Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

The Elephant Cave - Goa Gajah - is situated on a steep bank to the side of the main road in the Banjar of Goa, Bedaulu Village in the area of Blahbatuh, Gianyar.
It is approximately twenty-six kilometres from Denpasar and is easy to find as it is by the side of the main road, just East of the crossroads in Teges village.

The countryside here is very beautiful and the cave itself is a very important archaeological site, as it holds the remains of an ancient Buddhist monument. These remains are thought to be of the same era as the grand Borobudur temple in central Java. Also the site holds relics of the God Shiva.

The origins of the name Goa Gajah are uncertain. Some claim that the name comes from the world 'Lwa Gajah' recorded in ancient Javanese writings saying the cave was the home of an important Buddhist priest. Another opinion suggests that the name originates from the statue of Gannesha which is located in the western corner of the cave, part of the statue being an elephant's trunk.

The history of Goa Gajah can be seen from the ancient remains at the site. Besides Shivaist relics found inside the cave, there are several Buddhist remains such as the statues of Buddha and Harito. These remains appear to be of the same style as the statues found in Borobudur temple, which originates in the eighth century.

Via: indo.com

Besakih Temple

High on the slopes of Bali's Mount Agung sits Pura Besakih, widely referred to as the "Mother Temple" of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Besakih, or Besakih Temple in English, is the largest of the island's 11,000 or so Hindu temples; its 35 shrines and halls draw devotees from all over Bali in massive numbers each year.

The world is lucky to have Besakih. In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed several nearby villages. Besakih was untouched.

The temple is generally agreed to date back to prehistoric times in Bali. It is named for Naga Besukian -- the dragon-god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit this, the highest mountain in Bali. But at the beginning of the 11th Century Besakih became the state temple at a time when Bali was no mean kingdom. It has remained the state temple in some form or another ever since and is state supported today.

Like most Balinese temples, Besakih is not a closed building but a mostly open-air affair. It is made up of courtyards with altars and shrines devoted to a number of gods. And those gods have better things to do than just hang around a temple; the Balinese believe that the gods visit a temple on particular dates -- and on those dates the Balinese hold festivals to honor (or placate) the gods. Of all the temples on Bali six are "supremely holy:" Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Gua Lawah, Pura Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Uluwatu. Of these, Besakih stands higher than the others -- not because it sits some 3000 or so feet above the ocean on the mountain's side, but because it is more sacred to the Balinese. It is said to be the only classless, casteless temple on the island where any Balinese Hindu can come to worship.

Bali's Hinduism is unique. Many scholars believe it gives us a view of Hindu beliefs much as they existed 1500 to 2000 years ago. Hinduism was once the dominant religion in much of Southeast Asia and empires in the region where ruled by god-kings -- empires like Funan, Sri Vijaya, Angkor, and Bali.

The Hinduism of Bali is less fragmented than that of modern India. Balinese are generally said to worship one god, Brahman, who manifests himself in various forms or personalities.

Lee Arnold, in his article on The Temples of Bali, quotes an anonymous Balinese who explains their views: "I am just one person; someday I might be a farmer, another a driver, yet another a cook, but I am still only one person." In the same way the Hindu "gods" Siva and Vishnu (Siwa and Visnu in Balinese) are really just different manifestations of the one god, Brahman, in Balinese theology. While this may be true, temples generally end up serving as places where one of Brahman's manifestations is worshipped; and Besakih is dedicated largely to Siva worship.

While the Hinduism of Bali may provide a glimpse into the religion's past it is by no means pure. Balinese religion has kept Islam at bay, but has absorbed aboriginal animism and Malay cultic ancestor worship along with aspects of Mahayana Buddhism.

The temple's anniversary, Odalan, is an excellent day to visit if you are looking for pageantry. But you should expect a crowd of several thousand people. That ceremony comes in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar.

Via: Goasia

Kintamani

Kintamani is great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days. At Penelokan you can view the panorama of Mount Batur set in a huge volcanic crater basin. Stop here on the way to Singaraja to climb to peaceful Pura Tegeh Kuripan. Try to arrive at Kintamani in the morning, as it's often overcast in the afternoon, especially during the rainy season. There are two possible options for staying near Lake Batur: up on the ridge or down inside the crater. The villages within the crater tend to have a rather unpleasant atmosphere with a lot of people hassling you. The views, however, are stunning. The main reason to spend the night in the crater is to climb Mt. Batur at dawn.

There are several attractions from Penelokan, starting with the view from the crater rim toward Lake Batur. Rim temples include Pura Ulun Danu Batur and Pura Tegeh Kuripan, both on the main road. A visit to the crater might include a boat trip to the traditional village of Trunyan, the lava fields, the hot spring at Toya Bungkah, or climbing Mt. Batur.

The best way to visit the crater is with your own transportation or chartered minibus. Walking is possible, but distances are long and the descent into the crater is very steep. You might want to finish your visit with a dip in the lake.

