Pura Luhur Batukaru. This is one of Sad Kahyangan -- six biggest temple. Here the mythical tigers roam the forest, appearing each year in their spirit from during a trance dance of the temple festival.
Bedugul
The Bedugul area provides the last remaining tropical forest of the island. The Eka Karya botanical garden has 650 species of trees and unique collection of ferns and orchids. This is favourite place of Balinese in enjoying their holyday. It also offers a wide range of accomodation and restaurants, the local tourists as their best customers. This is another place to retreat from the heat of the coast, to fish, or to wander through the lovely botanical gardens. As Kintamani is to Bangli, so is Bedugul one of Tabanan's main points of interest. This crisp mountain town boasts three crater lakes, which are hemmed by untamed jungle and patchworks of market gardens, and the tepid water of which sends a mist into the icy air above the surface.
Jatiluwih
Where scenic view can be seen as its natural. Recently a number of companies have established walking trails, most of which take visitors through the spectacular rice paddies of Jatiluwih.
Kerambitan
Terraced rice fields surround the district's villages make the area become a prosperous agricultural area. Kerambitan derived from the Sanskrit karawitan, which means 'art, music, and dance.' It is renowned for its classical literature, Legong dancing, a distinctive 'wayang'-style painting, stone-and wood-carving and a 'tektekan' dance. The dance is believed to have magical powers and is exorcist dance drama which is accompanied by giant wooden cowbells and bamboo instruments. Two gilded palaces, Puri Gede and Puri Anyar, are consisting the village beside other old-style residences since 1600s. Cultural programs and other tourist events have been presented here since 1967.
Marga
Marga is the place where the Great War between Colonial's army against Balinese soldiers appear on 20th November 1946. The leader of Balinese soldiers, I Gusti Ngurah Rai, and his soldiers were killed after gave brave resilience under bombardment from the air. It has good panorama of paddy terrace.
Pacung
Pacung is the name of village where the road to the temple branches out in which has restaurants overlooking rice fields. But still more rice terraces and hot springs can be seen ahead, in Jatiluwih village. this would be one of the most beautiful view point in Bali.
Pejaten
Known as a center for hand-decorated, wheel-thrown pottery and ceramic roof tiles. Tile making is the primary economic activity of about 90% of the town's 4,000 inhabitants. The pottery is made of red clay that traditionally mined around the village. Observing the production process maybe an interesting stop.
Penarukan village
A village known for its many fine wood and stone sculptors and a smaller version of Tektekan. Penarukan is located two km south of Kerambitan.
Subak, Museum
As a regency having been known as Bali's "rice ware-house", it is no wonder that it has a Museum Subak that formally called Mandala Mathika Subak. The only museum in Bali to focus on agriculture located in Sanggulan village two km east of Tabanan town. It display the history and development of Bali's unique 'subak' irrigation system.
Tanah Lot Temple
The district of Tabanan boasts Bali's most famous temple, which is set on a rocky protrusion that becomes an island at high tide, offering spectacular sunset views in the dry season.
Tanah Lot, tanah means earth and lot means ocean, consists of a couple of shrines built on an outcropping of rock on the ocean. The temple symbolizes the balance between male and female; inner and outer world. One of Bali's cosmic temples"Sad Kahyangan" which was built the great saint of Bali Danghyang Nirartha, in 16th century. Its popular because its sunset view, just like postcard. Next to Tanah Lot temple is located the complex of Bali Nirwana Resort.
Tista village
A village renowned for its unique version of the Legong-Legong Leko, which is only danced around Tabanan. In this social dance, two tiny Leko dancers wearing Legong dress and headdresses are accompanied by the melodies of the Janger. It is ocated one km west of Kerambitan.
Ulun Danu Temple
Ulun Danu (literary means the head of lake) temples, built just offshore over a hardened part of marsh. Its eleven-tiered pagoda roof offers mistical atmosphere when the mist is rising from the lake in the morning. The temple is devoted to the goddess of the lake, which irrigates the rice fields of Tabanan. It stands on the edge of Bedugul's Bratan Lake.

Klungkung
Japanese invasion moved it court from Samprangan in Gianyar to Gelgel in fifteen hundreds then moved a bit north to Klungkung, the present regency's capital due to internal revolt. Klungkung then recognized as the highest authority in the next two centuries as the royal family descendents set up rival courts. A final battle known as 'Puputan Klungkung' in 1908 made the kingdom was the last ruler in South Bali get invaded by the Dutch.

