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kuta-legian-bali - Bali
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by RoyJava
Reviews and photos of Bali attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Bali sightseeing.
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Pura Taman Ayun, Mengwi
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  • picknick
  • Updated By picknick on April 16, 2005
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  • Pura Taman Ayun, Mengwi - Bali
    Pura Taman Ayun, Mengwi
    by picknick
    This is the temple for the Mengwi kingdom. The temple ground is surrounded by a moat of water. It is located in Mengwi.

    Entrance is 3000Rp per person.

    The establishment of Pura Taman Ayun is related to the development of Mengwi kingdom in 17th century. A manuscript describing the birth of Mengwi kingdom called " Babad Mengwi " gives a description that the founder of the kingdom I Gusti Ngurah Putu after succeeded in extending his emporium he built Ulun Danu temple on the bank of lake Beratan, than moved his palace from Balahayu to Mengwi and built Taman Ayun temple. The date of construction is expressed on a carved door with chronogram reads " Sad Bhuta Yaksa Dewa " means 1634 AD.

    Temple Structure

    As the common layout of temple in Bali, the area of 250 x 100 square meters is divided into 4 courtyards. On west side is the natural pool by constructing dam across the small river on the southern end of the temple area. The temple has been renovated in 1949 on the gates, split gates, walls and meeting hall, and pavilion called " Bale Bengong" In 1972 all black fiber roofs were renewed, the last in 1976 was built the pavilion tower called " Bale Kulkul " and the roof of meeting hall was changed.

    On the east side of the main complex there is a meru dedicated to the god of fertility, which is closely related with rice and irrigation, called : shrine of Ulun Suwi " At one side of the east part is a shrine of the spirit warrior Pasek Buduk from Buduk village, a place around 10 kms from this temple site.

    Total number of shrines and pavilions in the complex are 50 units. This shrines are not all dedicated to god or holy spirits but some are as ritual facilities, public hall, and decorations.

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  • Directions: Mengwi
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    Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
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  • picknick
  • Updated By picknick on April 16, 2005
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  • Pura Ulun Danu Beratan - Bali
    Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
    by picknick
    Visit the temple on Lake Beratan. Breathtaking sceneries. Cool temperature always covers the area of the temple since it is located around the mountainous area at the altitude of some 1400 meters above sea level.

    RP3300 per pax entrance, no sarongs required.

    Ulun Danu temple is located in Bedugul. The location is one the west bank of lake Beratan. The name Ulun Danu, literally means " the beginning of the lake" But this might not to claim that the site is the beginning of a lake. It tends to indicate that everything that exists around the lake will have the orientation to the temple site, and cleanliness around the area must be continuously kept.

    The whole complex is consist of 4 units each dedicated to spirit of Lingga Petak, and temporary abode gods. It looks that the temple symbolizes the nature of surrounding as the respects of nature greatness, since the location is surrounded by peaks of Bali mountain chain such as the east is Mt. Mangu, to the south is Mt. Teratai Bang, and to the west is Mt. Pohan.

    Current pavilions, shrines and basements at the site looks to have been newly renovated and no historical facts can be used to trace the history of the temple. The only source to disclose the history of the temple is a chronicle of Mengwi kingdom, a manuscript now available the transliteration from Balinese characters to Latin at Bali Museum, in Denpasar.

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  • Address: Lake Beratan
  • Directions: Lake Beratan, it will take you about 75 minutes from Denpasar in a normal traffic.
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    GWK Cultural Park
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  • picknick
  • Updated By picknick on April 16, 2005
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  • Wisnu Statue - Bali
    Wisnu Statue
    by picknick
    Situated on a hill in Jimbaran, south of Kuta on the road towards Uluwatu, this huge park has 2 really big statues of Wisnu and a Garuda. Actually it is really 2 parts of the same statue. Bali is trying to build one of the worlds' largest statue, which can be seen from even 20miles away. They have built part of it, which is the 22m bust of Hindu deity Wisnu, made from giant slabs of copper and brass, and the head of the Garuda (with part of Wisnu's legs), upon which Wisnu will sit on. The statues already looked magnificant by itself, but I can really imagine how truly great it will be when they finally complete this project.

    Adjacent to the Wisnu figure is the Pahrayangan Somaka Giri, a sacred spring from which flows water containing a rich mixture of minerals.

    On the grounds there is also nice lookout view and a restaurant DeMiMidi with the same view.

    Price is 15000Rp per person, and I think 5000RP for the car.

