Bali Heaven Official Blog

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.

The Uluwatu temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of the Sad Kayangan or the 6 directional temples (along with Pura Besakih, of course!) that supposedly protect the Bali Island from evil spirits. Luhur means something of divine origin. Ulu means land’s end while watu means rock. It is one of the most spectacular temples of Bali.

Location of the temple

The Uluwatu temple lies in the Badung regency in the southern tip of Bali. It is located on the edge of a plateau which is 250 feet above sea level. The exact location is 25km to the south of the capital city, the Denpasar town, in the Pecatu village in the sub district of South Kuta. It is perched on quite a steep cliff formed at the end of land on the South eastern coast of Bali island and hence gets its name. The location is very close to the famous SW surf break in peninsula of Bukit.

History of the temple

Pura Luhur Uluwatu was founded by a priest from Java by the name of Empu Kuturan in the 11th century. He also established the tiered Meru. Empu is a title for someone who has accomplished himself in philosophy, literature and craftsmanship. Hundreds of years later in the 15th century, the great priest and pilgrim, Dang Hyang Dwijendra, credited to establishing the Hindu Dharma religion chose this place as his earthly abode and was cremated here. Legend has it that he attained moksha while meditating at the Uluwatu temple. Dwijendra, according to legend was a famous architect who was credited to building beautiful temples at Lombok, Sumbawa and Bali. He was supposed to have arrived on the island at Pura Peti Tenget, north of Kuta. The temple has a shrine too representing a boat he used to arrive at the island. There is a small limestone statue behind the main pagoda of the temple’s inner sanctum of the temple showing a Brahmin priest surveying Indian Ocean. This statue supposedly belongs to Dwijendra.

Temple architecture

The Uluwatu temple is situated on a coral reef 80 meters above the sea level. The temple is an architectural wonder made of black coral rock from where it gets its name. The inner sanctum in fact is perched beautifully at the cliff edge with several vantage points on northern and southern sides providing spectacular glimpses of the ocean.

Major Attractions

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located at one of the most famous surf breaks of Bali. It attracts legendary surfers from all over the world with its obstacles. There are some spectacular views offered even by the warungs or local restaurants perched on the cliffs. One can view the sunset from here and the 100 meter high cliffs in 3 directions offering great panoramic views. There are full moon rage parties and festivals which are efficiently organized every seven months, as per Anggar Kasih Medangsya by Wuku calendar. The responsibility is taken by the royal house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta.

Another major attraction would be the monkeys here. Tourists are often advised to take off their hats, sun shades, watches, bracelets and jewelry and hold on to their bags carefully. The crazy monkeys actually trade the goods they steal with bananas which would come as quite a surprise. One can also enjoy the Kecak or monkey dance held every evening for an hour in the Uluwatu temple. One can also enjoy the numerous rock and cave formations beneath.

Pura Besakih

One of the most famous temples of the island, Pura Besakih or the Mother Temple of Besakih is also the holiest and largest temple of Bali’s Agama Hindu Dharma. It is sacred for the Balinese and also a great area with scenic views all around including the ocean and the volcano. The temple is made of lava stone of dark color. The real glory of the temple can be witnessed during its annual birthday festival called the Odalan festival when thousands of Hindus from all over Bali and other places flock to this destination.

Mythology and History of the temple

Pura Besakih is considered to have originally been founded as a Buddhist shrine in the 8th century AD. The local ruler Kesari Warmadewa is credited to have built the main parts of the temple two centuries later. Interestingly, during festivals, certain parts of the temple are closed for non Hindus. A priest and worshipper of Shiva called Sri Markandeya was said to have founded a temple at the spot. The name of the temple finds references to Hindu Mythology where the snake Vasuki rolls around the Mandhara Mountain during Sagarmanthana or churning the Ocean of Milk. The temple is also supposed to be built to maintain the cosmos balance by the king who has also ordered the Selonding Temple construction within the complex along with the Blanjong Monument construction in Sanur village.

A massive volcanic eruption of Mt. Agung had taken place in 1963 had killed couple of thousand people but amazingly, the lava flow had missed the temple complex which was just a few meters away.

Location of the temple

Besakih temple is located amidst a beautiful tropical landscape setting at the foot of the Mt. Agung (Gunung Agung), the volcano which erupted as recently as 1973 and forming a majestic backdrop to the temple. The temple complex has an aura being located on the slopes of an active volcano in Eastern Bali. It is 2 hours away from the Bali International Airport located in the Besakih village in Rendang, Karangasem Regency. You can visit the temple from Ubud, a 2 hour journey to the north east. This trip could also include Kintamani where you can view the volcano and Batur lake.

Temple Design and Architecture

The entire complex has 22 temples sitting on parallel ridges. The flights of stairs and the stepped terraces are part of an ascent to many gateways made of bricks and many courtyards too. These finally lead to the main spire or Meru structure called the Pura Penataran Agung. Interestingly, the entire complex is built around a central single axis leading the upward spiritual evolution towards the sacred. There are 5 temples opened up by the candi bentar or a split gate. Each of temples is separated by lava walls. Each of the temple precincts has merus which vary in number of tiers, the tallest having 7. The vast courtyard has shrines of Trishakti, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Apart from the annual birthday festival, the Eka Dasa Rudra is another important festival that is celebrated once in every 100 years.

