Bali Heaven Official Blog

In addition to breathtaking natural view, Bali with no doubt has a lot of attractions ranging from exotic Balinese architecture to unique culture. Almost every day tourists will find people in lines going to temples for ceremony. Balinese people are best known for their friendliness and warm welcome to tourists despite the fact that 2002 bomb attack has stimulated public cynicism. When it comes to visiting Bali, tourists can enjoy a wide variety of beaches. Kuta beach and Sanur beach are the most outstanding beaches in Bali where many people come to enjoy breathtaking scenery and surf adventure. Matahari Terbit Beach is less famous compared with Kuta beach and Sanur beach but this tourism beach resort still has so much to offer with respect to tourist’s attractions. With only 5 minutes away from capital city of Bali, Denpasar, Matahari Terbit Beach can be reached easily by public transportations, taxi and motorcycle. To reach this beautiful beach from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it takes merely 25 minutes by taxi so that if you are eager to visit this beach, it is very reachable.

Situated on Sanur village, Matahari Terbit Beach is similar to Sanur beach whose sand is white. And this white sand makes this amazing beach become an attractive tourism destination to visit. Stunning view of Indian Ocean is also an allure of this beach aside from calm waves on seashore that is good for swimming. A lot of tourists come to this beach only for swimming beneath amazing view of the blue sky. Sunbathing is also an activity tourists like to do as hot weather is available in this beach. In wet or raining season where wind flow creates powerful waves, tourists come to this beach for surfing. They spend a couple of days for surf adventure that makes them feel excited. Hotels, art shops and restaurants with local and international cuisines are widespread upfront of Matahari Terbit Beach so that if a tourist visit this beach, there will be a recreation with complete package.

It is true that Matahari Terbit Beach is less famous than what Kuta beach and Sanur beach has to offer. But there are still many things to enjoy at this beach for excitement tourists are looking for. White sandy beach is an allure of this magnificent beach aside from beautiful view of sunrise. In order to enjoy such an amazing view of sunrise, it is better to be at Matahari Terbit Beach just early in the morning. Some local communities of Sanur Village also come to this lovely beach for religious ceremony especially several days before Nyepi Day, a day of silence to celebrate the Balinese new year. A part of religious ceremony of Ngaben (Balinese cremation) is also held in this beach. Thus, those who are interested in viewing what balenese culture looks like are suggested to visit this beautiful beach which is located at southern part of Bali. What are you waiting for? Visiting Bali can be an advantage as this Paradise Island has so much to offer. What Matahari Terbit Beach has to offer as mentioned above will be something enjoyable for the moment of your vacation so take time to enjoy Bali.

Bali is famous enough for its tourism resorts and therefore both domestic and international tourists are keen to take time visiting this Paradise Island. Something special for attraction of tourists available in Bali is its unique culture like Balinese cremation called Ngaben. Almost everyday people are in lines to worship at the temples and it tends to bring something exceptional when it comes to tourism of Bali. If visiting Bali, enjoying the beauty of some beaches is a must. Bali do has a range of beaches ranging from Kuta beach with its most developed atmosphere to Sanur beach known for its originality. A beach that you should visit for holiday is Geger Beach, which is located at tourism district of Nusa Dua. From Nusa Dua beach, it is about 5 minutes away so that the place is reachable anytime you have some nights at Nusa Dua hotel. Just like other south beaches of bali, Geger beach without any doubt has white sand that become major point of interest aside from amazing breeze and clean atmosphere. Rubbish are rarely found along seashore of Geger beach that makes more and more people like to enjoy the spectacular of this beach.

