Badung

The Regency of Badung, which is located between 08 degrees south latitude and 115 degrees east longitude, is shaped liked a “kriss”. The Regency, which has only 418.52 square kilometers of land, is divided into sixth districts (kecamatan), 40 administrative villages (desa dinas and kelurahan), and as many as 117 traditional villages (desa adat). Those villages are again subdivided into as many as 297 smaller community groups known as “Dusun”, and 498 “Banjar”. Each Banjar in the Regency has a youth organization named “Sekaa Teruna Teruni” (STT). The total population of Badung Regency is approximately 280,000 people, with the average density of 672 people per square kilometer. In compliance with the state objective, the harmony between material and spiritual development must be equal. The governmental structure down to the rural villages play an important role in keeping this balance. The Government programs also encourage people to consciously take an active part in all development fields, regardless of one’s gender. As the Regency is headed by Regent (Bupati), the Districts headed by Pak Camat, Desa and Dusun are headed by Perbeke (Lurah) and Klien Banjar / Kepala Dusun.

In this five-year term development, Badung is divided into three Development territories.
1. North Badung: Includes Districts of Petand and Abiansemal, centered in Blahkiuh. The priority here is agriculture in broad terms, as well as ground conservation.
2. Central Badung: Covers the whole Mengwi District with food crops, agriculture, and home industries as the priorities.
3. South Badung: Tourism industry, education and commercial development are the priorities in this area which include Kuta, Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, Bukit, Jimbaran, and Kedonganan.

Agriculture and industries (especially the home and small-scale industries) that support the tourism sector are likely to be intensively expanded. Extension in the tourism sector has become the main sector to strengthen foreign exchange, visas, employment, equity of earnings, and private businesses, all of which increase the overall welfare of the community welfare.


Demography
Badung regency is one of 9 sub-provinces embraced by Bali province and located in the centre of Bali island, stretching from north to the island’s south end. It is bordering at north with Buleleng Regency, at west with Tabanan Regency, whilst at the east with Bangli Regency, Gianyar Regency and Denpasar Municipal, physically has the unique form, looks like a shape of “keris”. So this uniqueness is used as a symbol of this regency, means it contains of the spirit and which has close relation to the story of this area namely event of “Puputan Badung”. This spirit is used as the base of motto of Badung Regency that is “Cura Darma Raksasa” (Governmental obligation to protect the people and truth).


Geography
Geographic Regency of Badung covers 418.52sq : kilometers total of land, consists of 6 Kecamatan (district) known as Kecamatan Petang, Abiansemal, Mengwi, South Kuta, Kuta, North Kuta those consist 40 villages, 16 kelurahan (Administrative village) and 328 Dusun (Administrative sub-village), 119 Linkungan (environment), 28 propose environment, 119 Desa Adat (Traditional village) and 522 Banjar (Administrative sub-village) and also 522 youth organizations.
Regency of Badung area is an area of tropical climate which has two seasons, dry seasons (April – October) and rainy season (November – March). Air temperature vary form 24 ºC up to 30.8 ºC with average rainfall of 893.4 mm till 2,702.6 mm per year and average humidity is 79%. Its flora and fauna is of tropical Asia.
Total population according June 2001 report is 332.265 people, with average population density as much as 794 persons per sq. kilometers.
Majority population are followers of Hindhu religion with its everlasting magnificent religious ceremonies and unique tradition.
And the original income of regency (PAD) on 2000 equal to 203,861 billion Rupiah from target of equal 153,790 billion Rupiah, while up to June 2001, realization of PAD equal 170,176 billion Rupiah from the target 248,101 billion Rupiah.
Daily communication languages are Balinese and Indonesian language while English is not so much spoken. Most of the people living in agriculture sector, trade and services industry. Regional income is mainly from tourism sector.


History
Nambangan was said to be the name of the regency before Badung was forged by Gusti Ngurah Made Pemecutan in the late 18th century. He who aided by magical kriss and whip conquered Mengwi, and Jembrana until 1810. He was succeeded by two other "Rajas" of whom the demise seems to have been engineered by the successor, presumably brother, Raja Kesiman, who ruled trough crucial years of 1829 to 1863. He showed him self to be predisposed to the world beyond Bali and giving cause for hope to the Dutch. The Dutch were allowed to set up recruiting station at Kuta in 1826, return for handsome bounty paid to the response. A Danish trader, Mads Johannes Lange, who came to Bali when he was 18 took mediator role, where the raja then got attractive cut, since than Mads Lange who was born in 1806 got good relation ship to most raja in the island. In 1856, Lange was ill and tired, decided to head back to Denmark but he died suddenly before his ship left port. Kuta is also place where Captain Cornelius de Houtman and his crews pitched up in 1557, when 20.000 Balinese troops on the way to defend Blambangan from the encroaching Moslem of Mataram kingdom. In 1904, a Chinese Ship "Sri Komala" ran aground off Sanur under the Dutch flag.

The Dutch accused the local people to strip the wreck of its contents and claimed the raja for all his lost and damages of three thousand silver dollars and punish the culprits. The refusal of raja of the accusation to pay compensation, causing them to prepare the sixth Military expedition to Bali on September 20th 1906. Three battalions on infantry and two batteries of artillery arrived off the coast of Badung. After the bombardment, they marched toward Denpasar, and at the gate, they met no resistance. They were greeted by the crowded all in white costume ready to die at " Puputan" Commanded by the raja, his priests, his generals and all his relatives, men and women, adorned themselves with jewels and the dress of warrior, set out amidst the battle. Abided by his religion, the ultimate goal of the warrior is to die in battle; the soul may ascend to heaven. Surrender to Tabanan, West of Badung in 1908, the raja of Klungkung also held Puputan, giving the Dutch control the island.
In 1914 the army was replaced by a police force and the Dutch reorganized the Government. Although the remaining princes were deprived of political power, they maintained much of their influence and importance as patron of the art. Bali's culture was safe guarded and enjoyed a renaissance during the three decades of Dutch control. The town of Denpasar which of 3 Kecamatan (districts) used to be part of Badung Regency before it was assigned to be municipality on February 227, 1992. www.2indonesia.com

Read more...

