Tanah Lot
This temple is likely the most famous and most photographed temple in the whole of Bali. It is closely associated with the legendary priest Nirartha, who came to Tabanan some time ago and was so impressed with the island’s superb setting that he suggested that a temple should be built here. According to Balinese legend this Sanghyang Nirantha, a Brahmana (highest caste in Bali) from Java who came to Bali in the 16th century proved his power by building the temple on top of a rock on shore and turned his stole into a snake to guard the temple. Up till now, you can still see the snake inside the temple’s cave. Literally, it’s a sea snake with a flat tail like a fish, and is extremely poisonous, 3 times more venomous than the cobra.
Tanah Lot is also talked about for its lovely sunsets. Tourists flock from all over to witness the sight of the beautifully outlined temple against the glowing horizon. The most breathtaking view is high up on the cliff overlooking the temple, on a cloudless afternoon. Since Tanah Lot is one of major tourist sites in Bali, many facilities are provided on the way to Tanah Lot - Balinese souvenirs, goodies, restaurants and others. If you believe in the myths, Tanah Lot has plenty of its own. The Balinese believe that lovers (unmarried couples) are forbidden to go to Tanah Lot. It is said that they’ll break up soon. The meaning of ‘Tanah’ is earth and ‘Lot’ means sea. This symbolizes the union of natural and cosmic elements. A powerful combination of energies.
Bedugul
The panoramic view is definitely a spellbinding one here at Bedugul, another elevated area in Central Bali where you will have to remember to bring along your sweater. Here, the cold breeze will not fail to follow you with its chilly caresses even during the afternoons. Many misperceptions have developed about Bedugul. Some think it’s the name of a lake, a temple, or such others, when Bedugul is actually a village.
There are many interesting places to explore in Bedugul such as The Bali Botanical Gardens, Lake Beratan the second largest lake in Bali, Lake Bunyan, Lake Tamblingan Ulun Danu temple and others. Since it’s considered a cold area, you will find fruit vendors selling strawberries, snake skin fruits, mangoes, corns, and others which you will find rare in your own country. You can also have a good time playing golf at Bali Handara Kosaido Country club, which is ranked top 50 in the list of the World’s best courses by Golf magazine.
Pura Ulun Danu
In the town of Candi Kuning sits the Pura Ulun Danu, this lakeside temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Dewi Danau, the goddess of water. The gardens are endowed with an abundance of colourful flowers and the driveway provides astounding views over Kintamani, Mount Agung and the sea.
Pura Luhur Temple
Situated at the foot of Mount Batukau, southwest of Bedugul, stands another Balinese wonder called the Pura Luhur Temple. Deep in the midst of the rainforests, this place is a unique encounter between nature and man.
Jatulawih
Jatulawih is a small village whose name translates to “truly marvelous” in English. The view certainly lives up to its name and the sight encompasses a large portion of southern Bali.
Pejaten
The villages here have an ancient tradition of pottery-making – pots, tiles, ornaments, all from fire-baked clay. The pots are used all over the island and due to its delicate nature, the continuity of its supply and demand is ensured.
Alas Kedaton
Alas Kedaton or Holy Forest is a small forest of around 12 hectares. In this forest is an old temple and to the southeast of the temple is a small field called the monkey cemetery. However why it is called so has not been verified in any manner. There are nonetheless hundreds of monkeys here in the forest, and high up on the big trees are many bats hanging and singing with their loud voices.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Bali Aga ( The Original of Bali )
Bali Aga (The Original Balinese)
The original Balinese or Bali Aga, are a unique ethnic group that still live and practise a way of life that pre-dates modern civilisation. The Bali Aga are thought to be the original inhabitants of Bali who fled imperialistic invaders, eventually finding refuge in the solitude of Bali's remote mountains. Only two villages remain - which until recently, were firmly shut away from the rest of the world, hidden in the hills of East Bali.