Gelgel
The former capital of Gelgel Kingdom since AD 1515 until 1710 before it moved to more strategic in Klungkung. Pura Dasar, the royal state temple with a few ruined gateways, is the only evident site of the noblest of all the Balinese kingdoms. Gelgel now days is known for its pottery and beautiful handwoven ceremonial cloth of 'songket'.
Kamasan
Formerly a village of artisan who produced the crowns, body ornaments, and jewelry for the royal family, Kamasan later became known as a center for 'wayang'- puppet style painting. The form of Kamasan style painting considered the oldest painting form that was executed in 14 centuries The village itself lies four kilometers south of Semarapura town and inhibited by at least 140 painters.
Kusamba
It was an important and busiest port one time in the mid 1800s for agriculture products and slaves trading. A specialist clan of blacksmiths skilled at weapons-making were centralized here once. Kusamba was also the site of a fight between the Dutch and The Virgin Queen Istri Kanya in 1849. Nowdays, Kusamba is a relatively big fishermen village in the east of Klungkung and also known as sea-salt panning place.
Tihingan
A village located two kilometers east of Semarapura, the capital regency of Klungkung, known as the center of 'gong kebyar' making, the complete Balinese music instruments. There are a significant number of gong makers in this village, employing 100 people. Village communities in Bali are still the common buyers of the whole complete instruments and only few of them sold abroad. However, buying one single instrument by tourists are common. Seeing and observing the making process of the instruments will be interesting.
toya pakeh.
Goa Lawah
The bat cave temple is believed to be founded in 1007 by the holy man Empu Kuturan. It plays an important role for religious rites associated with cremation. Thousand of long-nosed bats hanging on the ceiling of the holy cave that begins at the foot of a rocky cliff and is said to extend all the way to the base of Gunung Agung. The holy python is often seen sitting on one of the temple shrine. Traditional salt making process can be seen on the beach across of the temple.
Kertha Gosa
Based on the carving found on the main door of the complex, the two pavilions in Kertagosa were built in 1622 according to Gregorian calendar. It was originally use as meeting place of the Balinese kings until it changed the function into traditional religious court in 1908 due to Dutch occupation. Kamasan style painting on the ceiling of the pavilion always amazed visitors especially who interested in the philosophy of universal truth as it is described by the painting.

Bangli
Overview The only regency in Bali that doesn't have costal area but it has Batur lake that become the major source of irrigation water for most of South and East Bali and a bit parts of the north. It has a cool, mountainous landscape The ruling family of the region in 1700s is related to Klungkung kingdom. In their fought to neighbouring kingdoms of Klungkung, Karangasem, and Buleleng by the mid 1800s, Bangli was assisted by the Dutch. Contradictory, when they fought Mengwi kingdoms by the end of 1800s, Bangli joined their former enemies.

Abang, Mount
Lies on the eastern side of the crater southeast of Kintamani, is the highest point on Batur's outer crater with elevation of 2,152 meters. Climbing it is easier than climbing Gunung Batur but still demanding to get different panoramic view of the old Batur volcano. Some trails also lead to Truyan Village in the northern side of the mount slope.
Bangli Town
This clean and well-maintain small town has won several yearly provincial town competition. Perhaps, because of its cool temperature, the Bali's largest mental hospital is built within this up land town.
Batur
Batur is the name for the lake, mount, temple and village in Kintamani district. Batur lake elevated 1,031 meters above sea level with 1.5 km long time 2.5 km width and up to 70 meters deep. The waters of the lake feed underground rivers. The present Mount Batur, with elevation of 1717 meters, is in fact the younger and smaller then the former mount, with elevation over 3500 meters, that was erupted thousand years ago. The present mount Batur has also erupted in 1917 that took the lives of 1,000 people, destroying 65,000 homes and 2,500 temples. Batur mountain is the most frequent climbed mountain by tourist. The Batur temple is constructed by black frozen lava stone and consider as the second important temple of Bali after Besakih temple.
Kedisan
A farming and fishing village with a mild and enjoyable weather, the village located on the western shore of the lake Batur, directly beneath of Penelokan. It has market area, extensive gardens of oranges, corn, and peanuts, souvenir shops, bemo terminal, a big parking lot, ticket office, and boat landing from or to Trunyan ot Toyabungkah. The existence of several clean and low budget accommodation around the village make it a good base to climb mount Batur, Abang, going to Trunyan.
Kintamani
It is the name of the sub-district area as well as the name of the village lies the western outer rim of the old Batur caldera. With evevation of 1,500 above the sea level the area is cool and fresh retreat. The sub-district town and the village ceter is noted by big traditional market, and police station located north of Batur temple.
Penelokan
The best view is from Penelokan, a little to the west around the crater from Kintamani, and from where one can see the cone of Mount Batur smoldering away and the black traces of its explosion on the landscape of the crater. A rather treacherous road leads from Penelokan down the crater to Toyah Bungkah, where soothing hot springs on the edge of the crater lake have recently been tapped off to create a magnificent spa complex.
Penglipuran Village
Located northwest of Bangli town, Panglipuran Village that lies 700 meters above the sea level has a unique village layout, architecture and tradition. The village main temple built at a higher land north of the village than villager's houses descended until the end of the village. The uniformity of house compound layout, building shape, and the material made for building's wall and gates, all made of mud of clay, as well as the sliced bamboo roof made unique amongst other village in Bali. There is a sacred bamboo forest with about 15 kinds of bamboo located north of the village.

