Bali Island

Bali Art & Design, Pesamuan Bali Ceramic Art House - The best source of ceramic arts Pesamuan Bali Ceramic Art Showroom & Factory

2010-11-02T23:12:00.003+08:00

Pesamuan Bali

Pesamuan Bali Ceramic Art House - The best source of ceramic arts
Pesamuan Bali Ceramic Art Showroom & Factory :
Pungutan St. 25 Sanur, BALI - INDONESIA
Phone. +62 361 281440, 286042 - Fax. +62 361 281442
email : pesamuan@indo.net.id

More information and order go to www.ceramic-bali.com

Lovina Beach

2009-07-27T19:17:00.001+08:00

Lovina Beach
Lovina is one of the famous tourist places in north part of Bali which own beautiful of calm sea water, blackish chromatic sand and the sea with its dolphin. One of the favorite fascinations in Lovina is dolphin watching tour. Hundreds of dolphins can be seen in the morning time around 1 km offshore. We can see the dolphin attractions in this place like jumping. It is not fail to draw if the tourist has the time to see the sunset here. Lovina area is also supported by the number of tourism fascination which is can be reached from this location. Places of interests around Lovina are Hot Water Banjar, Wihara Budha (Buddies shrine), Gigit Waterfall and some countryside exist around the location.

Lovina Beach, North Part of Bali
Location
Lovina Beach, Places to Visit in BaliLovina is officially located in Kalibukbuk area and covering some countryside like Pemaron, Tukad Mungga, Anturan and Kalibukbuk countryside. Kalibugbug countryside it self is located in Buleleng sub district, meanwhile the Kaliasem and Temukus countryside are located in Banjar sub district where it both of them are belong to Buleleng regency. The eastern countryside is called Pemaron about 5 Km west of Singaraja, and the western countryside is Temukus about 12 Km west of Singaraja.
Lovina Beach is a Tourist Destination in Bali
The centre of activities in Lovina area is located 10 Km from Singaraja town. Nowadays, Lovina area is becoming the center of tourism activities in north part of Bali and offer many kind of accommodations, restaurants, bars, beach activities, art shops, bank, transportations etc. The accommodations in this area are a available from the star hotel class until small hotel even the home stay for the low budget travelers. As a tourist area and center of tourism in Singaraja, Lovina get the biggest visit from tourist who visiting north part of Bali . It is estimated by 90% from tourist who pay a visit to north part of Bali will in Lovina.
History
Lovina, North Bali, Dolphin Watching TourThere are no clear sources or evidence hit the name of Lovina genesis. Pursuant to the reference of the children from Anak Agung Panji Tisna, the clan of famous Buleleng King that the name of Lovina is given by him which is located in Kaliasem countryside, where at the first time he build a bungalow as a resort. He said that the name of Lovina is taken away from a name of small hotel in India that is lafeina whereabouts he stayed and write the book with the title of Ni Ketut Widhi. This book is translated into some languages. In memory of the hotel name, hence the ownership lands give the Lovina name. But there is also other version that is Lovina Name is given caused by its 2 Santen trees are planted by him and grow embracing each other. In this case Lovina is coming from Latin Language that mean is loving each other or love. Then Lovina's name is interpreted as abbreviation from Love and Ina and it is interpreted as Love to Indonesia .

More Lovina's Photo
What to see in Bali
Lovina Beach

Lovina Bali
Lovina Sunrise

Lovina, Bali Dolphin Tours
Lovina Dolphin Tour

Village Temples

2008-12-01T21:16:00.002+08:00

Balinese society is complex and multifarious, being divided by social hierarchies based on caste, occupation and descent. In the not so distant past, the life of the ordinary man, or commoner, was largely restricted to his village and its surrounding rice fields, while at a supra-village level there existed an upper crust of priest, noblemen and princes, organised into a ruling elite. These divisions are still in evidence today-though the plight of the common man is far less onerous –but they are mediated by the village temple system and the cycle of festivals associated with them, which periodically draw these diverse groups together as common participants in a shared ritual undertaking.

The Balinese Village

The Balinese Village is referred to by the term desa, which describes both the settlement and its immediate environs as a physical entity, and at the same time refers to a religious community, mad up of local householders and their families, who are responsible for maintaining the ritual purity and spiritual well-being of the village and its surrounding lands. The latter is achieved by observing the local customary laws (desa adat) and by participation in the cycle of religious ceremonies that take place at the village temples. The actual village itself, as a collection of house compounds, is subdivided into neighbourhoods, or wards (banjar), each of which have their own local temple (pura pamasakan). Every banjar has specific ritual duties to fulfill, not only in relation to its own neighbourhood temple, but also to the main village temples. Banjar members also act together in secular matters such as the maintenance of roads and the policing of the neighbourhood.

Pura Desa

Pura Desa are ideally placed in an auspicious location at the centre of the village-a position which is both towards the mountain (kaja) ad to the east (kangin). A sacred banyan tree is usually planted beside the entrance which often grows to enormous proportions, providing a shady centre at the heart of the community. A pavilion (wantilan) for cockfights is also located nearby the sacrificial shedding of blood (caru) plays a crucial role in Balinese rituals and contest are permitted on the occasion of a temple festival, though gambling is strictly prohibited, in theory at least, by the Indonesian government.

Village assemblies to discuss both ritual and secular matters are held every month, either at the pura desa itself or else at the village assembly hall (bale agung) nearby. One of the principal responsibilities of the village assembly is the organization of the anniversary celebrations (odalan) for each of the village temples. The latter fall every 210 days, according to the sacred wuku calendar, and are intended to ritually cleanse the village territory and purify the members of the temple congregation. Everyone in the villages is involved in the preparation of offerings and the organization of various entertainments such as gamelan recitals and shadow puppet performances which are held for the enjoyment of the gods and mortals alike.

AJ Hackett Bungy International

2008-12-01T21:09:00.002+08:00

Are you someone who likes extreme sport very much? Likes challenge? AJ Hackett is the only answer. If you want to feel the fun extreme sport in Bali, you can come to a place near Legian beach to take that challenge. The AJ Hackett Bungy International team will be pleased to offer you an unforgettable bungy experience. Our home is a 45 meter bungy tower situated minutes from the heart of Kuta, Bali. We offer a unique jump-zone, over our massive 5 meter deep pool which sits right on the beautiful Legian Beach.

Bali Diving

2008-11-22T08:28:00.004+08:00

Pigmy Bali Diving offers some of the joyful and unforgettable diving in Bali waters for the divers around the world. Bali offers beautiful corals with many species of fish from colorful fishes, reef sharks to Mola Mola or sunfish, manta rays and steep walls full of color and beauty plus a unique shipwreck in a flourishing tropical marine life. Generally, Indonesia including Bali has good diving in both seasons (wet and dry season).Many creatures can be found in Bali waters, from nice soft & hard corals, many varieties of Indo-Pacific marine fishes and its a heaven for photographers.

Kebyar Duduk Dance

2008-11-22T07:56:00.006+08:00

Like the Baris, the Kebyar is a soloexhibition dance, but of a more individualistic kind. The Baris portrays the movements of a generalized Balinese warrior. In Kebyar, the accent is upon thedancerhimself,who inter pretseverynuance of the music in powerful facial expressions and movement. Kebyar originated in North Bali around 1 920, but the man most often credited with its creation is the late Mario, a dancer whose superb performances of Kebyar remain unparalleled.

The most popular foftn of Kebyar in South Bali is Kebyar Duduk, the "seated" Kebyar, where the dancer sits cross-legged throughout most of the dance. By de-empasizing the legs and decreasing the space to a small sphere, the relation between dancer and gamelan is intensified. The dance is concentrated in the flexibility of the wrist and elbow, the magnetic power of the face, and the spppleness of the torso.

The music seems infused in the a dancer's body. The fingers bend with singular beauty to catch the light melodies of the metalphones, while the body sways back and forth to the resounding beat of the gong. As the dance progresses, the dancer crosses the floor on the outer edges of his feet and approaches a member of the orchestra, usually the lead drummer. He woos the musician with side glances and smiles, but the drummer is too absorbed in the music to respond. Insulted, the Kebyar dancer leaves him and sets out for a new conquest. The Kebyar is the most strenuous and subtle of Balinese dances. It is said that no one can become a great Kebyar dancer who can not play every instrument of the orchestra; for to attain perfection, all the moods of the music-lyrical, idyllic, dark, ominous- must be reflected in the disposition and skill of the dancer. In Kebyar Trompong, the dancer actually joins the orchestra by playing a long instrument of circular knobbed kettles called the trompong, as he continues to dance and twirl the trompong sticks between his fingers.

Ornamentation and Iconography in Balinese Temples

2008-11-02T19:59:00.002+08:00

Balinese temples are enlivened by a variety of stone sculpture and relief which to the Western eye have an almost baroque or rococo quality. The original inspiration for many of the statues and motifs may have come from India, but everywhere they have been subjected to strong local influences which over centuries have given rise to a uniquely Balinese artistic tradition.

The basic material used for stone carving is a soft volcanic sandstone, or tuff, which has a very plastic quality and lends itself well to being shaped by the stone mason`s chisel. Equally, it deteriorates fairly rapidly when exposed to the elements and Balinese temples are in a constant process of renovation and renewal.

A Balinese Iconography

One of the most striking images in Balinese temples is the face of a leering monster, which lolling tongue, bulging eyes and ferociously large canines, which is typically found over the monumental gateway (kori agung) leading to the innermost courtyard. This demonic visage is the face of the bhoma, whose fearful countenance is intended to drive away malevolent influences the temple precincts.

Less important locations are augmented with karang bintulu-a monstrous single eye which stares unblinkingly over a dental arcade of upper teeth with extended canines. This motif is typically surmounted by an image of a mountain-a representation of the legendary Mount Meru which stands at the centre of the Hindu-Buddhist universe and is identified in Indian mythology as the abode of the gods.

