KUTA
Kuta is a town 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 convenience to Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.
Kuta was the site of the October 12, 2002 Bali bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 Bali bombing (26 killed).
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.
To the south, Kuta Beach extends beyond the airport into Jimbaran.
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.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot means "Land in the Middle of the Sea" in Balinese language. Located about 20 km from Denpasar, the temple sits on a huge offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.
Tanah Lot is said to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. The story goes that during his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.
The Tanah Lot temple was then built and has been an important part of Balinese mythological history for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. It was said that each of the sea temples was to be within eyesight of the next so that they formed a chain along the south-western coast.
At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. There is said to be one giant snake which also protects the temple. It is believed that this snake was created from Nirartha’s scarf when he established the island.
ULUWATU
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.
UBUD
We have carefully researched many arts and crafts shops and have selected establishments with high standards of quality work. During this half day tour of Celuk Village which is renowned for its gold and silver works, skilled artisants create exquisite pieces of jewellery. Mas Village famous for its intricate woodcarving, where immensely talented woodcarvers fashion items from ebony and other hardwoods. Ubud is the artistic heart of Bali, where many local and European painters have settled. There are dozens of galleries and shops filled with paintings and sculptures, many by well known artists. You will visit an excellent place to get an overview of the stylistic differences. They also display ancient paintings as well as a variety of works by contemporary artists.
ALAS KEDATON
Alas Kedaton or “Holy Forest: is a small forrest measuring 12,00ha where you can see hundreds of monkeys in their natural habitat. It's one of the place in Bali where monkeys exist, free and peaceful. There are hundred of monkeys in this forest and high up on the big trees many bats area hanging and singing with their loud voices. Located in Sangeh Village, the six-hectare forest is populated with giant nutmeg trees of up to 40m in height. Hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit both the trees and the temple, Pura Bukit Sari, located in the heart of the forest, will greet you as you enter the forest, some of them even daring to get close to you. The monkeys have become well acquainted with human company, but beware - sometimes in their attempts to get food, they will snatch some object in order to trade for food. Be aware that the monkeys are easily attracted by shiny objects, such as cameras, jewelry, wristwatches or glasses - best to leave these things behind or keep them hidden.
KINTAMANI
The perfect introduction to Bali’s fascinating culture and handicrafts, picturesque rice fields, traditional villages and a spectacular lake and volcano. We take you to Batubulan to see the exciting Barong Dance. Continue on through the woodcarving village of Mas. The perfect introduction to Bali’s fascinating culture and handicrafts, picturesque rice fields, traditional villages and a spectacular lake and volcano. We take you to Batubulan to see the exciting Barong Dance. Continue on through the woodcarving village of Mas. Watch artisans chipping intricate designs from wood blocks. Visit the fantastic 11th century Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah). Moving into the cool mountains of Kintamani. View Mount Batur with its ribbons of black lava running down its peak to the valley below. Beside lies the shimmering lake of Batur. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant providing wonderful views. Our route home stops at the Holy springs which are believed to have magic curative powers. Visit Ubud the artistic heart of Bali and Celuk the gold and silver making center.
BERATAN
Traverse the width of Bali in a day. Leaving the relatively flat rice fields behind, we drive into the steep mountains of Pacung. Vegetatation changes as you continue further into alpine countryside. Mosses, creepers and ferns flourish here. Candi Kuning fruit and flower market produces exotic wild orchids, roses and fresh fruits. Reaching the attractive mountain resort of Bedugul – serene Lake Bratan fills the ancient crater of Mount Batukaru. The delighful temple of Ulun Danu is dedicated to the Goddess of Water.
Continue north to visit one of the world’s greatest golf courses “ Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club” beforereaching the fantastic jungle waterfall of Gitgit. On the north coast we travel through the town of Singaraja and have lunch at the stunning black sand beach of Lovina (lunch is not included). We return along a different route (Pupuan) through coffee plantations and spectacular terraced rice fields.
Sabtu, 15 November 2008
How to see Singapore in 4 Days?
Day One :
1) Go for breakfast at a local hawker centre (non air-conditioned food court), try the Roti Prata (Indian bread) with curry dip , a very popular Singaporean breakfast. YOu can have it plain or with egg. A plain Roti Prata would cost around S$0.70 (depending on the location).
If you are coffee drinker, try the local coffee (or they call it Kopi here). YOu have a choice of black with sugar (Kopi O), with condensed milk (just Kopi) or with carnasian milk (Kopi se). It is a little on the sweet side so if you don't like it too sweet, be sure to inform the person taking your order.