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  • Directions: Jimbaran, Bukit Ungasan
  • Website: http://www.gwk-bali.com/
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    Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple)
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  • bryINpoland
  • Updated By bryINpoland on June 9, 2005
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  • Nadine and Myself at Uluwatu Temple - Bali
    Nadine and Myself at Uluwatu
    Temple
    by bryINpoland
    Uluwatu temple is on the far south coast of Bali, about 40 minutes from Kuta (about 90,000 Rp roundtrip by taxi). Believed to be built in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, Uluwatu temple is one of Balis most cherished temples, and finest examples of traditional Balinese architecture. ( I just thought it looked rad)

    The temple, and the surrounding paths, sit over 600ft above the ocean on towering cliffsides. They are literally sitting upon the edge of breath taking cliffs, and there for make for unforgettable pictures and memories.

    The temple and the surrounding area is also home to families of long-tailed Macaques. A monkey that is common around temples and forest in Bali. These monkeys can be aggressive, so be sure to secure all valueables before entering the area.

    Entrance into the temple is about 4,000 Rp ( 70 cents AU ) and for a guide, prices are negotiable. Always settle on a price with a guide, before the tour, never after. Guides are recommended here, because of the aggressive monkeys, and for their knowledge of the best places to view the temple along the cliff sides.

    For more on Uluwatu temple, i suggest you check out my warnings and danger tips. Warnings and Dangers There is some more info that will make your trip to the temple more pleasant.

    Have a great time!!!

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    Gunung Kawi, Royal Monuments
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  • bryINpoland
  • By bryINpoland on May 28, 2005
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  • Me infront of the Anak Wungsu shrines - Bali
    Me infront of the Anak Wungsu
    shrines
    by bryINpoland
    Gunung Kawi Royal Monuments, are located 30 minutes North of Ubud along the Pakrisan River. The Monuments are located within the valley, about 400 steps down. (though it seemed like a thousand, and took 3 rest breaks to get back up). If you are in the mood for some shopping while decending the hillside, there are some wonderful shops with beautiful bone carvings and other area crafts. You can also be sure that they have water and coke for tourist struggling to make it back up the steps.

    The giant monuments , carved into the limestone walls are shaped like Buddhist-Hindu Shrines, and are memorial shrines for the 11th century King Anak Wungsu, and his many wives. The monuments are spread around the area in groups of 4 or 5, with a beautiful spring that runs through the center of it all. The small bridge that runs over it, makes for some beautiful pictures.

    Entrance into the Gunug Kawi is 3,100 Rp, and again, sarongs are recommended when entering the sacred areas.

    Have a great time, and remember to bring some water for the trek down and up.

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  • Directions: Located about 30 minutes North of Ubud, near the small town of Tampaksiring.
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    Tanah Lot
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  • picknick
  • Updated By picknick on April 16, 2005
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  • Tanah Lot - Bali
    Tanah Lot
    by picknick
    Tanah Lot (Earth from the Sea) is a stunning 15th-century sanctuary located on Bali's south coast, built atop a rocky mound that at high tide is completely surrounded by water. Stunning view of the ocean from here.

    Entrance is 3300Rp per person.

    The name Tanah Lot is probably from " tanah laut " means land in the sea. It is the fact that the strong sea abrasion has separated the temple area with Bali mainland, so it looks that the temple nests on a small speck of rock building up on the ocean. Despite the fact that strong hit of sea wave but the site is still standing while the whole side have disappeared by the raged waves of hundreds of years.

    No historical record is found so far to construct the history of the temple. Scripture of Dang Hyang Nirarta mentions that the priest Dang Hyang Nirarta had visited the temple and asked the people around the area to build shrine. While the priest also educate the fishermen there in making fish trap.

    The temple as a whole is dedicated to the god of the sea. Fishermen pray to get fish and prosperity. A story mentions that one of the shrine at Batukaru temple was lost, and was found here standing at Tanah Lot temple complex. It was very probable that the temple was built by Mengwi kingdom as the sea temple. A kingdom in Bali normally had 3 main temples, one located near the sea, one in the city or near the palace, and one on the mountain or near the mountain. This concept of 3 temples has also influenced the smaller unit of Balinese settlement in the level called " Banjar ". Every Banjar in Bali has also 3 main temples dedicated to different way of worshipping the gods and ancestor's spirits.

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    Besakih "Mother Temple"
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  • bryINpoland
  • Updated By bryINpoland on June 14, 2005
  • Bali Page by bryINpoland
  • The Mother Temple, With Mt. Agung - Bali
    The Mother Temple, With Mt.
    Agung
    by bryINpoland
    Besakih is called the "Mother Temple" because it is considered the home of the Balinese ancestors. It is there most sacred of all temples throughout Bali, and like our driver Gede said "its our temple", meaning the temple of his people.

    The temple is located about 2 hours north of Kuta, and sits on the foot side of Mt. Agung. The biggest volcano in Bali, standing over 10,300 ft high. It is still considered an active volcano and last errupted in 1963.

