Pura Taman Ayun Mengwi

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Taman Ayun literally translates as "beautiful garden' and is generally regarded as one of the most attractive temples of Bali. Taman Ayun is situated in a beautiful park with trees and ponds, near the village of Mengwi in the south of Bali at about 8 km southwest of Ubud and 18 km northwest of Denpasar.

Pura Taman Ayun was built in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu. It is a socalled 'Pura Kawiten' or family temple, a special temple where the deified ancestors of the Raja Dynasty of Mengwi and important gods of other temples are honored.

The temple is boardered by broad canals and it can only be entered via a bridge leading to a richly ornamented 'candid bentar', the gate which gives access to the outer courtyard (jaba) of the temple.

From this candi bentar a straight, paved footpath leads through the well maintained park past a square pond with a fountain exactly in its center. This fountain has nine water jets, four of which are positioned according the cardinal points, another four according the sub-cardinal points and the ninth in the center, symbolizing the Dewa Nawa Sanga, the nine main gods of Balinese Hinduism.

The footpath leads on to a second candi bentar which gives access to the 'jaba tengah', the more elevated, second courtyard of the temple.

Inside the jaba tengah one finds the walled 'jaba jero', the third and most holy courtyard of the temple in which the most important shrines are located, among others a number of five, seven, nine and eleven tierd meru's. The jaba jero is only accessible during important religious ceremonies, such as the 'odalan' - the day on which the inauguration of the temple is commemorated.

The odalan of the Pura Taman Ayun takes place every 210 days on a day called Anggara Kasih, the Tuesday of the week Medangsia of the Balinese Pawukon calendar. The ceremonies of this odalan comprise a period of several days.

Due to the 210-day cycle of the Pawukon calendar, the odalan of Pura Taman Ayun takes place two times in 2008, starting at the following dates:

1. 2008, February 12
2. 2008, September 8

Bali Airport

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| click to see bali airport pictures |

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Airport Location The international airport of Bali, Ngurah Rai, is located at the south coast of Bali in Tuban close to Kuta Beach and Legian, at a distance of 13 km from the city of Denpasar. The airport of Bali has a domestic and an international terminal. Geography The geographic location of Bali airport is at 08.44.51 S - 115.10.09 1. It's elevation is 4,3 M / 14 Feet and it comprises a total area of 265.60 Ha.

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Bali airport info	At both of the terminals information desks are located.
Luggage	A left luggage counter is to be found next to the international departures terminal entrance.
Changing money	There are banks and money change offices, but you would get a more favourable rate at the banks in the towns, so just change as much as you need.
Shopping	A variety of shops serve the airport, including the duty free Plaza Bali at international departures. With world class outlets such as Hermes, Burberry's and Fendi.
Eating / Drinking	Restaurants and cafes from McDonalds to coffee shops to smart Balinese dining are open from 6am till the last flight in both terminals.
Airport Tax	Payable at departure: Rp. 100,000 on international flights Rp. 9 - 20,000 on domestic flights.
Business Facilities	Citibank offers executive lounges in both terminals and there is another one on the third floor with internet access and showers. Secretarial services and catering can be hired.
Disabled Facilities	Wheelchairs, lifts and general assistance are readily available.
Available Transport	Taxi, Car Rental, City Transportation

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International Departures

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Other Information Airport classification Class 1 . Airport ICAO/IATA Code WADD / DPS. . Runway Name: R-09 - 27. Surface: asphalt / concrete. Magnetic angle: 088-26. Dimension: 3000m x 45m. . Apron Wide : 126.730 m 2 + 30.000 m 2 (inv. 1996) Strengths : PCN 69 RCXT Surface : Concrete cement Capacity : type B- 747/ MD-11=6 ; Max. a/c B-747.400 type DC-10 =4 type DC-9 =21 . Street and Parking: STREET : 134.110 m2 PARKING : 38.358 m2. . Terminals: Domestic Arrival and Departure Wide : 9.039 m2 International Arrival and Departure Wide : 28.630 m2 . Security facilities: X-Ray, Walk Trough, Explosive Detector, Handy Metal Detector, PAS, PABX, Fire Alarm, CCTV, Perimeter System, Door Control, FIDS.

