Rices Terraces

These rice terraces are cut in to the hill slopes and looks like green steps on a stairs. Rice terraces are found in many locations, but this photo is taken from Pacung (near Lake Beratan), from Pacung Mountain Resort.

The receding man-made terraces, like flights of gigantic stairs, cover the hills and spread over the slopes and plains. When they are first filled with still water they are like mosaics of mirrors that reflect the clouds. Later they are sprinkleed with the dainty blades of the newly planted rice in an all-over I pattern of chartreuse on a ground of brown ooze. This thickens eventually into a tender yellow-green carpet which turns to a rich gold ochre as the grain ripens, finally leaving only dry, cracked mud after the harvest.
The rugged, mountainous nature of the island, closely furrowed by deep ravines, makes irrigation extremely difficult. The Balinese irrigation system, call the Subak, allows water to be led from the mountains to the various levels of cultivated land by an elaborate system of canals, dams, bamboo pipes, and even long tunnels cix-it t4ough solid rock, to the dikes that permit the sawa to be flooded or drained at will.

Tirta Empul

This important temple lays on the northern edge of Tampaksiring and was founded as early as 962 AD. It was built under the rule of Sri Candrabhaya Singha Warmadewa. In 1969 the temple was completely renovated so it is a mixture of old and new.

Like other Balinese temples it is divided into three main courtyards: the front, the middle, and the inner sanctum. Backing the outer courtyard are two rectangular bathing pools, one for men and one for women. According to tradition, each of the pool's 15 fountains has its own name and function: spiritual purification, cleansing from evil, antidote to poison.

While water has an important place in all Balinese rituals, the water in Pura Tirta Empul is especially holy, and all water used for cremations on Bali is taken from here and it is said to have magical powers for healing.

On a hilltop over Tirta Empul lays the palace of Indonesia's first president Sukarno, Istana Negara, built in 1954.

When I visited in 1996, I could only observe the holy waters from outside the walls and through the low steel gate. Lately, its gardens have been extended and a certain section is now open to the public. A small fee is charged. The water here originates from the Lake Batur through underground rivers and it is so clear, you can see fishes swimming in it.

Footnote: The entrance and exits are marked clearly. At the exit, you will have to walk through a maze of stalls, with vendors eager to make a sale.

Taman Ayun

Mengwi is famous for the unique state temple Pura Taman Ayun, (also known in some guide books as the Royal Family Temple). This was the most important temple in the Mengwi kingdom before Mengwi was conquered by the neighbors Badung and Tabanan in 1891, and was at that time a large kingdom stretching all the way to East Java. Taman Ayun was built in 1634 of the king I Gusti Agung Anom and restored in 1937. Certain internet guides say that it was constructed in around 1740 and once functioned as the home of the king of Mengwi, who surrounded his palace with wonderful spacious gardens and waterways.
One of the most famous tourist spots in Badung Regency, probably due to its unusual beauty, Pura Taman Ayun literally means "beautiful garden." The complex is set above a huge river, giving it a fresh, natural appeal.

Many smaller shrines with tiered roofs (meru) lie within the premises. These were originally built for the king's ancestral worshipping rituals. The temple consists of an "island" surrounded by water channels and a garden complex, the buildings are made up of about 50 different structures. As the inside of the temple grounds is surrounded by this little moat and is not accessible to the public, although I believe that on special occasions, festivals are still carried out here. As for the sacred temple grounds, it was completely devoid of people, cats have made this their haven, and many cats could be seen wandering and lazing around in and amongst the wooden shrines.

Now open as a public park (see second pics), Mengwi continues to attract local school children and tourists who come to enjoy the gardens, lake and the ancient temple. We climbed up one of the towers and took a few pictures.

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, or "Elephant Cave" is located about 20 minutes south/east of Ubud, and about an hour north of Kuta.

The temple was built in the 11th century, and sits on a bottom of a hill side, about 50ft below the main entrance. The cave, with its beautiful carvings on its outer face, strectches back into the hillside forming a T-shape. Inside you can find charming art works such as Shivite and Buddhist statues, that sit in little cubbyholes carved into the caves walls.

The large bathing springs which were unearthed in 1954, were used for bathing in what was considered holy water. Behind the spring, sits a beautiful towering tree which is over 200 years old, and is believed to be the temples mother tree.

