Batubulan
In Batubulan, you can witness daily performances of the traditional barong, and other Balinese dances, performed in the morning. Batubulan is also famous for stone carving; these carvings are usually in the form of guardians for temple gateways, divinities, and demons from Balinese mythology. You can also find small shrines, garden lamps, wall plaques, and so much more...
Bedugul & Ulun Danu Temple
Bedugul - a plateau - is located at the centre of the Island, on the north-south road between Denpasar and Singaraja. The beautiful mountain terrain and its scenery, provide the perfect hiking experience; the cool air and misty fog, make the walking trips around the lakes and surrounding hills, a thrilling adventure. Bedugul is also famed for its weekend retreats, golf course, Orchard Park, and its famous "Ulun Danu Temple" - that looks as if it rose out of Bratan Lake, 1,200 metres above sea level - The region is also known for its fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Besakih Temple
The Temple of Besakih, often referred to as the "Mother Temple", was built in the 14th century in the village of Besakih, on the south slopes of Mount Agung - the principle volcano of Bali. It is said to be one of the most important temples amongst the series of Balinese temples. The temple is made up of twenty-two temples that sit on parallel ridges; with stepped terraces and flights of stairs that ascend to a number of courtyards and brick gateways leading up to the main structure which is called Pura Penataran Agung. It is aligned on a single axis; designed to lead the spiritual upwards, closer to the mountain which is considered sacred.
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah is located nearUbud and was built in the 9th century where it served as a sanctuary. At the facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave's entrance. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem 'Desawarnana', written in 1365. An extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits.
Kintamani
From the villages of Kintamani and Penelokan, there's a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Batur caldera is a breath taking sight; seven miles in diameter, and sixty feet deep. Travelling down the road from Penelokan to Kedisan, on the shores of the lake, boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan, where the original Balinese reside. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani, with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, makes this location, one worth visiting. The Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali, and the region boasts some of the most spectacular views found anywhere on the island.
Klungkung Palace
The Klungkung Palace is a historical building located in Semarapura, the capital of the Klungkung regency - also famous for their traditional paintings called Kamasan. The palace was built at the end of the 17th Dutch colonial conquest in 1908. Today, the remains of the palace are the court of justice, the Kertha Gosa Pavilion, and the main gate that bears the date Saka 1622 (AD 1700). In the old palace compound is a floating pavilion, Bale Kambing, which was added in the 1940s. century, but largely destroyed during the
Sangeh Monkey Forest
Sangeh Monkey Forest sits on six hectares of fertile land, filled with giant nutmeg trees capable of growing as high as 40m, and is located near to Sangeh village. The main attractions here are the hordes of funny, yet wise Balinese monkeys, inhabiting both the trees and the temple - Pura Bukit Sari - found in the heart of the forest. The monkeys of the forest are believed to be sacred and indeed will approach anyone paying respects at the temple. But visitors should be aware that these monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jewellery should be left behind or kept well hidden under clothes or in a bag when exploring this forest.
Taman Ayun Temple
The Royal Taman Ayun Temple was built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century. The temple stands on the top of a huge rock, surrounded by the sea, and is one of Bali's most important sea temples. Ancient rituals performed, pay homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found in the caves at the base of the rocky island, are believed to be guardians of the temple, standing Virgil against evil spirits and intruders.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot Temple was built in 15th century, and is located in Tabanan. It sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the oceans tide. According to Balinese mythology, the temple was built for worshiping the sea gods, and is designed to last for centuries. It 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.
Tampak Siring
Mount Kawi, located just off the main road in Tampaksiring, with its group of large stone memorials cut into cliffs on either side of a picturesque river valley, is believed to date back from the 11th century. Tirta Empul Temple on Mount Kawi, has a long rectangular pool carved of stone, with the sacred spring flowing via 12 fountains. Worshippers first make an offering at the temple, and then climb into the main pool to bathe and pray. Many collect the holy water in bottles to take home. Overlooking the temple on a hill above is a surprisingly modern building; the Government Palace, built in 1954. Originally a residence for Dutch officials, it was later used by former President Soekarno during his frequent trips to Bali.
Tenganan
Tenganan village, located in the east part of Bali, is about 4 kms to the north of Candidasa, the prime tourism resort area in Karangasem regency. You will need at least an hour and half to reach the village which is about 78 kilometres from Denpasar city. This village is surrounded by a range of hills and a well-maintaned forest. The forest and Ikat Gringsing has made this original village a legend in Bali.
Ubud
Ubud is the culture and artistic heart of Bali, home of painters, dancers, musicians and carvers. Ubud with its cool and fresh climate is about 20 kilometres north of Denpasar, the capital city of Bali; about an hour's drive from the airport. Ubud town is surrounded by rice paddies, and is the perfect place for those who want to taste the real Bali. Most of Bali's museums and galleries are found in Ubud, with interesting meandering paths leading to charming places like the bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of ancient forest. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, a natural forest, inhabited by wild monkeys that provide loads of entertainment.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is one of nine main temples in Bali, which according to Balinese Hinduism tales, were built to guard the land from southward threats. Its cliff-edge exotic location has made Uluwatu Temple famous, with a truly magical view of the sunset. Uluwatu Temple is also home to dozens of monkeys - some even consider them sacred.
There are many other interesting places to see in Bali.