Tabanan

Demography
Tabanan regency is one of 8 districts/1 city which have agriculture characteristic, with width of the area about 893.33 km² (19.9% from width of Bali island). Administratively Tabanan regency divided into 8 subdistricts, 10 administrative villages, 103 villages, 663 sub-villages, 663 environments, and 374,129 people with rate of growth 0.71%.

As agriculture area, so agriculture become the mean of livelihood of the people namely about 50.16%, while commercial sector, hotel and restaurant are the second of mean of livelihood about 15.6%, and others is done in household industrial about 11.27% and services sector about 10.93%.

Geography
Geographically Tabanan regency has strategic position because it located between Badung Regency in the east and Buleleng Regency in the north, Jembrana Regency in the west and Indonesian ocean in the south.

This regency is also has some potencial tourism object like Tanah Lot Temple and it Beach, Klating Beach, Soka Beach, Bedugul, Alas Kedaton and other objects that potencial to be developed

Home Industries
With nature and human resources which belong to this regency, tires to increase the properity life of people continuously. It is proved from the increase of the original income of this regency about 10,147 billion in 1999 become 10,665 billion in 2000 (in 9 month) and in this year 2001 is estimated about Rp. 21,092 billion. While the income of percapita in 1999 reaches more hat 3.70 billion and in the year of 2000 is estimated more than 4.12 billion.

Beside it rely on the income agriculture and tourism sector, Tabanan regency also rely on small industry and handicraft sector. While in the year of 2000 there are 154 units of industries sector such as ceramic, iron/metal crafting, wood carving, coconut shell, plating and textile.

Ceramic ceramic crafting / diligence is commodity of pledge Regency of this industrial in Tabanan expand in Pejaten village, sub-district Kediri, Regency of Tabanan ± 12 km southern side of Tabanan.

Before ceramic crafting was developed, begin with industrial of processing / gerabah of yielded product like : periok, belanga, other kithcen equipments. Progressively in fasting of development with technological growth of crafting / diligence its gerabah products is multivarious progressively the artistic goods manner like wall decoration and garden statue. Constructively the ceramic combustion stove from Royal Goverment of intensive constuction and Ducth of industrial BIPIK Bali Province minimize / ceramic crafting / diligence expand fast enough with product yielded in the form of snugly flower, tea set, dinner set and the other artistic goods.
With inwrought quality management applying, adequate equipments and the skillful energy, product marketing of crafting / diligence own by Pejaten village have penetrated marketing export like : Australian, Dutch, American, etc.
Sum up ceramic worker in Pejaten village there is 7 Units of effort, absorbently is labour 122 people and production rate of per year Rp. 1,215,000,000,-.

Crafting / Diligence of Metal Iron Product of other pledge besides ceramic is also crafting from iron. Regency Tabanan represent biggest sentra of crafting / diligence of iron in area of Bali because almost of entire / all product of crafting / diligence of iron which export from Bali supplied by worker of iron from Regency of Tabanan. Beginning is crafting / diligence of this iron developed in Regency of Badung.
Supported by Bali as the biggest tourism target in Indonesia this product developed very fastly almost all of Tabanan area. Kinds of production which produced such as : candle-stick, lamp shade, chair, desk, snugly the flower, figura and various other artistic goods. Through market development which innovation and creative crafting / diligence of iron have been able to access the special market of the world like United States, Germany, English, Australian and others. Sum of iron crafting in Regency Tabanan reach 77 units of effort with has used 4.500 employees.

Crafring / Diligence of Wood which is developed in Regency of Tabanan is traditional woodcarving, meubel of wood and some type of other wood product. In beginning this product was produced to satisfy household need like desk, chair, window cushion, expostulate, door carve and others, but in its growth until this time has risen decoration products such as “Pop Art” like Asmat statue, mask and others.

With supported by raw material in the form of wood of Albesia which is quite a lot, expected by crafting / diligence of wood for the frieze can expand better in the future. Industrial potency of crafting / diligence of wood specially for frieze of there are in Apuan village subdistrict of Baturiti, Selanbawak village of Subdistrict of Marga, Kukuh village subdistrict of Marga, administrative village of Dajan Peken of Subdistrict of Tabanan and others.

Besides crafting / diligence of the wood above in Regency of Tabanan also expand crafting / diligence of wood for toys of children which is marketed to Japan, Phipine and domestic. Where location from the crafting / dilegence in Gubug Village Subdistrict of Tabanan.

Crafting / Diligence of Shell relatively is a new crafting in Regency of Tabanan. The special product of this crafting such as candle-stick, pot, cup, spoon and others. Marketing area almost for the export marketing with the target of state like Japan, Australian, United State and others.
As agriculture area with the coconut result which is quite a lot representative very good potency in providing of raw material of shell crafting / diligence. Employees are hoped to make product with use nature and human resources. The potency of shell crafting in Regency of Tabanan is Pujungan village, Subdistrict Pupua, Rejasa village, Sub district Penebel, Gubug village, Sub district Tabanan, Pangkungkarung village, Sub district Kerambitan, Batannyuh village, Sub district Marga, with unit among of effort as much 6 units and permeate labour as much 180 people.

Matting Industrial of crafting / diligence of matting expanding in Regency of Tabanan for example bamboo matting, matting throw, screw pine matting, paper telek, matting or ate and others. Crafting / diligence of matting which in the beginning of it’s products is used for religious ceremony and traditional needs and now has developed become export commodity specially to Japan, which is form of matting of screw pine with product yielded by like bag, place tissue, trahs and others. Potency of matting product of screw pine there are in Gubug village, Sub district Tabanan. Matting throw located in Tanah Pegat sub-village, Gubug Village, Sub district Tabanan, permeating labour as much 40 employees, with especial product in the form of place of sesajen for ritual. While for matting of paper of telek located in Kerambitan village, Sub district of Kerambitan with the form of it product decoration of wall and desk frieze.

