Where to Dive ?

South of Bali see Bali Map
- Nusa Lembongan : one of Bali best diving sites. Sheltered coral reefs provide exceptional diving and snorkeling but be aware of strong undertows.
- Nusa Panida : Witness the most diverse variety of fish and corals. Be aware of strong currents.
- Ceningan Island : Just off Bali’s east coast. Great snorkeling for beginners and intermediates as currents are not strong.
Lombok Island : Bali’s neighbour island. Off its coast are the famous Gili Isles, with some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the region. Be aware of potentially strong currents around and between these islands.

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This exhilarating experience is a must for all thrill-seekers.
For those unfamiliar with it, parasailing turns you into a human kite suspended hundreds of feet above the emerald green waters of Tanjung Benoa Gulf stream.
Be sure to find a company that will ensure your safety.

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This is usually done on whitewater or different degrees of rough water, raising the thrill factor and excitement for participants. You can find professional companies at Telaga Waja, Unda river or Ayung river.

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The legong dance is in fact like a full ballet in which there are included many divertissements such as Pendet (welcome dance).
Oleg Tamulilingan (courtship of the Bumblebees). Tani Tenun (dance of the weaving girls) etc.
What binds these dances together is the unique Balinese style of body placement, the strong musical accents accompanied by swift and dramatic changes of direction, and the unique use of eyes and hands. To understand something of Balinese dancing, one must see the Legong.

SANGHYANG DANCE
Traditionally, when the community is threatened with dangers caused by demons and evil spirits,the Sanghyang is danced as a means to establish or strengthen the contact between the Gods and mortals.
The dance is performed by young girls who have shown the ability to go into trance and they are carried on the shoulders of male attendants. Also featured is a male on a wooden horse, who is able to dance barefoot.

BARONG AND KERIS DANCE
This is a ritual contest between two nether-worldly figures - the chaotic Rangda, and the opposing force of protection, oder and healing, the Barong.

KECAK DANCE
This is a recent form of an old ritual dance, choreographed a new in the 1930s by the late European artist Walter Spies in collaborations with I Wayan Limbak, a principal dancer from Bedulu Gianyar. The sanghyang circular chorus of nearly 100 barechested male dancers become a forest, a legion of monkeys and whatever set is required for Ramayana epic.

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In spite of many changes caused by the rapid development of Bali’s economy, local and international tourism, and communications (television, fax, pagers, GSM hand phones, Internet), the influx of people from other Indonesian islands, and the strong influence of the government and “big business” in Jakarta, the island of Bali in Indonesia is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world
Bali’s wide variety of attractions, the physical beauty of the island, and the year-round pleasant climate make Bali a place regarded by many visitors as the “Ultimate Island”.

 The temple is at Bedulu village, Blahbatuh district/Gianyar regency.
It is about 26 km in distance from Denpasar, strategically surrounded by ricefield and the calley of Petanu river.
The locations is right on the excursion road Denpasar – Tampaksiring heading to lake Batur and Kintamani Resort.

The name “Goa Gajah” is not definitely known derived from certain source of origin.
However literally, the combination between the word “Guwa” (cave) the old name listed in the old manuscript “Ergajah” and the word “Gua Gajah” (Gajah = elephant) means “Gua Gajah” (Elephant Café). Some archaeological remains found, indicating that the temple belongs to very old ones are : Budha statue, there-branching stupa, fountain statues, etc.

TANAH LOT TEMPLE

The district of Tabanan boasts Bali’s most famous temple, which is set on a rocky protrusion that becomes an island at high tide, offering spectacular sunset views in the dry season.
Tanah Lot, tanah means earth and lot means ocean, consists of a couple of shrines built on an outcropping of rock on the ocean. The temple symbolizes the balance between male and female; inner and outer world. One of Bali’s cosmic temples”Sad Kahyangan” which was built the great saint of Bali Danghyang Nirartha, in 16th century. Its popular because its sunset view, just like postcard. Next to Tanah Lot temple is located the complex of Bali Nirwana Resort.

BESAKIH, THE MOTHER TEMPLE :

It is the biggest temple in Bali or even in Indonesia, consisted of 18 temple complexes, therefore it is often named “The Mother Temple”.
The temple is located at Besakih village, district of Rendang, belongs to Karangasem regency. It is right on the foot of mount Agung, about 1000 meters height above the sea level.

