Cruising Bali

The original inhabitants of Bali are the Bali Aga, who still live and maintain their tradition in small communities on the eastern part of the island. They are descendants of a prehistoric race who migrated from mainland Asia and were later influenced by the Indian traders who brought Hindhu learning and religion. The recorded history of Bali begins with the marriage of Balinese King Udayana and the princess of Mahendradata from East Java in the 10^th century. During the fall of the Majapahit Kingdom in East Java to the Islamic influence, the last Hindhu prince crossed the Bali Strait in 1478 together with many thousands of Hindhu priests, nobles, soldiers, artists and artisans. The prince was then declared as the King of Bali.

Bali has been effectively preserved from Islamization and is now the only island in Indonesia that still embraces Hindhuism. Unlike other major Islands, the majority of Balinese are Hindhu.

The Hindhu teaching and local tradition are still practiced in daily life. Every family has a temple at home and this family temple is the most important part of a Balinese house compound. The Balinese have a strong social community. The village where they live and share public facilities is called Banjar, and every family in a Banjar is obliged to take participate in any social activity ( birth,weddings,funeral,and temple ceremony) that is taking place in their Banjar.

The majestic volcanoes, the breathtaking view of rice terraces, the beautiful white sandy beaches, the rich culture and tradition and the hospitality of the people has made Bali the most visited tourist destination in the archipelago for many years.

Places of Interest

Port of Benoa and Padang Bai

Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple was built in 1634 by the founder of Mengwi Kingdom. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali, with a classic design complete with a lawn, ponds and surrounded by a moat.

Bali Bird Park

Bali Bird Park or locally known as Taman Burung was built in 1995. The park provides sanctuary to almost 1,000 birds of 250 different species and accommodates an amazing display of flora with more then 2,000 tropical plants including 50 varieties of palms alone and attracts numerous butterflies.

Celuk Village, Home for Gold & Silver Smiths

There are a large number of shops selling gold and silver jewellery, both in traditional and modern designs along the main road of celuk village. In this relatively small village, hundreds of family live as gold and silver smiths.

Kesiman Village, Batik Processing

In Kesiman Village you can see the process of making batik, the Indonesian traditional textile. Balinese wear batik on many occasions, mostly in official events and religious festivities.

Denpasar

The capital city of Bali Province. There are two places worth visiting in Denpasar :

·         *Werdi Budaya Art Center is where young artist study, train and sell their works. Here, they perform Kecak Dance every night. Kecak is an attractive and unique dance which is telling of the Hindhust epic, Ramayana.

·         *The Bali Museum, an ethnographic museum showing the history and culture of Bali, Balinese way of life, the arts and the religion.

Bedugul

As a cool mountain area, this area is very popular among local visitors for its fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers. There are three beautiful lakes in Bedugul, one of them is lake Beratan, where the beautiful Ulun Danu Temple was built at the edge of the lake. Here you can visit the first and only botanical garden in Bali and the famous Bali Handara Golf Course.

Jagatnatha Temple

Pura Jagatnatha, a temple dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two nagas signify the foundation of the world and you will find lotus thrones which Balinese believe they are the seats of the Gods.

Ubud Village

People simply describe it as “ a place to go in Bali “. Ubud has for decades attracted foreign artists and celebrities, Walter Spies, Rudolf Bonnet, Antonio Blanco are few among those who have settle here and become a part of the local community. In the Puri Lukisan Museum, you can find a collection of world class paintings in traditional and contemporary styles. Dining and staying in Ubud can be a memorable experience for those who appreciate the beauty of the country side with genuine family hospitality.

Monkey Forest

A six hectares forest with giant nutmeg trees that is inhabited by hundreds of monkeys. Here you have the chance to stand close to the monkeys and feed them with peanuts, but beware they are easily attracted to shiny objects, they will snatch your belonging quicker than any pick pocket in town, to trade for food.

Cultural Lesson

A short course on learning the art of “Banten” making, Balinese ceremonial offering, the ‘“Canang” daily offering and other ceremonial equipment, as well as learning how to wear the traditional Balinese cloth, or how to play the Balinese bamboo musical instrument.

Bali Tours

Denpasar City Sightseeing

Duration : 3 Hrs 45 Mins

08:30	Benoa,Departure
09:15 – 09:30	Parliament House (passing by)
09:30 – 10:15	Bali Museum
10:15 – 11:00	Werdhi Budaya Art Centre
11:00 – 11:45	Kumbasari Market
12:15	Benoa, Arrival

Ubud Walking Tour
Duration : 4 Hrs 15 Mins

14:00 – 14:30	Traditional Market, Ubud
14:45 – 16:15	Start Walking Tour
17:15	Benoa, Arrival

Bali Bird Watching
Duration : 5 Hrs 30 Mins

07:00	Benoa, Departure
08:00 – 11:30	Bali Bird Walk, Ubud
12:30	Benoa, Arrival

Bali Countryside
Duration : 5 Hrs 30 Mins

08:00	Padang Bai,Departure
08:30 – 09:00	Kerthagosa, Klungkung
09:00 – 09:20	Bukit Jambul
10:10 – 10:20	Selat
10:50 – 11:20	Putung Refreshment Stop
11:45 - 12:30	Tenganan
13:30	Padang Bai, Arrival

Hindhu Pilgrimage & Batur Volcano
Duration : 9 Hrs 15 Mins

09:30	Padang Bai, Departure
10:00 – 10:45	Sidan Village, The Barong Dance
12:15 - 12:40	Batur Temple
12:45 - 13:45	Lunch
14:15 – 15:00	Tampak Siring
15:30 - 16:15	Ubud
16:45 - 17:15	Mas Village
18:45	Padang Bai, Arrival

Source: Cruising Indonesia by Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia

www.my-indonesia.info

www.indonesiatourism.go.id

www.indonesia.travel