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Contact information Bandar Udara Ngurah Rai Jl. Raya I Gusti Ngurah Rai DENPASAR 80361 BALI Phone: +62 (0)361 751011 Fax: +62 (0)361 751032 E-mail: dps@angkasapura1.co.id

National Park Bali Barat

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Introduction The Bali Barat National Park was founded in 1941 and its main aim was to protect the Bali Starling and the last of the wild banteng, from which most of the Balinese cattle descend. The park lies in the most western part of Bali and today it comprises a total area of 19,000 ha. The original park used to extend much further to the east than it does today and comprised about 77,000 ha. The Bali Barat Park is mountainous and consists of primary monsoon forest, mangrove forest (310 ha.), lowland rain forest, savanna, sea grass vegetation types (40 ha.), coral reefs (810 ha.), sandy beaches, and both shallow and deep sea waters (3,520 ha.). Accessibility and land use within the National Park is bound to a zoning system which defines the degree of allowed activities. The park is surrounded by six villages with a varied ethnic population (Balinese, Javanese, Madurese and Bugis). Administratively these villages are either governed by the districts of Buleleng or Jembrana. The peninsular Prapat Agung, with its extensive web of footpaths, is the most accessible part of the park. The cape is cut off from the rest of the reserve by the main Singaraja-Gilamanuk road as well as by the forestry plantations inland of Teluk Terima. The best snorkeling is done in the area of Menjangan island, with hectares of colorful coral reefs.

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Geography Designated : Minister of Forestry, SK.No.493/Kpts-II/95, a total area of 19,002.89 hectares Location : Regencies ; Buleleng, Jembrana ( Province of Bali) Temperature 33° C (on average) Rainfall 972 - 1,550 mm/year Altitude 0 - 1,414 m asl. Geographical location 114°25' - 114°34' E; 8°05' - 8°15' S

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Marine protected areas The Bali Barat National Park shows a high bio diversity in a relatively small area. In 1998, 110 species of coral belonging to 18 families were recorded, of which 22 species were of the mushroom coral family (there are just 29 species of mushroom coral recorded worldwide!), and there were at least 27 species of Acropora coral found in an area as big as only 2 ha. The Marine reserve includes the cape shores and several sanctuary islands, a haunt for seabirds, in the bay of Gilimanuk, on the island of Menjangan and the excellent coral reefs surrounding it. The good drop-offs on Menjangan's south side are only surpassed by the particularly superb reefs on its northern shores. The island is a popular spot for locals and tourists wishing to dive for a variety of fish and coral reef exploration.There are no dangerous currents to contend with in this area.

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Flora The Park has 175 species of plants, 14 of which are endangered species like bayur (Pterospermum javanicum), ketangi (Lagerstroemia speciosa), burahol (Stelechocarpus burahol), cendana, or sandalwood (Santalum album), and sonokeling (Dalbergia latifolia).

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Birds With about 160 different species Bali Barat National Park is a paradise for bird-watchers. At Tegal Bunder you will find the Bali Starling Recovery Project where the PHPA is trying to reintroduce the Bali Starling, one of the most endangered species of birds of the world. The Bali starling or Rotschild's Myna (Leucopsar rothschildi) is also the mascot of the Park. It loves a clean habitat and has a short flying range. Being easy to catch, this species needs special care and protection to safeguard its decreasing population.