It is about 13 km in distance from Klungkung, the capital town of Klungkung regency, or about 60 km from Denpasar, the capital city. It can be easily reached by cars or other motor vehicles since the road is finely asphalted.
Referring to the inscriptions, Besakih Temple was constructed in the eleventh century (1007. A.D). The name “Besakih” was derived from the word “Basuki” means : “Safe” related to the burying of “Panca Datu” (5 kinds of metal) by “Dang Hyang Markandya (one of Hindu’s Holy Messengers came to Bali), at earliest time of the temple’s constructions.

From 1019 – 1042, King Erlangga ruled East Java while Empu Kuturan (the other Holy messengers) acted as Senapati (The King’s representative) in Bali, residing at Silayukti, Karangasem region. Empu Kuturan was said as the one who expanded the temple and built more shrines as seen nowadays.

VOLCANO OF MOUNT BATUR

It is located on the Southern part of Kintamani Village, about 8 Km. in distance, next to the main road of Singaraja – Denpasar through Kintamani.

With height of 1771 m, Mount Batur, Mount Batur has long been known continuously billowing from its peak, mixed with fog covering the surrounding area.

With its volcanic lake, lake Batur, Mount Batur has long been known for its beauty, moreover if viewed from the upper land or the villages above it i.e : Kintamani, Batur and Penelokan villages.

The volcano can be reached by motor vehicles either two – wheeled or four.
Mount Batur is frequently used as focus of activities like : hiking, mountain biking, and so on by students during holiday, while on its neighborhood, there are some other places of interest like. Jati temple, Toya – Bungkah Hot spring, Trunyan the ancient Village and so on.

Crowdedly visited, either those go directly to take or just overlook the view from Penelokan village.

TAMPAKSIRING PALACE AND TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE

It is located at Tampaksiring village and belongs to district of Tampaksiring, Gianyar regency about 46 kilometers North East of Denpasar with good access from anywhere and by any means of transportation.
Tampaksiring Palace is one of the Republic of Indonesia’s Presidential Palaces located on this island.

The Palace was built upon the idea of the late President Soekarno, the first President of the Republic Indonesia in 1957, the site on which was formally built the resting house of the King of Gianyar and had been known as a place of interest since long time ago.

The palace is located on highland with beautifully designed sets of building, spacious courtyard decorated with flower gardens and shady big trees surrounding it. The weather is cool and pleasant and the palace is marvelously overlooking Tirta Empul Temple with its lovely natural pools and bathing-places, freshly watered with natural spring inside the temple. On the front yard of the temple there are row of souvenir-shops with interesting displays of various styles of handicrafts made of wood, bone, coconut, shell, etc.

SANUR BEACH

Sanur Beach is located at Sanur Village, Denpasar district. Denpasar municipality main beach is in the eastern and southern of Sanur Village. It is has been well known since a long time ago, especially when a war called “Puputan Badung” took place on 20 September 1906, and when the Dutch anchored his troops there. In the history of old Bali, Sanur Beach is also very famous, since is was found a written stone of the King of Kesari Warmadewa that resided at Singahadwala in 917 at Blanjong South of Sanur Beach. This beach was first introduced by a Belgian painters A.T. Le Mayeur with his Balinese wife Ni Polok who had stayed there since 1937 and often painting exhibitions of his own.
The main attraction of Sanur Beach is the one at Northern Part which has a half circle and the Southern part has a turning point from the east to the west, with not so bog wave. In a low tide one can see coral reefs stretching colorfully. When it is approaching dead moon, it has a high tide. In the south east, one can see Nusa Penida island across the sea and in the eastern, the panorama of south beach of Bali island along with its range of mountains is a spectacular sight that should not be missed. In the afternoon the scenery of the beach is very beautiful.

Sanur Beach is about 6 Km from Denpasar, one can get to this beach by car, motorcycle or public transport which link Sanur Beach and the city of Denpasar, and there is no problem with public transport on the run regularly.

The beach is always crowded by visitors both domestic and foreign and on holiday and Sundays, the locals will gather there for swimming and doing other activities.
There are some international Hotels there, among others are : Grand Bali Beach, Hyatt Hotel, Sanur Beach Hotel, Sindhu Beach and Restaurant are also available to serve tourists.

PADANG BAI (NATURAL AND CULTURAL TOURIST OBJECT)

One interesting thing about this place of interest is its location as a bay sheltered by tough Blackstone wall so its underwater treasure is quite well – protected.

The eastern part of Padang Bai Beach has white – sand, so visitors are fond of it and spend their time there by swimming and sun bathing.

This part of the beach is also best place for diving or snorkeling due to its amazing underwater panorama and colorful decorative fish.

Padang Bai is also a harbor for cruise ships carrying tourists who visit Bali via sea, even though since the harbor has not been suitable yet for ships they cast anchors at Labuhan Amuk nearby.

