Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is a beautiful park with the huge water fountain and wide pond located at Abang Sub-district, Karangasem Regency in east part of Bali. Tirta Gangga Park is built in the year of 1948 by the Karangasem King of Anak Agung Agung Angluerah Ketut Karangasem. Before this park is found, there is big wellspring found in this area which the local society believe that this water come from the land is holy spring therefore they call this place is Embukan means wellspring. According to the local believe that this wellspring functioning as a bath place for the god and also used as drinking water for the local community from the nearest village. Therefore this wellspring is sacrificed by local people and keeps the park naturally. The King of Karangasem has got an idea to improve this park into a good looking and nowadays, it becomes one of the famous tourist destinations in east part of Bali.

Tirta Gangga literally means water from the Ganges and it is a site of some reverance for the Hindu Balinese. Strictly, the name refers to the water palace built here in 1946 by the King of Karangasem. It is though widely used to refer to the general area which includes the water palace and some particularly stunning rural areas around.

The primary draw in this area for visitors is the Tirta Gangga water palace, a lovely maze of pools and fountains surround by a lush garden and stone carvings and statues. The one hectare complex was built in 1946 by the late King of Karangsem but was destroyed almost entirely by the eruption of nearby Mount Agung in 1963. It has been lovingly re-built and restored and has an air of authentic royal magnificence. The centrepiece of the palace is an eleven tiered fountain, and there are many beautiful carvings and statues adorning the gardens. This is a great spot to unwind and it has a real atmosphere of old Bali. You can bathe in the pools for a small charge which is additional to the Rp 6,000 entrance fee.

The area around Tirta Gangga holds some stunning rice paddy terraces. Those postcard pictures of Bali rice terraces which you have all seen are usually from photographs taken here.

Lempuyang Temple (Pura Lempuyang Luhur) is about 10 km east of Tirtagangga on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. This is one of the key nine directional temples on the island. Park in the car park and walk up the steps to the temple. The lower temple is always open but the upper temple (at the top of the dragon staircases) is often locked, so it is best to go with a Balinese driver who will usually be able to arrange for the temple priest to open it up for you. It's situated high up a mountain and there are magnificent sunset views at dusk.

Taman Ujung to the southeast of Karangasem (Amlapura) is another water palace built by the predecessor of the King who constructed Tirta Gangga. It must be said that it is rather inferior, but still a charming attraction and worth a visit. Taman Ujung was built in 1909 as a relaxation and recreation palace by the then King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik. It was largely destroyed by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, damaged again by an earthquake in 1979, and has not been restored on the same scale as Tirta Gangga. You do get a sense of how lovely it must have been though. From Tirta Gangga, head back south to Karangasem and then take the minor road south east to the village of Ujung. Taman Ujung is another 2 km past the village, very close to the coast. If you are staying in Tirta Gangga or Candidasa, you will certainly be offered tours which include Taman Ujung.

History:
Tirtagangga water garden was built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. This water garden was constructed in a very unique architecture of Balinese and Chinese styles.

A Magical Wellspring in East of Bali

Tirta Gangga Park is also featured by the wide public pool with the cool and clean water where it can be used by everyone who visiting this place. It is situated on the foot Abang Hill with cool temperature in particular night time or morning time. The lush tropical garden are well surround the park and big fish ponds are running away at another ponds to give the impression for every tourist who pay a visit to this beautiful park. Some buildings and other decorations are intentionally made as according to the spirit from Puri Agung Karangasem (Agung Karangasem Palace), so it can be said that between Tirta Gangga Park and Sukasada Park (Taman Sukasada) which is located at Ujung countryside is a union.

How to Find Tirta Gangga?

Tirta Gangga is strategically located beside of the main strait from Karangasem to Singaraja Town and it is just 20 minutes from the local town or 2 hours and 15 minutes from Denpasar Town. You may also join the exciting tour to the east part of Bali that we call it by Karangasem Tour and you will discover many places of interest in east part of Bali including Tirta Gangga.

Accommodation

Tirta Gangga has been appointed as a tourist destination and some of the hotels have been built close to this place in particular at Candidasa Village like: Puri Bagus Candidasa, Candi Beach Cottage, Alila Manggis, Rama Candidasa and Lotus Bungalow .

