story of Bali

Bali was inhabited by about 2000 BC by Austronesia peoples who migrated originally from Taiwan through Maritime Southeast Asia. Culturally and linguistically, the Balinese are thus closely related to the peoples of the Indonesian archipelago, the Philippines, and Oceania. Stone tools dating from this time have been found near the village of Cekik in the island’s west. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian and Chinese, and particularly Hindu culture, in a process beginning around the 1st century AD. It was during this time that the complex irrigation system subak was developed to grow rice. Some religious and cultural traditions still in existence today can be traced back to this period. The Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293–1520 AD) on eastern Java founded a Balinese colony in 1343. When the empire declined, there was an exodus of intellectuals, artists, priests and musicians from Java to Bali in the 15th century.

Geography

The island of Bali lies 3.2 km (2 mi) east of Java, and is approximately 8 degrees south of the equator. Bali and Java are separated by Bali Strait. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km (95 mi) wide and spans approximately 112 km (69 mi) north to south; its land area is 5,632 km². Bali’s central mountains include several peaks over 2,000 metres. The highest is Mount Agung (3,142 m), known as the “mother mountain” which is an active volcano. Mountains range from center to the eastern side, with Mount Agung the easternmost peak. Bali’s volcanic nature has contributed to its exceptional fertility and its tall mountain ranges provide the high rainfall that supports the highly productive agriculture sector. South of the mountains is a broad steadily descending area where most of Bali’s large rice crop is grown. The northern side of the mountains slopes more steeply to the sea and is the main coffee producing area of the island, along with rice, vegetables and cattle. The longest river, Ayung River, flows approximately 75 km. The island is surrounded by coral reefs. Beaches in the south tend to have white sand while those in the north and west have black sand. Bali has no major waterways, although the Ho River is navigable by small sampan boats. Black sand beaches between Pasut and Klatingdukuh are being developed for tourism, but apart from the seaside temple of Tanah Lot, they are not yet used for significant tourism. The largest city is the provincial capital, Denpasar, near the southern coast. Its population is around 491,500(2002). Bali’s second-largest city is the old colonial capital, Singaraja, which is located on the north coast and is home to around 100,000 people. Other important cities include the beach resort, Kuta, which is practically part of Denpasar’s urban area; and Ubud, which is north of Denpasar, and is known as the island’s cultural center. Three small islands lie to the immediate south east and all are administratively part of the Klungkung regency of Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These islands are separated from Bali by the Badung Strait. To the east, the Lombok Strait separates Bali from Lombok and marks the biogeographical division between the fauna of the Indomalayan eco zone and the distinctly different fauna of Australasia. The transition is known as the Wallace Line, named after Alfred Russel Wallace, who first proposed a transition zone between these two major biomes. When sea levels dropped during the Pleistocene ice age, Bali was connected to Java and Sumatra and to the mainland of Asia and shared the Asian fauna, but the deep water of the Lombok Strait continued to keep Lombok and the Lesser Sunda archipelago isolated. Ecology The Bali Starling is found only on Bali and is critically endangered. Bali lies just to the west of the Wallace Line, and thus has a fauna which is Asian in character, with very little Australasian influence, and has more in common with Java than with Lombok. An exception is the Yellow-crested Cockatoo, a member of a primarily Australasian family. There are around 280 species of birds, including the critically endangered Bali Starling, which is endemic. Others Include Barn Swallow, Black-naped Oriole, Black Racket-tailed Treepie, Crested Serpent-eagle, Crested Treeswift, Dollarbird, Java Sparrow, Lesser Adjutant, Long-tailed Shrike, Milky Stork, Pacific Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Sacred Kingfisher, Sea Eagle, Woodswallow, Savanna Nightjar, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Yellow-vented Bulbul, White Heron, Great Egret. Until the early 20th century, Bali was home to several large mammals: the wild Banteng, Leopard and an endemic subspecies of Tiger, the Bali Tiger. The Banteng still occurs in its domestic form, while leopards are found only in neighboring Java, and the Bali Tiger is extinct. The last definite record of a Tiger on Bali dates from 1937, when one was shot, though the subspecies may have survived until the 1940s or 1950s. The relatively small size of the island, conflict with humans, poaching and habitat reduction drove the Tiger to extinction. This was the smallest and rarest of all Tiger subspecies and was never caught on film or displayed in zoos, while few skins or bones remain in museums around the world. Today, the largest mammals are the Javan Rusa deer and the Wild Boar. A second, smaller species of deer, the Indian Muntjac, also occurs. Monkey Forest, Ubud. Squirrels are quite commonly encountered, less often the Asian Palm Civet, which is also kept in coffee farms to produce Kopi Luwak. Bats are well represented, perhaps the most famous place to encounter them remaining the Goa Lawah (Temple of the Bats) where they are worshipped by the locals and also constitute a tourist attraction. They also occur in other cave temples, for instance at Gangga Beach. Two species of monkey occur. The Crab-eating Macaque, known locally as “kera”, is quite common around human settlements and temples, where it becomes accustomed to being fed by humans, particularly in any of the three “monkey forest” temples, such as the popular one in the Ubud area. They are also quite often kept as pets by locals. The second monkey, far rarer and more elusive is the Silver Leaf Monkey known locally as “lutung”. They occur in few places apart from the Bali Barat National Park. Other, rarer mammals include the Leopard Cat, Sunda Pangolin and Black Giant Squirrel. Snakes include the King Cobra and Reticulated Python. The Water Monitor can grow to an impressive size and move surprisingly quickly. The rich coral reefs around the coast, particularly around popular diving spots such as Tulamben, Amed, Menjangan or neighboring Nusa Penida, host a wide range of marine life, for instance Hawksbill Turtle, Giant Sunfish, Giant Manta Ray, Giant Moray Eel, Bumphead Parrotfish, Hammerhead Shark, Reef Shark, barracuda, and sea snakes. Dolphins are commonly encountered on the north coast near Singaraja and Lovina. Many plants have been introduced by humans within the last centuries, particularly since the 20th century, making it sometimes hard to distinguish what plants are really native. Among the larger trees the most common are: Banyan trees, Jackfruit, coconuts, bamboo species, acacia trees and also endless rows of coconuts and banana species. Numerous flowers can be seen: hibiscus, frangipani, bougainvillea, poinsettia, oleander, jasmine, water lily, lotus, roses, begonias, orchids and hydrangeas exist. On higher grounds that receive more moisture, for instance around Kintamani, certain species of fern trees, mushrooms and even pine trees thrive well. Rice comes in many varieties. Other plants with agricultural value include: salak, mangosteen, corn, Kintamani orange, coffee and water spinach.

