|
The Regency is just west of
Badung, stretching from the coastline of massive black rocks
up to the central mountains. Tabanan is an unspoilt of Bali
which is also richly fertile, containing the best agricultute
and a place to give peace and prosperity to their villagers.
In the northwest is a dense forest, part of the wild and natural
park. Before the dutch took control over Tabanan , the kingdom
was ruled by Ngurah Agung Tabanan, who died in 1903, after
having ruled the Regency since 1844. He left two wives, brought
up in an old tradition that declared that they would commit
" Suttee " at the cremation seven months later.
The two old women , beautifully dressed in white, walked along
specially constructed bamboo paths. At the time, the Dutch
Resident declared that this was the last " Suttee"
allowed , though the tradition did continue covertly for a
while afterwards.
MT. BATUKARU
This 2,278 meters peak towers over the local landscape, and
strongly influence local spiritual beliefs. All local temples
have a shire dedicated to the spirit of the "coconut
shell " mountain , and high on its slopes is the public
( Kayangan Jagat )
Temple of pura Luhur Watukaru.
BEDUGUL
In the center highland of Bali is the serene mountain area
of Bedugul. Here , vegetables, fruits, and flowers thrive
in the alpine climate , and a colorful litte market at Bukit
Mungsu offers a wide selectionof produce including exotic
wild orchids, roses, and colorful birds. There is a large
botanical garden nearby. At Pancasari, an 18 - hole championship
golf course has been developed, with all the facilities to
suit golfing lovers. At Lake Beratan, the area's climate is
refreshing after being in the heat of the lowlands. Bratan
Lake, approximately 60 kilometers from Denpasar ( to the north
), also provides exciting surrounding, with cool fresh mountain
air .
ALAS KEDATON
Located about 20 km north of Tanah Lot temple. This forest
is inhabited by hundreds of monkey that live amicably. There
is a temple where one find something unique happens. It is
when a ritual ceremony held there, no one is allowed to use
any kind of fire offering equipment, such as incense and candle.
Tens of big bats dwell on the tips of leaves of big trees
attract the visitors who come there.
TANAH LOT
Carved out of the landscape by tides, wind, and rain , the
huge offshore sentinel rock of Tanah Lot supports a small
picturesque sea temple which can be reached by a scramble
over the wet rocks. These are reputed to be several large
caves just below the water line, at the base of the rock ,
which shelter large sea snakes, who are the guardians of the
temple.
KRAMBITAN
The village of Krambitan, southwest of Tabanan, was once an
extension of the ruling Raja's court and is still a cultural
stronghold, with music groups maintaining ancient custom of
music and dance, using bamboo instruments.
JATILUWIH
Approximately 20 kilometers from Tabanan, the road climbs
up high into the hills to a small village named Jatiluwih.
With a height of 850 meters above sea level, the view here
is one of the finest imagineable. Bali's terraced paddy fields
stretch into endless contours over the hills and valleys as
far as the eye can see.
The main place to stay in Tabanan
is the mountain resort of Bedugul, famed for its cool climate
and spectacular lakes, mountains and rice fields. Penebel
offers hot springs with modern facilities. Krambitan is the
place for an unusual stay in a royal palace. Tabanan's west
coast is being developed as Bali's newest beach resort-with
miles of deserted black sand and a pounding surf. Prices in
US dollars. AC = Air conditioning. Telephone codes as noted.
Bali - Bedugul
A pleasant climate, splendid
views, water sports on scenic Lake Bratan, botanical gardens,
fresh tropical fruits and vegetables-these are but a few of
the things Bedugul offers. Located 1,500 m above sea level,
it gets chilly by late afternoon, so bring your sweater. This
is a favorite weekend retreat for Jakartans and the local
Balinese bourgeoisie.
Getting to know Bedugul
Bedugul's layout can be somewhat
confusing, especially if you arrive in late afternoon after
the clouds have descended. Coming from the south, there are
two signposts to watch out for: "Bedugul 0.2 km"
and "Bedugul." One might expect to find the village
here, but instead the road turns sharply to the left, with
a smaller road leading off to the right. The latter leads
to the Bedugul Hotel on the southwestern shore of the lake.
The main road continues past
a number of hotels on the left until it reaches the village
of Bedugul proper. Here you find shops, a few restaurants,
a bank, telephone office (wartel, a market selling local produce
(including flowers, coffee and vanilla) and a lane leading
up to the botanical gardens (Kebun Raya).
