Bedugul

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan di Dataran Tinggi Bedugul

Pura ini terletak di dataran tinggi Bedugul Kabupaten Tabanan. Sebuah dataran tinggi yang menjadi daerah wisata unggulan Pulau Balidwipa, nama lain Bali di masa lalu. Di daerah berhawa sejuk ini anda disajikan pesona keindahan Danau Beratan sekaligus menikmati produk - produk kerajinan dan hasil kebudayaan masyarakat agraris Tabanan.

Terletak di dataran tinggi, menyebabkan tempat ini sangat sejuk dan kadang - kadang di selimuti kabut. Keindahan alam pegunungan dan Danau Beratan yang bersih sangat mempesona, di tengahnya ada sebuah pura Ulun Danu yang merupakan tempat pemujaan kepada Sang Hyang Dewi Danu sebagai pemberi kesuburan. Ini adalah objek wisata yang akan sangat sayang sekali apabila anda lewatkan saat datang ke Bali.

Suasananya di tepi danaunya seolah berada pada zaman silam, kabut perlahan terangkat dari atas danau yang dingin, kemudian pemandangan baliknya adalah hutan berbukit yang hijau. Sapuan angin pada permukaan danau, mengantarkan riak kecil ketenangan. Ketika mendung datang maka suasana kabut melingkupi pura, menimbulkan kesan magis yang lainnya. Ada ketenangan yang damai dan sulit anda temukan di tempat lain.

Bedugul tempat Pura Ulun Danu berada itu sebenarnya nama sebuah desa dan bukan nama danau, bukan nama Pura, ataupun nama pasar. Anggapan itu muncul karena selain sebagai sebuah desa, dalam sebuah area yang kurang lebih berdiameter 5km, terdapat beberapa macam tempat yang menarik untuk dikunjungi secara sekaligus sehingga orang kebanyakan menamakannya bedugul.

Secara lebih tepat, Bedugul adalah nama desanya, sedangkan danaunya bernama Danau Beratan. Danau ini adalah danau terluas kedua setelah Danau Batur yang luas 1.607,5 ha. Sedangkan nama Pura - nya adalah Pura Ulun Danu. Pura ini adalah Pura Subak yang disungsung oleh para petani, karena Danau Beratan adalah sumber mata air irigasi bagi sawah para petani.

Sebagai salah satu ikon pulau Bali, anda pasti mengenal Pura suci ini, setidaknya dapat melihatnya dari gambar uang kertas Rp.50.000,00. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan berada di tepi Danau Beratan. Di depan halaman sebelah kiri dari Pura Ulun Danu Beratan terdapat sebuah sarkopagus dan sebuah papan batu yang berasal dari masa tradisi Megalitik, sekitar 500 SM. Kedua artefak tersebut sekarang ditempatkan masing - masing di atas Babaturan (Teras). Diperkirakan bahwa lokasi Pura Ulun Danu Beratan telah digunakan sebagai tempat untuk melaksanakan kegiatnan ritual sejak zaman Megalitik.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan ini sudah ada sebelum tahun 1556. Pura Ulun Danu kemudian dibangun oleh Raja Mengwi I Gusti Agung Putu tahun 1633 yang berasitektur campuran Hindu - Budha dan ditandai dengan stupa Budha. Semenjak pendirian Pura tersebut termasyurlah kerajaan Mengwi, dan I Gusti Agung Putu digelari oleh rakyatnya "I Gusti Agung Sakti".

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan atau Bratan Pura merupakan sebuah candi di atas air berusia tua di Bali. Bangunan yang terdapat di areal wisata Bedugul ini merupakan bangunan kuno, tetapi semua keadaan fisiknya masih bersih dan tertata dengan rapi. Kompleks candi ini terletak di tepi barat laut Danu Bratan di pegunungan dekat Bedugul. Pura Ulun Danu merupakan sebuah bangunan suci umat Hindu yang dibangun untuk memuja Dewi Danu. "Danu" sendiri adalah bahasa lokal Bali yang berarti "Danau". Sedangkan "Bratan" adalah nama dari danau yang terletak di dataran tinggi Bedugul ini. Candi ini sebenarnya digunakan untuk upacara persembahan Dewi Danu yaitu dewi air, danau, dan sungai.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan ini terdiri dari empat bangunan suci, yaitu; Pura Lingga Petak dengan tiga tingkat "Meru" sebagai tempat pemujaan bagi Dewa Siwa, Pura Penataran Puncak Mangu dengan 11 tingkat "Meru" sebagai tempat pemujaan Dewa Wisnu, Pura Teratai Bang sebagai Pura utam, dan Pura Dalem Purwa sebagai tempat pemujaan kepada Sang Hyang Widhi dalam manifestasinya sebaga Trimurti. Pura Dalem Purwa ini berfungsi sebagai tempat memohon kesuburan, kemakmuran dan kesejahteraan.