2) Pick up a walking map from any of the Singapore visitors centres (if you haven't already done that when you touched down at the airport). Go for Singapore river walk which will take you about 40 mins to 3 hours depending on the route you choose. Hire a guide if necessary.
Oh, don't forget to try the bumboat ride along the river for a view of the major Singapore riverside landmarks.
3) After lunch, if you are still not too tired from the morning walk, head down to Orchard Road, Singapore famous shopping belt to get all the souvenir you need for your loved ones at home. Don't forget to take frequent coffee or tea break during your shopping spree so that you will enjoy it more as shopping can be a very tiring activity :)
4) In the evening, dine or chill out at Boat Quay or Clark Quay or go for a free or paid concert at the Esplanade - theatre by the bay and enjoy the rest of the evening in a relax mood.
Day Two :
Visit Sentosa and spend the whole day there. They are many things to see and do on this resort island, don't forget to visit it's museums if you are interested in history of Singapore.
Day Three :
Go for a morning walk at the Singapore Botanic Garden or take the Ethnic Walk (Chinatown walk, Little India walk or Kampong Glam walk to choose from) to explore the cultures of it's people. In the , visit the Singapore zoo and continue with the Singapore Night Safari (located next to the Singapore zoo).
Day Four :
Visit the Singapore science centre or Jurong Bird Park in the day. For dinner, go to Lau Pau Sat, Singapore Festive Market to have a taste of the spread of Singapore food.
If you happened to be in Singapore on Friday, take advantage of the free admission at the Asian Civilisation Museum, Singapore Art Museum or Singapore Philatelic Museum on Friday night.
1) Go for breakfast at a local hawker centre (non air-conditioned food court), try the Roti Prata (Indian bread) with curry dip , a very popular Singaporean breakfast. YOu can have it plain or with egg. A plain Roti Prata would cost around S$0.70 (depending on the location).
If you are coffee drinker, try the local coffee (or they call it Kopi here). YOu have a choice of black with sugar (Kopi O), with condensed milk (just Kopi) or with carnasian milk (Kopi se). It is a little on the sweet side so if you don't like it too sweet, be sure to inform the person taking your order.
2) Pick up a walking map from any of the Singapore visitors centres (if you haven't already done that when you touched down at the airport). Go for Singapore river walk which will take you about 40 mins to 3 hours depending on the route you choose. Hire a guide if necessary.
Oh, don't forget to try the bumboat ride along the river for a view of the major Singapore riverside landmarks.
3) After lunch, if you are still not too tired from the morning walk, head down to Orchard Road, Singapore famous shopping belt to get all the souvenir you need for your loved ones at home. Don't forget to take frequent coffee or tea break during your shopping spree so that you will enjoy it more as shopping can be a very tiring activity :)
4) In the evening, dine or chill out at Boat Quay or Clark Quay or go for a free or paid concert at the Esplanade - theatre by the bay and enjoy the rest of the evening in a relax mood.
Day Two :
Visit Sentosa and spend the whole day there. They are many things to see and do on this resort island, don't forget to visit it's museums if you are interested in history of Singapore.
Day Three :
Go for a morning walk at the Singapore Botanic Garden or take the Ethnic Walk (Chinatown walk, Little India walk or Kampong Glam walk to choose from) to explore the cultures of it's people. In the , visit the Singapore zoo and continue with the Singapore Night Safari (located next to the Singapore zoo).
Day Four :
Visit the Singapore science centre or Jurong Bird Park in the day. For dinner, go to Lau Pau Sat, Singapore Festive Market to have a taste of the spread of Singapore food.
If you happened to be in Singapore on Friday, take advantage of the free admission at the Asian Civilisation Museum, Singapore Art Museum or Singapore Philatelic Museum on Friday night.
Building a dream house in Bali
Ubud Bali : The long, narrow lane would not look out of place in an old spy movie.
It ends abruptly at what looks like a wall of thatched grass but, after the driver toots the taxi's horn, what turns out to be a grass-covered gate swings open to reveal a private entrance to one hectare, or 2.5 acres, of luxurious property nestled among the rice paddies of the Ayung River valley, near Ubud, at the center of the Indonesian island of Bali.
There, on the Sayan Ridge overlooking the river, stands a 33.5-meter-long, or 110-foot-long, single-story traditional longhouse among a vast expanse of coconut and frangipani trees, manmade and natural ponds, and even vegetable gardens.
