Things To See-Bali

North of Kuta and Denpasar is Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali. Girls in sarongs outside wooden temples, traditional Balinese art for sale, piles of rambutan, durian and salak (snakefruit) in the busy fresh markets, stonework Ganeshas in hotel foyers — this is the atmosphere of Ubud. The modern Balinese art movement started in Ubud and there are numerous galleries and museums that attest to the fact. It is also surrounded by lush countryside and there are some amazing walks to be had in the paddy fields that intersect with deep gorges and forest. The weather is cooler and the air cleaner since it is close to the mountains, and day trips can be taken to see the surrounding villages and natural beauty around Ubud Compared to Kuta, Ubud also has much better food and hotels for all budgets. Ubud is pretty spread out since it now encompasses many of the smaller municipalities in the area. But everything you need is in and around JI Monkey Forest, which runs north from the Monkey Forest Sanctuary all the way up to JI Raya. Buy lotus and frangipani (champa) flowers wrapped in banana leaves-at its pasars(bazars) to offer at one of the numerous shrines dotting the town. The Pura Taman Naraswati Temple, the temple of arts, Is the place to go for the peace Hindus get from gazing at the blooming lotus.
 

There seems to be a gallery at every street corner in Ubud, and browsing through them is a day well spent. Some of the better known ones are the Neka Art Gallery on JI Raya, the Agung Rai Gallery on JI Peliatan and the Seniwati Gallery of art by Women, north of JI Raya at JI Sriwedari.
 

There's also a choice of museums across the area to explore for a deeper, timeless look at the indigenous culture. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is the home of the eccentric Spanish painter Antonio Blanco, a celebrated Ubud artist originally from Spain, who specialised in erotic art and illustrated poetry. Blanco married the celebrated Balinese dancer Ni Ronji and set up home on this estate at the confluence of two sacred rivers, granted to him by the king of Ubud. Stroll around the grounds of this three-storeyed monument that the artist envisaged as representative of the Balinese notion of the three levels where gods, humans and demons reside. The museum is guarded by a pair of stone dragons, and the estate includes an amphitheatre, the family temple, a gift shop and a cafe. The Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Fine Arts), established in 1956, is a realisation of the art conservation efforts of Dutch painter Rudolf Bonnet and a former prince of Ubud. It exhibits paintings by early Ubud artists and the contemporary Community of Artists who evolved their own Pengosekan style. It also has traditional-style paintings, such as wayang (puppet-style) paintings, rep¬resentative of the relief work on early temples. The Art and Cultural Workshop (dwibhumi.com) is in the back of the museum and offers courses ranging from Balinese art and wood-carving to traditional singing and Balinese dance.
 

Just off the south-east coast of Bali across the Badung Strait are the two islands of Nusa Penida and the tinier Nusa Lembongan. Both are popular amongst divers for some of the sites richest in marine life that you can visit from Bali. But Lembongan in particular is also a serene variant to Bali if you want peace. There are fishing villages to explore, great seafood on the beach, superb snorkelling, diving and fishing, shopping stalls — all that's great in Bali, at a lesser pace and price. Many operators offer overnight packages to Lembongan and Penida from Bali. These include transport and stay.
 

۞Diving and snorkeling:  Bali has hundreds of operators offering dives at some of the most brilliant sites in Asia. Most offer courses with PADI-certified instructors. Short for Professional Association of Diving Instructors, PADI is an international regulatory agency of diving regulators and instruction courses. For those looking for a one-time experience, centers also offer 'day dives'. They'll take you out on a boat to a dive site, provide meals, full diving equipment and instruction, and send someone underwater with you to assure your safety. It's an unforgettable experience to float meters below the water amidst some stunning coral reefs, schools of brightly colored fish and other stars of the marine universe.
 

Kuta and Lovina may have most of the operators, but they all head for the east coast which is the best option for first-time dives in Bali. Tulamben Bay off the north-east coast is the most popular site on the island, and some say in all of Indonesia, as it offers a variety of dive experiences which is rare for one spot. This is chiefly thanks to the huge wreck of the USS Liberty, which sank off these waters during WWII. Hundreds of species of fish inhabit its decaying hull. Many more fish and a huge variety of sponge can be inspected from the famed Tulamben Drop-off nearby. Tulamben also offers the best coral diving at Jemeluk, a short drive away. Batu Kelebit, just south of Tulamben, and the Kubu Reef, just north of Tulamben, also offer rich pickings of coral and marine life. The waters around Menjangan Island are considered the best on the island for snorkelling and also hold an array of dive experiences from sponges and fish to shipwrecks in deep waters. This is because the waters between Menjangan and Bali are shallow with lots of marine life on display. The northern waters off the island are much deeper, holding Bali's oldest shipwreck, the Anker. Whale sharks and manta rays also inha¬bit the northern waters. All the waters around Menjanagn are part of a marine park, so diving is regulated here. This means the picking of coral for souvenirs is punishable with a fine or worse. Other picks on the east coast are off Padangbai and Amed, particularly the Amed Walls and Amed Coral Garden. The village of Kaliasem in Lovina is the best for snorkelling — the boat trip, inclusive of equipment costs some money. The shallow sites off Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are populated by manta rays. Also ask operators for options elsewhere in Indonesia, ex-Bali, particularly for dive trips off Komodo, Lombok. the Gilis and Flores islands.
 