Located just west of Candi Dasa lie the villages of Tenganan and Trunyan, isolated across the vast Lake Kintamani. The villages, home to the Bali Aga, are shut off by a solid wall surrounding the entire village. The wall is only broken by means of four gates, each facing north, south, east and west. Within these walls lies a massive Banyan tree surrounded by a low wall of uncut stones, making up a small enclosure for a very sacred temple. Tenganan has only recently opened up to outsiders although strict rules still apply, especially concerning marriage to outsiders. Tenganan has wonderful fabrics, including the renowned double weave ikat cloth.
The villagers of Tenganan are tall and slender with very pale complexions and refined manners. The men folk still wear their hair long and have a communistic system which does not recognize individual ownership of property. Every house in Tenganan looks exactly alike, with a flight of steps leading to a small gate opening into a courtyard with sleeping quarters, kitchen, and a long house for storage. A small empty shrine, signifies a place where spirits may rest when they visit their descendants.
Tenganan owns huge tracts of fertile and well cultivated lands capable of satisfying the needs of the village; and also making Tenganan one of the richest in Bali.
A people known for their filed and blackened teeth, the Bali Aga are said to bring the spirits of their ancestors down to Earth for protection through sacrifices. The Bali Aga leave the bodies of their dead in the jungle to be carried away by the spirits, and they are believed to have possibly eaten parts of their headmen's bodies to absorb magic powers. Family clans are ruled by a council of elders who are also religious priests. The Bali Aga revere the forces of nature and the spirits of their ancestors, with whom they continue to live as a great family of both the living and the dead.
Bali Aga Rites
The Tenganans practice an ancient rite known as mekare kare, the ritual blood sacrifice. This is not as gory as it sounds, but an event where all villagers get involved in an annual ritual combat, using thorny pandan leaves to draw blood.
Each combatant hits his opponent with the aim of drawing blood. The ritual fight will be held every time there is a temple ceremony is Tenganan, which tends to fall in the fifth month of the Balinese calendar.
The fighting and the blood are real, and all participants come well prepared, carrying weapons of a rotan-woven shield and a bundle of thorny pandan leaves, used to scratch the opponent's skin until it bleeds.
Before the fight begins, participants drink rice wine or tuak, fermented local palm, to symbolise brotherhood and sportsmanship. But when the selonding music fills the air, a volley of fierce jeers, insults, cheers and shouts are thrown to instill fear. And the fighting begins.
The fighting is judged by a mediator, most probably a prominent figure of the village, and usually lasts for a fierce 5 to 10 minutes. The first person to draw blood with the thorny weapon is victor, and the person he draws blood from is the vanquished. Both victor and vanquished are broken up by the mediator as soon as blood is drawn.
As the injured are treated with traditional liquid medicines, and all fighters recover their strength, the whole village prepares food and drink for an elaborate feast which must follow the Balinese sacrifice of human blood.
Balinese culture has also got a population control mechanism in their child naming practices, and this is not only confined to the Bali Aga, but encompasses every Balinese. Every first born is named Wayan, second born Made, third Nyoman, and the fourth Ketut. Anymore children will see a repeat of the names following the order. But this practice definitely is a big hint and subtle reminder to stop at a maximum of four!
The original Balinese or Bali Aga, are a unique ethnic group that still live and practise a way of life that pre-dates modern civilisation. The Bali Aga are thought to be the original inhabitants of Bali who fled imperialistic invaders, eventually finding refuge in the solitude of Bali's remote mountains. Only two villages remain - which until recently, were firmly shut away from the rest of the world, hidden in the hills of East Bali.
Located just west of Candi Dasa lie the villages of Tenganan and Trunyan, isolated across the vast Lake Kintamani. The villages, home to the Bali Aga, are shut off by a solid wall surrounding the entire village. The wall is only broken by means of four gates, each facing north, south, east and west. Within these walls lies a massive Banyan tree surrounded by a low wall of uncut stones, making up a small enclosure for a very sacred temple. Tenganan has only recently opened up to outsiders although strict rules still apply, especially concerning marriage to outsiders. Tenganan has wonderful fabrics, including the renowned double weave ikat cloth.