Penulisan
Based on the typical old stone statues consisting the courtyard of the temple is considered as the mountain sanctuary of the kings of the Pejeng dynasty. It elevated 1,745 meters on the northwest of outer edge of Batur crater. This remote temple is worth to visit on the way from south to north Bali by passing Kintamani.
Pura Kehen
This state temple belong to Bangli region is located 1.5 km northeast of Bangli town. Pura Kehen is built on terraces on the southern slope of the hill under a big old banyan tree. Each of the three main terraces is connected to the one above by a flight of stairs.
Toya Bungkah
Lying on the northwest shore of Lake Batur, the climbing based village of Toya Bungkah features an invigorating hot springs, massive cinemascopic views, a small black-sand beach, and several comfortable cheap and moderate accomodation.A private establishment has setup a big cool water fed swimming pool and several hot water plunge pools for climbers refreshment. Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana, a North Sumatran novelist, philosopher, and painter resided here once and established an Toya Bungkah art center in 1971.
Trunyan
One of Bali Age (indigenous Balinese) village, it can easily be reach by both from Toya Bungkah and commonly from Kedisan Village. Unlike other Balinese, Trunyan people prefer exposing their dead in the open air rather than cremating them. Began by religious rites, the naked dead body is first wrapped in white cloth, then placed in a shallow pit, protected from scavengers by a triangular bamboo fence and roof. This gravesite is the most interesting part of the village beside Trunyan's rarely held festivals featuring wooden ferris wheels and masked dancers who whip bystanders

Karangasem
Overview The former capital has a similar name to the name of the regencies but it changed into Amlapura after the eruption of Mounnt Agung in 1963. Like other regencies in Bali, Javanese influenced customs can still be found in some villages in Karangasem, however, it is richer in variety and maybe as older. The royal family became independent from Gelgel after challenging them in the early 1700s. When South Bali was conquered in the early 1900s by the Dutch, Karangasem was only supervised.

Agung, Mount
For Balinese, Mount Agung is the geographical and religious center of the world. Mount Agung, its highest peak. With an elevation of 3,014 meters above sea level, the Bali's highest peak can be climbed between 5 to 8 hours. It is suggested to climb with a guide and consider not wise to climb during religious ceremonies take place in Besakih temple that located six kilometers below on the southwest slope. The last big eruption of the active volcano was in 1963 that cause big disaster.
Amed
If you travel from Amlapura, Amed is situated before Tulamben and also a known as a diving spot that has shipwreck located just 10 meters away from the shore. Beside diving, snorkeling or sailing, some nice tracking can be done through the hill. For the local, fishing and sea-salt panning is still the main income resource. The small road along the cost that also goes to Amlapura via Seraya Kangin and Ujung offer a fascinating view of the cost but about 20 kilometers of the road is considerably bad for small wheel vehicle.

Balina, Beach
A simple, quiet resort with a nice wide black sandy beach and tame waves. Diving excursions in a marine reserve offshore, go for night fishing with local fishermen using lantern or hike the beautiful hillside northwest of the area would be a highlight of your stay here.
Besakih, Temple
Missonary of Danghyang Markandeya, a priest credited with introducing the tradition of daily offerings and the concept of a single god, is claimed to be the founder of the Besakih temple in the 8th century, Bali's biggest and holiest temple. Divided into about 22 separate sanctuaries, it consist over 60 temples and 200 distinct structures. Each caste and kin group, as well as various sects, artisan guilds, and aristocratic families, maintains its own sanctuary.

