bajra shandi

Balinese people struggle monument is one of the technical implementation unit of Bali Provincial Cultural Office, with a vision: meleslarikan niali heroic values, keperintisan kejuangan in support of conservation and cultural development. Pioneer Monument Perijuangan founding idea was the Bali People's Prof.. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra. former Governor of Bali in 1980. To realize the idea in 1981 he then create a design contest dilaksanakanlah Bali People Struggle Monument. which was won by Ida Bagus Gede Yadnya. Bali People struggle Monument Construction commenced in 1987 and inaugurated on Saturday Umanis, June 14, 2003 by the President of the Republic of Indonesia (Ibu Megawati Sukarno Putri). Aim at awakening the monument was to commemorate the services of a hero, in the struggle to seize and defend the independence of the Republic of Indonesia from the colonial This monument is a manifestation of the phallus and yoni. The meeting between the two elements is a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Besides philosophy yoni phallus. This monument is also guided by the philosophy of the story playback Mandara Giri, drawn from the story of Adi Parwa Balinese people struggle monument is often used as a meeting place both private and governmental organizations meetings and for activities ¬ - race activities, social and religious. In addition, the monument of Balinese People's Struggle, is also intended or can be used for other activities, which are social, and personal, including pre-wedding activities, Galla dinner, meeting or meetings, where luikisan art exhibitions, and activities other cultural activities.

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Bali museum

Bali Museum, this museum originally built in 1910 by Dutch Government. In 20 January 1917 this museum was destroyed by the biggest earthquake in Bali. In 1932 the museum rebuilt again till today, there are 4 main building in south pavilion has 2 storey has collection of prehistoric pieces, traditional artefacts and some old painting. Futher north Buleleng building has variety collection of textiles including endek and double ikat gringsing. Other building Karangasem has Balinese calender and priest' clothing. the Northen building is Tabanan has many Barong mask and Keris.

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Kertalangu Cultural Village

Kertalangu Cultural Village, as its slogan says is a new concept destination in Bali. Situated in the middle of the rice field in Sanur area Kertalangu gives a rural nuances yet easily reached from the city center. Strategically located on the By Pass in in Kesiman Kertalangu, Padang Galak, East Denpasar, Kertalangu Cultural village is only 15 minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes drive from the city center.

Kertalangu Cultural Village covers 80 hectares area, houses 16 types of handicraft industries , recreational and tourist facilities, organic farming facilities and rows of rice fields which also serves as jogging track. Upon arrival in this cultural village, gallery and shop selling ornamental plants and earthenware on the side of the thoroughfare greet visitors. There are also an open-air restaurant with a stage and a sound system, workshop center, art market, and other tourism facilities in the main area.

But to find the main attraction of this cultural village need a long walk behind. Visitors who walk through the compound will be amazed when they come across dozens of hectares of rice fields. There is a two-meter-wide jogging track meandering through the rice fields. Visitors can also buy vegetables harvested by local farmers like water spinach and legumes along the four-kilometer track. Visitors can also feel the rural life of the farmers by joining the farmers tending the rice fields. Apart from the function as tourism destination, Kertalangu Cultural Village had been established as a means of preserving the dozens of hectares of paddy fields in the center of the city. The farmers also have many benefit from this resort, The farmers are still be able to continue their farming activities and at the same time get additional income from visitors.

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It is located 6 km from Denpasar city and only 20 minutes from Denpasar. It can be reached by public transportation or motorbike. Sanur beach was the first beach landed by the Dutch on 20 September 1906 related with Puputan War. All international facilities are available for tourist and communities such as: Star/non star hotel, restaurant, travel agency, etc. Beside this beach give many water sport attraction to people or tourist who want to enjoy the beach such as: diving, snorkeling, parasailing and etc.

The famous fishing village of Sanur is located on the eastern coastline of Bali. Sheltered by a coral reef, the grand mountains of central Bali compose a superb view east across the bay. Sanur is set among lush tropical gardens, and its quality hotels and resorts offer an excellent alternative for those who prefer a slower-paced holiday. The yellow sand beach is safe and numerous water sports - swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, outrigger sailing and windsurfing - are on offer. A visit to Turtle Island (Serangan) by hired boat is also highly recommended for a close encounter with these beautiful sea creatures. For land-based activities: visit the magnificent cottage and surrounding gardens of the early twentieth century Belgian painter, Le Mayeur; try your hand at kite-flying; play a round of golf at the nine-hole local course; experience a colorful temple festival; or shop at Sanur's lively beach market for some bargains. During the evening the choices are equally as varied, with a huge selection of restaurants and elegant nightclubs making a choice difficult. Most hotels and resorts also feature traditional music and dance performances.

