2010 photo EH Snellen van Vollenhoven .Ubud

Bali Island Information from GOTOBALI
Interesting Places in Bali


Bali is famous for its culture and beautiful natural view. The culture is so unique and nowhere else to be found in the world.
The view is dominated by beautiful rice field terraces, coconuts and rain forest as the main occupation of Balinese is farmer.
The culture and the nature have a strong relation with Hindu, their religion.
Everywhere you go, you may see many Hindu temples. And their life is also
strongly related with and influenced by their religion. This is the reason why Bali is
called the Island of God, the Island of Thousand Temples, and the Paradise Island.

Interesting places in Bali Island:

Ubud Village In the Heart of Bali

Ubud - Beauty, natural, exclusive and exotic. That is the characteristic of the well known artists' colony in the world.
Many people (most students, researchers, and scientists besides common people) from all over the world
come to this place to explore its interesting features.

The cultural image of Ubud is paramount to people as home to the best art museums in te country, like Puri Lukisan, Neka Museum, ARMA (Agung Rai Museum & Art), etc. Visit the Antonio Blanco museum the Asian Salvadore Dali. Many western artist lives in Ubud for the inspiration.

Ubud is an ideal place to see Balinese dance, Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in or aroud the Ubud area.
Ubud gives you opportunity to see real Bali. It is a place for leisurely strolls through rice terraces, lush forests, breath-taking gorges and deserted swimming holes, all within walking distance from the center of Ubud. You must visit Monkey Forest - walk along Monkey Forest Road from Ubud, down into a dense forest where you will find a bunch of happy monkeys waiting for passing tourists.
You can use Ubud as your base in Bali. It is centraland the cultural heart of Bali.

Ubud is chosen as the Best City in Asia with indicator of Atmosphere, Ambience, Sites, Friendliness, Lodging,
Restaurant and Shopping. Ubud beat other cities; Bangkok in the second place with 82.2, Hong Kong with 81.3,
Chiang Mai 80.9, Kyoto 80.2, Singapore 79.6, Shanghai 75.9, Jaipur 74.2, Tokyo 72.9 and Hanoi 69.

Where to stay and what to do in Ubud ?

Hotel Villa Sonia
Nuriani Bungalows
Rumah Suwandi

Tours and pick up airport


Use Hotel Villa Sonia as your base
in Bali. Click picture


Hotel Villa Sonia
www.villasonia.nl
www.soniahotel.com



Nyuh kuning Ubud
Famous in Nyuh Kuning the Monkey Forest Wood . Julia Roberts play in the movie in the
wood and in a villa in Nyuh Kuning.

www.nyuhkuning.com
Monkey Forest Wood




Julia Roberts
Click picture for trailer : Eat Pray Love






Peliatan Ubud
Peliatan is located between Ubud and Mas. It has been known as the center of traditional music, and dances. The fine art of local woodcarvers started a new style of wood carving producing such things as fruits, flowers and trees in their real shapes and colorings.
close Ubud

Tegallalang.
Tegallalang can be a one-stop-shop place for gifts, to take home. The locals make carved goods, some of which
end up in Ubud, some go straight on sale here.
Rice terraces of Tegallalang.


close Ubud

Goa Gajah Temple
The Elephant cave is carved in to rock face and reached by a flight of steps. It probably dates back to the 9-12th centuries
and shows elements of both Hindu and Buddhist. You can enter the cave through the huge mouth
of a demon. In front of the cave are two bathing pools with spring water gushing from spouts
help by female figures.
A kilometer from Goa Gajah is Yeh Pulu. After a short walk through rice terraces,
you will arrive at an ancient rock carving dating from the 14th century. The carving depicts various scenes of everyday
life and the figures of elephant-headed Ganesha indicating a close relationship between the two sites.
close Ubud

Lovina
Tourists looking for a quiet beach resort can head 10 km west from Singaraja to Lovina, a long
stretch of beach (with hotels and bungalows). The black sand beach is safe and a perfect place for the swimming
and snorkeling. Lovina also offers dolphin viewing. It is the perfect base from which to explore northern Bali.

