Bali Hita

Denpasar Municipality

1. PEMECUTAN PALACE
Pemecutan palace was built in the 17th century in the era of Pemecutan Kingdom in Denpasar. It is one of the palaces which are opened for visitors. Managed by the modern, last king of Denpasar, Ida Cokorda Pemecutan, the royal house is completed with accommodation facilities, allowing the best way a visitor could get to get in touch with palatial atmosphere or and learn the long history of Denpasar.
Location: Pemecutan Palace is located at Jalan Thamrin No.2 Denpasar, nearby Kumbasari traditional market.
Facility: Simple tourist accommodation with an array of food stalls available just outside of the palace.

2. SATRIA PALACE
Satria Palace is located 2 km west of the Pemecutan Palace. Rebuilt in 1930, the palace boasts a big stage where Balinese dances are performed regularly and a collection of kris traditional daggers used in the 1906’s Puputan Badung War against the Dutch colonial army. A royal temple in palace area holds a regular ceremony every 210 days according Balinese calendar, featuring special dance only performed on the stage in this auspicious day.
Location: Satria Palace is located at Jalan Veteran Denpasar. Near the palace is a popular pet market Pasar Satria.

3. JRO KUTA PALACE
Jro Kuta Palace has the most complete buildings compared to Pemecutan or Satria, since it managed to escape from the Dutch invasion. It consists of nine buildings each has different function accordingly. The are Ancak Saji, Semanggen, Rangki, Pewaregan, Saren Raja, Saren Kangin, Paseban, Pemerajan Agung, and Pekandelan. Uniquely enough, there are several colonial statues portraying the Balinese warriors fighting against the Dutch occupants.
Location: Jro Kuta Palace is located in Jalan Kumbakarna, Denpasar. There is famous Maospahit Templenearby.

District of Klungkung

1. TAMAN GILI KERTA GOSA
Taman Gili Kerta Gosa is a wide garden consisting of several buildings. Until 1686 under King Dewa Agung administration, Klungkung Palace was the biggest in Bali. Unfortunately the massive building was almost totally destroyed by Dutch invasion in 1908, except the gate and Taman Gili Kerta Gosa. There are four buildings and a museum within this fortunate complex. On the southern side visitors still can observe the remnant of the palace gate called Pemedal Agung, over 10 meter high. To the north of this garden is a tall building called Bale Kul-kul, housing a big traditional Balinese alarm wooden bell called Kul-Kul. To the east is a building surrounded by a pool and water lilies, called Bale Kambang, designed as a summer house for the royal family members. The jurisdiction building is located on the north east side. Semarapura Museum is right west of this complex.
Location: Taman Gili Kerta Gosa is located on the heart of Semarapura, the capital of Klungkung, 40 km east of Denpasar.
Additional facility: Traditional art market selling souvenir, food, or drink is located just across the palace.

District of Karangasem

1. KARANGASEM GRAND PALACE
The uniquely designed Karangasem Grand Palace was built by the end of the 19th century by the first king of Karangasem, combining Balinese, Chinese and European architectural styles. Most of the buildings are set as if each floats above the pool water, with small bridges connecting one another, like a Chinese palace in general. The European influence can be seen from the design of main building, the guarding post at the front of the palace, and vast veranda called Maskerdam. The Balinese style can be seen from the entrance gate, built from red bricks with puppet, describing religious stories, as the ornaments. This combination has never been found in other palaces in Bali.
Location: Karangasem Grand Palace is located at the heart of Amlapura, the capital of District of Karangasem, 78 km from Denpasar. Accessible by public transport from Denpasar.

District of Buleleng


1. SINGARAJA PALACE
The historical Singaraja Palace is known among local as Puri Agung or Puri Gede. The old palatial library, Gedong Kirtya, is the most referred building, now designed as a literacy museum. It has the most complete collection of manuscripts about Buleleng and Bali history. This museum is located at the very front of the Palace.
Location: Singaraja Palace is located in Jalan Patih Jelantik, Singaraja, accessible by various kinds of public transports.

Denpasar Municipality

1. PEMECUTAN PALACE
Pemecutan palace was built in the 17th century in the era of Pemecutan Kingdom in Denpasar. It is one of the palaces which are opened for visitors. Managed by the modern, last king of Denpasar, Ida Cokorda Pemecutan, the royal house is completed with accommodation facilities, allowing the best way a visitor could get to get in touch with palatial atmosphere or and learn the long history of Denpasar.
Location: Pemecutan Palace is located at Jalan Thamrin No.2 Denpasar, nearby Kumbasari traditional market.
Facility: Simple tourist accommodation with an array of food stalls available just outside of the palace.