The beaches of Kuta are home to the best water sports. Topping the list is surfing or boogie boarding — riding smaller waves lying flat on a square-shaped board. You can rent boards and other equipment, and get lessons at the numerous shops along Kuta Beach. The shops will also guide you to the best spots to surf, usually one of four — Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Airport Lefts or Kuta Reef.
 

JI Legian Klod 367; Kuta, arranges dives off Tulamben Bay, Padangbai, Nusa Dua, Menjangan Island, Penida and Lembongan islands.
 

(Jemeluk Beach, Amed, Abang) offers dive safaris off Menjan­gan and off their own beach in Amed, besides Nusa Penida. If you have a bit of time, take Happy Dolphin Divers (Lumba-Lumba Bahagia) offers to the legendary Komodo National Park, Lombok and Flores islands. The reputable Joe's Diving Bali has been operating off the coast of Tulamben for 35 years. Padangbai Water Worx Dive Centre (JI Silayukti, Padangbai, Karangasem) is near some best dive sites in south-east Bali. They offer PADI courses at many sites from the coral-studded Kubu Reef north of Tulamben Bay to the shallow sites off Nusa Penida.

Location: JI Raya Ubud, 300 m from Ubud Palace, Timings 8 am-4 pm daily, except Balinese holidays such as Nyepi (New Year’s Day).

Not be confused with the Neka Art Gallery in town, the Neka Art Museum is run by Suteja Neka, son of the feted sculptor I Wayan Neka and a collector of art. He opened it up to the public in 1976. It has an eclectic collection that is broadly representative   of   the    different   art movements of Bali. The museum is spread across several pavilions, including the Lempad Pavilion, dedicated to Gusti Nyoman Lempad, the famous Balinese artist. The minute and detailed execution in the traditional paintings depicts scenes from the Hindu scriptures and epics. Also of interest  is  the  East-West  Annexe, featuring    foreign    artists,    and    the Photography Archive Centre, which has black-and-white photos of Bali in the 19,'M)s and '40s. Among the more stunning displays are life-size Balinese shrines covered with gilt.

Location: JI Raya Campuhan Connect­ions a 20-min walk down JI Monkey hires! Inwards Kelki, north-west of Ubud; or take bemo.
Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) is a museum, gallery and cultural centre all rolled Into one, Him- arc dance perform­ances here on Saturday and Sundays.
Artwork by local artists is up for sale and there are different styles of Indonesian painting in its permanent collection, which features works from all over Indonesia, including the Javanese master Saleh Svarif Bustaman, as well as works by the likes of Bonnet, Lempad and Walter Spies. You'll also see diverse modern media — photos, installation art and textiles.

Location: JI Pengosekan, Ubud
 

Just south of Ubud is a forest full of Balinese macaques — grannies, newboms, romoes, the whole massive family. This is no zoo with cuddlies to gawk at. Walking along the paved pathways through the thick forests, the monkeys aren't just up in the trees. They're scratching their armpits on the path right alongside you. Hundreds of them share the path tourists walk along in Ubud's Monkey Forest. They've even taken over the moss-covered temple, the Pura Bukit Sari, a perfect spot for souvenir pictures with some monkeys in the backdrop. If you're having Vrindavanesque fears, worry not. You can get as close to monkeys here as you like — so long as you don't try to pet them. They are used to close human contact as long as you keep an arm's length distance. Lit up at night, the temple is stunning. Fire and kecak dances take place in front of the temple.
 

The 'Elephant Caves' are a popular tourist spot just outside Ubud. The walk from Ubud is pleasant until you hit the row of souvenir shops and the huge car park near the caves, which quite ruin the atmosphere. The origin of the caves is unknown, but they're usually associated with the Majapahit Empire, and were found by Dutch archaeologists in 1923. However, more recent excavations suggest the structures here may date as far back as the 11th  century, and there is considerable evidence of a Buddhist beginning — importantly, this was the period when the assimilation of Hinduism in Java and Bali led to the rise of a Ciwa-Buddha cult.