Built entirely of tropical wood, including old ironwood electricity poles bought in a government auction, this is the dream house of John Hardy, 58, a Canadian, and his American wife, Cynthia.
Each arrived in Bali more than 20 years ago and they separately set up small jewelry businesses. Then, after meeting here, they joined forces to develop John Hardy, the renowned silver company. Its initial designs were based on four traditional Balinese jewelry-making techniques.
The couple sold their share in the business last year and now are concentrating on a new ecologically friendly school that they have built entirely of bamboo. The international school, which opened its doors in September, serves about 100 students from preschool through eighth grade.
When it came to their house, "We talked to the architect, Cheong Yew Kuan, about a fantasy," Cynthia Hardy explained. "John's brief was as few walls as possible, floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs and no door downstairs to maximize the outdoor living experience and the fabulous view. We wanted the house to be as open and as transparent as possible, so you could see the rice fields from wherever you stood inside."
The couple fell in love with the site when they first spotted it in 1992 on a cycling trip around Ubud. At the time, they were living in a small house with no electricity or hot water on the very edge of the Ayung River gorge, below the luxury Amandari Resort.
"That day there was corn in the field and the view was incredible. We had had the same view below the Amandari but not that open," she recalled. "Here, there was a real expanse of rice fields and the river below. There was a feeling of peace, serenity, seclusion."
The first small parcel of land was bought for $20,000 with a loan from Cynthia Hardy's father. (Property prices in Bali are quoted in U.S. dollars.) Since then, the couple has bought 10 more pieces of land to make up the site they now have. "Actually, the land is mainly contracted because foreigners cannot buy land outright in Indonesia," Hardy said. "So you get a contract for 20 years, with a possibility to extend for another 20 years or buy through a Balinese proxy."
The construction of the main house, which cost around $1 million, was a slow and organic process that took about two years, ending in 1997. "We first built a scale model in bamboo, just to get an idea of what it would be like to live in that house. We put up a little tent and moved it around to see where we wanted the bedroom. That's when we decided we wanted to sleep in the north," Hardy recalled.
The result is striking. The 20-meter-high structure stands on stilts and is one-room deep. The open ground floor space underneath the house is punctuated by water features that create a series of living spaces, some linked by small bridges, and include plenty of nooks for privacy. The décor is dominated by Javanese items that the couple has collected over the years, linked by a saffron and burgundy color scheme.
At far end of the house, a dining room, mainly used for breakfast, overlooks a deep pool and an old stone tub from Java that has been transformed into a Jacuzzi. "I can't say we're using it very often, maybe once every six months. We've never been in the hang-around, lounge mood, ever. One day, when we're old and not doing anything," Hardy mused.
Upstairs is another enfilade of rooms, beginning with an 8-meter by 7.6-meter living room, then a his-and-hers office, a master bedroom with a small walk-in closet, and finally a well-appointed bathroom with a custom-made rainforest shower with copper walls designed by John Hardy.
The rooms are open to the elements, so every night the Hardys' staff hoist "sails," screens made of varnished canvas, to protect the furnishings and decorations from the rain.
The couple's two daughters, Carina, 12, and Chiara, 8, live in a separate five-story, parent-free pagoda with a thatched roof. Also designed by Cheong and built at a cost of $25,000, it is accessed either by a submerged stone path from the living room or through the garden.
John Hardy's two older children from a previous marriage, Orin and Elora, have separate small Javanese houses that were restored and placed on the property for their visits. Elora is a graphic designer for Donna Karan in New York; Orin attends Evergreen State College, in Olympia, Washington.
Cynthia Hardy admits the house, which employs more than 15 staff members, requires "huge upkeep" as nature constantly tries to regain some ground: "We get lots of cobwebs, dust and leaves flying around, ferns grow out of the wood on the second floor, we even have bee holes in some of the teakwood and some of the coffee tree wood we used have rotted."
Building their dream home has required "thousands of little decisions to make," Hardy said, and it seems like the couple may never stop adding to it.
The latest addition was a 12.7-meter by 10.5-meter open family kitchen with an underground dry-storage space and toilets with walls that have been reinforced with bamboo and plaster. At the far end, overlooking the paddies, stands a huge kitchen table created from a long teak log split in two.
The couple says it is fast becoming the heart of the house, where the family spends every evening together eating the food they have produced in the garden, the rice paddy and the new shrimp house by the riverside.