Potency of Crafting / Diligence Knit in Regency Tabanan located in Pujungan village, Batungsel village, Sanda village, Sub district Pupuan, Riang Gede village, Sub district Penebel with unit of effort amounting to 4 units is effort and the labour permeated by as much 1200 employees. www.2indonesia.com

Read more...

Kuta Karnival 2008

Read more...

Nusa Dua Fiesta 2008

Read more...

Asian Beach Game

Sports/Events
Beach Sepaktakraw, Beach Volleyball, Body Building, Marathon Swimming, Jetski Sport, Beach Soccer, Beach Handball, Triathlon, Sailing, Paragliding, Woodball, Surfing, Dragon Boat.

Emblem
The shining sun comes from the emblem of the Olympic Council of Asia and represents its vital role in Asia's sport development and spreading energy created by the solidarity of the OCA. The design of the emblem is based on two "pura", an image of the gate to the house of God which represents the ultimate hospitality of the Bali society in honoring and welcoming people from all over Asia. The two big waves in completing the design, representing the commitment as well as the enthusiasm of the host city to run the Asian Beach Games. All together the simple design in blue color will served as a solid foundation for future Asian Beach Games.

Mascot
The concept of the Mascot is based on "Djalak Bali" the specific bird you can only find in Bali island. it symbolized that Bali with its specialty will organize the Asian Beach Games professionally. An endangered species, the mascot serves a reminder to the world the bird is beautiful but yet sacred.
The same design objectives that was used to the logo are being applied to the pictograms, which resulted in a more modern and sophisticated look. The traces of brush symbolizes the liquid form while the different background colors represents the nature of the sports: green for sports to be held on the land, blue for sports to be held in the ocean, while tangerine reflects the sandy soil on which the sports are being performed.www.koni.or.id

Update info about www.bali2008.com

Read more...

Waterbom - Bali

Located in the "Best Spot of Kuta". Waterbom Bali is just 5 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, within easy distance from several shopping centres, nightlife entertainment, tourist attractions and hotels. Short walk to the famous Kuta Beach. Only 15 minutes away from main tourist destination of Sanur, Nusa Dua, Seminyak and Jimbaran.

General Information
Set amongst 3.8 hectares of beautiful tropical gardens, you can feel strong Balinese atmosphere. It is unique combination of traditional elements with sophisticated technology used in the operation side of the park, like the advanced salt chlorinating technique that is soft in skin and earth.

Attractions
Waterbom Bali is home to 15 world class water slides from the fastest Smashdown a 25m, 4 sec, 70km/h ride-to the slowest and relaxing Lazy River. In between, there are also Raft River, Macaroni Tube and Race Track. Nothing can beat Boogie Ride and Jungle Ride for head to head race or getting dizzy in tandem ride. For children under 12 go to Bombastic Aquatic Playground and Kiddy Park to keep up the little one busy for hours with interactive features suah as splash pool, two waterslides, crawling tunnels and cargo nets, a swinging foot brigde, waterfalls and water cannons.

Facilities
Other facilities including international food court, Pump House Cafe, Wet Cafe & Bar, land and water sport, gazebo, merchandise shop, digital photography service, climbing wall, Eurobungy Trampoline, Soul Asylum Reflexiology and The Dome.

Group Bookings, Functions and Other Events
Waterbom is able to provide one-stop service for your next event:
-Waterbom's event team will personally tailor an event that meets all your requirements
- Available for groups from 15 to 2,000 people
- Private reserved area
- Catering, games, theme parties and group photos
- The park is available for exclusive rentals
- Several venues to choose from
- Spacious parking facilities
- Available for team building, company outings, wedding and other functions.

Operating Hours : Daily from 9 a.m - 6 p.m
Child's Age : 2 - 12 years old

www.micebali.com

Location Map

Site Map

Read more...

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park - Bali

Designed and built by Nyoman Nuarta, one of Indonesia’s foremost modern sculptor, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue or GWK and its pedestal building will be standing 150 meters tall with its wings span 64 meters across. Made from more than 4000 tons of copper and brass, the statue is picturing Lord Wisnu, as the source of wisdom, riding on the back of the mythical bird Garuda as the manifestation of conscience toward Amerta, the perennial goodness.

The statue and its pedestal will be surrounded by more than 240 hectares cultural park which was once an abandoned and unproductive limestone quarry. The cultural park will provide attractions for both local and foreign visitors with supporting facilities such as Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Amphitheater, Street Theater, Exhibition Hall, as well as Jendela Bali The Panoramic Resto and souvenir shop. At present time, the statue of Wisnu, the statue of Garuda, and the hands of Wisnu have been placed temporarily in three different plazas within the park.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a tourism destination located on Southern Bali with a strategic location with only 10 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai airport, 25 minutes from from Kuta, and 20 minutes from Benoa and Nusa Dua harbor. GWK Cultural Park will further support and enrich the already existing tourism infrastructure in Bali.

GWK Cultural Park is intended to educate, especially the young generations about the importance of preserving and cultivating world’s cultural heritage.

Daily Events

Not only showcasing fascinating tourism destination, everyday GWK also present you many Indonesian traditional music and dances, especially Balinese. Your arrival will be greeted by Barong Dance with Balinese gamelan music at the Street Theater, starts from 9AM WITA.

A beautifully played Rindik – Balinese traditional music – will accompany your whole journey while enjoying the view and the luxury of every venue in GWK.

While you enjoy our Amphitheater, you can watch some dancers practicing for the Kecak Dance show and Tektekan collaboration which you can see live on 6.30PM WITA as GWK’s presentation for your unforgettable arts and cultural experience

Head Office

Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan
Badung 80364 POX BOX 139
Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
Phone : 62 (361) 703 603
Fax : 62 (361) 703 626

Jakarta Office

Darmawangsa Square Lt.1 Unit 57
Jl. Darmawangsa VI&IX
Jakarta 12160 Indonesia
Phone : 62 (021) 9229 5748/49
Fax : 62 (021) 7278 0708

Bandung Office

Phone : 62 (022) 9275 1753

http://gwk-culturalpark.com

Read more...