Location:
Tirtagangga is situated at Ababi village, Abang District. It is about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura to the north.

Facility:
Facilities available in this area are small hotels, small restaurants and food stalls, art shops and a parking area lot.

Description:
Tirtagangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which consists of three complexes. The first complex lies on the lowest level of this area, where we can find two ponds and a water tower. The second complex in the middle level is the location where we can find swimming pools; while in the third part, which is the main complex, we can find the rest house of the King.

Before the construction of the water garden, there was a big spring water in this area. Therefore people surrounding the area called this place "embukan" which means spring water.

The spring water was then functioned to fulfil the people's need of water and also for the "purification" of the Gods (Ida Betara). For this case, the spring water is recognised to be holy and sacred.

The religious to construct this tranquil water garden for his rest house and also for the people's function and the cool climate of this area, plus the fascinating view around, inspired the kingleisure and pleasure.

There are several budget accommodation options alongside the main road both south and north of Tirta Gangga. Look for the signs.

• Cabe Bali, Temega village (about 1.5 km south of the water palace), ☎ +62 363 22045,. Delightful bungalows in a very rural Balinese setting. Great gardens and a public swimming pool. German owned and managed. From Rp 700,000.

• Dhangin Taman Inn, (right by the entrance to the water palace), ☎ +62 363 22059. Basic rooms aimed at the budget traveller. From Rp 90,000.

• Kusama Jaya Inn, ☎ +62 363 21250. Budget acommodation just to the north of the water palace. From Rp 90,000.

• The Villas at Tirtagangga, Tirtagangga, ☎ +62 363 21383,. Three different private villas adjoining the Water Palace. The largest of them, Villa Tirta Ayu, incorporates the former King of Karangasem's personal chambers. From US$ 120 to US$ 400.

• Tirta Ayu Hotel & Restaurant, Tirtagangga, ☎ +62 363 22503,. The only hotel located inside the famous Water Palace at Tirtagangga. The hotels award winning restaurant is elevated to take in the vista of the beautiful gardens with the crystal clear ocean in the distance. Prices from RP 800,000.-

Bedugul

Bedugul is the name used to cover a large area of the central highlands of Bali around the villages of Bedugul itself, Candikuning, Pancasari, Pacung and Wanagiri (amongst others). This is an area of great natural beauty. The focus point of the area centres on the three crater lakes of Bratan (Beratan), Buyan and Tamblingan, and the nearby botanical gardens. The whole area is at an altitude of 700 metres or more, with the tallest mountain peaks above 2,000 metres, and it can be distinctly chilly here.

This article covers the Bedugul area as well as the village of Munduk to the west, and areas between Bedugul and Mount Batukaru to the south west.

Get in

Bedugul is located about 50 km north of Denpasar on a main route from South Bali to North Bali. The area is served by regular bemos which depart from Batubulan terminal in Denpasar in the south, and from Singaraja in the north. The Perama bus company has a local office in central Bedugul at the Sari Artha Inn. A common way for visitors to appreciate this beautiful mountain region is to hire a car and driver for the day from their base in South Bali. Make sure you have a driver who knows the area well (ask questions to determine this), and fix the price for the day in advance. Depending on the class of car, expect to pay between Rp 500,000 and 600,000 including petrol. Car parking fees and any entrance charges will be extra, and it is always appreciated if you offer to buy the driver lunch.

Another option is to hire your own car and drive up here. Be sure to bring a good map though, and when in doubt, always ask locals for directions.

Get around

If you are staying in Bedugul, hiring a motorcycle is a good idea as some of the distances between areas of interest are quite long. Your hotel will be able to arrange this and you should expect to pay from Rp 50,000 to 80,000 per day.

The physically fit will enjoy mountain biking here. There are no formal taxis but you will find plenty of drivers willing and able to transport you for a fixed price.

The area is well served by local bemos, and the central gathering points for these are in and around the car park at Candikuning Market, and in the vilage of Pancasari just before you reach Lake Buyan. Be prepared for the local users to be carrying all sorts of market produce, including live chickens and other animals.