If you think of atmosphere of Geger beach is like that of Kuta beach, it is absolutely wrong as this beach is quiet despite the fact that seaside cafes and hotels are still available. The first impression when visiting this beach is about romanticism. Blue seawater, awesome breeze, clean atmosphere and white sand enable Geger Beach to offer something special for couples to spend their recreation. This beach is allegedly suitable for the purpose of honeymoon due to its romantic atmosphere. And some hotels available right upfront the beach offers certain package for honeymoon so that if you just get married, it will be the right moment to enjoy your days and nights at Geger Beach. With calm wave along the day, Swimming is more appropriate than surfing when it comes to Geger Beach. A lot of people come to this beach resort usually take time for swimming aside from sunbathing due to sun shine almost every day. One thing is unique when it comes to Geger beach as there will be Seaweed plants along the beach. If one is lucky enough, he or she can see local farmers harvesting the plants; this is certainly an exciting experience.

What makes Geger Beach differs from other beaches is that it is close to some golf courts so that if you are a golf lover, it will be a good choice to take a vacation at this beach as you can get time for relax while at the same time not leave your hobby of playing golf. The panorama while you are at a golf court will be so stunning with Geger beach’s turquoise sea view right upfront golfing site. The fact shows that many people are eager to spend their days to visit Geger beach just to have golfing experience in addition to enjoying peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Bali of course offers a range of allures to get rid of fatigue after days of work. Geger beach is one among many tourism areas available in Bali that offer something exceptional so that if having plan for a vacation in Bali, this calm beach can be your destination.

Bali Marathon 2012

Several marathon competitions have been passed on 2012, and one of them can be recognized from Bali Marathon. This tournament has been held on 22 April at Gianyar Bali, and Kenya’s runner, Lilan Kennedy Kipro won the tournament with record 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 54 seconds. For his achievements, he was entitled to receive prize of $ 20,000. At this point, these information surely quite enough, but in advance, you might want to ask about the detail of the tournament itself. So here, let us take a closer on another fact which stated that the tournament is dedicated for enthusiast runner, and the event also have been waited by Indonesian and abroad. Therefore, it is not hard to way that the tournament is a kind of open invitation for runner from around the world. And it is true that at April 22nd, different runners coming from different country came to participate on tournament that has been sponsored by the BII (Bank Internasional Indonesia).

It is also said that the BII Bank have been brought back the most colourful event for sportsmen, especially those who are currently involve as runner. The tournament seem have been setup with international standard, and it is no surprise if there are many people who said that the tournament have also been international scale for the number or participant who have joined that. Every participant has earned maximum service, in which one of them appears in the form of voucher given by sponsors. At that tournament, there are also many transportations of each can be used to reach the venue. So in the end, it is not hard to say that all participants had received maximum satisfaction. The same thing is similar for visitors who had come to the venue. Most of them have enjoyed sport attraction showed by each runner who takes participation on that tournament. In this sense, maybe we cannot forget about lots of T-shirt and goodies of which have been giveaway for free at April 22nd. From the way I look, that tournament are dedicated for people, by way it means that visitors are allowed to bring themselves along with their family.

The tournament itself produced some winner, and here are the statistics about that: Lilan Kennedy Kipro from Kenya is the winner for this Bali Marathon 2012, another Kenya’s runner, Luke Kipkemoi and Wilson Chepkwony won the second and the third place. Meanwhile in women section, two Kenya’s runner took a first and second place (Winfridah Kwamboka and Elizabeth Jeruiyot), and Canada’s runner, Kari Eliot have won the third place. Indonesia also put their runner in that tournament, which is represented by IG Gede who won the first place for men’s section; while at the same time Supriato Sutono won the first place for women’s section. It seems that there is different section, International and Local, which is the previous one is dedicated for international runner, and the latter for local runner (or Indonesian runner if you like it better). Even though there is a separation in term of marathon section, but apparently that doesn’t degrade the quality of the tournament.

For more further details, please visit the official website at www.balimarathon.com.

Nirwana Bali Golf Club

The lush green Nirwana Bali Golf Club is a sight to behold. With an unparalleled grandeur, the golf club represents spirituality in the air and the natural beauty that is so characteristic of Bali. It was designed by a legendary golfer, Greg Norman himself. The Nirwana Bali Golf Club is considered to be one of the toughest golf courses in the world and has been one of the most photographed golf courses in the world too.