Pulau Ulun Danu Bratan tidak terlepas dari pemujaan terhadap Trimurti (Siwa, Brahma, Wisnu). Hal ini bukan hanya terlihat dari struktur Pura pemujaan di Ulun Danu, tetapi juga dari penemuan tiga buah batu yang masing - masing berwarna merah, hitam dan putih pada tahun 1968. Ketiga warna ini merupakan warna suci (Tri Datu), "Merah" lambang Bhatara Brahma "Sang Pencipta", "Hitam" lambang Bhatara Wisnu "Sang Penyeimbang" dan "Putih" lambang Bhatara Siwa "Sang Pelebur".

Danau Bratan merupakan salah satu danau penting untuk irigasi. Danau Bratan dikenal sebagai danau "Gunung Suci", kawasan ini sangat subur, terletak pada ketinggian 1.200 meter, dan beriklim sangat dingin. Menurut mitos yang ada di masyarakat Bali, sebenarnya Danau Bratan ini merupakan danau yang terbesar di Pulau Bali awalnya. Namun pada suatu ketika terjadi gempa bumi yang sangat dahsyat dan akhirnya danau Bratan ini terbagi menjadi tiga bagian, Bratan, Tamblingan dan Buyan. nama "Bratan" diambil dari kata "Brata" yang berarti mengendalikan diri dengan menutup 9 lubang kehidupan. Kata - kata "Brata" ini dapat kita jumpai dalam istilah "Tapa Brata" yang memiliki arti bersemedi atau bermeditasi untuk mencapai ketenangan agar dapat manunggal dengan alam dan berkomunikasi dengan Yang Maha Gaib.

Berikut adalah beberapa tips yang mungkin dapat menjadi bekal saat anda hendak mengunjungi tempat ini:

• Di dataran tinggi ini sering turun hujan tiba - tiba dan kadang menggenangi bagian pinggir danau, karena itu disarankan anda membawa payung dan menggunakan sandal. Penyewaan payung tersedia yang dijajakan oleh penduduk setempat.
• Udara di sini cukup dingin sehingga anda disarankan membawa jaket atau baju hangat.
• Anda harus mematuhi untuk tidak memasuki bagian dalam Pura Ulun Danu karena tempat ini memang khusu sebagai tempat peribadatan yang disucikan.

Source:

http://www.indonesia.travel/

Padang Padang Beach

Popular Beach And Surf In South Bali

Padang Padang Beach, locally referred to as Pantai Labuan Sait, is one of Bali's most famous surf sports, located on the north - western coast of the island's Bukit Peninsula, and just a kilometre southwest of the Anantara Bali Uluwatu. This Beach features an exotic setting; a simply stunning one hundred meter - long stretch of sand that is accessible down a flight of stairs through a unique hollow rock entrance. The surf has a steady set of barrels during good weather, attracting wave riders from around the world.

Part of the group of world - class surf sports that line the coast of the Southern Peninsula, Padang Padang Beach lies several kilometres in between Bingin and Uluwatu, among which surfers usually hop to interchangeably for a different set of challenges and another thrill for the day. This beach is also a regular spot for international surfing events, the Rip Curl Padang Padang being the most frequent.

Heading up along Jalan Raya Uluwatu from Jimbaran and around 30 minutes' drive past the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, a junction with signs that clearly bear 'Jalan Labuan Sait' leads you along a hilly but smooth 3.5km asphalt route. This region has developed with its rise to fame over the past decade, and is now lined with shops, surf lodges and neat western - style cafes targeted at the surfing crowd.

Beach access is down the slope across the road from a large parking area. Prior to this is a bridge that connects the two sides of the limestone cliff, offering a glimpse down to the beach from up high. Halfway down the flight of stairs is a temple that overlooks the surf, and sharing the coastal forest features with Uluwatu, you will occasionally witness playful grey long - tailed macaques playing around the stairs on the Balinese 'gapura gate', and high up in the acacia trees. A fun fact: Padang Padang Beach was featured as a romantic setting in the 2010 big - screen adaption of 'Eat, Pray, Love'.