See

• Bali Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya), ☎ +62 368 21273, 8AM-6PM daily. One of Indonesia's four official botanical gardens. Located in Candikuning. The entrance road is identified by the presence of a giant stone corn on the cob statue! From the information centre buy a copy of an excellent little pamphlet called Six Self Guided Walks in the Bali Botanical Gardens and set off on your way. The gardens are huge covering some 160 hectares and any visitor with an interest in plants and trees could easily spend a whole day here. Also, an informative library and gift shop. Rp 6,000.
  
  

• Jatiluwih, (on the main Sangeh to Bedugul road turn west towards Babanan about 8 km before you reach Bedugul. Follow the Jatiluwih signs and you will reach the pay booth.). A startlingly beautiful area of verdant, terraced rice paddies nestled in the shadow of Mount Batukaru. Take your time and explore thoroughly. There are a number hikes thorough truly stunning terrain. When you have had your fill there a couple of cafes for refreshment and yet more views. In 2007 this was nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site. Rp 10,000 per person plus Rp 5,000 per car.

• Munduk Waterfall, (about 1 km west of Munduk market). These falls are impressive and really roar in the wet season. A spot that is little visited, despite being perhaps the most impressive accessible falls on the whole island. Rp 5,000.
  

• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Lake Bratan Temple), Lake Bratan, Bedugul. 7AM-5PM daily. After Tanah Lot, this is perhaps the most photographed temple on the island and is certainly one of the iconic images of Bali. The temple sits on the western shore of Lake Bratan and it can give the illusion of actually floating on the water. Built in 1633, the temple is devoted to Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu, goddess of the lake. A beautiful temple in a truly stunning setting. Rp 5,000.

Do

• Explore the mountain roads and take in the wonderful views. The area around Munduk to the west of Lake Tamblingan is especially spectacular, and you can continue the drive through Munduk village to Banyuatis and then all the way to Seririt near Lovina on the north coast.

• Play golf at Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club, +62 362 22646. At an altitude of 1,142 metres and surrounded by green mountains, crater lakes and ancient forest, this Peter Thompson designed course is considered one of the very best in Asia.

• Birdwatching is good in this area around the lakes, and in the botanical gardens where some 97 species have been officially recorded. A number of scarce montane species are to be found here.

• Water sports on Lake Bratan. Parasailing, speedboat rides and jetskis are all available if you are comfortable with polluting such a beautiful lake. The more environmentally conscious may wish to restrict their lake activities to renting a rowing boat. These are all controlled from Taman Rekreasi Bedugul (admission Rp 10,000) on the southern shore of Lake Bratan.

• Trekking in the mountains and around the lakes is very rewarding. There are regular, organised group departures from Taman Rekreasi Bedugul at Lake Bratan and the Botanical Gardens. If you require an individual guide for your own planned trek, your hotel will be able to help or ask at Taman Rekreasi Bedugul. Popular organised treks include:
  • Climbing Mount Catur (2,096m), starting at Taman Rekreasi Bedugul. This is quite a stiff climb.
  • Around Lake Tamblingan, returning by canoe. A very leisurely trek.
  • Around Jatiluwih with options from a 2 hour stroll to a stiff 8 hour trek.
  • The Munduk area is also popular and extremely scenic.
    

• Angseri hot springs lies about 20km to the south of central Bedugul. From the main market head directly south. It is well sign-posted.

• Understand the crops. Interesting crops grown in this area include coffee, vanilla, cloves and cacao. Once you know them, you will see clove trees everywhere at the side of the highland roads. There are several coffee plantations on the roads north of Lake Bratan and around Munduk.

• Bali Treetop Adventure Park, at the Botanical Gardens, +62 361 8520680,. The park includes six main circuits that stretch from tree to tree, as well as nets, Tarzan Jumps, and bridges. Each run also features "Flying Fox" zip-lines of up to 160 metres, providing heart-pounding thrills to guests as they fly through the air. Two circuits are designed for young children from 4 years old.

Buy

• Bedugul (Bukit Mungsu) Traditional Market in Candikuning. Bedugul is the highland garden of Bali, producing lots of cool climate fruits and vegetables. In the market here you can find strawberries plus a myriad of tropical fruits, vegetables, corn and orchids. This is a great place to buy exotic spices, with mixed gift packs being especially popular. There is also an art section of the market with lots of handicrafts.