2. SATRIA PALACE
Satria Palace is located 2 km west of the Pemecutan Palace. Rebuilt in 1930, the palace boasts a big stage where Balinese dances are performed regularly and a collection of kris traditional daggers used in the 1906’s Puputan Badung War against the Dutch colonial army. A royal temple in palace area holds a regular ceremony every 210 days according Balinese calendar, featuring special dance only performed on the stage in this auspicious day.
Location: Satria Palace is located at Jalan Veteran Denpasar. Near the palace is a popular pet market Pasar Satria.

3. JRO KUTA PALACE
Jro Kuta Palace has the most complete buildings compared to Pemecutan or Satria, since it managed to escape from the Dutch invasion. It consists of nine buildings each has different function accordingly. The are Ancak Saji, Semanggen, Rangki, Pewaregan, Saren Raja, Saren Kangin, Paseban, Pemerajan Agung, and Pekandelan. Uniquely enough, there are several colonial statues portraying the Balinese warriors fighting against the Dutch occupants.
Location: Jro Kuta Palace is located in Jalan Kumbakarna, Denpasar. There is famous Maospahit Templenearby.

District of Klungkung

1. TAMAN GILI KERTA GOSA
Taman Gili Kerta Gosa is a wide garden consisting of several buildings. Until 1686 under King Dewa Agung administration, Klungkung Palace was the biggest in Bali. Unfortunately the massive building was almost totally destroyed by Dutch invasion in 1908, except the gate and Taman Gili Kerta Gosa. There are four buildings and a museum within this fortunate complex. On the southern side visitors still can observe the remnant of the palace gate called Pemedal Agung, over 10 meter high. To the north of this garden is a tall building called Bale Kul-kul, housing a big traditional Balinese alarm wooden bell called Kul-Kul. To the east is a building surrounded by a pool and water lilies, called Bale Kambang, designed as a summer house for the royal family members. The jurisdiction building is located on the north east side. Semarapura Museum is right west of this complex.
Location: Taman Gili Kerta Gosa is located on the heart of Semarapura, the capital of Klungkung, 40 km east of Denpasar.
Additional facility: Traditional art market selling souvenir, food, or drink is located just across the palace.

District of Karangasem

1. KARANGASEM GRAND PALACE
The uniquely designed Karangasem Grand Palace was built by the end of the 19th century by the first king of Karangasem, combining Balinese, Chinese and European architectural styles. Most of the buildings are set as if each floats above the pool water, with small bridges connecting one another, like a Chinese palace in general. The European influence can be seen from the design of main building, the guarding post at the front of the palace, and vast veranda called Maskerdam. The Balinese style can be seen from the entrance gate, built from red bricks with puppet, describing religious stories, as the ornaments. This combination has never been found in other palaces in Bali.
Location: Karangasem Grand Palace is located at the heart of Amlapura, the capital of District of Karangasem, 78 km from Denpasar. Accessible by public transport from Denpasar.

District of Buleleng

1. SINGARAJA PALACE
The historical Singaraja Palace is known among local as Puri Agung or Puri Gede. The old palatial library, Gedong Kirtya, is the most referred building, now designed as a literacy museum. It has the most complete collection of manuscripts about Buleleng and Bali history. This museum is located at the very front of the Palace.
Location: Singaraja Palace is located in Jalan Patih Jelantik, Singaraja, accessible by various kinds of public transports.

POHEN MOUNTAIN
Description: Pohen Mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains in Bali. On the slope of this mountain lies Bedugul Botanical Garden with a collection of original Indonesia plants and imported one. Visitors usually enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Beratan from this slope.

Location: Pohen Mountain is located in the sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan.
Facility: accommodations, souvenir market, restaurants

Mt. CATUR

Description: Mt. Catur (2096 m) is located side-by-side with Pohen Mountain, a great place for nature-lovers and adventure seekers. Similarly, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Beratan from this spot. No tourism facility is available here, so visitors must bring their own food and water. The popular Gitgit Waterfall is located on the northern side of the peak.

Location: Mt. Catur sits on the eastern side of Lake Bratan, sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan, about a 2 hour-drive from Denpasar.
Facility: various tourist facilities can be found on the southern bank of the lake and also in Candi Kuning.

Mt. BATUKARU
Description: Mt. Batukaru (2,276 m) is the island’s second tallest, located on the last true section of jungle, south of Pohen Mountain. Here visitors usually hike in a group, enjoy the spectacular 360 degree of the whole Bali from atop the peak. Some people like to camp up there, which would be a wonderful experience.
On the edge of this mountain sits a wonderful temple named Pura Luhur Batukaru, one of the six main temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan). The temple is crowded by thousands worshipers once a year when the Hindu’s ceremony is celebrated here because Balinese from across the island come here.