One you reach the bottom of the stairs, you are greeted by a gorgeous sight: a fringed beach with fine, white sand, blue waters and a distant horizon. There are board rentals here provided by the locals if you don't have your own but would like to try (Warning: The waves here break over shallow coral and are not suitable for beginners). Although the big waves beyond the reef breaks are limited to advanced surfers, the shore is great for family fun and leisure, and there are local warungs on Padang Padang Beach serving light meals and refreshments. Sand castles, splashing, sunbathing, lying down with a good read under a parasol, or simply sitting back to enjoy the exotic views.

Source:
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/

Tanah Lot Beach, Bali Surfing Point

Tanah Lot Beach.

 

Tanah Lot Beach is a beautiful rocky coastline and famous throughout the world because if the unique Hindu temple set on the big rock and encircled by the seawater. This beach is one of the favorite tourist destinations for tourist who being holidays in Bali Island due to blessed by the stunning panorama, peaceful atmosphere and the unique temple. This place is many cisited by tourist everyday from over the world especially during sunset that creates the breathtaking view and romantic nuance. The location of Tanah Lot Beach is apposite to the India Ocean hence it is featured by the great weaves that is ideally for surfing adventures. There are two surf sports available that give the alternative for surfer to choose the surf sport at Enjung Galuh or Batu Bokong Temple.

Tanah Lot Beach is located in Beraban Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency and Bali province - Indonesia. It can be reached about 20 minutes from Tabanan town or 30 minutes from Denpasar City of 1 hour from Denpasar Ariport. Since Tanah Lot has been appointed as a tourist destination, this area quickly growth and completed by the public facilities as a value added for tourist who visit this place. The good access has faciliated every visitor to visit this beach that is situated close with other famous surf points such as Muara Beach, Front Hotel Beach and Kedungu Beach.

Best Season for Surfing

Tanah Lot is geographically located in south part of Bali Island and right side of Bali's Peninsula hence the best season to go for surfing is on dry season. It is because on this season the wind flows from the southeast to the west that create the good wave for surfing adventures.


Panorama





Batu Bolong Temple














 Low Tide

Cliff Jumping


Hole Stone Surf


Small Waves



 Reef Surfing



 Small Barrel

Surfer Maneuver


 Meeting in the Sea

Flag Surfer



Batu Bolong Surf Spot

Source:
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/

Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach

Everything You Need To Know About Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is located on the western side of the island's narrow isthmus and is considered Bali's most famous beach resort destination. Kuta Beach is also minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban. The Nearby resorts of Tuban, Legian and Seminyak are all within close walking distance.

Once a simple, rustic and quiet fishing village, Kuta Beach has witnessed a transformation over the past years due to the rise of vaious accomodations, dining and shopping options. The rapid growth owes much to visitors, beachbombers and art lovers from nearby Australia. Expatriates also helped pioneer surfing in Kuta, as well.

Although a rather frenzied traffic scene has become commonplace here, Kuta Beach continues to attract thousands of visitors every year with its unique charm. During the peak season from July to August and the holiday season for Christmas and New Year, Kuta beach is regularly fully - booked by travellers looking forward to a pleasant and affordable Bali escape.

First Time In Kuta

What To Do In Kuta In One Day

Plan Your first trip to Kuta with this quick guide that provides you with a few of the best ideas you can see and experience on your first day. Most hotels here have Bali's famous sand and surf mere step away, and the same can be said for world - class dining and chilling while overlooking Kuta's dramatic sunsets.

There's great shopping spots along the main footpaths of Kuta's Jalan Pantai main beach road, as well as on its southern part with the Discovery Shopping Mall right across from one of Southeast Asia's premier waterparks, the Waterbom Bali. Kuta is also conveniently ight next door to the Ngurah Rai Airport in Tuban, making it an ideal destination for brief stays, and the island's liveliest nightlife scenes are just around the corner in neighbouring Legian and Seminyak. Here are a few to help you plan ahead.

Kuta Beachwalk

A Grand Shopping And Dining Complex In Kuta

Kuta Beachwalk is a fresh addition to Kuta's Leisure alternatives. Occupying 3.7 hectares of land and a 250 - meter street side near the end of Jalan Pantai Kuta, this striking complex houses numerous shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities boasting international brands and franchises. The Beachwalk is a first for Bali, sporting a unique design that is to some extent a major departure from the typical mall.

A two - storey underground parking space for up to thousand vehicles makes up for this position on ona of Bali's most packed streets. It aims to become a leading destination, and has received a steady flow of local and international visitors since its opening mid 2012. Beachwalk complements the four - star Harris Resort Kuta Beach next door and the upcoming five - star Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort.