Accolades

There is no paucity of accolades received by the Nirwana Bali Golf Club. The club has an astonishing haul of awards that include the best golf resort in Asia award, the best golf course in Asia award, the best par 5 in Asia award and the best golf course in Indonesia award. It is an 18-hole golf course which is truly a masterpiece in every sense of the word.

How to get there

The scenic and dramatic location is set on the southwest coast of Bali. It is 25kms or 45 minutes drive away from the Ngurah Rai International airport. The awe factor starts right from the ride to the golf course as it overlooks and curves through rice terraces and a lot of palm trees. It is also only 30 minutes scenic drive away from Kuta and is within touching distance of other tourist attractions including the famous temple of Tanah Lot, Ubud and Denpasar, the capital city itself. This spectacular golf course is part of the fully integrated Nirwana Bali Resort that features resort villas, apartments and Le Meridien besides the wonder of a golf course.

Facilities and Attractions

The golf course has around 3 holes that run along cliffs of Indian Ocean and rice paddy fields thus testing the PGA professional in his accuracy. However, the thrill of these unique and difficult golf courses could be enjoyed by one and all. The golf course in the words of its creator, Greg Norman himself, will test the skill of golfers of all levels with some dramatic holes like Hole 14 playing along the Indian Ocean with the ocean bellowing beneath. The 7th and 13th holes are also considered especially challenging. The local Balinese culture, the rice paddies which are terraced and the rolling hills add to the magnificent ambience of the golf course.

The Nirwana Bali golf country club is maintained with the highest standards of IMG, the largest sports marketing and Management Company in the world. The Balinese caddies will add to the local experience too blending well with the natural harmony of the region.

Clubhouse

The golf club also has a clubhouse which provides a casual dining restaurant, spacious and rich locker rooms and fully stocked pro shops. The locker rooms are equipped with showers, sitting room, vanity area, television and other necessary items. The Golfer’s Terrace restaurant offers a wide variety of Indonesian, Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisines. Golfers can also have a cool sip at the Half Way House. The Driving Range itself provides a beautiful natural grass turf with two practice greens for putting and chipping. There is also a team to provide instructions.

Villa Anandita Lombok

Four bedrooms beachfront villa in Lombok

Villa Anandita means “Happiness” in Sanskrit and is settled on the beautiful island of Lombok. It is a new exclusive hideaway villa, just a short flight away from Bali.

The Anandita offers a perfect romantic tropical retreat for families, friends and couples. It is located on the beautiful island of Lombok (next to Bali), 40 minutes away from the Mataram airport. Anandita is set on 1.5 hectares under an array of coconut trees on a natural and pristine beach at the tip of the Tandjung peninsula, across the famous Gili islands.

West Bali National Park

It is the only national park in the island of Bali in Indonesia. Located in Bahasa Indonesia it is called Taman Nasional Bali Barat in the local language. It marks the most north westerly point of Bali. It is a haven for some diverse species of flora and fauna and many package tours are arranged to this park through the Negara Regency. The park was recognized as an area of imminence in the country in the year 1917. This was the time when it was deemed as a nature park by a council comprising of Bali rulers. However, it was not until 1941, when it was completely established as the Indonesian National Park.

Geography of the Park

The Park comprises of two areas. The official area of the park boundaries is only 190 square kilometers. However, an additional 580 square kilometers of area in the highlands on the east are also considered as a protected reserve making up an overall area of 770 square kilometers. This is equivalent to about 10% of the total land area of Bali. In the Northern side, the Bali national park includes a beach that is 1000 meters long along with reefs and islets. On the western side, it is marked by the seaport of Gilimanuk while the village of Goris marks its eastern end. The national park includes the whole Prapat Agung Peninsula and large pieces of land around the main towns of Cekik, Banyuwedang and Gilimanuk.

