Air Terjun Sendang Gile

Mendengar nama ini mungkin sedikit unik dan membuat bertanya - tanya, kenapa dinamakan Sendang Gile.  Menurut cerita asal mula dinamakan demikian karena air terjun tersebut ditemukan secara tidak sengaja oleh seorang penduduk yang sedang mengejar seekor singa gila yang merisaukan kampung mereka. Singa itupun lari ke hutan, tempat ditemukannya air terjun tersebut.

Penduduk kampung setempat menyebut singa gila dengan kata sengang gile, namun lambat laun pelafalan sengang menjadi sendang sehingga air terjun tersebut dinamakan Air Terjun Sendang Gile. 

Air Terjun Sendang Gile

Air terjun Sendang Gile berada di Kecamatan Bayan, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Barat. Airnya sangat sejuk dan dingin karena berasal dari Gunung Rinjani. Air terjun yang memiliki ketinggian sekitar 30 meter ini berada padaketinggian 600 meter dpl. Air yang turun dari atas tebing langsung meluncur ke sebuah sungai yang dangkal yang sering digunakan pengunjung untuk berendam dan bermain air.

Bermain Air

Ada sebuah mitos seputaran air terjun ini yaitu masyarakat setempat percaya bahwa air terjun ini memiliki unsur magis, barang siapa yang membasuh muka di air terjun ini akan kelihatan satu tahun lebih muda dari yang sebenarnya. Jadi tidak heran bila air terjun ini banyak dikunjungi oleh wisatawan.

Jembatan Berlubang

Untuk mencapai lokasi air terjun ini kita harus melewati ratusan anak tangga dan menyeberangi jembatan beton berlubang melalui sebuah lembah yang memerlukan waktu 15 menit. Cukup melelahkan tapi sebanding dengan apa yang kita dapatkan.

Dari Mataram, ibukota Nusa Tenggara Barat, air terjun ini berjarak 60 km dan bisa ditempuh selama 2,5-3 jam dengan kendaraan pribadi. Apabila dengan kendaraan umum dari Mataram hanya sampai di Bayan. Dari Bayan naik ojek ke Senaru, setelah itu masuk melewati ratusan anak tangga yang saya sebutkan diatas. Untuk tiket masuk sebesar Rp 5.000/orang.

Air Terjun Tiu Kelep

Untuk penginapan paling dekat ada di Senaru, bila ingin bermalam di air terjun bisa mendirikan tenda atau berkemah. Selain air terjun Sendang Gile, ada juga air terjun lainnya yang tak kalah indah di sekitarnya.

From : balibackpacker.blogspot.com

Bedugul ~ Hutan Raya di Bali

Objek wisata Kebun Raya Eka Karya berada di perbatasan Kabupaten Tabanan dan Kabupaten Buleleng, sekitar 90 kilometer dari Kota Denpasar ke arah Singaraja. Dapat ditempuh dalam waktu 1,5-2 jam dengan medan menanjak dan berkelok. Jadi sobat perlu hati-hati apalagi udaranya dingin dan seringkali berkabut serta sering turun hujan. Dari jalan raya Denpasar - Singaraja, kebun raya ini berada di kiri jalan dengan petunjuk besar di sebuah gapura masuk kawasan.

Kebun raya yang terletak di Desa Candikuning, Kecamatan Baturiti ini merupakan kebun raya termuda di indonesia (51 tahun), dibanding kebun raya lain seperti Kebun Raya Cibodas, Kebun Raya Purwodadi dan Kebun Raya Bogor. Tiket masuk di kebun raya ini sebesar Rp 7.000/orang, sedangkan untuk mobil sebesar Rp 12.000/mobil. Untuk mobil bisa dibawa keliling kebun raya. Namun berjalan kaki menyusuri kebun seluas 157 hektar ini sepertinya lebih seru dan sehat.