Taman Ujung - Ujung Water Palace, Bali

History:
Ujung Water Palace, which by the local people is called as Taman Soekasada Ujung, was built in 1919. However, the launching of this complex of water palace was performed in 1912.

The water palace was constructed by the late King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, that reigned in Karangasem between 1909 and 1945.

Ujung Water Palace was majestically built to welcome and to serve important guests and Kings from neighboring countries, besides for the pleasure of the King and his royal family.

Location:
Taman Soekasada Ujung lies at Tumbu village, Karangasem district. It is approximately 85 km from Airport Denpasar and 5 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Tourism activity in this area is supported by the available of food stalls, small restaurants and quite large parking area. Visitors who are interested in local crafts product can find some of them in art shops available here.

Description:
Taman Soekasada Ujung has been announced to be a cultural tourist object for it is noted as one of several cultural heritages exist in Karangasem regency.

The complex of this water palace is the combination of Balinese and European architectures. There are 3 big and large ponds inside the area. In the middle of the main pond, there is a building that connected to the edge of the pond by 2 bridges.

On the most tip of the highest level of this complex, we will find a great statue of "warak" (rhinoceros). Beneath the warak there is a Bull statue. From this high place we will see a marvellous view of sea, hills with lush and green forest, the beauty of Mount Agung combined with the green terraced rice fields.

The greatness of Ujung Water Palace had been destructed by the explotion of Mount Agung in 1963 which was made worst by the great shake happened in 1979. However, the recovery effort had been performed to bring back the glory of this complex of water palace by holding a reconstruction and revitalisation project on it. Although it is not as great as it was, the amaze of the past still can be seen here this moment.

www.karangasemtourism.com

Read more...

Tenganan Vilage - Balinese Traditional Village

Welcome to the Balinese Traditional Village of Tenganan which is located in Karangasem regency which so many referred by cultural literature science of Tenganan Pegringsingan. Tenganan village represent one of a number old countryside in Bali Island. Its society life pattern represents one example of Bali Aga Village culture (Hindu Pre) different with the other countryside in plain of Bali. As a place of tourism destination, Tenganan village can serve the attractive and unique matters adding variation of object and fascination the tourist in Bali.
Tenganan Village presenting the unique traditional culture

Specification which is there is in object of wisata of Countryside Tenganan consisted of:

1. Countrified pattern of rural having the character of Linear
2. The structure of bilateral society orienting at seniority collective
3. Special Ritual System in high frequency by serve the religion solidarity, artistic and social mechanical solidarity
4. The tradition Mekare-Kare in each June that is tradition fight the screw pine in ritual context, religion value, spirit of struggle and test of physical delaying accompanied by traditional gambelan of selonding
5. Art of crafting weave to fasten the cloth geringsing by designed and arrange the typical colour.

Tenganan village is located among hill countryside, the hill at west part and east part. This countryside is inclusive of Manggis sub district, Karangasem regency, consisted of three Banjar those are Banjar Kauh, Banjar Tengah and Banjar Pande. The regional of countryside consisted of three complex those are resident complex, plantation and rice field complex. History of Tenganan village expressed in a few version, first version mentioned that resident of Tenganan village come from Paneges village, a near by countryside of Bedahulu in regency of Gianyar, second version express that word Tenganan recognized in one of Bali inscription with the word Tranganan, the third version express that resident of Tenganan village pray to Bukit Lempuyang temple who trace the coast of Candi Dasa to the east about 10 and 11 century. The word of Tenganan ascribed by a Tengah root word which can mean to aim to middle of Pegringsingan, representing the cloth type weave to fasten typically produce by Tenganan village resident.

The structure of resident in Tenganan village is built in linear consisted of six ray, every ray consisted of some lawn broadly, form the building which relative, existence of art shop have altered the original some types of the resident. All the tradition existence of the human being harmonious with the God, human being with the human being and human being environmentally as according to conception of Tri Hita Karana. The Tourism Destination of Tenganan remains to draw during the time, goodness as tourism cultural object, tourism nature and agriculture tourism.

www.balistarisland.com

Read more...

The People, the Village, and Orientation Of Bali

Bali is a densely populated island. Most of the population live in closely packed villages of 2.000 to 4.000 people on the fertile southern slopes of the island, along the ridges that carry the irrigation ditches. On these slopes it is usually only a fifteen minutes’ walk from one village to the next through the open rice-fields.

On the northern coastal strip, the villages are spread along the Java sea. Traditionally the social organization of the island was based on the village, with each village being completed self-sufficient, providing all needs and functions from birth through cremation. Presently, as in all industrializing countries, the cities and tourist centers are absorbing, to some extent, the flow of goods and services. The social organization of the village is one of the most unique aspects of this enchanting island. The village is very much of communal unit, almost and extanded family. The layout of Balinese village and the life of is members is closely tied to religion and the religious life of the people. The center of village is usually an ancient and gnarled banyan tree, regarded as sacred and believed to be the first tree on earth.

High in its creepered branches or in a special tower nearly is the village “kul kul,” a wooden gong that acts as a warning of danger, tells of a death in the village, of calls the men to gather for a meeting of the “banjar”. Its importance persists, even in the modern Indonesia stete. A village may have several banjars, with each banjar having some separate allegiances to certain temples, palaces, and holidays. Even the bustling metropolis of Denpasar is rigidly divided into its constituent banjars. All decisions concerning the walfare and future of its people are made by the 100 percent agreement of all married men in the banjar. The Balinese are aware that this means that new ideas take a long time to find their realization, but at least thing move along peacefully and in union. Each family has some communal duties to perform for the banjar.

