Bali is a small island, midway along the string of islands that makes up the Indonesian archipelago, but without a doubt, it is one of the most famous islands of Indonesia. Bali is frequently referred to as “The Paradise Island” because of its reputation in the world as a tropical paradise of untold beautiful nature, idyllic mood and never ending fascination. The island is also known as “The Island of Gods” because worship colors every facet of life among the Hindu Balinese in their daily activities. Bali occupies an area of only about 6,000 square kilometers. The longest distance is about 140 kilometers. Bali is located just off the eastern tip of Java, from which it is separated by the narrow Bali Straits. Immediately to its east is the island of Lombok, across the Lombok straits. On the south and north side of the island is flanked by the Indian Ocean and Java Sea, respectively. The island lies eight degrees south of the equator. There are so many places to visit around Bali, mostly people coming to famous place such as:
Bali’s largest reserve encompasses about 70,000 hectares of rainforest’s and 70,000 hectares of coral reefs and is home to many species of fauna. The Bali Barat National Park can be reached by roads from Gilimanuk and Singaraja or by using Ferry from Ketapang There are several habitats in Bali Barat National Park, Savanna, Mangrove montane and mixed monsoon forests, and coral islands. Some 160 species can be found inside the park, including the Banteng, Barn Swallow, Black-naped Oriole, Black Racket-tailed Treepie, Crested Serpent-eagle, Crested Treeswift, Dollarbird, awksbill Turtle, Indian Muntjac, Java Sparrow, Javan Lutung, Leopard Cat and the critically endangered Bali Starling.
The enormous crater basin of Batur is a spectacular sight, dominating its centre is Mt. Batur, a brooding, blackened cone that erupted four times last century. Six small villages eke out an existence within the walls of the caldera, peopled by a simple mountain folk known as Bali Aga. Batur caldera is situated in the north eastern part of Bali Island, and about 70 km north of the capital city of Denpasar. There are six main routes of travel to the caldera that can be attained from Denpasar and one route from Singaraja. The most useable of these is the road from Denpasar to Kintamani passing Bangli city.
The cool highland resort of Bedugul on the shores of Lake Bratan has become a popular retreat for tourists and residents alike. The mountain village of Bedugul by Lake Bratan is on the main road connecting north and south Bali and is an interesting place to stay for a night or two, especially if you are a golfer as the renowned 18-hole Handara Golf Course is located here.
Bali’s “Mother Temple” is a sprawling complex of shrines and pavilions set high on the slopes of sacred Mt. Agung. It owns beautiful view from the top of temple area where we can see the wide nature panorama until to the ocean so that way this temple is many visited by tourists from all over the world. Besakih Temple is located in Besakih countryside, Rendang sub district, Karangasem regency, east part of the island.
The ancient hermitage of Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) near Bedulu is one of Bali’s most intriguing archaeological sites, comprising a man made grotto, elaborate stone carving and Buddhist stupas. Literally means Elephant cave, and it is a “T” shaped cave. This was an ancient monastery of Hindu and Buddhist monks who used to meditate in the cave. It is believed that the cave was built in the early 11th century. Its face is elaborately carved, depicting a demon head splitting open the rock with its bare hand at the mouth of the cave.
The Kerta Gosa Hall of justice is a small pavilion adorned with fantastic ceiling murals. In the 18th century it was Bali’s Highest court of law. The entire complex is known as Taman Gili , but the name Kerta Gosa is better known. Balinese culture has its own system called adat, meaning traditional law, but for serious offenses Kerta Gosa was the end of the line. Kerta Gosa is located right in the center of Klungkung next to the main roundabout. The gardens of Taman Gili, in which Kerta Gosa sits, were built in 1710. The most impressive thing is the decorated ceiling containing terrifying artwork depicting good vs. evil.
Kuta Bay, with its long stretch of white sand and brilliant also beautiful sunset, has attracted swarms of visitors since its rediscovery by surfers and sun worshippers in the 1970s. Kuta beach is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar’s airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta is most breathtaking. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport’s runway, which gives the visitors a breathtaking landing experience.
Lovina is an 8 km strip of black sand on Bali’s arid northern coast renowned for its serenity and local school of dolphins. Located only four kilometers west of Singaraja, the capital of North Bali, and a ninety-kilometer drive from Denpasar. This resort currently has many restaurants especially those offering seafood, some star hotels, and many good and truly relaxing accommodations
The Beautifully landscaped beach resort of Nusa Dua is home to no less than 15 five star resort hotels, the 18 hole Bali Golf & Country Club and excellent shopping facilities.
A small island of Bali’s southeast coast, Nusa Lebongan is popular for its white sand beaches and quiet pace of life. Several cruise operators offer day trips from Benoa Harbour. The water is some of the clearest you can find and aqua blue in colour; good for diving and snorkeling. Surfing is crowded but nice waves. Nice coral sand beach. Learn about the cosmetic seaweed farming industry. There are two main beaches. Jungutbatu in the north is the bigger of the two with a myriad of hotels and cheap eateries, and traditionally used to attract the backpackers and the surfers.
Populated by a large troupe of monkeys, this thick stand of nutmeg trees is believed by legend to have fallen out of the sky during a mythic battle between the gods, carrying with a battalion of Wisnu’s monkey army. The main attractions here are the hordes of funny yet wise Balinese monkeys inhabiting both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, found in the heart of the forest. The monkeys of the forest are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple.
The resort area of Sanur has grown up around Bali’s largest traditional village and today boast excellent facilities for international visitor. Sanur was Bali’s first beach resort but still retains its Balinese character and old style village ambiance. 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 we jog along the white sandy beach.
Tanah Lot (Earth from the sea) is stunning 15th sanctuary located of Bali’s south coast, about 12 kilometers from Tabanan City and 20 kilometers from Denpasar, built a top a rocky mound that high tide is completely surrounded by water. Most come here longing to catch a glimpse of the romantic Tanah Lot sunsets, a regular occurrence during the dry season
With its warm water, extensive coral reefs and abundant marine life , Bali offers excellent diving and snorkelling possibilities. Some of Bali’s most interesting diving is found at Tulamben, where the shallow wreck War World II US cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942, is now festooned with colourful corals and schools of tropical fish.
Perched on limestone cliff 70 metres above the Indian Ocean, this 11th century temple is one of Bali’s holiest sites. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the SW, 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.
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