A Tour memory with Daniel's family on Bedugul and Tanah Lot Tour

On Sunday 10, 2013 I handled Bedugul and Tanah Lot tour with Daniel's family from Singapore. Altogether they were 5 people consisting 4 adult and 1 child. This is Bedugul and Tanah Lot Tour. Based on the appointed time, I picked them up at White Rose hotel at 8.30. We were all on time. The objects we visited were Taman Ayun royal family temple, Ulun Danu Beratan temple, Pacung rice terrace while enjoying lunch time, Alas Kedaton monkey forest and temple, then Tanah lot with its amazing sunset time.At the end of the tour one of the tourists commented as saying, I must say this is such an interesting tour, especially the sunset at Tanah Lot. Here our tour goes.

First we left the hotel and went north to the first object, Taman Ayun. It took about one hour. On arrival we walked through the temple complex exploring every detail of the complex of this 17 century royal family temple. There were some visitors to this temple but not crowded. They enjoyed making pictures at this exotic temple. The ticket is IDR 15,000 per person. It took about half an hour for them to explore the temple complex.

We continued the tour to Bedugul  to discover the beautiful scenery of Ulun Danu temple and Beratan lake. The weather was very good. It was sunny but we felt very cool in the area of Bedugul. Beside enjoying the exotic panorama we could also enjoy the cool and fresh atmosphere that this highland offers. After paying the ticket which cost only IDR 30,000 we walked though the park to enjoy different kind of exotic tropical flowers while sometimes clicking the camera for an interesting object. Then we entered the temple which is located on the shore of the lake. On entering the temple we will instantly see an exotic picture reminiscing us of one of the Indonesian Bank note.  Yes, we have this picture on our money, 50,000 rupiahs. What such a nice view. They took  turn taking the pictures with the background of this exotic scenery. It took about one hour to explore this park, before we continued our trip.

From this object we went to Pacung for Lunch. Our choice was Lambaga Restaurant located on the right hand side of the Bedugul - Tanah Lot road. This restaurant offers delicious local cuisine while enjoying the panoramic view of Pacung rice terrace which has been widely well known. The location of the restaurant which overlooks the rice terrace view and perches above the  deep ravine is an additional value. Tourist will feel like they are  in the other planet.

The next object on the list was Alas Kedaton. Here you can enjoy playing with funny monkeys which sometimes jump on your shoulders. A woman clad in blue uniform will accompany you during the visit. They are employed by this park authority to help visitors enjoy their tour. Feel free to ask her to answer your curiosity. It is higly recommended that you never touch the monkeys in whatever circumstance  because though outwardly they look friendly they sitll  keep their beast character, wild. They will respond any touch as an annoyance. They took about half an hour to explore this park.

Finally we end out tour at Tanah Lot. With the ambition and curiosity to witness the exotic Tanah Lot sunset, they were willing to wait until 2 hours. We arrived at around 4 pm.  First, we walked down from  the drop off area, passed through the ticket check point, then down to the beach passing through long line of shops offering different kinds of Balinese souvenir products. It was at low tide so we could get closer to the temple complex. After making some photos, we continues to the western parts where we could see the whole view of the temple along with the splash of the waves. They took turn taking  to have the opportunity to take photos on the cliff with the background of the majestic temple. Finally, to get the best view for the sunset we moved to the east part of the complex where we could see the sunset along with the temple and its surrounding landscape while enjoying young fresh coconut. such a rare occasion. At about 18.30 the sunset was at its peak moment before it sank a few minutes later. that's the end of this memorable tour. a dozens of exotic pictures become the witness of this unforgettable moment on the island of paradise,

Good by Bali........thanks for this wonderful experience.

Nusa Dua Tour

Featuring: Tanjung Benoa (water sport centre), Garuda Wisnu Kencana (Bali Cultural Park with Garuda Wisnu giant statute), Dreamland beach, Padan-padang Beach (an exotic beach for sunbathing and swimming), Uluwatu temple (an 11th century temple above the cliff with stunning view sunset,  Kecak dance performance).

Departure: 8.30 am (apprx. 10 hours)

1 – 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 – 12
IDR 300.000/pax	IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 200.000/pax	IDR 150.000/pax

The Tour Include: Air-Conditioned Car, English/ Russian speaking driver, car parking, mineral water, cool towel

The Tour does not  Include: Entrance fees, lunch

Denpasar City Tour

Featuring: Badung Traditional Market, Jagatnata temple, Bali Museum, Bajra Sandhi Monument.

1 – 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 – 12
IDR 300.000/pax	IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 200.000/pax	IDR 150.000/pax

East Bali tour

Featuring: Kusamba (traditional salt making process), Goa lawa (Bat cave temple), Tenganan (Balinese traditional village), Tirta Gangga (the royal bathing pool of 19 century), Candidasa (a beach resort in east Bali), Taman Ujung (a royal water castle).