Almost every Balinese village has here major temples. The “pura desa,” (literally, the “temples of the village”) stands near the center of the village. Its functions are concerned with everyday village matters and ritually prescribed village gatherings. At the northern end of the village, towards the sacred mountain, Gunng Agung, is the “pura puseh.” This is a “origin” or “navel” temple, the temple dedicated to the spirits of the land and of ancient ancestors. In Bali towards the north, towards the mountain, is heavenly, good, “uranic,” towards the south, towards the sea, is earthly, evil, “chtonic.” As most villages are built on a slope, the southern end, or “kelod,” is the lowest part of the village as well. Here in the south are located the “pura dalem”, (the “temple of the dead”, and the burial ground with its mournful “ kepuh” tree. This temple is for the souls of the recently deceased and the major temples symbolize birth (pura puseh), and death (pura dalem). In the center of every banjar also the Bale Banjar, or banjar pavilion. Meeting are held here, village feast are prepared, and people gather here at night to play cards or just talk until the down. The communal work is administered from the Bale Banjar.

This work consist of repairing roads, bridges, and irrigation canals, the upkeep of the temples and preparation for cockfights and celebrations. Many villagers spend more time in Banjar pavilion than they do at home. The Balinese do everything in pairs groups. The Bamboo platforms in the Bale Banjar become long best at night, where villagers often sleep, sardine-like, safe in the company of their fellow man. The banjar is the core of village life. It runs its own affairs as a communal organizations, such as the local dance group or rice-field association. In contrast to the egalitarian nature of the village political and economical organization , is the caste system, a mainly social convention based on the Indian ideal. Nearly every village has a “Geria” the recidence of a”brahmana,” and a”puri,” the residence or palace of a “ksatria.” Before the Banjar all are equal.

Outside the banjar the “tri-wangsa” (the three higher castes) are held in great respect and are spoken to in a different, more refined language, than that used in every day speech on the roads or in the market. Over eighty per cent of the Balinese are “sudras” or casteless. The three higher castes are the descendants of the Javanese conquerors of Bali in the 14th century, or exile from the spread of Islam in Java in the 15th and 16th centuries. Traditionally the Brahmanas ( with the title Ida Bagus ) were the priestly and scholarly caste, the Ksatrias ( Anak Agung; Cokorda), the political and princely caste, the Waisya (Gusti), the administrative and warrior caste. Ideally the members of these caste should only marry within their own caste, but this conventions is no longer strictly adhered to.

A Balinese, then, live under two bonds. The first is determined by his descend and caste. The second is determined democratically by his village and banjar organization. Before Indonesia gained independence there was a third bond owed to a liege lord or prince, similar to feudal Europe. Language is a complex matter in Bali, Basically there are two different Balinese languages. T common or low language of the sudras is of Austronesian (Polynesian) derivation. The high language of the tri-wangsa is a Javanese court language which owes much of its derivation to Sanskrit. A Sudra should use the high language when speaking to a member of a higher castes, and he should be replied to in low language. To cover the embarrassmem that sometime emerges, a polite, “middle” language is used. Now a fourth language, the state language Bahasa Indonesia is taught in the school as a unifier for the modern Indonesian Republic. Within the philosophy of Balinese religion are the consepts of “buwana alit” and “buwana agung,” the microcosm and the macrocosm. The individual is the microcosm of the society at large; the one can not exist without the other and they are, because of this, the same.

Over the centuries, the Balinese have had and strong sense of culture and an orderly and human society. They had assimilated two period of influence from java. Now they face the influence of mass tourism and technology. Hopefully, the village structure.

www.balinesia.com

Read more...

Golf - Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club

The Absolutely Green in the lush high heartland of Bali at an altitude of 1.142 meters above the sea level which surrounded by rolling mountain, crater lakes and ancient forest, the course design is meant to blend the fairways and create a dramatic backdrop for tea shots and approaches. The deep blue sky, the air fresh, clear and the temperature average between 14 - 20 Celsius degrees. It is rights comfortable golfing destination in Bali.

It features tall trees and flowers of riotous colour separating the fairway of this 18 holes championship course. Designed by Peter Thompson, Michael Wolferidge & Associates, Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club will make you feel a part of the rich, sporty, and exotic nature.

GOLF COURSE DETAILS

Grass of the Green is creeping bent grass, Fairway is mixed with Kakuyu grass and local grass.
Par : 72 (36 out, 36 in)

Yardage :
- Champion Ship 6983
- Regular 6371
- Ladies 5698

Designer : Peter Thomson, Michael Wolveridge & Associates

Driving Range :
- Natural grass range, maximum distance of 300 m
- 3 putting Green with bunker

Landscape :Nestled in the ancient forest Panoramic vistas extend to shimmering Lake Buyan.

GOLF FACILITIES

Golf Lesson : There are 4 Pro Golfers who hold Indonesian or Japanese PGA Pro license. They are all fluent English or Japanese speaking.

Pro Shop :Provides a full range of Golf item (balls, gloves, tees, pitchfork, ball maker, etc), apparel (shirts, cap, etc) and accessories. Most of the items are supplied with Club logo.

Half Way House : Out course hole no. 6th and in course hole no. 16th. Provide beer, soft drinks.

Locker Room : Hot shower, hairdryers, toiletries are available. Inside men locker there is a Japanese traditional bath. Sauna is available in each locker room.

Rental Items : Rental club – men right handed 50 sets, men left handed 5 sets, ladies right handed 10 sets. Metal woods with steel shaft. Rental shoes, no spiked rubber shoes with all kind of size range.

Golf Cart : 45 golf carts (2 seats) are provided. Advance reservation is required especially in raining seasons.

ACCOMODATION

Hotel :
Standard Cottage - 24

Deluxe Room - 39

Deluxe Suite Room - 2

Bungalow - 8

Villa - 2

Executive Suite Room - 1

President Suite Room 1

Room Facilities :
Mini Bar, TV (Satelite channel, HBO, NHK), Telephone IDD call, Hot Shower and Bath Tub. Heater provided in each room. Fireplace is available in Bungalow and Villa. Safety Box is available in the front desk. Laundry is available for normal cleaning only.