Corner motifs include karang curing, which are composed by the upper part of a bird`s beak with a single eye and jagged teeth, or as an alternative, karang asti, the jawless head of an elephant. When the Mexican artist and author Miguel Covarrubias, who lived in Bali during the 1930s, asked why these images lacked a lower mandible, he was told that this was because they did not have t o eat solid food. Covarrubias comments:”This is, in my opinion, a typically Balinese wisecrack and not an indication of any such symbolic meaning”

Other decorative motif include border designs (patra) of which there are several kinds. The type known as patra olanda might have been inspired by Dutch sources, while the pattern known as patra cina, indicates Chinese origins.

Padmasana shrines and meru are typically decorated with geometric or foliate motifs, while the carvings or pavilions may include representations of animals and mythological beasts, or even the gods themselves.

The most important images are reserved for the walls and gateways for they divide the sacred precincts of the temple from the profane, secular world outside. Especially significant in this last respect are the reliefs which adorn the free-standing wall, or aling-aling, which is placed just behind the kori agung gateway as one enters the innermoust courtyard in the temple complex. The latter typically sports a rogues` gallery of demons and ogres who are intended to deter malevolent influences from penetrating the inner sanctum.

A Typology of Temples

2008-11-02T19:54:00.001+08:00

A conservative estimate reckons that there are some 20,000 temples in Bali. Most of the time they are deserted, watched over by a lay priest, or pemangku, who keeps the temple precincts clear of leaves and acts as a general caretaker. But every temple has its birthday festivals, or odalan, whose date is fixed either according to a 210-day ritual cycle, or alternatively the ancient Hindu lunar Saka calendar. An odalan may last for several days, and their principal aim is the ritual purification of the temple catchment area and its congregation. On these occasions, the temple becomes the centre of intensive activity drawing in the entire local community to participate in prayer and ritual supplication to the gods and to partake of the associated entertainments-gamelan performances, puppet theatre, dance drama, operetta and the like.

Temples for All Occasions

There are a great variety of temple types in Bali, each servings a different function. Every village, or desa, has three main temples which govern the religious life of the community. They are known as the kahyangan tiga and they are identified with the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siwa. Other kinds of temples include pura panataran, or royal temples, which are usually incorporated as part of a palace complex, and private origin temples dedicated to the ancestors of a particular family- variously pura dadia, pura kawitan and pura padharman, depending in the genealogical depth being traced. There are also hill temples (pura bukit), sea temples (pura segara) and temples dedicated to the tutelary gods of seed (pura melanting) and markets (pura pasar). Each irrigation society-a collective of rice farmer who draw their water from a common source–will also have its own temple (ulun carik).

Sad Kahyangan

Especially prominent temples in the religious life of Bali are the `six great sanctuaries`, or `temples of the world` (sad kahyangan) which are recognized as the most sacred sites on the island. They include Pura Luhur Uluwatu at the westernmost tip of Bukit Penisula, Pura Goa Lawah near Kusamba, Pura Lempuyang Luhur in Karangasem, Pura Batukau in Tabanan and Pura Pusering Jagat in Pejeng. The most sacred temple of all is Pura Besakih, on the southern slopes of Gunung Agung, which is identified as the `mother temple` of all Bali. Other important regional temples include the `temples of the Sacred Ones-pura dang kahyangan-which are associated with the legendary Javanese priests who brought Hinduism to Bali.

King and Cosmos

In traditional Hindu cosmology, the political territory of a kingdom is conceived, in symbolic terms, as being coterminous with the universe as a whole, a microcosm of the macrocosm. In this respect, the seat of the ruler, which was ideally situated at, or near, the geographical centre of the kingdom, was perceived not only as the ultimate source of temporal power but also as a cosmological and ritual centre. The two aspects of power went hand in hand, the ruler, in Classical Indonesia, being regarded as divinely appointed (cakravartin).

The kingdom of Mengwi

The temple of Pura Taman Ayun was once the state temple of the kingdom of Mengwi which flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. The actual sanctuary itself was founded in the mid-18th century and reflects and attempt to literally re–centre the kingdom following a power struggle between rival factions within the royal family. The ascendant house decided to consolidate its advantage by building a new temple complex at Taman Ayun, situated halfway along a line running between Gunung Pengelengan-the local Mount Olympus- and the coastal temple of Pura Ulun Siwi. In cosmological terms this point was identified as the `navel` (puseh) of the world, and axis mundi situated midway between the heavens and the Stygian seas.

The Balinese Village

2008-11-02T19:48:00.001+08:00

The Balinese village us described by the world desa. This denotes both the settlement and its immediate physical environs ( tanah desa) and at the same time refers to a religious community made up of local householders and their families who are responsible for maintaining the ritual purity and spiritual well-being of the tanah desa.

The latter is achieved by observing the local customary laws (desa adat) and by participant in the cycle of religious ceremonies that take place at the village temples.

Village Layout

The Balinese village is laid out on a kaja-kelod axis running between the mountains and the sea, often in defiance of local topographical considerations.
The approach is signaled by a candi bentar (split gateway), with the road typically executing a sharp S-bend a little after this. Like the aling-aling `blind` wall immediately inside the entrance to the S-bend strategy outside it is another tactic intended to prevent malevolent spirits from entering the village –the spirits are said to hall (bale agung) and a drum tower (bale kulkul ), for summoning the community to meetings. There may also be a special pavilion for holding cockfights. This is called a wantilan and is often quite an impressive structure with a soaring roof and elegant columns.

Kahyangan Tiga

Balinese villages should ideally have at least three temples, which between them serve the religious needs of the community. In addition to the main village temple, which is situated at the centre of the village, there is also a temple honouring the founding fathers of the community and another dedicated to the dead.
Their respective locations, in relation to the centre of the village, can be understood in the context of Balinese ideas of ritual sancity and pollution: the ancestral temple (pura puseh) is placed at the kaja end of the village as benefits the deified status of the community founders, while the temple for the dead, the pura dalem, is located at the kelod end, reflecting the polluting nature of death. By the same reasoning, the community graveyard and cremation ground too are, typically, situated nearby.
The practice of having three village temples is said to have been begun by Mpu Kuturan, the revered Javanese priest, sage and temple architect who was responsible for a reformation of Balinese Hinduism during the 11th century, at a time when the religion was in decline. The three temples are known collectively as the kahyangan tiga and they are identified with the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siwa.

Balinese Palaces

2008-11-02T19:05:00.001+08:00

In traditional Hindu cosmology, the territory of the kingdom was conceived, in symbolic terms, as replicating the universe as a whole, a microcosm of the macrocosm. In this respect, the seat of the ruler, which ideally was situated at or near the geographical centre of the kingdom, was seen not only as the ultimate source of temporal power but also as a cosmological and ritual centre. The two aspects of power went hand in hand, for the ruler in Classical Indonesia was regarded as divinely appointed.

Balinese Kongdoms

Following the conquest of Bali by the East Javanese Majapahit kingdom in the early 14th century, a vassal king was installed at Samprangan, near present-day Gianyar, who owed his allegiance to Java. The island was effectively a dependency of Java until the start of the 15th century, but, as Majapahit fortunes waned, Bali gradually gained its autonomy from Java and, following the collapse of Majapahit in the early years of the 16th century, grew to be an imperial power in its own right under the leadership of king Waturenggong. By the end of the next century Bali had fragmented into several lesser kingdoms. These survive today as eight regencies (kabupaten), Bali`s local government departments.

At the Centre

The palace (puri) of the local dynastic ruler (raja) and his family should be auspiciously sited, ideally within the kaja-kangin quadrant formed by the crossroads at the centre of town. In practice, local circumstances and history may determine otherwise. For example, there may be more than one palace complex. At Karangasem, an older palace was left by the founders of a new dynasty to senior relatives, while for younger relatives; where two earlier palaces occupy the centre of Bangli, the principal one is situated in the town`s kaja-kangin quadrant.

Palace Layout

The palace resembles the basic pattern established for the residential compound of the common man, for it is laid put according to the same rules of the Balinese compass rose. For palaces, however, the grid-like division of the area enclosed by the perimeter walls is given a physical reality, with walls and doorways dividing the palace precincts into a series of the interconnected courtyards.

The Dynastic Temple

The kaja-kangin sector of the grid is occupied, predictably, by the family temple (pemerajan) of the ruler, which in this instance forms a kind of cosmic centre of the public on ceremonial occasion and is approached from the kauh side of the palace complex via two intermediary courtyard (jaba and jaba tengah). The first of these should ideally be situated on the western side of the palace complex and is entered from outside the palace walls via a ceremonial, split gateway (candi bentar). The second courtyard is used for the preparation of offerings and the reception of guests attending palace ceremonies. This courtyard is completely enclosed on all sides and is entered from the outer courtyard by another ceremonial gateway called a kori agung, which has a lintel and doors that can be shut. The kori agung is usually quite an ornate structure, with statuary and carvings intended to deter malevolent influences from entering the inner sanctum of the royal temple. The aling-aling wall inside the gateway is also decorated with reliefs, which often allude the date of construction. The door way the kori agung is opened only on ceremonial occasions, with every day access afforded by a smaller, less elaborate door to one side.
The sanctum sanctorum of the royal family temple (jero-dalem) contains the ancestral shrines of the ruling dynasty, which are much the same as the other family shrines except that they are usually more numerous and more elaborately ornamented.
There will also be meru towers dedicated to the gods. The number of tiered roofs (tumpang) is always uneven; the exact count depends on the nature of the deity to whom the structure is dedicated and the status of the person responsible for its erection. For example, a raja who dedicates a meru to Siwa is entitled to build the maximum number of tumpang-eleven.