Patung Kumbakarna

Kebun Raya Eka Karya memiliki ribuan koleksi tanaman yang mencapai 16.000 tanaman koleksi yang terdiri dari 1.500 jenis, 320 marga, dan 155 suku tumbuhan. Selain itu juga masih ada tumbuhan liar dan berbagai burung. Kebun raya ini terletak pada ketinggian 1.250 - 1.400 meter dpl. Dengan hamparan rumput yang hijau, tak heran banyak pengunjung yang memilih duduk-duduk di rerumputan itu sambil menikmati makan siang ataupun sekadar bersantai sejenak.

Danau Baratan Di Seberang Kebun Raya

Ada beberapa jalur yang bisa kita tempuh kala berkunjung. Oleh pengurus jalur tersebut dibagi menjadi 5 jalur. Yaitu Jalur Kuning, Jalur Ungu, Jalur Merah, Jalur Biru, dan Jalur Burung.

Kebun Raya

Jalur Kuning merupakan jalur yang pertama kita temui setelah Candi Bentar sebagai gerbang utama. Kita akan melewati jalan beraspal, jalan setapak dan sesekali jalan padang rumput. Jalan ini melingkar dan akan berakhir kembali di pintu utama saat kita masuk. Di jalur ini kita akan menemui pohon cemara pandak yang tinggi-tinggi.

Jalur Ungu akan membawa kita melewati jalur berbagai koleksi tanaman anggrek liar dan koleksi kaktus. Terdapat 4.000 jenis anggrek disini seperti anggrek kalajengking, anggrek hitam dan sebagainya.

Salah Satu Jalur

Pada Jalur Merah kita bisa melihat susunan rumah tradisional Bali yang unik. Di jalur ini juga kita akan melihat tanaman tradisional Bali seperti tanaman obat, tanaman bumbu masak, dan tanaman serta yang bisa digunakan sebagai serat.

Jalur Biru adalah jalan berbatu yang mengelilingi tanaman paku-pakuan dengan jumlah 200 jenis. Di jalur ini terdapat tumbuhan paku yang sangat langka yaitu tumbuhab Paku Belalai Gajah.

Jalur Burung sebagai jalur terakhir dirancang sedemikian rupa agar kita bisa melihat burung-burung di habitatnya langsung. Burung yang bisa kita jumpai antara lain Burung Isap Madu Australia, burung Sriganti, Walet Sapi, Bondol Jawa, Kepodang dan burung endemik pulau Bali yaitu Jalak Bali.

Kebun raya ini buka setiap hari pada pukul 08.00-18.00 WITA. Fasilitas pendukung di kebun raya ini seperti ruang pertemuan, kafe, koperasi, stand souvenir, perpustakaan, dan stand penjualan tanaman.

From : balibackpacker.blogspot.com

GWK ~ At Bali

GWK or Garuda Wisnu Kencana was Designed and built by Nyoman Nuarta, one of Indonesia’s foremost modern sculptor, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue or GWK and its pedestal building will be standing 150 meters tall with its wings span 64 meters across.

Made from more than 4000 tons of copper and brass, the statue is picturing Lord Wisnu, as the source of wisdom, riding on the back of the mythical bird Garuda as the manifestation of conscience toward Amerta, the perennial goodness.

The statue and its pedestal will be surrounded by more than 240 hectares cultural park which was once an abandoned and unproductive limestone quarry. The cultural park will provide attractions for both local and foreign visitors with supporting facilities such as Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Amphitheater, Street Theater, Exhibition Hall, as well as Jendela Bali The Panoramic Resto and souvenir shop. At present time, the statue of Wisnu, the statue of Garuda, and the hands of Wisnu have been placed temporarily in three different plazas within the park.

GWK Cultural Park is intended to educate, especially the young generations about the importance of preserving and cultivating world’s cultural heritage.

