Balinese Drinks

Balinese Drinks

Tuak, arak and brem are the main Balinese home brews:

Tuak

Tuak is made by cutting the undeveloped flower of either the coconut or the sugar palm tree. You then collect the sugary liquid that exudes into a bamboo container and ferment it. Fermented palm tree juice is drunk all over tropical Asia, Africa and America. It is the "toddy" of English colonialists and is drunk in the innumerable small warungs all over the island. It has about the same alcoholic content as beer.

Brem

Brem, pronounced "brum", is rice wine. It can be bought commercially, but ours is home made. Like arak, it is used in almost all ceremonies. It is a pleasant drink and can be drunk neat, over ice or mixed with arak. It is sweet and is made from glutinous rice or sticky rice (as it is also called). The rice is cooked for hours. Yeast is added. It is then allowed to ferment for three days, whereupon the brem drains into a pan. There are commercial factories, but the taste is not so good. It is not exported.

Arak

Arak is distilled tuak. It has a much higher alcoholic content and is colourless. It has a very sharp, biting taste. Since there is no fermentation, it can be bottled and sold. As the taste is unpleasant, the Balinese mix it with spices. It can also be added to coffee or mixed with brem. Arak is used as an offering in religious ceremonies. Having no sugar content, arak will keep indefinitely, unlike tuak. It cannot be a coincidence that the Mongols made distilled liquor called airak.

Balinese Wine

In the last few years, local wines have been produced, using Australian grapes. There is red, white and ros�, grown and bottled by two companies, Hatten and Wine of the Gods.

Spices

The Balinese use a wide range of ingredients. Instructions on how to prepare them are contained in the article entitled Balinese Recipes.

Balinese Drinks
Bali Food
Arak Bali
Indonesian Drinks

Bali Foods

Real Balinese food is not readily available to tourists unless a Balinese family invites the tourist to a meal or he goes to a temple. Restaurants catering for tourists do not serve authentic Balinese dishes, nor do hotels. The reason is that

there is too much preparation, large quantities have to be prepared and it has to be eaten when it is fresh. It is often spicy and very tasty. The Balinese traditionally used banana leaves as plates.

Balinese chickens are much healthier and have the taste of real chicken, but can be tougher than Western battery-fed chickens. Battery-fed chickens only live for 41 days, specially and artificially bred to produce large chunks of breast and short legs. The rush is now on to reduce the period of 41 days.

Etiquette

There are a number of rules concerning food, drink and behavior. Cake is always served with coffee or tea, nuts and krupuk with rice wine, and tea, water or tuak with the meal. The host does not usually eat with guests

The Balinese eat with their right hand, as the left is impure, a common belief throughout Indonesia. The Balinese do not hand or receive things with their left hand and would not waive at anyone with their left hand.

Famous Balinese dishes

Famous Balinese dishes are:

Lawar

traditionally cooked by men, who chop up strips of turtle or mango or coconut, add various spices and mix it with uncooked blood, so that it is red.

Babi Guling

roast suckling pig is a great favourite amongst the Balinese, although the pigs are usually too old to be suckling - from three to six months old, they are stuffed with spices, impaled on a wooden pole and turned over a fire of coconut husks and wood for one or two hours.

Bebek Betutu

duck stuffed with spices and vegetables, wrapped in a banana leaf, and cooked for three or four hours, this dish is eaten on special occasions.

Rujak

a refreshing sweet and sour salad containing unripe fruit such as mango or papaya, mixed with sugar, chill and salt.

Sauces

There are some common sauces:

Sambal very spicy chili seasoning.

Kecap asin sour soy sauce.

Kecap manis sweet soy sauce.

Desserts

There are a number of desserts:

Black rice pudding also known as tofu: soy bean curd.

Jaja crunchy shelled soy beans that have been mixed with a special strain of yeast to form a small flat cake, which are then friend - it tastes a bit nutty. Snacks

Very tasty, but not spicy, dishes or snacks are:

Tahu or beancurd also known as tofu: soy bean curd.

Krupuk prawn crackers.

Tempe crunchy shelled soy beans that have been mixed with a special strain of yeast to form a small flat cake, which are then friend - it tastes a bit nutty.

Bali Food, Jatiluwih, Pantai di Bali, 

Bali Fruits

The exotic, interesting fruits of Bali, and indeed the rest of Asia, are one of the best reasons for visiting. Bananas, coconuts and pineapples are well known - although you may not be prepared for the numerous varieties of bananas that are available.

The mangoes and papayas or pawpaws, which are now available in the West, are better in Bali. They have their seasons. Others are not available outside the tropics because they do not travel well and may not even be known outside Bali.

Tasty, interesting fruits are:

Durian :

The durian legendary is in the tropics. People either love it or hate it. It has an obnoxious smell and frightening appearance, weighs about 3 or 4 kilograms and is covered in large spikes. It is yellowish-green and has a hard shell. A creamy white pulp covers the seeds, which is what people eat.

Very good durians are for sale on the Kedewatan road from Ubud to Ponggang at the beginning of the rainy season in November.

Mangosteen :

Everyone likes this delicious sweet fruit. Queen Victoria offered to knight the first person who could get it to England in an edible condition. Nobdy succeeded. The shell is deep purple. It is a bit hard and has to be twisted or cut off to reveal four or five segments of brilliant white fruit. The season starts in December.

Lychee :

These are a native of South China. Payangan is the only place in Bali where they are cultivated. They taste acidic-sweet, rather like a grape. The season is late November. The bright red clusters of fruit are very attractive to fruit-eating bats, which usually get there first and finish them in one night.

Papaya :

These are known as pawpaws in the West. They are bigger in the tropics. The flesh is pink and rich in vitamin A. They are eaten at breakfast. There is no season.