How to Reach?

The park is in the vicinity of many towns and can be reached by road from places like Singaraja and Gilimanuk. One can also use the ferries that ply from Ketapang, Java. Lovina on the north coast road, 90 minutes from the park and Pemuteran, 15 minutes away are two other entry points for the national park. One has to reach the park offices to arrange for guides and also obtain the permits. The two headquarters of the park are located in the village of Cekik and Labuan Lalang.

Attractions of the park

Most of the park area is protected and only a small part is actually open for exploration by the visitors. Exploration could be limited only to the marine life or could also follow hiking trails depending upon the individual interest. You can also arrange for boat trips around Gilimanuk bay and Menjangan island. The park consists of mangroves, savanna, montane and mixed monsoon forests and coral islands which make up its amazing diversity. The central area of the park is spotted with 4 volcanic mountains from as early as Pleistocene era. Gunung Patas, with 1412 meters has the highest elevation.

Tegal Blunder Trail

This is a good route for those who love watching birds. You can reach the Slumber Klampok checkpoint and also take the more strenuous Gunung Klatakan Trail to the south east if you are interested in going through the amazing rainforests.

Menjangan Island

This is uninhabited and is a great location for diving and snorkeling for those interested in marine life. The boats depart from the Terima bay (Teluk Terima) and the water here has the best visibility amongst all snorkeling sites in Bali.

Bali Art Center

The Bali Art Center is also known as Taman Wedhi Budaya and houses the cultural building complex of Bali. It is an embodiment of the traditional Balinese architecture too.

Where is it located?

The Taman Wedhi Budaya (Bali Art Center) is located in East Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. The Art Center is situated at Jalan Nusa Indah in the Sumerta Kelod Village. This place is 1.5 km east of the city of Denpasar and hence not very difficult to reach. One can reach it through Abian Kapas as well. This is also the venue for the annual Bali Arts Festival that is held from the middle of June for a whole month until the middle of July. The Bali Arts Center covers a total of 5 hectares of land which is divided into 3 zones.

History

This wonderful building complex started with the Cultural Park in 1973. It was commemorated by the Pesta Kesenian Bali or the Bali Artistry Party which was held a month later. The whole months was marked with traditional dance performances, exhibitions, cultural activities and parades. In fact the opening ceremony was marked with an artistic parade that started at the Puputan Park and continued up to the Art Center, a distance of 2 km through the town, delivering the message of cultural preservation to the Balinese population. The closed stage, Ksirarnawa was inaugurated on the 17th of July 1986. It was formed on the idea of Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra to conserve Balinese traditional culture.

Zonal Divisions

The Art Center comprises mainly of 3 zones. The first is called the Sacred or tranquil zone comprising of the Widya Kusuma Library Building, Taman Beji Temple, Ayodya Stage, Slonding Pavilion and the Pepaosan Amerta Saraswati Pavilion. Another important zone is the Demi tranquil zone comprising of Gili pavilion, the water tower, the electric transformer, Bale Kambang or the floating pavilion, Mandhara Giri Bhuvana, which is the main exhibition hall, Gajah Mina Bridge, Wantilan Hall, Kumbakarna Kerebut Sculpture, Painting Studio, artist dormitory, Krya Krya Sembrani Occaishcrawa Building and kids’ playground.

The home of art and the venue of the art festival

Bali Art Center in itself is a major tourist attraction. But what make it so special are the two colossal art performance locations. The first one is the Ardhacandra amphitheater which measures 2000 square meters can house as many as 7000 spectators. It is generally used for sendratari or dance and drama performances, drama gong, festival of gong kebyar along with music. The space underneath the amphitheater is used as a great showroom that is used during the annual Bali Arts festival for the exhibition of exquisite handicraft products from small scale industries.

