What You can do in Bali

For those who has any willing come to Bali can choose between filling every minute with activity, passing the the warm sunny and beautiful day, or anything in between. As a tropical island, most types of marine sports are available, including some of the best surfing breaks in the world. But Bali is a volcanic island; the steep forested slopes are excellent to do hiking, mountain biking, and other adventure tourism activities.

Touring around the island is also a great thing to do, to witness the actifity of the local artist, cultural perfomances and to see closer the lifestyle of the local comunity. Charming landscape of paddy terraces and others tropical plans, Balinese house compound and many Balinese Hindu temple spread over the island.

The gentle slopes and quiet back roads of lowlands are ideal for bicycling, while the shaded forest trails around Ubud make for fine walking excursions. Golfers can choose from several world-standard courses, including one in a volcanic crater at Bedugul.

For most of the world, Bali means beach resorts. The peerless beach at Kuta is the most famous, but Bali offers much more, ranging from hard-core surfing spots such as dreamland and Canggu to protected lagoons in Sanur and the gentle waves along at Lovina, suitable for older visitors and families. Beach resorts like Candi Dasa in the east offer a relaxing experience, usually including diving and snorkeling.

History of Bali

Bali has a long chain of history from the ice-age era (pre-historic time) to modern, global civilization era. With a dynamic characteristic indicating selectivity and flexibility, the Balinese culture initially reflects a configuration of an expressive culture dominated by religious, solidarity and aesthetic values. Nowadays, it develops along with the adoption of foreign values especially in the aspects of the economic, science and technology, as a result of the global modernization.

In general, the history of Bali is divided into three different eras including the pre-historic, the Hindu-Buddhist era and the modern culture.

The pre-historic marked the oldest and simplest way of life, an era of hunting and food-stuff gathering, verified by the discovery of several tools and hunting equipments. In the following era there were also building construction system and a particular communication system. These were just proofs of the existence and further development of Balinese culture. The Balinese culture flourished that nowadays one can indicates a perfect bonds between religions, tradition and culture to become the identity of the Balinese community.The Dutch seamen were the first Europeans to arrive on Bali and started to introduce western culture in 1597, though they hadn’t discovered any appealing aspect until 1800s. Around 1846 the Dutch returned with colonization in their minds, having established a strong political base as majority of the Indonesian islands were under their control since the 1700s. The military campaign embarked from the northern coast of Bali. With the help of Sasak people of Lombok, by 1911, all Balinese principalities were under the Dutch control.

The sense of Indonesian nationalism began to grow after the World War I, with the young generation declaring the national language in 1928, known as Bahasa Indonesia. During the height of World War II the Japanese arrived, expelling the Dutch and ruled the country for about 3.5 years, which ended later in 1945 when Indonesia declared independent led by its very first president, Sukarno. Yet the new-born nation was only recognized by the international community as an independent country in 1949.

People and Life Style

Bali’s population of over 3,000,000 souls spread over the whole island, including those in the smaller islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Serangan and Menjangan Island. The overwhelming majority of Balinese are Hindus, with the increasing number on non-Hindu migrating from the closest neighboring islands of Java and Lombok.
The coastal areas in the south are the most populous area with over 370,000 people living in various professions in the capital of Denpasar. Farming has been the primary way of living in Balinese life. Where else fishing, trading and craftsmanship are also in fashion from generation to generation. Yet with the fast growing of tourism since past few decades, young people start to build up a new touch in their living culture.
Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called “Banjar”. The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the government. The local government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association exists in the banjar named “Subak” that concerns to the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice field must be a member of their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

Flora & Fauna

Flora

Just like common tropical islands, in Bali you will find a wide variety of plants by surprise. Huge banyan trees are everywhere in the villages by the Bale banjar or pavilion, or temples ground. Tamarind is also a typical Balinese tree mostly found in the north coast, as well as clove at the highlands. Meanwhile acacia, flame tree and mangrove can be found along the south coastlines. Craft and house use basketries, a dozen species of coconut palms and varieties of bamboos are also everywhere across the island.Flowers families are just as surprisingly as the variety of big plants. The most common are hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. In the day to day life flowers are routinely used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and flowers are worn behind the ear during ceremony sessions.

Fauna

Like some other parts of Indonesia, Bali was home for big mammals such as elephant and tiger, although they no longer exist since early of last century. However, Bali still is rich of wildlife with the existence of various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer. There are 300 species of birds occupy the island including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and the endangered Bali starlings.
The underwater world or marine life of Bali has been noted as one of the best in the world with various species such as dolphin, shark and sun fish, and some smaller inhabitants like colorful coral fish, small reef fish, and moray eels, as well as crustaceans and sponges.

The existence of these flora and fauna become necessary for the day to day life of Balinese, where ceremonies and rituals always flourish.

Climate

With sunshine shining throughout the year, Bali has a tropical monsoon climate, with pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainy season starts from October to March, when the West monsoon brings heavy showers and high humidity. June to September is considered the driest season, with low humidity and it can be fairly cold in the evenings, the best time for any outdoor activities.


