A Culture and Nature Lover's Guide to Bali

Oky
A Culture and Nature Lover's Guide to Bali

Nature

Several spots in Bali now also have built their own famous Bali swings, but The Original — and most picturesque — Bali Swing is found in Ubud. It can get pretty busy even if the experience comes with a hefty price tag of USD35, so it’s best to come first thing when it opens at 8 AM. Early morning soft light also makes for the best photos at the swing. The Bali Swing in Ubud is actually several different swings of different lengths. Choose from 10 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters, and 78 meters above ground, and feel the thrilling sensation as you swing high above the rolling landscape of fields and Balinese jungle and river. If swinging so high up with little holding you in place is not your thing, the entrance fee also allows you use of the nests scattered around the playground. Giant nest structures on palm trees also make a good photo op and serve as good viewing decks overlooking the hills. The entrance fee includes a lunch buffet and free-flowing drinks, so you can enjoy their array of playful structures within the grounds. If you’re happy to skip the nests and swings and only have access to the butterfly garden, helicopter, heart-shaped rock, and overlooking rock, then you take their USD10 package instead. It’s recommended to book your package in advance as the swings can get very busy.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bali Swing
No.7 Jl. Dewi Saraswati
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Several spots in Bali now also have built their own famous Bali swings, but The Original — and most picturesque — Bali Swing is found in Ubud. It can get pretty busy even if the experience comes with a hefty price tag of USD35, so it’s best to come first thing when it opens at 8 AM. Early morning soft light also makes for the best photos at the swing. The Bali Swing in Ubud is actually several different swings of different lengths. Choose from 10 meters, 15 meters, 20 meters, and 78 meters above ground, and feel the thrilling sensation as you swing high above the rolling landscape of fields and Balinese jungle and river. If swinging so high up with little holding you in place is not your thing, the entrance fee also allows you use of the nests scattered around the playground. Giant nest structures on palm trees also make a good photo op and serve as good viewing decks overlooking the hills. The entrance fee includes a lunch buffet and free-flowing drinks, so you can enjoy their array of playful structures within the grounds. If you’re happy to skip the nests and swings and only have access to the butterfly garden, helicopter, heart-shaped rock, and overlooking rock, then you take their USD10 package instead. It’s recommended to book your package in advance as the swings can get very busy.
The natural habitat and sanctuary of the Balinese long-tailed macaque in Ubud are the Ubud Monkey Forest, owned by the village of Padangtegal. More than 700 monkeys populate the forest along with 186 species of trees in this 12.5-hectare sanctuary. There are three temples within the Monkey Forest: Pura Dalem, the shrine to Lord Shiva, the Holy Water Temple, and the Cremation Temple. In the forest, visitors can also find sculptures, symbolizing the energies supporting the powers of the three temples. The temple-structure is based on the doctrine of Tri Hita Karana, which teaches followers how to maintain harmonious relationships of humans with humans, humans with their environment, and humans with The Supreme God.
Jalan Monkey Forest
Jalan Monkey Forest
The natural habitat and sanctuary of the Balinese long-tailed macaque in Ubud are the Ubud Monkey Forest, owned by the village of Padangtegal. More than 700 monkeys populate the forest along with 186 species of trees in this 12.5-hectare sanctuary. There are three temples within the Monkey Forest: Pura Dalem, the shrine to Lord Shiva, the Holy Water Temple, and the Cremation Temple. In the forest, visitors can also find sculptures, symbolizing the energies supporting the powers of the three temples. The temple-structure is based on the doctrine of Tri Hita Karana, which teaches followers how to maintain harmonious relationships of humans with humans, humans with their environment, and humans with The Supreme God.