"There is no downside to anything. This house is incredible, and it gets better every day, it really does," Hardy said. "Every day I'm here, I like it more."
It ends abruptly at what looks like a wall of thatched grass but, after the driver toots the taxi's horn, what turns out to be a grass-covered gate swings open to reveal a private entrance to one hectare, or 2.5 acres, of luxurious property nestled among the rice paddies of the Ayung River valley, near Ubud, at the center of the Indonesian island of Bali.
There, on the Sayan Ridge overlooking the river, stands a 33.5-meter-long, or 110-foot-long, single-story traditional longhouse among a vast expanse of coconut and frangipani trees, manmade and natural ponds, and even vegetable gardens.
Built entirely of tropical wood, including old ironwood electricity poles bought in a government auction, this is the dream house of John Hardy, 58, a Canadian, and his American wife, Cynthia.
Each arrived in Bali more than 20 years ago and they separately set up small jewelry businesses. Then, after meeting here, they joined forces to develop John Hardy, the renowned silver company. Its initial designs were based on four traditional Balinese jewelry-making techniques.
The couple sold their share in the business last year and now are concentrating on a new ecologically friendly school that they have built entirely of bamboo. The international school, which opened its doors in September, serves about 100 students from preschool through eighth grade.
When it came to their house, "We talked to the architect, Cheong Yew Kuan, about a fantasy," Cynthia Hardy explained. "John's brief was as few walls as possible, floor-to-ceiling windows upstairs and no door downstairs to maximize the outdoor living experience and the fabulous view. We wanted the house to be as open and as transparent as possible, so you could see the rice fields from wherever you stood inside."
The couple fell in love with the site when they first spotted it in 1992 on a cycling trip around Ubud. At the time, they were living in a small house with no electricity or hot water on the very edge of the Ayung River gorge, below the luxury Amandari Resort.
"That day there was corn in the field and the view was incredible. We had had the same view below the Amandari but not that open," she recalled. "Here, there was a real expanse of rice fields and the river below. There was a feeling of peace, serenity, seclusion."
The first small parcel of land was bought for $20,000 with a loan from Cynthia Hardy's father. (Property prices in Bali are quoted in U.S. dollars.) Since then, the couple has bought 10 more pieces of land to make up the site they now have. "Actually, the land is mainly contracted because foreigners cannot buy land outright in Indonesia," Hardy said. "So you get a contract for 20 years, with a possibility to extend for another 20 years or buy through a Balinese proxy."
The construction of the main house, which cost around $1 million, was a slow and organic process that took about two years, ending in 1997. "We first built a scale model in bamboo, just to get an idea of what it would be like to live in that house. We put up a little tent and moved it around to see where we wanted the bedroom. That's when we decided we wanted to sleep in the north," Hardy recalled.
The result is striking. The 20-meter-high structure stands on stilts and is one-room deep. The open ground floor space underneath the house is punctuated by water features that create a series of living spaces, some linked by small bridges, and include plenty of nooks for privacy. The décor is dominated by Javanese items that the couple has collected over the years, linked by a saffron and burgundy color scheme.
At far end of the house, a dining room, mainly used for breakfast, overlooks a deep pool and an old stone tub from Java that has been transformed into a Jacuzzi. "I can't say we're using it very often, maybe once every six months. We've never been in the hang-around, lounge mood, ever. One day, when we're old and not doing anything," Hardy mused.
Upstairs is another enfilade of rooms, beginning with an 8-meter by 7.6-meter living room, then a his-and-hers office, a master bedroom with a small walk-in closet, and finally a well-appointed bathroom with a custom-made rainforest shower with copper walls designed by John Hardy.
The rooms are open to the elements, so every night the Hardys' staff hoist "sails," screens made of varnished canvas, to protect the furnishings and decorations from the rain.
The couple's two daughters, Carina, 12, and Chiara, 8, live in a separate five-story, parent-free pagoda with a thatched roof. Also designed by Cheong and built at a cost of $25,000, it is accessed either by a submerged stone path from the living room or through the garden.
John Hardy's two older children from a previous marriage, Orin and Elora, have separate small Javanese houses that were restored and placed on the property for their visits. Elora is a graphic designer for Donna Karan in New York; Orin attends Evergreen State College, in Olympia, Washington.
Cynthia Hardy admits the house, which employs more than 15 staff members, requires "huge upkeep" as nature constantly tries to regain some ground: "We get lots of cobwebs, dust and leaves flying around, ferns grow out of the wood on the second floor, we even have bee holes in some of the teakwood and some of the coffee tree wood we used have rotted."