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The Area of Padang Galak Beach

The event is a seasonal religious festival intended to send a message to the Hindu Gods to create abundant crops and harvests.

Travel through Sanur and turn off onto the new by pass road (called Ketewel By Pass) on the far side of Sanur. Padang Galak is the first place you come to after turning onto the By Pass road. Park your car at the edge of the road and walk through the rice padi field. There are a couple of warungs where you can leave your belongings. There are plenty of peaks along the break. The beach has black sand beach and the break works best in the wet season when Kuta etc. are onshore. The black sand can get really hot to walk on. Popular with Japanese surfers so sometimes can get a little crowded. Padang Galak is a beach break with standard right and left waves that will suit all levels of surfers. The break generally suits all tides and works best on a South West or Southerly swell of 3ft - 8ft with winds from the North West or West. The white sandy beach, is a popular place for surfing, includes the warung and accommodations. In the morning, you can see the beauty of the sunrise, also the Mount Agung can be seen from this beach. And in the middle of the year, The Bali Kite Festival is always held at this beach.

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Benoa harbor

The Benoa harbor leads begin at the Sea Buoy at 8°45'14 S, 115°14'55 E. Follow the leads (just below a lone palm tree on the hill above) --on a course of 255True, past buoys #1 and #2 to the beginning of the dog-leg channel. Maintain a course close to the Red (left) side channel markers (stay clear of all Green markers). Continue 30 meters past the last Buoy #8 before turning North - (staying close to the main ship wharf - portside) - to the Marina, located at 8°44'28"S and 115°12'48"E. We do not recommend night time approaches without prior experience -- Very dim navigation lights against a bright background. We recommend a slack-tide arrival if possible. In fact, the port is officially closed at sundown if you're concerned about your yacht insurance.

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Prasasti blanjong

Sanur beach is one of the tourist beaches in Bali, other than Kuta beach. Sanur beach is known also as Pantai Matahari Terbit or Sunrise Beach, because in the morning we can see beautiful sunrise unobstructed by mountains or hills. So coming for a holiday to Bali, do not forget a trip to the coast of Sanur in the morning to see seconds of the rising sun.

Sanur Beach is located in Sanur Village, South Denpasar District Municipality Dati II Denpasar. This beach is located on the east and south Sanur village, which is the edge of the southern Indian Ocean Indonesia island of Bali. The place is famous since ancient times, especially when there is a war Puputan Badung on 20 September 1906 where the Dutch troops landed there. In the history of Ancient Bali, Sanur beach is also famour for the masdih stone monument with the inscription written by Warmadewa the Kasari King, whose palace was in Singhadwala, year 917, which is now located in Southern Blanjong charter Sanur Beach.

In the tourism industry, Sanur beach was first introduced by a Belgian artist named AJ Le Mayeur and his wife Ni Polok who lived there since 1937 and held his own painting exhibition. The attraction of Northern Sanur is the round shape like a half circle and Southern parts turned from East to West, where a wave of sea water was so large and when the water subsided rock exposing colorful stretches. On the day approaching full moon, seawater is rising with rather large waves. In the south-east Nusa Penida group of islands are revealed across the sea and in the east of the panorama looking south coast of the island of Bali with the mountain Agung.

What was interesting from sanur beach than the sun rising?
1. White sand. In Indonesia, a rare white sandy beaches, so this is unique.
2. The hot sun. Suitable for those of you who want to sunbathe along the beach of Sanur.
3. The water is receding in the afternoon. Usually sea water at Sanur Beach in the afternoon low tide, so often found shallow-shallow sea. Visitors use this moment to up the canoe, such a small boat. So much fun!