The Statue of Wisnu

As the anchor point of GWK, the 20 meter tall copper statue of the Lord Wisnu has been placed temporarily on the highest hill of Ungasan where visitors can enjoy sunset or sunrise over the magnificent view of Kuta, Benoa and Sanur.

The statue of Wisnu is an illustration of the Almighty God in maintaining and caring all life and its being. The god Wisnu is the owner of Amerta in the form of water as the source of fertility , giving wealth and life to the universe.

The Statue of Garuda

Right behind the Plaza Wisnu is the Plaza Garuda where the 18 meters tall statue of Garuda placed temporarily.

At the present time, Plaza Garuda becomes the focal point of a massive alley of carved limestone pillars which covers more than 4000 sqm open space area namely Lotus Pond. The colossal limestone pillars and monumental Garuda statue make Lotus Pond a very exotic space. With its room capacity that can accommodate up to 7000 people, Lotus Pond has gained good reputation as the perfect place to hold big and international events.

The Statue of Wisnu’s Hands

The statue of Wisnu’s hands was added to GWK Cultural Park in 2007. It’s one step closer to finishing the complete Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. This piece was placed temporarily on Tirta Agung area.

More Information You can go to this site : http://gwk-culturalpark.com/

Dreamland Beach ~ At Bali

Dreamland Beach is a beautiful beach with white sand stretch 100 meters and leaned on a steep of white stone cliff overlooking to the amazing view of Indian Ocean. This beach is very attractive for tourist including the surfers offering the elegant, tranquility and spectacular sunset view that create the romantic nuance that make it as one of the place many visited by tourist every day. Dreamland Beach is located in strategic area of Pecatu Graha, the huge area of luxurious residences, hotels, villas, world-class golf course (New Kuta Golf), water fun game and more that finally make this beach is increasingly popular. The advantages of this beach are big and powerful wave that make it as one of the most demanded surfing points in Bali Island by the experience until professional surfers. You will be very easy to locate the public facilities at this surfing point like restaurant and accommodations. This beach is also suitable for family holidays where you can do relax at the beach while enjoying the warm tropical atmosphere.

Dreamland Beach Location

Dreamland Beach is located in Unggasan Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency and Bali province – Indonesia. The beach is situated very strategic and accessible by all vehicles and only 15 minutes from Denpasar Airport, 5 minutes to GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana), 15 minutes to Uluwatu Temple or 20 minutes to Nusa Dua. The beach is situated in Dreamland area, an elite resort area where the luxury hotels and resorts has been built offering the world-class services and facilities.New Kuta Golf is a new golf course in the island of god as the first choice golf course among the golfer on their visit to Bali. This beach is close with other famous surfing points such as Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach, Padang-padang Beach, Balangan Beach, Impossible Beach and Suluban Beach.

Best Season For Surfing

The best session for surfing at Dreamland Beach is during dry season. It is because the wind flow from the southeast to the west hence it could create the great wave even barrel. This season is very much love by the surfer when go for surfing at this surfing point where the wave is powerful and big but inconsistent.

 

From : http://www.balisurfadvisor.com/points/dreamlandbeach.html

Sukawati Market ~ At Bali

Sukawati market is one  of the art market is very famous in Bali. Sukawati market is in many art objects (paintings, sculptures, decorative masks, unique jewelry, etc.) and industrial goods (bedcovers, clothes,

bags, slippers, etc.), all have models and motifs characteristic of the island of Bali. The price of goods is also relatively affordable here because for sale at very cheap.

If you want to shop at this Sukawati market, should come in the morning around 8 a.m -10 a.m because the seller had just finished prayers. They have confidence if the first buyer at his store, which will bring good fortune throughout the day smoothly. Under these conditions it is possible for us to try to offer items that we like.

Buying giveaways to commemorate the holiday has to be a must. So take advantage the holiday time to find out something memorable on the art market of Sukawati. This market is very unique as it is already open in the early morning and visited by both domestic and foreign visitors. It is very close to other destinations in the Gianyar Regency.