Raja`s Residential Quarters

The most important of the three residential courts that occupy the central row of the palace complex is the middle one, which is where the raja and his family live. A wall bisects the court along an east-west axis and symbolizes the division between the public and private lives of the ruler.
The kelod half (pelataran rangki) is the public domain and is reached by members of the public from the kelod end the palace complex. This court has a bale gede where important lifecycle rituals relating to members of the royal family take place and there is also likely to be a pavilion to house important guests.
The kaja half of the central court is called the saren agung and this is occupied by the ruler and immediate family. The main building here is the living quarters (ukiran) of the raja himself. This should ideally be located exactly in the middle of the palace complex where it is divided in two by the wall that separates the central courtyard into its kaja and kelod halves. In this respect, the ukiran is located on the border of the public and private domains. The ukiran`s distinguished status is signaled by its pointed roof; all the other buildings have hipped roofs, except for the family shrines and the meru towers.

The Royal Family Members

To the east of the most central court lies the saren kangin, the residential quarters for the royalty not in the ruler`s immediate family-usually an order branch of the incumbent royal family. The basic layout of the saren kangin resembles the typical residential compound, arranged around a central natar, with family shrines in the kaja kangin corner, an umah meten to the west of this and a bale gede to the east. The western counterpart of the saren kangin is the saren kauh, where junior members of the royal family live-for example, the raja`s younger brother.

Kecak Dance - Bali

2008-09-14T23:27:00.016+08:00

Painting, woodcarving and dancing reflect the soul of the Balinese. Traditional dances are performed especially on Hindus holiday and also to welcome visitors. The one you see below is ‘Kecak Dance’ which was performed on Galungan, the biggest Hindus holiday, at Pura (temple) Luhur Ulu Watu, up on a cliff at the most southern part of the island.

The Kecak Dance tells the Indian story of Ramayana. Rama, a warrior and rightful hier to the throne of Ayodya, is exiled with his wife Sita to a faraway desert. There, an evil king spies Sita, falls in love with her, and sends a golden deer to lure Rama away. Sita is captured, and Rama rounds up his armies to defeat those of the evil king and rescue her. Rama is the man in green dancing in the center of the circle, the golden deer is in yellow in the back.
What makes the Kecak such a fascinating dance to watch are the fifty or so men in the checkered pants.They are both the choir and the props, providing the music for the story in a series of constant vocal chants that change with the mood of the actors. They don't sit still, either, they wave their arms to simulate fire, and reposition themselves around the stage to represent wind and fire, prison cells, and unseen hand of protection from the gods.

The dance is played in five acts and lasts roughly 45 minutes. Weekly (in some places daily) performances of the Kecak abound around the island, but the most well-known Kecak theater is in the town of Batubulan just north of the Balinese capital of Denpasar. The dance company provides transportation for a nominal fee to and from the resort.

Attending a Kecak recital is a must for any visitor to Bali. It is a wondrous experience, and a window into the musical and artistic culture that make the Balinese a special people.

Kuta Bali

2008-09-14T23:22:00.001+08:00

Kuta is a town in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and substantial Australian population. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.

Kuta was the site of the October 12, 2002 Bali bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 Bali bombing (26 killed).

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter suburbs with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh - new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh (6.4 nm), Denpasar (4.5 nm), Ujung (1.8 nm), Pesanggaran (2.0 nm), Kedunganan (2.9 nm) and Tuban (1.0 nm).

The Balinese Provincial Government have taken the view that the preservation of the Balinese culture, natural resources and wildlife are of primary importance in the development of the island. To this end they have limited tourist development to the peninsula on the extreme southern aspect of the island; Kuta beach is on the western side of this peninsula and Sanur is on the east. To the north of the peninsula no new tourist development is supposedly permitted.

The Taman Budaya Art Centre

2008-08-28T15:20:00.001+08:00

The Art Centre (Wedhi Budaya) complex, commenced in 1969 and officially opened for use in 1973, is located in Nusa Indah street.On entering the Art Centre complex one is confronted by two entrances. On the left, in a style reminiscent of Japan, is the "Rinchui Sakura" and on the right, is astructure called "Candi Bentar".

The Candi Bentar represents "exaltedness" and is often found in temples and palaces of royalty of bygone days. This structure is often found when entering village districts and also at points of entry into the province of Bali such as at the pmts of Gilimanuk, Benoa and Padangbai.
The Candi Bentar of the Art Centre, in keeping with tradition, represents the desire to preserve, nurture and exalt the arts of Bali.
Having entered the five hectare Cultural Park (Taman Budaya) a variety of buildings are visible built in the traditional Balinese style, the creation of the very talented architect Ida Bagus Tugur. The entire complex is divided into five building complexes with ponds, gardens, bridges and walkways connecting the various areas.
The various building complexes are known as: "Mahudara Mandhara Giri Buwana", used as the main building, housing a permanent art exhibition: "OnceÇrawa", used for occasional work shops and exhibitions: "Amerta Saraswati", housing the library: "Ardha Candra ", used for open-air performances, and finally the indoor stage: Ksirarnawa.
Besides these buildings there is the "Wantilan" (Wantilan = open air hall) which is outside the overall plan of the Art Centre complex. The Wantilan is used to hold performances where intimacy between performers and audience. (e.g. dance) is desired. This is made obvious when, on completion of the performance, the performer takes a seat amongst the "inactive" audience and proceeds to partake of the offered betel nut and cigarettes.

The Main Building (Mahudara Mandhara Giri Buwana): to gain access to the main double - storey building one passes over the "Gajah Mina" bridge. The Gajah Mina is a mythical creature, being a fish with the head of an elephant. Before entering the stairwell through the "Kori Agung" (Kori = door, gate; Agung = large, grand), which leadsto the exhibition building, one passes the heads of two mythical serpents (Naga); Naga Basuki and Naga Ananthaboga which seem to welcome every visitor to this complex. All these creatures and the names of the complexes derive from the Adi Parwa philosophy (Mahabharata epic) which is actually a part of a story about Mount "Mahudara Mandhara Giri Buvana".

East of the Main Building is the Balai Kambang (balai = building) situated on a pond. The view from the Balai Kambang looks out on the pond and the beautiful surrounding gardens contained within the Taman Udiyana Ratnalaya (taman = park, garden). Three statues are found at the eastern perimeter of the pond; the statue of Beghawan Gangga flanked by the images of Dewi Gangga Soma, protector of seas, riversand lakes,and that of Dew; Giri Puteri, protector of mountains and springs.

The Library (Amerta Saraswati).

In the library, situated beyond the oval stage, are found the valuable lontars (Iontar palm = leaves of which are used traditionally as paper) and books which are made accessibie to the public to read on the premises. There is an ideal resting spot in the "Balai Slunding" near the Pura, (pura = temple) which stands nearby and existed long before the Art Centre was conceptualised.

The Open Theatre (Ardha Candra)

This semi-circular theatre with a seating capacity of seven thousand derives its name from the shape (Ardha = half; Candra = round, moon). The theatre is used to stage anything from traditional classics in dance and modern variations of the classics to the works of contemporary choreographers.

The stage, lit from a traditional Balinese styled tower, has two dressing rooms, the left one, Candi Paduraksa, is used as the performers entrance to the stage.

The space beneath the tiered viewing area is used for an art shop, cafetaria and exhibition room and sited near the entrance are two smaller oval stages used to perform folk drama and "cak" dances. Indoor Stage: Ksirarnawa.

Just on the morning before the 8th Bali Art Festival was to be opened (June 14, 1986). Minister of Education and Culture Dr. Daud Yusuf dedicated officially the new Ksirarnawa - the Indoor Stage Building, on the west side of the Ardha Candra.lt has two floors: the upper is the stage with 800 capacity built in a combination of modern and Balinese styles. The first floor consists of rooms-in the west and east side for permanent or temporary exhibitions, and a lotus shaped pond is located at the centre. Four garuda (eagles) and eight white apes guard the four entrances to this stage. Ksirarnawa (Milky Ocean) is a name taken also from the process of gaining the Tirtha Amertha -the Holy Water in the Great Adi Parwa story.

It is this complex that every year hosts the month long Bali Art Festival in the months of June and July.

Singaraja Bali

2008-08-09T21:01:00.003+08:00

Welcome to Bali.

The former capital of Bali, Singaraja is located in north Bali, in the Lovina area, away from the more popular tourist areas and a scenic three hours drive from the airport. Singaraja has a black sand beach and is the main town for the Lovina area, famous for its dolphins. Close by are the Yeh Panas (hot springs) and the Air Sanih (a natural freshwater pool).

The Old Dutch capital of Bali during the colonial era, Singaraja is a quiet town with some quaint Old Dutch warehouses on the waterfront. It's easily reached from the south via Bedugul or Kintamani or from Candidasa in the east. There is some accommodation here but we would be better to stay at the nearby Lovina Beach only a few kilometers to the west. Lovina has had a recent spruce up and the gravel beach is now pristine clean. The town has plenty of accommodation from basic to good quality and some adequate restaurants.

It was a centre and being the administrative centre of the islands during the years of Dutch colonialism up to 1953, (now the capital is in Denpasar, in the south of Bali). We will remains during Dutch period, there being influence of Chinese and Muslims. In the time of the Dutch occupation, Singaraja was Bali's main port. But now the traffic has moved south, leaving the area in peace. Clean, quiet and culturally distinctive, Singaraja retains a colonial feel.

Amlapura Bali

2008-08-07T11:16:00.010+08:00

welcome to Amlapura.Amlapura is east Bali's major transport terminal and so, well connected to all parts of Bali. It was known as Karangasem until 1963, when the mighty Agung volcano unfortunately, erupted with spectacular force and even more spectacular damage. So, Karangasem underwent a name change and was "reborn" as Amlapura to rid itself of any "unlucky" association, which might provoke a much-feared recurrence.The old Puri Agung Karangasem Palace was once the seat of the past King of Karangasem. The visitors can walk around the old palace. The ruins of the Taman Ujung water Palace are conveniently located 3km south of Amlapura.When visiting Amlapura, it is best to stay at Tirta Gangga, not because of any spectacular eruptions, but for the sake of comfort and luxury.