The highlight of the cave is the ornately carved entrance which leads to an inner chamber where you can still see the remnants of a lingam and yoni. There are bathing pools in the courtyard that are in use and can be fun (dress modestly — this is, after all, a religious site of sorts).

Location: 2 km south of Ubud, along Monkey Forest Rd Connection It's a 20-min walk, or catch a bemo heading to Bedulu.
 

Balinese dances share several similarities with Indian forms, and each is an intricate and elaborate ritual. From the stunning costumes to the precise hand movements, the wonderfully theatrical stories to the enthusiasm of the Balinese audience, attending a Balinese dance performance is a must for every visitor. One of the most popular dances to see in Bali is the Kecak, based on the Ramayana. Another very popular dance is the Barong and Rangda, an ancient battle between good (barong) and evil (rangda). The barong is characterised by a creature that is half dog and half lion, moved along by two men like a pantomime horse. The rangda is a witch, dressed up as ugly as can be, with human entrails around her neck, bulging eyes, a big lolling tongue and fangs that'll give you nightmares. The show ends with a bang as a chicken is sacrificed to appease and banish the evil spirits. Legong is one of the most graceful and beautiful of Balinese dances. It is the only Balinese dance that is performed strictly by young women between the age of 8 and 13.

Many of these dances are performed every night at one of many locations in Ubud, including at the Puri Saren Agung 'Ubud Palace' on JI Raya, the Padang Tegal Dance Stage, which is an 'art village' at the intersection of JI Raya and JI Hanoman; the ARMA open stage, Pura Dalem Temple, Monkey Forest and Ubud Water Palace. Unofficial ticket sellers roam JI Monkey Forest, but it's better to buy tickets from the Ubud Tourist Office (JI Raya Ubud); they'll also have a schedule of performances.
 

At this park in Taro, near Ubud, you and the kids can ride elephants through the forested park, feed them, watch them bathe and get your photo taken with them. The park has an elephant arena where the tuskers display their painting skills (pretty amazing since elephants are color-blind), an elephant museum which features a 15,000-year-old mammoth elephant skeleton, a snack bar and restaurant — so kids can spend a whole blissful day out here. You can also contact Bali Adventure Tours for park tours. They organize an incredible range of adventure activities in Bali, from tandem paragliding to river kayaking and white-water rafting.
 

The Gunung Kawi complex of pavilions and rock-cut shrines was carved into the hills north of Ubud sometime in the 11th century. You have to walk across a small river to approach the complex, which is surrounded by terraced rice paddies. Visit the town of Mengwi for its former royal temple, the Pura Taman Ayun. This 17th century chapel served the Mengwi royals who ruled till the late 1800s. Today, it's darkened by age but is still beautiful.
 

For seclusion, however, the place to be is Lovina in North Bali where there are stunning black sand beaches, formed from the black lava that rolled down Bali's volcanoes over the centuries. Lovina's 8-km stretch is actually made up of a string of fishing villages that have now become a beach resort. Permaron, Tukad, Mungga, Anturan, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus are all now headed under the one name of Lovina. The most popular of these is Kalibukbuk, and the tourist office, police station, banks, Internet and phones are all in that area. Rustic Bali comes right up to the seashore at Kalibukbuk Beach, cut by several tiny rivers meeting the sea.
 

Lovina is set up a lot like Kuta. The beach is on one side with side streets and then the major street of JI Raya Lovina, which has most things like phones, Internet and shopping. There are bemos here to get you around. Lovina also makes an excellent base for those who want to explore Bali further west and into the mountains. The minute you land in Lovina, everyone will tell you that you must go on a dolphin-watching tour. Boats head out to sea from Lovina Beach at dawn, hoping to catch a glimpse of schools of dolphins swimming, jumping and playing in the sea. Boat captains sit by their boats during the day and you can approach anyone or ask your hotel owner to recommend one.
 

Five kilometers west of Kalibukbuk is Air Terjun Singsing — daybreak waterfalls that aren't huge, but quite beautiful. There is a freshwater pool underneath where you can swim in true Bollywood style. Farther uphill is Singsing Dua, another waterfall with a mud bath, bathing in which is reputed to be good for your skin. Also visit the famous Gitigit Falls. Air Panas Banjar are the hot springs that Lovina is famous for. The area is lush and there are three pools that are fed by hot flowing water. The first pool has eight fierce looking statues of nagas, pouring water directly from the spring. There are restaurants and some hotels for those who want to stay overnight. The best time to go is morning or evening, since afternoons tend to be hot.