Location: Mt. Batukaru is located on northern area of Tabanan, three hours drive from Denpasar.

Mt. BATUR
Description: Mt. Batur (1,412 m) is the island’s most active volcano. It has one of the biggest calderas in the world (van Bemmelen, 1949), measuring 13.8 x 10 km in size, with Lake Batur dominating the eastern half. Visitors can see the liquid sulfur of various colors here. On the edge of this mountain lies a millennium aged Trunyan Village where the original Balinese people, called Bali Aga, live with their very unique tradition where the dead is neither cremated nor buried, rather laid down beneath the Trunyan tree. Nearby the lake there is Pura Batur Temple with a holy spring believed to have the power to clean the soul.

Location: Kintamani is located in the District of Bangli, 65 km from Denpasar.
Facility: Modern or traditional accommodations, transportation, souvenir markets and various restaurants.

Mt. ABANG
Description: Mt. Abang (2,153 m), or Mt. Red, offers a sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, heavily forested in one side and lightly barren on the other, with many beautiful flowers of various colors along the way. People may find this more enjoyable climbing during the light hours to get shade from the searing sunlight. Nearby the top of this peak lie old temples such as Pura Munggu, Pura Manu Kaya, Pura Puncak Tuluk Biu.

Location: Mt. Abang is located in the sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli. To get to the trailhead at Gunung Abang you should look for Penelokan on the way to Kintamani. About 4 km south of Penelokan is a right turn heading for Suter. Take this road and do not turn right off of this road. Follow the road until it becomes a dirt track that follows the crater rim; ask locals as often as you need.
Facility: Visitors must prepare their own requirements here. No facility is available.

SERAYA MOUNTAIN
Description: Opposite of the slope, on the edge of Seraya Mountain is Tirta Gangga or Gange Water, a 1930’s water park built by Prince Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, a respected statesman as well as self-educated architect. A temple inside the park provides a spring believed to be able to heal many diseases. Visitor can submerged, or swim in this spring.

Location: Seraya Mountain is located in the sub-district of Abang, Karangasem, 17 km from the capital Amlapura.
Facility: Accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shop

Mt. LEMPUYANG
Description: Mt. Lempuyang is the island’s easternmost peak located in the heavily forested area, with forest animals like monkey and various birds.
Balinese Hindu often set a regular pilgrimage (Tirta Yatra) to the Temple at the top of this mountainous peak. The temple has 1174 stairs. Balinese Hindu believes that once in their life they must pay a visit to this important temple.

Location: Mt. Lempuyang is located north-eastern of, not far from, the capital city Amlapura.
Facility: On the edge of this mountain, only traditional accommodations and shops are allowed, because the government set to maintain the holiness of the existing temple.

Mt. AGUNG
Description: Mt Agung (3,142) is an active volcano with an enormous and very deep crater that occasionally vents out smoke and steam. The highest point is on the southwest part of the rim, a barren and rocky hill of fine volcanic rock. The summit area is above the tree line, due to the high winds and sterilizing effects of recent volcanic activity. The surrounding rainforests is almost always cloudy, and the potentially awesome view of the entire island spread out beneath you is extremely beautiful.

On the edge of this island’s tallest peak is the biggest Hindu temple, Besakih. Thousands of Hindu followers from around the world made a pilgrimage here every year for praying. The unique, multi-layered architecture of the temple shows the traditional social structure of Balinese people.

Location: Mt. Agung is located in Rendang sub-district, Karangaesm, a three-hour drive from Denpasar.
Facility: Traditional or modern accommodation, restaurant, public transportation, local guides, and others tourist facilities can be found here.

POHEN MOUNTAIN
Description: Pohen Mountain is one of the most beautiful mountains in Bali. On the slope of this mountain lies Bedugul Botanical Garden with a collection of original Indonesia plants and imported one. Visitors usually enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Beratan from this slope.

Location: Pohen Mountain is located in the sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan.
Facility: accommodations, souvenir market, restaurants

Mt. CATUR
Description: Mt. Catur (2096 m) is located side-by-side with Pohen Mountain, a great place for nature-lovers and adventure seekers. Similarly, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Beratan from this spot. No tourism facility is available here, so visitors must bring their own food and water. The popular Gitgit Waterfall is located on the northern side of the peak.

Location: Mt. Catur sits on the eastern side of Lake Bratan, sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan, about a 2 hour-drive from Denpasar.
Facility: various tourist facilities can be found on the southern bank of the lake and also in Candi Kuning.