GENERAL FACILITIES
Kamandalu Restaurant : Is available for 120 seats. Served Tantalizing Indonesian, European and Japanese food.
Lobby Bar : Situated at Hotel lobby, panoramic view toward Lake Buyan.
Snack Bar : Situated close to the 1st and 10th tee. Light meal can be ordered.

Pub & Karaoke : Located beside Hotel reception. Indonesian, English, and Japanese karaoke songs are available for 2,000 songs.

Conference Room : Newly renovated, maximum capacity of 120 people.
Banquet Room : Multi purpose room with maximum capacity of 150 persons.

Fitness Center : Located on the ground floor. Free use for staying guest.

Massage : Traditional massage. Provided inside men and ladies locker only. Quick sport massage is also available.
Tennis Court : Racket and ball rental are available.

www.balihandarakosaido.com

Read more...

Uluwatu Temple - Pura Luhur Uluwatu - Bali

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the SW, in which dwell major deities, in Uluwatu's case; Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures. Bali's most spectacular temples located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu lies at the southern tip of Bali in Badung Regency.

Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. This is a popular place to enjoy the sunset. Famous not only for its unique position, Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur (literally high temples or ascension temples) which become the focus for massive pilgrimages during three or five day odalan anniversaries. The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple, Goa Lawah, is also Pura Luhur. Not all Pura Luhur are on the coast, however but all have inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water.

Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast. In the 15th Century the great pilgrim priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode: history records that Dwijendra achieved moksa (oneness with the godhead, in a flash of blazing light) while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu.

Behind the main pagoda of Pura Uluwatu's small inner sanctum, a limestone statue of a Brahman priest surveys the Indian Ocean-it is said the statue represents the founding priest Dwijendra. Another shrine within the complex represents the boat on which Dwijendra traveled from, then, Hindu Java. According to legend he arrived at Pura Peti Tenget, north of Kuta.

Uluwatu Beach is known for its surf and, in nearby hostelries, its full moon rage parties. It rages at the temple too but in an orderly way, thanks to the royal house of Puri Agung Jero Kuta, Denpasar, who are the temple's hereditary pangemong (custodians). Hundreds of nobles from this family, and many 'devotees' (pengayah) and village pemangku priests from nearby hamlets, ensure that every seven months (on Anggar Kasih Medangsya by the Wuku Calendar, to be exact) the festival is run efficiently, and most elegantly. The palace is proud of its ancestral role: it manages the awesome logistics with fitting dignity.

Being a popular surfing spot for the very experienced, Uluwatu offers a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset. Warungs or small restaurants perched on the cliff offer a comfortable spot to survey the vast Indian Ocean beyond and below the 100-meter-high cliffs with panorama on three sides. Monkeys inhabit the temple and cliff face hoping for a banana or some peanuts from the visitors.

http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

Read more...

Rafting at SOBEK - Bali

Established in Bali in 1989, Sobek Bali Utama was the first Adventure Tour Company of its kind on the island. Taking pride in a proven 100% safety record even to this day, SOBEK invests heavily into thorough industry recognized safety training standards. Each and every one of SOBEK’s 265 staff receives on going training and development to ensure they are the very best in their field. Ultimately SOBEK works hard to maintain its reputation and market position as No.1.

SOBEK operates the largest transport network of any tour operator in Bali. The comfortable, air conditioned vehicles are linked by a radio communication system, which allows SOBEK to monitor the progress of clients on the way to and from the start and finish sites.

SOBEK’s guides are trained to the highest international standards in safety, first aid, rescue and customer service. They undertake foreign-language training courses in a number of major languages, to ensure guests from all corners of the world are not only comfortable whilst SOBEK guests, but also are given in-depth safety briefings before embarking on one of our tours.

SOBEK pioneered White Water Rafting in the 1980’s and 16 years later are known world wide for their safety and quality of product and to this day are still seen as the market leader for White Water Rafting in Indonesia.

If you are thinking of taking a vacation to Bali and looking for great action, fun and adventure all the way, whilst at the same time having the peace of mind you will be safe, then Booking SOBEK is the only option you should consider.

SOBEK Cycling is not only great fun, but also a fantastic way to get away from the beaches and shopping malls that make up a typical island holiday. Through SOBEK you will not only gain and insight into usually unseen Balinese culture, but also an education into typical Balinese lifestyle.
Accompanied by SOBEK Guides who are trained to educate and entertain you, a day touring Bali by bicycle has never been as much fun.

SOBEK Eco Trails give you a chance to explore traditional villages and farming communities as well as the fresh air and otherwise un-chartered splendor of Bali National Parks and Rain forests.

Whether you want to step back in time with an interior trek or explore pristine jungle areas let SOBEK be your guide to a natural and breathtaking Bali.




Why Choose SOBEK

* Proven 100% Safety record for more than 15 Years
* Professional well trained, well managed bilingual guides
* US100,000 personal insurance coverage
* New quality industry leading safety and tour equipment
* Clean complete, well maintained, environmentally friendly facilities
* Efficient, punctual and friendly transportation
* Friendly well organized customer service
* Strong effective process and product management
* Choice of value for money quality consistent products
* Great choice of delicious and filling food in superb surroundings

These are just a few reasons why SOBEK !
The ultimate reason is that at SOBEK we ensure that every guest is given the very best experience, from our transportation to the safety equipement to the facilities and surrounding. Sobek Bali Utama - “Your guide to natures experience!”

Sobek’s Safety and Environment Standards

SOBEK is 100% committed to safety and customer support has made us the No.1 choice for travel agents, wholesalers and tour outlets worldwide. SOBEK continuous commitment to environmental conservation and education has also earned respect and recognition and remains a prime focus of the company’s day to day operation.
All guide leaders are trained to the :

* SWIFT WATER RESCUE PROGRAM
* AMERICAN AFFILIATION WHITE WATER SAFETY STANDARDS
* AUSTRALIAN WHITE WATER SAFETY STANDARDS

All training programs including customer service, teamwork, leadership skills and first aid are conducted with regular revision and assessment tests.

http://www.balisobek.com

PT. SOBEK BALI UTAMA
Jl. Raya Tebongkang N0 33 Ubud – Gianyar
Bali - Indonesia
[p] +62 361 287059 [f] +62 361 289448
[e] info@balisobek.com

Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 100X Simpang Siur Kuta
Bali - Indonesia
[p] +62 361 768050 [f] +62 361 768090
[e] info@balisobek.com

Read more...