Beyond the village the road
descends towards the lake, turning left at the Ashram Hotel.
The road then continues north to Candi
Kuning. On the right hand side
is the entrance to the Pura Ulun Danu and other temples. A
line of souvenir shops indicates the way. A fee of Rpl,000
is required to enter the temple.
The walk from Bedugul market
to the Ashram Hotel takes about 10 minutes. The temples on
the shore are another 10 minutes further on. From the market
to the entrance of the botanical gardens takes about 15 minutes
on foot.
How to get to Bedugul
Bedugul is situated on the main
road connecting north and south Bali. It is the perfect place
to stop for a night on an island tour. Rent a car and explore
the area at you own pace.
If you are going by public transport,
catch a bemo from Ubung terminal in Denpasar to Bedugul for
Rp3,000. The fare is the same from Singaraja. The nicest way
to get around Bedugul is on foot in the invigorating mountain
air. Or charter a bemo, carrying up to seven persons, for
about $10-$20 a day.
The High Read to Bedugul
Most people traveling between
the highland resorts of Kintamani and Bedugul travel the circuitous
route via Singaraja and the north coast to get from one to
another. An alternative route, used by very few people, leads
south through the mountains, offering spectacular scenery
and a close look at the vanilla and coffee producing area
of the island.
The road is good enough for
cars or motorbikes, although there are several places where
deep potholes make driving fast a big risk. It's best is to
allow half a day for the route between Kintamani and Luwus,
where you meet the main road between Denpasar and Bedugul.
This way you can stop along the way, have a coffee in one
of the villages and enjoy a leisurely ride.
From Kintamani, follow the main
road north until just beyond Penulisan and the Tegeh Koripan
temple. Take the small road that branches off to the left
towards Belantih village. Continue west past Belantih to Lampu
and the neighboring village of Catur,
where the road bends south.
Lawak village marks the beginning of the vanilla-growing region
where the harvest can often be seen drying in shelters.
After Belok (keep right) head
for Pelaga. Just before the village there's a sharp right
turn which leads to a shortcut west to Lake Bratan. Not many
Balinese expose their vehicles to this road though, as chances
of ruining them or at least getting stuck are pretty high.
Another reason to avoid the shortcut and continue south is
that the best has yet to come.
Beyond Pelaga and Kiadan, the
elevated area around Nungkung and Sandakan is extremely beautiful.
A bit further ahead lies the Islamic village of Angan Tiga
with it's small mosque. The next village, Kerta, has a police
post and even a bank. Past the bank take the right turn to
Bedugul (the road continues straight to Denpasar which is
only 32 km away). The stretch of road between Kerta and Luwus
via Peria is extremely bad. In Luwus you reach the main road.
Turn right for Bedugul or left for Mengwi and Denpasar. |
|
Eating in Bedugul
There are only a few restaurants
in Bedugul but they do cover a wide price range. Opposite
the road leading up to the botanical gardens, on a right hand
bend, there are three small eating places serving cheap meals
from 6 am to 7 pm. A good meal costs around $1. Try the ferns
(sayur pakul at Ananda I. Friendly service.
There are good restaurants in
the main hotels: The Bedugul Hotel's restaurant by the lake
serves meals costing around $7. Try the Chinese food at Pacung,
especially their crab fried rice (nasi goreng kepiting). The
Bali Handara's Kamandalu Restaurant is more up market. Strawberry
Hill serves tasty Indonesian favorites, soups, fresh salads,
steaks, and fish. On chilly days and evenings savor a drink
at Bedugul's only bar beside a log fire. Managed by the owners
of Poppies in Kuta.
Indonesian food is available
in front of Ulun Danu temple in small food stalls-not recommended
for those with sensitive stomachs.
Overlooking the temple and a
big banyan tree is the Perama Tea House, a small restaurant
by the lake. The open-air patio is a pleasant spot for a refreshing
cup of tea. Try their pisang bakar Candikuning grilled banana
with grated cheese on top.
Ayam Bakar Taliwang Bersaudara
is just before the famous Ulun Danu temple and has a view
over the temple and the lake. A favorite with locals. The
spicy hot dishes from Lombok are just right for the cold weather.
Order the sate or tofu if you don't like food too spicy. $4.
Jember Indah is on the higher slopes just outside Bedugul.
Cheap east Javanese food and beautiful views down to the sea.