Mt. BATUKARU
Description: Mt. Batukaru (2,276 m) is the island’s second tallest, located on the last true section of jungle, south of Pohen Mountain. Here visitors usually hike in a group, enjoy the spectacular 360 degree of the whole Bali from atop the peak. Some people like to camp up there, which would be a wonderful experience.
On the edge of this mountain sits a wonderful temple named Pura Luhur Batukaru, one of the six main temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan). The temple is crowded by thousands worshipers once a year when the Hindu’s ceremony is celebrated here because Balinese from across the island come here.

Location: Mt. Batukaru is located on northern area of Tabanan, three hours drive from Denpasar.

Mt. BATUR
Description: Mt. Batur (1,412 m) is the island’s most active volcano. It has one of the biggest calderas in the world (van Bemmelen, 1949), measuring 13.8 x 10 km in size, with Lake Batur dominating the eastern half. Visitors can see the liquid sulfur of various colors here. On the edge of this mountain lies a millennium aged Trunyan Village where the original Balinese people, called Bali Aga, live with their very unique tradition where the dead is neither cremated nor buried, rather laid down beneath the Trunyan tree. Nearby the lake there is Pura Batur Temple with a holy spring believed to have the power to clean the soul.

Location: Kintamani is located in the District of Bangli, 65 km from Denpasar.
Facility: Modern or traditional accommodations, transportation, souvenir markets and various restaurants.

Mt. ABANG
Description: Mt. Abang (2,153 m), or Mt. Red, offers a sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, heavily forested in one side and lightly barren on the other, with many beautiful flowers of various colors along the way. People may find this more enjoyable climbing during the light hours to get shade from the searing sunlight. Nearby the top of this peak lie old temples such as Pura Munggu, Pura Manu Kaya, Pura Puncak Tuluk Biu.

Location: Mt. Abang is located in the sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli. To get to the trailhead at Gunung Abang you should look for Penelokan on the way to Kintamani. About 4 km south of Penelokan is a right turn heading for Suter. Take this road and do not turn right off of this road. Follow the road until it becomes a dirt track that follows the crater rim; ask locals as often as you need.
Facility: Visitors must prepare their own requirements here. No facility is available.

SERAYA MOUNTAIN
Description: Opposite of the slope, on the edge of Seraya Mountain is Tirta Gangga or Gange Water, a 1930’s water park built by Prince Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, a respected statesman as well as self-educated architect. A temple inside the park provides a spring believed to be able to heal many diseases. Visitor can submerged, or swim in this spring.

Location: Seraya Mountain is located in the sub-district of Abang, Karangasem, 17 km from the capital Amlapura.
Facility: Accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shop

Mt. LEMPUYANG
Description: Mt. Lempuyang is the island’s easternmost peak located in the heavily forested area, with forest animals like monkey and various birds.
Balinese Hindu often set a regular pilgrimage (Tirta Yatra) to the Temple at the top of this mountainous peak. The temple has 1174 stairs. Balinese Hindu believes that once in their life they must pay a visit to this important temple.

Location: Mt. Lempuyang is located north-eastern of, not far from, the capital city Amlapura.
Facility: On the edge of this mountain, only traditional accommodations and shops are allowed, because the government set to maintain the holiness of the existing temple.

Mt. AGUNG
Description: Mt Agung (3,142) is an active volcano with an enormous and very deep crater that occasionally vents out smoke and steam. The highest point is on the southwest part of the rim, a barren and rocky hill of fine volcanic rock. The summit area is above the tree line, due to the high winds and sterilizing effects of recent volcanic activity. The surrounding rainforests is almost always cloudy, and the potentially awesome view of the entire island spread out beneath you is extremely beautiful.

On the edge of this island’s tallest peak is the biggest Hindu temple, Besakih. Thousands of Hindu followers from around the world made a pilgrimage here every year for praying. The unique, multi-layered architecture of the temple shows the traditional social structure of Balinese people.

Location: Mt. Agung is located in Rendang sub-district, Karangaesm, a three-hour drive from Denpasar.
Facility: Traditional or modern accommodation, restaurant, public transportation, local guides, and others tourist facilities can be found here.

Description: Lake Batur must be formerly the caldera of Mt. Batur, before it rose to its current peak, just nearby the lake. This caldera was caused by the most terrifying eruption of Batur Mountain in 1926. There is a holy spring the water of which is believed to be able to rinse human soul, the location of which Hindu’s ceremony regularly is celebrated. Near the lake is Batur Temple, one of the six Hindu main temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan).

Location: Batur Lake is located in the sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli, 65 km from Denpasar.

Facility: accommodations, traditional boats, souvenir market, restaurants.