Bedugul is a cool mountain area in Bali. Bedugul located about two hours drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. Bedugul has many beautiful tourism objects and facilities; even you will see beautiful sights along your journey to this location. The Eka Karya Botanical Garden (the only botanical garden in Bali) located in Bedugul area.

Bali Botanic Garden – story

In 1958 senior Balinese officials requested the Department now called the Centre for Biological Research within the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, to consider establishing a botanic garden with the dual roles of research institute and recreation park. On 15 July 1959 Bali Botanic Garden was officially established on the slopes of Tapak Hill, Candi kuning village an altitude of 1250-1400 m. Bali Botanic Garden then named as Kebun Raya “Eka Karya” Bali. Eka Karya refer to this being the first Indonesian Botanic Garden to have been established following Indonesian independence and thus the first to have been established entirely by Indonesian.

Bali Botanic Garden was originally established as a collection of species of conifer (non-flowering seed plants, or Gymnosperms) from throughout the world, and as a place for recreation. It was also equipped for scientific, cultural and technical activities.

Development stopped around 1965 because of insecurity of periods. Nearly on 1970, the garden began to be gradually rehabilitated. On 30 April 1975 the restoration was completed and as part of this area was increased to 129.2 Ha. The functions broadened from primarily a collection of conifers to include ex-situ conservation of plants from high altitude of eastern Indonesia.

As at 1998, the Bali Botanic Garden covered an area of 154.5 Ha, and in 2001 the area was increased again to become 157.5 Ha. Some of the special collections include: orchids, ceremonial plants, medicinal plants, cactus, ferns, aquatic plants and trees.

The four main functions of Bali Botanic Garden are: exploration, inventory and research; conservation; recreation; and education. The institution offers a number of scientific services and facilities in support of plant research and conservation, including herbarium, seed bank, library, glasshouses, nursery, and plant database.

