Beautiful Bali

Bali is an Indonesian island which is known for its forested volcanic mountains, rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. There are many impressive temples to visit. Visitors enjoy the beachside cities and resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

Found around 20 km northwest of Kuta is Pura Tanah Lot. In Balinese “pura” means temple. This is one of Bali’s most iconic temples with an awesome seaside setting. It sits on a rocky islet that is surrounded by crashing waves. The Balinese look at this as one of the most sacred of all the island’s sea temples.

Every evening many people make their way here to watch the sun set behind the temple. This temple was built at the beginning of the 16^th century and is thought to have been inspired by the priest Nirartha, who requested that local fishermen build a temple after having spent a night on the rocky outcrop.

Even though foreigners can’t enter any of the temples it is well worth the walk here at low tide and to wander along the paths taking photos. There are cliff top restaurants and cafes where you can relax. From here you can take a walk to another sea temple the lovely Batu Bolong.

 

People begin their climb in predawn darkness, trekking up the 1,700 meter summit of Mount Batur so they can watch the sun rise. This is a sacred active volcano lying in Kintamani District in Bali’s central highlands. The hike takes you along well-marked trails and is a relatively easy hike taking from two to three hours.

Guided treks include picnic breakfasts, with eggs cooked by the steam from the active volcano. On clear days the view is fantastic and you can see across the way all of the surrounding scenery and beautiful Lake Batur, the island’s main source of irrigation.

When taking the climb you can also visit one of Bali’s most important temples, Pura Ulum Danu Baur, on the northwest shore of the lake

and take a therapeutic bath in the hot springs at the village of Toya Bungkah.

 

Puru Luhur Uluwatu sits high on sea cliffs looking down on one of Bali’s best surf spots. In Balinese “Ulu” means “tip” or “land’s end” and “watu” means rock. This is a great place to catch a magnificent sunset. It appears the temple dates back from the 10^th century. It is believed to protect Bali from evil sea spirits. It is also thought that the monkeys who live in the forest near the entrance guard the temple from bad influences.

A scenic pathway winds from the entrance to the temple. Only Hindu worshippers are allowed to enter. Visitors can take in the wonderful setting and the sunset Kecak dance performances, taking place here daily.

Ubud Monkey Forest is just a ten minute walk south of the town center in Ubud. It is also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. In this tourist town this is one of the top attractions.

Troops of grey long-tailed macaques make their home here and freely roam about. There are paved pathways through the thick forests of giant banyan trees and nutmeg. You can see moss covered statues and ancient temples.

On the southwest side of the forest is one of the three temples found in the forest. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, dating from the 14^th century. There are hundreds of monkeys swinging through the trees. Visitors should secure their belongings and not make eye contact or smile at the monkeys as these are signs of aggression. Don’t bring food into the area.

Ubud Art and Culture was made famous by the book and movie “Eat, Pray, Love”. Ubud is also the epicenter of Balinese art and culture. The modern Balinese art movement was born here. It is surrounded by royal palaces and temples.

Two art museums Agung Rai Museum of Art or ARMA

and the Neka Art Museum are just a short distance from the Ubud Monkey Forest. Both museums display contemporary art works among them kris or ceremonial daggers, photos and classical wayang or puppet figure paintings.

You can also take a look at Setia Darma House of Masks & Puppets featuring ceremonial masks from Asia and elsewhere.

Museum Puri Lukisan displays Balinese artistic styles

and the Don Antonio Blanco Museum is the artist’s former home and studio.

If you enjoy shopping for art do take a look at the Ubud Art Market. Here you can see stalls with carvings, sculptures, jewelry, sarongs, paintings and house ware.

Opposite the market is the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace that hosts traditional Balinese dance performances in the evenings.

Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are lovely emerald rice fields. The first are located about a thirty-minute drive north of Ubud.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces are one of the most famous areas to take photos. Locals will ask for donations along the trail through the rice fields. After you can relax at one of the restaurants and cafes that overlook the rice fields.

A 90 minute drive will take you to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces that cover over 600 hectares of rice fields along the hillsides of the Batukaru Mountain range.

Waterbom Bali is an action-packed waterpark right in the heart of Kula. There are kid friendly swimming pools. You can drift down Lazy River or zoom down one of the many twisting water slides and rides. Restaurants and cafes cater to different diets. The grounds have shady trees and lovely tropical gardens.

On the western shore of Lake Bratan you’ll find the 17^th century Pura Ulun Danu Bratan one of Bali’s most picturesque temple complexes.

This temple is set against the background of Gunung Bratan. The thatched temples reflect upon the water.

Lake Bratan is one of Bali’s main sources of irrigation and drinking water. The temple complex is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the sea and lakes. An unusual feature is the Buddhist stupa on the left of the entrance to the first courtyard with figures of Buddha meditating.

Not far from this temple complex you’ll find the Bali Botanic Garden with lovely bamboo forests, orchids and medicinal plants.

On the grounds you’ll also find the Bali Treetop Adventure Park which is great fun for kids with Tarzan swings and suspension bridges.

Bali is known for its flamboyant designers and fantastic shopping. You can shop along the busy streets of Seminyak. There are chic shops and busy market stalls. There are many top boutiques.

Its two main malls are Seminyak Square

and Seminyak Village.

Kuta Beach might be crowded but it is a popular beach. Two more beaches can be

found nearby Legian

and Seminyak Beaches. You can book surf lessons, rent surfboards, boogie boards, sun loungers and umbrellas.

Along the beach there are many cafes and restaurants.

Nusa Islands among these the most popular are Nusa Lembongan. Here you can surf, snorkel, dive, kayak and paddle.

The main attractions include lovely Dream Beach,

Mushroom Bay

and the Devil’s Tears rock outcrop.

Just over a bridge is the neighboring island of Nusa Ceningan with a beautiful blue lagoon.

The largest of the island trio, Nusa Penida is just a boat ride away. There are rock formations, caves and a bird sanctuary. You can see manta rays, sunfish and turtles. Accommodations on these islands range from rustic huts to luxury villas.

Sekumpul Waterfall located in the Singaraja region in Bali’s north. This is a series of about seven waterfalls. Many hikers hire a local guide to take the three-to-four-hour round trip trek. You can see rice terraces and local villages and heads through a dense tropical jungle.

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