Description: Lake Batur must be formerly the caldera of Mt. Batur, before it rose to its current peak, just nearby the lake. This caldera was caused by the most terrifying eruption of Batur Mountain in 1926. There is a holy spring the water of which is believed to be able to rinse human soul, the location of which Hindu’s ceremony regularly is celebrated. Near the lake is Batur Temple, one of the six Hindu main temples in Bali (Sad Kahyangan).

Location: Batur Lake is located in the sub-district of Kintamani, Bangli, 65 km from Denpasar.

Facility: accommodations, traditional boats, souvenir market, restaurants.

Description: The view at Tamblingan Lake is breath-taking with Lesong Mountain (1860 m) at the background, creating the silhouette on the water looks like a big crystal. Here, there are many historical temples which record the development of Balinese culture.

Location: This Lake is located at Munduk Village, sub-district of Banjar, Singaraja. Lake Tamblingan is on the western side of Buyan Lake, separated by only few hundreds meter of green forest.

Facility: Lake Tamblingan is an appeal for nature lovers. There is no modern facility, only several traditional bungalows and restaurants.

Description: The view at Tamblingan Lake is breath-taking with Lesong Mountain (1860 m) at the background, creating the silhouette on the water looks like a big crystal. Here, there are many historical temples which record the development of Balinese culture.

Location: This Lake is located at Munduk Village, sub-district of Banjar, Singaraja. Lake Tamblingan is on the western side of Buyan Lake, separated by only few hundreds meter of green forest.

Facility: Lake Tamblingan is an appeal for nature lovers. There is no modern facility, only several traditional bungalows and restaurants.

Description: Beratan Lake is located on the eastern side of Buyan Lake. Here, visitors also can enjoy similar activities as in Buyan. There is a massive temple called Pura Ulun Danu in the west side of the lake. The local Hindus believe this temple is the realm of the God of Prosperity, Sang Hyang Dewi Danu.

Location: Beratan Lake is located in the edge of Catur Mountain, Candikuning Village, sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan. The Bedugul Botanical Garden and Amusement Park is located nearby the lake.

Facility: private villas, bungalows, traditional market and restaurants.

Description: Beratan Lake is located on the eastern side of Buyan Lake. Here, visitors also can enjoy similar activities as in Buyan. There is a massive temple called Pura Ulun Danu in the west side of the lake. The local Hindus believe this temple is the realm of the God of Prosperity, Sang Hyang Dewi Danu.

Location: Beratan Lake is located in the edge of Catur Mountain, Candikuning Village, sub-district of Baturiti, Tabanan. The Bedugul Botanical Garden and Amusement Park is located nearby the lake.

Facility: private villas, bungalows, traditional market and restaurants.

Description: Buyan is surrounded by evergreen forest and vegetation. Its fresh air gives pleasant and comfort to the visitors. Here, visitors usually rent a traditional yacht (Perahu in Balinese) to enjoy some activities, such as fishing or lake crossing. Other attractions include groups of tamed monkey in the forest around the main road.

Location: Buyan Lake is located at the district of Sukasada, about 21 km south of Singaraja at an altitude of 1000 meters above the sea level, making it always fresh and cool.

Facility: parking area, traditional yachts for rent, some bungalows and restaurants.

Description: Buyan is surrounded by evergreen forest and vegetation. Its fresh air gives pleasant and comfort to the visitors. Here, visitors usually rent a traditional yacht (Perahu in Balinese) to enjoy some activities, such as fishing or lake crossing. Other attractions include groups of tamed monkey in the forest around the main road.

Location: Buyan Lake is located at the district of Sukasada, about 21 km south of Singaraja at an altitude of 1000 meters above the sea level, making it always fresh and cool.

Facility: parking area, traditional yachts for rent, some bungalows and restaurants.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali for few years awarded as the world best island by The International Travel Magazine. There, however, are still many people who do not know in depth about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. Life in Bali is always related to "Tri Hita Karana" or a tripartite concept that include the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment.The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, growing along with the of globalization. It is the Balinese civilization what makes the island different from other destination.

HISTORY
Bali has a long chain of history from the ice-age era (pre-historic time) to modern, global civilization era. With a dynamic characteristic indicating selectivity and flexibility, the Balinese culture initially reflects a configuration of an expressive culture dominated by religious, solidarity and aesthetic values. Nowadays, it develops along with the adoption of foreign values especially in the aspects of the economic, science and technology, as a result of the global modernization.

In general, the history of Bali is divided into three different eras including the pre-historic, the Hindu-Buddhist era and the modern culture.

The pre-historic marked the oldest and simplest way of life, an era of hunting and food-stuff gathering, verified by the discovery of several tools and hunting equipments. In the following era there were also building construction system and a particular communication system. These were just proofs of the existence and further development of Balinese culture. The Balinese culture flourished that nowadays one can indicates a perfect bonds between religions, tradition and culture to become the identity of the Balinese community.