Kuta Beachwalk is an easy stroll from the beach, and stepping into its foyer is a retreat from the coastal heat. Its main building architecture, large ponds and running water features imitate the curves of paddly field. Even though a tad bit synthetic, its wide central atrium does provide natural airflow, ample shades and real gardens. What's more, the team behind the project applied eco - friendly measures in its sustainable design, including minimum air - conditioning in open space and a special rainwater collection system.

Shopping a Kuta Beachwalk

The price range here is on the luxury side. Various outlets behind large windows line the curvy arcades and it represent a complete boutique shopping experience. Here you'll find the popular brands:

• Armani Jeans
• Boss Sports
• Furla
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Versace Jeans
• Diva
• GAP
• Gaudi
• Mango
• New Look
• Pull & Bear
• Staccato
• Urban Icon
• Watch World
• Stradivarius
• (X) S, M, L
• Y3
• The Face Shop
• Yves Rocher
• Travelogue
• Rimowa

The brands for kid include ELC (Early Learning Centre), Gingersnaps and Playskool which offer the finer quality, imported toys and apparels.

Dining at Kuta Beachwalk

Kuta Beachwalk is a great place to go ravenous, choose from a large variety of cosy outlets including the Eat & Food Court that serves Indonesians classic dishes, conveniently located at the second floor's centre alongside a children's play facility. Seminyak's renowned Bali Deli has opened an outlet here, as well as Ku De Ta with its Sienna Cafe. The Kitchenette serve galettes, crepes and salads, and Luna Negra offers delicious Italian cuisine.

Other franchise outlets, somewhat a fixture in many Western malls that might ring a bell include:

• Buffalo Wings & Rings
• Coconut Joe's
• Dairy Queen
• Fish & Co
• Johnny Rockets
• Wowcow Yogurts
• Kihana Japanese Restaurant
• Pazia Cafe
• Rollaas Cafe
• Tapeo Tapas Bar

For Families

Envisioned as a family and weekend destination, Kuta Beachwalk boast a dedicated kid's play centre called the Miniapolis Bali. Among the fun features, include the Play Zone, the Amazing Walk, Water Play, and a day - care facility called Cheeky Monkey. These are sure to provide parents a good timeout they need. Other attractions include a Cloth Museum by renowned Indonesian Batik, Ikat and heritage textile producer Bin House; an open stage featuring exciting musical fountain show as well as scheduled dance performances.

Other highlights of Kuta Beachwalk

International visitors will find familiarity with the new restaurant franchises, while locals will enjoy additional choices to that available elsewhere. Fixed tenants include the new XXI Cineplex, which answer the high anticipation for more quality cinemas on the island. SATU and Moeda are multi - brand boutiques featuring collections from Bali - based designers worth checking out.

Other services and facilities available at Kuta Beachwalk include a valet service and concierge, banks and moneychangers, a supermarket and salons. If the boutique price tags keep your wallet at bay, you can always mingle and admire the complex's airy spaces with high views over Kuta's beach and sunsets, and the nice tropical gardens, ponds and fountains.

Mal Bali Galeria

Mal Bali Galeria is a large shopping complex conveniently located at the Simpang Dewaruci landmark and roundabout in Kuta. The expansive shopping and entertainment precint boast a 'family mall' concept, carrying a slogan of 'enjoy, play, eat, shop'. Various tenants, outlets and event highlights make it a favourite destination among locals and visitors.

Besides shopping and dining, Mal Bali Galeria is also popular leisure venue where different 'happenings' regularly occur on its calendar of events. These mostly take place in its large atrium referred to as the 'dome' with a large central fountain. Adding to the convenience factor is a three - storey car park, as well as a dedicated open parking space for motorcycles in its eastern ground level.

Mal Bali Galeria Highlights

Flanking southeast of the notable Kuta roundabout, Mal Bali Galeria's most prominent building is that of the DFS Galleria Bali duty free shop.

DFS Galleria Bali is part of the DFS Group Limited, the world's leading luxury retailer catering to the travelling public. Various international luxury items can be found here, from women's fashion, beauty, skincare and fragrances, men's watches, accessories and premium leather goods, to a range of liquors.

The International luxury brands at the DFS Galleria include most of the notable names such a Dunhill, Bulgari, Cartier, Calvin Klein, TAG Heuer, Givenchy, Versace, Hermes and Kenzo. There are also local quality handcrafted products available.

The Mal Bali Galeria site comprises three main physical divisions. The DFS and Planet Hollywood is at the front, while a second building houses the Galeria 21 Cineplex, the island's premier cinema complex which screens the latest international blockbuster titles in its two screens. And the third and main building, located futher east nto the grounds, is where the proper 'mall' features can be found.

