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TRAVELING WEST JAVA

2008-11-30T00:05:00.000-08:00

WEST JAVA

Of the 17,000 islands that make up the archipelago of the Republic of Indonesia, Java has historically been considered the heartland. Where Java has led-culturally, economically and politically down through the centuries, other regions have followed. On Java, still the most densely populated island of Indonesia, there are five Provinces. West Java is the largest, with the greatest population, and, some would claim, with the most pride.

West Java Province is located at part of western Java Island. The enchanting of Sunda land stretches from Sunda Strait in the west to the borders of Central Java in the east. The locals' people know West Java Province as the Land of Sunda. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of West Java province. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500's the region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences, and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.

This province has its own unique culture and language, both called Sundanese that is also used to call its people. The ancient kingdoms of Tarumanegara, Pajajaran, Banten and Cirebon would make interesting studies for the student of archaeology. Cirebon is located on the border between West and Central Java, having a mixed culture originating from the ancient Cirebon and Banten kingdoms, resulting in similar customs and dialects of the two people, although Banten is located at the extreme western part of the province.

West Java province its self, is formed based on the Constitution number 11/1950 on the establishment of West Java. With the issuance of Constitution number 23/2000 on Banten Province, West Java Governor Assisting Territory I Banten was inaugurated as Banten Province with its territories comprising Serang Regency, Pandeglang Regency, Lebak Regency, Tangerang Regency and Mayoralty, and Cilegon Mayoralty. After the change, at present West Java consists of 18 regencies, nine mayoralties, 584 districts, 5,201 villages and 609 sub districts.
The capital city of West Java province is Bandung city. Bandung is situated 180 km southeast of Jakarta. The city gamed fame in 1955 as the venue for the first Afro-Asian Conference, which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian, and African nations with the aim to promote economic and cultural relations and take a common stand against colonialism.

The road from Jakarta to Bandung passes through a beautiful panorama of mountains, paddy fields and small holiday resorts. An expressway connects the crowded capital city with Bogor and the mountain areas, and onward to Bandung. It has a number of sea resorts on its western and southern coasts, which have modern hotels and are popular during the weekends. The Sundanese people are soft-spoken. The women of the Bandung region are known for their beauty. A lighthearted people who have a love for bright colors, their mournful "kecapi" music is memory of beautiful legends.

Geographically
Geographically, West Java Province is situated between 5 50'-7 50' South parallels and 104 48'-104 48 East meridians.
West Java Province is bordered of:
North side: Java Sea and Jakarta
West side: Banten Province and Hindia Ocean
South side: Hindia Ocean
East side: Central Java Province.
This strategic geographical condition is an advantage for West Java particularly in communication and transportation. Northern region is plain area, while southern part is a hilly area with beaches, and the middle region is mountainous area. But after the establishment of Banten Province, the size of West Java becomes 35,746.26 kilometer square.

Topography
West Java has a characteristic as part of a volcanic belt, which spans from Sumatra Island to the northern part of Sulawesi Island. Its land can be divided into a region with steep mountains with altitude of more than 1,500 meter above the sea level in the South, moderate hill with elevation of 100 to 1,500 meters, and plain region in the north with elevation between 0 and 10 meters and river region.

Climate
West Java has tropical climate with temperature reaching 9 degrees Celsius at the Peak of Mount Pangrango and 34 degrees Celsius in north beach. The average rainfall is at 2,000 millimeters per year, but in the mountainous areas the rainfall could reach 3,000 to 5,000 millimeters per year.

Population
Based on the national census in 1999, West Java population after the separation of Banten stood at 34,555,622 people. In 2000, based on another census, the population grew to 35,500,611 people with population density of 1,022 inhabitants per square kilometer. The population growth between 1990 and 2000 reached 2.17 %. In 2003, the population has increased to 38,059,540 people with population density of 1,064 inhabitants per square kilometer.

TRAVELING YOGYAKARTA/JOGJA

2008-11-29T23:43:00.000-08:00

YOGYAKARTA/JOGJA the main tour destination in Indonesia.