Departure: 08.30 (approx. 10 hours)

1 – 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 – 12
IDR 350.000/pax	IDR 300.000/pax	IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 200.000/pax

North Bali Tour

Featuring: Pacung (amazing rice terrace ), Bedugul Area (lake beratan and temple with cool and fresh air) Gitgil (exotic waterfall and bali’s tropical floras), Singaraja (the old capital city of Bali), Lovina (north Bali beach resort), Banjar (bathing on hot spring pool),  Munduk (beautiful view of rice terrace and mountain view),

Departure : 08.30 (appr. 10 hours)

1 - 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 – 12 pax
IDR 350.000/pax	IDR 300.000/pax	IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 200.000/pax

Bedugul & Tanah lot Tour

Featuring: Taman Ayun (the royal family temple),, Candi  Kuning (traditional fruit and flower market ), Bedugul (Beratan lake & temple), Pacung ( beautiful  rice terrace), Alas kedaton ( sacred monkey forest) Alas Kedaton (Alas Kedaton monkey Forest) , Tanah lot (sun set on the beautiful sea temple).

Departure: 08.30 (appr. 10 hours)

1 – 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 - 12
IDR 300.000/pax	IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 200.000/pax	IDR 150.000/pax

Bali Countryside Tours

Bali Countryside Tours is an organized tour to one of Bali's most amazing natural beauties which recently was acclaimed as a world heritage by UNESCO, Jatiluwih, along with other interesting tourist objects such as Bedugul highland,  Taman Ayun, Batukaru temple, Penatahan hot spring, Buruan butterfly park and ends up in Tanah Lot

Featuring: Taman Ayun, the 17th century royal family temple surrounded by water, Jatiluwih, Bali's greatest and most amazing rice terrace located at Penebel, Tabanan Regency,  Batukaru Temple, a holy temple and one of Bali's six most important temples located on the slope of mount Batukaru,  Penatahan, a  hot spring,  Buruan, the only butterfly park in Bali and home to a variety of beautiful tropical butterflies , Tanah Lot, a 16th century Hindu temple located on a coral with beautiful landscape, ideal for visitors to enjoy amazing sunset view.

Departure : 08.30 (approx. 09 hours)

1 – 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 - 12
IDR300.000/pax	IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 200.000/pax	IDR 150.000/pax

The Tour includes:

• Air Conditioning vehicle
• English speaking driver  
• Mineral water

The Tour does not Include

• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• Personal expenditures

Kintamani and Besakih tour

Featuring: Mount Batur & lake Batur, Besakih ( Bali’s mother temple). On the way visit art villages including Celuk (gold and silver work), Singapadu (Traditional Balinese house), Mas (wood carving), Agro tourism (tropical plants), Bukit Jambul (beautiful view of rice terrace), Kertagosa (The old court of justice).

Departure: 08.30 (appr. 10 hours)

1 – 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 - 12
IDR 300.000/pax	IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 200.000/pax	IDR 150.000/pax

Besakih Tour

Featuring: Kusamba (Traditional salt making village), Goa Lawa (Bat cave temple), Kertagosa (The old court of justice), Bukit Jambul (rice terrace), Besakih (Bali’s mother temple),

Departure: 08.30 (appr. 10 hours)

1 – 2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 8 pax	9 – 12 pax
IDR 250.000/pax	IDR 225.000/pax	IDR 175.000/pax	IDR 150.000/pax

JATILUWIH

Jatiluwih, one of the most picturesque areas in Bali,  is located about 20 kilometres north of Tabanan city, or about 48 kilometers from Denpasar, Bali, at an altitude of 700 metres above sea level. Jatiluwih which means "really beautiful" has become an important tourist destination and is one of the most important natural tourist objects in Bali with its amazing view of a vast terraced rice fields. The place with its expansive views across terraced rice fields, undulating hills and valleys to the north is backed by densely forrested mountains with cool and fresh air. Recently this object was rewarded as world’s heritage by Unesco.

Stretching from the foothill of mount Batukaru to the south coast, Jatiluwih deserves the name as it offers you wonderful Balinese ambience, rice harvest, flocks of ducks, water buffaloes, farm houses, all the images that reminisce in your heart the true Bali. 

The rice terraces are the most striking and magnificent feature of the landscape. When lucky, you will be encountered with the Balinese working on rice planting or harvesting and welcome you to join and taste a little bit of their fascinating lives.

Around the area, you will observe a variety of tropical fruits and vegetations. You can best enjoy this natural wonder while enjoying lunch at a cozy restaurant standing on the left side of the road. From the restaurant you will see the vast Jatiluwih rice terrace and the sacred volcano of Batukaru in  distance.

