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Villages in Bali

UBUD VILLAGE
In many ways Ubud is considered Bali's cultural heart. Located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family. »» read more
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UBUD VILLAGE

In many ways Ubud is considered Bali's cultural heart. Located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family.

Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specialising in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewellry as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art.

Ubud's role as the epicentre of Balinese culture makes it the perfect place to see traditional Balinese dance and drama. From the early 1920's the royal family ensured that most talented teachers of dance, music and drama were brought to Ubud to entertain the King and pass on their knowledge. Dances like the Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in the village of Bona, just 15 minutes drive from Ubud. Bali's most accomplished dancers, musicians, painters and carvers live in just 10 square kilometres.

Balinese Hinduism remains stronger in Ubud than elsewhere in Bali so it's highly likely you will come across a festival, cremation ceremony or celebration of some kind during your stay. Balinese Hinduism is distinct from that of India and has absorbed the animism of Bali's pre-Hindu ancestors - inspired by the extraordinary beauty of Bali's landscapes - rice fields, mountains, river gorges, villages and ancient temples.


WHERE TO STAY IN UBUD

The outskirts of Ubud has some excellent five star hotels and luxury villas in stunning locations like the stylish Maya Resort on the river Ayung with its riverside Spa, and Alila Ubud in Payangan. Smaller local hotels and guest houses can be found discreetly situated around the town, enabling Ubud to retain its local charming atmosphere.

Hotels like the Puri Wulandari, Kupu Kupu Barong, Four Seasons Ubud, Pita Maha, Komenaka and Villa Teratai all have a uniquely Ubud flavour.


SIGHTSEEING

Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest - a natural forest reserve popular with both locals and tourists. Inhabited by wild monkeys (don't even think about petting them) who will steal your camera, bananas, handbags, toupes, etc., These mischievous monkeys provide lots of entertainment. Interesting meandering paths lead to charming places like the bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of ancient forest.

Just off the main square a lovely arched stone bridge leads to the Hindu elephant-headed Lord Ganesh overlooking a small, square, moss-covered pool where several koi swim at his feet.


WHAT TO DO IN UBUD

Go whitewater rafting down the breathtaking Agung Gorge about half an hour outside Ubud centre.

Ubud is an easy place to walk around. The main streets are lined with local shops and restaurants, studios, gift shops and galleries. Browse the art shops and take a leisurely stroll around the town.


AROUND UBUD

Peliatan: Located between Ubud and Mas, Peliatan is the traditional centre of music, and dance.

Batubulan: A small town on the road to Ubud famous for its excellent stone carvers. Workshops are located all along the roadside and visitors are welcome to see the carvers at work. Local legend states that all the men from teenagers to old men are accomplished carvers.


TRADITIONAL DANCE

Ubud is one of the best places to see traditional dance and drama accompanied by superb traditional orchestras. For information on performances, transport schedules, temple festivals, and special activities, inquire at the Ubud Tourist Information Center, across from the Pura Desa (village temple).


Source: http://www.bali-indonesia.com

Image Source: http://santorinibalitours.com; http://pchanez.club.fr/




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TEMPLES IN BALI

ULUN DANU TEMPLE
Ulun Danu Temple is a Balinese Hindu Temple located at Candi Kuning countryside, Baturiti sub district and Tabanan regency. The distance from Denpasar town is about 50 km north side the way from Denpasar to Singaraja. It is set at lakeside of Beratan with beautiful lake view and hills surround it. It is situated in the plateau area with cool atmosphere surround it and hills as a backdrop. »»  read more
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ULUN DANU TEMPLE


Ulun Danu Temple is a Balinese Hindu Temple located at Candi Kuning countryside, Baturiti sub district and Tabanan regency. The distance from Denpasar town is about 50 km north side the way from Denpasar to Singaraja. It is set at lakeside of Beratan with beautiful lake view and hills surround it. It is situated in the plateau area with cool atmosphere surround it and hills as a backdrop. We can find at north side of this temple is Pucak Sangkur mount, in the eastside there is Beratan Mount which also referred as Pucak Mangu or Pucak Pangelengan, in the south side there is Terate Bang Mount and in the Westside there is Tapak Mount and Watukaru Mount.


The Story and Philosophy

Pura Ulun Danu Batur, built in 1926, is the second most important temple complex of Bali, after the mother temple Besakih. The temple is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers. "Ulun Danu" literally translates as "head of the lake".

The name of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is taken from the lake where the temple is built at Beratan Lake. The name of Beratan Lake is inseparable with the Beratan Mount as Deity and Goddess as fertility source, prosperity to keep the prosperity in life and society life.

Actually the Pura Ulun Danu is a complex of nine different temples, containing in total 285 shrines and pavilions dedicated to the gods and goddesses of water, agriculture, holy springs, art, crafts, etc.

The following describes the major objects of the Pura Ulun Danu:

PURA PENATARAN AGUNG BATUR, the principal temple, has five main courtyards. The most dominant shrines are the meru's, an 11-tiered one situated in the inner and most sacred courtyard, which is dedicated to the lake goddess, and three 9-tiered ones for the gods of mount Batur, mount Abang, and Ida Batara Dalem Waturenggong, the deified king of the Gelgel dynasty who ruled from 1460 to 1550. Another 3-tiered meru is for Ida Ratu Ayu Kentel Gumi who protects the crops from disease.