Candidasa, Beach
A slow and friendly beach resorts and can be a perfect base to explore all over east Bali as most tourist amenities are available here. Huge horrendous T-shaped concrete breakwaters were built to prevent erosion, which becomes an essential problem since 10 years ago.
Iseh
A serene mountain village located three-kilometer south of Selat. The magnificent panoramic view of rice terrace and the Mount Agung attract foreign artist to have seclusion live here including Spies who created some of his most haunting paintings during his live in this navel of the world.
Lempuyang, Temple
A narrow windy road has been built from the main road in Tista (make right turn when you see sign of 'Pura Luhur Lempuyang') to first part of this one of Bali's most important temple. An extensive construction has been doing since few year ago. Although, there still a lot of building still need to be finish but the white hard lime stone that made for three main gate give an impression of a great temple. On clear day one will see not only Gunung Agung but all the way to the islands of Nusa Penida. The other four parts of the temple are located in higher level of the Lempuyang mount. Except for the temple of Telaga Mas, that still can be access by car, other parts is accessible only by walking on about 1800 steps to the highest temple through the forest. On clearer mornings you'll see not only Gunung Agung but all the way to the islands of Nusa Penida and Lembongan.
Puri Kanginan
Surrounded by a thick redbrick wall, this big 'puri' (palace) complex of the last raja Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut, is a blend of European, Chinese, and Balinese architecture and interior design. Some buildings have curios name like Bale Amsterdam and Bale London. The 'puri' is open to guest to visit from 0800 to 1700,overnight guest is sometime accepted.

Sibetan
Known as the center of salak in Bali since 1952. The tourist knows salak as snakeskin fruit that has crisp, and sweet taste, somewhere between apple and strawberry. It has low and thorny palm. The thorny of the palm is used as the fence of salak farm and easily can be seen while driving around the village. Beside selling it as a fruit to all people in Bali, now days sweet or even arak, Balinese alcoholic beverage, can be made out of salak meat.
Sideman
Situated within a beautiful landscape full with rice terrace and 'salak' trees, west of Amlapura or north Klungkung. Sideman known for its 'kain songket', interwoven with designs of gold and silver thread, as well as Balinese healers. Several accommodations nicely nestled in some part of the village, a perfect base for mediation base.
Taman Ujung
It was a beautiful royal retreat for Karangasem royal family, designed in fusion of European and Balinese architecture. The destruction began when Japanese dismantled iron bars in Taman Ujung for weaponry production then followed by Mount Agung eruption in 1963. Further an earthquake in North Bali around 1976 helplessly shattered Taman Ujung into pieces. However, the elements of beauty of the panorama and its surrounding remain.

Tenganan
The most conservative original pre-Hindu Balinese settlement, with distinction of its village layout, architecture, art, and religious rites. An ancient courtyard walls, pavilion temples, magnificent community halls, and old high-based long houses is built in very masculine, crude aristocratic style and is surrounded by 700-year-old walled village. Tenganan is the only place in Indonesia that produces double-ikat textiles known as 'Gringsing'. Lontar, the palm leaf book, and ata basket, the woven vine that last for 100 years, are other common product found within the houses of the people. Once a year around May or June a ritual trance fight (makara-kare) using a sharp prickly between pandanus leaf become an obligatory contest amongst the young men. 'Kawin pandan' : a young man throws a flower over a wall and must marry whoever catches it, is another distinct practice that hold once a year.
Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga,literately mean Water of the Gangges, is another retreat water palace built by last raja of Karangasem, in 1947. It is a well-maintained pool complex that fed by a sacred water spring emerging from the hill in the west-side of the palace. A beautiful rice terrace can be seen form the highland just a bit north of the object.

Tulamben, Beach
A small fisherman village that now also becomes one of the best diving spot in Bali. The big diving attraction is sunken American Liberty ship, torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942. Diving or snorkeling is satisfying all year around but the best time is during dry season on July and August.

Buleleng
Overview
Most of the north coast falls under the regency of Buleleng, the capital city of which, Singaraja, was once Bali's chief port. This long contact with outside influences in reflected in the ethnic diversity of its population and as a starting place for new artistic developments, which later spread south. The ruling house came to power in the 17th century and conquered parts of Karangasem, Jembrana and East Java, forming an alliance with Mengwi that lasted until the end of the 18th century when Karangasem returned to power and took Buleleng. During the mid 1800s the Dutch defeated Buleleng in their first attempt to take Bali, making Singaraja the island's first capital, as evident in the abundance of colonial architecture that remains standing there to this day.