YOGYAKARTA or JOGJAKARTA, the city in Java Island that called also in simple name as Jogja or Yogya. The Special Region of Yogyakarta (Indonesian: Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, or DIY), is the smallest province of Indonesia (excluding Jakarta). It is located on the island of Java. It is the only province in Indonesia that is still formally governed by a precolonial Sultanate, the Sultanate of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. Yogyakarta/Jogja is well known as one of the mains tourist destinations in Indonesia, is referred to as an Arts and Culture City. Yogyakarta has many beautiful natural landscapes including Mt. Merapi, Parangtritis Beach and magnificient historical sites: BOROBUDUR the Buddhist temple and Prambanan the Hindus temple. Yogyakarta/Jogja is the point of depart tour and travel to visit Jakarta, visit Borobudur, visit BROMO, Visit Solo (Surakarta) and Semarang, visit Ijen, Bali and Lombok or to others tourist destinations in Indonesia such as Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Lombok.
Visit Yogyakarta/ Jogjakarta with YOGYA TOURS INDONESIA The Tour Operator and Travel Services
YOGYA TOURS INDONESIA is the 24 h x 7 days on-line Indonesian Tour Operator and Travel Services, etablished in 1998 and located in Yogyakarta/Jogja, with operational area in all Indonesia. YOGYA TOURS AND TRAVEL Indonesia has experiences in providing local handling services for the international tour operators in Yogyakarta/Jogja, offers you the tour and travel services to help you travel and tour to visit easier Yogyakarta and all Indonesia tour destinations such as: tour to Jakarta, Bandung, tour to Yogyakarta/Jogja, BOROBUDUR TOUR, Tour to Surakarta, Semarang, Bromo, Kawah Ijen and other tour destinations in Indonesia. YOGYA TOURS INDONESIA Tour operator and Travel Services offers especially services in:

1.Designing Tour Packages.
All tour packages to help you visit easier Yogyakarta and its surrounding: Jakarta Tour, Yogyakarta/Jogja Tour Packages, Borobudur Tour, Bromo Tour, Kawah Ijen Tour, Bali and Lombok Tour Packages .
2.Getting Accommodations.
For your comfortable tour to Yogyakarta and beyond YOGYA TOURS provides service to get hotel accommodation "Rooms Hotels Reservation" for hotels and villas in Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo (Surakarta), Semarang, Surabaya, Bromo, Malang, Ijen, Bali and Lombok.
3.Getting Transport Service.
For the safety and comfortable tour to Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Borobudur, Solo (Surakarta), Semarang Surabaya, Bali and Lombok, YOGYA TOURS TRANSPORT provides reliable Transport Service with all AC coachs types for car hire, or car rental/rent car in Yogyakarta/Jogjakarta .
4.Getting Tourism Informations.
All tourism information of tours destinations and points of interest in Indonesia from Krakatau, Jakarta, Yogyakarta,Borobudur, Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Bali and Lombok, tour arrangments, hotels and villas

Being the Tour Operator and Travel Service (travel agent and tour operator) in Yogyakarta/Jogja, YOGYA TOURS INDONESIA knows how to serve you better to get the confortable and safety tour in Java Island, such as: Yogyakarta tour, Borobudur tour, Bromo tour, Kawah Ijen Tour, Bali and Lombok tour. With YOGYA TOURS INDONESIA, tour across Indonesia from Jakarta, tour to Yogyakarta, BOROBUDUR, Surabaya, tour to Mount Bromo, tour to Kawah Ijen, Bali and Lombok will be more enjoyable and comfortable.

Realise now your travel planning with YOGYA TOURS AND TRAVEL INDONESIA (Indonesia/Yogyakarta tour operator and travel services), Get the enjoyable and comfortable tour to Indonesia, visit Yogyakarta, visit Borobudur, Jakarta, Solo, Semarang, Bandung,visit Bromo, Kawah Ijen, Bali and Lombok, enjoy your trip and make it as unforgetable holiday!
Have a nice trip! Bon Voyage !