The Ksirarnawa or the closed stage measures 5500 square meters and the upper chamber can house up to 1500 people. It is generally used for seminars and conferences. It has gazebos for relaxing, studios for painting, dance, and theater exercise and for western workshops. There is another small stage called Angsoka stage in front of Ardhacandra for smaller performances.

Mount Agung

Believed in Bali as the place of Gods, Mount Agung or Gunung Agung in Bali is the holiest and highest mountain of the island. It is also an active volcano with a devastating eruption as late as 1963. The 3141 meters tall Mount Agung is also considered sacred because the most sacred temple of Bali, the Mother Temple of Besakih is located on top of the slope of Mount Agung. The long, difficult and risky route can be attempted by adventurous trekkers with the help of a guide between the months of July and October.

History of the Mountain and the temple

The temple narrowly missed the lava flow during the active volcanic eruption in 1963. This is one reason why the temple is considered part of a miracle by the Balinese. The temple was built way back in 1000 AD as a terraced temple dedicated to Besakih, the dragon god. In 15th century, the rulers made it the state temple of Geigel Kiungkung and the temple is still funded by governments. According to Balinese legend, Mount Agung itself was created when Pasupati, the Hindu god, split Mount Meru considered as the universe’s spiritual axis and one of the fragments was used to create the mountain. The temple itself is considered to be the only Hindu temple where Hindus of all castes can worship. One can also visit 18 sanctuaries built around the 3 temples of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

What is there for tourists?

Mount Agung and the sacred temples are one of the most famous tourist attractions of Bali. The temple has ascending stairs with a split gate to the main temple courtyard. The central shrine of Pura Panataran Agung is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, the Hindu Trinity. The Pura Kiduling Kreteg flies red banners for Brahma, Pura Batu Mddeg, flies black banners for Vishnu and Pura Panataran Agung in the center flies white banners for Lord Shiva. The temple is open between 8 and 5 in the evening while some temple courtyards are closed for visitors for the sake of worship.

Climate and Surroundings

The mountain has some diverse terrains. While the lower elevations of the mountain are covered with lush green forests, the higher parts are covered with ash and volcanic rock. One of the best attractions of the mountain is the sunrise above Lombok’s Mount Rinjani. Wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists can be impressed with wild animals and bird sightings too. The Mount Agung takes the rain out of most of the clouds causing the west to be lush while the east is barren and dry.

Attractions

There are many things to do on top of Mount Agung. Trekkers can climb the mountain during the months of April and October. The west side’s lush green vegetation, macaques, hawks and eagles can also be enjoyed on the mountain. One can climb from Besakih temple on the west which will take 6 – 7 hours. The Pura Pasar Agung route from the south takes 3 – 4 hours to reach a point with some excellent views including the crater. The Dukuh Bujangga Sakti from the north provides a rarely used route.

Bajra Sandhi

Built in the year 1987, this monument is called Bajra Sandhi because the monument looks like the Bajra or Genta or the bell that is used by all the Hindu priests during religious ceremonies in the temples also called as Pedanda or religious preacher in Bali. The monument stands for the soul and spirit of the Balinese people and is the monument commemorating the Balinese People Struggle.

 
 
How to reach there

Bajra Sandhi monument is strategically located at the center of the Denpasar town which is very close to the Ngurah Rai International Airport. The monument is located right opposite the Governor’s Office at Niti Mandala Renon. Most of the Denpasar tour packages or city tours will take you to this amazing monument building.

History

Bajra Sandhi monument was constructed way back in 1987 and was inaugurated by Megawati Sukarno Putri on 14th June 2003. The amazing monument has as many as 33 dioramas which trace the entire history of the Bali Island including political, social and economic advancement after the independence of the country. The Borobudur like structure with these dioramas are a good study tour for those who visit the huge, lush green tropical garden where the monument is located. Some of the interesting depictions in the dioramas include the 1906 battle with the Dutch. The dioramas are arranged in a circular contour across the room. Each of the dioramas has statues and a natural setting along with three languages including Balinese in Old Javanese, English and Indonesian to assist those who wish to understand the writings and explore the origins of the Balinese culture and the island.