• Pick your own Strawberries. There are several strawberry farms in the area. Look for signs.

Eat

Bedugul has a small but well-established Sasak community, and for that reason is known for restaurants serving the Lombok speciality Ayam Taliwang (spiced young chicken served grilled or fried). Look for restaurants with the Ayam Taliwang sign around Lake Bratan especially.

• Bedugul Lake View. 11AM-9PM. An Indonesian restaurant on the way down from the market to Lake Bratan. Serves Ayam Taliwang and other tasty local dishes.

• Ngiring Ngewedang, (from Wanagiri take the main route towards Munduk village. After you have passed Lake Tamblingan, this restaurant is located about another 1 km west on the same road and about 2 km before you reach Munduk village itself), ☎ +62 812 3807010 (info@ngiringngewedang.com),. 10AM-5PM. Very good value Indonesian food in a restaurant with views to die for. They also process local coffee beans here and will be happy to show the facility and sell you green or freshly roasted beans. An excellent option for lunch if you want to get away from the crowds in Bedugul. Highly recommended. edit

• Restaurant Batukaru, (between Mount Batukaru and Jatiluwih). 8AM-4PM daily. Must-visit restaurant if you're driving the road around Jatiluwih. It has a stunning view over the rice terraces and also a close-view rice terrace right beside it. Expect big tourist coaches to stop here in the early afternoon, but you'll most likely be the only visitors between 3PM and 4PM. There's a buffet, but you can also just order from the menu. After eating, head up stairs through the garden and taste some Balinese tea varieties free of charge (though you're expected to buy a package of Balinese tea for around Rp 80,000). About Rp 50,000 per head.

• Roti Bedugul, Candi Kuning, ☎ +62 368 21838. 8AM-6PM. Bakery in Candi Kuning famous for good quality bread, croissants and danish pastries.

• Strawberry Hill (Bukit Strobeli), 5 minutes to the south of Bedugul at the KM48 marker, ☎ +62 368 21265. 8AM-9PM. Mountain roadside restaurant serving tasty Indonesian favourites and soups, salads, chicken and burgers - and strawberries. When the air is cool, cozy up beside a real log fire. Also comfortable mid-range accommodation here.

• Strawberry Stop, (on the road betweeen Lake Bratan and Lake Buyan), ☎ +62 368 21060. 8AM-7PM. Stop by this strawberry farm for snacks, milkshakes and of course, strawberries. Unless you are brave, give the strawberry wine a very wide berth.

• Warung Anugerah (King Fried Chicken), Main Square, Candikuning. 10AM-10PM. Simple and cheap rice, but nothing special. It's the only restaurant open after 8PM on the square in Candikuning. About Rp 20,000.
• Warung Bukit Hexon, Wanagiri,. An organic food restaurant right above Buyan lake .
  

Drink

• Crackers Bar, ☎ +62 811 388697,. 9AM-8PM. Quite bizarrely, this Australian-owned sports bar and cafe is located at the back of the traditional market in Bedugul.

Sleep

All visitors should note that it does get distinctly cold here at night and that budget accomodation will not have any heating nor provide adequate blankets. Come prepared.

Pak Oles Resort, Bengkel village,. Pak Oles Resort Located about 6 km bellow Munduk village The resort was a based home of Mr. G.N. Wididana is more widely known as "Pak Oles or Mr. Oles" and his family. He had created more rooms with the concepts “learning holiday” which allow the guests to feel the village atmosphere while learning the used of EM . The resort located at the same compound with IPSA which serves as a training ground where the research and development of EM.

Budget

There are several small and affordable guesthouses in Bedugul and budget travellers often just turn up without bookings.

• Ashram Guest House, ☎ +62 362 21042. Great location for budget accommodation close to Lake Bratan. The standard is very basic though. Notable for being very cold - take a blanket! About Rp 60,000.

• Guru Ratna Homestay, Munduk (200 metres from the market in Munduk), ☎ +62 813 38526092. Charming and very good value accommodation in an atractive rural mountain setting. Consists of five colonial Dutch style houses with great valley views. Environmental concerns taken very seriously here. Rp 150,000.