Points of Interest In Java Island of Indonesia

"Never visit Indonesia, without visit Yogyakarta /Jogja and BOROBUDUR temple with it's tour operator YOGYA TOURS the Indonesia Travel agent and Tour Operator, if you think that the tour/travel to Indonesia is an art, it will be better join YOGYA TOURS INDONESIA"

The Best Seller YOGYAKARTA TOUR Packages

YOGYAKARTA BOROBUDUR CLASSIC TOUR (2 days/1 Night)

DAY 01. ARRIVAL - TOUR TO BOROBUDUR (VISIT BOROBUDUR)
Meeting service at airport. Then Tour to Borobudur. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02. YOGYAKARTA CITY TOUR-VISIT AND TOUR TO PRAMBANAN.
Morning Yogyakarta City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Ngasem Bird Market, Batik Home Industry and Silverware at Kota Gede Village. Proceed to beautiful Hindu temple Prambanan. Then direct transfer to airport for next destination.

YOGYAKARTA BOROBUDUR DIENG PLATEAU TOUR (4 days/ 3 nights)
This suitables tour arrangement is better for the Malaysian and Singapore tourist market. Get flight direct from Kuala Lumpur to YOGYAKARTA or Solo by AIR ASIA or from Singapore to Solo (Surakarta) by SILK AIR.

DAY 01. ARRIVAL-VISIT PRAMBANAN TEMPLE
Arrival in Adi Sucipto Airport in Yogyakarta or Adisumarmo Airport in Solo (Surakarta), then continued visit PRAMBANAN temple on the way to Yogyakarta, to see the most beautiful Hindu temple in central Java. Then transfer to hotel for overnight.
DAY 02. VISIT AND TOUR TO DIENG PLATEAU - VISIT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE (Borobudur Tour)
Early morning travel to DIENG PLATEAU (visit Dieng Plateau) via Wonosobo passing through the beautiful countryside and vegetable plantation. Arrive in Dieng Plateau (2090m) enjoying the oldest Hindu temple complex in Java in elevation 6,000 feet and Si Kidang crater. On the way back to Yogyakarta, visit Borobudur (BOROBUDUR TOUR) temple. Arrive at hotel for overnight.
DAY 03. VISIT YOGYAKARTA (Yogyakarta Tour).
Proceed YOGYAKARTA TOUR: visit Kraton (Sultan Royal Palace), Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Batik Home Industry and Silverwork at Kotagede. Lunch at local restaurant. Back to hotel. The rest of the day is free or in the night use your time to enjoy the Ramayana Ballet in Prambanan (optional program).
DAY 04. FAREWELL YOGYAKARTA
Free time until the transfer time to airport for catch your flight. Back to Kuala Lumpur by Air Asia or to Singapore by Silk Air.

YOGYAKARTA-BOROBUDUR-SOLO-BROMO-KAWAH IJEN-BALI
JAVA ISLAND OVERLAND TOUR (5 days/4 nights)

This follwed tour arrangement can be modified with arrival at Surabaya Airport or pick up by land from your hotel in Bali.

DAY 01. ARRIVAL YOGYAKARTA - VISIT AND TOUR TO BOROBUDUR
On arrival in Yogya, direct Tour to BOROBUDUR Temple (Visit Borobudur), tour include Mendut and Pawon temple. Overnight at hotel .
DAY 02. VISIT YOGYAKARTA (Yogyakarta Sightseeing City Tour) - VISIT PRAMBANAN (Prambanan Tour)
Morning, proceed Yogyakarta City Sightseeing Tour with visiting Kraton (Sultan's Palace), Bird Market, Water Castle, Batik Home Industry and Silversmith at Kotagede with its processing and beautiful collections.Then, in afthernoon drive to Solo (Surakarta) with stop to visit magnificient hindu temple Prambanan. Overnight at hotel In Solo (Surakarta).
DAY 03. VISIT SOLO (Surakarta Tour) TOUR TO BROMO
Solo (Surakarta) City Tour, visiting Mangkunegaran Palace. Then continued travel to Bromo. Overnight at Tosari Village on slope of Mt. Bromo.
DAY 04. VISIT AND TOUR TO BROMO (BROMO TOUR)-SURABAYA TRANSFER OUT
Morning call at 03.00 AM for Bromo Tour, to start Bromo Tour and your journey, week up early at 03.30 AM by Jeep 4x4 to enjoy the beauty of nature and the splendid BROMO SUNRISE at Mt. Penanjakan (2700 m). Then proceed to Mt. Bromo crater through the shimmering sea of sand (horseback riding). After Bromo tour, back to hotel for breakfast & taking a bath in hotel, you will be transferred to Juanda Surabaya airport for your next destination flight from Surabaya (use your rest time to Surabaya Tour). The tour arrangement above could be combinated as followed tour arrangement:

DAY 05. TOUR TO VISIT KAWAH IJEN ( KAWAH IJEN TOUR)

Early morning depart to the wholeday excursion to Mt. Ijen. Visit Ijen Crater or Kawah Ijen (Kawah Ijen Tour) shows a special type of volcanic feature common to Indonesia, about 1 km in diameter and 175 meters deep. The floor is covered completely by a warm lake, milky blue green in color, held back by a dam built many years ago by the Dutch, in order to keep the hot mineral, laden water from raining for the crop lands below. Trekking down from Kawah Ijen peak to rejoin the coach in Paltuding and directly drive to Ketapang, Banyuwangi, the ferry port, to cross the Bali strait to Gilimanuk port of Bali island. Drop off to preffered hotels in Bali.

The most exotic accommodation in KAWAH IJEN area is IJEN RESORT HOTEL AND VILLA! Please contact YOGYA TOURS INDONESIA Tour Operator and Travel Service to make rooms reservation!

TRAVELING LOMBOK

2008-11-29T23:07:00.000-08:00


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LOMBOK TOURS AND TRAVEL AGENT

Welcome to Lombok Tours and Travel Agent Information, We provide you all information about travel, tour, vacation, recreation, holiday, and business travel to lombok island indonesia asia, rinjani trekking, trekking to rinjani, lombok trekking, trekking to lombok mountain, lombok tour package, komodo tours, travel to komodo dragon island, lombok rent car, lombok car hire with driver, Lombok hotels and villas reservation, prepare your sweet honeymoon in lombok new paradise island, travel meeting and business, lombok tour guide and more... services by multi language speaking guide for more safe, fun, exception, and help you finding unforgettable experience in your excellent nature adventure, holiday, and vacation of your dreams. Travel to Lombok Island known as one of your wealth dreams destination in tropical country Indonesia Asia. By choosing the great and update information from locals, we believe that will help you maximize your unforgettable leisure, vacation, holiday, adventure, heritage trips, mice, business, eco tours, diet program, honeymoon, your special wedding, and your own travel plan experience to bring home in happy smiles.

Imagine, you enjoy the excellent of nature without phone ringing, no traffic jam, no crowds, no rush, and covered by gorgeous ultimate wilderness nature, smiley natives faces hit you all over the island, amazing scents of fresh green air to be sniffed, all in privately with accompanied by our staff all day for more...

Lombok Travel Online ltd. Works for you with natives and villagers to make sure that show the Hidden beauty and the unique of God own are best for all. Travel to Lombok island and beyond offer weeks of enjoyment, and full of amazing memories that will lust you at least once in your lifetime. Travel to Lombok trough Komodo Dragon Islands will help you to find the excellent of nature and culture different for you, completely FREE! The wilderness and unique cultures that fit your adventure of vacations interests.