In the northwest corner one can find a shrine with colorful statues that is built in Chinese style and dedicated to Ida Ratu Ayu Subandar, the patron saint of commerce and the 'administrator' of the gods. The worshipping of this god dates from the Hindu-Javanese days in which the king used to appoint a harbor master, usually a Chinese, who was responsible for the storage and the protection of valuable objects. One of these objects, a golden belt, can be admired at the bale gedung, the building where these valuable objects were stored.

PENATARAN PURA JATI is related to the source temple on the western shore of the lake. Odalan: Sasih Kedasa (March 19, 2008).

PURA TIRTA BUNGKAH is related to the hot spring down by the lake.

PURA TAMAN SARI and PURA TIRTA MAS MAMPEH are concerned with agriculture.

PURA SAMPIAN WANGI is dedicated to such crafts as weaving, sewing, the making of offerings and ceremonial cakes.

PURA GUNARALI is where adolescent boys and girls can invoke help to develop their natural abilities.

PURA PADANG SILA consists of forty-five stone shrines for the minor gods and goddesses of Pura Ulun Danu Batur.

PURA TULUK BIYU is another relocated temple. Tuluk Biyu is the old name of Abang, the second highest mountain in Bali. The temple used to be located at the southern slope beneath the summit of Mt. Abang.

Sources: http://www.balistarisland.com; http://www.wonderfulbali.com
Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nakkuta/3052585507/
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SEMINYAK BEACH


A few miles north of Kuta is Seminyak which is the hippest part of southern Bali. More upmarket than Kuta and home to Bali's best bars, clubs and restaurants with new places opening almost weekly. Creative energy is the phrase that best sums up Seminyak, energy which also extends to the fashion boutiques.

Cool comes at a price, featuring strongly are world class hotels and resorts located next to the beach. Expect prices to be a little higher than Kuta.


WHERE TO STAY IN SEMINYAK BEACH

Seminyak has some excellent boutique and five star resorts with lovely gardens, Asian style and Balinese features.


THE BEACH

Limited road access to the beach means that it's less busy here than Kuta. Conditions are monitored less here than in other places so be very careful when swimming.


SEMINYAK BEACH NIGHTLIFE

Lots of trendy restaurants, cafes and stylish bars are to be found in Seminyak which attract a cool crowd of locals and hotel guests from nearby boutique hotels.

It's still part of the Kuta area - but the trendy sophisticated end.


WHAT TO DO IN SEMINYAK BEACH

Seminyak over the last few years has quietly established itself as a centre for excellent shopping and fine dining.

Seminyak is a great place to go shopping. A walk along the main road can take much longer than planned because there are so many interesting individual shops to browse. Unlike many resorts where you will find the same goods sold in every shop, here you'll find so many different designs, styles and unusual items, reflecting Bali's unique culture. From jewellry to local designer clothing to lifestyle items.


GETTING AROUND

Everything you need is withing walking distance Seminyak and Kuta centre is literally a five minute taxi ride.

Metered taxis and Bemos (a small open-air bus) can be found easily.

Source: http://www.bali-indonesia.com
Image Source: http://www.cliobali.com/images/seminyaks-best-beach.jpg
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JIMBARAN BEACH


Located on Bali's west coast - Jimbaran offers a small secluded beach area, where tranquility and peace are the perfect antidote to a stressful world. The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest.


WHERE TO STAY IN JIMBARAN BEACH

Luxury five star hotels like The Intercontinental and Four Seasons resort consistently rank in the top 100 best hotels in annual readers polls conducted by the prestigious travel companies. On the hillside overlooking the sea the awesome Ritz Carlton.


THE BEACH

Gentle tides, dramatic sunsets, fine seafood restaurants. No watersports available on the beach although some may be arranged with the hotels who provide equipment and boats for snorkeling trips and sea canoe excursions.


WHAT TO DO IN JIMBARAN BEACH

Envelope yourself in five star luxury. Gorgeous Spas, fantastic views, ocean breezes, friendly impeccable service. You rarely need to leave the hotel - but if you do, local fishermen will be glad to take you sightseeing along the coast!

Jimbaran's other premier attraction is the local seafood market at the end of the beach. Walk along the beach to reach the market and the excellent local seafood restaurants that line the seafront. Popular with both locals and visitors, it can get very busy at mealtimes!

Source: www.bali-indonesia.com
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/abreedapart/3262163973/
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BEACHES IN BALI

kuta beach baliKUTA BEACH
Kuta Beach bustles with tourists vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone. Rapid development and an influx of visitors hasn't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy the beach life. »»  read more


JIMBARAN BEACH
Located on Bali's west coast - Jimbaran offers a small secluded beach area, where tranquility and peace are the perfect antidote to a stressful world. The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest. »»  read more


seminyak beach baliSEMINYAK BEACH
A few miles north of Kuta is Seminyak which is the hippest part of southern Bali. More upmarket than Kuta and home to Bali's best bars, clubs and restaurants with new places opening almost weekly. Creative energy is the phrase that best sums up Seminyak, energy which also extends to the fashion boutiques. »»  read more
»»  read more