Mango :

Mangoes are particularly good in Bali. The season starts in September. They can be big. The best way to cut them is in four lengthwise cuts and then peel. Mango juice is good.

Rambutan :

This red, hairy fruit grows in bunches in tall trees. Its name means "hairy", which describes it well. Take off the skin and eat the white, refreshing acid-sweet flesh that covers the single seed. The season starts in December.

Jackfruit :

These big, heavy, yellow fruits are very unusual and versatile. They be fried or eaten raw. They can also be cooked when they look like chunky pieces of meat. They are therefore ideal for vegetarians. They are the largest of all tropical fruits and weigh as much as 50 kilos.

The skin and protective white covering must be removed. Jackfruit juice tastes good. Jackfruit wood is yellow, easy to carve and is used for making wooden stands for musical instruments in the gamelan orchestra.

Pomelo :

The grapefruit is a descendant of the pomelo. Pomelos are bigger than grapefruits. The flesh is coarse and needs to be cut away to reveal the pomelo segments. They are bigger, sweeter and have a more subtle taste than a grapefruit.

Salak :

This fruit looks like a pear and has a reddish-brown, snake-like, scaly skin, which is easily peeled off to reveal crunchy, slightly astringent, white flesh. It grows in east Bali.

Star fruit: Blimbing

This yellowish-green five starred fruit is crisp and usually sweet.

Sirzak :

This large fruit is green on the outside, white on the inside, with an acidic-sweet taste.

Bali Food, Bali Activities, 

Ubud

Ubud is located 35 km northeast of Bali's International Airport. It is attractive to tourists for a variety of reasons. On a relatively small island with a horde of attractions, Ubud is centrally located, and even the closest beach is only 15 minutes away.

Beautiful rice terraces in ubud area

The Ubud area is around two- to three hundred meters above sea level and surrounded by rice fields, which makes it noticeably cooler than then other tourist destinations in Bali. Neighbouring villages are well known for unique bamboo crafts and furniture, wood- and stone carving and many other crafts.

Ubud is famous for it's regularly nightly traditional dance performances, which are part of the traditional culture and are arranged for tourists on a regular schedule. Hindu-Balinese ceremonies take place on a nearly daily basis, especially in the European summer, which is the driest and coolest season here.

Monkey Forrest, Ubud

Ubud is popular in part today because it is the best place in Bali to break out of the tourist mode and get off the beaten path, although far from undiscovered. Hotels are plentiful; home stays and Indonesian guesthouses (losmen) are easily available to the foreign tourist. Many tourists simply base their entire stay in the city and travel to other destinations from Ubud.

Accommodations in Ubud are also somewhat more reasonably priced than in the beach towns of Bali. But atmosphere is perhaps the major attractions. One visitor summed it up this way: Kuta is madness, Sanur is sterile, and Nusa Dua is culturally isolated; Ubud is the place to go.

Ubud center of Bali, Ubud rice terraces, Ubud Museum, Antonio Blanco museum, Four Seasons Sayan Ubud, Bukit Tjampuhan, Pengosekan Penestanan Peliatan Kedewatan Singakerta, Ubud Palace and art Market, Maya Ubud, Uma Ubud, Lodtunduh Mas Ubud

Monkey Forest Padang Tegal Ubud

The Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal is owned by the village of Padangtegal. Village members serve on the Sacred Monkey Forest's governing council (The Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation). The Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation has historically strived to develop and implement management objectives that will both maintain the sacred integrity of the monkey forest and promote the monkey forest as a sacred site that is open to visitors from around the world.

In 1986, only 800 people per month (on average) were visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal. Today, it is not uncommon for the monkey forest to host 10,000 visitors per month. Although the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation welcomes the fact that a growing number of tourists are choosing to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation also recognizes that tourism can have negative impacts on the monkey forest's natural and cultural resources. As a result, some of the primary objectives of the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation include:

* Educating people about the importance of conserving the Sacred Monkey Forest's natural and cultural resources.

* Maintaining a team of highly trained staff members that are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Sacred Monkey Forest.

* Monitoring and whenever necessary restoring the integrity of the Sacred Monkey Forest's natural and cultural resources.

The Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation would like to welcome you as a visitor to the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal. If you have any questions or need assistance, please ask a Wenara Wana staff member (identified in green uniforms). Currently, the entrance fee that visitors pay represents the primary source of funding for Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation natural and cultural resource management projects. The Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation requests that you help keep the visitor entrance fee nominal by respecting the sacredness of the Monkey Forest of Padangtegal, obeying all posted rules, and following the instructions of Wenara Wana staff members. In addition, if you enjoy your visit to the Sacred Monkey Forest, the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation hopes that you will consider providing an additional monetary contribution (which will help the Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation to fund projects associated with the conservation of of the Sacred Monkey Forest's natural and cultural resources). Contributions can be made at the monkey forest's main office (located at the monkey forest's main entrance).

Kuta Karnival – 9 Days of Fun on the Beach October 18-26, 2008.

Following the first Kuta Karnival held in 2003, this will represent the sixth year for the festivities which now garners national and international press coverage. The 2008 Karnival will also feature Balinese dance competitions, environmental conservation exhibits, a fun cycle show, seminars and a mass street parade. Based on past years, the Kuta Karnival is expected to draw more than 90,000 people.

Some of the highlights of this year’s Kuta Karnival:

1. Opening Ceremony - Held on the first day of the event, this day will be marked by a traditional Sekar Jagat dance and “Bali Paddle for Peace” in which 1,000 surfers will take to the ocean to spread flower pedals on the waves. 500 turtles will also be released back into the local seas.