Through discussion with you and learning about your needs, and expert knowledge of the top, Lombok Travel Online Ltd. offers you lombok hotels, lombok private villas, lombok bungalows and lombok cottages, and also many option peaceful accommodation and places to stay available for you with fun, safe, exception and as one of your unforgettable experiences on Lombok Island, where many new worldwide friends will also had to gain world peace and friendship

In addition to the fabulous hidden island resorts and local Lombok culture, Lombok ranks as new expose for pure and fun adventure vacations. Whether you choose trekking, hiking, snorkeling, diving, biking, golfing or to try a traditional way fishing with natives, Lombok is great tailor-made destination for your new experience, relax, fun and pure of private filled adventure of vacations of your dream.

Lombok Island

Lombok island is officially known as one of two main island in West Nusa Tenggara province of Republic Indonesia country, and is located in northern of Darwin Australia and South tern Makasar Celebes island Indonesia, Western part of Komodo dragon island and Eastern part of Beautiful island Bali Indonesia. Mataram, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia and largest Town or some say it Mataram City, is the most peace, safe, pure amazing nature with one of unique cultures in Indonesia.

The Island is bounded on the north by the Banda Sea has connection with Pacific Ocean pristine water, on the east by Alas straight of the second West Nusa Tenggara Province Main Island called Sumbawa, on the south Indiana Ocean has direct connection with Darwin Australia and on the west by Lombok straight the Ferry way to Bali Island The Island has width about 8500 km in total, and its surroundings by over than 10's islets add the natural wealth of heritage for future generation.

Lombok Island spread out by two main of landscapes, as on the north is lined by mountainous clustered from the east to the west, which Rinjani Volcano 3.726 m as the highest and a flat with little hills of lands added with gorgeous coastal bays, rank on the south, just right from across of Nusa Penida named Bangko-Bangko at the west, and Ringgit islet is as the eastern part of the island. Some said that Green Island with pure scent air waiting to be sniffed added with the wealth of undersea water life in wild and nature.

Lombok island population is about 3.7 million people on consensus 2005, 80% of the total are Sasak people as the ethnic name of aborigines whose hold Moslem religion and approximately 10% of the populations are Balinese hold Hindus religion first got in and trooped to Lombok Island in 16 Century, the Buddhism religion people hold about 4% of the population whose origin from central Java, sailed to Lombok Island in 13 Century became the first people who were found Lombok Island. Other 5% of the population is Christians with about 1% of the population is from international countries. The 50% of the population are farmers, 10% are fishermen and the rest are civil servants and in tourisms business colored the unique culture of the island as one of ultimate Archipelago of Indonesia.

Lombok Island is one of the best first arrival islands in Indonesia beyond Bali Island, especially to reach the Sumbawa Island, Komodo Island, Flores or other island in Indonesia especially via Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

What to do in your excellent of Lombok nature?

Please find on the right list of this page... and enjoy your unforgettable experience time!

TRAVELING BALI

2008-10-26T02:46:00.000-07:00

BALI Travelling in Indonesia

A vibrant culture, unique arts and ceremonies, a friendly people and scenic beauty make Bali an island almost unreal in today's changing world and is therefore the main destination for pleasure tourists to Indonesia. Bali's international airport, Ngurah Rai, is the nation's eastern gateway, served by numerous international airlines and charter flights.

Sanur and Kuta are located on the eastern and western coasts of the southern part of the island. The Nusa Dua peninsula on the southern tip is still growing as a tourist resort.

Bali's culture is based on its unique form of Hinduism called "Hindu Darma" which has been retained after the Islamization of Java, since then developed through the centuries. Though the caste system is observed, it is notas rigid as in India. Religion is the source of traditional customs in family and community life. Its influence is also strongly felt in the arts. With a completely different lifestyle from the rest of Indonesia, the Balinese have managed to preserve their culture despite the overwhelming foreign influences brought by the increasing number of visitors.

Bali's "rajas" and princes were deprived of their kingdoms by the colonial government in the early part of this century, but many of them still own their palaces and are respected as patrons of the arts. The classical dance drama is based on the old Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabarata, or on local folklore (such as Barong dance).

The island of Bali is mountainous in the center with a cluster of volcanoes of which one is the active Mount Agung and considered sacred. Terraced rice-fields dominate the landscape, with small streams bringing water for irrigation.

