The Holy Mountain in Bali - Mount Agung

For the people of Bali, Mount Agung is a holy mountain that is a sign of the Almighty. Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island of Bali. This volcano has a height of about 3100 meters above sea level. In 1963 Mount Agung eruption killed about 1,000 people and destroyed more than 100,000 homes. It’s a miracle, that disaster did not make significant damage to the Great Temple of Pura Besakih, which is situated approximately only 1 km from the Mount Agung.

Mount Agung is one of tourism objects in Indonesia. As an active volcano Mount Agung presents a panorama of crater smoke, spray of sand, and gravel from its 500 meters in width crater. Many vantage points offer spectacular views of the area. If the weather is sunny, from the top of this mountain tourist can enjoy the scenery of the cities in the surrounding areas. This is the natural beauty that attracts tourists to climb the peak of Mount Agung.

In order to be safe for climbing, there are some things should be obeyed by mountain climber. It is not permitted to climb when major religious events are held at Temple of Pura Besakih and Temple of Pura Pasar Agung, which is most of April. The local community believes if it’s violated, disaster will come to such climber. The best time for a climb is during the dry season of May through October.

The Balinese consider Mount Agung to be the center of the world. All temples in Bali point towards Mount Agung. The Great Temple of Pura Besakih, with its uncountable steps, solemnly wait for the arrival of the gods and the goddesses, for when they step down from heaven, they come to Pura Besakih Temple by way of Mount Agung.

Gunung Agung lies in the Karangasem Regency, about 25 km north Denpasar, the capital of Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Beautiful Gili Islands near Bali

"Gili" is the local name, actually means “Small Island”. There are lots of other gili's around Lombok Island. Gili Islands featuring three coral fringed islands, namely Gili Air, Gili Meno, & Gili Trawangan. Each island is with superb, white sandy beaches, clear water, coral reefs, brilliantly colored fish, and the best snorkeling and diving on Lombok. Fishing is one of the highlight activities on the islands. Deep fishing remains the best on northwest of Gili Trawangan. Domestic visitors and foreigners are attracted to the simple pleasures of sun, snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and socializing.

On the islands visitors can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, rent a kayak, go fishing, or take a glass bottom boat to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes. There are lots of quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. The coral around the islands is good for snorkeling, which can be reached from the shore. While divers are able to regularly swim with black tip, those who prefer to just drifts in the currents with a snorkel, fins and mask are never left disappointed by the more than 6,000 species of marine life living just off-shore. On all the islands also available Dive Schools with many dive programs to choose, from beginners to advanced technical dives.

The absence of cars, motorcycles, and hawkers adds greatly to the leasure of staying on the Gilis.

Gili Islands located in the northwest of Lombok Island, Province of West Nusa Tenggara, Republic of Indonesia. Gili Islands is one of many popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.

Bali's Ancient Royal Temple - Pura Taman Ayun

Taman Ayun in Bali means' beautiful garden '. This complex of religious buildings, are in wide 4 hectares of land, surrounded by a pond or a trench. From a distance, the trench resembles 'ring of water,' and give the impression that the temple is located on the surface of the water. Around the temple, there are trees and flowers that add a wonderful atmosphere.

Pura Taman Ayun Temple complex consists of three parts. The first is the main building called 'Bale Pelik'. Building 'Bale Pelik' decorated by the sculptures, reliefs, and statue of God ‘Nawa Sanga,' which is very interesting. The second part is the open space used for various religious activities and stage arts. In this part visitors can enjoy the beautiful order of ‘Meru’, building with the level-multilevel roof as a typical of holy building in Bali. While the third part is a building that is for the god and goddess in Bali Hinduism.

Temple of Pura Taman Ayun built in 1634 in reign of first king of the Mengwi Kingdom, I Gusti Agung Ngurah Made Agung, whose title Ida Cokorda Sakti Belambangan. In this period Mengwi Kingdom is one of the strongest kingdom in Bali, which survived until the year 1891. This temple was built as a place of worship for royal family and the king followers.
Unlike with other Bali temples that oriented to the Mount Agung, Taman Ayun Temple oriented to the Mount Batukau.

Temple of Pura Taman Ayun lies in Badung Regency, about 18 km Northwest Denpasar, the capital of Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

The Baduy Tribe – The Closed Society

The Baduy is a tribe of among about 2,000 Sundanese speaking people living in 27 villages in the mountains south of Rangkasbitung, Banten Province, Republic of Indonesia. These people is still have their own culture, an utterly unique, and a closed society. They fight against attempts of the government to make them part of the modern world. The culture is very impressive although it is not easy to learn something about this area and their people.

