Some 25 kilometers from Denpasar, Ubud has become known worldwide as a center for the arts. Spectacularly set among lush rice paddies and the stunning hillsides of central Bali, Ubud harbors a number of palaces and temples, museums and art galleries, and a host of cafes and restaurants.
Just north of Amed, Tulamben is famous for the World War II US cargo ship Liberty that lies wrecked just off the coast of this small village. It’s bow only a few meters below the surface, the wreck lies 50 meters offshore. Its coral encrusted bow and resident coral fish are visible to snorkels, but the best parts are 20-30 meters down, and only accessible with full diving regalia. There are several places to stay in Tulamben. For obvious reasons, it mainly attracts divers. The beaches are pebbly, but the water is clear.
One of Lake Batur’s villages, Trunyan is inaccessible except by boat. At the lakeside you’ll be met by a greeting party of locals wanting money. The Trunyan people believe they are Bali Aga, the original inhabitants of Bali. Cremation is not practiced in Trunyan, the dead are simply placed against a sacred tree by the lake, which stops the decomposing body from smelling.
Known for hot spring bathing by the Lake of Batur.
This is the site of a beautiful water palace, built by the last king of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut, in 1947. Much of it was destroyed by the 1963 eruption, but the famous bathing pools remained intact. This is a place of great peace, and an excellent stopover when you’re touring east Bali. There’s a losmen in the palace grounds, and a restaurant, too.
Located just west of Candi Dasa is the village of Tenganan,a visit here is a trip back in time. This is one of the homes of the Bali Aga (original Balinese), the first inhabitants of Bali. The Tengananese believe they have been chosen to honor the royal descendents with offerings, sacrifices and rituals, and by administering the surrounding lands. Only recently has this society opened itself up to outsiders, although strict rules still apply, especially concerning marriage to outsiders. Tenganan features wonderful fabrics, one of which is the renowned gringsing double weave ikat cloth.
Tanah Lot is a simply designed, but dramatically located temple on the Tabanan coast. Built on a promontory only accessible at low tide, this temple is, like Uluwatu, a sad khayangan temple, one of the most important in Bali. Take a sarong and dress accordingly. It is said that the temple is guarded by poisonous snakes. Sunset is the best time to visit, when the golden and red sky frames the temple and the waves crash into the rocks.
There’s a number of treats in store in Tampaksiring. One is that it is home to numerous woodcarvers, and their wares are available in great quantities from roadside stalls. Another is the presidential palace, an icon of modernist architecture designed by the man (Soekarno) himself. From an opportunely located verandah, it is said, the president was able to spy on the maidens bathing at dusk in the Tirta Empul temple below.
Tabanan’s landscape ranges from volcanic mountains to terraced rice plains. This is the rice bowl of Bali, with higher yields of rice than anywhere else. Tabanan, with its deserted, black sand beaches and tropical rainforests, is one of the prettiest districts in Bali. Visit the 17th century royal palace in Krambitan.
Excellent beach for surfing.