The attraction of Bali is its unique art and culture. It almost seems that every person is an artist in some form, whether it is painting, weaving, carving, basketry, etc., or even in decorations which are done at many shrines in public areas, on roads, paddy fields or in homes. Villagers spend their free time in these arts which are taught from a very young age.

The soul of the Balinese is in his religion, so it finds its expression in the arts.

A friendly people, the Balinese who are more exposed to international tourists, generally speak more English than people in other parts of Indonesia. Keeping pace with the number of visitors and the need for their accommodation, more hotels have been built, from small bungalow types for the budget traveler to the luxurious Nusa Dua tourist resort area. Water sports have gained in popularity : surfing on Kuta, wind surfing at Sanur, sailing and scuba diving at several other tourist parts.
PLACES OF INTEREST

Denpasar

The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called "Pura". One is the Museum called Pura jagatnatha which is dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world.

The Museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, whereas its architectural design resembles that of a palace. The government supervised "Sanggraha Kriya Asta" has a wide variety of handicraft and works of art. The "Werdi Budaya" presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest and so on.

Sanur

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

Kuta

Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets.

Accommodation ranges from international hotels to home stays. The village abounds with restaurants, shops, discotheques and other tourist facilities. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists, than anywhere else in Bali. Some performances are staged nightly. The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.

Nusa Dua

The Nusa Dua tourist resort is part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here.

The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south. The most convenient form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by taxi.

Batubulan

Driving northeast from Denpasar, stone figures on the roadside mark the village of Batubulan. Divinities and demons are carved from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples. Workshops can be visited to watch artists at work.

Batuan

An old and famous center of the arts, it is now known for its dancing, wood panel carving and paintings.

Celuk

Northeast of Denpasar, the village of Celuk is noted for its silver and gold works of jewelry in various styles.

Mas

The village of woodcarvers, many of Bali's old masters still live here. Art galleries exhibit some of their best works. Visitors can wander through the Balinese style houses to view the carved wooden pillars and the artists at work or instructing apprentices who work in groups.

Ubud

The center of Balinese painting, Ubud's Museum "Puri Lukisan" has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. There are also several art galleries and homes of famous artists here, including that of Dutch-born Hans Snel and the American Antonio Blanco. The "young artist" style now popular in Balinese painting was introduced by the Dutch painter Arie Smith. In the past, other foreign painters inspired Balinese artists to adopt western techniques but traditional Balinese paintings are still made and sold. Another museum called "Neka Museum" has a wide collection of paintings both by Indonesian as well as foreign artists who used to live in Bali.

Ubud has several small hotels. Located on a higher altitude with a pleasant climate.

Peliatan

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

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, dates back to the 11 Th. century and is believed to have been built as a monastery. Carvings on the wall show a demon's head over the entrance, flanked by two statues. The cave contains a statue of Ganesha. Escavations have uncovered a bathing place with six statues of nymphs holding water- spouts.

Tampaksiring

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

Kintamani

The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan give a view of the active Mount Batur and Lake. The caldera of Batur is impressive: 7 miles in diameter and 60 feet deep. From Penelokan, a road leads to Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be hired to cross over to Trunyan. This ancient village is inhabited by people who call themselves "Bali Aga" or original Balinese who have maintained many of their old ways. The Puser Jagat temple has an unusual architecture and stands under a massive Banyan tree.

Bangli

Pura Kehen is situated in Bangli, Bali's second largest temple. Three terraced courtyards are connected by steps, and their balustrades are decorated with carvings and statues. A large Banyan tree with a tower shades the lowest and second courtyard, while in the third courtyard several shrines for the gods and ancestors are found.

Klungkung

The former seat of the Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali from where Balinese royalty draws its blood line, Klungkung was the oldest kingdom on the island and its "Raja" the most exalted. The Kerta Gosa or Royal Court of justice built in the 18th century, is specially known for its ceiling murals painted in the traditional wayang style, portraying punishment in hell and the rewards in heaven and other aspects of moralities. The floating pavilion, garden and lotus ponds in this walled-in complex, located on the main intersection of town are a reminder of the former glory of this kingdom.