Temples

Spellbinding at sunset, this 16th century Hindu temple is built atop an outcrop of rock, a stronghold amidst crashing waves. Tanah Lot, only 20 km northwest of Kuta, is an ancient shrine to the sea; it is one of the seven sea temples all within eyesight of each other that create a chain along the Balinese southwestern coastline. Most times, especially sunset, Tanah Lot can be overrun with tourists, but the view is well worth navigating the throngs of visitors and maze of souvenir market stalls from the parking area to the ornately sculpted temple gate. For a more culturally immersive experience, head to Tanah Lot if you’re in Bali around the time for the Tanah Lot piodalan, the anniversary ceremony. The piodalan falls on the wednesday after kuningan at the end of Galungan holiday in Bali. Local worshipers and even pilgrims from other parts of Indonesia come to pray and serve offerings at the temple, and the vibrant colors and rituals are truly a sight to behold. Non-Balinese are not allowed to enter the temple, so soak up the sights from the rocky shore. At low tide, a sandy beach is revealed and provides passage to the temple. Otherwise, the temple sits like a lonely little island when the high tide comes washing in. The temple is a religious site, so remember to wear clothing that covers up your knees and shoulders. Entrance fees are at IDR60,000 for adults and IDR30,000 for children, while parking for cars/motorbikes are at IDR5,000/2000.
324 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tanah Lot
324 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Spellbinding at sunset, this 16th century Hindu temple is built atop an outcrop of rock, a stronghold amidst crashing waves. Tanah Lot, only 20 km northwest of Kuta, is an ancient shrine to the sea; it is one of the seven sea temples all within eyesight of each other that create a chain along the Balinese southwestern coastline. Most times, especially sunset, Tanah Lot can be overrun with tourists, but the view is well worth navigating the throngs of visitors and maze of souvenir market stalls from the parking area to the ornately sculpted temple gate. For a more culturally immersive experience, head to Tanah Lot if you’re in Bali around the time for the Tanah Lot piodalan, the anniversary ceremony. The piodalan falls on the wednesday after kuningan at the end of Galungan holiday in Bali. Local worshipers and even pilgrims from other parts of Indonesia come to pray and serve offerings at the temple, and the vibrant colors and rituals are truly a sight to behold. Non-Balinese are not allowed to enter the temple, so soak up the sights from the rocky shore. At low tide, a sandy beach is revealed and provides passage to the temple. Otherwise, the temple sits like a lonely little island when the high tide comes washing in. The temple is a religious site, so remember to wear clothing that covers up your knees and shoulders. Entrance fees are at IDR60,000 for adults and IDR30,000 for children, while parking for cars/motorbikes are at IDR5,000/2000.
Set atop a plateau that sits on Beratan Lake lies the mesmerizing Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Built in the 17th century in honor of the Hindu gods Brajma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the lake goddess Dew Danu, the temple’s name means ‘the power or source temple of Lake Bratan’. It is one of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites in Indonesia, as well as a social and religious symbol for the Balinese. The best time to visit the Ulun Danu temple is during the wet season, which is usually from October to April. This is because Ulun Danu’s popularity is rooted in its being a floating temple. If you go during the dry season from April to October, the water may be low and you might not see the temple floating on water.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Danau Beratan
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Set atop a plateau that sits on Beratan Lake lies the mesmerizing Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Built in the 17th century in honor of the Hindu gods Brajma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the lake goddess Dew Danu, the temple’s name means ‘the power or source temple of Lake Bratan’. It is one of the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites in Indonesia, as well as a social and religious symbol for the Balinese. The best time to visit the Ulun Danu temple is during the wet season, which is usually from October to April. This is because Ulun Danu’s popularity is rooted in its being a floating temple. If you go during the dry season from April to October, the water may be low and you might not see the temple floating on water.
Built-in 1948 by the Raja Karangasem, Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, Tirta Gangga is a sprawling 1.2-hectare tourist spot. It encompasses the original water palace as well as well-kept gardens with swimming pools, fountains, bridges, stone carvings and statues. Literally translated, ‘Tirta Gangga’ means ‘water from the Ganges’, and is considered a sacred site by the Hindu-practicing locals. A famous feature of this palace on the water is the koi pond lined with neat rows of guardian stone statues carrying cudgels. The pond has polygonal steps that you can use to walk across the pond and take photos on or feed the fish from. Behind the pond, you’ll see the 11-tiered, 10m high central fountain with a lotus-shaped tip. There are also two pools – one a public swimming pool and the other used to house golden carp and other large fish.
Jalan Tirta Gangga
Jalan Tirta Gangga
Built-in 1948 by the Raja Karangasem, Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, Tirta Gangga is a sprawling 1.2-hectare tourist spot. It encompasses the original water palace as well as well-kept gardens with swimming pools, fountains, bridges, stone carvings and statues. Literally translated, ‘Tirta Gangga’ means ‘water from the Ganges’, and is considered a sacred site by the Hindu-practicing locals. A famous feature of this palace on the water is the koi pond lined with neat rows of guardian stone statues carrying cudgels. The pond has polygonal steps that you can use to walk across the pond and take photos on or feed the fish from. Behind the pond, you’ll see the 11-tiered, 10m high central fountain with a lotus-shaped tip. There are also two pools – one a public swimming pool and the other used to house golden carp and other large fish.
The Besakih Temple is a temple complex consisting of many temples and shrines which sit on the southern slopes of the sacred Mount Agung. Stepping into the ancient temple complex interlaced with flowing streams, larger than life mythical and religious sculptures, and a view of the grand mountain range, one cannot help but feel a sense of mystical awe. Also called the ‘Mother Temple,’ Besakih is considered the largest, holiest, and most important temple in all of Bali.
236 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Besakih Temple Tour
6 No 27 Jl. Raya Menanga
236 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Besakih Temple is a temple complex consisting of many temples and shrines which sit on the southern slopes of the sacred Mount Agung. Stepping into the ancient temple complex interlaced with flowing streams, larger than life mythical and religious sculptures, and a view of the grand mountain range, one cannot help but feel a sense of mystical awe. Also called the ‘Mother Temple,’ Besakih is considered the largest, holiest, and most important temple in all of Bali.
Puseh Batuan Temple and its twin temple, Pura Dasar are situated in the small village of Batuan, south of Ubud. Together with the Pura Dalem, the three temples represent the Tri Kahyangan concept from the 10th century. Pura Dasar is a shrine of worship to the creator God Brahma, Pura Puseh is a shrine of worship to the caretaker God Vishnu, and Pura Dalem is a shrine of worship to Lord Shiva the Destroyer. Away from the riotous towns of South Bali and not quite at the cultural hotspot of Ubud, travelers looking for the road less traveled and less crowded landmarks can plan a visit to the twin temples. The temples which have stood since the 11th century are classic examples of Balinese temple architecture. Its humble and quiet surroundings understate the intricacies of the temple and its sculptures. This religious site is well known for its traditional Balinese art. Sometimes, travelers come by during a major religious ceremony and see the communal hall in Puseh Batuan in full splendor, covered in fruit and flower offerings. At other times, local handicrafts can be found on display from Batuan artisans.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Batuan Temple
Jalan Raya Batuan
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puseh Batuan Temple and its twin temple, Pura Dasar are situated in the small village of Batuan, south of Ubud. Together with the Pura Dalem, the three temples represent the Tri Kahyangan concept from the 10th century. Pura Dasar is a shrine of worship to the creator God Brahma, Pura Puseh is a shrine of worship to the caretaker God Vishnu, and Pura Dalem is a shrine of worship to Lord Shiva the Destroyer. Away from the riotous towns of South Bali and not quite at the cultural hotspot of Ubud, travelers looking for the road less traveled and less crowded landmarks can plan a visit to the twin temples. The temples which have stood since the 11th century are classic examples of Balinese temple architecture. Its humble and quiet surroundings understate the intricacies of the temple and its sculptures. This religious site is well known for its traditional Balinese art. Sometimes, travelers come by during a major religious ceremony and see the communal hall in Puseh Batuan in full splendor, covered in fruit and flower offerings. At other times, local handicrafts can be found on display from Batuan artisans.