Beratan Lake at Bedugul Bali

Beratan Lake is a shallow lake with the high caldera about 1231m above sea level and it is located at Bedugul, the famous tourist destinations in Bali. This lake has 3,8 km2 wide and also its deepness is up to 22 meters. Tourist can access the Beratan Lake through the dock that have been provided or desist around Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. In this place, the visitor can do various activities. The various water recreation activities can also be conducted here, for example riding the boat, parasailing, canoeing with the traditional boat, banana boating, and water skiing. Fishing activities are also available in this place for the one who love fishing in the lake.

Beratan Lake is situated in the plateau area with cool atmosphere surround it. It is an ideal place for relaxation while enjoy the beautiful panorama of lake. The accommodations are also available in this area where is the perfect place for overnight stay, resting and enjoy the beautiful panoramic. The small scales of agriculture activities are likely conducted around this lake and can be perceived at the same time circle around it. If we encircle it, we can take photograph with the beautiful background view or make the picture sketch face in painting mini studio at the lakeside with a short time as a souvenir.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located in the village of Candi Kuning, Beratan Lake. Temple is located on the shores of Lake Beratan, its name taken from the lake. A glimpse of history Ulun Danu Beratan can be known based on archaeological data and historical data contained in the lontar (manuscript ) of Mengwi chronicle. Archaeological Data. On the front yard to the left of Ulun Danu Beratan temple contained a sarcophagus and a stone board, which is derived from the megalithic tradition, around 500 BC. Both artifacts are now placed above each terrace. It can be expected that the location where Ulun Danu Beratan composed, have been used as a place to held ritual activities since the megalithic era. Data In Mengwi Chronicle, Lontar Babad Mengwi implicitly describes that I Gusti Agung Putu as the founder of the kingdom Mengwi Built the temple on the edge of Lake Beratan, before he established the Pura Taman Ayun. Based upon the description in the Lontar Chronicle Mengwi, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple founded before the 1556 saka, by I Gusti Agung Putu.

Candi Kuning Bedugul

Candi Kuning is a traditional vegetable, fruit, and various plants market located at Bedugul, which can be reached only in a few minutes from the lake. Various fruit type, vegetables and also mace can be bought here with many choices.

The Temple
In Balinese word, temple is called Pura, which might be quiet a new name for the sacred place, where Balinese praying. Historical facts such as various inscriptions clearly mention such a place is called Hyang. Now the word Hyang is used to refer the holy spirit of ancestor. It was correct that original believe of Balinese as well as all ethnics in Indonesia had the worship of ancestor’s holy soul in various form of rituals. It is an interesting question to explore, while formal source is not available, we can just understand in the level of theory.

When Indian influence was spreading into South East Asia, the Sanskrit words become very special among the local. Many places were given Sanskrit name, such as kingdom, people, king, and even places. One name for a city is “Pur” such as Singapura, Sukapura, Amblapura, and others imitating the name of cities in India such as Nagpur, Rajpur, Kantipur, and others. The development of cities in Indonesia started by king palace, except commercial centers such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Balikpapan, Makassar, and others.

Hindu king from 11th century on, had been inspired strongly by Hindu tradition with it’s Sanskrit language. The story about world salvation “Avatar” might have became real example of the thought inspiring the king status in the society and heaven. King Erlangga of Mataram kingdom in Java in 1019 AD mentioned in his inscription that he was the incarnation of god Wisnu, so did kings in Balinese ancient kingdoms. The king is the center of culture, and was considered the one who able to bring the prosperity of the emporium and its society.

A thought among Hindu literature is also mention that this world is divided into 2 parts, those are “Buana Alit” and “Buana Agung” Buana Alit literally means “small world”, while Buana Agung means Big world, or with most historian’s terminology Buana Alit is called micro-cosmos, and Buana Agung is macro-cosmos. The thought further asserted that Buana Alit has the character of Buana Agung, or is given the characters of Buana Agung. This small world is identified with human being, or miniature of the macro-cosmos. So that is said that human being also has got divine characters. Sanskrit language is very good in expressing this thought, since it introduced gender. For example 2 entities have the same characters with different nature such as one is powerful while the other one weaker, they differentiate with gender. Nouns with ultima [ a ] refers masculine gender, and with ultima [ i ] refers feminism. For example “Putra” means son, and “Putri” means laughter, Dewa means male gods, and Dewi means goddess, Santa means peaceful in the world, and Santi means peaceful in the heard, and so on. So it might be from this ever living thought that the concept micro-cosmos and macro-cosmos had given a strong inspiration of the kingdoms. The king than identified himself as micro-cosmos, as the the miniature of macro-cosmos, or as personalization of all-mighty. The king was born to save the world with the human being, and got the divine revelation. Due to his absolute power, and his autocratic style of managing the kingdom, he easily identified himself with the story of “Avatar” or in Balinese called “Awatara”. The story of Awatara mentioned that god some time need to incarnate into human being to save the world from corruption, tyranny, and natural catastrophe. According to the Hindu literature there had been 10 consecutive awataras during the world history, and the 11th is yet to come when the world will really need.