The main attraction of Amlapura is its traditional palaces or puri. There is a western, a northern, a southern and an eastern puri as well as several others, all still occupied by members of the royal family. Of these, only the Puri Kangin (the eastern palace) on the main road to the market is easily visited. This is worth a look, as it gives a vivid impression of how local royals used to live. The palace buildings themselves are in fact an eccentric blend of Chinese and European details set in what is essentially a traditional Balinese compound with several pavilions and room surrounded by pools and connected by walk ways. The main hall is called the "Bale London" and the furniture curiously bears the crest of the British royal family. One can even rent rooms here the perfect accommodation for the aspiring aristocrat.

Trunyan Bali

2008-08-03T13:32:00.004+08:00

Welcome to Trunyan.

Trunyan is another ancient village inhabited by people who call themselves the “Bali Aga” or old Bali who live in ways that are vastly different from other Balinese. The Bali Aga's temple in this village is named Puser Jagat, meaning Navel of the Universe. Its architecture is highly unusual, and stands in the protective shade of a massive banyan tree.

The Bali Aga has a strange way of burial. Instead of cremating their corpses, the Bali Aga simply places them under this banyan tree. The odor is mysteriously masked by a special arboreal fragrance emitted by the banyan tree.

The village of Trunyan is squeezed tightly between the lake and the outer crater rim of Batur, an almighty volcano in Kintamani. This is a Bali Aga village, inhabited by descendants of the original Balinese, the people who predate the arrival of the Hindu Majapahit kingdom in the 16th century. It is famous for the Pura Pancering Jagat temple, but unfortunately visitors are not allowed inside. There is also a couple of traditional Bali Aga-style dwellings, and a large banyan tree, which is said to be more than 1,100 years old. At Kuban sub-village close to Trunyan is a mysterious cemetery that is separated by the lake and accessible only by boat, there is no path along the steep walls of the crater rim.

Unlike the Balinese people, Trunyan people do not cremate or bury their dead, but just lay them out in bamboo cages to decompose, although strangely there is no stench. A macabre collection of skulls and bones lies on the stone platform and the surrounding areas. The dead bodies don't produce bad smells because of the perfumed scents from a huge Taru Menyan tree growing nearby. Taru means 'tree' and Menyan means 'nice smell'. The name of Trunyan was also derived from these two words. The women from Trunyan are prohibited from going to the cemetery when a dead body is carried there. This follows the deeply rooted belief that if a woman comes to the cemetery while a corpse is being carried there, there will be a disaster in the village, for example a landslide or a volcanic eruption. Such events have been frequent in the village's history, but whether women had anything to do with it is a matter of opinion.

Tengenan Bali

2008-07-28T16:30:00.002+08:00

Welcome to Tengenan Bali

Tenganan, northwest of Candidasa, is situated about 5km from the main road. Tenganan is a symmetrically laid out Bali Aga village with a walled homes and unique crafts. Bali Aga was the original inhabitant of Bali, before the arrival of Hindu Javanese. Tenganan retains its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders, further enforced by the protection of its surrounding walls.

Tenganan is charming and has some very fascinating authentic traditional festival (ritual dances and gladiator) like Bali Aga of Tenganan often holds the battle between local youths. The people of Tenganan are skilled in the unique technique of weaving, called the 'double ikat', where the belief in the magical power of the fabric is essential in bringing out the beauty of the ikat cloth.
There are some versions of story telling us the history of Tenganan village. Some say that the word Tenganan was derived from the word "tengah" or "ngatengahang" which means, "move to the inner area". This derivation of word was having a relation with the movement of the villagers from the seaside to a rural area, in which the position of this village is in the middle of hills, which are western hill (Kauh Hill) and eastern hill (Kangin Hill).

Another version reveals that the people of Tenganan came from Peneges village, located in Gianyar, precisely near Bedahulu. Based on the folklore, once upon a time Bedahulu King lost one of his horses. The people looked for it to the east and the horse was finally found dead by Ki Patih Tunjung Biru, the King's right hand. For his loyalty, the King finally gave Ki Patih Tunjung Biru an authority to govern the land as far as the aroma of the carrion of the horse can be smelled. Ki Patih was an intelligent person, so he cut the carrion into pieces and spread it as far as he could. Thus he received a quite large area.

Visitors will feel comfortable when visiting this area, for some facilities are available here, like food stalls, good toilets, arts shops and a quite large parking area. If we wish to have meal in restaurants or to spend the night near this area, we can go to Candidasa, which is only 3 km from this village. To get to Tenganan, get a lift up from the main road by ojek; and have a pleasant walk back down to the main road contemplating the intricacies of the Bali Aga culture. There is no entrance fee to Tenganan but a small donation is requested as we enter the village.

Bedugul Bali

2008-06-26T15:20:00.007+08:00

Bedugul is the name of both a small city and a mountain-lake resort area, which Balinese have long used for weekend retreats. Bedugul is located on the main north-south road between Denpasar and Singaraja in cool damp mountain country, an excellent base for walking trips around the lakes and surrounding hills. Bedugul is located in a high plateau at the center of the Island. Cool air and mists are natural for the place. Bedugul is a resort in Bratan Mountains, famous for its golf course; and also the Ulun Danu. Ulu Danu is an amazing temple, which seems to have risen out of Bratan Lake 1,200metres above sea level. There are many water sports available here are boating, water skiing, and parasailing. When the heat and humidity are get, why not escape to Bedugul. Bali's highland retreat has tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano 1400 meters 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 freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruit, vegetables and flowers. There are several places to stay near the lake and there is also an interesting temple, botanical gardens, an excellent golf course and a variety of activities on Lake Bratan itself.
Bedugul is a favorite place for Balinese family for weekend picnic. Bedugul is also a center of horticulture. We'll find plenty of fruits and vegetables here. Here we find 3 of Bali 4 lakes, Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. Bratan, the largest of the three is perfect place for water sports such as para sailing, motor boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, etc. Bedugul fertile soil also produced abundance of plants and trees, some of them formed rain forests with their exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures.

Tour to UBUD Bali

2008-06-26T14:07:00.006+08:00

Ubud is Bali's cultural heart. This area is located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family and a flourishing arts centre. Most of Bali's museums and galleries are centered in Ubud, but culture and history rich Bali is peppered with museums and galleries. These museums and galleries offer paintings, woodcarvings, textiles and all kinds of souvenirs for viewing and also purchase. Puri Lukisan Museum in centre of Ubud, Neka Museum in Campuhan, Seniwati Gallery and Agung Rai Museum in Pengosekan is a must, to see the difference between creative art and more commercial products.
Inspired by vibrant green rice paddies, mountains and colorful Balinese festivals, the elite artistic colony that began in the 1930's with eminent European painters, writers and musicians has now grown into a thriving arts centre, drawing increasing numbers of visitors. Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specializing in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewelry as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art.

Ubud's role as the epicenter of Balinese culture makes it the perfect place to see traditional Balinese dance and drama. From the early 1920's the royal family ensured that most talented teachers of dance, music and drama were brought to Ubud to entertain the King and pass on their knowledge. Dances like Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in Bona village, just 15 minutes drive from Ubud. Bali's most accomplished dancers, musicians, painters and carvers live in just 10 square kilometers.

Balinese Hinduism remains stronger in Ubud than elsewhere in Bali, cremation ceremony or celebration of some kind. Balinese Hinduism is distinct from that of India and has absorbed the animism of Bali's pre-Hindu ancestors - inspired by the extraordinary beauty of Bali's landscapes - rice fields, mountains, river gorges, villages and ancient temples.

Visit Ubud Monkey Forest, a natural forest reserve popular with both locals and tourists. Inhabited by wild monkeys who will steal the camera, bananas, handbags, toupees, etc. These mischievous monkeys provide lots of entertainment. Interesting meandering paths lead to charming places like the bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of ancient forest. Just off the main square a lovely arched stone bridge leads to the Hindu elephant-headed Lord Ganesh overlooking a small, square, moss-covered pool where several koi swim at his feet.

Kintamani

2008-06-19T22:46:00.019+08:00

Welcome to Kintamani.The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain.Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.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 cottages are available here.
Kintamani can run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani. Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge "Baby" statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli. From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon.Tour to Kintamani is a very impressive experience where Kintamani Area have very beautiful panorama located in plateau and also encircled by mountain atmosphere with the windblast from Mount Batur. Carpet of Batur Lake seen far below and also there are local resident house beside of Batur Lake. Beside of that, Mount Batur which to date still be active growing its beautiful for Kintamani Area.

Denpasar

2008-06-19T18:31:00.003+08:00

Denpasar is Bali's capital city. Although the modern centre of government departments, international banks, and many other offices, it still retains its unique Balinese personality. This is strongly felt and clearly seen in its many temples, universities and pleasant gardens, which still maintain their presence and influence. Denpasar has the Pura Jagatnatha, a temple dedicated to Bali's Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi. There are interesting statues of a turtle and two mystical dragons in the temple, signifying the foundation of the world. The Pura's awesome architecture resembles that of Balinese palace. It has now been converted into a museum housing a fine collection of prehistoric and modern art. The famous 4th century Pura Maospahit, is right next to Pura Jaganatha.There is also an interesting place like; the government-supervised art centre, Sanggraha Kriya Hasta, which also home to a tremendous variety of handicraft and works of art. Taman Wedhi Budaya, meanwhile, is an arts centre with occasional exhibits of paintings, crafts and carvings, and holds traditional dances every evening. It is also the host of the annual Bali Arts Festival in June to July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest, and other activities of artistic nature.

The main street of Denpasar start with Gajah Mada Street in the west, Surapati Street in the centre, followed by Hayam Wuruk Street and ends as Raya Sanur Street in the east. There are many things of history and culture to see. The Puputan Square, with its heroic Catur Mukha, fondly commemorates the Balinese's suicidal stand against the Dutch. Until today, it is touchingly, a popular meeting place for locals in the evenings.