A good place to explore the shopping experience in a natural way, get in touch with common people and see how the locals go about the art of negotiation. Yes, shopping is also an art of experience. On the one hand, you may enjoy many kinds of art products all in one spot. It reflects the diversity of local art and crafts and the creativity of its people.

You will get a new experience in the 'art of buying'. You must bargain the price eventhough the vendor offers you a "morning price." Meaning especially low, to start off the trading day with a few sales already and make the day a successful one.

It does not mean you have to accept it as it is, it's not a fixed price. If you are good at bargaining you will get the best price you can afford and the vendor keeps "smiling and thanking you". If they don't smile anymore, you know his cost is higher than your offer. Good at bargaining is a bit more than insisting on a price. You need to provide a logical reason why your offer is so low and still should be accepted.

From : www.balitrips.net

Besakih The Biggest Temple at Bali

It's Have Been Long Time i am not write any posting, Well today i will tell you about Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih).

 Objek wisata Pura Besakih adalah merupakan pusat kegiatan upacara agama bagi umat Hindu di Bali, Pura Agung Besakih adalah sari Padma Bhuwana atau pusatnya dunia yang dilambangkan berbentuk bunga padma. Oleh karena itu Pura Agung Besakih adalah pusat untuk menyucikan dunia dengan segala isinya, dan merupakan salah satu objek wisata yang memiliki keunikan tersendiri dibandingkan tempat wisata lainnya. Pura Besakih menjadi terkenal karena kompleks candi yang didirikan disana, sehingga dikenal sebagai Pura Utama di Bali.

        Pura Besakih adalah sebuah komplek pura yang terletak lereng Gunung Agung yaitu Gunung tertinggi di Bali, tepatnya di Desa Besakih, Kecamatan Rendang Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali. Kalau anda sewa mobil ataupun ikut tour ke objek wisata ini, perjalanan dari bandara sekitar 2.5 jam perjalanan. Areal Pura Besakih sangatlah luas, jika anda berkeinginan untuk mengetahui lebih banyak Pura Besakih ini, mungkin anda harus menghabiskan waktu hampir 1 jam untuk berkeliling di areal ini.Tempat atraksi yang berdekatan dengan Besakih adalah site rafting yang terkenal yaitu rafting di Sungai Telaga Waja. Liburan wisata ke Besakih sambil ikut rafting tentu hal yang menyenangkan.

           Komplek Pura Besakih terdiri dari 1 Pura Pusat yaitu Pura Penataran Agung Besakih dan 18 Pura Pendamping yaitu 1 Pura Basukian dan 17 Pura Lainnya. Semua Umat Hindu terutama yang ada di Bali, mempunyai sebuah pura penyungsungan (tempat persembahyangan) yang disebut Pura Pedarman sesuai dengan wangsa mereka, yang merupakan warisan leluhur secara turun menurun. Pura Penataran Agung adalah Pura yang terbesar di kompleks Pura Besakih, candi-candi atau pelinggihnya lebih banyak, upacaranya juga paling banyak di kawasan Penataran Agung ini. Di Penataran agung ini ada 3 Candi utama dan merupakan intisari dan seluruh bangunan suci (palinggih) yang ada di Pura Agung Besakih. Padmasana-Tiga adalah symbol dari stana tuhan sesuai dengan sifat Tri Murti yaitu Dewa Brahma sebagai Pencipta, Wisnu sebagai Pemelihara  dan Siwa sebagai Pelebur. Tempat wisata Besakih berasal dari zaman yang sangat tua, karena banyaknya peninggalan –peninggalan zaman megalitik, seperti menhir, tahta batu, struktur teras pyramid yang ditemukan di kompleks Pura Besakih.