• Ibu Hadi Homestay, JI Kebun Raya, Bedugul (close to the traditional market on the way down towards Lake Bratan). Basic accommodation in a three storey homestay. Small restaurant. About Rp 80,000.

• Penginapan Cempaka, (on the entrance road to the Botanical Gardens), ☎ +62 362 21042. Simple, clean guesthouse accommodation close to the entrance to the botanical gardens. Rp 70,000.

• Sari Artha Inn, ☎ +62 368 21011. Simple rooms on the main road between the market and Lake Bratan. The local Perama bus office is here. Rp 100,000.

Mid-range

• Bedugul Hotel, Taman Rekreasi, Bedugul, ☎ +62 361 26593. Rather basic hotel for the price but in a great location overlooking Lake Bratan. Can arrange treks and bicycle hire. Popular with groups of domestic tourists during holiday periods. Rp 300,000.

• Bedugul Lake View Residence, Candikuning (between Candikuning and Lake Batur). It might not look or feel like a hotel, as there is no reception or breakfast, but you can spend the night at this condo block by asking the guard. Luxury rooms, some with views on the lake. After dusk, it can be very cold in the rooms as there is no heating, but thick blankets are provided. Rp 500,000.

• Enjung Beji Resort, ☎ +62 813 37515414, . Excellent value bungalow accomodation close to the shores of Lake Bratan. From US$30.

• Bali Lakeside Villa, (info@balilakesidevilla.com),. Three bedroom holiday rental villa overlooking lake Beratan and Bedugul valley. A peaceful and relaxing location. From Rp 600,000.

• Lake Buyan Cottages, Lake Buyan, Pancasari, Bedugul, ☎ +62 362 21351. Self catering cottages on the shore of Lake Butan. About 2 km from the golf course.

• Lumbung Sari Cottages, Munduk, ☎ +62 362 92810 (info@purilumbung.com),. A gorgeous self styled eco-resort offering lumbung cottage accomodation. The size and standard of these varies as does the price you pay. Offers many outdoor and nature-based activities. Superb location in a very attractive part of Bali. From US$18 to 258.

• Pacung Indah Hotel, ☎ +62 368 21020 (contact@pacungbali.com),. In Pacung, about 10 kilometres south of Bedugul. Eight bungalows with panoramic views. From Rp 230,000.

Splurge

• Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club, ☎ +62 362 22646,. The golf and country club has hotel room and bungalow accommodation attached with spa and tennis facilities. From about US$100.

• The Kalaspa Health Retreat, Banjar Asah Panji (between Lake Tamblingan and Munduk),. Eight private luxury villas with in-house spa. From US$ 273.

• Saranam Eco Resort (Formerly known as Pacung Asri), Jalan Raya Baturiti, Br Pacung, Desa Baturiti, Kecamatan Baturiti (in Pacung, a few minutes south of Bedugul), ☎ +62 368 21038 (info@saranamresortbali.com),. Very nice valley views from this resort. A range of accommodation from standard rooms to detached bungalows. Offer a full frange of activities in the central highlands. From Rp 600,000.

Contact

The area code for Bedugul is 0368.

There is a public telephone office at Bukit Mungsu Market in Candikuning, but internet facilties are thin on the ground and your best bet is to look for for WiFi signs at local cafes.

Get out

• The north coast centres of Lovina, Singaraja and Pemuteran are easily reached from Bedugul by car, motorbike and bus.
• A journey back south to Denpasar and beyond will take 1 hour plus.
• The Jatiluwih route can easily be combined with a visit to Pura Luhur Batukaru, near Wongayagede village in the Tabanan area.

Dreamland Beach

Dreamland Beach is located on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula in South Bali and therefore only a short ride from Bali's major tourism spots. To access the beach you have to pass a gate which leads to a private Villa Park and passed the failed Pectau Graha developments. An investor confiscated local land and intended to build several hotels, private properties and a golf course. Somehow the government stopped the development and today there are numerous unfinished structures on all sides of the road.

The beach provides basic accommodation and cafes for surfers and day-trippers. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, it is also renowned for its dangerous shorebreak.

It is the site of the failed Pecatu Graha development, planned by Tommy Suharto, the corrupt youngest son of the former president Suharto.