Banjar Hot Spring
Located 10 km west of Lovina beach, the natural hot spring is surrounded by jungle mostly by bamboos and a well maintain restaurant. Consisting of three different sized pools, the green-yellow sulfur water pour from dragon shaped pipes that varying in temperature and height.
Celukan Bawang
A port located just 40 km of the main coastal west of Singaraja. Celukan Bawang receives timber and cement from Kalimantan and Java. Here you may catch Bugis schooners trading between Bali and Kalimantan. The port is also used by the Oil Company ARBN as a supply base for its offshore drilling explorations.
Gedong Kirtya
Thousands of ancient Balinese letters in form of chronicle, kakawin (old Balinese poetry), geguritan, and is written on the palm leaf, stored in the original building that was built in 1928.
Gitgit
Bali's most spectacular waterfall with 45-meter free falls water, easily accessible by 500 meters walking from parking through coffee plantation and rice field. Supported by the forest around the site, the water volume remain steady all year around. For those who has more time to spend, bring your bath towel and swimsuit to have a refreshing swim on the clear water beneath the water fall or the small river down the stream. Jagaraga A battle of Puputan Jagaraga in 16 August 1849 made Jagarag fall into a superior Dutch infantry and artillery force.
Jagaraga
was the stronghold of Gusti Ketut Jelantik and his army before then, who defied two large and well-armed expeditions in 1846 and 1848 This 16 August 1849 battle was known as Puputan Jagaraga.A number of temples are found on this , all featuring effusive, cunning, and mischievous carvings A fantastic ride, with archaic villages surrounded by vegetation not found anywhere else on Bali. The most impressive temple is its Pura Dalem that featuring carved comic-strip panels of cyclists, Balinese flying kites, dog fighting airplanes, fishermen hooking a whale, a Dutch steamer, long-nosed Dutchmen in a Model-T Ford held up by a bandit with a horse pistol, and mammoth fish swallowing a canoe.
Jayaprana Grave Site
The Jayaprana's grave is inside a temple behind glass, with figures of the betrayed Brahman and his bride. It can be reach after an our drive west from of Singaraja and 10 minutes climbing up steep concrete steps from the south side of the road main road. Jayaprana and his beloved Layonsari story of life is consider similar to the western Romeo and Juliet.
Lovina
As most of tourist amenities in northern Bali are located in this black sand beach make the area become the major tourist base in exploring northern Bali. Going out fishing or sightings of dolphins leaping with the local fishermen, or just having a beach massage, do an easy snorkeling of reef close the beach or just read you favorite book while sun-bathing would be things to do on your spare time of exploration. Bars and night pubs with live music are available if you miss them.
Munduk
Munduk is the largest of a series of mountain villages that includes Gobleg, Gesing, and Umejero located south of Singaraja. With an elevationof 800 meters above sea level, it has great natural beauty of coffee, cocoa, clove, vanilla, and tobacco gardens.
Pemuteran
A secluded, tidy, black-sand, scenic beach leads to some of the island's best snorkeling and diving spots is located 40 km west of Lovina. Several moderate to high price accommodation are available for divers who common visitors to admire reef and corals including the reserve marine ones.
Pulaki
The temple was built to commemorate the arrival of the Javanese saint-priest Nirartha to Bali in the early 16th century. Only 25 metes from the sea , the large, dramatic temple is sit in front cliffs tower that surrounded by jungle and overrun by hordes of aggressive monkeys.
Singaraja Town
Today is the capital of Buleleng regency, the name of Singaraja means 'lion king', a name commemorating a palace built in 1604 by Raja Panji Sakti. Since the 10th century, traders from all over Asia have stop at port of Buleleng to trade arms, opium and 'kepang' for fresh water, food, livestock, and slaves. A great impact of the traders groups can still be witness in the cultural life of the city. Many imposing residences and examples of European architecture still stand, reminders of Singaraja's former grandeur as the Dutch capital of Nusa Tenggara covering Bali, Nusa Tenggara Barat and Nusa Tenggara Timur. The island's capital than moved to Denpasar in 1958.
Tamblingan,
Lake The smallest and most peaceful lake in Bali offers some nice trekking spot within the preserve forests. By the local, it is a refreshing fishing spot meanwhile kayaking around the lake is available for tourists.
Yeh Sanih
Known by the locals as a recreation site since the early 30s, Yeh Sanih offers attraction of natural swimming pool of clear, fresh, cool water beside a shady seaside with black-sand beach.

jembrana
Overview
Jembrana is where the Bali begins for those who come to Bali from Java by using ferry or inland way. Bali and Java mere 4kms in distance or about threty minutes by using ferry. Within Negara as its capital, Jembrana is Bali's westernmost district and where some of Bali's oldest remains of prehistoric humans have been found.

Jembrana also happens to be Bali's most sparsely populated district. A ruling family related to the Gelgel house was established here in the mid 1400s, but a dispute among its two founders led to civil war and a destruction of the court. For a while the area was considered to be a marginal part of the Badung kingdom, but when a prince from Sulawesi set himself up as ruler of Jembrana in the seventeenth century, he did so with little difficulty. Karangasem nearly took Jembrana in the late 1800s, but was pipped at the post by the Dutch, to whom Jembrana surrendered peacefully even before any of the other kingdoms were subdued.