           Masyarakat dunia mengenal Bali dengan sebutan pulau “seribu Pura” hal ini tidak terlepas dari banyaknya bangunan suci ini di setiap jengkal tanah Bali, salah satunya adalah Pura yang sangat disucikan oleh umat Hindu yaitu pura Besakih. Pura Besakih ini terletak di desa Besakih, kecamatan Rendang, sebelah barat daya Gunung Agung sekitar 44 Km dari Amlapura dan 62 Km dari Denpasar. Menurut sejarahnya, pura ini dibangun di suatu desa suci yang disebut “Hulundang Basukih” yang kini dikenal dengan sebagai desa Besakih. Nama Besakih sendiri diambil dari kata “Basuki” atau dalam naskah kuno ditulis sebagai “basukir” atau “Basukih”, sedangkan kata Basuki sendiri diambil dari kata Sanskerta “wasuki” yang berarti “penyelamat”. Dalam mithologi Samudramanthana disebutkan bahwa Basuki adalah nama naga yang melingkari Gunung Mandara.

          Sementara itu, sebuah cerita kuno menyebutkan bahwa pura Besakih dibangun oleh Rsi Markandya dan pengikutnya sekitar abad ke-11. Pada waktu itu, Rsi Markandya ingin pergi ke Gunung Agung untuk membangun tempat peristirahatan. Namun, proses pembangunannya tertunda karena banyak dari para pengikutnya yang meninggal dunia. Melihat hal itu, maka Rsi Markandya kemudian membuat sebuah tempat pemujaan terhadap Tuhan sebagai penyelamat . Tempat pemujaan itu kemudian disebut sebagai “sanggar Basuki”. Banyaknya peninggalan zaman megalitik seperti Menhir, tahta batu, dan struktur teras pyramid yang ditemukan di area pura Besakih menunjukkan bahwa tempat ini adalah tempat yang amat disucikan jauh sebelum adanya pengaruh agama Hindu masuk ke Bali. 

             Kompleks pura Besakih terdiri dari satu pura pusat (pura penataran agung besakih) dan 18 pura pendamping (1 pura Basukian dan 17 pura lainnya). Di pura Basukian inilah tempat pertama kalinya Rsi Markandya menerima wahyu Tuhan, hal inilah yang kemudian menjadi cikal bakal agama Hindu Dharma di Bali. Pura Besakih merupakan pusat kegiatan dari seluruh pura yang ada di Bali, di antara semua pura-pura yang termasuk dalam kompleks pura Besakih, pura penataran agung adalah pura yang terbesar yang paling banyak memiliki bangunan palinggih, dan jenis upacara. Selain itu, Pura penataran Agung ini pun merupakan pusat dari semua pura yang ada di kompleks pura Besakih. Di tempat ini terdapat 3 padma sebagai simbol stana dari sifat Tuhan Tri Murti yaitu dewa Brahma (dewa pencipta), dewa Wisnu (dewa Pemelihara), dan dewa Siwa (dewa pelebur/ reinkarnasi)

From : balitoursclub.com (english) , balitoursclub.com (indonesian) and purakertabumi

Uluwatu Temple

Hello, This time I Will tell you About Uluwatu.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu adalah salah satu pura di Bali dengan lokasinya yang sangat indah. Daya tarik utama bagi para wisatawan dari pura ini adalah panoramanya yang spektakuler. Uluwatu, yang terletak di ujung selatan pulau Bali dan mengarah ke samudra Hindia, merupakan tempat wisata yang menawan.

Apa yang menarik untuk dilihat di sini adalah pura yang berdiri kokoh di atas batu karang 

yang menjorok ke arah laut dengan ketinggian 

sekitar 50 meter. Di sore harinya sambil menikmati indahnya sunset, anda dapat menyaksikan pementasan tari bali yang terkenal hingga ke manca negara, tari Kecak. 