The Dutch seamen were the first Europeans to arrive on Bali and started to introduce western culture in 1597, though they hadn’t discovered any appealing aspect until 1800s. Around 1846 the Dutch returned with colonization in their minds, having established a strong political base as majority of the Indonesian islands were under their control since the 1700s. The military campaign embarked from the northern coast of Bali. With the help of Sasak people of Lombok, by 1911, all Balinese principalities were under the Dutch control.

The sense of Indonesian nationalism began to grow after the World War I, with the young generation declaring the national language in 1928, known as Bahasa Indonesia. During the height of World War II the Japanese arrived, expelling the Dutch and ruled the country for about 3.5 years, which ended later in 1945 when Indonesia declared independent led by its very first president, Sukarno. Yet the new-born nation was only recognized by the international community as an independent country in 1949.

The Mengwi Kingdom administration born in 1634 grew to be among the island’s most powerful political power until 1891, where a disastrous war dissolved the palace, but the temple survives. Today visitors can observe the wonderful temple complex, Taman Ayun, built during the Mengwi heydays, with its massive garden and pool. A museum called Manusa Yadnya, human rites of passage, nearby has a collection of works depicting a complete set of Hindu ceremonies since a baby is carried in the mother womb until he dies.
Location: This village is located in North Badung, 15 km north of Denpasar.
Facility: traditional food stalls, souvenir shops, and public transports.

District of BadungThe Mengwi Kingdom administration born in 1634 grew to be among the island’s most powerful political power until 1891, where a disastrous war dissolved the palace, but the temple survives. Today visitors can observe the wonderful temple complex, Taman Ayun, built during the Mengwi heydays, with its massive garden and pool. A museum called Manusa Yadnya, human rites of passage, nearby has a collection of works depicting a complete set of Hindu ceremonies since a baby is carried in the mother womb until he dies.
Location: This village is located in North Badung, 15 km north of Denpasar.
Facility: traditional food stalls, souvenir shops, and public transports.

District of Badung

Celuk is the right destination for gold and silver lovers, where its main road is adorned with many gold or silver galleries in traditional or modern buildings. Good quality gold or silver accessories in unusual designs and fair pricing, some even made to your order, if you have your own design.
Location: Celuk village is located in main road five km East of Denpasar. Bali Celuk.Celuk is the right destination for gold and silver lovers, where its main road is adorned with many gold or silver galleries in traditional or modern buildings. Good quality gold or silver accessories in unusual designs and fair pricing, some even made to your order, if you have your own design.
Location: Celuk village is located in main road five km East of Denpasar

Another art village, the densely populated Peliatan is home to famous artists such as Wayan Gandra, Made Lebah and Rudolf Bonnet along with several painting museums and many art galleries. Traditional dance or gamelan orchestra classes are available. An afternoon walk along the pristine village is a good past time.
Location: Peliatan Village belongs to the sub-district of Ubud, Gianyar, 22 km from Denpasar...

Another art village, the densely populated Peliatan is home to famous artists such as Wayan Gandra, Made Lebah and Rudolf Bonnet along with several painting museums and many art galleries. Traditional dance or gamelan orchestra classes are available. An afternoon walk along the pristine village is a good past time.
Location: Peliatan Village belongs to the sub-district of Ubud, Gianyar, 22 km from Denpasar.

The name of Sebatu, according Usada Bali manuscript, is taken from a legend called Mayadenawa. The self-proclaimed god, Mayadenawa made all the people to worship him until he was defeated by god Indra and ran away into a jungle, transforming himself into various kinds of creatures until he slipped on a stone and died. The location was then called Sauhbatu, or Sebatu as it is known today (sauh for slip and stone for batu).
Most Sebatu villagers are sculptors and farmers. Most sculptors work in their front yard and sell the statues directly to customers. Beautifully arranged rice fields dominate right and left side of the main road leading to a village temple with a bathing spring nearby.
Location: Sebatu and Pujung Villages are north of Ubud, 38 km from Denpasar...

The name of Sebatu, according Usada Bali manuscript, is taken from a legend called Mayadenawa. The self-proclaimed god, Mayadenawa made all the people to worship him until he was defeated by god Indra and ran away into a jungle, transforming himself into various kinds of creatures until he slipped on a stone and died. The location was then called Sauhbatu, or Sebatu as it is known today (sauh for slip and stone for batu).
Most Sebatu villagers are sculptors and farmers. Most sculptors work in their front yard and sell the statues directly to customers. Beautifully arranged rice fields dominate right and left side of the main road leading to a village temple with a bathing spring nearby.
Location: Sebatu and Pujung Villages are north of Ubud, 38 km from Denpasar.