2. Food Festival - Tentatively set for day 8 and 9 of the Kuta Karnival more than 60 of Bali’s best restaurants will set up kiosks along Kuta Beach. A children’s play area will be in operation and live entertainment will be on offer from a central stage during these two days when more than 30,000 visitors are expected to attend.

3. Tebs Shocking Games - Tebs will be offering samples of their beverages and a number of adventure activities including rope climbing and rope games offered under the careful supervision of the professionals from Tree Top Bedugul.

4. Beach Volley Ball Competitions - Volley Ball competitions between both local and international teams at the competition arena on each day of the Kuta Karnival.

5. Beach Soccer - Held on “Surf Family Day” informal soccer matches for all those who wish to take part.

6. Sand Creations - School children will have the opportunity to compete for prizes as they display their ability to build sand-based sculptures.

7. Life Guard Demonstrations - See life-saving techniques demonstrated by the Kuta Life Saving Association.

8. Surfing and Body Building - Competitions to be held at “Halfway Point” on Kuta Beach.

9. Skate Ramp - Bali’s landmark skate arena located on the beach will allow everyone a chance to try their skill at skateboarding. Day 3 will be dedicated to a final skate boarding competition.

10. Tug-of-War- See companies, clubs and community groups compete.

11. Traditional Dance and Music - Scheduled for every afternoon of the Karnival - a different traditional Balinese dance each day.

12. Surfer Girl Balinese Dance Competition - Traditional dance competition for children.

13. Traditional Kite Flying - Scheduled for day 2, some 3,200 kites are targeted to participate. at the Bali Garden Hotel.

14. Arts Attractions - Alumni from Bali’s Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) will perform during the Karnival.

15. Bali Islamic Festival - Islamic-themed activities will be on offer at the Discovery Shopping Mall.

16. Beach Stalls - Local merchants and organization offering knowledge and goods from their bazaar stalls stretched along the beach.

17. Suzuki Music Festival - scheduled for each day of the Karnival, see new products and national bands perform.

18. IndieFez XL - Sponsored by XL on the music stage, Day 5.

19. Cardinal Awards - A competition between local bands and models. Winners will compete in Bandung, West Java in a national competition later in the year.

20. Karnival Parade - Set for the last day of the Karnival in the parade will include decorated floats, roller skaters, cyclists, big bikes, antique cars, gamelan orchestras, and horse-drawn carts.

21. Jalan Santai - A fun walks by more than 2,000 people through Kuta Beach.

The Games (Asian Beach Games)

VENUES

Asian Beach Games in Bali

Kuta Beach Cluster (CKB)
Body Building
Dragon Boat Racing
Surfing

Nusa Dua - Benoa Cluster (CNB)
Water Polo
Beach Kabaddi
Beach Basketball
Beach Wrestling
Beach Pencak Silat
Jetski Sport
Paragliding
Woodball

Sanur Beach Cluster (CSB)
Beach Volleyball
Beach Sepaktakraw
Beach Handball
Beach Soccer
Marathon Swimming
Triathlon

Serangan Island Cluster (CSI)
Sailing
Windsurfing

Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali

You will find numerous tourist places for Sightseeing in Bali, which is known as the last paradise on earth. You will get detail information about what to do in Bali from the Bali Travel Guide. Bali is a popular holiday destination for many reasons. You will be fascinated by captivating sea beaches of Bali, and some of them are truly breathtaking and will offer you complete privacy. Bali is also a favorite among adventure lovers as it has many swift rivers, forests, caves and cliffs to explore. Those who come to Bali make it a point to visit Bali National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary and especially the wonderful Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali.

A beautiful butterfly in Bali Butterfly Park, Tabanan

Bali Butterfly Park Collection

The Butterfly Park of Bali is not only a park in that sense, but it also gives you a clear picture of the life cycle of butterflies. The Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali is located 7 km from Tabanan on the way to Panebel. The park is easily accessible from any part of the city by taxi, bus or private car.

The Bali Butterfly Park Taman Kupu Kupu in Bali boast of being the largest in entire Southeast Asia solely devoted to butterflies. You can spend your whole day with family and friends in this park, which is open from 8am-5pm daily.

Bali Butterfly Park Collection

Bali Butterfly Park Collection

Spread over 3,500 square meters, this enclosed huge park is perfect for studying ecosystem, breeding and protection of butterflies. You can watch various colorful and exotic kinds of butterflies, including the rare Bird Wing Butterfly. The park guides will give you lots of information about how to conserve them and before leaving collect gift from the special souvenir shop.

Tabanan Tourist Object

Tabanan Tourist Object and Travel Guides

Green Rice Terraces at Pupuan, Tabanan

The first impression in Tabanan is the green and fertile land. The series of hills and the mountain ranges at its northern border, adjacent to Beratan Lake, Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake have made the regency full of water. From the cool climate and weather and the steeping hilly landscape in the north to the beachside in the south, Tabanan positions itself as an ideal location for wetland farming and plantations. Fruits and vegetables are produced in the northern part of the regency and high quality rice gain is produced in the central and southern part of the region.

Ulundanu Temple at Bedugul, Tabanan, Bali

Occupying an area of around 893.33 square kilometers, Tabanan has a population of 374,000 which are spread equally throughout 10 districts. Although the opportunities to work in the tourism industry and other sectors are not widely opened, many people in Tabanan continue to do their common ways of living. The shortage of labors for farming sector is managed through the implementation of modern and efficient ways of farming. Thus, Tabanan is still the provider of basic needs for most people in Bali.

Spectacular before harvest time of rice Terraces at Antosari, Tabanan, Bali

Hotels Last Minute Deals!
The beauty of the wildlife in Tabanan, such as its rice fields has the potential for attracting tourists who are in search of breathtaking landscapes. Tanah Lot, Penebel, Jatiluwih, Pupuan, Antosari and Bedugul are most visited places by tourists from around the world and many countries who are the nature adores.