The beautiful lagoon of Candi Dasa takes on a purple sheen at sunset. The beach is lined with jukungs and outriggers. At nearby Padabgbai the waters are bluer than a Kingfisher's wings. Vivid boats line the harbour of fishing village which you'll visit to catch a launch to Lombok and the Gilis. Just like in India, the fishermen paint eyes on the marlin-headed prows of the boats to help the boat 'see' and ward off the evil eye. Ask any of the boatmen to take you for a tour of the seaweed farms just off the coast. It is difficult to remain credulous at the stunning sight of the seaweed beds, which lie on the ocean floor, their rich shades of green visible through the clear water.
The Pura Goa Lawah temple, southwest of Candi Dasa, has to be one of the most unique temples in all of Hinduism and in the world. The central shrine is a cave filled with thousands upon thousands of bats. The scent of hundreds of incense sticks adds to the ethereal atmosphere at this crowded temple. A row of mini shrines marks the entrance to the actual cave.
 

Gunung Batur is Bali's very own active volcano. Set in North Bali, an 11-km road circles the rim of the crater, starting at the village of Toya Bungkah. The highest point is 7,063 ft above sea level, and there are some amazing views at dawn when the sun rises over the crater and Danau Batur, the lake at the bottom of the crater. The crater rim is only reachable by car, and the best way to see it is to hire one at Lovina. Come here early morning to experience the serenity of the Pura Ulun Danau Batur temple by the mist-wreathed lake, the shore lined with humble offerings even at that early hour. One of the villages along the rim is Kintamani, known for its morning market that's held every three days. It's wonderfully colourful, and not touristy. Bargain like crazy for small trinkets, shoes, clothes and curios.
 

Pura Besakih is Bali's most important temple, perched on the slopes of the sacred Mount Agung. For salvation and unmatched views, it's well worth the climb up the many stone steps to the complex of 30 temples spread over seven terraces. Partially damaged in the 1963 eruption of Mt Agung, Pura Besakih has been carefully restored, for this is the temple the Balinese believe, through which the gods will enter Bali when they descend to earth. Every village and paddy field has a small shrine or temple, but Bali has nine main directional temples at significant compass points on the island, and Pura Besakih at the centre, is the most sacred. Pura Goa Lawah, Pura Tanah Lot and Pura Uluwatu are also among the nine. Another directional temple is Pura Lempuyang near Tirta Gangga at the far east of the island. It will take you at least an hour to climb the 1,700 steps to the top of Pura Lempuyang, but you will be rewarded by a breeze and stunning views of the villages and beaches of the eastern coast.
 

If you've travelled to Bali with kids, you must not deprive them of the stunning sight of the world's largest collection of birds of paradise of many different Indonesian varieties, on display at the Taman Barung Bali Bird Park. The Bali Starling andIrian jaya's Lesser Bird of Paradise are the two famous amongst the birds here. The kids will also see the examples of the legendary Komodo Dragon here, brought to Bali via Jakarta after capture in the only place they are found on Earth, Indonesia's Komodo Island. These famous reptiles have a fearsome reputation thanks to their gigantic size and swiftness and attack. This is surprising considering the dragons don't really run. Their secret is somehow hiding their great bulk and staying motionless till their prey passes near enough to grab. No other reptile species on earth  has been observed to attack with as much precision as these dragons. In the bird park however you and your kids are quite safe with them, apart from the fact that their favorite cuts and pork and venison. You will also see that other fearsome reptile, the crocodile, over here.

Location: JI Serma Cok Bgurah Gambhir, Singapadu, Batubulan.
 

The best nightlife in Bali has to do with starry skies and barefoot walks by the sea. It's free, it's magical, and you can find it anywhere on the island. The other nightlife on Bali is boisterous, sometimes obnoxious, always lots of fun, and centred in Kuta. There are small bars with cheap beer, and ultra trendy clubs with bouncers at the door, and they're all open till 4 am. Warning You're sure to be approached with offers for drugs and sex. Know that the Balinese police are intolerant of tourists who take anti-prostitution and drug laws lightly. No matter what touts say, sex work is not legal on the island.
 