Both Belega and Bona Villages are well known for their bamboo craftsmanship, including table, chair, wardrobe, musical instruments. Bona has a nightly Kecak dance performance for tourists.
Location: Belega and Bona Villages belong to sub-district of Blahbatuh, Gianyar, 30 km from Denpasar.
Facility: art galleries displaying bamboo handicrafts...

Both Belega and Bona Villages are well known for their bamboo craftsmanship, including table, chair, wardrobe, musical instruments. Bona has a nightly Kecak dance performance for tourists.
Location: Belega and Bona Villages belong to sub-district of Blahbatuh, Gianyar, 30 km from Denpasar.
Facility: art galleries displaying bamboo handicrafts

In the thirteenth century Mas was governed by an evil king Sri Aji Astasura Ratna Bumi Banten, and so did his followers. The evil practice lasted in the following centuries until Java’s powerful army arrived. A new king, Manik Mas, was installed. To make the area free from the bad past habit, a purification ceremony was administered, Punyan Tangi tangi tree was planted. The tree still survives today in the inner court yard of Pulemas Temple Mas villagers are mostly sculptors, producing ones from stone, wood, and porcelain.
Location: Mas Village is located in Gianyar, 20 km east of Denpasar.
Facility: visitors can buy kinds of statue or the other handicraft in the art galleries around the village...

In the thirteenth century Mas was governed by an evil king Sri Aji Astasura Ratna Bumi Banten, and so did his followers. The evil practice lasted in the following centuries until Java’s powerful army arrived. A new king, Manik Mas, was installed. To make the area free from the bad past habit, a purification ceremony was administered, Punyan Tangi tangi tree was planted. The tree still survives today in the inner court yard of Pulemas Temple Mas villagers are mostly sculptors, producing ones from stone, wood, and porcelain.
Location: Mas Village is located in Gianyar, 20 km east of Denpasar.
Facility: visitors can buy kinds of statue or the other handicraft in the art galleries around the village.

Batubulan is derived from two Balinese words "Batu" and " Bulan". Those two words letterally are translated into "Moon" and "Rock". The term of Batubulan, moon rock, was taken from a stone shaping like a moon, discovered by Dewa Agung Kalasan, an adopted son of a local king, when he cleared a jungle to build his palace. He decided to name this area Batubulan. Now the stone is well kept at the royal temple nearby the palace. Batubulan is worth noted for their dances and sculptures. The famous Kecak and Barong dances are performed daily.
Located: Batubulan belongs to the sub-district Sukawati, Gianyar, 10 km east of Denpasar.
Facility: Traditional food stall, painting and handicraft galleries....

Batubulan is derived from two Balinese words "Batu" and " Bulan". Those two words letterally are translated into "Moon" and "Rock". The term of Batubulan, moon rock, was taken from a stone shaping like a moon, discovered by Dewa Agung Kalasan, an adopted son of a local king, when he cleared a jungle to build his palace. He decided to name this area Batubulan. Now the stone is well kept at the royal temple nearby the palace. Batubulan is worth noted for their dances and sculptures. The famous Kecak and Barong dances are performed daily.
Located: Batubulan belongs to the sub-district Sukawati, Gianyar, 10 km east of Denpasar.
Facility: Traditional food stall, painting and handicraft galleries.

Sanur (Indonesian:Pantai Sanur Pronounced Sah-Noor) is a coastal stretch of beach of Denpasar city of south east Bali, about 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which has grown into a little town in its own right.

The northern part of Sanur beach was used as the landing site for the Dutch invasion troops during the Dutch intervention in Bali (1906).

During World War II, Sanur was again the entry point through which the Japanese forces landed to occupy the island of Bali.

Today Sanur contains a number of resorts such as the Medina and Bali Hyatt (not to be confused with the Grand Hyatt in Nusa Dua) and is a popular tourist destination. (wikipedia.org)

Things to do in Sanur

Biking is one of your village tours in Sanur. We can explore the original view of the village along the paths of the Sanur village. Then, ride a bike along the beach is also the best way to enjoy the daily life in Sanur. Rent a bike then explore the area or contact BikeBali for guided cycling

Sanur beach also offers a good place to surf. Wind surfing is commonly done on the beach in the afternoon....

Sanur (Indonesian:Pantai Sanur Pronounced Sah-Noor) is a coastal stretch of beach of Denpasar city of south east Bali, about 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which has grown into a little town in its own right.

The northern part of Sanur beach was used as the landing site for the Dutch invasion troops during the Dutch intervention in Bali (1906).