If the traditional art forms of Jembrana are known for anything, it is their size. Bigger is better, it seems, in Jembrana, which boasts the huge bamboo xylophones of the gamelan jegog, the kendang mebarung competitions of large oversized rums.

The makepung bull races festival is a traditional game to celebrate harvest day. It consists of a race between two carts pulled by buffaloes which is decorated very attractive and they run for 2 km long a line which take place in the villages of Banyubiru and Dlod Brawah in the dry season

Bunut Bolong
Located 9 km northeast the main road in Jembrana or can also be reached from Pupuan by following the sign og ' Bunut Bolong" to southwest. When you see a giant three standing above the road than that is Bunut Bolong, a Bunut three that has a big hole in the bottom to let the traffict passing through Delodbrawah Beach is a beautiful beach with its magic black sandy beach and one of holiday place for local people.
Gilimanuk
This ferry port at Bali's westernmost tip-88 km from Singaraja and 134 km from Denpasar-links Bali with East Java across a narrow strait, Strait Bali. Except as an around-the-clock ferry terminus, Gilimanuk has little to offer tourists. But with its basic no-frills services and amenities, Gilimanuk is a friendly little town for stopovers, for resting up. The strait itself less than three km wide with 60 meters in depth and takes only 30 minutes to cross.
Medewi Beach
Medewi beach is known for its wave, one of good places in Bali for surfing.
Malaya Village
is inhabitant by Balinese Christians. This village is also the entrance to the West Bali National Park where you can find wild Bali's Starling bird (Leucopsar Rotschildi).
Menjangan Island
is also a part of the National Park, and is renowned as harbouring the best reefs in all of Bali for snorkling and diving. Boats leave regularly to Menjangan from the port adjacent to the island in the park, and diving trips to here can be arranged from Lovina and other major tourist centres. As for surfing, go no further than Medewi beach, on the southern coastal road leading from Kuta to Tabanan and through to Negara.
Rambut Riwi, Temple
Located on the north coast road that links Singaraja with Gilimanuk, is without doubt the most renowned temple complex in Jembrana.
The West Bali National Park
as a counterpoint to the cultural wealth of southern Bali, Jembrana's main point of interest is its West Bali National Park and reserve, which encompasses the forests, mountains, and coasts of much of the district. To enter the Park, visitors must obtain a permit at Cekik, A good road provides a pretty, scenic drive from the Gilimanuk end of the park, in the west, almost all the way to Lovina in Buleleng. It is in the forest that hems this road that the long-extinct Balinese tiger once roamed, and here also the rare white Balinese starling may be sighted. Some villages are ethnically mixed, Loloan village is populated by Bugis descent with Islam as the main religion.

Denpasar
Overview
Once part of Badung Regency, in 1992 the Denpasar area split off and became Bali's ninth kabupaten. In addition to the island's capital, Denpasar Regency encompasses Sanur, Benoa Port, and Serangan Island, leaving Badung more pencil-shaped than ever.

Denpasar is the largest and busiest city on the island. An old trading center, its name means "east of the market." It's the headquarters for the government, the media, the island's principal banks, airline offices, and hospitals. Bali's two universities, Udayana and Warmadewa, are also based here. The city's local name is Badung, its old name, and you'll hear "Badung" sung out by bemo drivers all over Bali. Though it's been the capital of Bali since 1958, it's no longer the administrative center of Badung Regency. In 1992, Greater Denpasar and Sanur split off from Badung and formed their own administrative entity—Denpasar.

A hot, dusty, cacophonous, former Brahman-class city, Denpasar has grown fifteen-fold over the past 10 years and is now home to 367,000 people. Its citizenry consists of Badung's landed gentry, the priest class, and the new Balinese techno and bureaucratic elites, as well as Indonesians drawn from other islands to this economic magnet. Denpasar is one of Indonesia's most fully integrated and tolerant cities, with separate kampung of Bugis, Arabs, Indians, Chinese, Madurese, and Javanese. Without doubt it's the richest, most important city in eastern Indonesia.

Unless you've got business here, the city has few charms, other than those quiet back alleyways where people are quite friendly. The most important government offices are located in a tree-shaded administrative complex of handsome reddish brick and gray stone. Industry is low-tech and non-polluting. Denpasar is actually best at night, when it's not so hot and the individual kampung resume their normal rhythms. It seems the whole population is either directly or indirectly involved in the tourist industry, and you can easily engage people in conversation.