Cibeo, Cikartawana, and Cikeusik are the 3 villages of the 27 villages in the center of the area, which cannot be visited. Here live about 40 families of the purest Badui stock. The culture here, is almost unharmed yet. The people of these 3 villages are known as ‘Baduy Dalam’. The other 24 villages in the outer circle are each connected to one of the inner three from which they are ruled. Leuwidamar, Lebak, and Kadukatug are the three of these outer villages can be visited. People of these 24 villages are known as ‘Baduy Luar’. Visitors or travellers should only visit this area if they are fit and used to adjust to local life forms. To enter the area visitors must first obtain a permit at the tourist office of Rangkasbitung.

During months of April and May, the Baduy community is closed to outsiders, as during this time it commemorates certain ceremonies, called ‘Seba’, the offering of part of their agricultural products to the Head of the District, Sub-Regent, and the Chief Resident. During this ceremony the "Puun of Baduy" sends out a group of representatives of ‘Baduy Dalam’ people as well as ‘Baduy Luar’ to act as the community's spokesmen. When conducting this Seba ceremony the ‘Baduy Dalam’ members refuse to ride any vehicle, instead, the distance of 150 km is traveled on foot as proof of their perseverance.

The Baduy tribes live in Banten Province, Republic of Indonesia. These community’s villages can be reached via a 10 km village road from either Cibolegar or Cibungur village in Leuwidamar district. From Rangkasbitung visitors have to find transport to the entry point of the Badui area at Cibolger.

Megalithic Site of Batak Tribe

One of Batak tribes in North Sumatra live on Samosir Island. Samosir Island is the island lies in the center of Lake Toba. All over the island are superb examples of traditional Batak houses, with elaborate carvings and decorations. Performance of life-size is Gale-gale wooden puppet are held frequently, and at any moment, the musical Batak might break into an impromptu song, the seeming effortless, multi-part harmonies belying the casual setting.
On this Samosir Island can be found three megalithic site of the Batak tribe.

The three megalithic sites on Samosir bear witness to the glory and horror of Batak history. The three consist of 300-year-old stone seats and benches arrayed in a circle. The first set of ruins was used as a conference area for Batak kings. At the second site, the kings would sit in judgment of a criminal or enemy prisoner. If the accused were found guilty, the assembly would move to the third set, which features the ghastly addition of a central stone execution block.

Batak megalithic site lies on Samosir Island (Center of Lake Toba), North Sumatra Province, Republic of Indonesia

Cangkuang Temple, Ancient Hinduism Temple

Cangkuang temple is a temple lies on a small island in the middle of a lake. Cangkuang is the only Hindu temple that ever found in West Java is the important discovery in the past. It has been built in the period of the first Sundanese Kingdom, Galuh Kingdom.

Near the temple, there are heritage graves from the Moslem follower Arif Muhammad, who is one of the Mataram Kingdom soldier from Central Java when attacking the Dutch Colonialist in Batavia (now Jakarta, capital of Republic of Indonesia), at the 17th Century. After the attacking, he refused to return and stayed in Cangkuang for teaching and disseminating Islam to the surrounding community, precisely in Kampung Pulo, where his hereditary stays until now. In Kampung Pulo, can be found the traditional village, which contains six houses in a row and face-to-face, three on the left and three on the right, plus one mosque, which stays only six families.

To go to Cangkuang area, traveler or visitor particularly foreigners took delman (a traditional land transportation with horse in the front). To reach Cangkuang temple, people in the edge of the lake, must use traditional transportation made from bamboo, but safe and comfortable, that is called ‘Rakit’ (raft).

Cangkuang Temple is 10 kilometers from Tarogong to the North in the direction to Bandung. Bandung is capital of West Java Province, Republic of Indonesia.

Goa Gajah – Bali's Hinduism Carved Cave

Goa Gajah is a cave with temple complex that was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site. The cave is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Those holes are also used to place offerings whenever there is ceremonies taking place.

The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is 'boma', a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if we give more attention look to the rest of the carving. On the left end side of the cave is Ganesha statue, believe it as 'the God of knowledge'. Meanwhile on the right end side can be found three 'linggas', that each of them dedicated to the three common God manifestations in Bali, Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. There are other three stone carvings in the centre wall, one of them figuring head and face.

Three other statues of Ganesha, demons, and Men Brayut, a legendary lady with her beloved children, are placed on a high building located on the left side of cave entrance. It is considered that these statues are 1000 years old. In the middle of the complex, in front of the cave, there is bathing place that is not any longer used by the local people. The angle figures within the bathing complex are about similar to common figures found in India.