Some hotels list in Tabanan District:

Sanda Butik Villas Bali
Desa-Sanda, Pupuan 82163, Tabanan - Bali

Waka Gangga Resort Bali
Jl. Pantai Yeh Gangga, Desa Sudimara, Tabanan, Bali

Waka Gangga
Jalan Yeh Gangga, Desa Sudimara, Tabanan, Bali Indonesia Tabanan
Bali, Indonesia Traveler Opinion

Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa
PO Box 158, Kediri, Bali, 82171

Gajah Mina Beach Resort
Suraberata, Lalanglinggah,selemandeg, Bali

Batu Bolong Temple at Tanah Lot, Tabanan

Sanda Butik Villas & Restoran
Desa-Sanda, Pupuan 82163, Tabanan - Bali

Puri Dajuma Cottage
Pekutatan Negar BaliIndonesiaa Pekutatan Bali

Cempaka Belimbing
Ds. Suradadi Belimbing, Pupuan Tabanan

Puri Lumbung
Jl. Tunggul Ametung Vii No.9, P.o. Box No. 3603, Denpasar 80036 Bali

Pacung Asri Mountain Resort
Jalan Raya Baturiti Bedugul, Tabanan 82191, Bali, Indonesia

Kuskus Indah
Jl. Pulau Batam, Bali 82111

Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort Bali
Jl. Raya Tanah Lot, Bali 82162

Tabanan, Bali

Tabanan is the name of a district in west Bali and also the largest town in the district. The town is located next to the main east-west road leading to Java. A bypass means you do not have to crawl through town and can maintain a decent speed, the traffic lights being the only hinderance.


Tabanan is not really a tourist town and most likely you will not want to stop there for long. Still there are some interesting aspects to the town. Back in 1906 the Balinese and Dutch were fighting over control of the island. The kingdom of Tabanan (a former regency of Bali) refused to abide by Dutch regulations outlawing the Hindu practice of suttee, whereby a man’s widow is cremated with him. The Dutch forces marched towards Tabanan from the south, refusing to negotiate with the raja. In other regencies of Bali the raja and his court committed the ritual puputan (group suicide). The raja of Tabanan wanted to avoid this, but rather than be exiled in Lombok, he committed suicide in Denpasar prison. The history of coloncial rule around the world is written in blood, Bali being no exception.
One of the more positive historical points of interest is the Subak museum, located close to the main bypass road. While the museum itself is nothing special, it documents one of the most important social / economic / cultural institutions in Bali, the Subak. Dating back to 600AD, Bali has been using a system of unmechanized rice cultivation and water management. Bali’s ability to produce an endless supply of rice year round is central to its history. Management of the water courses, stretching all the way to the highland lakes, is controlled by the Subak. A farmer cannot simply flood all his fields at the same time, or divert a main stream to access more water. The system is intricate and the Subak museum is the place where its officially documented.
Downtown Tabanan looks like many other large Balinese towns, with a busy market close to the central streets. For tourists driving through you will be able to use an ATM machine, change money, locate an internet cafe and find a post office, all on Jl. Gajah Mada / Jl. Pahlawan.
Tabanan has 2 important bemo terminals for the adventurous. Bemos are the small minibuses and while most tourists do not use them, they act as a safety net for getting around if other ways fail. The Denpasar (Ubung terminus) to Gilimanuk (ferry point to Java) bemos all stop at Pesiapan terminal, 1.5km west of downtown Tabanan. The Kediri bemo terminal is located on the main road in the east of the town.
If you are passing through Tabanan on your way to Java and need a handy place for the night, check out Kuskus Indah Hotel (Jl. Palau Batam 32) - (0361)815373. Affordable AC or fan rooms, with public swimming pool close by.
For those looking for a beach environment, you can find accommodation at Yeh Gangga, Lalang Linggah to the SW and Balian to the west. Highlights of the area close to Tabanan include Taman Kupu Kupu (Butterfly Park) in Wanasari, Pura Taman Ayun (temple) in Mengwi and Yeh Panas hot springs. Pura Tanah Lot is a 15 minute drive SW from Tabanan and Seminyak can be reached in 45 minutes.

Lovina : Eating and Drinking

Zigiz Bar, Jalan Binaria (http://www.albe.net/de/zigiz). Live acoustic guitar nightly. Large cocktail selection.

Jax Bar, Lovina main road (http://www.jaxbar.150m.com). Live band every night, karaoke, pool room,darts board ,live sports including football on the biggest screen in lovina, dance floor, Chinese food,and probably the most extensive cocktail list in lovina,..... watch the big game sing on the karaoke, enjoy the band or just simply relax in lovina's newest nightspot... we even have a bouncy castle to keep the kids amused !!

Volcano Bar, is the only and best disco in town. If you are around on Saturday and want to make some moves with locals, you should go here. Entrance is around 25.000 (one free drink included).

Warru Bali is a cool place to get get a beer and watch the sun go down. One of the oldest warung in Kalibukbuk and still very popular. Stay late and you might enjoy a singalong with some of the locals.