As of 2008 this is an active building site with all the previous Warongs having been levelled for a hotel complex.

Before we actually visited Bali I have heard of a supposingly beautiful place called Dreamland Beach twice. An Australian classmate at University mentioned once that the beach is the best she has ever seen. Well I thought that this judgement definetely depended on personal preferences; but if someone from Australia, a country which has thousands of kilometres of coastline, talks about a beach in Bali, it must be somehow special. And then a colleague at work, who was actually born in Bali, mentioned that place again. Those two recommendations were reason enough for us to find and visit Dreamland Beach, whenever we would get to Bali.

After a short drive on a bumby road our cab driver parked the car. We were surprised to find this place quite crowded and a number of surfers passed us on their motorbikes. People were gathering at the beach to watch the sunset from one of the many local bars and restaurants. We had to walk down a path and stairs to reach the beach. You could spot hundreds of surfers in the water from the top of a hill waiting for the next big one. Eventhough I have tried surfing a bunch of times in Australia before and I have really enjoyed it, it did not go for a surf in Bali. Dreamland Beach is really beautiful and the azure blue water looks quite inviting, nevertheless swimming is just impossible due to the strong currents. Locals rent beach chairs for a couple of dollars and try to get you into their establishments. Eventhough Dreamland Beach was crowded at that time of the day and the stretch og beach is actually relatively short, you still got the impression that this is a totally laid back and special hangout spot for surfers and backpackers from all over the world, who happily intermingled with the locals. People just gathered to watch the surfers, have a beer and a chat and watch the sunset and the ocean. As we were still heading for the Uluwatu temple on the same evening, we unfortunately did not have more time to spend at this particularly special spot.

Dreamland Beach is beautiful

As you enter Dreamland Beach tourist area, your eyes will be enchanted by thebeauty of this beach. Hilly and rugged areas that make you look as if the lowerbeach area on the sea. Dreamland is a beach surrounded by cliffs towering andlarge rocks. When you are down the rocks and the steps to the beach, you will be dazzled byviews of rock cliffs on which there is a green pasture that is high enough. Manyforeign and local tourists who like to enjoy in the meadow area. Dreamland Beach area is also very alluring eyes. You will be captivated by awhitish brown sand, clean with a steep gully. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset orsunset on a narrow coastal area directly beneath the steep rock walls. Dreamland Sea region also has high and big waves. Therefore, many surfers like to surf on this beach. Dreamland is also one surfing destination in Bali.

Facilities at Dreamland Beach

You can rent umbrellas are provided along the beach to avoid the hot sun. If you want to swim but do not bring a change of clothes, you can buy in the tourist area of Dreamland. Once down the stairs, a line of clothing merchant will offer you their wares. Also available are several shops that sell food and drinks.

In addition, here are also available toilet facilities if you want to change clothes and shower. But the pricing is quite expensive even for just urinate in this area.

If you want to stay, at the Dreamland area there are dozens of resorts and villas that stand as a supporter of tourism that continues to bergeliat at Dreamland Beach. Some resorts and villas standing on the cliff so you can enjoy beautiful coastal scenery from the top of the cliff.

According to tour guide there, Dreamland is the only place in Bali that use of International Law. So the rules at this beach is more free. Visitors can consume alcohol or to bare-chested women on this beach without prosecution.

Dreamland Tours as Dream Land

Brown sand, clean bright white, high cliffs are beautiful, also the blue sea water, making a lot of tourists to come to the beach that once was sponsored by Tommy Suharto. Although not as famous Kuta Beach, Dreamland or "land of dreams" is expected to create more and more tourists come to this beach. Various tourism facilities became available in this region, from the villa, resort, shopping, mall, to golf courses. Yes, Dreamland Beach because of its uniqueness adds another charming coastal tourist areas on the island of Bali.
You can visit the link following media related to Dreamland Beach.

Enjoy...

Kuta Bali

Kuta is the most famous tourist places in Bali. It is famous with the spectacular white sandy beach, several of hotels from luxury and until budget hotels are available, hilarious nightlife, plenty of restaurants with international cuisine, bars, pub, Water Boom Park and shopping center. It is one stop place for holiday in Bali by offering the plenty of selection we need and make it the right place to visit on your vacation in Bali.