Penelokan and the crater villages are rather "un-Balinese" with vendors hassling you and people approaching you in the street to book accommodations.

Kintamani is the end-point of several tour itineraries heading up from the lower rice plain in the south. Most buses come up the good, scenic road via Tampaksiring, with stops on the way at Goa Gajah, Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul, then going back down through Bangli and Pura Kehen. But there are other interesting routes. One leads from Peliatan in the Ubud area through the wood-carvers' villages of Tegallalang, Pujung and Sebatu. The views along the way are superb. Other roads from Ubud to Kintamani run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani.

Via: IslandConcept

Bedugul

Bedugul is the name of both a small city and a mountain-lake resort area, which Balinese have long used for weekend retreats.

When the heat and humidity finally gets to you, the place to escape to is Bedugul, Bali's highland retreat, tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano, 1400 meters above sea level. Here, three lakes provide everything from recreation to the water for the springs, rivers and rice fields below. Lush pine forest seems to create freshness in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruit, vegetables and flowers.

The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 Km north of Denpasar, is known for excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Bratan, it is surrounded forested hills. A beautiful sight is the “Ulun Danu” temple which sems to out of the lake. The area offers good walks. Boats are available for was skiing and parasailing. Is done as well. The Bali Handara Country Club bungalows for rent and a restaurant.




Via: indo.com

Lovina Beach

Lovina Beach, situated in North Bali, Indonesia, is a lovely beach perfect for coastal hangout. Whether you are planning a long pleasure trip or a short break to rejuvenate yourself, this is an ideal place for both in tranquil lap of nature.

The beach is encircled with around 8 Kilometers extend of black sand beach which will surely magnetize the beach Lovers. Lovina Beach is basically a collection of few villages. Because of its tranquility, boat riding and diving is allowed in Lovina beach. You will experience lovely blue morning, sunset, mountain range, rice field. With its unspoiled nature, tradition, culture and inhabitants the beach proves itself as an ideal seaport and holiday resort.

Except the beautiful seacoast, Lovina Beach extends itself to diving or snorkel diving in seawater, boat riding, diving in clear water in Bali Barat Nation Part in Menjangan Island, snorkel diving among coral reefs, boating in traditional boat called jukung. In early morning near seashore the dolphin watching is one of highlights.

Lovina Beach will attract you with its hot spring, natural falls, tracking in mountains, wood let, farmland, forests. These are surely relaxing and soothing holiday experience after the hustle and bustle of urban life. Your trip to Lovina resort covers Buddhist Monastery, Giant tree, Tablingan and Braten Lake, local market and gardens. If luck favors, you will be thrilled with sudden visit of Whales or Turtles. Colorful marine fish and fabulous Coral reefs are present there with all their beauty to surprise you. A stride through rice farm, Coconut plantation for vast area covering village after village, plantation of Banana Trees, locals and their rituals mesmerized the visitors and make the trip pleasant.Lovina Beach, waiting for you with fine and relaxing and luxurious accommodation including some star hotels with their all starry features. Easy and available reach of food joints, bars, easy transportation make the trip comfortable to tourists. Of course, the reference of local Sea food claims to be mentioned.

Via: asiarooms

Sangeh

Sangeh is the village whose northern part covers about 14 hectares of a holy homogen forest of “Pala” trees with hundreds of monkey in habitants. The trees cannot be found on any other part of Bali and their existence in this village remains a mystery. Look for a lovely mossy temple, which is hidden amongst the tall and gracious “Palatrees”.

Rawana, the villainous giant of the Ramayana epic, could die neither on earth nor inair.Tokill him,themonkeygeneral Hanuman devised a plan to suffocate the giant by pressing him between two halves of the holy mountain Mahameru-a destruction between the earth and air. When Hanuman took Mahameru, part of the mountain feli to the earth in Sangeh, along with a group of his monkey armies. And so they stayed to this very day.

Such is the legendary origin of Bukit Sari, or The Monkey Forest, a cluster of towering trees and home of hundreds of sprite monkeys. The forest is sacred and for many years no one has been permitted to chop wood there. A moss-covered temple lies in the heart of the woods and is a familiar hideout for the nimble inhabitants. You make many friends b buying a bag of peanuts, and for such a east the monkeys often bring their families along.

Fulmar tells of a king of the monkeys who invariably has the first choice in selecting peanut handouts. He oversees one camp, while a rival king and his followers control another area of the forest. A beautiful restive place, Sangeh has long been an inspiration for painters and monkey-watchers.

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.

There is a separate route linking Sangeh directly with Denpasar that begins at Jalan Kartini, making it a short trip. A side - road joins Blahkiuh, just south of Sangeh, with Mengwi which can also be reached by returning to Denpasar and taking the trip to the west. A sub-standard road links Sangeh with Ubud.

Via: balivision

Ubud

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.


The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special. Then use it after the guidebooks for up-to-date information, news and features about our extra ordinary town.




Via: Indo.com