Bali Art (Culture)

Everybody in Bali seems to be an artist. Coolies and, princes, priests and peasants, men and women alike, can dance, play musical instruments, paint, or carve in wood and stone. It was often surprising to discover that an otherwise poor and dilapidated village harbored an elaborate temple, a great orchestra, or a group’ of actors of repute.

One of the most famous orchestras in Bali is to be found in the, remote mountain village of Selat, and the finest dancers of legong were in Saba, an unimportant little village bidden. among the rice fields.

Villages such as Mas, Baiuan, Gelgel, are made up of families of painters, sculptors, and actors, and Sanur produces, besides priests and witcb-doctors, fine story-tellers and dancers.

Goa Gajah Cave Ubud, Bali

Gajah Cave (Goa Gajah) locate in Gianyar Bali, literally means ‘Elephant Cave”. Although named by ‘elephant’ it doesn’t mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. The name Goa Gajah derived from ‘Lawa Gajah’, which is mentioned in the manuscripts that found in this site. This temple complex was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site.

A seven-meters deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village’s local temple. The cave it self is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is ‘boma’, a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if we give more attention look to the rest of the carving. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Nowadays, those holes are used to place offerings whenever there is ceremonies taking place. On the left end side of the cave is Ganesha statue, believe it as ‘the God of knowledge’. Meanwhile on the right end side can be found three ‘linggas’, that each of them dedicated to the three common God manifestations in Bali, Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. There are other three stone carvings in the centre wall, one of them figuring head and face.

Three other statues of Ganesha, demons and Men Brayut, a legendary lady with her beloved children, are placed on a high building located on the left side of cave entrance. It is considered that these statues are 1000 years old. In the middle of the complex, in front of the cave, there is bathing place that is not any longer used by the local people. The angle figures within the bathing complex are about similar to common figures found in India. On the south part of the complex, there are along flight of step leads down the lower part of the valley. After crossing a bridge above a small creek and follow another flight of steps up to eastern side of the valley, a headless sitting Buddha statue can be seen. This is the evident of a close relationship between the two religions.

SEMINYAK

A few miles north of Kuta is Seminyak which is the hippest part of southern Bali. More upmarket than Kuta and home to Bali's best bars, clubs and restaurants with new places opening almost weekly. Creative energy is the phrase that best sums up Seminyak, energy which also extends to the fashion boutiques.

Cool comes at a price, featuring strongly are world class hotels and resorts located next to the beach. Expect prices to be a little higher than Kuta.

Sunset time at Seminyak beach

Bedugul

Bedugul is an area in the central mountains of Bali. Bedugul Area is composed of 3 lakes (Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan) and one main town (Candikuning). At an alitude of 1.150 meters above sea level, Bedugul

Bedugul is located 48km north of Denpasar, on the main road from South Bali to the North Coast (Lovina and Singaraja)

Spectacular view of Ulundanu Beratan temple, Bedugul

The most visited places of Bedugul are:

• Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan. Unique Temple on a small island on the lake.

• The Bedugul Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya) with trees collection and Bali Treetop Adventure Park.

• The Traditional Market of Candikuning.

• The Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club.

Do

• Bali Treetop Adventure Park, Bedugul Botanical Gardens, Tel.: (62)(361) 8520680 The park includes six main circuits that stretch from tree to tree, as well as nets, Tarzan Jumps, and bridges. Each run also features "Flying Fox" zip-lines of up to 160 meters, providing heart-pounding thrills to guests as they fly through the air. Two circuits are designed for young children from 4 years old.

• Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. At an alitude of 1.142 meters above the sea level and surrounded by green mountains, crater lakes and ancient forest, the course is considered as one of the greatest golf course in the world.

• Water sports on lake Bratan. Parasailing, speedboat, jetski.
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• Trekking in the mountains. Departure from the Lake Bratan or from Bedugul Botanical Gardens

• Soaking in Angseri hot springs. Angseri lies about 20km to the south. From the main market head directly south. It is well sign-posted.

Buy

Bedugul Traditional Market in Candikuning. Bedugul is the garden of Bali with lots of fruits and vegetable. In the market you can find strawberry, corn, and lots of spices. Also an art market with lots of handicraft.

Eat

• Pacung Indah Restaurant with a great panoramic view on all South Bali, from the Ocean to the Mount Agung.

• Strawberry Stop near the Ulun Danu Temple. To try the Bedugul strawberry.

• Lake view on the way down from the Market to the lake.

• Roti Bedugul. Bakery famous for its international quality of bread, croissant and danish pastries.
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Sleep

• Many small and affordable guesthouses in Bedugul.

• Pacung Indah Hotel, 10 kilometers before Bedugul. 8 bungalows with panoramic views.

• Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. Up market hotel in the golf course.