The villagers of Tenganan are tall and slender with very pale complexions and refined manners. The men folk still wear their hair long and have a communistic system which does not recognize individual ownership of property. Every house in Tenganan looks exactly alike, with a flight of steps leading to a small gate opening into a courtyard with sleeping quarters, kitchen, and a long house for storage. A small empty shrine, signifies a place where spirits may rest when they visit their descendants.
Tenganan owns huge tracts of fertile and well cultivated lands capable of satisfying the needs of the village; and also making Tenganan one of the richest in Bali.
A people known for their filed and blackened teeth, the Bali Aga are said to bring the spirits of their ancestors down to Earth for protection through sacrifices. The Bali Aga leave the bodies of their dead in the jungle to be carried away by the spirits, and they are believed to have possibly eaten parts of their headmen's bodies to absorb magic powers. Family clans are ruled by a council of elders who are also religious priests. The Bali Aga revere the forces of nature and the spirits of their ancestors, with whom they continue to live as a great family of both the living and the dead.
Bali Aga Rites
The Tenganans practice an ancient rite known as mekare kare, the ritual blood sacrifice. This is not as gory as it sounds, but an event where all villagers get involved in an annual ritual combat, using thorny pandan leaves to draw blood.
Each combatant hits his opponent with the aim of drawing blood. The ritual fight will be held every time there is a temple ceremony is Tenganan, which tends to fall in the fifth month of the Balinese calendar.
The fighting and the blood are real, and all participants come well prepared, carrying weapons of a rotan-woven shield and a bundle of thorny pandan leaves, used to scratch the opponent's skin until it bleeds.
Before the fight begins, participants drink rice wine or tuak, fermented local palm, to symbolise brotherhood and sportsmanship. But when the selonding music fills the air, a volley of fierce jeers, insults, cheers and shouts are thrown to instill fear. And the fighting begins.
The fighting is judged by a mediator, most probably a prominent figure of the village, and usually lasts for a fierce 5 to 10 minutes. The first person to draw blood with the thorny weapon is victor, and the person he draws blood from is the vanquished. Both victor and vanquished are broken up by the mediator as soon as blood is drawn.
As the injured are treated with traditional liquid medicines, and all fighters recover their strength, the whole village prepares food and drink for an elaborate feast which must follow the Balinese sacrifice of human blood.
Balinese culture has also got a population control mechanism in their child naming practices, and this is not only confined to the Bali Aga, but encompasses every Balinese. Every first born is named Wayan, second born Made, third Nyoman, and the fourth Ketut. Anymore children will see a repeat of the names following the order. But this practice definitely is a big hint and subtle reminder to stop at a maximum of four!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Bali The island of paradise
Pariwisata di daerah bali merupakan sektor paling maju dan berkembang tetapi masih berpeluang untuk dikembangkan lagi. dengan objek wisata yang beragam meliputi 47 objek wisata,seperti Kintamani, Pantai Kuta,Legian ,Sanur,Tanah Lot,Nusa Dua,Karangasem,Danau Batur ,Danau Beratan (Bedugul),Sangeh, hingga Buleleng.