Padang Bai is located at Padang Villag, District of Manggis, Karangasem regency,about 53 km distance from Denpasar or about 30 km west of Amlapur, the capital – town.
One can reach Padang Bai through the route Denpasar – Karangasem, turn to the right at the junction of Manggis village.

Some accommodations and restaurants have been available at Padang Bai for visitors spending holiday, or those who are going to/ from Lombok Island.
To cross Lombok straits to Lombok Island some ferries are available to serve passengers, four times daily.

To support the visitors marine activities, motorboats or the locals traditional rowing – boat called “Jukung” are ready for rent or used at regular price.

Vast parking – lot and rows of souvenir – kiosks are also available.

Padang Bai resort is often visited by both domestic and foreign visitors who come for its peaceful atmosphere and its natural beauty a combinations between mountain and sea view attraction as well as to watch the locals daily activities.

Padang Bai is a natural bay safety sheltered by cluster of hills and has since long been functioned as sea port.

During the time of the Dutch colonization and influenced by the using of the language, the name Teluk Padang gradually became Padang Bai (Padang Bay).

CANDI DASA BEACH :

Candi Dasa resort is located on a hill slope, by the main road between Denpasar-Amlapura or it is about 50 Km from Denpasar to the East.
The is a large pond in the centre of the resort and from that site; one can enjoy the beautiful sea view of Lombok straits.

“Bhuana Tatwa Maharesi Markandya” inscription describes that Candi Dasa Temple which is located opposite to the pond is a holy place to worship God Almighty, however the reason why the place and the temple named “Candi Dasa” is not described, so there is an assumption that the name “Candi Dasa” might be derived from the existing of “Lingga” (the divine symbol of Syiwa) located inside the hole on the upper side of the hill.

In the inscription described that the temple was built by a group of high priests, Syiwaist and Budhist at the time of King Jayapangus reign in 11121 Caka yearor 1190 A.D (or around 1117 – 1181), therefore it is assumed that Candi Dasa temple wasbuilt in 12th century.

It is also described in the inscription about “Bhuwana Tatwa Maha Resi Markandya”, in which Candi Dasa temple functions as :

- The holy place to worship God Almighty (Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa).
- The divine symbol of Syiwa (“Lingga”) located inside the hole ia a means of worshipping Syiwa to humbly request for fertility, prosperity and the sustainability of the Universe. It is also a special means of spiritualists or hermits to achieve “Sunyata” or “optimal emptiness” (God as Syiwa’s nature) with prime letters “Om Namah Syiwaya”.
- The place of “Hariti Goddess”, statue placed on the lowest part of the hill of Candi Dasa.
The statue was sculptured as a mother with 10 children surrounding her, to indicate the figure as the lover and protector of children as well as the Deity who bestows fertility and prosperity.

Therefore, the locals of the neighborhood village mainly childless couples of long time marriage, come to worship with special offering for Hariti Goddess requesting a child.
There are some hotels or simple accommodations, restaurants and other facilities available.

The beach is also favourable for marine activates like sailing and diving as to enjoy the beauty of the underwater panorama.
Candi Dasa beach has been one favorite recreational resort both for domestic and foreign visitor.

LOVINA BEACH NATURAL ATTRACTION)

Lovina resort is known for its beautiful beach with calm water, black sand, its underwater coral stone and various kinds of tropical fish. Since the sea water is mostly calm, Lovina beach becomes an ideal swimming or just immersing in the water.

Added to all those attractions is the existence of flocks of dolphins in their original habitat. One can watch hundreds of this friendly fish in the morning, at about 1 km off – shore.
Watching the jumping dolphins with range of mountains as the back-ground at the South, the reddish sky about sunrise time, all of which can offer a very interesting view to visitors.

Lovina resort also has some other interesting places nearby, like Banjar hot spring, the Budhis Vihara, Gitgit and Singsing water falls as well as some traditional village with their simple way of life to see (ecotourism).

Formally, this tourist is called : “Kalibukbuk tourist resort” however it is known more as “Lovina” Beach.

This resort covers two districts i.e : Buleleng district consists of villages of : Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Anturan and Kalibukbuk, while the other district is : Banjar consists of the villages of Kaliasem and Temukus. Both of the districts belong to Buleleng regency. The centre of this tourist resort is located about 10 km from Singaraja, the capital town.

Being the centre of tourist activities in Buleleng regency, Lovina Beach is completed with sufficient facilities like : star and non star hotel accommodations, home stays and bungalows, restaurants, souvenir shops, transport companies, money-changers, tourist information service, telephone / communication kiosks, parking lot etc.