Denpasar's main one-way east-to-west shopping street, Jl. Gajah Mada, is crammed with chauffeured cars, noisome putt-putting bemo, roaring motorcycles, and smelly, spewing buses. The city's limited attractions include a spacious alun-alun, tourist information offices, the island's main bus stations and best-stocked markets, some good Chinese restaurants, a spirited night market, dance and drama academies, a major art center, first-class museum, and five big cinemas heralding the coming of the next kung fu epic.

Bali Museum
The largest collection of Baliana in the world is located on the east side of Taman Puputan on Jl. Mayor Wishnu just south of the tourist office. The Bali Museum was established in 1910 by the conquering Dutch, who sought to collect and preserve artifacts they felt were disappearing overseas or succumbing to the elements. In 1917, an eruption of Gunung Batur and subsequent earthquakes destroyed hundreds of Denpasar's buildings, including the museum. Rebuilt in 1925, it was used as a storehouse for artifacts and temporary exhibits until 1932, when it was established as an ethnographic museum. The German painter Walter Spies helped assemble many of its original treasures from private collections and donations.
The grand, well-kept complex consists of a series of attractive, grassy courtyards containing all the archetypes of Balinese architecture—bale agung, candi bentar, kulkul. The main structure, with its many pillars, is built in the manner of Puri Kanginan in the eastern regency of Karangasem. Standing next to it is a reproduction of Singaraja Palace on the north coast. With rich ornamentation both inside and out, the museum's architecture combines the two principal edifices of Bali, the temple (pura) and the palace (puri).
The museum's four buildings contain a splendid collection of Balinese art—Neolithic stone implements, a hoard of Buddhist clay seals excavated near Pejeng, Balinese folk crafts, carved and painted woodwork, cricket-fighting cages, dance costumes, textiles, masks, weaving looms and fabrics, agricultural tools, musical instruments, furniture, scale models of ceremonial events, ethnographic exhibits. The first pavilion is a two-story building containing high-quality, early traditional, Kamasan-style paintings; classical Balinese calendars; modern Batuan and Ubud-style paintings; and work of the Academic and Young Artists (or Naive) schools. Another pavilion displays carved media—wood, stone, clay, and bone—including sculpted windows, doors, pillars, ceiling beams, friezes, old guardian figures, demons, and specimens of Bali's extraordinarily earthy and vigorous folk art. The building, dedicated to prehistoric artifacts, displays Bronze Age implements, including the famous Gilimanuk bronze spearhead, the largest ever discovered in Southeast Asia. Also see ritual objects, priestly accoutrements, and a veranda lined with old stone statues. One building is devoted entirely to masks, weapons, and costumes of the performing arts, including rare barong pig masks and primitive dance masks from remote villages. There's also an incredible display of topeng.
A good part of the displays are annotated with English explanations, and clear maps in the central building show all the important prehistoric and historical sites of Bali. The museum also has a library and a shop selling postcards and books in English. However, there's no ground plan of the museum nor is a guide available to show visitors around. Open Tues.-Thurs. 0800-1700, Friday 0800-1530, closed Monday. Admission Rp5000. Wear long pants.
City's Local Dinning Jl. Teuku Umar, which eventually joins Jl. Imam Bonjol, the road to Kuta, is a location of well-established warung, rumah makan, and restaurants serving Indonesian specialties at very reasonable prices. The city's densest concentration of Indonesian-style eating establishments. Kumbasari Shopping Complex, just off Jl. Gajah Mada by the river. Open 1800-2400. Dozens of stalls under plastic covers serve Chinese noodle soups, fried rice, sate, excellent martabak, babi guling, nasi campur, pangsit mie, chocolate donuts, and hot.Other pasar malam include the Kereneng bus station (the Asoka Night Market), serving excellent babi guling (only Rp4500) and other native dishes; opposite Tegal station (where you catch minivans to Kuta); and on Jl. Diponegoro near the Kertha Wijaya Shopping Center. All are good, cheap, entertaining night eateries that are so inexpensive only a glutton could possibly spend more than Rp6000.
Jagatnatha Temple
Just east of the big alun-alun on Jl. Mayor Wishnu, next to the museum, is a Hindu temple, Jagatnatha Temple, built in 1953. In the afternoon, people from the surrounding kampung come here to pray; the temple's especially busy during the full moon. On a towered throne of white coral sits a bright, gold statue of Ida Batara Sanghyang Widhi in his typical pose. This is the supreme god of Balinese Hinduism. The padmasana rests on the back of the sacred turtle, clasped by two naga on plinths carved with scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The central courtyard is surrounded by a moat containing gigantic carp.
Maospahit Temple