The surrounding group of isles and coral rocks that jutted into the sea across are visible from the south Sanur Beach. The panorama in southern part of Sanur is more beautiful in the morning. Places of a strategic view is part of the East, the Semawang and Mertasari. Circumstances where the air was fresh, and blowing a comfortable sea breeze. The atmosphere along the coast of Sanur is light and shaded with big trees. Sanur beach is perfect for sunbathing along the white sandy beaches.

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The most beaches

Sanur beach

Sanur Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach with calm and warm seawater located in east part of Denpasar Town. The beach location in eastside and south part of Sanur Village is an edge of Indonesia Ocean. This place has famous since long time, especially when the happening of the Puputan Badung war on 20 September 1906, where that moment the Dutch colonist land its army in this coast. There is a stone monument found in this place as an inscription of Sri Kesari Warmadewa King with the palace in Singhadwala year 917, whereabouts now there are in Blanjong, southern part of Sanur Beach.

Nusa dua beach

Nusa Dua is an elite resort area with international five star hotels and resorts existing on the costal side in south part of Bali. It is located in Badung Regency and about 25 minutes drive from Bali's International airport. Nusa Dua with 350 ha size is the sample luxury resort area and one of best tourism places in the world. In fact, the name of Nusa Dua is coming from two small islands located in the south part of Bali Island (Nusa mean the island and Dua mean two) that is dissociated with the white sand.

Kuta beach

Kuta is the most famous tourist places in Bali. It is famous with the spectacular white sandy beach, several of hotels from luxury and until budget hotels are available, hilarious nightlife, plenty of restaurants with international cuisine, bars, pub, Water Boom Park and shopping center. It is one stop place for holiday in Bali by offering the plenty of selection we need and make it the right place to visit on your vacation in Bali.

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jatiluwih rice terrace ( subak )

Jatiluwih is one tourist attraction with beautiful panoramas. Variations panoramic rice terraces-steps with heavily wooded mountain backdrop, can be categorized as natural attractions are as interesting as Kintamani and Lake Batur.

Sightseeing Jatiluwihlocated 48 km from Denpasar. Its location is 28 km in the northern city of Tabanan. To be able to enjoy a fun tour, then tour the usual combination of Denpasar – Bedugul – Village Pertigaan Pacung – Teak Luwih – Yeh panes – Tabanan – Alas Kedaton.

Sightseeing Jatiluwih visited by domestic and foreign tourists who want to enjoy the cool and the beauty and expanse of rice field terraces. Ie once every 210 days on Wednesday Kliwon Ugu is a day that held a ceremony Petoyan Pendet Guardian also dances that are sacred.

Jatiluwih as natural attractions in fact been known since the Dutch power Bali (1910-1942). But the road that connects to the object is corrupt then not many tourists who come to enjoy the panorama of lush, cool and refreshing.

Poorly maintained condition lasted until 1970 and after that thanks to government funding, infrastructure development is addressed. It turns out that asphalt roads have been built that can lift the name Teak Luwih become natural attractions for visitors.

Besides enjoying the cool beauty of natural scenery mountains, Jatiluwih also store a unique attraction rituals once every 210 days on a Day Wali, Petoyan, Patirtan Wednesday kliwon Ugu. At its peak the ceremony is also performed a sacred dance Pendet Guardian. (Wan)

Identification and Attractiveness
Jatiluwih including one tourist attraction with beautiful panoramas. Variations panoramic rice terraces-steps with heavily wooded mountain backdrop, can be categorized as natural attractions are very interesting. Teak Luwih have cool air being located at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. In addition to its natural potential, the potential cultural store Jatiluwih historical events especially the construction of a temple that had something to do with the name of Ida Dalem Waturenggong suzerainty in Kraton Gelgel (1460-1551).
Location
Mileage is 48 km from Denpasar. Its location in the north of Tabanan (28 km). To be able to enjoy a fun tour, the tour of Denpasar, Bedugul fork combined Pacung Jatiluwih Village, Tabanan panes Yeh, monuments Subak, Alas kedaton go to Tanah lot to enjoy the Sun Set with a beautiful panoramic beach.