Sejak tahun 1980-an,mulai berkembang wisata jurang,lembah,dan Bungalow di bali. Hal ini sangat digemari wisatawan asing karena mampu memberikan suasana magis bagi para penghuninya. misalnya saja apartemen dan villa di tepi tebing di kawasan nusa dua. Yang menjadikan villa ini ramai dikunjungi adalah karena adanya fasilitas selayaknya fotel berbintang lima. misalnya swiming pool,bussines center,spa,fitness center, hingga dinning restaurant bertaraf internasional.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Alam Puri Villa in Bali
Alam Puri Villa is a Bali Villa located at south of Ubud and North East of Denpasar city among the formerly traditional Balinese village, this Bali Villa which is now in an urban area. On the side of road which can also access to Ubud. Alam Puri Villa is constructed on a slope of small river across of which is a stretching rice terraces. Around Alam Puri Villa's area there is totally absence of shop and restaurant. Although there shops/restaurants, they are for local, no entertainment near by. The nearest shopping area and restaurants is Sanur around 15 minutes drive by car, or Sudirman area shopping center, where also around 15 minutes drive from Alam Puri Villa. A note is that Alam Puri Villa area is also absence of tourist, only local people with their daily life as formers, mechanic or local trades. It is a real hide away place after you explore culture Bali tour or nature Bali tour, or any Bali travel programs.
Alam Puri Villa Guest room
Alam Puri Villa has 11 private villas set in a compound using artist's names, equipped with air condition, telephone, spacious living room, quality tables and chairs sets, terraces, and gardens.
* Alam Puri's Ridi Villa ; a 3-bedroom villa, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, lobby and private plunge pool. The floor is terrached, lower terrace has living room, twin bed-room, shower room and kitchen. Other 2 bedrooms are on higher terrace. Appropriate size of bedroom is 5.2 x 4.5 sq meters, and living room is about 6x9 sq meters with 2 sets of quality tables and chairs. Most wall are made of local stone and white washed, while floor is mixed marbles and shiny ceramic tiles.
* Alam Puri's Bendi Villa ; a 2-bedroom has 2 bathrooms with tub, living room, dining room, kitchen, and private pool. Living room size is around 5x9 sq meters with marble floor and 2 sets of tables and chairs. In front of living room is an open spacious balcony floor is also in terrace. On lower terrace are living room and kitchen. On higher floor are 2 bedrooms together with bathrooms. Beds are installed in twins. Walls are constructed with local stone and inlaid with white wash. Alam Puri's Gunarsa Villa ; a 3-bedroom has 2 bathrooms, one with bathtub, and one with shower. Living room size is around 9x9 sq meters, dining room, kitchen and private pool. All beds are installed in double. Floor is also laid out in terrace, lower terrace are living room and kitchen with 2 set tables and chairs. Floor is terracotta, and walls are with white washed. Double bedroom has size around 4x4 sq meters has shower room, wash basin, and changing room. Floor is local tiles. Higher floor has 2 bedrooms, bathtub, shower and wash basin. Bathroom is constructed in marbles with approximate size 2.5 x 2.5 sq. meters. Bed room size is around 5x6 sq. meters. Quality wardrobe, tables and chairs sets.
Alam Puri's Lempad Villa ; a 1-bedroom has bathroom with tub and shower, spacious living room, and kitchen. Bedroom size is around 6.5 x 6 sq meters, living room is around 4x4 sq meters with one set table + chairs and sofa. Kitchen size is 4x2 sq meters. Villa facing the rice field and main pool from balcony. Floor is constructed in marbles, and walls are constructed in local stone plaited with white wash.
Alam Puri Villa Facility
Alam Puri Villa has restaurant, swimming pool, rent-car, IDD telephone, and room service, security. Family plan : No charge for 2 children under 12 years sharing same parent's bed. Electric Supply : 220 Volt Check-out time : 12.00 noon. Credit card accepted : Visa/Master/JCB/BCA cards.
Room Rates - Valid until 31 March 2009
VILLA TYPE at Alam Puri Publish rates ++ Internet rates
1-BR Pool Villa
Royal Pool Villa - 1BR Villa
Royal Pool Villa - 2BR
VillaExtra bed US$ 350.00
US$ 450.00
US$ 600.00
US$ 50.00 US$ 175.00
US$ 200.00
US$ 230.00
US$ 25.00
Airport - Alam Puri Villa : US$ 15.00 net/car. Mini van car hire from Alam Puri Villa : US$ 40.00 Net/car/day. Alam Puri Villa - Nusa Dua or Ubud : US$ 15.00 Net/car. Surcharge : US$ 55.00/room/night for 25 December - 05 January
ALAM PURI VILLA
Jl. Trenggana No. 108 Denpasar 80238 Bali Indonesia.