We cannot deny the fact that sports have become a part of our lives. It is proven by the huge amount of the people who are keen on sports. There is also big amount of the people who live from sports such as the athletes. It is because sports are fun, entertaining, and make the body healthy. Sports can also be used to hold some tournaments. We all know that there are some sport championships which are held and some of them are high class championship. Let us take the example of football’s World Cup which is held every four years. Once the World Cup is held, almost all eyes in this world are focusing on the tournament. However, the world class tournament is not only limited in football. There are some other sport kinds which also have their own world class tournament. Well, at this point, we will be talking about a card game, which is also called as card sport, called bridge.

The latest information says that the next World Bridge Championship 2013 will be held in Bali. That is the announcement which was made by The Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (GABSI). Well, the association also said that this world class bridge championship will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, in late 2013. The association, which was represented by its secretary general, Bert Toar Polli, also added that it is expected that 66 teams from 135 countries will be joining the championship. Of course, since this championship is a world class level, there will be countless prestige. There will be three main trophies which are going to be given to the winner which are varied from the Bermuda Bowl trophy, Venice Cup, and also D’Orsi Cup. As for the delegation for Indonesia as the host of this tournament, Bert said that there will be 18 athletes who will be joining this event. He also said that the 18 athletes will be chosen by considering the achievement of the athletes during the upcoming South East Asia Games or commonly known as SEA Games which will be held in Palembang and Jakarta. Thus, the SEA Games will be the event for the bridge athletes from Indonesia to show their competence and skill in bridge so that they can be chosen to take part in the World Bridge Championship 2013.

In the SEA Games itself, Bert also said that Indonesia is targeting to get five gold medals from the nine gold medals which are offered. “It will be great if we can gain more than the targeted”, he said. Bert said that he was quite confident that the athletes can get the target by considering that Indonesian bridge team is one of the best in Asia. As the proof, one of the athletes has won the first price in the ASIAN Championship in Bangkok which was hold in the last November. Well, as the host of the World Bridge Championship 2013, Bert also said that the association and the country are ready to make sure that the championship will be held properly without any problem.

Situated on the riverside, the Badung Traditional Market, well know with “Pasar Badung” is the epicenter of shopping and is far more interesting that many Chinese style shops and department stores around.

History

In the past Denpasar was Kabupaten Badung’s capital city. This was what gave the logical name of Pasar Badung to the traditional market. The name has stuck although the administration of the city of Denpasar has long been separated from that of Kabupaten Badung. The market was inaugurated on 24th April 1984 by the Governor of Bali Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra. Under the then governor of Bali, Dewa Made Berata, the traditional market was repaired and revamped after a fire had destroyed it partially. The traditional market is flooded with people before important holidays like Galungan, Nyepi and Kuningan.

How to Get to the market

The market is bordered by the Jalan Gajah Mada, Denpasar’s main road on the north, Jalan Sumatra on the east, Jalan Hasanuddin on the south and Jalan Bukit Tunggal on the west. From the international airport or Kuta, you have to drive on Jl. Imam Bonjol to get to the Badung Market. The drive would be in the direction of Denpasar. You have to go straight until you get a turn at the Gajah Mada where you have to turn right. A huge building with lot of activity all around it marks the traditional market area. It may take over 15 minutes if you are visiting from Kuta. You can also check out the Kumbasari market on the other side of the river, which houses some smaller traders. This market is a round the clock market that operates 24 hours. The morning market starts at 5 am in the morning and closes at 5 pm in the evening. The evening market opens at 5pm in the evening and closes at 5 am in the morning. The Senggol Market (Pasar Senggol) in Kumbasari, across the river opens at 2 pm and closes at 11 pm.

Major Attractions

The Badung traditional market or Pasar Badung which has been in place since the 19th century is just a kilometer away from the palace of Badung which is now the Bali museum and city square. Traditional as it is, you can find almost everything traditional related to Bali in these markets. From daily use items to sale stuff and also garlands and flowers for ceremonies, one can find everything at the Badung Traditional market.

On the ground floor you can see older Balinese women selling snack foods made of ground chilly and vegetables. The first floor of the building is for meat, fish, vegetables and fish. The upper floors of the building are reserved for traditional Balinese and Muslim attire, spices, ceremonial equipment for traditions like baskets, sarongs, umbrellas etc. This is a good spot for visitors to peep into Bali traditions. You can also find cutlery and jewelry here. Other products that you can find in the market include, kitchen tools from Java including blenders, wooden spoons, screens etc., farming tools, coconut leaves, yam, coffee, basketry, poultry products, clothes etc, articles that come from various directions to be sold in the traditional market.

Pasar Badung

The Bumbu Bali restaurants is one of the most well know restaurants providing authentic Balinese food. As the name indicates, even the setting is influenced largely by Balinese architecture. Since the doors of the restaurant were opened in 1997, it has won several awards and has been selected by the readers of Miele Guide as one of the top 5 restaurants in Indonesia and recognized as the leading Balinese Restaurant in Bali.