On the south part of the complex, there are along flight of step leads down the lower part of the valley. After crossing a bridge above a small creek and follow another flight of steps up to eastern side of the valley, a headless sitting Buddha statue can be seen. This is the evident of a close relationship between the two religions.

The name Goa Gajah derived from 'Lawa Gajah', which is mentioned in the manuscripts that found in this site. Literally, ‘Goa Gajah’ means 'Elephant Cave”, although it doesn't mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. Goa Gajah, a seven-meters deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village's local temple.

Goa Gajah lies on Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia

Sacred Monkey Forest in Bali

The Monkey Forest Sanctuary is an attractive, lush, small, forested area that welcomes visitors all over the World. This verdant tropical vegetation is the house of three troops of long-tailed Balinese Macaques. The total numbers of monkeys are almost certainly increasing every year.

The Monkey Forest Sanctuary is locally known as the Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Situated within easy walking distance from the center of Ubud, Bali, visitors can see the moss-covered stone carvings and 140 to 200 monkeys, which is a completely new experience. Visitors possibly purchase bananas and peanuts at the doorway of Monkey Forest Sanctuary to feed the monkeys but it is safe to avoid feeding them, because they can become quite aggressive if they know the visitors have food. 'Monkey-handlers' can bring bunches of bananas to entice the monkeys.

Besides the monkeys, the forest is a house of three temples of the 14th century. While visiting at this sanctuary, visitors must see temples and the various interesting statues and fountains The largest temple is the Pura Dalem Agung, situated on the highest point of the forest. The second one is the Pura Prajapati, which is a cremation temple situated at the side of one of the two graveyards in the monkey forest. And the third one is the Holy Bathing Temple

The sacred monkey forest lies on Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Tanjung Puting – Orang Utan Conservation on Borneo

The Tanjung Puting National Park was established primarily for the protection of the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). The orangutan of Kalimantan has dark reddish fur and no tail. As they get older, the adult males cheeks flesh out, resembling cushions. The older they get, the bigger these cheek flanges grow, giving them a fierce look. It is a conservation area that has several ecosystem types such as lowland tropical rain forest, dryland forest, freshwater swamp forest, mangrove forest, coastal forest, and secondary forest. It is the largest and the only protected area in South East Asia that provide breeding grounds for a wide population of waterfowl.

Tanjung Puting National Park is divided into four areas, each highlighting a different set of natural resources. First, Camp Leakey area, is devoted to the research and rehabilitation of adult orangutans. Second, Tanjung Harapan area, was developed for ecotourism, and hosts the information center, guest house, watch tower and camping ground. Third, Pantai Sungai Cabang area, is located alongside a white sand beach along with guest houses, an information center, shelter, watch tower, camp ground, dock and various other tourist activities. And fourth, Pondok Tanggui area, is home to pre-wild and adolescent orangutans.

Tanjung Putting National Park is also inhabited by various species of mammals. Among them is the best known species that makes the National Park best known, orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), bekantan (Nasalis larvatus) - a large monkey which is found only in Borneo, long tail macaque (Macaca fascicularis), maroon leaf monkey (presbistis rubicunda), Agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), grey gibbon (Hylobates mulleri), and Malayan sun bear (Helarctus malayanus). The types of large mammals such as kijang sambar, deer (Muntiacus muntjak), kancil (Tragulus javanicus), and wild lige (Sus barbatus) can be found in this area. In fact, several species of mammals such as water cow (Dugong dugong) and dolphins (the locals call it as Pesut) seen in the waters around the Park area.

Tanjung Puting National Park lies in Kotawaringin Region, Province of Central Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Republic of Indonesia

Komodo Island – Habitat of Ancient Dragon

Komodo National Park was established to conserve the unique Komodo Dragon and protect its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin. As well as being habitat of the largest known lizard, the world famous Komodo Dragon, Komodo National Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, Sunda deer (Cervus timorensis), wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa), the macaque monkey (Macaca fascicularis), and wild horse (Equus qaballus).

Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), sea turtles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers.

The under water live and its ecosystems have been well known as the best diving site in the world. The water of Komodo National Park is very ideal place for many kinds of sea activites. It's just like the missing paradise for the underwater world lover. It has many excellent dive spots. It's vibrant color and exotic life will enchant divers and snorkelers.

Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817 km squares (603 km squares of it land). Most of the Park is dry, rugged and hilly, a combination of ancient volcanic eruptions and more recent tectonic uplift of sedimentary seabeds. The irregular coastline is indented with rocky headlands and sandy bays, many framed by soaring volcanic cliffs. Komodo island alone is 35km long and 15km wide, and is mountainous on a north to south axis, with an average altitude of 500-600m. The highest peak is Satalibo (735m) in the north. Most of the island is lontar palm savannah with remnates of rainforest and bamboo forest at higher elevations.

Komodo National Park lies on Lesser Sunda Islands (at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali), Province of East Nusa Tenggara , Republic of Indonesia.

Kuta – Most Popular Beach in Bali

Kuta is the most popular beach and the number one party zone in Bali. It is the center and the largest tourist resort on the island of Bali. Kuta beach is also known as one of the first favorite beaches for tourists from all over the world.

Surfing in Kuta is a very well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. The beach is overrun with touts and most serious surfers have headed elsewhere. Kuta is also one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle. More advanced surfers can choose from over 30 other surfing breaks within 30 minutes drive from Kuta. This place is also often become the arena of surfing competition at the national level and the level of world. Nevertheless, Kuta Beach is also suitable for beginners to learn surfing.

Kuta Beach has a different attraction with the Sanur Beach, a more desirable because of the beauty of the sunrise. Plenty of people come to the Kuta beach or seaside cafes to watch the wonderful sunset when it towards dusk. For domestic and foreign tourists, have not fully enjoy the twilight time on the island of Bali, if not watching the sunset at Kuta Beach.

In addition of surfing and enjoying the sunset, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs for people from all over the world in Kuta. Various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.

The accommodation in Kuta range from a modest home stay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, five star, international hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night. On the street behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. It also can be found any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores.

Kuta Beach is located 11 km southwest City of Denpasar, capital of Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Nusa Dua – Bali’s Prestigious Beach

The most prestigious resort area, where the tourists will find international world class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands in Bali Island, is Nusa Dua. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua, Bali. It is quiet and exclusive with superb facilities. Nusa Dua is really about taking it easy and relaxing in total luxury. As most of the hotels are 5 stars, every comfort is at our disposal as well as a gorgeous white sand beach. Nusa Dua was designed for the luxury conscious with a heavy concentration of big name hotels lining the beautiful white sand beach. Some of the resorts have private beaches but most areas are accessible.

Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts, after a Barong performance at Batubulan and a long climb of the steps of the Temple Besakih. Visitors can tee off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Stroll to the northern end of Nusa Dua for parasailing, jet skis, snorkeling/diving trips or better still, head for Tanjung Benoa.

The other popular places around Nusa Dua are Turtle Island (Pulau Penyu) and Dreamland Beach. Turtle Island is a turtle conservation area. The local people keep the turtle eggs in each traditional conservation houses individually owned them until the baby turtles born, and they will release the turtles when they are grown. Besides turtle, they also have birds, snakes, bats, etc. By Penyu Island visitors can get on glass boats where they can see the under water view from the boat. Dreamland is a beautiful beach with excellent surfing conditions, especially for intermediate surfers, and on big days when other breaks are too big to surf.

Nusa Dua provides a venue for traditional entertainment including arts festivals like the Nusa Dua Arts and Culture Festival. Art galleries and numerous shops surround them.

Nusa Dua is located in the southern Bali approximately 10 km from Denpasar City, Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Kuan Yin Monastery

The Goddess Kuan Yin Monastery is a Buddhist worship place. Its physical appearance is a resemblance to a ready-to-sail ship. It is located in approximately 15.420 meter squares in width, in the riverbank, at the slope of the hill. In this area, there are natural bathing pond with clean and fresh water that coming out of the hill.

Bathing pond, which is commonly called Kolam Tujuh Bidadari (The Seven Fairies Pond), is fully covered with white lotuses. Based on the information of Chinese people living in Bangka Island, the water of the river contains the efficacies for healing diseases, staying young and acceding the hopes of its visitors. Therefore the visitors will not only get experience of its religious atmosphere, but may also drink the fresh and clean water of the well within the building that is believed full of efficacies.

This Buddhist Monastery is the heritage of the first Buddhist dwelling Bangka Island. Entering the building directly felt religious atmosphere of the location but it willbe a tourism nuance while touring around the monastery. In the area found some locations that are intended for tourism, convenience of the Buddhist worship, or convenience of visitors who only want to enjoy the atmosphere at the area. In this area visitors will be taken to enjoy natural beauty, taste the miracle of nature, and witnessing greatness of God.

The Kuan Yin Monastery is located approximately 6 km from Sungailiat City, Bangka-Belitung Province, Republic of Indonesia