is an important temple for its a unique and archaeologically,located in a small alley in the middle of the city off Jl. Sutomo. Enter through a door in the alley. This temple, one of the oldest on Bali, has its origins in the great 14th- and 15th-century Javanese Majapahit Empire when Hinduism was first introduced to Bali. The massive statues of Batara Bayu and Garuda guard the split gateway. On the imposing facade is a pantheon of carved demons and deities, including Yama and Indra. Heavily damaged in the 1917 quake, the earliest, now-restored buildings are in the back. Look for the terra-cotta statues.
Melanting temple
in the midst of Pasar Badung, is a market temple where vendors make offerings on their way to their stalls. Pemecutan Palace (Puri Pemecutan) Puri Pemecutan near Tegal bus station on the corner of Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Hasannudin, built in 1907 to replace the original palace of the raja destroyed by Dutch artillery. Pemecutan, which shares the complex with Pemecutan Palace Hotel, houses old weapons and a renowned gamelan mas which survived from the original puri. Don't miss the handsome, four-tiered kulkul diagonally opposite the palace with its eight small raksasa statues. Chinese porcelain plates decorate the topmost tier.
Puputan Square A great place for families to hang out in the evenings is the huge, well-kept park in the middle of town, named for the bloody 1906 extermination of the island's ruling class by the Dutch. An heroic-style monument facing Jl. Surapati commemorates this tragic event. Note the woman with the kris in one hand and jewels in the other. Eyewitnesses of the time reported that female members of the court tauntingly flung their jewelry at the Dutch troops before being mowed down by rifle fire. On every side of Taman Puputan are the traditional symbols of the power elite. North of the square is the Governor's Residence, built in Javanese pendopo style. Facing the Bali Museum is the stolid, modern military headquarters complex. Just south of the square in the middle of the city's busiest intersection is a five-meter-high, four-faced, eight-armed statue—Mukha, representing Batara Guru, "God of the Four Directions," who is even-handedly blessing all the cardinal points simultaneously.
Sanur
Sanur area is the oldest tourism village in this area, where the first five star rated hotel was built. Its know for its luxurious and quiet area for tourists. It beautiful beaches and sun rise view make Sanur becomes one of the popular tourist destination in this world. Even you can see the memorable Le Mayur museum in its beach side.
STSI and SMKI
More advanced students attend Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia (formerly ASTI), the Institute of Arts and Dance on Jl. Nusa Indah near the Art Center in Abiankapas, tel. (0361) 272361. Classes are 0700-1300 daily except Sunday. STSI director Made Bandem is responsible for a virtual renaissance in the Balinese arts. Tourism revenue is recycled into larger and grander ceremonies for the gods that, inevitably, include Balinese theater, music, song, and dance, and thus contribute to the development and preservation of Balinese art. SMKI is the Conservatory of Instrumental Arts and Dance (tel. 0361-975180, fax 975162), for high school students in Batubulan. Opened in 1960; all Balinese dances are studied here. Visitors are welcome in the mornings to watch teachers train their pupils.
The Art Center
Also called Taman Werdi Budaya, the Art Center is on Jl. Nusa Indah in Abiankapas, a suburb of Denpasar in the direction of Sanur, only a 15-minute walk east of Kereneng station. Set in a restful garden with lotus ponds amid richly carved baroque Balinese buildings, the Taman Werdi Budaya houses exhibits of modern painting, masks, and woodcarving. Both Balinese and Indonesian artists are featured. You'll find a car park, museum, and small, fixed-price handicraft shops.
Visitors can view dance and music rehearsals in two open-air amphitheaters with modern lighting. Dances are also regularly staged for the public, including works incorporating modern Balinese choreography. In the kecak performance, staged each night 1830-1930 (Rp5000), traditional flickering oil lamps are still used. Eerie and powerful. The Art Center also hosts a summer art festival each year from mid-June to mid-July, with competitions for costumes, dance, drama, sendratari performances, music, woodcarving, metalworking, and food. Every year is different, with each of Bali's regencies sending its best teams. Also see art events, crafts exhibits, and an extravagant production of the Ramayana Ballet. If it's the high season, be sure to book your hotel in advance. These entertaining and exciting cultural shows draw tens of thousands of visitors from around the world.
The Balinese Art Development Center Program, Jl. Bayusuta (in the Art Center), is open 0800-1700 daily except Monday. This tertiary-level institute offers work on the undergraduate through master's degree levels. Besides staging dances, plays, and pop concerts, it houses permanent exhibits offering handicrafts, paintings, carvings, and silver. Student discounts available.