Facilities
Sightseeing Jatiluwih been equipped with parking facilities, toilets, Bale filmed, Wantilan to rest, while for the tourists who visit to enjoy the natural beauty Jatiluwih. In the vicinity of the object has been built a few restourant preparation services in order to eat and drink. Roads are getting upgraded so that vehicles can enter from the east path is through the T-junction towards Teak Luwih Pacung likewise from west route through the attractions Yeh panes Penatahan Batukaru-Pura continued to Jati Luwih

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angseri hot springs

Need some privacy in a closed cabin to relax and enjoy the hot waters without any outside interference? Angseri Hot Springs is the Answer. Angseri Hot Springs nestled between lush rice paddies and small streams, precisely in Banjar Munduk Lumbang, Angseri Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency. Places that used only as a traditional bathhouse by the local people, now transformed into a comfortable bathing area, with only Rp 3,000 (entrance fee) was able to enjoy the warmth of the hot spring pools.

It is only 2 hours drive from Denpasar taking the direction to go to Bedugul. If you are a little confused with the location of Angseri Hot Springs, asking some locals around may be can help you. You can also reach it coming from Penebel through Jatiluwih going north-east as well, but then it's a bit more difficult to find. Coming closer to the destination you will see black and white signs "Air Panas", which means Hot Spring in Bahasa Indonesia.

The whole area is surrounded by green vegetation, mainly bamboo, palm and fern trees, as well as cultivated rice paddies, where you can sometimes see the local farmers going after their work in the rice fields.

Angseri Hot Springs offers 2 open-air pool, and 4 small private cabins, with rooms for up to 6 people max. Only Rp 10.000,- (USD 1) for each visitor, you can call one of the cabins for 30 minutes (if a visitor to this place relatively quiet, you can call as long as you want :p). For the public open-air pool, the cost is free! The private cabins are cleaned after every visitor and the water is exchanged completely as well. The whole place is practically only a few years old and hygiene looks very good. Early afternoon, the open-air pool is already emptied and cleaned for the next day to come. So make sure you arrive not later than lunch time to use this one.

This place is also equipped with a canteen that sells food and drink typical of Bali, like tipat cantok and young coconut. So after enjoy the hot waters, do not be afraid to go hungry.

Angseri Hot Springs is a potential place as tourist destination in Bali due to the place is unique with original hot water surrounded by green vegetation. It is many visited by local and foreign tourists who want to take a bath in the hot water while enjoy the natural nature surround it.

Family tourism object that offering natuural hot spring with beautiful natural viewing of village and ricefield

Tourist can do vigorous physical activity by walking from parking area to the main place through the natural viewing of rice field.

Angseri hot spring offering some facilities for you who dreaming natural feeling like :

• Swimming pool for adult
• Swimming pool for children
• Private room

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Sea Walker at Sanur

This time, we will try one of the exciting water sports and fun in Bali. Not snorkeling, scuba diving or surfing, but seawalker alias walk on the seabed. Its location at Sanur beach, near the Puri Santrian hotel. The essential equipment is specially designed helmet dive for underwater activities such as Sea Walker. And interestingly, the activities that one can be joined even by those who can not swim at all. Ask why?

Before stepping into the sea, we will be given a briefing on the techniques. Then we will transfer by boat to the pontoon Seawalker in the middle of the sea. Here we want to pair that special helmet fed by pure oxygen. Guided by the instructor, we’re going down the stairs to go down there who set foot towing which is about 5-7 meters deep. Stay calm and relax, because we do not feel there is a difference between breathing in the land to breathe in water. No matter if you wear glasses or contact lens, this unique helmet is not transparent. So you can still wear glasses under the water. In the water, we can take a walk to enjoy the enchanting underwater imaginable while feeding the fish dance. Approximately 30 minutes after the dive, we will be invited to ride to the pontoon and then taken again by boat to the mainland to enjoy lunch at the restaurant imaginable Puri Santrian hotel. The total time we need for this activity from the start pick-up back to the hotel about 4 hours. It would be nice and interesting to follow the trip in the morning It’ll be a good and clear water.

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Ayung River Rafting.