Entrance into the temple is 3,100 Rp, and Sarongs are recommended. Guides are available at the bottom of the steps, but remember to agree upon a price, before excepting their tour. Dont be surprised if they give you a tour first, and then suddently ask you for a donation. It always feels rude or strange to ask someone how much they are going to charge, but it saves you from a more akward situation at the end.

This is a wonderful temple, and worth paying a visit to while in the Ubud area...

Besakih

Besakih is called the "Mother Temple" because it is considered the home of the Balinese ancestors. It is there most sacred of all temples throughout Bali, and like our driver Gede said "its our temple", meaning the temple of his people.

The temple is located about 2 hours north of Kuta, and sits on the foot side of Mt. Agung. The biggest volcano in Bali, standing over 10,300 ft high. It is still considered an active volcano and last errupted in 1963.

The focul point of the 22 temples, that stretch 1 mile up Mt Agung is Pura Penataran Agung. The grand steps which lead to its entrance are lined with impressive statues that during religious ceremonies, are dressed in sarongs and waist sashes.

Entrance into the mother temple is actually unknown to me. When stopped at the main gate, the guard said it was 35,000 Rp. But because this sounded high for the temples, i said "i thought it was 25,000 Rp" and the guard said "oh yes, thats what i said". Though that is only about $3.50 AU, its still seems not right, and i would look more into the prices before going.

Last but not least, once again there are guides provided at the temple. When asked their price, the ticket salesman said "$20 or $30". Ofcourse i laughed, and got the price down to $6 (30,000 Rp). You dont need a guide, but i suggest it, if you want some insider info on the 22 temples. Remember to get the guide to agree to the price at the biggining of the tour, so their are no hassles at the end, even though this is not always true, since we were still asked for more after the tour. But now it was easy to say "sorry we already agreed on "30,000 Rp"

If you have to pick among all the temples in Bali, i suggest that you atleast see the Mother Temple...

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Visit the temple on Lake Beratan. Breathtaking sceneries. Cool temperature always covers the area of the temple since it is located around the mountainous area at the altitude of some 1400 meters above sea level.

Ulun Danu temple is located in Bedugul. The location is one the west bank of lake Beratan. The name Ulun Danu, literally means " the beginning of the lake" But this might not to claim that the site is the beginning of a lake. It tends to indicate that everything that exists around the lake will have the orientation to the temple site, and cleanliness around the area must be continuously kept.

The whole complex is consist of 4 units each dedicated to spirit of Lingga Petak, and temporary abode gods. It looks that the temple symbolizes the nature of surrounding as the respects of nature greatness, since the location is surrounded by peaks of Bali mountain chain such as the east is Mt. Mangu, to the south is Mt. Teratai Bang, and to the west is Mt. Pohan.

Current pavilions, shrines and basements at the site looks to have been newly renovated and no historical facts can be used to trace the history of the temple. The only source to disclose the history of the temple is a chronicle of Mengwi kingdom, a manuscript now available the transliteration from Balinese characters to Latin at Bali Museum, in Denpasar.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu temple is on the far south coast of Bali, about 40 minutes from Kuta (about 90,000 Rp roundtrip by taxi). Believed to be built in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, Uluwatu temple is one of Balis most cherished temples, and finest examples of traditional Balinese architecture. ( I just thought it looked rad)

The temple, and the surrounding paths, sit over 600ft above the ocean on towering cliffsides. They are literally sitting upon the edge of breath taking cliffs, and there for make for unforgettable pictures and memories.

The temple and the surrounding area is also home to families of long-tailed Macaques. A monkey that is common around temples and forest in Bali. These monkeys can be aggressive, so be sure to secure all valueables before entering the area.

Entrance into the temple is about 4,000 Rp ( 70 cents AU ) and for a guide, prices are negotiable. Always settle on a price with a guide, before the tour, never after. Guides are recommended here, because of the aggressive monkeys, and for their knowledge of the best places to view the temple along the cliff sides.

For more on Uluwatu temple, i suggest you check out my warnings and danger tips. Warnings and Dangers There is some more info that will make your trip to the temple more pleasant.

Have a great time!!!

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot (Earth from the Sea) is a stunning 15th-century sanctuary located on Bali's south coast, built atop a rocky mound that at high tide is completely surrounded by water. Stunning view of the ocean from here.