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the Bali Starling

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The wildlife consist mostly of sea and shore birds, the most conspicuous being the Brown Boobies and Lesser Frigate birds. There are two colonies of Terns that nest on a sandy cay at the entrance to Teluk Lumpur (also known as Mud Bay) whilst the Frigates and Boobies roost on Pulau Burung. The number of White Starlings left in the wild is unknown. Other birds you will find in the National Park: Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier), Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis), Pied Fantail (Rhipidura javanica), Edible-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga), White-bellied Swiftlet (Collocalia esculenta), Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica), Crested Treeswift (Hemiprocne coronata), White-breasted Wood-Swallow (Artamus leucorhynchus), Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica), Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach), Striated Warbler (Megalurus palustris), Collared Kingfisher (Halycon chloris), Sacred Kingfisher (Halycon sancta), Javan Kingfisher (Halycon cyaniventris), Small Kingfisher (Alcedo caerulescens), Rufous-backed Kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsus), Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), Racket-tailed Treepie (Crypsirina temia), Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis), Savanna Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis), Collared Scops-Owl (Otus bakkamoena), Crested Serpent-Eagle (Spilornis cheela), Javan Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia bitorquata), Banded Pitta (Pitta guajana), Mangrove White-eye (Zosterops chloris), Lesser Adjutant (Leptopilus javanicus), Great Thick-Knee (Esacus magnirostris).

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Animals A variety of animals can be found in the National Park, among others: Banteng (Bos javanicus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Rusa Deer (Cervus timorensis), Long-tailed Macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Ebony Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), Barking Deer or Muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Pangolin or Trenggiling (Manis javanicus), Large Flying Fox or Kalong (Pteropus vampyrus), Black Giant Squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Water Monitor (Varanus salvator). The Hawkesbill Turtles are sighted frequently along the reserve's north coast. Especially worth mentioning in this respect is Chris Brown's Turtle Hatchery Project in Pemuteran, just east of the National Park.

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How to reach the Park Bali Barat National Park is easy accessible from Gilimanuk, the ferry port where ferries to and from Java come and go. Gilimanuk is reached by ferry from Java or by bus from Denpasar or Singaraja. From Gilimanuk take a minibus or ojek to Cekik for the last three kilometer. Here you will find the PHPA headquarters. An other entry point is Labuhan Lalang, accessible by minibus from Gilimanuk. Labuhan Lalang lies at the main road to Singaraja, which cuts through the park. To reach Menjangan island you can hire a motorboat from Labuhan Lalang (30-40 min). Distances Gilimanuk-Negara-Cekik by car (43.3 km); Singaraja-Seririt-Cekik by car (85 km). Permits and Guides Permits and obligatory guides are available at the PHPA headquarters at Cekik, at the PHPA office in Labuhan Lalang or at the PHPA office in Denpasar. Trekking Trekking along the coast of Prapat Agung over a distance of 25 km (clockwise from Sumber Klampok to Tegal Bunder), is recommended. The fee is Rp 2,500 but you must be accompanied by a guide and here is where the costs comes in. Some guides can charge as much as Rp 250,000 for a two day hike. Best time of year to visit The best time of the year to visit the Bali Barat National Park is at the end of the dry season / start of the wet season, roughly from August to December.

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Contact information Office: Kantor Pos Gilimanuk Cekik 82253, Bali Tel. : +62-365-61060 or 61173 E-mail: tnbb@telkom.net

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Map of Bali Barat National Park

The Beaches of Lovina

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Lovina Beach
North Bali

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Lovina Beach is the name for a strip of beaches with a total length of approximately 12 km, at the north coast of Bali just west of Singaraja.

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INTRODUCTION The beaches of Lovina are characterized by its rural nature and its unique, dark colored sand of volcanic origin. The childfriendly, shallow water of Lovina's reef protected beaches is of an agreeable warm temperature throughout the year, which makes it very suitable for unconcerned family holidays with safe swimming and snorkeling. The following shows you an impression of the beaches of Lovina, with pictures and a description per beach and a list of hotels, restaurants, shops and healthcare centers to be found in each Lovina beach area. You can scroll through the pagina or jump to a beach of your choice by clicking on a beach name:

BEACHES OF LOVINA

Adirama | Anturan | Banyualit | Binaria | Happy | Kaliasem

Kartika | Pemaron | Rambutan | Spice | Temukus | Tukadmungga

BINARIA BEACH - Central Lovina

Located at the end of Jalan Binaria in Kalibukbuk, and landmarked by the Dolphin Statue at Binaria Square, Binaria Beach is one of the most popular beaches to watch Lovina's famous, romantic sunsets.