Welcome to Ayung River Rafting is a new establishes Bali rafting Adventure inviting you enjoys the adventure rafting at Ayung River Ubud Bali which is still wild with the beautiful and high riverbank. Ayung river is the largest river in Bali, which is used as a place of tourist water adventurer . Ripples irrigate the river rock, tracing Bali nature pass the river which is full of fun and pass the attractive and challenging rapids are the impressive experience on your vacation in Bali. Bali Tour Adventure, Bali Rafting Along with Ayung River Adventure Rafting Adventure at Ayung River Ubud Bali An impressive experience trace the Ayung River will be started from your pick up schedule at the hotel resident and drop to start point to get the short training from well trained and experience guide. Movement raw the safe and high quality rubber boat with a capacity of maximum 5 persons and also led by professional guide which have experienced to pass the attractive and challenge rapids with full of fun along the 11 km, where the Ayung River rafting can be done while enjoying the atmosphere rice fields, tropical forest and the atmosphere of the village who are still natural. Your journey above water river, take a bath in natural waterfall and also view Bali nature which still be wild represent you will not forget your Holidays in Bali with amazing experience which is not fallen into oblivion. Your adventure in the water will end at the finish point and enjoy the buffet lunch at the same time enjoy the nature of Ubud Bali. Taking shower and change clothes will be reserved to refresh your body. The comfortable transportation which have been provided will bring the you return to hotel with fully memory. Enjoy the white water rafting adventure at Ayung River with Ayung River rafting is correct choice for the adventure in river water. With the complete facilities and also supported by the staff which professional and skilled in this classic adventure tour hence adventure dream in Bali will be existed.

Excess ayung Rafting:
What distinguishes the track Ayung rafting with the other tracks are there cliff stone carving work of artists who achieve along ubud until meter.Here also you can take pictures together with the background Engraving.

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Golf Experience in Bali

Enjoy Beautiful Golf Experience When you visit Bali and love to do golf, you surely can try several golf courses in Bali that give you beautiful golf experience. With the international Bali Golf Course and beautiful of landscape will be your value interest to play the golf that is served in three several gold club in Bali Island.
Here are several golf courses that you should try during your holiday in Bali. Get ready to join the game and served by the professional staff and caddy will complete your lovely holiday in the Paradise Island of Bali. Golf in Bali is a fantastic and exciting golf playing experience in paradise Bali Island.
Nusa Dua Bali Golf and Country Club
Nusa Dua Bali Golf and Country Club, voted ‘One of Asia’s 5 Best Golf Courses’(Fortune Magazine - USA) will offer visitors to Bali a truly unique golfing experience due to the fantastic setting of the course. Golfers will experience three distinct playing environments throughout the 18-hole course. The setting of holes 1 through 9 features creeks, canyons, and native vegetation filled with tropical birds. The golf course architect team of Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright incorporated small hand-built stone walls to terrace the sides of fairways and tees in order to emulate the rice fields terraces of the Bali countryside. The setting for holes 10 through 16 present the golfer with lush gently sculptured fairways through a mature coconut grove. The coconut palms, some as tall as 100 feet, provide vertical definition to the golf course. The 17th hole plays out to the beautiful blue Indian Ocean and usually into a cool ocean breeze. The 18th hole plays from the beach back to the clubhouse along side a 16-acre lake.
Nirwana Bali Golf Country Club
Nirwana Bali Golf Country Club is a visual masterpiece of dramatic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes. Greg Norman has designed it golf course, Nirwana Bali Golf Course offers a spectacular challenge and a unique world-class experience for golfers of all skill levels. The golf course that is designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman with hole 18 th is one of the most photographed and challenging golf courses in the world. With three holes running along the cliffs of the Indian Ocean and terraced rice paddies providing unique hazards and this course has been tested the accuracy and consistency of a PGA Professional and still be enjoyable for the average golfer. It is set on the southwest coast of Bali with 45 minutes drive from Bali’s International Airport. Nirwana Bali Golf Club is the centerpiece of the fully integrated Nirwana Bali Resort. You can come and experience the ultimate golf course in Bali or you can join the Nirwana Bali Golf Package.
New Kuta Golf
New Kuta Golf is a new golf course set on the 85 hectares land right on the limestone cliff with stunning view of the Indian Ocean. It is a great golf course with 18 holes located 20 minutes drive from Bali’s International Airport to the southern part of Bali and blessed the magnificent of sunset. New Kuta Golf is designed with four of tees for each of the 18 holes there’s enough variety to ensure a satisfying for all skill levels. The golf course will invite you to experience this championship layout firsthand to discover much more than just a golf course.
Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club
Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club is one of the golf courses located in the mountain and sightseeing area with beautiful panorama of Tamblingan Lake. It is situated in the plateau area of Bedugul Bali, the cool temperature surrounds the golf course, and the green rain forest covers your view from the course hence making your golf experiences are more enjoyable and full fun. The world-class of golf tournament have been executed in this place and serve with the professional staff and caddy who guide you on your lovely golf game. Bali Handara Kosaido is located about 1000 meter above sea level and 3 hours drive from Bali’s International Airport. Some of the places of interest around the golf course like Beratan Lake, Ulun Danu Temple can be visited on your way to the golf course and in our package we have provided one hour, Bedugul Tour to visit this tourist places.