Location of the Restaurant

This restaurant is located in Jl.Pratama in Tanjung Benoa in Nusa Dua. An area well known a haven for water sport lovers, offering a broad range of water-based activities like Jet Ski, Banana Boat, Fly Fish, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Fishing, Glass Bottom Boat and Diving.

Upholding Balinese Tradition

An amazing thing about this restaurant is that delectable creations and virtually unknown Balinese cuisines that use spiced flavors can be enjoyed at this authentic Balinese restaurant. Exotic ingredients that characterize the unique cultural heritage of Bali find place in the kitchens of this wonderful restaurant. Some amazing recipes include Nasi Goreng Mawut or fried rice with noodles, Lawar Gedang or green papaya salad, Ayam Betutu or roasted chicken in banana leaf, Base Gede or basic spice paste, Kuah Siap or chicken stock, Nasi Kuning or yellow rice, Pesan wong or mushroom in banana leaf, Kambing Mekuah or lamb stew with cardamom and Sate Ayam which is chicken sate. The restaurant is now spreading its tradition through cooking classes for other food enthusiasts.

The Menu

Some of the most delectable creations of this Balinese restaurant are traditional items cooked in a style true to its origins. These include slow roasted chickens and ducks in banana leaves, wonderfully and freshly grilled seafood, soups made from banana stems, mushrooms, green papayas, Balinese cakes with wonderful modifications, tropical fruits, black rice pudding etc. Some of the best dishes have inspired many books such as Bali Unveiled: Secrets of Balinese Cuisine, Feast of Flavors from the Balinese Kitchen and Street food of Bali. In a way the menu represents all sorts and forms of traditional dishes and ceremonial preparations that one is likely to witness in their tour of the tropical island. The varieties presented at this Balinese restaurant will open the world of Balinese cuisines and everything that you can smell and taste in the form of food in one place. Heinz von Holzen with several acclaimed publications about Balinese cuisines and the food guru of Ritz Carlton hotels and the Grand Hyatt is the godfather of this restaurant too.

Cooking Classes

The Bumbu Bali restaurant is also popular for offering cooking classes for as many 12 students on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 80 dollars. The class starts with a visit to the vegetable market, fish market and finally handing out of the menus and recipes after a coffee break. Participants will learn to make such traditional Bali dishes as Sate Lilit or minced seafood sates, Base be Pasih or Spice paste for seafood, Base Gede or basic spice paste, Nasi Goreng Mawut or fried rice with noodles, Nasi kuning or yellow rice, Ayam Betutu or roasted chicken in banana leaf, Kambing Mekuah or lamb stew with cardamom and many other recipes using pork, tomatoes, shredded chicken, marinated fish and braised lambs.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Tirta Gangga means the sacred water from the Ganges. It is the name of a village in East Bali and also the name of the water palace built in 1946 by the king of Karangasem, by the name Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Even to this date Tirta Gangga belongs to the royal family of Karangasem. Known for its extreme rural beauty, the place holds a special place of reverence for the Hindu Balinese people. The water garden incorporates a unique architecture with Balinese and Chinese styles.

Reaching Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga Water Palace is located in the Abang district in Ababi village. It is very easy to reach Tirta Gangga. The place is 83 km of Denpasar. Those arriving at Ngurah Rai International airport will find that Denpasar is very close to the airport. It is a 3 hour journey from Denpasar to Tirta Gangga. There is a large bus station in Denpasar and a lot of buses ply between the two places regularly. Besides Tirta Gannga is just 6 km from Amlapura which means a 10 minute bus ride form the place. It is also a common side trip from the resort towns along the coast like Candidasa and Amed. One can use the public buses or charter the buses from nearby towns such as Karangasem or even from Candidasa. The road route to Tirta Gangga, for those who are driving themselves, is also very easy to figure out.

Tirta Gangga Attractions

The Water palace
The king had built a magnificent complex measuring around 1.2 hectares studded with a maze of pools. The palace was destroyed in the 1963 eruption of Mount Batur but has been amazingly restored to its original royal grandeur. The palace’s centerpiece has two beautiful pools and an 11 tiered water fountain along with many sculptures and carvings. The palace also has the rest house of the kind and another complex full of swimming pools where one can enjoy themselves in the royal baths. The place is also called “embukan” or spring water by many people as there was a spring in the area before the palace was built. This spring is considered to be very religious and sacred because it was also used to wash the Gods.

Scenic Attractions
The rural area of Tirta Gangga is full of some stunning views that include rice paddy terraces, hills and at some points even the sea in the distance, situated as it is on a high ridge. One can enjoy the sunrise and sunset views too and bask in the old Balinese culture. The Lempunyang Temple is another attraction in the area situated 10km from Tirta Gangga. The temple is one amongst 9 directional temples in Bali. The upper part of the temple is closed, although a Balinese driver could arrange with the priest to have it opened for you.

The predecessor of the king who built Tirta Gangga had constructed another water palace called Taman Ujung, which isn’t as beautiful as Tirta Gangga but is worth a visit. Tirta Gangga is also a great area for trekkers and photographers.