Various separates stores and a mixture of outlets can be found inside the third mall building. The Matahari Bali Galeria department store offers a range of fashion products and necessities. ACE Hardware at the west end of this building offers imported Do - It - Yourself and home improvement products and occupies a significant amount of space.

Throughout the mall and around the atrium are various outlets, from dinng spots to branded sportwear, beauty salons and optical stores. L'Occitane, The Body Shop, NCC Restaurant, Cafe Minka, Ryoshi, Kafe Betawi, Warung Warung, Es Teler 77, Salvador, Sushi Kiosk, Coldstone Ice Cream, Sour Sally Frozen Yoghurt, Starbucks, Kidz Station, Roti Boy, J.Co Donuts, Crocs, Fix Design, King Coil, Maxim, Rumah Kita, Vinoti Living, and much more. On The second floor above the main 'dome' entertainment area you will find the Gramedia Bookstore.

Balinese architecture blends neatly within a modern mall style, and fine lawn and small gardens with benches add to the cosy shopping atmosphere. To further unwind, professional salon services are provided at Johny Andrean, Yopie Salon and Salon Learin. The entertainment highlights and events mostly take place over the weekends.

Good to Know about Mal Bali Galeria

Usually, duty free concessions are operated as airport stores: the travelling public can depart with their purchases without using or consuming them at the location. In some cases, off - airport stores are included in these concessions. Departing customers select and purchase goods at the off - airport store, such as a DFS Galleria, and the merchandise is delivered to them at their airport departure gate when they leave.

There are two entrances and exits to the site, one just past the DFS Galleria building, and the other just north of the parking area which leads to the Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai. The main third building of the mall features various entrances and exits at all of its four sides. An ATM corner as well as money changer booth is nearby the ACE Hardware section at the mall's western side.

Transport services are available at the main lobby. An information desk is located near the entrance at the atrium where the drop off area is also located. The pickup zone is at the main lobby ground floor exit.

Movie tickets at the Galleria 21 Cineplex are IDR 40,000 on weekends and public holidays, IDR 20,000 from Mon - Fri and IDR 30,000 on Sat.

Kuta Square in Bali

Kuta Beach Shopping

Kuta Square is a popular shopping arcade in Kuta 200m north of Kuta Art Market, and is located approximately 50m from Kuta Beach. The two - way avenue is flanked by rows of fashion stores and dining outlets.

The Matahari Kuta Square department store, boasting a hypermarket and fashion stores within, shares the same locality with an assortment of surf wear retail outlets, franchise restaurants, ice cream and fresh juice parlours, and local jewellers on both sides of the avenue.

Kuta Square starts at the Kuta Art Market, straight ahead north from Jalan Kartika Plaza and is a right turn from the one - way Jalan Bakung Sari. Those coming in from Legian and heading south towards Kartika Plaza also go through Kuta Square, This two - way option between Legian and Kuta makes its a strategic and often navigated route, thus the intermittently busy traffic.

The Matahari Kuta Square shopping mall on the eastern side of the avenue is the largest building in the vicinity. On the western side, the Inna Kuta Beach Hotel divides Kuta Square and Kuta Beach. The mall features two entrances with the main entry on Kuta Square and a drive - up entrance from Jalan Kartika Plaza.

The Matahari department provides a lot of variety on its four floors, including a food court on the fourth. Here, you'll find groceries, necessities, snacks, souvenirs, and fashion items as well.

Step outside to hunt for the famous name brands. Designer items such as Armani, Gucci, Versace and Donna Karan New York highlight the street sides with posters and mannequins in glass displays. Local quality brands such as Animale, Milo's and Body & Soul can also be found here. Local jewellers such as Suarti and high - end batik outlets also offer unique items to visitors.

Most of the surfing and sport brands line the western side of Kuta Square, with big names like Dreamland Surf, Kuta Lines, Quiksilver, Volcom Stone, Nike, Adidas, Rip Curl and Billabong being the most prevalent. Restaurant line the eastern side, with the likes of Kentucky Fried Chicken, MacDonald's, Haagen - Dazs and others adding to the variety of choices.

Good to Know about Kuta Square

 

Kuta Art Market offers miscellaneous art amd souvenir items at prices you can bargain down. The rest of the stores along Kuta Square on the other hand, are fixed priced and retail high - end goods.

There are several money changer at Kuta Square. Always try to use authorised money changers or a bank. Small, unauthorised street booths, despite their official look, should be your last resort.

The best way to experience Kuta Square shopping is by foot but be careful: The high number of motorcycles on Bali's streets can make crossing the road hazardouz.

Source:
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/