Departing from the inscription those mentions the king as the incarnation of gods we could not find the indication about when the Hyang was changed into Pura, since almost all inscriptions before 1345 AD still mentioned the temple as Hyang. Although a very strong indication was found in Cambodia during the 7th century that the king was personalized in a statue, so did their family for the worship. It was also in Java some old stone sculptures have been identified as the personification of kings, which mostly found in all Candis (temple). An ethnic ritual in kalimantan called “Tiwah” give an indication how a person dead and given homage by his family and a chieftain by his people. It was also in Pararaton a manuscript written probably during the 13th century mentioned about the ceremony called çraddha. The ceremony is for the dead king with, something like cremation ceremony in current Bali. Some inscriptions also giving clues to the thought that when a king dead his body or ash preserved in a candi, such as the king is çinandika ….. means the king was rested. Based on these facts Dr. Stutterheim wrote that the ancient temples in Java supposed to be the co-memorial tomb.Archaeological excavations then was carried out at some temples, and was found like a pallets with 7 or 9 pallets. This is supposed to be the place of the king ash. But this opinion has been opposed by Dr. Soekmono on his dissertation “Candi It’s Function and Meaning” that the temple in Java nothing to do with ash of a cremated king. He supports his exposition with the tradition in Bali during building the family temple or other temples. He found that what is a sculpture of a king that was found in the temple, he asserted that this is only the symbol of king holy soul, while the ash was thrown to the sea or in the river. So he is against the idea of personal apotheosisme in Indonesia. So there is no indication that the king at that moment put himself as parallel with god. Based on above description it is not possible that the name of Pura was given by the king during the period of old Javanese kingdom or old Balinese kingdom the period that covers before 14th century.

If we see Balinese kingdom after the invasion of Majapahit on, since 1345 AD to 17th AD we found that the spirit of king as micro-cosmos was still alive, even in a stronger sense. One of Balinese king in 16the century called himself as Dewa Agung a title is truly means god. “Dewa” means god, “Agung” means The Great. So it might be the concept of this “king-god” thus grew fertile during this period. According to my opinion this thought was really developed and become the tradition of the palace. Since the king is the personification of micro-cosmos, as the miniature of macro-cosmos, then the palace is called Puri, and the temple is called “Pura” a two parallel entity with different nature. Since the king is the symbol of power in the world who full in control to the world and its contents, while the god is the all-mighty and controls them all.

Among various pura in Bali it can be grouped into: puras built by the king, pura built by the desa (village), and pura built by personal. In the kingdom there are at least 3 temples, one dedicated or located near the sea, one in the city (near palace), and the other one on the mountain (or near the mountain). While every Desa has 3 temples associated with Hindu Trinity besides many temples related to natural preservation such as irrigation temple, beginning of a river, and some considered sacred places.

Historical Record
There is many manuscripts mention about establishment, rituals, and the status of Besakih. This kind manuscript is called “Purana” The descriptions mentioned on the Purana mostly could be understood by human thinking, since many magical aspects were involving in the events. Relating to the establishment of the temple only one Purana giving description that is Markandeya Purana or is also called Raja Purana. Beginning the establishment of the temple is full of magical events. It is said that Besakih temple was built by a Priest from East Java, and he was the first who put the “Panca Datu” base for the establishment of a temple. The Panca Datu is 5 elements to be buried under the basements to protect the construction from evil spirits.