westward view of Binaria Beach at Sea Breeze restaurant

The best spots to watch the sun set, apart from the beach itself, are Sea Breeze restaurant (west of the Dolphin Statue) and Santhi Bar (east of the Dolphin Statue). A beachside boulevard runs through a treed area and connects Binaria Beach via Binaria Square with Jalan Rambutan and Rambutan Beach.

beach soccer	eastward view

Kaki Lima Warungs - From around 4 pm a dozen or so 'kaki lima' warungs stake their place along the edges of Binaria Square to sell food and drinks. They stay open till late at night and are frequented by both local people and westerners. Their food is good and ranges from gado-gado, lumpia's and satays to bakso and nasi campur to fruits, cakes and sweets. Drinks: cool Bintang beers, lemonades, tea, coffee, mixed iced fruit and local sweet drinks. Food prices range from Rp. 3000 - 6000 per portion.

Hotels near Binaria Beach: Sea Breeze Cottages, Nirwana Cottages, Hotel Angsoka, Pulesti Hotel, Nirwana Watergarden. Restaurants & Bars near Binaria Beach: Sea Breeze, Santhi Bar, Kakatoa, Kopi Bali, Le Nasi Goreng, Cafe Lumbung, Malaiku, Zigiz Bar, Small Bar, Poco Bar, Taman Bombai, Jasmine Garden, Bali Apik, Kantin 21, Warung Aria. ( where available, click on a name for information )

BEACHES OF LOVINA

Adirama | Anturan | Banyualit | Binaria | Happy | Kaliasem

Kartika | Pemaron | Rambutan | Spice | Temukus | Tukadmungga

RAMBUTAN BEACH - Central Lovina

Rambutan Beach, located at the end of Jalan Rambutan in Kalibukbuk, is landmarked by dozens of blue-and-white, traditional outriggers. At the edge of the beach, next to a small parking lot near Waru Bali restaurant and the Tropis Club restaurant-bistro, is a volley field for those who like sports.

traditional outriggers at Rambutan beach

westward view	eastward view

Hotels near Rambutan Beach : Rambutan Boutique Hotel, Rini Hotel, Taman Lily's, Rumah Kita, Puri Bali Bungalows, Astini, Bayu Kartika, Sawah Lovina Bungalows, Villa Jaya. Restaurants & Bars near Rambutan Beach : Tropis Club, Tropis Bistro, Waru Bali, Puri Bali, Semina, Bali Sugar, Barakuda, Barclona, La Madre, The Oldies Blues & Soul Lounge Bar. Body & Health Care near Rambutan Beach: Araminth Spa & Health Center, Bali Samahdi Spa. ( where available, click on a name for information )

BEACHES OF LOVINA

Adirama | Anturan | Banyualit | Binaria | Happy | Kaliasem

Kartika | Pemaron | Rambutan | Spice | Temukus | Tukadmungga

KARTIKA BEACH - Central Lovina

Secludedly located at the end of Jalan Kartika, Kartika Beach is surrounded by rice fields, farm land and trees, within short walking distance over small tracks of Binaria / central Lovina. Visitors of this quiet beach not seldom get invited by the friendly, local farmers and fishermen to visit their traditional beach side homes to have some tea or coffee and a chat.

surrounded by trees and farm land

traditional home of local farmers	watching the fishermen sailing out

Hotels near Kartika Beach : Bali Paradise Hotel, Aryas Villa, Villa Kartika Restaurants/Bars near Kartika Beach: Bali Paradise Restaurant ( where available, click on a name for information )

BEACHES OF LOVINA

Adirama | Anturan | Banyualit | Binaria | Happy | Kaliasem

Kartika | Pemaron | Rambutan | Spice | Temukus | Tukadmungga

BANYUALIT BEACH - Central Lovina

Located at the end of Jalan Laviana in Kalibukbuk, Banyualit Beach is one of the more quiet beaches of Lovina. Enjoy a relaxing time at this beach having a tan, a refreshing swim, and a chat with the locals over a cup of Bali coffee (or a cold beer) at a traditional beach warung.

eastward view

traditional beach warung	westward view

Hotels near Banyualit Beach :
Mas Lovina, Bali Bagus, Aneka Lovina, Sunari Hotel, Suma Hotel, Hotel Banyualit, Villa Mango, Hotel Ray, Juni Artha Bungalows, Sartya Hotel, Made Janur, Bali Bayu, Melka Hotel, Ayu Bungalow, Bali Panorama, Hotel Marina, Saraswati Holiday House, Mas Bungalow, Indra Pura.