The name Tanah Lot is probably from " tanah laut " means land in the sea. It is the fact that the strong sea abrasion has separated the temple area with Bali mainland, so it looks that the temple nests on a small speck of rock building up on the ocean. Despite the fact that strong hit of sea wave but the site is still standing while the whole side have disappeared by the raged waves of hundreds of years.

No historical record is found so far to construct the history of the temple. Scripture of Dang Hyang Nirarta mentions that the priest Dang Hyang Nirarta had visited the temple and asked the people around the area to build shrine. While the priest also educate the fishermen there in making fish trap.

The temple as a whole is dedicated to the god of the sea. Fishermen pray to get fish and prosperity. A story mentions that one of the shrine at Batukaru temple was lost, and was found here standing at Tanah Lot temple complex. It was very probable that the temple was built by Mengwi kingdom as the sea temple. A kingdom in Bali normally had 3 main temples, one located near the sea, one in the city or near the palace, and one on the mountain or near the mountain. This concept of 3 temples has also influenced the smaller unit of Balinese settlement in the level called " Banjar ". Every Banjar in Bali has also 3 main temples dedicated to different way of worshipping the gods and ancestor's spirits

Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi Royal Monuments, are located 30 minutes North of Ubud along the Pakrisan River. The Monuments are located within the valley, about 400 steps down. (though it seemed like a thousand, and took 3 rest breaks to get back up). If you are in the mood for some shopping while decending the hillside, there are some wonderful shops with beautiful bone carvings and other area crafts. You can also be sure that they have water and coke for tourist struggling to make it back up the steps.

The giant monuments , carved into the limestone walls are shaped like Buddhist-Hindu Shrines, and are memorial shrines for the 11th century King Anak Wungsu, and his many wives. The monuments are spread around the area in groups of 4 or 5, with a beautiful spring that runs through the center of it all. The small bridge that runs over it, makes for some beautiful pictures.

Entrance into the Gunug Kawi is 3,100 Rp, and again, sarongs are recommended when entering the sacred areas.

Have a great time, and remember to bring some water for the trek down and up.

Penelokan Kintamani

At Penelokan Kintamani you can view the panorama of Gunung Batur set in a huge volcanic crater basin.

Danau (lake) Batur is the largest of Bali’s 4 mountain lakes. This crystal clear lake was formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.

Gunung Batur is still an active volcano. You're all also allowed to hike up to the mountain which takes about 2-3 hour to reach the top.

Because Kintamani area own the very beautiful view and also encircled by the cold nature atmosphere so that this area Kintamani represent the very famous area and taken a fancy by all tourist. Name Kintamani have been recognized in all the world where each incoming tourist to Bali have of course wish to visit this place.

Things to Do in Bali

Uluwatu Sunset

Ulu in Balinese mean heart, Watu it's mean stone. This temple built in 11th century by Javanese priest Empu Kuturan or well known with Empu Raja Kerta. The temple located in south western tip of peninsula, up to the blue sea cliff approx. 100 meters high, the best place to view of the sunset. In 16 century another Javanese priest Danghyang Nirartha visit this temple and add more building, he retreated to this temple for his final life, when he attained Moksa or freedom.

Visitors to Uluwatu are provided with a ceremonial yellow sash to wear around their waist (after paying the entrance fee). The proper attire requires that the knees are not exposed. Those wearing shorts are required to wear a sarong.

Uluwatu Temple, another popular temple in Bali located on the spectacular rocky cliff, well known and photographed place in Bali. It is magnify, so much smoothly illuminated on day light of the sun dawn or profiled at dark. It is very touristy with the group visitors, especially in the sunset time, in here also we can find the wild monkey a long the cliff near the sacred holy temple.

This Temple is taken care by a group of monkeys which according to local beliefs that this monkey have taken care of the temple from bad influence or virulent energy which can break the chastity of this temple.

Visitors are warned to put away any shiny objects including spectacles, jewellery, and so on, as these attract the monkeys that infest the area.

Other than enjoying the sunset, visitors can also watch the Balinese Kecak Dance with extra payment of Rp. 50.000. The dance it self is run about 1 hour which could present the amazing for the visitor who watching it.

# Address: Jalan Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Bali, 80300