See from archaeological remains which are still preserved in the temple, it must have been a very old site, as old as Shivaitic tradition in Bali, as a crude linggas, the symbol of Shiva is preserved in one of the shrines. As already been known the practice of Shivaitic sect was very wide in Bali, and until now the Hindu in Bali still has strong character in ritual aspect. If we try to see the Shivaitic practice outside Bali, we will have the clear prove that is Prambanan temple which was built in 9th century. At one of the temple complex is preserved a manuscript mentions Sri Wira Kesari, and the area was part of his palace. We do not have prove that relate Sri Wira Kesari with the king mention by stone pillar inscription of Sanur. It is true that the king mentioned by the inscription in Sanur named Sri Kesari Warmadewa, from 9th century.

Careful observation on the linggas has shown a strong megalithic tradition. It was possible the site had already been a sacred place since very much older, but in what form of temple architecture would be difficult to know. Since most of the ancient temple remains in Bali in the form of rock-cut shrines such as Goa Gajah, Yeh Pulu, Goa Garba, and others. One reconstructed ancient shrine is at Pura Pegulingan, Basangambu near Tampaksiring, but the shape is modern Balinese Padma Sana, and it is not possible to put lingga or sculpture in the shrine. It was probable that the shrines were made in perishable materials.

During the kingdom of Middle Bali from 1343 AD to 17th, a kingdom established by Mahapahit, Besakih was mentioned as main temple and it was probably during this period the temple was added and rebuilt with many new shrines. The palace the beginning was located at Samplangan village near Gianyar, and later moved to Klungkung.
When Bali was broken into many smaller kingdoms, each of their king still considered king of Klungkung as the highest ruler in Bali, and claimed to have their origin from Klungkung. Since Besakih was a state temple of Klungkung, then each of the smaller kingdoms felt obliged to worship at the temple. Each smaller kingdoms and the main clans of Bali built their ancestral temple (Bali: Padharman Temple) around Besakih area, so the complex has become bigger and bigger. According to the inventory made by Institute Hindu Dharma Denpasar, there are 18 temple complexes with total shrines around 202.

See from the name of gods worshiped in Besakih there is clear mixed concept between Hindu gods, local believe and ancestors’ worship. Pura Penataran Agung complex is considered the center of Besakih temple with 53 shrines. Here are concentrated the shrines of Merus with superimposed roof-tops up to the highest with 11 roof-tops.

This temple complexes is a real valuable heritage for Balinese not just the value of religious activity, but have built up the solidity and close affinity among Balinese Hindu, although in the past was broken into more than 9 small kingdoms. Until now these small kingdoms was maintained by Indonesian government by forming a local government based on the area of kingdom in the past. That is why Bali now is divided into 8 local governments in the level of second under provincial administration. Although in fact one aspect has been made so complicated that is rituals aspects. Furthermore the purana associate natural changes with the incompleteness of the rituals aspects, or any shortcoming in elements of offerings, it is actually Besakih is most famous for their ritual compared to their architecture and historical values.

To have the idea some of the temple complex will be described in short below. This is only a short description on name and main feature, while the real fact is very complicated and impossible to describe within some pages.