Building their dream home has required "thousands of little decisions to make," Hardy said, and it seems like the couple may never stop adding to it.
The latest addition was a 12.7-meter by 10.5-meter open family kitchen with an underground dry-storage space and toilets with walls that have been reinforced with bamboo and plaster. At the far end, overlooking the paddies, stands a huge kitchen table created from a long teak log split in two.
The couple says it is fast becoming the heart of the house, where the family spends every evening together eating the food they have produced in the garden, the rice paddy and the new shrimp house by the riverside.
"There is no downside to anything. This house is incredible, and it gets better every day, it really does," Hardy said. "Every day I'm here, I like it more."
Margarana Monument an Historical Tourist Object in Bali
When paying a visit to Margarana War Memorial (Margarana Monument), you will feel so relaxed. The Monument that situated at Marga Dauh Puri Village, 28 km north of Denpasar has cool ambience and alluring panorama. To the north, the blue view of Mount Batukaru and a line of hill ranges from the west to east offer their distinctively endless charm. You can also see spreading paddy plants at the surrounding that is capable of generating peacefulness in mind. On staying here, you will evidently feel the presence of another ‘spirit’ as well.More than that, your mind will be brought back to historical occurrences in the past. 59 years ago (20 November 1946), an all-out war called Puputan Margarana exploded here between the Ciung Wenara troops led by I Gusti Ngurah Rai against the Netherlands Indies Civil Administration (NICA). To look back on such a heroic occurrence, a ‘sky-scraping large temple’ equipped with 1,372 ‘small’ ones were founded as a commemoration of the death of 1,372 troops of Bali. There are also warrior effigies and museum that retain a variety of war equipments that were used by the foregoing Ciung Wanara troops. Those small temples are inscribed with the name of each warrior. They do not only comprehend warriors of Bali, but also of Japan. However, the latter have employed Indonesian (Balinese) names like Bung Ali (grave no. 221), I Ketut Jepang (483), I Made Putra Jepang (300), I Mima (553), I Made (554), I Wayan Gede Waja (824), Ketut Sunia/Bung Canggu (339) and I Gde (429). They were all Japanese troops that gave assistance to the Ciung Wenara in struggling against the NICA.Though Margarana Monument retains a bitter historical reminiscence that will sever every single heart of visitor, it does not mean to encourage earlier requital. Even, this place is made into a locale of contemplation to make cooperation. Its evidence is shown by the fact that on every commemoration of Margarana Memorial Day (20 November), there are always foreign visitors who place flowers there.Today, the monument has been finely rearranged and completed with appealing garden. On the west and east side are established gazebos, a convenient place to unwind. A large pond with hundreds of small and sizable colourful fish also decorates this delightful garden. Its fish draw the attention of visitors, especially children.This garden is never short of visitors, particularly on holidays. Several pupils or students often perform study. They are from both Bali and outside Bali. Meanwhile, the local people nearby make their time to take their leisure with family here in the afternoon.Having left Margarana, you can resume your trip to other tourist destinations. Closest tourist object and attraction to Margarana are Alas Kedaton monkey forest, and Jatiluwih rice terrace, Tanah Lot Temple or Bedugul highland that keeps three magnificent lakes namely the Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. Finally, have a nice trip and enjoy your day! (BTN/015)
See Bali's Regencies :
Badung Badung to Build War Memorial as a Tourist Destination Gianyar Kalarau Statue in the Center of
Gianyar Bangli Bangli Palace to Inspire the Publishing of ’Revolt in Paradise’
Klungkung Pemedal Agung, The Glory of Klungkung Kingdom
Karangasem A Place Where to Learn about History and Botany
Buleleng Curasthana War Memorial, Singaraja
Jembrana Tourist Information
Tabanan Margarana Monument an Historical Tourist Object in Bali
Denpasar Denpasar Retains Many Hero Statues
See Bali's Regencies :
Badung Badung to Build War Memorial as a Tourist Destination Gianyar Kalarau Statue in the Center of
Gianyar Bangli Bangli Palace to Inspire the Publishing of ’Revolt in Paradise’
Klungkung Pemedal Agung, The Glory of Klungkung Kingdom
Karangasem A Place Where to Learn about History and Botany
Buleleng Curasthana War Memorial, Singaraja
Jembrana Tourist Information
Tabanan Margarana Monument an Historical Tourist Object in Bali
Denpasar Denpasar Retains Many Hero Statues
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