Goa Lawah

Nine km from Klungkung is Goa Lawah or bat cave. The roof is covered with thousands of bats and its entrance is guarded by a temple believed to be founded by a sage nine centuries ago.

Besakih

Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali", the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.

Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups.

To the Balinese, a visit to the temples sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or "Odalan". The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, colored banners add a touch of gaiety.

Menjangan Island

This little island off Bali's west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs found nearby and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it.

The island itself including Terima Bay, are by themselves worth a visit because of the beautiful sceneries they offer.

Sangeh

Ten hectares of nutmeg trees in the Sangeh forest abounds with monkeys. The forest is considered sacred, so no wood is allowed to be chopped here. Two temples stand in the middle of the forest and another at the edge. As they live in this sacred forest, the monkeys are also held sacred and are rather tame, but it is advisable not to play with them.

Lot Tanah

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

The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.

Bedugul

The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Bratan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight is the "Ulun Danu" temple which seems to rise out of the lake. The area offers good-walks. Boats are available for hire. Water skiing, and parasailing is done as well.

The Bali Handara country club has bungalows for rent and a restaurant.

Temple

The most important institutions in Bali, temples reflect the important role religion plays in the life of the Balinese. A temple is a place for communicating with the divine spirits through offerings and prayers. On holy days, when the deities and ancestral spirits descend from heaven to visit earth, the temples become centers of activity.

Temple festivals are guided by purification of the sprinkling of holy water. Whole communities take part in these festivals, bringing baskets of food and flowers for offerings. While pura means temple, a puri is the residence of the local prince, which may function as a cultural center.

Music, dances, food, flowers, and fruits sacrificed began as part of temple rituals to please the gods and to placate evil spirit. Following the caste system of Hindu and some of its other rites and beliefs like reincarnation, one of the greatest ceremonies are cremations, meant to liberate the souls ready for rebirth. Burial is only temporary to give the family time to prepare or wait for others to arrange for a common cremation within the community.

Tenganan

Protected for centuries from the outside world by its surrounding walls, the village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders. Here unique rituals offering dances and gladiator-like battles between youths take place. Tenganan is famous for its "double ikat" woven material called gringseng, which is supposed to protect the wearer by magic powers.

Yeh Saneh

A little further east on the coastal road is Yeh Saneh, an idyllic spot few people know of. Only a few meters from the splash of the surf is a cool freshwater spring, around which has been built a large pool and gardens for bathers and picnickers.

Art Center

The Werdhi Budaya Art Center was started in 1973 and finished in 1976: the largest and most complete in a series of cultural centers built throughout the archipelago by the Indonesian Government over the last decade.

Designed by Bali's foremost architect, Ida Bagus Tugur, (also architect for Indonesia's new National Art Gallery) the vast complex is, apart from its very real cultural function, a showplace for Balinese Temple and Palace Architecture at its most opulent. The open stage Arda Candra with its towering candi gate and the almost rococo main Art Museum, a sprawling park, Balinese pavilions and follies, have become a regular architectural attraction. Built on one of the few remaining coconut groves in central Denpasar, the center has quickly become a busy forum for the performing and fine arts. With three Art Galleries and a host of stages, the Center is only rivaled by Jakarta's Taman Ismail Marzuki as a venue for diverse and rapidly changing cultural programs. Since 1975 the Center has been home to the island's Dance Academy (ASTI), a tertiary level Conservatorium, Dance and Drama School for traditional Balinese Performing arts. With the island's Art School situated next door, the center's seminar halls and exhibition space are devoted to the encouragement and education of local art students.

Shopping Hints

Fine paintings, hand carved wooden statues and screens, silver work, hand-woven and painted cottons and silks, batiks, embroidery and garments for casual wear, leather and cotton bags, bone carvings, shell ornaments, masks, pottery, ceramics, basketry, sandstone statues, bamboo furniture are all available.