BOUNTY CRUISES

Cruise in comfort aboard Bali Bounty Cruises 400 passenger catamaran. With a cruising speed of up to 30 knots, you may sit back, relax and enjoy full staff service while reading the daily newspaper or viewing our onboard video entertainment. We sail from Bali every day. Bounty Cruises is equipped with state of the art computerized stabilizer and meets with International Safety Standards. Complete with an executive standard of service, the Bounty Catamaran is three decks of pure luxury.

DAY CRUISE - LEMBONGAN ISLAND Join cruise for a full day of water activities - above and below the sea - on our 48 meter pontoon located in the beautiful, crystal clear waters of Shanghiang Bay on Nusa Lembongan Island. The most fun you can have in one day.

DINNER CRUISE - SUNSET CRUISE Once the sun goes down, step aboard for a night of romantic floating fun. Enjoy our program of live entertainment with your appetizing International Buffet Dinner served on the main deck. Dance the night away with our onboard DJ.

LUXURY YACHT - THE PERFORMERS Bali offers some of the world’s best diving spots and what better way than to head out on your own private yacht, where we will place you right in the thick of action – on time and right where you should be.

CATAMARAN CRUISE - SEASATION The most seasational day in Bali! Sail away with Seasation and have the most sensational day in Lembongan Islands. Set sail aboard our very spacious catamaran and enjoy an island experience second to none. Taking you scuba diving for the first time is Seasation's speciality. And introductory scuba dive requires absoulutely no experience. Our experienced scuba instructors will give you an underwater experience you will never forget. On your introductory dive you will get down and up close and personal with some of the most colorful marine life including spectacular coral and many species of fish.

http://www.balibountycruises.com

Read more...

Nirwana Bali Golf Club - Tanah Lot Bali

Nirwana Bali Golf Club is a visual masterpiece of dramatic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes. Designed by Greg Norman, the golf course offers a spectacular challenge and a unique world-class experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Designed by legendary golfer Greg Norman, Nirwana Bali's 18-hole golf course is one of the most photographed and challenging golf courses in the world.

With three holes running along the cliffs of the Indian ocean and terraced rice paddies providing unique hazards the course will test the accuracy and consistency of a PGA Professional and still be enjoyable for the average golfer. Set on the southwest coast of Bali 45 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nirwana Bali Golf Club is the centerpiece of the fully integrated Nirwana Bali Resort. Come and experience the ultimate that golf in Bali has to offer!.

Facilities

Nirwana Bali Golf Club is managed and maintained to world class standards by IMG, the world's largest sports marketing and management company.

Golf carts are mandatory and you will be accompanied by enchanting Balinese caddies who will ensure your game is memorable.
The clubhouse provides a casual dining restaurant, a fully stocked pro shop and luxurious locker rooms. Blending in harmony with Bali's natural beauty, Nirwana Bali Golf Club offers an unparalleled array of resort facilities.

Golf Lessons Program

A full range of golf packages are available :
- Beginners
- Advanced
- Junior
- Ladies

The club can also provide on course playing lessons. All lessons can be available for a group or individual. Please call at the club for prices.

- The above rates are valid from until .
- All rates are subject to 10% taxes
- All rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Dress Code

All Players must wear the proper golfing attire. T-shirt, jeans, metal spikes shoes and sport shoes are not permitted.

Men:
- Golf Shirt with collar
- Golf Bermudas or trousers
- Soft spiked golf shoes with socks

Woman:
- Women's golf attire
- Rubber spiked golf shoes with socks

Nirwana Bali Golf Club
Address : Jl. Raya Tanah Lot Kediri
Tabanan 82171 Bali - Indonesia
Ph. : + 62 361 815 960
Fax : + 62 361 815 961-2
reservation@nirwanabaligolf.com
www.nirwanabaligolf.com

Read more...

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is an island off the southeast coast of the main island of Bali.

Water is quite clear; good for diving and snorkeling. Surfing is crowded but nice waves. Nice coral sand beach. Learn about the cosmetic seaweed farming industry.

There are two main beaches. Jungutbatu in the north is the bigger of the two with a myriad of hotels and cheap eateries, and tends to attract the backpackers and the surfers.

Mushroom Bay to the south of Jungutbatu is more tranquil, has the island's best swimming beach and is slightly more upmarket.

This is a nice place to walk. A rocky coastal paths links nearly all the guest houses and hotels. Most trips will take you less than two hours. Bicycles can be rented at most places, and the mainly flat roads are quite well surfaced. Motorbikes are also available but may be unnecessary given the short distances involved. You can cross to the small island of Ceningan via a scenic suspension bridge.

Get in

From the Kuta area: Take a taxi to the Sanur beach near the Grand Bali Beach Hotel.

Public boats, depart daily from Sanur beach public wharf (near the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel). They can be a bit sketchy at times and usually very crowded. No same day return. IDR 70,000 one-way. The ride across is approximately 90 minutes. The sea can be rough.

Perama, a local transfers-only operator for the budget traveler, without same day return, IDR 100,000 one way, and has a network of connecting bus-links from around Bali. Boat departures daily at 10.30am. The ride across is approximately 90 minutes. The office of Perama Sanur can be found at friendly Warung Pojok in Jalan Hang Tua. Daily Perama buses depart from here to Ubud, Kuta, the airport, Padangbai (for Lombok) and now also Amed.

The Tanis Outrigger, for the budget traveler IDR 100.000/person/one way. it take approximately 80 minutes can arrange the group more than 20 persons for transfer only and surfing trip. If you overnight in the Island the boat also operated The Sunset Dinner cruise around Island. Further information please feel free to contact mobile:081338737344 or (mailto:sales@tanisvillas.com).