Banjar Hot Spring

Banjar Hot Water is a nature hot wellspring from the ground and it is believed can heal the disease. Its water is accommodated at one small swimming pool encircled by unique rural nature, its situation close to the Wihara ( Buda Temple ). Banjar Hot Water is located in Banjar Countryside, Banjar sub district and Singaraja Regency. It is about 1,5 Km from Banjar or 24 Km from Singaraja Town . To reach the Hot Water location in Banjar, we can use the motor vehicle through the main road with good condition and passing the Balinese Village with unique culture life. The nearest accommodations like hotels or lodging including restaurants are also available in particular at Lovina Beach area. There are many public transportation also available to connect the travel to Singaraja town.This hot wellspring source is predictably built since of hundreds of year ago and since the Japanese colonize the Indonesia, this place has developed into three pools to relocate the water for taking a bath. The Japanese had also developed its military officer resort close to this area. Having bathing in the heat water containing the brimstone, it will be able to heal the skin disease. This public bath which is built by Japanese now is exploited by public society. Beside of that, now this place is opened for tourist who can use this bathing place to swim in hot pool and also enjoy the water fall. Enjoying the hot water fall, we can feel like squeezing, especially at pool equipped by the douche with the high about 3,5 meters, so that can make the body refresh and relaxation.

Banjar Hot Water, Places to Visit in North Bali

Hot water in Banjar is progressively recognized to be a place of interest in north of Bali or a tourist destination in Singaraja Bali. Now this place visited by many tourist from local and Foreign countries. It is a mini tourism object which is easily reached from Lovina Beach and it is opened daily from 07.00 am until 18.00 pm daily except Nyepi Day (Silent Day).From Singaraja Town, take the way to Gilimanuk or to the west part of Singaraja and we will meet the Banjar Countryside which is show the direction sigh of this hotel water place.

Singaraja (Buleleng), North Bali

Singaraja is in the regency seat of Buleleng and is often referred to as Lion City. Located on the north coast just east of Lovina, Singaraja was once the capital of Bali under Dutch colonial administration. It is a place not renowned for people to stay overnight or for a few days and most travellers travel further along the coastline to places like Lovina where the accommodation is more prodigious and of better quality. However, it is a city of charm with its wide, tree-lined streets and Dutch colonial architecture present every where you look. Singaraja is also an educational centre having two university campuses. But, that is not all that the Lion city has to offer. Being steeped in history, Singaraja has some great places to visit as well as some really good warungs and restaurants, and, not to forget the numerous market places. A turn down any corner will reveal a surprise and the people are amongst the friendliest on the island.

Here are a few places you might want to check out next time you are up this way:

Gedong Kirtya Museum and Library: This is the only library in the world with a large collection of lontar manuscripts both ancient and sacred texts on leaves of the lontar palm. The building also houses books from the Dutch colonial era and some very interesting inscribed copper plates called prasasti. The library actually contains over a thousand texts on the sciences from philosophy to astrology and medicine. Not far from the Library is the museum which houses the collection of the last Raja of Buleleng.

Ling Gwan Kiong Chinese Temple: Just off Jalan Erlangga and a stones throw from the ocean sits the beautiful Chinese temple Ling Gwan Kiong. A colourful and beautifully constructed klenteng, access to the temple is via a water bridge over a pond filled with pink and white lotus flowers. An unusual array of Koi fish can be seen in the depths of the water of this quaint pass-over to the inner temple. Gold Bhudda statues and ornately decorated textiles are to be found everywhere. Particularly impressive are the murals of Deities hand-painted on the entrance doors and surrounding walls.

The Waterfront Harbour: This is a nice place to relax and quite stunning with its panorama of the open ocean. It is a quite place and there are some deserted and old Dutch warehouses to be found here but they are rundown but one can imagine the hive of activity that once occurred there. Take a stroll along the beach and have a look at some of the scattered traditional villages along this stretch. There is also a monument called Yudha Mandala Tama that was erected in 1987 and commemorates the independence struggle against the Dutch in the 1940’s.

Singaraja Central Market: Located right in the centre of the city on the main street, this poky and dusty market is fabulous to meander through albeit a tad claustrophobiatic at times. The market is seldom visited by westerners so be aware of pilfering but it is a place where you an also get some great shopping and cheaper than in Kuta!. It is a general goods market meaning it has just about everything.

(Baliblog)

Lovina, Singaraja, Bali

Lovina Beach is a 12 km stretch of coast to the North West of Singaraja in North Bali. It is several resorts rather than one. It comprised of several narrow stretches of black volcano sand. Lovina, like most of Bali, fills up with tourists from all over the world in August. It is a nice break from the bustle of the South. These days the mix of tourists is mainly families and couples rather than the backpackers of yesteryear.

Kalibukbuk is the largest and most developed village but it is just two streets of hotels, bars, restaurants, and dive shops running down to the beach. There is a wide range of accommodation and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. There are two clubs and several bars, but the nightlife is generally low key and easy giong.

You can easily get to Lovina by bus from all parts of Bali, but it is along ride from the East or South. Getting your own car with or without a driver ( I don't recomend without!!) is a much easier way to get to the North. Bemo’s are the local public transport buses and they ply all the local routes. Again it is much easier to hire a driver and car for any longer journey. You can travel from Kuta in less than 3hrs and from the airport or Sanur in about 2.30hrs. You will travel through (Pura Ulun Danau), Bedugul and could go the pretty way through Munduk if you are not in a hurry. So you could stop to take in the temple, lakes and rice paddies on your trip and make a day of it.

"Lovina Beach painting" in the morning 

Sightseeing trips are easy to organise either with drivers on the street or through your hotel. Some sugestions are:

Air Banjar Hot Springs - Located west of Lovina, Air Banjar (or Panjar) is an enchanting hot springs with stone carved mouths gushing water among a lush garden setting. A nominal entrance fee is charged. Go in the morning if you want some peace and quiet, you will have the place to yourself if you get there before 9am.

DolphinTrips - These trips leave early each morning and are great fun for the kids, despite the critiscism that the boats tend to outnumber the dolphins. Prices are fixed by a dolphin cartel, they are around 50.000 (4 euro).