Kuta is administratively a district (kecamatan) and subdistrict/village (kelurahan) in southern Bali, Indonesia. A former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations. It is known internationally for its long sandy beach, varied accommodation, many restaurants and bars, and many renowned surfers who visit from Australia. It is located near Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.

Kuta was the site of the October 12, 2002 1st Bali bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 2nd Bali bombing (26 killed).

The Balinese Provincial Government have taken the view that the preservation of the Balinese culture, natural resources and wildlife are of primary importance in the development of the island. To this end they have limited tourist development to the peninsula on the extreme southern aspect of the island; Kuta beach is on the western side of this peninsula and Sanur is on the east. To the north of the peninsula no new tourist development is supposedly permitted.

To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran. Other nearby towns and villages include Seseh (6.4 nm), Denpasar (4.5 nm), Ujung (1.8 nm), Pesanggaran (2.0 nm), Kedonganan (2.9 nm) and Tuban (1.0 nm).

Administration

Kuta District (Indonesian:Kecamatan Kuta) covers subdistricts/villages (Indonesian:Kelurahan/Desa) of Kuta Village, Legian, Seminyak, Kedonganan, and Tuban. Furthermore Badung Regency has 3 districts with the name Kuta: Kuta, Kuta South District Kecamatan Kuta Selatan(Jimbaran and the whole Nusa Dua peninsula), and Kuta North District Kecamatan Kuta Utara (villages of Kerobokan Klod, Kerobokan, Kerobokan Kaja, Tibu Beneng, Canggu and Dalung).

Kuta is now the center of an extensive tourist-oriented urban area that merges into the neighboring towns. Legian, to the north, is the commercial hub of Kuta and the site of many restaurants and entertainment spots. Most of the area's big beachfront hotels are in the southern section of Tuban.

Legian and Seminyak are northern extensions of Kuta along Jl. Legian and Jl. Basangkasa. They are somewhat quieter suburbs with cottage-style accommodations, where many of the expat crowd live. Also to the north are Petitenget, Berawa, Canggu, and Seseh — new and quieter continuations of Kuta's beach. They are easy to reach through Abian Timbul or Denpasar and Kerobokan. Several large hotels are located in this area: the Oberoi Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, the Intan Bali Village, the Legian in Petitenget, the Dewata Beach and the Bali Sani Suites in Berawa.

Kuta History

At three hundred year ago, in this place had been built a Konco (Buddhist Temple) located beside of Tukad Mati ( Dead River ) where it river can be navigable at that time. The boat steps into the hinterland of Kuta, so that Kuta is a port trade. Mads Longe is a merchant from Denmark in 19 century had built its trade station in the river periphery. During living in Bali, he often becomes the medium between king of Bali and Dutch. Mads Longe has mysteriously died and his grave is located inside of Konco ( Buddhist Temple ) right in the river periphery. Kuta is quiet fisherman countryside in the past, but now it has been turned into the hilarious town and it is completed by post office, police office, market, pharmacy, photo center, and shop. There are a lot of hotels which are designed luxury and comfortable set in a long side of white sandy beach of Kuta .

What to see in Kuta Bali?

Kuta is situated in 11 KM southern part of Denpasar town and it can be easily reached by public transportation from Tegal Bus Station about 15 minutes. Kuta is the fastest growing tourist place in Bali and it is the heaven for foreign countries tourists. Kuta is well equipped by tourist facilities like white sandy beach, bars, restaurants, cafeteria, disco and others spectacular nightlife. We can also meet a lot of good shops selling multifarious items of tourist need like clothes, cassette ribbon, airplane ticket, souvenir, handicraft, sport gear and others. It is a popular place with the surfing activity besides of beautiful
sunset. Mostly the tourists come and stays in this place are coming from the low budget traveler especially young tourist. There is a new tourism object in Kuta built in the center of this place called Bali Bomb Monument to commemorate the Bali Bomb Tragedy on 12 October 2002. Bomb which burst at Sari Club and also Paddy'S club have killed 202 people


Surfing in Kuta

Suitable for beginners. Best time to surf is mid tide. Avoid very low tides, because waves tend to dump and close out. Water is also shallow, so more chance of injury.