KLUNGKUNG

2008-06-15T15:39:00.003+08:00

Bali's smallest district Klungkung is located between Gianyar and Karangasem, and includes the island of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan. Klungkung itself is a bustling town. Based on the decree of the Governor of Bali Province on 1993 number 528, Nusa Penida in one of with also fixed as a tourist resort in Bali. And then base of the Regency of Klungkung Government on 1996 decree number 284 there are 18 tourist object in the regency inclusive Nusa Penida. On reaching the town centre. Klungklung was the base of the ancient Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali, from where the Balinese royalty of today draws its bloodline. It is the oldest kingdom in Bali, with a most exalted Kings. The famous Kertha Gosa or Royal Court of Justice was built in Klungklung in the 18th century, displays one of Bali's masterpieces. It has a wonderfully made ceiling displaying one of Bali's masterpieces (murals portraying the punishment of hell and the rewards of heaven, and elaborated in thousands of panels of puppets) all on the ceiling. Klungklung's golden glory is forever captured in its floating pavilion, elaborate garden, and charming lotus ponds. Klungklung satisfies one's wish of returning to the glory of the ancient past.

Klungkung has played a most important role in Bali's history. It was the seat of rule of Bali's history. It also seat of rule of Bali's most powerful dynasty of rajas, Dewa Agung, under whom the island was united during a glorious period of rich cultural influence. Gajah Mada, head of Majapahit, pacified and united Bali towards the end of the 13th century, incorporating the island into the Majapahit Empire. He set king Kepakisan, the first Dewa Agung "Great Deity". To rule over the island from his court at Samprangan, near the present town of Klungkung. Several generations later this seat of power was removed to nearby Gelgel, where it established much authority and prestige under the fourth succeeding Dewa Agung.

Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) temple.

2008-06-06T09:46:00.008+08:00

Welcome to Bali Island....!

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the SW, in which dwell major deities, in Uluwatu's case; Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures. Bali's most spectacular temples located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu lies at the southern tip of Bali in Badung Regency. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. This is a popular place to enjoy the sunset. Famous not only for its unique position, Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur (literally high temples or ascension temples) which become the focus for massive pilgrimages during three or five day odalan anniversaries. The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple, Goa Lawah, is also Pura Luhur. Not all Pura Luhur are on the coast, however but all have inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water.
Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast. In the 15th Century the great pilgrim priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode: history records that Dwijendra achieved moksa (oneness with the godhead, in a flash of blazing light) while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu.

Behind the main pagoda of Pura Uluwatu's small inner sanctum, a limestone statue of a Brahman priest surveys the Indian Ocean-it is said the statue represents the founding priest Dwijendra. Another shrine within the complex represents the boat on which Dwijendra traveled from, then, Hindu Java. According to legend he arrived at Pura Peti Tenget, north of Kuta.

Uluwatu Beach is known for its surf and, in nearby hostelries, its full moon rage parties. It rages at the temple too but in an orderly way, thanks to the royal house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta, Denpasar, who are the temple's hereditary pangemong (custodians). Hundreds of nobles from this family, and many 'devotees' (pengayah) and village pemangku priests from nearby hamlets, ensure that every seven months (on Anggar Kasih Medangsya by the Wuku Calendar, to be exact) the festival is run efficiently, and most elegantly. The palace is proud of its ancestral role: it manages the awesome logistics with fitting dignity.
Being a popular surfing spot for the very experienced, Uluwatu offers a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset. Warungs or small restaurants perched on the cliff offer a comfortable spot to survey the vast Indian Ocean beyond and below the 100-meter-high cliffs with panorama on three sides. Monkeys inhabit the temple and cliff face hoping for a banana or some peanuts from the visitors.

Pura Uluwatu

2008-06-05T10:34:00.008+08:00

Selamat datang di bali.Di ujung paling barat semenanjung Bukit,terdapat sebuah Pura Sad Kahyangan sebagai penyangga salah satu darl 9 arah mata angin yakni Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Pura ini dibangun, bertengger persis di atas batu karang yang menjorok ke laut dengan pemandangan yang luar biasa indahnya, terlebih-lebih tatkala Surya mulai redup menurun di ufuk barat.

Pura Uluwatu pertama-tama dipakai sebagai tempat untuk memuja seorang pendeta suci yang datang pada abad ke 11, bernama Empu Kuturan. Beliaulah yang menurunkan ajaran Desa Adat dengan segala peraturan tata tertibnya. Pura tersebut berikutnya juga dipakai untuk pemujaan Pendeta suci berikutnya Dang Hyang Nirartha, yang datang ke Bali di akhir tahun 1550 dan mengakhiri perjalanan sucinya dengan Moksah / Ngeluhur di tempat ini. Selanjutnya dengan kata itu dipakai melengkapi nama Pura yakni Pura Luhur Uluwatu.

Pantai di bawah Pura Uluwatu yaitu Pantai Pecatu sering kali digunakan sebagai tempat untuk olahraga surfing. Seringkali even even internasional untuk olahraga ini. Ombak pantai pecatu sangat bagus dijadikan sebagai tempat untuk surfing disamping keindahan alamnya yang mempesona.

Tanah Lot

2008-05-30T11:31:00.013+08:00

Welcome to Tanah Lot. One of the most popular places of interest in Bali, is located on the coast of West Bali, at the village of Beraban in the Tabanan Regency.It is also called Tanah Let which means ancient land and also Tanah Lod,which means the land to the south.

The temple Pura Tanah Lot, simple in its construction, is dramatic in its ocean-front location and is one of the main temples in the worship of Balinese gods.Tanah Lot has a long history in the world of tourism.The temple itself is built on a small promontory which is only accessible at low tide.During high water the rock takes on the appearance of a large boat at sea, such is its shape.

Poisonous snakes live in the nearby caves to 'guard' the temple and contribute to the temple's dangerous reputation.

Sunset is the best time to visit Tanah lot, when the golden red skies frame the temple and waves crash into the rocks.It is advisable to avoid the tourist crush here as it can be severe.

Gitgit Waterfall Bali

2008-05-26T13:06:00.006+08:00

Bali is beautiful island, and welcome to Gitgit Waterfall. Gitgit Waterfall Bali is one of the most enchanting sites that visitors in Bali look forward to visiting during their tour to Bali in Indonesia. The stunning Bali is beautiful island, and welcome to Gitgit Waterfall. Gitgit Waterfall Bali is one of the most enchanting sites that visitors in Bali look forward to visiting during their tour to Bali in Indonesia. The stunning landscape of Bali marked by traversing rivers, soaring mountains and acres of lush greenery is a feast for your senses. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of crowded cities, head towards Gitgit to enjoy the breathtaking vista of a waterfall cascading down a steep ridge. Accredited as the largest of its kind in Bali, Gitgit Waterfall attracts visitors with its scenic beauty. Falling from a height of 45 meters, rolling water coupled with the dense wood in surrounding area it forms a magnificent view.

The waterfall derives its name from Gitgit Village. The village is nearly 10 kilometers away from Singaraja. Park your car at the parking lot and start walking towards the waterfall. Meandering through verdant shrubs, coffee and clove trees, the path leads you to a higher spot. Birdwatchers can find some endemic species while others can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness. Once you reach the spot, enjoy the amazing scenery that opens up before your eyes. Torrents of fuming water rushing down into a pool. Huge chunks of rocks and pebbles are scattered all around. A fine veil of mist perpetually suspended in the air. Wander around or marvel at the wonder of the nature. The unceasing flow of water hissing its way down is sure to captivate your mind. Try to capture a few images of the cascade in your camera.

Tourists can indulge into a swimming spree into the pool situated at the feet of Gitgit Waterfall. The place is ideal to unwind or enjoying a picnic with your family and friends. The way leading towards the waterfall is lined with shops. You can buy handicrafts and some souvenirs from there.
Do not miss to include Gitgit Waterfall in Bali in your sightseeing schedule as you tour the city that is turning out to be a hot tourist destination in Bali.
landscape of Bali marked by traversing rivers, soaring mountains and acres of lush greenery is a feast for your senses. If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of crowded cities, head towards Gitgit to enjoy the breathtaking vista of a waterfall cascading down a steep ridge. Accredited as the largest of its kind in Bali, Gitgit Waterfall attracts visitors with its scenic beauty. Falling from a height of 45 meters, rolling water coupled with the dense wood in surrounding area it forms a magnificent view.

The waterfall derives its name from Gitgit Village. The village is nearly 10 kilometers away from Singaraja. Park your car at the parking lot and start walking towards the waterfall. Meandering through verdant shrubs, coffee and clove trees, the path leads you to a higher spot. Birdwatchers can find some endemic species while others can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness. Once you reach the spot, enjoy the amazing scenery that opens up before your eyes. Torrents of fuming water rushing down into a pool. Huge chunks of rocks and pebbles are scattered all around. A fine veil of mist perpetually suspended in the air. Wander around or marvel at the wonder of the nature. The unceasing flow of water hissing its way down is sure to captivate your mind. Try to capture a few images of the cascade in your camera.

Tourists can indulge into a swimming spree into the pool situated at the feet of Gitgit Waterfall. The place is ideal to unwind or enjoying a picnic with your family and friends. The way leading towards the waterfall is lined with shops. You can buy handicrafts and some souvenirs from there.
Do not miss to include Gitgit Waterfall in Bali in your sightseeing schedule as you tour the city that is turning out to be a hot tourist destination in Bali.

Bali Bird Park

2008-05-21T21:08:00.005+08:00

Welcome to Bali Bird Park....! Find yourself at the Bali Bird Park to witness the largest and finest collection of Indonesian birds in the world plus fantastic birds from Africa & South America.

Encompassing two hectares of botanical landscape, the park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species.

Our innovative approach towards the display of rare and tropical birds has progressed from traditional exhibits to that of showcasing mixed species in their natural habitats & in large walk in Aviaries and free range throughout the park.