Snorkeling is possible on the reef just offshore from Kalibukbuk in the mornings around 10am. You will need to hire a boat for this and it costs about 50,000 per head (includes gear). Snorkeling and scuba diving trips leave from Kalibukbuk for Menjangan and other north shore dive spots. There are several dive operators based out of Lovina that operate daily dive trips to Menjanan Island, Tulamben and Amed, as well as night dives from the local shore. "Spice Dive" are based out of Lovina and offer day trips to all of the dive spots on the northern shore. Guides are available in a variety of languages and multi-day discounts are available. http://www.lovinadive.com/" hours="averages" price="US$55-$75 per day.

sunset at Lovina Beach

Spa - Lovina is lucky to have several spa facilities. While a little more low key than the spas to the south, the service is excellent and the prices, being much less than the opulent spas in the south, are an excellent value and well worth it. ''Agung's Spa offers body scrubs, facials, massage, etc. It is also the nicest spa facility in Lovina, though by Balinese standards it is much smaller and basic than what you would find elsewhere on the island. 'Bali Samadhi Spa [http://www.BaliSamadhi.com] (Tel. 081 338 558 260) in Lovina offers a variety of massages. One is called Rebalancing Massage a very nice mixture between therapeutic and well-being massage. Mandi Lulur scrubs are available including the yogurt mask.

One of restaurant above the beach

Eating and Drinking - 'Kakatua' in Kalibukbuk is one the most popular with tourists and not without reason. The menu is varied, the staff friendly and you can see the food being prepared and cooked from fresh ingredients. There are many good restaurants and bars listed on other pages in the site.

Singaraja

Singaraja is the regency seat of Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia. The name is Indonesian for 'Lion King'. It is on the north coast just east of Lovina. It has an area of 27.98 km² and population of 80,500.

Singaraja was the Dutch colonial administrative centre for Bali and the Lesser Sunda Islands until 1953, and the port of arrival for most visitors until development of the Bukit Peninsula area in the south.

Gedong Kirtya, just south of the town centre, is the only library of lontar manuscripts (ancient and sacred texts on leaves of the rontal palm) in the world. (wikipedia)

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Palaces in Denpasar, Bali

Pemecutan Palace This is one of some palaces opened to visitors located on Jalan Thamrin 2, Denpasar, one of the tourist-packages offered in Denpasar city-tour program. It is about 200 meters from Puputan Badung Park to the West and close to the two traditional markets: Pasar Badung and Pasar Kumbasari. The traditional Balinese-architectured palace was built around 17 th century and nowadays managed by the last King of Denpasar : Ida Cokorda Pemecutan. The palace is also completed with accommodation for those who want to stay and enjoy the royal atmosphere. Satria Palace The palace that rebuilt in 1930 is also one of the palaces set up as one of points of interest of Denpasar city-tour program. It is located on Jalan Veteran, right at the heart of Denpasar, inside of which the royal-family temple, "Pemerajan Puri Agung Satria" is located, where some traditional entertainments are often on stage, especially during the temple's anniversary celebration (every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar), or often held on request by some tour-operators. In front of the temple one can find the Bird market (Pasar Burung) which is also another attraction for visitors and the locals mainly those of animal-lovers. Satria Palace has a very specific architecture, a kind of building-design called "Pendopo" in which a meeting of the Kings of Bali was held in the past. Satria Palace is not far from the other places of interest previously mentioned like: Bali Museum, Jagatnatha Temple and Puputan Badung Park.

Jro Kuta Palace

Instead of Satria and Pemecutan Palace, Jro Kuta Palace is also included into the City-tour package. It is located very closely to the heart of Denpasar city about 300m from Pasar Badung and Pasar Kumbasari, the traditional markets. The palace's main attraction is its 9 specific buildings called: "Ancak Saji", "Semanggen", "Rangki", Pewaregan", "Saren Raja", "Saren Kangin", "Paseban", "Pemerajan Agung", the holy place and "Pekandelan" with their respective functions. The other building is the palace's fortress against the enemy's attack. Jro Kuta Palace is located on Jalan Kumbakarna or about 100m from Maospahit Temple previously mentioned.

Soka Beach, Tabanan Bali

Soka beach has long been known by people regarding its location by the main road Denpasar - Gilimanuk. The panorama is quite magnificent with chains of hills as natural wall on the Westside which is then connected with Mt. Batukaru on the North while on the East, Mt. Agung is seen in the distance and Indonesian Ocean is on the South with the eastern tip of East Java i.e. : Blambangan/Banyuwangi is also seen in the distance. Terraced rice field and coconut plantation are the other attractions, more over when sunset time comes, twilight over Srijong Temple nearby will be an unforgettable moment. Instead of its natural beauty, Soka Beach hides away thousands of natural miracles and legends. One can find a coral stone with size of about 30 m surrounded by sand and seawater believed as "Kebo Iwo's cooking pot" (a legend about a mighty Balinese man named Kebo Iwo) who is said used to cook using that cooking - pot. On the west side of "Kebo Iwo's cooking pot", next to Luhur Serijong Temple there is another coral - stone in the form of Balinese traditional stove sized about 10 x 20 m believed as the stove on which the mighty Kebo Iwo cooked his meal using his cooking - pot. Luhur Serijong Temple was built at the same time as Rambut Siwi Temple and Tanah Lot Temple by "Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh", the Holy High priest in XVI century. Location Soka Beach is located at Antap village, district of Selemadeg Tabanan regency. It is about 45 km in distance from Denpasar or about 84 km from Gilimanuk, right by the main road Java-Bali which road is known always very busy along the day and night. On the East part of the beach, there is a natural cave on the coral cliff named "Bullung Daya" cave occupied by thousands of swallows. Along the western part of the beach is coconut plantation while a simple accommodation named "Balian Beach Bungalow" is located by Balian River known as one of the best rafting locations in Bali. Facility Some facilities like restaurant, simple accommodation and spacious parking - lot are available at Soka Beach. During holiday and at full - moon night the beach is crowded with local people and those carrying out religious ceremony. For those being fond of sea - fishing, going to the sea with local fishermen using traditional rowing - boats will be a choice. Description Up to this time, Soka Beach's history is still unknown. One definitive thing is Soka Beach has long been a stopover for people going to / from Java instead of the story about the mighty Kebo Iwa as previously mentioned. Luhur Serijong Temple is a temple adhered by Hindu followers of Tabanan regency as well as from the other parts of Bali, mostly by "Subak" members (traditional irrigation/farming organization) since the temple is believed to be the place where people worship the Lord of food stuff (Dewi Sri/Goddess of Rice).

