Saturday, February 5, 2011

Top Things to do in Bali




Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits, in which dwell major deities, in Uluwatu's case; Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures. Bali's most spectacular temples located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu lies at the southern tip of Bali in Badung Regency. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. This is a popular place to enjoy the sunset. Famous not only for its unique position, Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur (literally high temples or ascension temples) which become the focus for massive pilgrimages during three or five day odalan anniversaries. The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple, Goa Lawah, is also Pura Luhur. Not all Pura Luhur are on the coast, however but all have inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water.
Naturally being a temple, there is a strict dress code although sarongs and clothes can be rented at the entrance. Inside be watchful of the cunning monkeys that love snatching bags and cameras from visitors.
Pura Tanah Lot ("Temple of Land in the Middle of the Sea")

is a spectacular sight, especially at sunset. The temple of Tanah Lot stands on a rocky island just off the southwest coast of Bali. One of Bali's most sacred sea temples, Tanah Lot is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea. The temple itself is said to be guarded from evil by the sea snakes that inhabit the caves below.
The temple itself is not accessible to visitors, but magnificent views can be had from a variety of points nearby. Crowds especially gather on the terraces nearby to watch the glow of the sunset behind the temple. Naturally, there are plenty of souvenir shops and cafes with a view to keep you well-supplied while doing so.

Mount Agung is a big place, the biggest of Bali’s mountains. It’s the holiest place in Bali, and it deserves respect for its beauty as well.
This place has everything:
* Treks up the mountain, where you find yourself literally above the clouds in an ever-changing sky, able to see the whole of Bali. The light is a photographer’s dream. No two pictures of Mount Agung are the same. Dawn and sunset are quite spectacular.
* An ancient temple which is stunningly beautiful. This is an early style Buddhist temple, a true historical site. For culture tours, it’s a must.
* White water rafting down the Telaga Waja River. It’s real white water rafting, with professional backup. It’s an adventure within an adventure.
Those are just the basics. The area is full of fascinating things to see, and it’s well stocked with discreet modern conveniences. They don’t overdo things on Bali. Everything is understated to some degree, and the tasteful surroundings don’t distract from the fantastic, incredible place.

Known as the "mother Temple of Bali, the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.
Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu, are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups.
To the Balinese, a visit to the temples sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or "Odalan". The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, coloured banners add a touch of gaiety.

is located in Ubud 20kms north of Denpassar. Explore the three holy temples set in a dense jungle and populated by long-tailed macaques (monkeys). They look cute but don't feed them as they are wild animals with no table manners. Keep hold of your possessions as they are known to bag snatch!
The island of Bali is blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island. The eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas. Do not swim at a beach if a red flag is planted in the sand.
Surfing is taught by several surf schools teaching beginners and intermediates along the popular stretch of sand and gentle waves between Kuta and Legian beaches, while Seminyak offers intermediates a little more challenge with less crowds.
Sanur.

On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resort developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Kuta and Legian



Practically on the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Kuta and Legian stretch on the southwestern side of Bali, again only about 5 to 10 minute drive from Denpasar or the airport. Surfing is a major activity in these beaches. Shops, Kecak dance performances, pubs, and other facilities make Kuta a tourist mecca.
Jimbaran is directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar towards Nusa Dua. The village of Jimbaran is the narrow neck of the island of Bali, and thus it has two remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beach faces the Jimbaran Bay, recently lined by new luxurious resorts. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor.

Nusa Dua is a new luxurious resort area where the world's most sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Crystal clear water provides excellent snorkeling and diving site, and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua allow for great surfing opportunity.

Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Night life activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If you like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd, Lovina Beach is for you.
 
Home to hundreds amazing animals representing more than 50 species, including some of rare and endangered species. Combining Balinese cultural ambience with African Savannah, Bali Safari and Marine Park features the following exhibits featuring Sumatran elephant, Sumatran tiger, white tiger, leopard, komodo dragon and cheetah are just some of the fascinating creatures that can be seen at the Bali Safari and Marine Park.
Fulfilling its mission of conservation, education and recreation through one of our attractive Elephant Show devoted to animals involved in conservation and education projects and so much more excitement by riding the elephant with our Elephant Back Safari around the African Savannah and get to see your favorite animal up close! in Animal Encounter make the Bali Safari and Marine Park's leading family attraction and adventure in Bali.

 
is one of the most popular and spectacular sightseeing tours in Bali. Visit the cooler mountainous region of Bali where horticulture in the main activity. The main attraction for visitors is around Lake Batur and the spectacular view of the crater lake set in a vast volcano caldera. A climb to the summit of Mount Batur, still an active volcano, to watch the sunrise is an unforgettable experience for more energetic travellers.

Is a wonderful elephant sanctuary where visitors can learn about elephants and go elephant treking around the park.
Acclaimed as the World's Best Elephant Park, facilities include a full Reception and Information Centre, a comprehensiveMuseum, with a large collection of elephant memorabilia and the only Mammoth Skeleton in South East Asia.  A visit to the Elephant Safari Park is a must for any visitor to Bali.  Get up close and personal with these incredible animals in a beautiful tropical park setting.  Elephants can be seen immersing themselves in the park lake, in between riding, painting or other activities.  Hand feed them, touch them, take photos with them, then learn more about the elephants ancestry and diversity at the Park's historical and graphic displays
The centre of Balinese painting, Ubud's Museum "Purl Lukisan" 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, including that of Dutchborn Hans Snel and American Antonio Blanco. The "Young artist" style now popular in Balinese painting was introduced by the Dutch painter Arie Smith. In the past, other foreign painters inspired Balinese artists to adopt western techniques but traditional Balinese paintings are still made and sold another museum called "Neka Museum" has a wide collection of paintings both by Indonesian as well as foreign artists who used to live in Bali. Ubud has several small hotels. Located on a higher altitude with a pleasant climate.
Driving northeast from Denpasar, stone figures on the roadside mark the village of Batubulan. Divinities and demons are carved from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples. Workshop can be visited to watch artists at work.

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