Where to stay in Lovina ?
Chonos Hotel in Lovina Dutch owners very clean click:
www.bungalow-villa.com/lovina.htm

Besakih Temple
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 Vishnu, 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, colored banners add a touch of gaiety.
Besakih Tour

Bedugul
The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course.
Located beside Lake Bratan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight is the "Ulun Danu" temple
which seems to rise out of the lake. The area offers good-walks. Boats, water skiing, and parasailing
are available for hire. The Bali Handara country club has bungalows for rent and a restaurant.
When the heat and humidity gets to you, why not escape to Bedugul, Bali's highland retreat tucked
into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 metres above sea level.
Here three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for springs,
rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forests seem to create a freshness in the air.
Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruits , vegetables and flowers.
www.bungalow-villa.com

Amed
For snorkeling and diving the best place. Every bay is different, some shingle, some rocky and some sandy, with Bali’s best diving
right off the beach. In one bay there’s a Japanese WWII patrol boat just 10m off the shore. Accommodation is
reasonably priced and ranges from basic to good quality, with new places opening every couple of months.
Food is adequate and cheap but don’t expect nightlife, as there isn’t any.
Every bay is lined with double-outrigger fishing boats and the horizon is filled with literally hundreds of triangular
sails as they head off to the fishing grounds morning and afternoon. Amed is a perfect destination for families
and the more mature travelers. Younger people like it too but often overdose on peace and tranquility after a few days.

Candi Dasa
Small village by the sea .Different hotels and bungalows. Nice location for snorkeling.





Kintamani
The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, make this
region a must to visit. Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular v
iews to be found anywhere on the island. Lake Batur also provides water for an underground network of streams and
springs across the southern slopes of the mountain.
The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here
but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise.
Many cheap losmens are available here.
Kintamani Tour

Tanah Lot Temple
One of Bali's most important sea temples, Tanah Lot is built a top a huge rock which is surrounded by the sea. Built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century, its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.
Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruder. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.
Sunrice tour and Tanah Lot

Denpasar City
The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called "Pura". One is the Museum called Pura Jagatnatha which is dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world.
The Museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, whereas its architectural design resembles that of a palace. The government supervised "Sanggraha Kriya Asta" has a wide variety of handicraft and works of art. The "Werdi Budaya" presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest and so on. There is also a bird market in Denpasar and you can find shopping malls.





Uluwatu Temple
South Bali on Bukit Badung. This cliff top temple, dedicated to the spirits of the sea, has spectacular views and is popular for viewing sunsets. The famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural marvel situated on headland at the western tip to the plateau. According to local tradition, the first Uluwatu temple was built in the 11th century, In the 16th century, it was rebuilt into its current state. The temple has some of the most exquisite architecture in Bali. The carvings made in the unusually hard coral stone have withstood time well.

 

Sangeh
Sangeh is the famous Monkey Forest, set in heart of the only primary forest in southern Bali. This forest consists entirely of pala (nutmeg) tree. The monkeys living here are considered sacred and hence used to make barong.

Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah is the bat cave. This cave is crammed with thousands of bats which are unseen but certainly not unheard during the day. The cave is part of a temple that is said to lead all the way to Besakih but it's unlikely that anyone would be interested in investigating.

Kerta Gosa
Kerta Gosa was used a venue for the administration of justice by kings and priests during pre-colonial times.
It is surrounded by a moat and is decorated with beautiful paintings on its ceilings, which depict tortures in hell
and bliss in heaven.
The Bale Kembang (Floating Pavilion) stands behind the Kerta Gosa. Its painted ceilings
depict the legend of the hero Sutasoma and his sacrifices, and of Pan and Men Brayut, known as the
couple who had too many offspring.

West Bali National Park
West Bali National Park is situated in two regencies: Jembrana and Buleleng. The entrance on the Jembrana
side of the park is at Melaya on the Denpasar - Gilimanuk road. Visit this place if you are looking
for pristine tropical nature. The park is the last natural habitat of the endangered Jalak Putih, fewer than fifty are
believed to be left in the wild, where they are threatened by poaching. The park also home to banteng and deer-like Menjangan.
The National Park contains a broad rang of natural environments, from magrove coastal forests to savana and
rainforest shelters.To enter Bali National Park one must go to the park office in Cekik.
Accommodation is available in basic huts but you must bring your own bedding and untensils.