During World War II, Sanur was again the entry point through which the Japanese forces landed to occupy the island of Bali.

Today Sanur contains a number of resorts such as the Medina and Bali Hyatt (not to be confused with the Grand Hyatt in Nusa Dua) and is a popular tourist destination. (wikipedia.org)

Things to do in Sanur

Biking is one of your village tours in Sanur. We can explore the original view of the village along the paths of the Sanur village. Then, ride a bike along the beach is also the best way to enjoy the daily life in Sanur. Rent a bike then explore the area or contact BikeBali for guided cycling

Sanur beach also offers a good place to surf. Wind surfing is commonly done on the beach in the afternoon.

Galungan is a Balinese holiday that occurs every 210 days and lasts for 10 days. Kuningan is the last day of the holiday. Galungan means "When the Dharma is winning." During this holiday the Balinese gods visit the Earth and leave on Kuningan.

Occurring once in every 210 days in the pawukon (Balinese cycle of days), Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremony that is celebrated by all Balinese. During the Galungan period the deified ancestors of the family descend to their former homes. They must be suitably entertained and welcomed, and prayers and offerings must be made for them. Those families who have ancestors that have not yet been cremated, but are still buried in the village cemetery, must make offerings at the graves.

Although Galungan falls on a Wednesday, most Balinese will begin their Galungan 'holiday' the day before, where the family is seen to be busily preparing offerings and cooking for the next day. While the women of the household have been busy for days before creating beautifully woven 'banten' (offerings made from young coconut fronds), the men of our village usually wake up well before dawn to join with their neighbours to slaughter a pig unlucky enough to be chosen to help celebrate this occasion. Then the finely diced pork is mashed to a pulp with a grinding stone, and moulded onto sate sticks that have been already prepared by whittling small sticks of bamboo. Chickens may also be chosen from the collection of free-range chickens that roam around the house compound. Delicate combinations of various vegetables, herbs and spices are also prepared by the men to make up a selection of 'lawar' dishes. While much of this cooking is for use in the offerings to be made at the family temple, by mid-morning, once all the cooking is done, it is time for the first of a series of satisfying feasts from what has been prepared. While the women continue to be kept busy with the preparations of the many offerings to be made at the family temple on the day of Galungan, the men also have another job to do this day, once the cooking is finished. A long bamboo pole, or 'penjor', is made to decorate the entrance to the family compound. By late Tuesday afternoon all over Bali the visitor can see these decorative poles creating a very festive atmosphere in the street.

On Wednesday, the day of Galungan, one will find that most Balinese will try to return to their own ancestral home at some stage during the day, even if they work in another part of the island. This is a very special day for families, where offerings are made to God and to the family ancestors who have come back to rest at this time in their family temple. As well as the family temple, visits are made to the village temple with offerings as well, and to the homes of other families who may have helped the family in some way over the past six months.

The day after Galungan is a time for a holiday, visiting friends, maybe taking the opportunity to head for the mountains for a picnic. Everyone is still seen to be in their 'Sunday best' as they take to the streets to enjoy the festive spirit that Galungan brings to Bali.

The date for Galungan and other special Balinese days is shown on the Balinese Calendar.

Address
Jl. New Kuta Condotel, Pecatu, Kuta Selatan
Denpasar (Bali)

Contact by telephone or fax
Phone : 62 361 8484555
Fax : 62 361 8484545

Offering the comforts of home, Best Western New Kuta Condotel is located in Bali's Badung Regency and features tastefully appointed guestrooms, excellent facilities and traditional hospitality.

Close to renowned centres of Nusa Dua and Kuta, rooms are lavishly decorated and offer convenience with the modern in-room amenities provided. Rooms have a cosy and refreshing ambience for guests to relax and retire in.

Best Western New Kuta Condotel offers several leisure facilities that include a swimming pool, fitness centre and shopping arcade.

Its central location provides easy access to several attractions such as Kuta Beach and Uluwatu Temple. It is also close to a golf course, shopping centre, cultural villages and entertainment venues.

Subak is the name of water management (irrigation) system for paddy fields on Bali island. For Balinese, irrigation is not simply providing water for the plant's roots, but water is used to construct a complex, pulsed artificial ecosystem.^[1] Paddy fields in Bali were built around water temples and the allocation of water is made by a priest.

Subak had been described by Clifford Geertz, but it was J. Stephen Lansing who drew attention to the importance of the traditional system. He was studying Balinese temples, focusing on the water temples, whose importance tended to be overlooked by foreigners. In 1987 Lansing worked with Balinese farmers and agriculture officials to develop computer models of the subak, demonstrating its effectiveness. Officials finally acknowledged its importance.