The park accommodates an amazing display of flora with more then 2000 tropical plants including 50 varieties of palms alone and attracting numerous butterflies.

Incorporating a breeding, research and veterinary facility within the complex, the park has a high success rate in the captive reproduction of exotic birds such as the Bird. of Paradise and Hornbill. more visit here...

Sangeh Monkey Forest

2008-05-19T18:57:00.006+08:00

Hi welcome again to Bali Island...!and now on Sangeh Monkey Forest.It is located near to Sangeh village; the renowned 6 hectares of Bali Sangeh Monkey Forest are filled with giant nutmeg trees capable of growing as high as 40m. Sangeh Monkey Forest near the village of Sangeh, in southwestern Bali, has six hectares of forestland with giant nutmeg trees. The main attractions here are the hordes of funny yet wise Balinese monkeys inhabiting both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, found in the heart of the forest. The monkeys of the forest are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. But visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jeweler should be left behind or kept well hidden under clothes or in a bag when exploring Sangeh Bali.

Near Sangeh village, about 20 km north of Denpasar. This forest of approximately 6 hectares is filled with giant nutmeg trees that can grow up to 40m high. The main attractions are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit sari, located in the heart of the forest. The temple, Pura Bukit Sari, was originally built around the 17th century as an agricultural temple and has been restored several times, most recently in 1973. In the central courtyard, a large statue of Garuda, an old carving of uncertain date, symbolizes freedom from suffering and the attainment of amerta, the elixir of life. The forest of nutmeg trees in which it lies was presumably planted deliberately a long time ago, for it is unique in Bali.

Conrad Bali Resort & Spa

2008-05-14T16:09:00.015+08:00

Welcome to Bali and welcome to Conrad Bali Resort & Spa....!

Conrad Bali Resort & Spa
Jl. Pratama 168, Bali, 80363, Indonesia | Tel: 62-361-778 788, Guest Fax: 62-361-778 780

Located on the southern coast of Bali, Indonesia, the Conrad Bali is conveniently situated only 10 km (6.5 miles) from the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar and next to the Nusa Dua resort area. Secluded on 6.8 acres of tropical gardens and lagoons with cascading waterfalls, the Conrad luxury hotel is complete with a beautiful white-sand 350 metre beach.

Embraced in contemporary Balinese architecture, each of the 298 guest rooms and suites of the Conrad Bali overlook the ocean, lagoons or gardens. All of our luxury hotel guest rooms are equipped with broadband internet access (HSIA).

Designed in an attractive E-shape structure, the Conrad Bali offers a retail village, conference centre and a full-service business centre and luxury boutiques. From intimate parties to international conferences in Indonesia, the Conrad Bali provides the perfect venue.

Recreational facilities of our luxury hotel include a 33-metre swimming pool, jogging track with landscaped gardens, floodlit tennis courts, fitness centre and the luxury Jiwa Spa. To entertain the youngest guests of our hotel, the Kura-Kura Club of the Conrad Bali offers fun-filled children's activities. On your next trip to Indonesia, experience the luxury of the Conrad Bali!

Accommodation

298 spacious guest rooms in three low-rise wings. All with private patio or balcony & panoramic views of the ocean, lagoons or gardens
15 suites including 1 Presidential suite
All guest rooms and suites offer elegant contemporary design with features from the archipelago. The private patio or balcony offers the opportunity to dine or simply relax
Choice of non-smoking or smoking rooms

In-room facilities

Telephones with voice mail
Internet access with secure virtual private network (VPN) connection
Laptop / fax / printer on request
Flat screen TV with selection of local & satellite TV channels
Individually controlled air-conditioning and ceiling fans
Coffee and tea making facilities. Safe. Hairdryer. Private bar
DVD/CD Player

Restaurants and lounges

Suku - Primitive modern, offering island cuisine in al fresco elegant setting.Breakfast, brunch, lunch & dinner. Seats 228
Eight Degrees South - Latitude with an attitude, on the beach, serving BBQ cuisine and a variety of salads, pizza, sandwiches & Asian specialities.Open from lunch until dinner. Seats 92
Spice - A harlequin of ethnic cuisine, on the third floor, offering authentic ethnic cuisine in an elegant indoor & outdoor setting with views over the Indian Ocean. Open for dinner. Seats 96 including private room up to 10
Azure - A cool pool bar, located next to the lagoon, offering exotic tropical cocktails and ice cold drinks. From 10 am to 6pm. Seats 24
East - Spectacular view served with every cocktail, lobby lounge on the third floor, facing east with spectacular views of the resort swimming pool and lagoons, the beach and bay towards Nusa Penida Island. Nightly entertainment. Seats 108

Conference facilities

The resort is the ideal venue for all occasions, from international conferences to intimate parties.
All conference venues have the latest equipment and facilities.
Seperate entrance for group check in.
Private outdoor areas available for gatherings beneath the stars.
Innovative & creative theme parties can be tailor-made,f rom spectacular gala events to informal affairs.
Ballroom is 531 sq metres (5.723 sq. feet) and can be divided into two rooms. Six additional meeting and board rooms.
A variety of venues for weddings include the Floating Garden, Balinese Water Garden and beach settings.
Professional wedding planner to assist all preparations including legal ceremony, religious ceremony and reception.
Wireless ethernet LAN. Cisco 2950 router with VPN facility.
Dedicated high speed internet line. Large scale screen projection. PA system. Intelligent lighting. Hand-held & neck radio microphones.
CD player, video/DVD player, 29 TV, LCD, OHP, slide projector.
Fully equiped Business Centre with private office space including office equipment, internet and a wide range of services.
Know more visit here...

History of Bali

2008-05-14T10:10:00.000+08:00

Bali was inhabited by Austronesia peoples by about 2,000, who migrated originally from Taiwan through Maritime Southeast Asia. Culturally and linguistically, the Balinese are thus closely related to the peoples of the Indonesian archipelago, the Philippines, and Oceania. Stone tools dating from this time have been found near the village of Cekik in the island's west.

Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, and particularly Sanskrit culture, in a process beginning around the 1st century AD. The name Balidwipa has been discovered from various inscriptions, including the Blanjong charter issued by Sri Kesari Warmadewa in 913 AD and mentioning Walidwipa. It was during this time that the complex irrigation system subak was developed to grow rice. Some religious and cultural traditions still in existence today can be traced back to this period. The Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293–1520 AD) on eastern Java founded a Balinese colony in 1343. When the empire declined, there was an exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests and musicians from Java to Bali in the 15th century.

The first European contact with Bali is thought to have been made by Dutch explorer Cornelis de Houtman who arrived in 1597, though a Portuguese ship had foundered off the Bukit Peninsula as early as 1585. Dutch colonial control was expanded across the Indonesian archipelago in the nineteenth century (see Dutch East Indies). Their political and economic control over Bali began in the 1840s on the island's north coast by playing various distrustful Balinese realms against each other. In the late 1890s, struggles between Balinese kingdoms in the island's south were exploited by the Dutch to increase their control. The Dutch mounted large naval and ground assaults at the Sanur region in 1906 and were met by the thousands of members of the royal family and their followers who marched to certain death against superior Dutch force in a suicidal puputan defensive assault rather than face the humiliation of surrender. Despite Dutch demands for surrender, an estimated 4,000 Balinese marched to their death against the invaders. In 1908, a similar massacre occurred in the face of a Dutch assault in Klungkung . Afterwards the Dutch governors were able to exercise little influence over the island, and local control over religion and culture generally remained intact.

Dutch rule over Bali had come later and was never as well established as in other parts of Indonesia such as Java and Maluku. Imperial Japan occupied Bali during World War II during which time a Balinese military officer, Gusti Ngurah Rai, formed a Balinese 'freedom army'. Following Japan's Pacific surrender in August 1945, the Dutch promptly returned to Indonesia, including Bali, immediately to reinstate their pre-war colonial administration. This was resisted by the Balinese rebels now using Japanese weapons. On 20 November 1946, the Battle of Marga was fought in Tabanan in central Bali. Colonel I Gusti Ngurah Rai, 29 years old, finally rallied his forces in east Bali at Marga Rana, where they made a suicide attack on the heavily armed Dutch. The Balinese battalion was entirely wiped out, breaking the last thread of Balinese military resistance. In 1946 the Dutch constituted Bali as one of the 13 administrative districts of the newly-proclaimed Republic of East Indonesia, a rival state to the Republic of Indonesia which was proclaimed and headed by Sukarno and Hatta. Bali was included in the "Republic of the United States of Indonesia" when the Netherlands recognised Indonesian independence on 29 December 1949.

The 1963 eruption of Mount Agung killed thousands, created economic havoc and forced many displaced Balinese to be transmigrated to other parts of Indonesia.

Bali blast monument.

Bali blast monument.

Mirroring the widening of social divisions across Indonesia in the 1950s and early 1960s, Bali saw conflict between supporters of the traditional caste system, and those rejecting these traditional values. Politically, this was represented by opposing supporters of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) and the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI), with tensions and ill-feeling further increased by the PKI's land reform programs. An attempted coup in Jakarta was put down by forces led by General Suharto. The army became the dominant power as it instigated a violent anti-communist purge, in which the PKI was blamed for the coup. Most estimates suggest that at least 500,000 people were killed across Indonesia, with as many as 100,000 killed in Bali, equivalent to 5 per cent of the island's population. With no Islamic forces involved as in Java and Sumatra, upper-caste PNI landlords lead the extermination of PKI members.