Tampak Siring
The temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring at Tampaksiring. Over 1000 years old, the temple
and its two bathing places have been used by the people for good health and prosperity because of the spring water's
curative powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification. Specialties of the area are bone and ivory carvings,
and seashell ornaments.

Batubulan
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. Workshops can be visited to watch artists at work.
Batubulan also is famous for Barong Dance which is performed daily here. The dance symbolizes the never-ending battle
between good and evil. The Pura Puseh Batubulan, a beautiful temple, is also worth visiting while in Batubulan.

Celuk
Celuk is center for Balinese goldsmiths and silversmiths. More 40 jewelry workshops are located along the road from
Batubulan to Celuk. The jewelries are exported worldwide.
Celuk and Mas and Ubud Tour

Sukawati
Sukawati is famous for its art market (Pasar Seni) and dalangs (puppeteers). Set in a two-floor building, the market
sells everything from statues to dance costumes.

Mas
Mas is famous for woodcarving. Mas offers a myriad of wooden items. The main road of the town is lined with
dozens of workshop.

Kuta
Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is
now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a beach for surfing although
currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day.
Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets.
Accommodation ranges from international hotels to home stays. The village abounds with restaurants, shops,
discotheques and other tourist facilities. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and
dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists, than anywhere else in Bali. Some performances are staged nightly.
The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.
www.bungalow-villa.com

Menjangan Island
This little island off Bali's west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs found nearby and the
wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it. The island itself including Terima Bay, are by themselves
worth a visit because of the beautiful sceneries they offer.

Nusa Lembongan Island
Nusa Lembongan, a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in the Badung Strait,
is the perfect location for a holiday hideaway with few visitors and pristine unspoilt beaches.
Overlooking Sanghiang Bay with its clear sapphire-blue waters, the Nusa Lembongan Resort offers
a panoramic view of eastern Bali and the majestic silhouette
of Mount Agung.
Lembongan Island

Nusa Dua
The Nusa Dua tourist resort is part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south. The most convenient form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by taxi.




Padangbaai
Padang Baai Blue Lagoon a small village with a lot of restaurants and also accomodations.
Very good food and not expensive.
Different hotels , bungalows and backpackers places.
When you need transport from the airport or from Ubud to Padangbaai then you can contact us.
Padangbaai

Sanur
Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar. The palm-lined beach curves
from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean towards
the east. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities.
It is only a short distance from Denpasar. Public transportation to and from the city are easily available
until well into the night. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves to
make it popular for wind surfing, boating and other water sports.


Where to stay in Sanur ?
Jambu Inn bungalows
La Taverna beach hotel

Munduk & Tamblingan in the highlands of Bali

Very nice and quit area for walking and close from Munduk in Gesing there is the biggest tree from Bali.
About 800 meters above the sea level. Munduk lies on a steep road, that runs past Lake Tamblingan, to Mayong, and
connects with the north-south road to Seririt. Munduk is a quiet village, but one that can be used
as a point from which to explore the area. Visit the waterfall.

 

Tabanan

Tabanan is a great part of Bali, with a long coastline, sweeping rice-fields and cool highlands. It also has some parks that
visitors might like to check out while exploring the area.
Tabanan




Terunyan
Bali’s best know inhabitant is the Bali Aga, the islands oldest aboriginal wholived here long before
the Majapanhit invasion in the 14th century.
Legends has it, that the village was established on the spot, where an ancient “Taru Menyan” tree stood – hence
the town’s name. It is said that in
ancient times the lake goddess Dewi Danu was lured down from heaven by the lovely scent of this tree.
Trunyan provides evidence of how Bali’s earliest people used to live.
From the village Kedisan by the lake in Kintamani a small motorized boat takes us to the cemetery. 
Trunyan village is located at the foot of Mount Abang.It is one of Bali’s oldest villages and presumably belongs to the first or
second migrants to Bali.
The “Aga Bali” Experience
Special Daytour Kintamani Lake Batur and Terunyan
Terunyan







DISCOVER BALI WITH DAYTOURS:
http://www.gotobali.nl/gotobali-tours.htm

Some information from the website www.baliwww.com

Startpage for Bali:
WWW.GOTOBALI.NL

Accomodations in Bali:
WWW.BUNGALOW-VILLA.COM