One draw back can be the crowd, however Kuta is a long beach stretching to Seminyak. So it’s not as bad as other popular surfing beaches else where around the world. Best to surf between April and October where it’s mostly off shore wind.

Sanur Beach

Sanur is the original Bali seaside resort that has developed naturally over the years due to its physical and cultural characteristics and beauty. Located just 25 minutes from the international airport, 15 minutes from the Kuta area, 10 minutes to Denpasar and with excellent by pass access to the rest of the island Sanur is a very well positioned venue. The locals of Sanur have been interested in Balinese spirituality and magic for generations and as with the rest of east Bali are particularly friendly, welcoming and accommodating. With this said it is surprising how un-crowded and peaceful Sanur is, there are many activities to try on the beach as well as beach resorts and bars and restaurants but this is all spread along a long coastline creating a secluded feel where the action goes unnoticed to the sunbathers and loungers upon unspoiled beaches that maintain the traditional Balinese feel.

Sanur beach is a long stretch of beautiful white sands lined with palms that shade dreamy footpaths market stalls and relaxed beach cafes. Along the beach are a number of traditional groins complete with traditional Balinese Bale (raised shaded day sleeping and relaxing areas). Most are no longer used although a few are sometimes occupied by the odd fisherman who fish from these waters. The waters of Sanur are protected by a long string of offshore reefs creating large, warm shallow, safe lagoons that are perfectly clear and excellent for swimming, snorkeling and a whole array of water sports. Surfers will be pleased to know that the reefs around Sanur produce some of the best waves in the world in the right conditions although they can be very shallow and dangerous at low tides. There are also plenty of more consistent spots around the area for surfing.


Other activities in Sanur are include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and cycling although the most popular activity by far is relaxing in the amazing beach resort’s beach access, pools and at cafes and on the sun loungers and sands. Accommodation in Sanur is of a mid to high range standard offering many dazzling beach resorts, international hotels and villas. There are some budget places but not in the abundance of Kuta, for budget accommodation look slightly outside Sanur in neighboring towns. This is due to Sanur being more of a family or couples holiday area, there are no big clubs and loud youths in Sanur, instead there are more classy relaxed bars and pub style bars that can be hard to find in Bali, food and drink is generally very good here and prices are not at all extortionate.

Sanur’s positioning also makes for an excellent luxury base from which to explore the rest of the island, particularly the southern Bukit, east, Ubud and the mountains. Further up the east coast are many sleepy fishing villages that are far less visited then south Bali and offer a real taste of Bali.

Sanur in round up is the perfect spot for many people who seek a family holiday or a more sophisticated beach holiday for couples or friends. Sanur is in the mid price range and is far cheaper than Nusa Dua but offers a more refined atmosphere than Kuta. Sanur’s positioning, activities and beautiful safe beaches all create the perfect spot where every family member’s needs are catered for in an area that still retains tranquil serenity. Sanur is more than unobjectionable and a recommendation for all but the more budget conscious backpackers and young

Sanur Beach, the beach is famous for sunrisenya, only 6 km from the center of Denpasar can be reached by car, motorbike or public transport linking the city of Denpasar Sanur beach.

Sanur area known as the initial development of tourism in Bali with the presence of hotels such as the Inna Grand Bali Beach and several other first hotel in Bali at the first Bali tourism develops.

Sanur Beach is very crowded in the visit by Foreign tourists as well as Nusantara.Hari week and holidays, the place of choice for recreational Denpasar city dwellers for recreation while bathing in the sea.

On the day of the month Purnama evening many people come to relax and bathe there, looking at the beautiful beach at night hari.Selain Sanur beach, Le Mayeur Museum are also many tourist attractions.

Sanur is the perfect destination to watch the sunrise, as you jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resorts developed in Bali, Sanur still maintains its traditional feel and local customs. Only a stones thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Sanur - Bali's Family Destination

Sanur offers a much quieter side to Bali. Sindhu Beach, recently restored through funding from the Japanese government, has a natural reef which provides calm waters making it a safe environment for families with young children. Local families often spend the weekend and holiday in Sanur with thier children.

Most of the Hotels in Sanur are located directly on the beach and those that are not, including Pondok Ayu, often provide free trasportation.