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UN-WTO establish Belimbing as tourism village

United Nations World Tourism Organization established Belimbing village in Pupuan, Tabanan become the tourism village. The establishment was attended by the head of Tabanan Regency, Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti and the representative of UN-WTO, I Gede Ardika.
Ardika said “the village has beautiful scenery and it has the chance to be developed into tourism village.” He also said that the people in the village are spirited in developing the village as one of the tourism destination in Tabanan regency.
Ardika emphasized that the most important thing is to preserve the local value and culture to attract tourists. If the village already develops then the welfare of the people will also increase gradually.
For that reason, Ardika hoped that the power of people as one of the basic aspect in developing the tourism village must be accommodated properly and must cooperate with the other elements.
The establishment of Belimbing village as tourism village was done by the signing of the pact by Eka Wiryastuti. The head of the regency hope that the local values in the village can be preserved.
“There is great hope that as the tourism village in Tabanan, Belimbing village should have the clear identity. The government will give its full support in developing the village,” Eka said.
She also explained that in developing tourism sites, the seven basic principles must be used. They are secure, order, clean, beautiful, weather, and hospitality, it will give good memory to the tourists visited the tourism sites.
“I hope that Belimbing village can create their own special souvenirs so the tourists will always remember with the village,” she added.

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Bali Spa

Spa is one experience that you should not miss during your stay in Bali. The spa business in Bali emerging really fast during this ten years and become one of the sophisticated industry that can give your holiday a colorful experience.

Bali Spa with selected spa treatment, luxury rooms and friendly therapist will rejuvenate your soul and body become more motivated life union, flexing your muscle and also disappear the fatigue which you feel.

Spa in Bali offer multivarious of freshness manner live, develop health and keep in good health your husk during vacation. It offer the enjoyable smooth touch at your body and husk from professional therapist in massage treatment and encircled by the fresh fragrant aroma or enjoy the nature of Spa Villa with special spa treatment.

Bali really has become the Spa capital of Asia, if not the world! Every spa has a small basic listing. Selected spas have a detailed list of all their different treatments, direct links to e-mail and/or web site so you can contact them, and a number of pictures.

In Bali almost every hotel, no matter how many stars it may have, has its own spa. Before your book your hotel for your next Bali holiday, check here to see what spa facilities they have to offer, and what other alternatives there are in the immediate area.

The Spas of Bali offer many different massages [Balinese, Indonesian, Thai, Swedish, Shiatsu from Japan and Lomi-Lomi from Hawaii], body wraps, polishes and scrubs [including the Royal Javanese Lulur and the Balinese Boreh], Chinese Reflexology and many Ayurvedic styles of treatment. Advanced spas offer Colon Hydrotherapy and personal treatments such as Vaginal Smoking. In the Ubud area some spas offer Craniosacral Therapy and other Healing treatments.

Double rooms are often provided for couples who wish to share the experience and the Four Hand Massage is very popular in Bali (two therapists, male or female, perform a full body massage in perfect synchronisation). Extra Services are sometimes available in the smaller spas and Kerobokan boasts Bali’s first Gay Friendly spa (M Spa]) although others also now exist, mainly in the Kerobokan, JImbaran and Ubud areas.

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Getting in Touch with Local Culture

Robinson Crusoe might not originally have planed to explore the pristine tropical Island of Màs a Tierra. However, since the ship he went with was wrecked by vicious storm, he had no choice but attempted to save himself to nearest island. Like blessing in disguise, he has fallen in love with the island for some 28 years. He could do many things and obtain valuable experiences while waiting for the time to return home.