Restaurants & Bars near Banyualit Beach :
Spunky's, Warung Dolphin, Bias, Sunset Ayu, Cokot, Gossip.

Volcano and Lake Batur

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view from Kintamani on Mt Batur (left) and Lake Batur

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History of the Batur Volcano Around 23,000 BC, during the cataclysms that marked the forelast shift of the earth's poles, an explosion of incredible magnitude formed the gigantic Batur caldera which today has a diameter of ca. 13 km - one of the largest and most impressive in the world. Before that eruption Mt Batur rose about 3,800 m above sea level and it was thus higher than Mt Agung (3,142 m / 10,308 feet).

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around 23,000 BC Mt. Batur was much higher than Mt. Agung (left)

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Another heavy eruption took place around 10,500 BC - at the time of the last shift of the earth's poles - and formed a smaller, secondary crater with a diameter of ca. 7,5 km in the southeastern part of the larger caldera, nowadays marked by the Bali Aga villages of Songan and the popular panoramic viewpoint of Penelokan, with the current volcanic cone in its center. The Batur caldera therefore actually consists of a gigantic, double elliptic crater with a total diameter of 10 x 13 km.

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Mt. Batur and its enormous crater today

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Unlike the volcanoes of Hawaii, where the magmas flow freely and accumulate gradually as spreading lava sheets, Indonesian magmas are highly viscous and move far less readily. On reaching the surface, these slow-moving magmas have time to cool, periodically blocking release of the pent up forces beneath. Thus trapped, great reservoirs of liquid magma accumulate within the volcano, building up pressure until the earth can contain it no longer. Without warning the top of the volcano gives way and the contained magma bursts forth with unimaginable violence. With the passage of time the volcano, its core now emptied, slowly collapses back within itself to form a giant sunken crater or caldera. Eventually, as fresh magma reaches the surface, new volcanic vents may appear within the caldera, slowly occluding it as discharged ash and lava gradually continue to accumulate. Mount Batur today Mt. Batur as we know it today was formed by an eruption in 1917; it is a still active, secondary volcanic cone sporting numerous subsidiary vents around its flanks. Measured from the floor of the crater it rises within the circling embrace of the caldera to a height of ca. 700 meter (1,717 meter / 5,633 feet above sea level). The eruptions of Mt Batur have been registered since 1804 and since that time 22 eruptions of the volcano have occurred. Since 1917 Mt Batur erupted three more times (1926, 1974, 1994), on each occasion shifting a little more to the west, creating new sub craters that are referred to as Batur I, II and III respectively.

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clearly visible Batur's sub-craters and the black lava field
of the 1994 eruption

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As it grows through frequent minor (and occasionally not so minor!) eruptions it gradually enlarges its base at the expense of the lake, which is slowly shrinking in consequence. With an altitude of 1,746 m Mt Penulisan forms the second highest point of the caldera rim; here one can find the mysterious Pura Tegeh Koripan, the highest and probably also the oldest temple of Bali. Idyllically located in an isolated area along the eastern shore of lake Batur at the foot of Mount Abang, with an altitude of 2,152 meter (7,467 feet) the highest point of the caldera rim, lies the Bali Aga village of Trunyan.