As the leading tourist resort in Northern – of Bali, Lovina has the biggest number of visitors arrival to Buleleng and based on the tourist survey done in 1992, it was about 90% of the whole number of visitors visiting Buleleng spent most of their time at Lovina.

There are no definite evidences or sources of information about the origin of the name “Lovina” however, based on the information given by the sons of the late Anak Agung Panji Tisna, the descendant of the King of Buleleng who was also a well known man-of-letters, the name “Lovina” was given by the late upon a property under his name located at Kaliasem village on which he built a bungalow as resting place.

It was said that the name Lovina taken from a small hotel in India named : “Lafeina” where he spent his night and wrote a book titled “Ni Ketut Widhi”, which was then translated into several foreign language.

The remember the small hotel in India, he then gave his property a name “Lovina”. However there is a different version telling that the name “Lovina” was given, because there were two “santen” trees planted by his son which then grew embracing each other and that “Lovina” in latin means “love each other”.

The name “Lovina” was then translated By Mr. I Ketut Ginantra, the regent of Buleleng (1988-1993) as an acronym of “Love” and :Ina” means “Love Indonesia”.

This day celebrates the victory of the Balinese over the wicked Giant King Mayadenawa and a return of the Balinese to a religious way of life. In celebration of Galungan, decorated bamboo poles (penjors) are erected outside every door way, signifying prosperity, and numerous offerings are made in shrines and at temples of note is Uluwatu temple.

Kuningan Day Ceremony
The last day of the Galungan celebrations. Ceremonies are performed commemorating the spirits of the hero ancestors that died in battle. Offerings of yellow rice play a significant role on this day.

Full Moon Ceremony
Full moon ceremoniesare held at all temples. This day is also spent preparing offerings, decorations and food for the upcoming Galungan celebrations.

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Gen.Teuku Asikin Husein is Bali’s New Chief of Police

General Asikin Brings Extensive Criminal and Intelligence Work to His Job as Bali’s Top Cop.

(5/18/2008) 57 year-old Inspector General Teuku Asikin Husein was formally installed as Bali’s Chief of Police on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, replacing General Paulus Purwoko who has been rotated to the role of Vice-Deputy of the Criminal Investigation Division at National police Headquarters.
General Asikin is Bali’s 31st Chief of Police, coming to the post after a distinguished career that commenced in 1971 when he entered the National Police Academy. He has served in a variety of roles with the Indonesian police force, including an assignment with U.N. police forces in Bosnia and an assignment in Aceh, North Sumatra. Domestic assignments for Asikin have included jobs in Aceh, Sulawesi and Java. He has served in senior roles in the Police Intelligence Unit and, most recently, as Governor of the National Police Academy.

At the induction ceremony presided over by National Police Chief Susanto, outgoing Bali Police Chief Purwoko said he had every confidence in his successor, based on his extensive background in criminal and intelligence police work. Purwoko also said he was honored to serve the people of Bali during a two year period marked by peace, security and the successful hosting of the international Climate Change Summit in December 2007.

Go Fly a Kite in Bali

Bali Kite Festival July 10-13, 2008.

The annual tradition of the Bali Kite Festival will return to the beaches of Sanur at Padang Galak July 10-13, 2008, where the ecvent is expected to draw some 800 teams competing for honor. As in the past, large teams of young men from local villages across Bali - all dressed in traditional Balinese costumes, will launch kites so large and elaborate that two lanes of traffic are sometimes blocked when transporting the kites to and from the competition grounds.

Considered a major event on the international kiting calendar, teams from a number of countries, including Malaysia, Japan, German and India - are expected to travel to Bali.

All participants are required to attend a mandatory briefing on July 6th during which rules and guidelines will be distributed to all teams. A very Balinese affair, teams are required to wear traditional dress while competing in the Festival.

BALI ART FESTIVAL

14 June - 12 July 2008
at : Denpasar

Just 10km from the popular Kuta beach area, thousands come to see the most accomplished musicians and dancers perform at Denpasar’s, if not Indonesia’s, cultural event of the year - Pesta Kesenian Bali, the Bali Arts Festival.The spectacular opening procession usually features seven types of complex and vibrant Balinese music ensembles, dance, traditional costume, floats and giant ogoh-ogoh dolls.

The entertainment on offer during the month includes traditional and modern music, dance and theatre from both the islands and further afield, puppet shows, more parades and various competitions (food, flowers, coconuts…).

A full programme is available on the Bali Paradise website near the time of the festival and most events are held at the Denspasar Arts Centre