1. Pura Pesimpangan Group. Located around 1.5 kms from center of Besakih with 4 shrines. This temple is used as temporary stop by devotees and god’s symbols during procession to ask holy water, which is performed every year of Caka year
2. Pura Dalem Puri Group. Located just before the center, with 10 shrines and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Durga in Hindu Java tradition is considered the power of Shiva as the god of death or returning living being into its origin.
3. Pura Manik Mas Group. Located 700 meters before the center and have 6 shrines, and is mentioned to be dedicated to Ida Ratu Mas Melilit. This figure might be ancestor’s spirit.
4. Pura Bangun Sakti Group. Just on the other side of Manik Mas Group has 4 shrines and is the abode of Sanghyang Anantabhoga. Anantabhoga is often related to the rice goddess.
5. Pura Ulun Kulkul Group. Located around 350- meters before the center have 7 shrines dedicated to Mahadewa who rule the west direction
6. Pura Merajan Slonding Group has 5 shrines, and according to the manuscript preserved here this was part of the palace.
7. Pura Gowa Group, have 4 shrines, dedicated to the fairy tale of Naga Basuki serpent who resided the cave
8. Pura Banuwa Group has 4 shrines dedicated to Goddess Sri who is the goddess of the rice.
9. Pura Merajan Kanginan Group has 7 shrines, sounds like a family temple. It may be the family temple of the palace, since a shrine is dedicated to a Priest called Empu Bharadah
10. Pura Hyang Aluh Group has 7 shrines dedicated to Ida Ratu Ayu, sound like an ancestral worship.
11. Pura Basukihan Group has 10 shrines dedicated to fairy tale Naga Basuki serpent.
12. Pura Penataran Agung Besakih Group has 53 shrines. This is the center of the temple have Merus and 3 open shrines for Trinity, a real Hindu gods, but some priests still consider it as a Shivaitic character since they think that the open shrines is dedicated to God Shiva’s aspects such as Siwa, Sadha Siwa, and Parama Siwa.
13. Pura Batumadeg Group. have 29 shrines dedicated to god Wishnu
14. Pura Kdiduling Kreteg Group have 21 shrines dedicated god Brahma
15. Pura Gelap Group have 6 shrines dedicated to god Iswara as the ruler of East direction
16. Pura Peninjauan Group have 12 shrines dedicated to Priest Empu Kuturan, an ancestral worship
17. Pura Pengubengan Group has 6 shrines. This temple is a temporary above or a place to inform other temple there will be a ceremony in Besakih.
18. Pura Tirta Group has 2 shrines, around 300 meters east of the center. Here is a water source. During the ceremonythe priest request the holy water here.
19. Pura Pasar Agung Group, located on the higher slope of Mt. Agung and is via Selat village, and is considered as part of Besakih.

Temple Maintenance
To maintain the temple in the sense of management a foundation has been established under the Center Hindu Assembly in Jakarta. The decision to manage the temple by Central Assembly was issued by Bali Governor by his memo no. 206/I/C/1968 dated 10 August 1968.
The foundation name is BESAKIH PRAWARTAKA Foundation. While the committees (Bali “Pengempon”) of the temple are those villages surrounding the temple, consist of 4 villages. According to the recordin 1976 these 4 villages have 3791 residents. Those villages are:

1. Banjar Besakih Kanginan ( East Besakih village )Banjar Besakih Kawan ( West Besakih village )Banjar Temukus ( Temukus village )
2. Banjar Simpar ( Simpar village )

For daily maintenance works these 4 villages are divided into 8 groups which are in charge for each complex of the temple. All 18 complexes of the temple are divided into 8 permanent working groups.

History
Tanah Lot means “Land in the Middle of the sea” in Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 20 km from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.
Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. 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 built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form 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. This giant snake protects the temple. The snake was created from Nirartha scarf when he established the island.

Restoration
In 1980 the temple’s rock face was starting to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become dangerous. The Japanese government then provided a loan to the Indonesia government of Rp. 800 billion to conserve the historic temple and other beach locations around the island of Bali. As a result, over one third of the rock which can be seen is artificial rock created under the Japanese upgrade works.

The Journey takes about 3.5 hours driving to Menjangan Island from Kuta or Sanur area. It will be paid out when you enjoy all the natural beauty of marine bottom. Scene under the sea in this place will astonish your eyes and mind.

However, ,it’s good for you to stay around the Menjangan Island for physical condition reason to enjoy the optimum dive.

To dive, you have two option; by your self or along with dive operator. The diving section includes lunch, rent a boat, diving equipment, and transportation. However, if want to own can also dive. In this place there is also a small pier where we will cross over to Menjangan Island that looks so close.

Do not forget, bring your camera and take picture during the exploration around Menjangan Island.

Half-hour trip, we will be in the first post. Almost all boat parks in a small dock that is located in the southern island of Menjangan. This post is relatively safe for the beginner diver or simply Snorkeling. In addition, the landscape spelled out by coral reef. Only three meters from the beach to the sea, we can see under the sea scene with a beautiful coral reef. The water surface is clear with temperatures around 25 degrees centigrade. This place is incredible because the basic contours marine initially shallow horizontally. On the wall steep that there are many coral reefs. Among the thousands of coral reef fish swim close to us as lionfish, stonefish, zebra fish, and other types. According to at least note of TNBB, there are 45 types of coral reef, 32 reef fish species, and nine sea moluska, found in the waters of Menjangan Island. Sight distance in this place is very clear about 20 meters so that allows us to see the variety of coral reefs with clear. With a background seabed turn, coral reef red, yellow, or colors of light other it is very clear. In some parts also have bushy sea wiggle when exposed to flow. Flow in this place is not too big so that we can control the balance of the body when diving. Some divers usually do not see enough coral reefs that only once. We can see many times those coral reefs, to move elsewhere, then go back and find a different scene with coral.