Culture

Located in the southern region of Bali in the Badung area near Uluwatu, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a 60-hectare park complex that attracts thousands of tourists daily. Some of its most famous features are: • Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue: An 18m (60ft) high statue carved by the famous Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta • Street Theater: The starting point of the park, where dances and parades are held at certain points of the day • Lotus Pond: Surrounded by limestone pillars, this is the largest outdoor area in the park, and is a venue for large scale events • Indraloka Garden: Named after the Indra deity, the garden offers panoramic views of the park • Amphitheater: Traditional Balinese dance performances are usually held here • Wisnu Plaza: Sitting atop a hill, it is the highest area of the park from which visitors can view the statue of the god Vishnu
560 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Cultural Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Jalan Raya Uluwatu
560 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located in the southern region of Bali in the Badung area near Uluwatu, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is a 60-hectare park complex that attracts thousands of tourists daily. Some of its most famous features are: • Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue: An 18m (60ft) high statue carved by the famous Balinese sculptor Nyoman Nuarta • Street Theater: The starting point of the park, where dances and parades are held at certain points of the day • Lotus Pond: Surrounded by limestone pillars, this is the largest outdoor area in the park, and is a venue for large scale events • Indraloka Garden: Named after the Indra deity, the garden offers panoramic views of the park • Amphitheater: Traditional Balinese dance performances are usually held here • Wisnu Plaza: Sitting atop a hill, it is the highest area of the park from which visitors can view the statue of the god Vishnu
Step into the Balinese past by visiting Tenganan Pegringsingan or Tenganan Village, which sits in the Karangasem Regency in east Bali. Tenganan is one of only a few villages of the Bali Aga people, considered the ancient Balinese who arrived before the Majapahit empire came into Bali in the 14th century.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tenganan
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Step into the Balinese past by visiting Tenganan Pegringsingan or Tenganan Village, which sits in the Karangasem Regency in east Bali. Tenganan is one of only a few villages of the Bali Aga people, considered the ancient Balinese who arrived before the Majapahit empire came into Bali in the 14th century.
Pasar Seni Ubud, or the Ubud Art Market, is a must-visit spot in Ubud for an assortment of local handicrafts and art pieces. Artisans from Ubud, and the surrounding villages of Pengosekan, Tegalalang, Payangan, and Peliata, produce crafts such as hand woven baskets and bags, locally designed clothes, sculpted or brass statuettes, paintings, and silk scarves. Located just across the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace in central Ubud, fans of the movie Eat Pray Love may find the setting familiar as the place Julia Roberts strolls through in the film.
697 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado de Arte de Ubud
No.35 Jl. Raya Ubud
697 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pasar Seni Ubud, or the Ubud Art Market, is a must-visit spot in Ubud for an assortment of local handicrafts and art pieces. Artisans from Ubud, and the surrounding villages of Pengosekan, Tegalalang, Payangan, and Peliata, produce crafts such as hand woven baskets and bags, locally designed clothes, sculpted or brass statuettes, paintings, and silk scarves. Located just across the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace in central Ubud, fans of the movie Eat Pray Love may find the setting familiar as the place Julia Roberts strolls through in the film.