At that time, he probably did know about the terms agrotourism. Yet, without being realized he has enjoyed a variety of tourism activities. He got acquainted with local tribes and did farming as the local did.

Agrotourism is similar to what might have been carried out by the figure Robinson Crusoe in the novel authored by Daniel Defoe. It is the form of tourism taking advantage of rural culture as tourist attraction. Its focus lies on cultural landscape. It’s worth noting here that the culture does not only include the arts and tradition, but culture in the general sense as in the seven universal elements of culture that also embrace the system of livelihood, equipment, technology, language, religion and so forth. Actually it’s a comprehensive and sustainable tourism development. By this, local people are enabled to be widely involved in various activities, not merely as passive spectators.

On the other hand, through this activity visitors have a good opportunity to get acquainted with many aspects of rural life, starting from agricultural occupation, local products, traditional culinary, custom and tradition as well as lifestyle of local people. In agricultural field, for instance, there are areas producing characteristic local variety of rice like at Penebel; snakefruit at Pupuan and Sibetan; strawberry at Bedugul; and tangerine at Bondalem and Tejakula to name a few. Then what is making different from that of other regions across the archipelago? This disparity concerns with the tradition and lifestyle. In Bali, visitors will be able to see that local farmers have traditional organization managing the irrigated and non-irrigated farming named subak. Uniquely, they perform ritual to express their gratitude to God on the prosperity obtained from farming on particular days and specifically on Tumpek Bubuh (the nearest one falls on 21 February).

Moreover, this kind of tourism will bring visitors closer to nature and other rural activities beyond farming. Even, they can participate in those activities. For instance, if Bali has rich traditional dances, visitors can join to learn some of them. As a result, visitors do not only visiting Bali to feel the pleasure of touring, watching cultural performance and seeing the enchanting panoramas, but also experiencing in person the local lifestyle. Other than agriculturalrelated activities, Bali retains a wide variety of unique ones that are worth visiting. There are handicraft making, traditional painting, (seasonal) coffee harvesting, fishing and many more. And if possible, they can stay with the local community.

Visitors participated in agrotourism are ideally expected to be more active than the average tourists while on trips. In essence, there are some categories of activity in agrotourism namely the family-oriented activities like sporting and cycling; participatory activities like learning to dance and cook traditional food; nature-oriented activities like horse riding, elephant safari, trekking; farming-related activities like seasonal harvesting, exploring local fruits at traditional market and so forth. These activities can complete the existing tourism product. In Bali, this tourism has become an alternative to avoid the market saturation of those very same products.

Agrotourism does not only enrich the existing tourism products and provide alternative to visitors. To local community, it poses an empowerment that enables to them get involved in the tourist activities. In general, it will make an even distribution of tourist visits to villages and working opportunity. To sum up, this community-based tourism will make available more opportunity to wider community. Hopefully there will be no cases like the closing access to see the beautiful view of terraced rice field as the field’s owner gets nothing from ‘his property of attraction.’ By this development, at least the land owner gets additional benefits from valued asset he has apart from his harvest. By doing so, he would feel the benefit of tourism while remaining cultivating his land. Do you think he will sell his land providing him with such double impacts? (BTN/punia)