Phone : +62-361-463448, Fax : +62-361-463447
For booking inquiry, please send to :
Alam Puri Villa Guest room
Alam Puri Villa has 11 private villas set in a compound using artist's names, equipped with air condition, telephone, spacious living room, quality tables and chairs sets, terraces, and gardens.
* Alam Puri's Ridi Villa ; a 3-bedroom villa, 3 bathrooms, kitchen, lobby and private plunge pool. The floor is terrached, lower terrace has living room, twin bed-room, shower room and kitchen. Other 2 bedrooms are on higher terrace. Appropriate size of bedroom is 5.2 x 4.5 sq meters, and living room is about 6x9 sq meters with 2 sets of quality tables and chairs. Most wall are made of local stone and white washed, while floor is mixed marbles and shiny ceramic tiles.
* Alam Puri's Bendi Villa ; a 2-bedroom has 2 bathrooms with tub, living room, dining room, kitchen, and private pool. Living room size is around 5x9 sq meters with marble floor and 2 sets of tables and chairs. In front of living room is an open spacious balcony floor is also in terrace. On lower terrace are living room and kitchen. On higher floor are 2 bedrooms together with bathrooms. Beds are installed in twins. Walls are constructed with local stone and inlaid with white wash. Alam Puri's Gunarsa Villa ; a 3-bedroom has 2 bathrooms, one with bathtub, and one with shower. Living room size is around 9x9 sq meters, dining room, kitchen and private pool. All beds are installed in double. Floor is also laid out in terrace, lower terrace are living room and kitchen with 2 set tables and chairs. Floor is terracotta, and walls are with white washed. Double bedroom has size around 4x4 sq meters has shower room, wash basin, and changing room. Floor is local tiles. Higher floor has 2 bedrooms, bathtub, shower and wash basin. Bathroom is constructed in marbles with approximate size 2.5 x 2.5 sq. meters. Bed room size is around 5x6 sq. meters. Quality wardrobe, tables and chairs sets.
Alam Puri's Lempad Villa ; a 1-bedroom has bathroom with tub and shower, spacious living room, and kitchen. Bedroom size is around 6.5 x 6 sq meters, living room is around 4x4 sq meters with one set table + chairs and sofa. Kitchen size is 4x2 sq meters. Villa facing the rice field and main pool from balcony. Floor is constructed in marbles, and walls are constructed in local stone plaited with white wash.
Alam Puri Villa Facility
Alam Puri Villa has restaurant, swimming pool, rent-car, IDD telephone, and room service, security. Family plan : No charge for 2 children under 12 years sharing same parent's bed. Electric Supply : 220 Volt Check-out time : 12.00 noon. Credit card accepted : Visa/Master/JCB/BCA cards.
Room Rates - Valid until 31 March 2009
VILLA TYPE at Alam Puri Publish rates ++ Internet rates
1-BR Pool Villa
Royal Pool Villa - 1BR Villa
Royal Pool Villa - 2BR
VillaExtra bed US$ 350.00
US$ 450.00
US$ 600.00
US$ 50.00 US$ 175.00
US$ 200.00
US$ 230.00
US$ 25.00
Airport - Alam Puri Villa : US$ 15.00 net/car. Mini van car hire from Alam Puri Villa : US$ 40.00 Net/car/day. Alam Puri Villa - Nusa Dua or Ubud : US$ 15.00 Net/car. Surcharge : US$ 55.00/room/night for 25 December - 05 January
ALAM PURI VILLA
Jl. Trenggana No. 108 Denpasar 80238 Bali Indonesia.
Phone : +62-361-463448, Fax : +62-361-463447
For booking inquiry, please send to :
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)