The Tanis Lembongan Express, +62 361 7432344, mobile:+62 081338737344, Fax: +62 361 240070. A faster journey to Mushroom Bay of Lembongan Island crossing the Badung strait by speed boat. It takes 25-35 minutes from Sanur Beach near Grand Bali Beach hotel, return transfer USD 37.00/person and One way USD 23.00/person. The boat schedule departure Sanur beach near grand Bali Beach at 09.00, 2.30 and 16.00, Departure Lembongan Island at 08.30, 13.00 and 15.30. Enter the heaven of Paradise at Lembongan Island, the complete experience of exploring Bali. Services are fishing trips, transfer only, surfing safari trip and day cruise include:lunch, return hotels transfers and activities.Special charters min 2 person and max 18 persons can be arranged.

Scoot Fast Boat, leaves from Sanur too. It operates fast comfortable boats which take you to either Mushroom Bay or Jungutbatu for US$37.00 return. The tickets can be bought from the Scoot offices next to Dunkin' Donuts, by the Paradise Beach Hotel, or on the beach near the departure point. It takes 30-40 minutes and is probably the most modern scheduled passenger ferry on the route.

Island Explorer Cruises, +62 361728088 (email: sales@bali-activities.com). Transfer only or day cruise incl lunch & activities, super fast boats or leisurely sailing yacht to island. Departs Benoa at 9am yacht or 10.30AM fast boat. Does pick up from hotels.

Other ferry options

-Bounty Cruises Catamaran has a high speed ferry available for $35 one-way.

If you have limited time a good option is to take a one day cruise: on a twin-hull boat under sail you'll reach the island within 1.5 hours (drinks and snacks are available on board). On the island you can take part in a mangrove forest trip, snorkeling, banana boat ride, glass bottom boat ride, sea-kayaking. A lunch and swimming-pool are also available. The approximate price is $60 USD.

See

-Walk the suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

-Dream Beach on the south coast is a wonderful hidden beach with a great bar / cafe

-Visit the Lembongan Village seaweed farms; the view across the estuary is spectacular.

-Snorkel at Crystal Bay, as the coral is a a must-see and largely untouched.

-Have a drink or dinner at the lovely Sunset Villas and Cafe, and watch the spectacular sunset above the crashing waves.

-Make sure you track down an Aussie guy nick named "Hollywood Johnson". He spends a lot of time on the island and is an absolute character.

-Underground House at Lembongan village

-Mangrove forest in a dugout canoe

-Puncak Sari temple the biggest one in the island of Lembongan in the hill to explore nice view main land of Bali

http://wikitravel.org/en/Nusa_Lembongan

Read more...

Gili Trawangan - One of the Gili Island

The Gili Islands are located just off the northwest tip of Lombok, Indonesia.

The three Gili Islands are a small-scale backpacker mecca and Lombok's most popular tourist destination. The islands are very relaxed and laid-back, with countless little beachside cafes playing reggae and serving up banana pancakes, and no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. The white side beaches are without a doubt better than anywhere on Bali or Lombok. The flip side of the coin is that as they exist solely to cater for travellers, they're also rather anonymous (you might as well be at anywhere) and, aside from snorkeling and diving, there's little if anything to do. From west to east, the islands are:

Gili Trawangan (sometimes Trewangan) or just Gili T is the most developed with plenty of backpacker options, one swanky resort and increasing numbers of villas. There are no dogs on the island but according to one local, there are more cats here than people. The local population is around 800.

Gili Meno, the smallest and quietest, low-key with some simple places to stay.

Gili Air, closest to the mainland and with the largest local population.

Strictly speaking, the name "Gili Islands" is rather redundant as gili simply means "small island" in Sasak, but the name has stuck and is universally used and understood in Lombok.

There are also some other islands off Lombok called Gili Something, eg. Gili Nanggu and Gili Gede, but these are located to the southwest near Lembar, quite a distance from the "main" Gilis.

The Gilis are noticeably drier and hotter than Lombok, but evenings are still cool and refreshing and, at night, air-con is more of a luxury than a necessity. The rainy season is roughly from November to April, but it rains much less than on Bali. The peak tourist seasons are July-August and December-January.

There are no sights as such on the islands themselves, but the snorkeling and diving all around is a major draw.

The Gili islands have excellent diving, with an impressive array of sea creatures and plant life to be seen, such as green and hawksbill turtles, manta rays, bumphead parrotfish and more. Visibility is commonly in the 15-20m range. However, due to the exposed position of the Gilis, currents can be quite strong and drift diving is the norm.

For more information, please visit http://wikitravel.org

Read more...

Ubud Village

Ubud is a big countryside, supervising 13 Banjar (group of community) with 6 custom countryside, it is located in Ubud sub district, Gianyar Regency. With the distance about 20 km from Denpasar Town, Ubud Vilage can be reached within 30 minutes or 15 minutes from Gianyar Town. With the height about 300 meter above sea level, Ubud own the air more cold from other areas in south of Bali. Ubud village own population about 9.800 peoples. The environment is still keep natural and this area represents the area of inspiration source to all actors, inclusive of overseas actor, especially European actor.

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.

The real Ubud is under the surface. There are plenty of interesting things on the main streets, but most of the magic of Ubud is hidden away. In the backstreets, backwaters, courtyards and cafes. In people's hearts, minds, and dreams. This part of the Bali web site was built to show you how to go behind the facade and find the real Ubud, and the real Bali, without having to spend all your time searching for it. There's no point in repeating what's in the guidebooks, so we've tried not to. If you're interested in Ubud, there are at least a dozen guidebooks on Bali available and they all provide information on Ubud. Use this web site before you go to guidebooks, to find out what makes Ubud so special. Then use it after the guidebooks for up-to-date information, news and features about our extra ordinary town.

wording from www.lombokmarine.com

Read more...