Bali: The Online Travel Guide

Central Bali...

Strangely remote from the madding crowds of the Southern region, yet only a couple of hours away by even the slowest mode of transport. A stay in the Central part of Bali should be considered by everyone whose pursuits lean even slightly towards the cultural rather than the carnivale.

Highlights include beautiful jungle walks, stunning mountain vista’s over terraced rice fields and relief to see villages that have not yet totally succumbed to the trappings of the tourist trail.

Bangli

The capital of the Central-Eastern Bangli District, a neat and very clean city with several beautiful temples, including Pura Puseh and the nearby Pura Kehen which is located a short walk from the city centre at the top of the hill.

Bangli is a city where the visitor can see a community largely unaffected by commercial tourism--in fact it is refreshing that there are hardly any concessions to tourists here.

Bona

Located only a short distance from Gianyar, the village of Bona is famous for almost every variety of Bamboo furniture and artistry imaginable. Bona is also famous for its dances, especially for the kecak, or fire dance. Performances are staged regularly for the tourists visiting the village, and special trips are available from most of Bali’s major centres to see this spectacular ceremony.

Celuk

The center of gold and silver shopping with artisans and traders making and selling their local craftworks. The local artists are famed for their delicate gold and fine filigree style silver work, which is very popular with visitors around the world. If you want, special pieces can be made to order.

Goa Gajah

An ancient Bhuddist hermitage and bathing place, with partially restored fountains and statues surrounding it. Goa Gajah is commonly known as the Elephant Cave, and features prominantly in the adjenda’s of most visitors to Bali. The popularity of this temple is well deserved however and it should not be missed. The enterance is flanked by a well established market, and a large car park for tourist busses.

For those who choose to stay in Ubud, Goa Gajah is a short bemo ride away, or the more energetic could consider walking or riding a bicycle, then visiting the nearby Yeh Pulu, which is far less commercially exploited.

Gianyar

The capital of the Gianyar district, this is a neat city with open parklands and the very attractive palace residence of the former Raja. The main industry is weaving.

Jatuluwih

Set on the southern slopes of Gunung Batakau near Tabanan, this village is difficult to reach without your own transport, but is worth the effort. Take in the stunning views, and visit Pura Luhur, which has served as a sanctuary since ancient times. Nearby is Pura Yeh Gangga, a 600 year old temple which features a seven roofed shrine.

Mas

Well known for its quality woodcarvings and other handicrafts, Mas is on the map of most visitors to Bali. Here the masters teach the pupils the art of carving, including modern and traditional pieces. Topeng masks are very popular items, exhibiting a wide range of expressions, and make great souvenirs.

Mengwi

Best known for the Manusa Yadnya Museum and nearby Royal Pura Taman Ayun, a very scenic temple surrounded by a moat and some beautiful gardens. View the surroundigs from the tower near the river, then cross the river by punt to visit the art centre and one of the riverside restaurants.

Above: The beautiful Pura Taman Ayun, one of Bali’s finest temples is located in Mengwi.

Sangeh

On the road to Bedugal, Sangeh is most famous for its monkey forest, but be warned: these interesting creatures are not cuddly nor cute. The furry guardians of the temple and the sacred nutmeg forest will sense any food or even water that the unwary visitor is carying, and will steal anything they can get their paws on.

Sayan

This ridge located just west of Ubud offers some of the most spectacular views in Bali. Here, dramatic views of rice fields carved into the sides of a beautiful valley resemble art more than agriculture.

Sebatu

A tiny village with a lovely temple and bathing pools about 40 minutes drive from Ubud.

Tabanan

The Tabanan region offers spectacular scenery over a wide range of landscapes ranging from volcanic mountains, to lush tropical rain forests and rich plains of colorful rice fields.

This is the one of Indonesia’s richest rice growing areas, with higher yields than anywhere else in the archipelego. It is also the food garden of Bali, with plots vegetable spreading from the low coastal lands, up to the lower slopes of Gunung Batukau.

The surrounding area offers many attractions for the active traveller, especially those interested in hiking and mountain trekking, who will be rewarded with breathtaking views of southern Bali. There are many brightly decorated temples, and located nearby is the 17th century royal palace at Krambitan.

Ubud

Famous around the world for its art and artist communities, its museums and cultural attractions, Ubud is a magnet for visitors from all backgrounds. Food and accommodations are available in all standards and price ranges. Many find this area one of the best for long walks in the countryside of Bali, including the "monkey forest walk" and the "white herron walk" among many others.

Pejeng

Famous for the Pura Penataran Sasih, which contains bronze a kettle-drum, said to be 2000 years old, as well as some other ancient burial artifacts.

Tampaksiring

Well known for the Holy Spring Temple and the State Palace on the hill. The holy spring in the temple's inner courtyard is said to have magical curative powers. Nearby bathing pools have cool clear water pouring from mossy spouts.

Yeh Pulu

The ancient bas relief carvings on the rock wall within walking distance of Goa Gajah, was rediscovered in 1925. Follow the trail that runs parallel to the main road, via a tiny village, then through the fields to be among the small percentage of travellers who visit this worthy sight.