Jati Luwih, Tabanan Bali

Jati Luwih, Tabanan Bali

Jatiluwih is one of the places of interest with marvelous natural attraction in Bali. Its cool weather being about 700 m above the sea level, terraced of rice field back grounded by mountain covered by dense tropical forest is really a spectacular natural charm. Instead of its natural potency, Jatiluwih is also known for its Cultural belonging, mainly the construction history of a temple related to the reign of King Ida Dalem Waturenggong at Gelgel Palace (1460¬1551). Location It is about 48 km in distance from Denpasar, or about 28 km, north of Tabanan town. To enjoy the visit to the village, the tour itinerary can be combined: Denpasar - Bedugul (the junction at Pacung - Baturiti)- Jatiluwih-Penatahan hot spring & Spa -Subak monument/ museum - Alas Kedaton monkey forest - Tanah Lot (to enjoy sunset on the beautiful beach of Tanah Lot/Temple on the rock) Facility This place of interest has been completed with parking lot, toilet, resting place and viewing spot. Some restaurants are available but there is no accommodation there yet. The road going there is also under improvement so motor vehicle can pass through East line i.e.: via Pacung Junction to Jatiluwih or through West line via Penatahan Hot spring -Batukaru Temple -Jatiluwih. Tourist Visit This place of interest has long been visited by abundant visitors, domestic and overseas to enjoy its fresh weather, spectacular view of the extensive rice terrace. Instead of that, once in 210 days according to the Balinese Calendar, people go to Petali Temple on the upper land of the village when a sacred dance called "Wali Pendet' dance is performed to celebrate the temple's anniversary. Description Jatiluwih as a natural tourist attraction, had actually been known since the Dutch colonization in Bali (1910-1942), because the Dutch troop once built a military base camp on the western part of the village and up to this moment the locals call it as "Tangsi Belanda" (The Dutch Barrack). The Provincial Government of Bali has announced Jatiluwih as one of tourism villages as to increase the number of tourist arrival to this island because of its great potency as previously mentioned. Normanforsenate.com

Legian Street, Kuta, Bali

Jl. Legian is the main street in Kuta as far as tourists are concerned. Packed with bars, nightclubs and restaurant on the lower Kuta end, it turns more into a shopping location in the Legian area. Small clothes shop, bag shops, handicrafts galore, plus salons, jewelry stores as well as the local mini markets. This afternoon I checked out a few places on Jl. Legian and got the impression business was slow. The trend in this area is definitely for boutique type clothes shops, AC with a glass window and fixed prices. They often sit next to a local shop selling stuff like pillow cases, an avalanche of color spilling out onto the sidewalk.
l. Legian is a handy place to rent a scooter / motorbike, buy petrol, get your tires pumped, buy a SIM card / pulsa for your phone. There is a bank BCA ATM machine next to Glory Restaurant. You can also find a postal agent on the other side of the street as well as a DHL office further down. The nice thing about the shops on Jl. Legian in the Legian area, is they are not as busy as Kuta. This enables you to shop with more elbow room and have the time to bargain in peace. Your best option for food on Jl. Legian in Legian is Glory Restaurant. This family friendly place does good food and even has a Balinese buffet on Sundays. Most of the other restaurants are down Jl. Padma, Rum Jungle Rd and so on.

If you hit this street at the right time, you can often see ceremonies taking place at the Pura Agung on Jl. Legian, Balinese people lining the sidewalk in ceremonial attire. This is a photo op for anyone staying in Legian. I liked this photo of female office workers all departing at once.

Denpasar Art Shop and Local Souvenirs

Fine paintings, had carved wooden statues and screens, silver work, handwoven and painted cottons and silks, batiks, embroidered and other garments for casual wear, leash. and cotton bags, bone carvings, shell ornaments, masks, pottery, ceramics, basketry, sandstone statues, bamboo furniture are available.