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lake Batur getting overcast

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Lake Batur Lake Batur fills a large part of the smaller, secundary caldera

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Valley of The Kings Tampaksiring

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Gunung Kawi, pre-Hindu candi temple complex in Bali

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Tampaksiring With its extraordinary, pre-Hindu candi temple complex Gunung Kawi and the holy springs of Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring still breathes the atmosphere of ancient legends and long lost tales of forgotten Balinese kings who lived in an obscure but important period of Balinese history. The candis of Gunung Kawi At one of the junctions of the busy main street of Tampaksiring a sign reads, "Objek Wisata Gunung Kawi". The side street leads to a small parking, a little laid back from the main street of the village. From there a stone paved path leads down into the valley of the sacred river Pakerisan, with stunning rice field views on the way.

Before long one reaches a small stone gateway which gives access to the remarkable, ancient candi temple complex bordering the sacred river Pakerisan. The ten candis of Gunung Kawi represent the largest and the best preserved examples of the 15 candis presently known in Bali. It's very likely that there are more of these typical candis in Bali, buried by a succession of seismic events and landslides, awaiting discovery.

The term candi refers to the abode of Candika, Goddess of Death, and consort of Lord Siva. The rock-hewn candis are a wholly Balinese phenomenon, unknown elsewhere in the world. However, they take their general form from the free-standing candis of East Java, which show very similar architectural forms and decorations. Also the candi constructions show strong Indic influences, as this type of extremely labor-intensive, rock-hewn construction is fairly common in India.

The candis of Gunung Kawi are believed to be constructed in the 11th century (1080 AD) by king Anak Wungsu in honor of his father, the great Balinese ruler Udayana. Contrary to what is often believed, the candis are not tombs, for they have never contained human remains or ashes. In this respect they are rather considered to be symbolic secular accommodations to house the members of the defied royal family when they are invited down during temple festivals, similar to the rites that are still held today during the temple festivals of 'modern' Balinese Hinduism, as shaped by Nirartha in the 16th century.

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The candis of Gunung Kawi are devided into three separate sections. Four minor candis can be found at one side of the river, five major ones at the other side and, often overlooked by visiors, a tenth candi a little laid back from these major and minor clusters. There is evidence that the candis were probably once protected within two massive rock-hewn cloisters. In shape the candis resemble small buildings surmounted by massive three-tiered roofs bearing nine stylized lingam-yoni fertility symbols. Each candi actually looks like a doorway, carved in relief, but going nowhere. Instead, there is a small chamber beneath the candi, accessed by a sloping shaft from the front, in which a stone plaque (peripih) with nine holes containing symbolic offerings of food and metal objects, representing the necessities of earthly existence, was placed.

Above each doorway is a panel that bears an inscription, written in the striking quadrate script that briefly characterized East Javanese Kadiri monuments during the 11th Century. Although few decipherable remnants have survived, this provides the clearest evidence of when Gunung Kawi was constructed.

Symmetrically flanking the candis are large spaces, often divided into three sections by pillars. Some exceed eight meters in length by three meters deep, with lofty, vaulted ceilings rising to more than two and a half meters in height. Furthermore there are 34 other rock-hewn structures in the area.

Also there is evidence that provisions have been made in its construction for water to be directed towards the candis, and from there into sluices and spouts. As in Balinese Hinduisme it is believed that when water has flowed over a candi it has become imbued with divine properties through contact with the essence of the resident deity, this accounts for the fact that even today Gunung Kawi remains an important source for the holy water that has always been central to Hindu Balinese rites.

Apart from the candis themselves, there are room-like structures that all share certain common features. These structures may be classified into three types. The simplest of these chambers comprises a single space. Next come similar spaces, which also have leading from them a second, closed chamber. The third category consists of in total ten chambers that are closed off by a front wall that has both a central doorway and an elongated horizontal window opening. They also have a closed chamber with a deeply incised false window niche that is symmetrically placed to match the real window. Many of the closed side chambers possess remarkably resonant acoustics, perfect for spiritual meditation intended to tune in to specific energy vibrations.

The candis however are still surrounded with mystery in respect with their actual, intentional purpose. It is very tempting to assume that at the time of their construction these structures were designed for pure spiritual purposes, as opposed to the Hindu rituals of today which are generally performed and attended for the sake of the ceremonies themselves, and its rich symbolism generally interpreted literally instead of traced back to its true, spiritual meaning.