JI Legian is full of bars that have cheap drinks and happy hour specials, with all kinds of music and entertainment on display. There are so many here, just walk along the street and see which vibe takes your fancy. Tor something more upscale in the neighborhood, try the Hard Rock Cafe, on JI Panrai Kuta, right on the beach. The cafe serves as a live concert venue where you groove to the beats of the likes of Shooglenifty, the Moluccas and the Bad Boys Batucada. Other beachfront bars include Deja Vu (JI Arjuna 7, Legian), with Us minimalist decor, live music and good liquor (grey goose vodka, Bintang beer). In Legian, drop by at either Cafe Luna or Cafe Hulu (on JI Sahadewa) which have amazing drag shows almost every night.
 

Putra Bar has live music ranging from reggae to rock every night. Magic Bar also has live music and great atmosphere. Both are on JI Monkey Forest. Jazz Cafe on JI Tebesaya has live music and jam sessions on different nights and Exile Bar has great music on Saturday nights only. Funky Monkey, also on JI Monkey Forest, is a cool cocktail bar open till the early hours, where a live DJ spins the latest dance music.
 

JI Binaria is where all the action is. Most places play live music. Sweet Lovina still plays only Bob Marley, U2, the Rolling Stones, UB40, and the like. Poco Evolutions tends to be always busy since the locals collect there for the tourists and the tourists for the locals! The big pull are the drag shows that it has sometimes. Planet Lovina, which is a little more upscale, occasionally has a live DJ.
 

Rainsticks and djembe drums from Africa. Cheap Balinese silver jewellery. Aromatic Kopi Bali. Perfectly carved Javanese garudas. A thousand sarongs and coconut shell sarong ties. You can get everything you yearn for in Bali. Pack nothing but essentials when you come, because you're going to taking back a lot more. There is no mall culture in Bali, and the shopping experience consists of walks through frantic street markets, art galleries and street side stores and boutiques — It's outdoors, it's fun, and the variety Is amazing. The experience ranges from high-end boutiques in Legian to hawkers and ladies carrying hundreds of sarongs walking up and down the beach looking for customers. For art, head to Ubud. For cloth, curios and tourist souvenirs, Kuta is your best bet. Traditional Balinese clothing and some excellent tailors are in Denpasar.
Bargain hard everywhere if you want to be taken seriously.
 

The big shopping in Ubud is for art. Top picks are gold filigree Balinese masks worn by characters in the Mahabharata, light craft, stone figurines, semi and precious jewellery, sarongs and woodcraft. A good option is Pasar Sent, on the northern end of Monkey Forest Rd near Jl Raya, where you can buy arts, crafts, pottery, and some really nice tea-sets. Stores and boutiques line Monkey Forest Rd. Check out Le Chat, which houses the clothes and jewellery collection of a local designer with rather eclectic tastes, and Ahimsa, which has some pretty cool bags. Small stores with very trendy jewellery line JI Dewi Sita.
 

Head straight to JI Sumatra, where brightly coloured fabric and sarongs catch your eye in every direction, and tailors appear miraculously the minute you buy any length of cloth. Locals also rave about Kampung Arab (on Jl Sulawesi), where gold is sold by the ounce and designed pieces can be made to order. To just browse, walk around and mix with locals doing their everyday shopping. Try the Pasar Kumbasari (on Jl Gajah Mada), which has handicrafts, fabrics and costumes decorated with gold threads. Like any good Indonesian city, Denpasar has its bird market, Pasar Burung (on Jl Veteran), complete with squawking birds, small animals and gaudy, decorated cages.
 

Clothes, accessories, Balinese art and other curios are all available in Kuta, and at every kind of price. For high-brow shopping, try Kuta Square, the European-style shopping plaza with big-name stores, prices quoted in dollars, delectable goods, and hordes of people that just add to the adrenaline rush. Jl Legian is the place for cheaper clothes, daily-use sarongs and batik clothing, souvenirs, small art pieces, and gifts. Recommended is Cinderella 01 Legian No. 120) for little purses, soaps, incense and other cute little things. Off Jl Legian, Poppies Gang I is the place for good cheap beachwear like sarongs, skirts, tops and the most adorable kids' clothes. A great place for jewellery is Ananas (22, Poppies Gang I), a store with select, well-designed necklaces, earrings, etc, that are reasonably priced. Bali Crochet, also on Poppies Gang I, is another place to check out since they give good deals and the owner is incredibly friendly and loves to talk and talk about India.
 

Stop by at the Sukawati Market near Celuk in Gianyar, which actually boasts of three markets — one for clothes and art, another for jewellery and a fresh market. Great halls have shelf upon shelf of pastel T-shirts, floral motifs, low neck tops, beautiful ceremonial Balinese headdresses, kites, baskets and colorful sarongs, all costing next to nothing. Save your gift shopping for here if you want prices nearly half those at Kuta, depending on your bargaining ability.