As a result of the 1965/66 upheavals, Suharto was able to manoeuvre Sukarno out of the presidency, and his "New Order" government reestablished relations with western countries. The Bali as a tourist paradise which was instigated during the pre World War II colonial time was revised in a modern form, and the resulting large growth in tourism has led to Balinese standards of living rise dramatically and significant foreign exchange earned for the country. A bombing in 2002 by militant Islamists in the tourist area of Kuta killed 202 people, mostly foreigners. This attack, and another in 2005, severely affected tourism, bringing much economic hardship to the island.Take from (Wikipedia)

The Ubud Village Resort

2008-05-13T12:44:00.001+08:00

Welcome to Bali....!
The Ubub Village Resort & Spa.
Located on the verdant hillsides of Ubud, Ubud Village Resort & Spa is a perfect Balinese hideaway for romantic couples, honeymooners and families alike. Overlooking an expanse of gorgeous terraced rice paddies, Ubud Village Resort and Spa has a relaxing atmosphere throughout which is further enhanced by excellent service and guest amenities. Surrounded by picturesque rice paddy terraces and set within luxuriant landscaped tropical gardens - with coconut palms, manicured lawns, lotus ponds and our own rice paddies - Ubud Village Resort & Spa is a retreat style boutique resort designed for relaxation, invigoration and peaceful contemplation. Various activities showcase Bali's artistic heritage with interactive classes of dance, music, painting, cooking, fruit sculpting and wood carving. While our adventure programme of trekking, cycling and rafting caters to those with more active tastes. Weddings are one of the specialties that Ubud Village Resort & Spa offers. The romantic atmosphere and picturesque location offered by the resort are conducive to a dream wedding and will ensure complete enjoyment of your special time.Know more visit here....

Kuta Paradiso Hotel Bali

2008-05-10T14:01:00.001+08:00

Kuta Paradiso Hotel Bali. Welcome to Paradiso.....!

Kuta Paradiso Hotel Bali located at South Kuta Beach, Kuta Paradiso Hotel is luxury five-star hotel, a resort style in downtown Kuta area. A combination of 243 deluxe, superior rooms and suites are arranged in two wings leading off the hotel’s spacious lobby. All rooms are providing comfortable, tasteful accommodation overlooking the ocean and the hotel's landscaped tropical gardens.

Kuta Paradiso Hotel is just five minutes drive from the airport, centrally surrounded by restaurants, amusement center, and nightlife entertainment. The famous Kuta Square-shopping center is just at our doorstep. Enjoy your holiday in Kuta, Bali! know more visit here..

Pantai Lovina

2008-05-08T19:26:00.000+08:00

Pantai....!wisata pantai.Kawasan wisata Lovina terletak di bagian utara pulau Bali, tepatnya di kecamatan Banjar, kabupaten Buleleng, 2,5 jam perjalanan dari Kuta atau Denpasar.

Apa yang menarik dilihat di sini adalah selain pantainya yang indah, pantai Lovina juga menawarkan atraksi ikan lumba-lumba alias dolphin.

Untuk dapat melihatnya, perjalanan dimulai di pagi hari dengan menyewa perahu yang banyak disewakan untuk tujuan wisata di sini.

Bagi anda yang menginginkan sebuah suasana pantai yang tidak begitu ramai dan melihat sisi lain dari Bali, pantai Lovina bisa anda masukkan dalam agenda liburan mendatang.

Berbagai penginapan mulai dari Inn, cottage hingga hotel berbintang banyak terdapat di sini di antaranya Puri Bagus Lovina.

Wisata Tanjung benua & Nusa Dua

2008-05-08T19:11:00.000+08:00

Tempat wisata di Bali banyak sekali dan Tanjung benua salah satunya.Nusa Dua dan Tanjung Benoa, terletak di ujung selatan pulau Bali namun memiliki daya tarik yang berbeda.

Nusa Dua dengan BTDC (Bali Tourism Development Center) dikenal sebagai pusat hotel berbintang di Bali. Hotel seperti Westin, Ayodya resort (dulunya Bali Hilton International), Grand Hyatt, Nusa Dua Beach dan Nikko Hotel ada di sini.

Sementara itu, Tanjung benoa dikenal sebagai pusat wisata air mulai dari parasailing, banana boat, Jet Ski, Rolling Donut, Flying Fish, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Glass Bottom Boat + Turtle island dan olahraga air lainnya dapat dinikmati di sini. Pantai di sini tidak berombak dan tenang sehingga sangat aman untuk liburan keluarga bersama putra-putri anda.

Permainan yang bisa dinikmati diantaranya :

* PARASAILING yaitu permainan dimana anda akan memakai payung parasut dan ditarik oleh speed boat mengeliling pantai Tanjung Benoa. Jadi persis seperti terjun payung beneran. Waktu permainan ini satu putaran kira2 4 menit di udara. Ketinggian tali yg menghubungkan antara parasut dengan speed boat kurang lebih 80 meter. Jadi lumayan tinggi terbangnya.

* JETSKI, yaitu permainan menggunakan kendaraan di pantai seperti sepeda motor. Jetski disini tidak bisa anda kendarai sendiri, harus didampingi oleh instruktur, mengingat di pantai TB banyak terdapat perahu2 dan aktivitas watersport lainnya, sehingga tabrakan bisa dihindari. Jangan khawatir, si instruktur ini hanya akan mengendarai dari pinggir pantai menuju ke tengah laut, nah sampai disana giliran anda yg nyetir, si instruktur boncengan. Waktu permainan ini adalah 15 menit. Kalau anda mau exciting mengendarainya, cobalah terjang ombak yg ada..maka anda akan merasakan sensasi nikmatnya berkendara jetski ini.

* BANANA BOAT, menggunakan perahu karet tunggal, anda akan ditarik oleh speed boat berkeliling pantai dalam waktu 15 menit. Kapasitas muatan banana boat ini adalah max 4 orang plus 1 orang instruktur sbg pendamping. Anda bisa minta diceburin ke air selama boat berjalan, atau kalau tidak mau basah..minta yg normal2 saja. Kurang seru sih kalau main banana boat tanpa nyebur.

* FLYING FISH, ini permainan paling anyar di Bali. 3 buah banana boat dijadikan satu dengan tambahan rubber boat melintang di depannya dan ada semacam sayap disamping kanan kiri. Flying Fish dimainkan max oleh 3 orang, yaitu 2 orang penumpang disisi kanan kiri dan 1 orang instruktur ditengah2. Posisi anda bisa beridir seperti mengendarai sepeda motor atau tidur terlentang. Flying Fish ini akan ditarik oleh speed boat berkecapatan tinggi dgn jalur melawan arah angin. Dengan demikian, flying fish akan terbang diatas air kira2 2 meter atau lebih bergantung pada kecepatan angin. Persis seperti layangan. Bagi yg suka tantangan, jangan melewatkan utk mencoba permainan ini.

* SNORKELING, yaitu berenang sambil melihat pemandangan bawah laut. Syarat utamanya anda harus bisa berenang. Dengan menggunakan masker dan fin, anda akan melihat ikan2 hias serta terumbu karang yg ada sambil berenang.

* SCUBA DIVING, yaitu menyelam. Daripada snorkeling, lebih bagus diving sekalian. Anda akan diberikan perlengkapan diving komplit, mulai dari pakaian, tangki oksigen dll. Diving tidak harus bisa renang, lebih baik kalo anda tdk bisa renang, karena lebih gampang. Satu wisatawan akan ditemani oleh satu instruktur di bawah air, jadi tidak perlu khawatir. Sebelumnya, anda akan di-brief dulu ttg cara2 menyelam yg benar. Kedalaman bagi pemula berkisar antar 3 meter - 7 meter didalam air selama 40 menit. Sambil membawa roti utk makanan ikan, anda akan melihat indahnya pemandangan bawah laut yg dipenuhi oleh terumbu karang yg cantik dan ikan hias warni-warni.

* GLASS BOTTOM BOAT & PULAU PENYU, adalah wisata yg paling cocok jika anda mengajak anak anda yg masih kecil2. Dengan menaiki perahu yg dibawahnya ada kaca bening, anda akan diajak berlayar melihat akuarium bawah laut yg terdapat di pantai Tanjung Benoa. Sambil melemparkan roti dari perahu, ikan2 akan naik dan mengejar makanan tsb. Jumlahnya ratusan ekor dan berwarna warni. Demikian juga dgn pemandangan karang laut yg elok. Setelah puas melihat hal tsb, perahu akan meluncur menuju Pulau Penyu utk melihat lokasi penangkaran PENYU, binatang yg cukup langka keberadaannya. Disini anda akan melihat telur penyu yg dikeram, kemudian penyu yg masih kecil2, penyu remaja sampai dengan penyu dewasa yg sudah siap menjadi induk. Jenis penyu tidak hanya satu saja, tapi ada beberapa jenis. Disamping itu, dilokasi ini juga terdapat binatang lain spt burung, kelelawar, ular, dll yg sangat jinak, sehingga bisa anda pegang utk di foto. Aktivitas ini berlangsung kira2 1 jam.

Tertarik? Kenapa tidak, mengajak keluarga anda menikmati olahraga air favorit anda di Tanjung Benoa.Yukk ke Bali...............!

Bali terbaik di Asia Pasifik

2008-05-08T17:44:00.001+08:00

Selamat...!Bali kembali menyandang gelar tempat kunjungan terbaik seasia pasifik.Keindahan pulau Dewata masih diakui dunia. Bali dinobatkan sebagai kawasan kunjungan wisata terbaik se-Asia Pasifik. Penghargaan ini diberikan oleh majalah Destin Asian. Pemberian penghargaan tersebut disampaikan oleh Kepala Dinas Pariwisata Bali Gede Nurjaya di kantornya, Jalan Puputan Raya Renon, Denpasar, Selasa (15/4/2008). Penghargaan diberikan oleh majalah Destin Asian di hotel Peninsulla, Hongkong pada awal bulan April 2008. Penghargaan ini merupakan yang kedua kali diberikan oleh majalah yang beredar di kawasan Asia Pasifik, di antaranya Hongkong, Singapura, Thailand, India, dan Malaysia kepada Bali. Penghargaan sebelumnya diberika pada tahun 2006. “Bali tetap menjadi primadona dan diminati wisatawan dunia,” kata Nurjaya mengutip penghargaan tersebut. Sementara itu, Nurjaya mengatakan kunjungan wisatawan ke Bali pada triwulan pertama tahun 2008 mengalami peningkatan sekitar 25 persen dibandingkan tahun 2007. Kunjungan wisatawan ke Bali pada bulan Januari 2008 sebanyak 139.827 orang atau meningkat 27,73% dibandingkan periode yang sama pada tahun 2007, bulan Februari sebanyak 153.220 (25%) dan Maret sebanyak 151.000 (25,2%).

