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This is the smallest Regency,
lying east of Gianyar. It covers only 121 square kilometers,
including three island : Nusa Penida , Lembongan and Ceningan.
Depsite its size , its influence on Balinese culture has been
powerful. It was here, at the shadow of the holy Volcano Agung
, that the princes and priests of Majapahit gathered in 1343
to continue the kingdom by setting up " Kraton "
in Samprangan, but within a couple of generations , they moved
to Gelgel and then to Klungkung , in 1710. In the 16th century
, the Gods smiled on Gelgel, when Dalem Baturenggong reached
an impressive political and cultural achievement to earn His
"golden age ".
BUKIT JAMBUL
On the way to the mount Batur, Kintamani , there is a stopover
with its very enchanting scenery,located parallel to the hill,
rice fields and the sea in distance. Restaurants are also
available there.
GOA LAWAH
About 43 kilometers east of Denpasar, one of the most sacred
temples in Bali, which was built in the 11th century by the
high priest "Empu Kuturan". Inside the temple, one
will find a natural cave inhabited by thousand of bats hanging
down from ceiling, flying around, and singing as well as holy
python snakes that often appear around the cave.
KERTHA GOSA
These pavilions, built in the 18th century, are located at
the main road intersection side of the town of klungkung,
40 kilometers northeast of Denpasar. They are especially known
for their ceiling murals, painted in the traditional "Wayang"
style, depicting punishments in hell for miscreants, and higher
up on the ceilings you will find the rewards in heaven for
those that have led a good and honest life.
NUSA LEMBONGAN
This small island is one of the most a popular destinations
for day trippers from Bali. The tripscan takes about one and
two hours from the Badung Strait, depending on whether you
sail or motor boat. One of the main attractions of the island
is diving and snorkeling, with amazing corals and tropical
colourful fishes, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches.
Lembongan's large neighbouring island, Nusa Penida has a somewhat
more ominous reputation and less popular.
Called Klungkung for many years,
the name of this city was changed in the early '90s to Semarapura,
the original and more regal name. This former royal capital
is one of the busiest towns in eastern Bali and the main transit
point for bemos and minibuses en route to Pura Besakih and
points east-Padangbai, Candidasa and Amlapura. Bemos cost
around Rp.500 from Klungkung to any of these places.
Prices in US dollars. Telephone code is 0366.
The Tourist Information Office
on JI. Diponegoro, Phone 21448, is open 7am-1.45 pm, Mon Thurs,
until 10 am on Fri and until noon on Sat. Loji Ramayana Palace
Hotel J I. Diponegoro. 9 rooms. The new rooms are clean with
private showers and sit-down toilets; the ones in the back
are simple with shared showers and squat toilets. The restaurant
serves Chinese food. $9.50-$16. Across the street and 20 m
west is Cahaya Pusaka, JI. Diponegoro 135. rooms facing the
garden are nicer. $7-$8. Bali Indah and Sumber Rasa right
next to it on JI. Nakula are the only proper restaurants in
town. Good Chinese food.
The post office is at JI. Surapati,
Phone 21010. There is a wartel on JI. Diponegoro, Phone 21500.
Buy essentials at the Tragia supermarket, JI. Batukaru, The
only place for souvenirs is Kamasan village, south of Klungkung.
Painters still produce traditional works in the so-called
wayang style here. Ask for Nyoman Mandra, or any of his pupils. |
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Modern painter
I Nyoman Gunarsa has opened a museum with his own collection
of traditional Balinese painting, sculptures and antiques:
Museum Seni Klasilk Gunarsa, Beng, Takmung, Klungkung, Also
on display are his own energetic works, usually with dance
themes. Look for the huge building with the billboard on the
top on the north side of the road. Open 9 am-4 pm, daily except
Mon.
There's an astonishing view
just north of Klungkung (actually in the Karangasem regency)
at Bukit Jambul. There are two Bukit Jambul Garden Restaurants
at the best spots, across the road from each other. $10 for
lunch. Another great setting at the Puri Boga Restaurant just
above these two.
The Nusa Islands Bali
Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and
Nusa Lembongan. These three unspoiled islands are southeast
of Bali. Boats ply the routes to the islands from Sanur and
Benoa (south Bali), Padangbai and Kusamba (east Bali). Most
leave by 9-10 am. When travelling from Padangbai, it is advisable
to overnight in Candidasa or Padangbai.
There are different take-off
points depending on your destination. If you are heading to
Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan, where most of the losmen are,
then leave from Sanur, Benoa or Kusamba. If you are going
to Toya Pakeh on Nusa Penida, leave from Kusamba or Padangbai.
You will have to wade through
the water to get on and off the boat and you may get splashed
during the crossing. Pack everything in plastic bags and keep
a raincoat or poncho handy.
At certain times of the year
the sea can be treacherous, full of strong currents and even
whirlpools. Ask locally. During these periods, the voyage
is not advisable in a small jukung and it's safer to take
one of the large excursion boats leaving Benoa. Another problem
is pricing: the fare is low for locals, but for tourists it's
$7.
Klungkung ? How ?
From Padangbai. Be there early
and register on the beachfront east of the main pier. Boats
leave from 7 am-2 pm.
From Kusamba. Take small jukung
on the beach, 100 m from the market. When local traders book
all the boats it's difficult to sail from here.
From Sanur. Boats seating 50
leave from the beach at the end of JI. Raya Sanur, next to
The Grand Bali Beach Hotel and take you to Jungut Batu on
Nusa Lembongan in an hour. Departure: 7-8 am. Boat with two
80 HP engines, life jackets and radio communication is operated
by Yayasan Pembangunan Desa Sanur Kaja.
From Benoa. Join a day-trip
tour on a yacht. Contact Bali Camar, the Bali International
Yacht Club, Bali Adventure Club, Banina Watersport or any
of the companies mentioned in Sanur practicalities. $70-$90
include diving and depend on the condition of the vessel and
facilities.
Bali Hai Cruises has daily cruises
to Nusa Lembongan. The Beach Club Cruise (9 am-4.30 pm) features
swimming and a barbecue lunch at a private club. ($75). On
the Reef Cruise (9.30 am-4 pm) the boat ties up to a pontoon
in the bay so passengers can play all day. ($90).
WakaLouka yacht sails to Lembongan
daily from Benoa at 9 am, returning at 6 pm. $88, includes
buffet lunch and use of WakaNusa Resort facilities. Diving
available at $45 per dive.
Nusa Penida. In Toya Pakeh,
take a bemo to Sampalan terminal (Rp2,000) where you can charter
another bemo for an island tour ($20 unless you are very good
at bargaining). To go to Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan either
charter a jukung($10) or take a public jukung (Rp5,000).
Nusa Lembongan. Hire a trail
bike from Jungut Batu for a tour of the island for $7.50/day.
The price is high because there are no bemos. Cross the new
bridge to get to Nusa Ceningan. Bird-watchers should check
out the cliffs there. |