Stunning Views

Once the visitors satisfy themselves with glimpses into Balinese history e.g. the development of Udayana University in 1975 or the colonization and revolution tales, they can climb to the top of the monument using a ladder. This point gives you a breathtaking view of the Denpasar town from a height of 45 meters. It also allows visitors to enjoy the sunrise and sunset and hence is a very good spot for tourists who are interested in photography. The sunrise is a great setting with natural and urban and beauty mingled together.

The Building Monument and the components

Bajra Sandhi monument also talks about mythology such as the story of Mandhara Giri at Ksirarnawa which has a reference in Adi Parwa of the Hindus as well. The monument also comprises of the Jar of Amertha, which is a kumba or pot seen at the top of the monument. One can also find the Dragon Basuki’s tail near Swamba with its head close to the entrance gate. Bedawang Akupa is also seen with its head at the entrance and body as the foundational base of the monument. The pinnacle of the monument signifies the peak of Mandara Giri. There is a pool around the monument that depicts the Ksirarnawa which is the ocean of milk. One can also study the ancient Balinese culture and appreciate the miniature art forms of Bali depicted on the monument walls at various places. All in all, this monument celebrates the Balinese spirit and culture.

Also known as the Pura Luhur Batukaru, the Watukaru or Batukaru temple is one of the holiest and biggest Hindu temples in the island of Bali enjoying the same status as Padmabhuwana temple and Catur Lokapala temple. It is a very famous tourist destination in a trip to West Bali.

Location of the temple

The Batukaru temple is located in the Penebel district’s countryside region of Wangaya Gede. This is in Tabanan regency. The temple is one and half hours drive away from the International airport outside Denpasar. The magnificent temple is located at the foot of the Batukaru Mountain, Bali’s second highest mountain. The temple is set in a plateau area surrounded by lush green tropical rain forests. The temple is 23 km to the north of Tabanan. Those who are visiting the temple usually have to stop at another temple called Pura Jero Taksu, although they don’t have to do so the second time around. This is, in a way, registering for praying at the main temple.

History of the temple

As per the scriptures, the temple is said to have been founded by a venerated Hindu sage from Java by the name of Empu Kuturan in the 11th century, as a sanctuary for hermits to venerate the deities of the lakes and the mountains nearby. The sage is also credited to have established the 6 main temples of Bali also referred to as Sad Kahyangan. Legend has it that when the temple was partially destroyed by the king of Buleleng by name Anglurah Panji Sakti, millions of bees were unleashed by the protective forces of the temple which caused the troops to be beaten back. Although visitors and devotees continued to worship the rubble, the temple was rebuilt only in 1959. It took until 1977 for the renovations to reach the present architectural condition.

Temple Architecture

Similar to many other temples in Bali, there are 3 main areas including the outside area referred to as Nista Mandala, the middle area referred to as Madya Mandala and the Main are referred to as Utama Mandala. On the right of the entrance gate is the Wantilan Building which is used as a Meeting Hall. The main shrine is dedicated to Ratu Hyang Tumuwuh, who is the god of fertility for the Balinese people.

The Batukaru or Watukaru temple at 1300 meters above sea level is set amidst a beautiful garden of hibiscus and firangipani, surrounded by a gigantic tropical forest. There are some distinct shrines inside the complex representing different Tabanan dynasties. Also known as Pura Taman, the temple has a bathing place maintained by the king. The most amazing of shrines here is the 7 tiered Meru, which is dedicated to the lord who presides over the mountain, none other than Mahadeva.

There is an artificial pool of square shape with a miniature island in the middle with two shrines. One shrine is dedicated to the deities of the lake while the other is dedicated to Mount Batukaru. There is also a small spring nearby emanating from the riverbank.