Something unique can be found about climate in Bali. Even when it rains most times in the most parts of Bali you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran. On the other hand, you may expect cloudy skies and drips throughout the year in Ubud and the mountainous areas. Most interestingly perhaps, the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms all times of the year. In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll expect to wear either a sweater or jacket when evening falls.

Topography

The province of Bali is divided into nine regencies (eight regencies and one municipality) with its own capital. Buleleng covers an area of 1,365.88 km2 or about 24% of the Bali’s land. Jembrana covers an area of 841,80 km2 or about 14.94%, Karangasem 839,54 km2 or about 15% of Bali’s land, Badung 420,09 km2, Denpasar 123,98 km2, Gianyar 368 km2, Klungkung 315,00 km2 and Bangli 520,81 km2 or about 31%.The topography of Bali is formed by a mountain chain that stretches from west to east splitting the island into two parts. Some of the volcanic peaks are active, including Mount Agung, 3,142m, the tallest point above sea level, and mount Batur 1717m. Some barren peaks include mount Merbuk, Patas, Seraya, Prapat Agung, Klatakan, Sanghyang, Mesehe, Musi, Lesung, Tapak, Adeng, Pengiligan, Catur, Penulisan and mount Abang. The north side of the mountain slopes is fairly steep, creating narrow lowland along the coastal area. Meanwhile, the south slopes are much leaner, forming a fertile plain that becomes the main center of Balinese culture. Some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches are in the south, including Sanur Beach, Kuta and Nusa Dua. The south slope also is home to four lakes, i.e. Lake Buyan (367 hectares), Lake Tamblingan (115 hectares), Lake Beratan (376 hectares) and Lake Batur (1,605 hectares).

Geography

Among 17,500 islands across the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is one of the 33 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, the largest archipelagic country in the world, made up of 2,000,000 km2 of land with a chain of islands stretching over 500,000 km from Sumatra to Papua, and covers territorial waters of more than 5,000,000 km2.Situated between Java and Lombok, the island of Bali is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator with the Java Sea to the north, the Indian Ocean to the south. Bali’s covers an area of 5,636 km2 or 0.29% of Indonesia, measuring just 90km long the north-south axis and less than about 140km from west to east.

Divided into three areas of water, the North Bali Sea is about 3,168km2, the East about 3.350km2, and the West about 2,982km2. Bali Sea covers an area of 9,500km2. The North Bali sea runs along the coastline of Buleleng, the East Bali Sea runs along the coastline of Karangasem, Klungkung and Gianyar, and the West Bali Sea include the coastline of Badung Tabanan and Jembrana.

ALL ABOUT BALI

Bali as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali has awarded as the world best island by the international travel magazine. There are still many people who do not know exactly about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. In their routinity the Balinese always related to Tri Hita Karana or a local concept that include the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment.

Fast growth of development in tourism has a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, growing along with the world globalization. It's make the Balinese island and their civilization different from others.

Mother Temple, East Bali tour

Driving straight to Klungkung, to see the court justice hall. The only thing who still left during the battle again the Dutch. About 7 km away from Klungkung there is a magnificent view of rice terrace, the green hill of Bukit Jambul.

Need only half an hour from here to Besakih the mother temple. This temple is located on the slope of mount Agung,the biggest and the highest mountain in Bali.
Mother temple is the biggest and the most important temple for Balinese Hindu. Bat cave temple is our next stop and finally to Tenganan village, one of the traditional village in Bali.

Monkey forest Ubud

The monkeys that live in this sanctuary are called Balinese Macaque, also known as long tail macaques. Their scientific name is macaca fascicularis and a side from humans, macaques are the most wide spread and successful of all primates.

About 300 macaques currently reside in the monkey forest. There are approximately 35 adult males, 95 adult female and 170 young.
Conflict sometimes arise when two group are in the same area.

Adult males weigh up 8-10 kilos, have a large canine teeth, broad shoulders and facial hair that resembles a mustache.The adult females are smaller than the males( 4-8 kg)and have long facial hair resembling beards.

If available they like very much to eat bananas, papayas or other kind of fruit. Even also they like to eat bread as well!
You will have a great time by walking under the shade of big trees and feeding the monkeys.

Barong And Kris Dance

The barong play represents an eternal fight between good and evil spirit.
A barong it's a mythological animal, shaggy semi lion representing as a good spirit and Rangda it's a mythological monster represent as a bad spirit.

Sanghyang Jaran Dance

An entranced boy dancer on a horse (jaran), behaving like a horse.
He dance around bonfire made from coconut husks.
The sanghyang song leads him to a fire, then he will dance in the fire.

Kecak Dance and Sanghyang Dedari Dance.

Kecak is the most unique balinese dance which is not accompanied by any orchestra or gamelan but by a choir of hundred men it has it's origin in an old ritual dance.

Sanghyang Dedari dance, is developed from the essential religious funtion maintaining of the heart and wellbeing of the village. They are perfomed to drive evil spirit a way and stop them intesting the comunity in the form of sickness or death.
Sanghyang is the title a diving spirit and means "honess" dedari means "angel"and describes the trance ceremony.It's dance by two litle girl who are always underaged, a virgin child is considered holy.