Satisfied to enjoy the diversity of coral reefs in the first post, we can take a rest for a while in the land. There is a place to change clothes at once and clean the body near this post. Or if would like sunbathing, you can crash your body on the white sand beach and feel the sun.

The island is called Menjangan Island because the island is a habitat for menjangan (Cervus timorensis; like deer). They are life in the forests. If you go down and walk on the islands, sometimes you can find animals. They usually hide in the underbrush when hot sting. However, there is also on the middle of eating grass. When the summer, the number of animals may be increased or decreased as they swim to the mainland Bali. Well, if you are lucky you can find the animal’s back or being sod.

Menjangan Island has at least eight points, among others, the first post we have visit, Cave Point, Post 2, Bat Caves, Temple Slopes, Coral Garden, Anker wreck, and Eel Garden is a sequence of these southwestern islands encircle the island.

Posts that usually visit by diver have greater wave and coral reefs in this. Visitors on the Menjangan Island usually have a tie up boats in this place, which is for the worship. This is because on the island of Menjangan also has a temple of Pura Kencana and Gili Pura Gajah Mada. Gili Pura Kencana is one of the oldest temples built in Bali.

Back to the dive location, the place is often visited by tourists Point wreck where the dead used ship at the Second World War in this location. Vessels located on the north side of the island so that more, about 40 meters, and bigger flow. Divers with high diving skill usually enjoy this post.

Trip Cost:

Around US$ 100 until US$ 200 per night depend on your request.

The inner sanctum of the temple is perched majestically on the edge of cliff. Visitors can enjoy on two different vantage points on both northern and southern portions of the area. Sunset viewing at Uluwatu is one of the must-do in Bali. There is a minimum entrance fee to enter the site. Sarongs are available for rental at the entrance.

Deeper about Uluwatu Temple

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is located in the Village District Pecatu, Kuta – Badung regency. Pura Uluwatu Luhur pangeder-ider in Siwa Sidhanta Hindu Bali is located in the southwest as a shrine to glorify God as Batara Rudra. Pura Uluwatu Luhur position is face-to-face with Andakasa Pura, Pura Batur and Pura Besakih. Because in the Pura Uluwatu is focused Luhur Wisesa power or spiritual power and the three Dewa Brahma Temple of Andakasa, god Vishnu of Pura Batur and Dewa Siwa of Pura Besakih. Three powers Wisesa called Tri Kona that is needed in this life. Dynamics of life will achieve success when there is a balance of Utpati, Stithi and Pralina.

According Lontar Kusuma Dewa, this temple was founded by MPU Kuturan in eleventh century. This is one of six Pura Sad Kahyangan in the Lontar Dewa Kusuma. Pura – Pura or Temples called Sad Kahyangan, there are  Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuhyang Luhur, Pura Goa Lawah, Luhur Pura Uluwatu, Pura Luhur Batukaru Jagat and Pura Pusering.

Due to many of the Lontar Sad Kahyangan, the year 1979-1980 Institute of Hindu Dharma (UNHI now) on the assignment Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia Pusat conduct in depth research. Finally conclude that Pura Sad Kahyangan according Lontar Kusuma Dewa it is defined as the Pura Sad Kahyangan Sad, because when Bali has not been broken into nine kingdoms. Lontar was made 1005 years BC or 927 years Saka.

Pura Uluwatu Luhur is worship for The God of Rudra and Shiva temples. Pura Uluwatu Luhur established based on the conception Sad Winayaka and Padma Bhuwana. As the temple was founded with the concept Sad Winayaka, Pura Uluwatu Luhur as one of the Pura Sad Kahyangan to preserve Sad Kertih (Atma Kerti, Samudra Kerti, Danu Kerti, Wana Kerti, Jagat Kerti dan Jana Kerti).

Meanwhile, as the temple that was established based on the conception Padma Bhuwana, Pura Luhur Uluwatu was established as the Lord of the southwest. Siva worship god Rudra is the glorification of God in providing energy to its creatures. Strength of The Third Holy God Tri Murti (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva temples) integrates in Luhur Pura Uluwatu.