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Marine Adventures

Diving is an exciting experience to explore the beautiful underwater life where we can see a real fantastic panorama of coral and colorful fishes. Bali has many choices of the dive venue which are very famous in all over the world like: Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bay, Menjangan Island, Nusa Penida, Lembongan Island and Nusa Dua.
All of them have been supported by complete diving facilities. Diving in Bali will get unforgettable experience and this under water adventure is the most attractive and always looked for by the people. Enjoy the experience under the blue sea water with a minimum of wave, colorful coral and fishes and see the real of under water life in Bali. It’s very fantastic and don’t miss it.
Nusa Dua Diving
Nusa Dua have a beautiful underwater panorama with a lot of fishes, coral grow from 3 ( tree ) meters slope down to max depth of 18 meters. beautiful barrier reef is extremely accessible to visitors due to its nearby location and shallow depths. Nusa dua dive site is perfect for all divers and also ideal for diver training. Nusa Dua is a great choise for divers who want to dive without traveling far.
Tulamben Diving – Ship Wreck
Tulamben is one of popular dive site in Bali and located in East Bali. its about 2 and half hours driver from Nusa Dua and Kuta area. Tulamben is beach entry dive and the ship as the dive site is about 40 meters from the beach. The American ship USAT Liberty built in 1915 and was destroyed by Japanese submarine on Jan 11, 1942 (World War II). It sank on sand floor at depth of 5 meters and slope down to max depth of 35 meters. Night diving on this ship wreck is very popular. Bali’s best wreck dive with bump-head parrot fish, napoleon wrasse and barracuda are regularly spotted around the wreck. Beside Ship Wreck, Tulamben also have many good sites for dive like: Tulamben Drop Off, Coral Garden, etc.
Amed Diving
Amed is located in East Bali, Karangasem Regency and it’s about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Denpasar or Kuta Area and then need more about 5 minutes to Amed dive site. Coral grow 2 meters and slope down to 30 meters. Napoleon wrasses and Reef Sharks often seen in Amed water. Along the wall you will find beautiful and colorful corals (hard and soft) and a breeding area with thousands of small fish. The maximum depth is +/- 26 m. Sometimes there can be a current. Amed is also good site for night dive. Dive Amed area: Jemeluk, Bunutan, Japanese shipwreck and Gili Selang.
Menjangan Island Diving
Menjangan Island is a small island which is located in North West Bali Island; this island is reached by a 30 minutes boat ride from Labuan Lalang. Menjangan Island is well known for its magnificent underwater world, have a beautiful corals and fishes. Menjangan Island has many good dive sites. If you want to explore all of that is need about 2 until 3 day. Even large pelagics are sometimes seen at Menjangan. Occasionally sightings of Whales, Whale sharks and Manta rays have been reported. Drift diving is usual, but currents are quite mild and all levels of divers can enjoy this area.
Nusa Penida Diving – Drift Dive
Nusa Penida Island is a part of Klungkung Regency. Located in south east Bali Island, it’s about 1 hours by bout from Tanjung Benoa harbour. Nusa Penida has 2 meters coral grow and slope down to max depth 50 meters, Wonderful barrel sponges and gorgonians can be seen in the deeper waters, and sea snakes can be seen on almost every dive. Occasional manta rays and schools of chevron barracuda add to the rich variety of smaller fish which seem to prefer the calmer waters. the big attraction here is that this area is a favourite spot for mola mola, Manta and Sharks. Nusa Penida Dive site: Crystal Bay, Blue Point, Manta Point and Ped.

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Balinese Temple Ceremony

Every temple and shrine has a special date for it annual ceremony, or “ odalan “, every 210 days according to balinese calendar, including the smaller ancestral shrine which each family possesses. because of this practically every few days a ceremony of festival of some kind takes place in some village in bali. there are also times when the entire island celebrated the same holiday, such as at galungan, kuningan, nyepi day, saraswati day, tumpek landep day, pagerwesi day, tumpek wayang day etc.
The dedication or inauguration day of a Temple is considered its birth day and celebration always takes place on the same day if the wuku or 210 day calendar is used. When new moon is used then the celebration always happens on new moon or full moon. The day of course can differ the religious celebration of a temple lasts at least one full day with some templemcelebrating for three days while the celebration of Besakih temple, the Mother Temple, is never less than 7 days and most of the time it lasts for 11 days, depending on the importance of the occasion.
The celebration is very colorful. The shrine are dressed with pieces of cloths and sometimes with brocade, sailings, decorations of carved wood and sometimes painted with gold and Chinese coins, very beautifully arranged, are hung in the four corners of the shrine. In front of shrine are placed red, white or black umbrellas depending which Gods are worshipped in the shrines.
In front of important shrine one sees, besides these umbrellas soars, tridents and other weapons, the “umbul-umbul”, long flags, all these are prerogatives or attributes of Holiness. In front of the Temple gate put up “Penjor”, long bamboo poles, decorated beautifully ornaments of young coconut leaves, rice and other products of the land. Most beautiful to see are the girls in their colorful attire, carrying offerings, arrangements of all kinds fruits and colored cakes, to the Temple. Every visitor admires the grace with which the carry their load on their heads.

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