Sukawati

2008-05-08T10:28:00.000+08:00

Suka belanja? Mau tau tempat belanja oleh-oleh selama ini? Mungkin anda juga sudah pernah ke sana. Apalagi kalau bukan Pasar Seni Sukawati.

Dengan menempuh perjalanan kurang lebih 1 jam dari Kuta, anda akan sampai di pasar seni ini yang menawarkan berbagai barang seni dengan harga jauh lebih murah dibandingkan tempat lain. Mungkin bisa dibilang sebagai "malioboro"nya Bali.

Barang kerajinan yang beraroma Bali banyak dijual di sini. Mulai baju kaos bermotif Bali, sprei, bingkai photo, dompet dan barang kebutuhan sehari-hari lainnya banyak dijual di sini. Menariknya, bagi yang hobby menawar, keahlian anda bisa diterapkan.

Yuk Stop Global Warming.....!

2008-05-07T10:57:00.000+08:00

Global warming..?Apa sih...?
Global warming adalah pemanasan dunia secara global/Pemanasan global adalah kejadian meningkatnya temperatur rata-rata atmosfer, laut dan daratan Bumi..Tak bisa dipungkiri, inilah isu sains paling agung abad ini. Tak cuma berkutat soal ilmiah, ia juga bermain di segi ekonomi, sosiologi, geopolitik, sampai gaya hidup. Sayangnya, walau telah dideteksi sejak awal, isu ini baru mendapat coverage luas di tahun 1990-an. Di Inggris, The Times dan Guardian membahas soal ini baru sejak tahun 1989—-tetapi masih berkutat soal perdebatan ilmiah.

Global Warming disebabkan karena peningkatan gas rumah kaca—-seperti karbon dioksida—-dalam skala masif di atmosfir sebagai akibat dari pembakaran bahan bakar fosil dan deforestasi. Akibatnya, temperatur Global naik 0,6ºC dan permukaan air laut naik 20 cm. Kalau dibiarkan saja, tahun 2100 nanti temperatur global naik antara 1,4ºC hingga 5,8ºC dan permukaan laut bisa bertambah sampai 80 cm.
Kenapa bisa begitu? Bumi, sepanjang yang saya tahu, merupakan kesetimbangan antara energi (panas) yang dipancarkan matahari dan energi yang dilepaskan kembali ke luar angkasa. Secara alamiah, sekitar sepertiga energi dilepaskan kembali, sementara sisanya diserap atmosfir, daratan, dan lautan. Inilah yang membuat bumi menjadi hangat. Tapi, ketika komposisi atmosfer berubah sebagai akibat penambahan karbon dioksida, maka temperatur bumi pun ikut berubah.

Pada tahun 1958 dilakukan pengujian kadar CO2 di pegunungan Manua Loa, Hawaii. Hasilnya kandungan CO2 di atmosfir meningkat jadi 316 ppmv—-dibandingkan 200 ppmv di jaman es dan 280 ppmv di jaman sebelum industrialisasi modern. Belakangan, kadar CO2 sudah meningkat jadi 370 ppmv dan diperkirakan ada penambahan sekitar 160 milyar ton CO2 di atmosfir dalam 100 tahun terakhir.

pemanasan dan kenaikan muka air laut diperkirakan akan terus berlanjut selama lebih dari seribu tahun jika tingkat emisi gas rumah kaca telah stabil. Ini mencerminkan besarnya kapasitas panas dari lautan.

Meningkatnya temperatur global diperkirakan akan menyebabkan perubahan-perubahan yang lain seperti naiknya muka air laut, meningkatnya intensitas kejadian cuaca yang ekstrim, serta perubahan jumlah dan pola presipitasi. Akibat-akibat pemanasan global yang lain adalah terpengaruhnya hasil pertanian, hilangnya gletser dan punahnya berbagai jenis hewan.

Ayo kita dukung dan berpartisipasi melawan global warming,mulai dari lingkungan rumah,desa,dan dunia.....!mari kita cintai bumi ini dan jaga kelestariannya....!STOP GLOBAL WARMING..................!

Bali tempat wisata terbaik

2008-05-03T11:10:00.000+08:00

Bali.........!siapa sih yang tidak kenal bali.. :) ?semua orang kenal Bali,semua belahan dunia kenal Pulau Bali.Pulau Bali yang terkenal dengan sebutan pulau seribu pura dan surga terakhir dunia menawarkan keindahan alam yang begitu mempesona dan Objek wisata yang begitu indah.Dan sekarang saya mau mengiformasikan sedikit mengenai wisata Bali.

Pantai Dreamland

Pergi ke pantai mengasikkan bukan?Mau tau pantai terindah di Bali selain pantai kuta? Jawabannya tentu saja pantai Dreamland di kawasan Pecatu uluwatu.

Pantai ini begitu indah dan tidak sepadat pantai Kuta pengunjungnya. Tentu dengan situasi ini anda akan lebih nyaman dan bisa menikmati suasana pantai yang terkenal sebagai tempat surfing ini.

Dengan perjalanan kurang lebih 30 menit dari Kuta menuju arah Jimbaran kemudian Pecatu, anda akan sampai di sini.

Kawasan pantai dreamland saat ini tengah dikembangkan sebagai kawasan wisata Bali Pecatu Resorts lengkap dengan lapangan golf 18 hole, international schools, rumah sakit internasional, shopping mall dan sarana wisata lainnya.

Tentu tidak lama lagi kawasan ini akan menjadi kawasan wisata yang exclusive dan dimanage dengan lebih baik.Dan ini pantai dreamland bali:

2. Bedugul

Kawasan wisata Bedugul, yang terletak di kabupaten Tabanan, menawarkan suasana perbukitan yang menyejukkan dan keindahan danau Tamablingan.

Pernah ke Kintamani? Tempat ini juga menawarkan suasana perbukitan dengan suhu sekitar 18 derajat celcius plus danau yang begitu indah.

Untuk menikmati keindahan danau di sini, cukup dengan menyewa speed boat anda dapat berkeliling danau. Dekat dengan danau ini juga anda dapat menikmati hidangan santap siang di restoran lokal dengan menu masakan Indonesia maupun juga internasional.

Lelah bermain di danau? Sejukkan diri anda lagi dengan mengunjungi Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bedugul sambil membeli oleh-oleh berupa strawberry, yang merupakan salah satu sumber pendapatan penduduk setempat.

Kebun Raya ini merupakan salah satu hutan lindung yang berfungsi sebagai paru-paru udara di Bali, sehingga untuk menutup biaya operasional dan perawatan, kawasan ini pun dikomersilkan.Dan ini salah foto wisata bedugul.

3. Kuta

Semua tahu Kuta?Pastinya dong...........!

Kuta yang terletak di bagian selatan pulau Bali, merupakan salah satu cikal bakal perkembangan pariwisata Bali. Dulunya tempat ini merupakan perkampungan nelayan Bali dan seiring berkembangnya pariwisata Indonesia dan Bali khususnya, penduduk lokal mulai menyewakan rumah pribadi untuk disewakan sebagai tempat penginapan.

Sekarang kawasan Kuta telah berkembang menjadi ikon pariwisata Bali atau lebih dikenal dengan sebutan International city karena merupakan tempat bertemunya wisatawan dari seluruh dunia dan juga wisatawan lokal.

Dilihat dari segi fasilitas Kuta memiliki fasilitas yang lengkap. Penginapan atau hotel, restoran, spa dan pendukung pariwisata lainnya banyak ter dapat di sini.

Pantai Kuta merupakan tempat wisata yang banyak dipilih untuk menghabiskan liburan selama di Kuta. Pantai dengan pasir putih ini dipilih sebagai tempat olahraga surfing dan juga sangat cocok untuk tempat bersantai sambil menantikan indahnya sunset pantai Kuta. Tidak salah ribuan wisatawan selalu memadati pantai ini.

4. UBUD

Ubud, yang terletak di kabupaten Gianyar, menawarkan wisata seni dan budaya untuk pengunjungnya.

Semenjak wisata di Bali booming, kawasan Ubud pun berkembangan menjadi sentra untuk hasil kerajinan seni di Bali mulai dari ukiran kayu, kerajinan emas dan perak, lukisan dan seni lainnya. Kehidupan budaya lokal Bali pun masih dijaga kuat di sini.

Tidak heran, di kawasan Ubud banyak dijadikan sebagai tempat belajar seni bagi utamanya wisatawan asing. Mereka tinggal di sini dan sehari-harinya diisi dengan belajar interaksi dengan penduduk lokal.

Desa Mas, di wilayah Ubud, dikenal sebagai pusat penghasil ukiran kayu yang tiada duanya. Hampir di sepanjang jalan dan rumah anda akan menjumpai ukiran seni khas Bali dalam bentuk galeri.

Lain halnya dengan desa Celuk yang dikenal sebagai pengrajin emas dan perak, juga menjadi tempat favorit untuk mendapatkan cinderamata.

Dalam rute perjalanan atau tour, dari Ubud perjalanan anda bisa dilanjutkan untuk mengunjungi

Untuk kebutuhan akomodasi, Ubud menawarkan banyak pilihan yang menawarkan "private escape" suasana jauh dari keramaian dengan pemandangan perbukitan yang asri. Diantaranya Pitamaha resorts, Maya Ubud, Four Seasons Sayan Resort dan hotel berkelas internasional lainnya adalah sebagian kecil contoh.