Bali Tour Guide

Dear Visitor,
My name is Rudi, I'm an English tour guide in my homeland Bali. I've years experience in manage many different kind of tours and others tourism activities.
I used to work as bartender in a small hotel for several years and also used to work as a travel agent guide before finally I decided to be an independent tour guide.

So, for those who has any plan to visit Bali and need a private tour guide with amazing service and reachable price, don't be hesitate to give me phone call or text me to my E-mail. It will be a pleasure for me to take you around the island to see the interesting places in Bali including the explanations of it. My vehicles is completed with air conditions, so you don't have to worry of the heat during your tour!

The rate of this private tour is about between US $ 35-50 per car for full day tour, of course it's depending on your itenery or the distance of your tour. That price are include air conditioned car, driver/tour guide and petrol.

Jimbaran Bay

It is located south of Kuta, Jimbaran Bay is a superb crescent of white sand and blue sea.
Jimbaran itself is a fishing village but if you want just to see the beach or to stay for a fresh sea food dinner with a great sunset view, it's a good place for that.
Enjoying the sunset and the beach panorama with cold drink and fresh fish on fire is a wonderfull way to spend an evening.

Uluwatu (The Cliff) Temple

The temple of Uluwatu perches at the south western tip of the peninsula, where sheer cliff drop precipitiously into the clear blue sea.
The temple hangs right over the edge. Uluwatu is one of several important temple to the spirit of the sea to be found a long the southern coast of Bali.

Goa Gajah(Elephant Cave) Temple

Goa Gajah or Elephant Caveis located 6 km from Ubud. The cave was revealed to the public in 1923. The bathing place was discovered and restored only in 1954 during archeological investigations done by Mr.Krijgsman. It had become filled in and a temple built upon it, which had to be moved to it's present site. The spring and pond there known as Pura Taman.

Carved into the stone above the cave entrance is a massive face with bugling eyes and high arched eyebrows. The eyes glance toward the west or the left as your face the cave. The large ears ornament do not necessarily indicate a famale face, for male royalty also wore such ornament.
This figure represents Boma, the son of God Wisnu and the Goddess Basundari.
Boma may be likened to the child of water and earth, for Wisnu is the God of water and Basundari is the Goddess of the soil or mother earth.

TANAH LOT TEMPLE

The spectacularly located Tanah Lot is possibly the best known and most photographed temple on Bali,especially at sunset.
You can walk over to the temple itself at low tide.
For the Balinese Tanah Lot is one of the important and venerated sea temple.

Uluwatu and Kecak Dance

Visiting the southern part of the island with it's sacred cliff temple Uluwatu.
Here you can witness one of the exciting dance which is known as Kecak and Fire dance.

It is a dance will perfomedby a group of at least 50 persons who dance in the circle around a blazing torch and the dancers become entranced and it's able to dance on hot coals without feeling pain.

North Bali, Lovina Over Night Tour

It is a long tour combining art, culture and nature.Where you can witness daily life of local community passing through many green country side with the typical Balinese houses. Started by visiting Ubud, with it's art villages near by and also to see monkeys on their wild life in the monkey forest Ubud.

Driving through small villages with it's paddy field around it. Planting or harvesting rice are often to see on the way to Tegal Lalang village. This village has an exciting view of rice terraces. The terraces located on a valley, it's make a great view for taking some pictures.

Lunch will be served in Kintamani village. It has a great volcano view with it's crater lake. While you are enjoying your meal, your mind will be refreshed by cool mountaineous breeze of mount Batur.


On the way driving down hill to Lovina, your eyes will be comforted by huge green view of many different kind of plants. Vagetables, coffee, clove, advocados and others are planted by the local farmers.

Enjoy your relax time at Lovina beach. A volcanic sandy beach. Several actyvities you can do here in the next morning. Watching dolpin in their wild life or do snorkeling around Lovina beach it has a funtastic under water panorama.

Driving up hill to Munduk water fall, you will see also an exciting view of rice paddys. On the way to water fall you are invited to walk down in between coffee, cocoa, clove and other tropical fruit plantations.

Tropical rain forest and it's twin lake view is our next stop. It's really unspoiled natural view over here that you have never seen before.

Lunch will be served in the restaurant near by the lake.
Bedugul village, with it's temple on the lake is our last stop.

Ubud, Bedugul, Jati Luwih, Tanah Lot

Leaving hotel at 08.30, straight driving to Tohpati village to see Bali hand weaving Batik factory. Than to Celuk village where gold and silver are produced, most of their process are made by hand.
Continue our trip to witness painter house at Batuan village. Mas village as you know is a place for wood carvers house. We are also there to how they craft the wood to be a good wood carving.




Ubud is our next stop, we are going to walk around in monkey forest. It's a great fun to feed the monkeys in their natural wild life.
After lunch in Ubud, we continue our trip to Bedugul to see the beautiful temple in the lake Beratan. Bedugul is a nice place, cool and mountainous breez.













From Bedugul we drive straight to Jati Luwih,the most exciting and the biggest padi field with perfect irrigation system. And finally we end the trip at Tanah Lot for the magnificent sunset view.