    The focul point of the 22 temples, that stretch 1 mile up Mt Agung is Pura Penataran Agung. The grand steps which lead to its entrance are lined with impressive statues that during religious ceremonies, are dressed in sarongs and waist sashes.

    Entrance into the mother temple is actually unknown to me. When stopped at the main gate, the guard said it was 35,000 Rp. But because this sounded high for the temples, i said "i thought it was 25,000 Rp" and the guard said "oh yes, thats what i said". Though that is only about $3.50 AU, its still seems not right, and i would look more into the prices before going.

    Last but not least, once again there are guides provided at the temple. When asked their price, the ticket salesman said "$20 or $30". Ofcourse i laughed, and got the price down to $6 (30,000 Rp). You dont need a guide, but i suggest it, if you want some insider info on the 22 temples. Remember to get the guide to agree to the price at the biggining of the tour, so their are no hassles at the end, even though this is not always true, since we were still asked for more after the tour. But now it was easy to say "sorry we already agreed on "30,000 Rp"

    If you have to pick among all the temples in Bali, i suggest that you atleast see the Mother Temple...

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  • Directions: Located about 2 hours north of Kuta on the foot hills of Mt. Agung. A day trip with a driver is about 250,000 Rp ($25 US $30 AU) A fare price for you, and the driver.
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    Jimbaran
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  • FletteMette
  • Updated By FletteMette on December 1, 2005
  • Bali Page by FletteMette
  • Jimbaran restaurants - Bali
    Jimbaran restaurants
    by FletteMette
    Jimbaran is a small fishing village just south of Ngurah Rai airport. Jimbaran beach is around 3 km long, and during the day there's not much going on here - you might only have to share the beach with a huge number of rather unhealthy-looking dogs. To the north of the beach you can see the airport runway jutting out into the bay, and a harbour with numerous fishing boats.

    There are shack-like seafood restaurants lining most of the beach - but it's not until the evening, when the whole beach area is covered in a haze of smoke from the barbecues, that Jimbaran comes alive. Tourists flock to Jimbaran to feast on nice, fresh seafood grilled over coconut husks, whilst sipping Bintang Beer and watching the sunset - most cafés place their plastic chairs & tables directly onto the beach, all seats facing the sea & the precious sunset. The front row obviously has the best view - but if you choose to sit here, you'll be the prime target of the hawkers patrolling the beach with sarongs, blinking yoyos and seashell jewelry for sale.

    The locals also head to the beach in the evening - not to dine at the more or less expensive restaurants, but to play football, fly their kites and generally just socialize and have a good time.

    Jimbaran is easily reached from Kuta and the other main tourist centres of South Bali - a metered taxi from Kuta should cost between 15-20 000 Rp (approx. USD 2).

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  • Address: Jimbaran
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    Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
  • Tip Rating:
  • bryINpoland
  • Updated By bryINpoland on May 28, 2005
  • Bali Page by bryINpoland
  • Me, at the entrance to the elephant cave - Bali
    Me, at the entrance to the
    elephant cave
    by bryINpoland
    Goa Gajah, or "Elephant Cave" is located about 20 minutes south/east of Ubud, and about an hour north of Kuta.

    The temple was built in the 11th century, and sits on a bottom of a hill side, about 50ft below the main entrance. The cave, with its beautiful carvings on its outer face, strectches back into the hillside forming a T-shape. Inside you can find charming art works such as Shivite and Buddhist statues, that sit in little cubbyholes carved into the caves walls.

    The large bathing springs which were unearthed in 1954, were used for bathing in what was considered holy water. Behind the spring, sits a beautiful towering tree which is over 200 years old, and is believed to be the temples mother tree.

    Entrance into the temple is 3,100 Rp, and Sarongs are recommended. Guides are available at the bottom of the steps, but remember to agree upon a price, before excepting their tour. Dont be surprised if they give you a tour first, and then suddently ask you for a donation. It always feels rude or strange to ask someone how much they are going to charge, but it saves you from a more akward situation at the end.

    This is a wonderful temple, and worth paying a visit to while in the Ubud area...

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  • Phone: (0361) 943 401
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    Pura Uluwatu
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  • picknick
  • Updated By picknick on April 4, 2005
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  • Uluwatu - Bali
    Uluwatu
    by picknick
    Situated on the south-western tip of the Badung peninsula. The temples at Uluwatu are some of the holiest and most spectacular in Bali. Perched atop steep cliffs overlooking the sea to the south. The interiors of the temples are closed to non-Hindus. Beautiful cliff and ocean view from here.

    This is also one of Bali's best surfing spots.

    Entrance fees 3000RP per pax inclusive sarong.

    There is a nightly Kecak dance performance here every evening at 6pm.

    Caution: be careful of the monkeys here, they like to grab your stuff in exchange for food. See my warning tips.

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