Denpasar Art Shop and Local Souvenirs

Wayans Art Shop Raya Celuk Street Phone: (0361) 298012 Versace Art Legian Street 133 C Phone: (0361) 761065 Maroon Gift Shop Dewi Sartika Street 69 Phone: (0361) 751565 Legong Art Shop WR Supratman Street 14 Phone: (0361) 461547 Krisanti Gallery D Tamblingan Street 186 Phone: (0361) 288262 Keraton Bagus Handicraft & Furniture Danau Poso Street 89 Phone: (0361) 282669 Handayani House Of Art Gianyar Street Phone: (0361) 226662 Bali Shop Sahadewa Street 8-G Phone: (0361) 759919 Bali Island Art Legian Street 27 Phone: (0361) 761392 Bali Bunga Art Shop Tunjung Mekar Street 50-X Phone: (0361) 755448	Putri Bali Art Shop Kertanegara Peguyangan Street Phone: (0361) 421056 Pusat Antik By Pass Ngurah Rai Street 5 Phone: (0361) 701471 Puri Agung Meregepati Palace Raya Batubulan Street Phone: (0361) 298051 Pasar Seni Merthanadi Melasti Pasar Seni Street Phone: (0361) 761161 Mutiara Art Bali P Ambon Street 18 Phone: (0361) 249411 Mentari Karya Dewata Shop Raya Legian Kuta Street Phone: (0361) 767266 MC 2 Art Shop Arjuna Street 70 Phone: (0361) 732501 Craft Plus Art Shop Raya Ketewel Street Phone: (0361) 288343 Balibo Art Legian Street 295 Phone: (0361) 758424 Bali & Co Art Shop Melasti Street 18 Phone: (0361) 756249	Srimpi Collection Raya Kuta Street Phone: (0361) 750719 Sonia Art Shop Legian Street 204 Phone: (0361) 751519 Simon Gift Shop Pantai Kuta Street 42 A Phone: (0361) 765076 Seni Bali Art Shop Pratama Tanjung Benoa Nusa Dua Street 89 Phone: (0361) 773520 Sasak Art Raya Celuk Street Phone: (0361) 295124 Samarkanda Gallery Legian Street 363 Phone: (0361) 767362 Putu Art Shop Cemara Street 24 Phone: (0361) 285030 Emi Arts & Souvenirs Sultan Hasanuddin Street 53 Phone: (0361) 483215 Duyung Art shop Denpasar Street Phone: (0361) 281211 Dharma Semadi Art Shop Banjar Celuk Street Phone: (0361) 298031	Trigunt Art Shop Legian Kuta Street Phone: (0361) 767347 Tiquz Lamp Shade & Leather Handicraft Raya Kuta Street 115 Phone: (0361) 762658' Teko Art Shop Taman Mertanadi Street 17 E Phone: (0361) 739354 Swin Art Shop Danau Tamblingan Street 72 Phone: (0361) 289272 Sukaya Art Shop Banjar Celuk Street Phone: (0361) 298090 Sukaya Art Shop Banjar Celuk Street Phone: (0361) 298090 Sriwijaya Art Shop Tangkuban Perahu Street Phone: (0361) 734971 Grace Art Shop Legian Tengah Street 435 Phone: (0361) 750826 Ganni Art Shop Lebak Bene Street 6-X Phone: (0361) 750731 Ganesa Art Sriwijaya Street Phone: (0361) 764855

Around Bali Transport

The main forms of public transport on Bali are the cheap buses, minibuses and bemos (a general term for any vehicle that is used as a public transport which is normally a minibus or van with a row of low seats on each side). They normally run on somewhat set routes within or between towns. Having your own transport can be arranged; there are cars, motorbikes, and bicycles for rent. Tourist shuttle buses that run between major tourist centres are more expensive than public transport but are definitely more comfortable and convenient.

Charter Vans or Mini Buses can be rented at a reasonable cost including petrol and a driver/guide. These are great for parties of 6 or more..

Motorcycles are a popular way to get around Bali. If you decide to rent one, drive slowly and defensively. The cost of hiring a motorcycle is negotiable and varies according to the condition of the machine, length of rental and time of year. Buying insurance is a good idea to avoid being responsible for damages, but be sure to test-drive the motorbike to see that everything is in good working order. A valid International Driving Permit is required or if you forget it you can spend a morning at the Denpasar Police Office to obtain a temporary permit, which lasts for three months, but the process can be a huge hassle. It would be wise to get an International Driving Permit in your own country before you leave home.

Seeing Bali by bicycle has become increasingly popular in recent years and the quality of rental bikes has improved. Some airlines will carry your own bike for free if you would prefer to bring one with you. The most common bikes offered are mountain bikes as their low gear ratios and softer tyres are better suited to Bali.

For something different hop on a traditional dokar. These small horse-drawn carts are still available in Kuta and Denpasar and a short ride costs next to nothing. It’s a novel, if somewhat slow, way to view the passing scenery and is always popular with children.

A helicopter ride is the experience of a lifetime. What better way to fully appreciate every contour, mountain and valley on this wonderfully picturesque tropical island than from the air. Trips vary from long to short and it’s a good way to transverse the island..

Boat

The state-run passenger line PELNI operates weekly sailings between Bali and Jakarta, Makassar and Balikpapan. Not luxurious but comfortable, the ship offers an alternative to flying and is a more leisurely form of travel. There are regular schedules and routes, all touching in at Jakarta as their main base.

Foreign cruise lines operate in Indonesian waters, though not regularly. A 40-passenger luxury cruise ship, the MV Island Explorer, offers trips to the eastern Indonesian islands from Bali part of the year and from Jakarta to Sumatera the rest of the year. There are also ferries between islands, though comfort may not be as desired.

For adventurous travellers, a ride on a Pinisi Bugis schooner is exciting.

Ferry Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travel first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi, where you board another bus for the final passage to Denpasar.

Ngurah Rai International Airport

Ngurah Rai International Airport is situated in the south of the island, not far from the resorts of Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur. It is about 15km from Bali’s capital city of Denpassar.

There are a range restaurants and shops, including duty-free and souvenir, in the airport. Several banks and currency exchange is also available, but do not offer great rates, better to visit one in town. Information desks are located on the first floor of the international arrivals terminal.

To/From The Airport

It is recommended to use the airport taxi service, located to the left of the terminal exit. This service charges a fixed price, while other taxi’s fares will have to be bargained. The prices for airport taxis are on display outside the terminal buildings.

If you are travelling on a restricted budget, you can flag down a Blue Bird Taxi from outside the airport or stand in the corner of the International Departure side near the ATM and catch them once they drop off a passenger. Blue Bird Taxis are safe and reliable. Flagging down another taxi company (other than the licensed airport taxis), is not recommended.


Ngurah Rai International Airport
Indonesia Airport