Try the soto Madura for $4. Minang Saiyo, in front of Candi
Kuning market, sells spicy Sumatran Padang fare.
gain-don't feel reluctant to
offer half the asking price. Also available are fresh flowers,
including wild orchids and a number of other ornamental plants.
Some small shops selling souvenir
crafts are found around Pura Ulun Danu and the lake. Shops
in the Bedugul Hotel compound sell film.
Bedugul Activities -
watersports
A range of water sports are
available next to the Ulun Danu temple and at the lakeside
hotels such as Bedugul and Lila Graha. The usual rates, including
insurance, are as follows:
Motorboat $20 for 30 mins.
Covered Boat $20 for 30 mins.
Water cycle $20 for 15 mins.
Rowboat $15 for 30 mins.
Bali - Munduk
The village of Munduk, actually
in the Buleleng administrative regency, is located on a ridge
along the mountain road leading from
Wanagiri, just north of Pancasari
to Mayong, some 25 km south of Singaraja as the crow flies.
Overlooking coffee and clove plantations, the area comprises
the pristine Lake Tamblingan with its traditional fishing
community, as well as nearby forests, waterfalls and some
of the most beautiful views on the island.
Munduk is a perfect base for
treks into the mountainous Balinese hinterland. You can walk
to Mt. Lesong (1,860 m), around Lake Tamblingan or visit the
area's five waterfalls.Munduk is the center for an innovative
community tourism development project. The village, which
has strong links with the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute
in Nusa Dua, has set up a number of activites for visitors,
centered around Puri Lumbung Cottages (see below).
Munduk Village
Go from Bedugul to the Pancasari
bemo termnal for Rp1000, then take a bemo to Munduk for Rp.
l,500. Alternatively hop on the bemo at the Pempatan crossing.If
you hire a car or motorbike, drive cautiously on the road
down to Munduk-it's steep and treacherous.
Bali - Jatiluwih and
Penebel
Please click here for Tabanan - Jatiluwih Accommodation
The hot springs of Penebel and the rice terraces of Jatiluwih
make the slopes of the Mount Batukau (2,276 m) well worth
visiting.These areas are most easily reached by bemo from
Tabanan or Mengwi in the south via Pacung. The village of
Blayu, just north of Mengwi, is worth a stop-off for those
interested in handicrafts. It is famous throughout Bali for
weaving and woodcarving.Soka Restaurant in Jatiluwih serves
good Indonesian and Chinese food for $10.
Tanah Lot Bali
Shortly before Tabanan on the
main highway from Denpasar a signboard directs you southwest
to Tanah Lot. Alternative access if north of Legian, turning
west toward Canggu, following the signs to Tanah Lot. There
are a number of shops and restaurants nearby. Tourists congregate
at this Balinese landmark by the busloads at sunset.
Eating in Tanah Lot
Recommended are Dewi Sinta Restaurant
at the hotel of the same name and Bali Lestari Restaurant.
Several upscale dining outlets are at Le Meriden Resort and
Nirwana Golf Club.
Shopping Numerous outlets surround
the entrance to the temple in organized market fashion. Aside
from the usual Balinese souvenirs, clothing and novelties,
there are the Polo Ralph Lauren outlet and a BDFS (Bali Duty
Free Shop) offering counterfeit branded goods. There are film
outlets and money changers. Mertha Ayu, further inland, has
dry goods. Golf Nirwana Bali Golf Club is an 18-hole, par
71, Greg Norman designed course, opened in 1997. The course
winds among active rice fields, a dozen family temples, the
resort hotel and residential villas, with views of Tanah Lot
from several holes. Two holes shoot from cliff top to cliff
top across the Indian Ocean. The membership course is open
to resort guests. Visitors may play at management's discretion.
Dances Kecak dances are held
near the temple gate on an irregular basis. Call Dewi Sinta
Hotel to confirm 6.30 performance.
Bali - Krambitan
Located to the southwest of Tabanan, Krambitan is a small
town which was once the center of a small principality. Its
court culture is retained in the area's particular styles
of dance and painting. A branch of the current Tabanan royal
family owns the two palaces here.The main attraction here,
besides the quiet, everyday village life, is to order your
own dinner and calonarang trance play performance in one of
the palaces, which also offers rooms for rent. The whole village
participates in these shows," and members of the royal
family welcome you as their guests.
Krambitan
To get there, continue
west from Tabanan until you see an intersection and a road
to the left with a sign indicating "Krambitan 5 km."
|