In addition to its nature potentials Jatiluwih also has cultural potentials, especially its relation with history of the Petali temple existence said to be related to the power of Ida Dalem Waturenggong, king of Gelgel  (1460 - 1552). 

Jatiluwih is easily accessible, the road to this place has been progressively improved. You can reach from the east side through Pacung village or from the west side through Batukaru temple. 

Indeed, Jatiluwih has been recognized since the Dutch colonial time with the development of Security Headquarters which is now popularly called the Dutch Tangs.

Kertha Gosa.

Regency / City: Klungkung

As a former kingdom, It makes sense that  Klungkung has many heritages which currently become tourist attractions. One of them is Taman Gili and Kerta Gosa, a cultural heritage of Semarapura Palace, Klungkung. Kerta Gosa is a building (bale) which is part of the palace complex. Semarapura was built around the year 1686 by the first holder of the throne of power and the kingdom of Klungkung Ida I Dewa Agung Jambe.

Kertagosa consists of two buildings (Bale), Bale Kambang and Kerta Gosa. It is called Bale Kambang because the building is surrounded by a pool of Taman Gili. The Uniqueness of Kerta Gosa and Bale Kambang is on the ceiling surface. The ceiling is decorated with traditional painting style of Kamasan (a village in Klungkung) or style of puppet that is very popular among the people of Bali. At first, the paintings that decorate the ceiling of the building was made of cloth and parba. Since 1930 it has been replaced and built on top of the plasterboard and then restored in accordance with the original image and remains intact until now. As the cultural heritage of Semarapura Palace, Kerta Gosa and Bale Kambang was used to try the case and a place where religious ceremonies are held especially cut teeth (mepandes) for sons and daughters of the king.

The function of these two buildings is closely related to the function of education through puppet paintings presented at the ceiling of the building. Therefore, the paintings is a series of a story that takes the main theme parwa Swargarokanaparwa and Bima Swarga who guide the punishment karma phala (result of the merits of human acts committed during his life) as well as re-incarnation into the world because of the deeds and sin.. Therefore it is not wrong to say that psychologically, the themes of paintings that decorate the ceiling of Kerta Gosa building contains the values ​​of mental and spiritual education. The painting is divided into six rows of terraces.

Bottom row illustrates the theme of the story coming from Tantric. The second row from the bottom illustrates the theme of the story in Swargarakanaparwa Bimaswarga. The next row of Kasyapa Bagawan. The theme of the fourth row is Palalindon, that is  the characteristics or the meaning and significance of the earthquake mythologically Continued story taken from the theme Bimaswarga describable on the fifth row of  the ceiling of the building. The last row or sixth is occupied by a picture of the life of nirvana. In addition to the roof of the building, puppet paintings also decorate the ceiling of the building of Bale Kambang. On the palate of Bale Kambang the theme of the puppet paintings is taken from the Ramayana and Sutasoma Kakawin story. Taking the theme originating from kakawin yanga provides clues that the functions of  Bale Kambang is a place to hold religious ceremonies, Manusa Yadnya, i.e  cutting teeth of sons and daughters of the king in Klungkung. The attraction of Kerta Gosa other than the traditional style of Kamasan painting in Bale Kambang and Kerta Gosa, other important relics around that can not be separated in terms of historical value is great pemedal (the gate / gate). Great Pemedal is located on west Kerta Gosa and  embodies value of cultural heritage.  This Great Pemedal also containes artistic value of traditional Balinese architecture. This gate once served as a support mechanism to the holder of the throne (the Supreme Deity) in Klungkung for over 200 years (1686-1908).

In the event of war against the Dutch military expedition known as Puputan Klungkung on April 28, 1908, the last holder of the throne Jambe Dewa Agung and his followers killed.(Records of these events are now immortalized in a monument Puputan Klungkung  located across Kerta Gosa). After the defeat of the core building Semarapura palace is destroyed and turned into residential places. The highest remaining debris is Kerta Gosa, Bale Kambang with its Gili Garden and the Gate that turned out to be a very interesting object both in terms of tourism and culture, especially historical studies.

Kerta Gosa was also once functioned as the court hall during the Dutch colonial bureaucracy in Klungkung (1908-1942) and since the appointment of indigenous people to be the kingdom’s chief regional officer (Ida I Dewa Agung Klungkung State) in 1929. In fact, the chair of the court fixtures and carved wooden desk are still there. The objects are evidence of customary courts Traditional relics like the one prevailing in Klungkung in the colonial period (1908-1942) and the period of Japanese occupation (1043-1945). In 1930, restoration of puppet paintings contained in Kerta Gosa and Bale Kambang was done by the artists of Kamasan painting.Restoration of the last painting was  done in 1960.