          Tidak hanya itu, bagi anda yang senang belajar sejarah, pura yang satu ini sarat akan nilai sejarahnya. Sejarahnya akan diuraikan sebagai berikut :

Dalam beberapa sumber disebutkan, sekitar tahun 1489 Masehi datanglah ke Pulau Bali seorang purohita, sastrawan dan rohaniwan bernama Danghyang Dwijendra. Danghyang Dwijendra adalah seorang pendeta Hindu, kelahiran Kediri, Jawa Timur.

Danghyang Dwijendra pada waktu walaka bernama Danghyang Nirartha. Beliau menikahi seorang putri di Daha, Jawa Timur. Di tempat itu pula beliau berguru dan di-diksa oleh mertuanya. Danghyang Nirartha dianugerahi bhiseka kawikon dengan nama Danghyang Dwijendra.

Setelah di-diksa, Danghyang Dwijendra diberi tugas melaksanakan dharmayatra sebagai salah satu syarat kawikon. Dharmayatra ini harus dilaksanakan di Pulau Bali, dengan tambahan tugas yang sangat berat dari mertuanya yaitu menata kehidupan adat dan agama khususnya di Pulau Bali. Bila dianggap perlu dharmayatra itu dapat diteruskan ke Pulau Sasak dan Sumbawa.

Danghyang Dwijendra datang ke Pulau Bali, pertama kali menginjakkan kakinya di pinggiran pantai barat daya daerah Jembrana untuk sejenak beristirahat sebelum melanjutkan perjalanan dharmayatra. Di tempat inilah Danghyang Dwijendra meninggalkan pemutik (ada juga menyebut pengutik) dengan tangkai (pati) kayu ancak. Pati kayu ancak itu ternyata hidup dan tumbuh subur menjadi pohon ancak. Sampai sekarang daun kayu ancak dipergunakan sebagai kelengkapan banten di Bali. Sebagai peringatan dan penghormatan terhadap beliau, dibangunlah sebuah pura yang diberi nama Purancak.

Setelah mengadakan dharmayatra ke Pulau Sasak dan Sumbawa, Danghyang Dwijendra menuju barat daya ujung selatan Pulau Bali, yaitu pada daerah gersang, penuh batu yang disebut daerah bebukitan.

Setelah beberapa saat tinggal di sana, beliau merasa mendapat panggilan dari Hyang Pencipta untuk segera kembali amoring acintia parama moksha. Di tempat inilah Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh teringat (icang eling) dengan samaya (janji) dirinya untuk kembali ke asal-Nya. Itulah sebabnya tempat kejadian ini disebut Cangeling dan lambat laun menjadi Cengiling sampai sekarang.

Oleh karena itulah, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh ngulati (mencari) tempat yang dianggap aman dan tepat untuk melakukan parama moksha. Oleh karena dianggap tidak memenuhi syarat, beliau berpindah lagi ke lokasi lain. Di tempat ini, kemudian dibangun sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Kulat. Nama itu berasal dari kata ngulati. Pura itu berlokasi di Desa Pecatu.

Sambil berjalan untuk mendapatkan lokasi baru yang dianggap memenuhi syarat untuk parama moksha, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh sangat sedih dan menangis dalam batinnya. Mengapa? Oleh karena beliau merasa belum rela untuk meninggalkan dunia sekala ini karena swadharmanya belum dirasakan tuntas, yaitu menata kehidupan agama Hindu di daerah Sasak dan Sumbawa. Di tempat beliau mengangis ini, lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Ngis (asal dari kata tangis). Pura Ngis ini berlokasi di Banjar Tengah Desa Adat Pecatu.

Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh belum juga menemukan tempat yang dianggap tepat untuk parama moksha. Beliau kemudian tiba di sebuah tempat yang penuh batu-batu besar. Beliau merasa hanya sendirian. Di tempat ini, lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Batu Diyi. Juga di tempat ini Danghyang Dwijendra merasa kurang aman untuk parama moksha. Dengan perjalanan yang cukup melelahkan menahan lapar dan dahaga, akhirnya beliau tiba di daerah bebukitan yang selalu mendapat sinar matahari terik. Untuk memayungi diri, beliau mengambil sebidang daun kumbang dan berusaha mendapatkan sumber air minum. Setelah berkeliling tidak menemukan sumber air minum, akhirnya Danghyang Dwijendra menancapkan tongkatnya. Maka keluarlah air amertha. Di tempat ini lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang disebut Pura Payung dengan sumber mata air yang dipergunakan sarana tirtha sampai sekarang.

Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh kemudian beranjak lagi ke lokasi lain, untuk menghibur diri sebelum melaksanakan detik-detik kembali ke asal. Di tempat ini lalu didirikan sebuah pura bernama Pura Selonding yang berlokasi di Banjar Kangin Desa Adat Pecatu. Setelah puas menghibur diri, Danghyang Dwijendra merasa lelah. Maka beliau mencari tempat untuk istirahat. Saking lelahnya sampai-sampai beliau sirep (ketiduran). Di tempat ini lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Parerepan (parerepan artinya pasirepan, tempat penginapan) yang berlokasi di Desa Pecatu.

Mendekati detik-detik akhir untuk parama moksha, Danghyang Dwijendra menyucikan diri dan mulat sarira terlebih dahulu. Di tempat ini sampai sekarang berdirilah sebuah pura yang disebut Pura Pangleburan yang berlokasi di Banjar Kauh Desa Adat Pecatu. Setelah menyucikan diri, beliau melanjutkan perjalanannya menuju lokasi ujung barat daya Pulau Bali. Tempat ini terdiri atas batu-batu tebing. Apabila diperhatikan dari bawah permukaan laut, kelihatan saling bertindih, berbentuk kepala bertengger di atas batu-batu tebing itu, dengan ketinggian antara 50-100 meter dari permukaan laut. Dengan demikian disebut Uluwatu. Ulu artinya kepala dan watu berarti batu.

Sebelum Danghyang Dwijendra parama moksha, beliau memanggil juragan perahu yang pernah membawanya dari Sumbawa ke Pulau Bali. Juragan perahu itu bernama Ki Pacek Nambangan Perahu. Sang Pandita minta tolong agar juragan perahu membawa pakaian dan tongkatnya kepada istri beliau yang keempat di Pasraman Griya Sakti Mas di Banjar Pule, Desa Mas, Ubud, Gianyar. Pakaian itu berupa jubah sutra berwarna hijau muda serta tongkat kayu. Setelah Ki Pacek Nambangan Perahu berangkat menuju Pasraman Danghyang Dwijendra di Mas, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh segera menuju sebuah batu besar di sebelah timur onggokan batu-batu bekas candi peninggalan Kerajaan Sri Wira Dalem Kesari. Di atas batu itulah, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh beryoga mengranasika, laksana keris lepas saking urangka, hilang tanpa bekas, amoring acintia parama moksha.

Selain itu kawasan pantai di Uluwatu dengan ombaknya yang cukup besar sangat menantang untuk pencinta olahraga surfing. Tiap tahun event berlevel internasional selalu diadakan di pantai seputaran Uluwatu ini.

Untuk bisa masuk kedalam pura ini pengunjung harus mengenakan sarung dan selempang yang bisa disewa ditempat itu. Waktu terbaik untuk mengunjungi pura Uluwatu adalah sore hari pada saat matahari terbenam sehingga bisa menyaksikan pemandangan spektakulernya.

Tembahan informasi, disekitar komplek pura terdapat segerombolan monyet. Para monyet ini biasanya suka usil dengan mengambil berbagai macam barang yang dibawa pengunjung. Barang yang sering menjadi incaran mereka adalah kacamata, tas, dompetatau apa saja yang gampang direbut. Jadi hati-hati dengan mereka apabila sedang berkunjung di komplek pura Uluwatu Bali.

From : Bali Webby & e-Kuta

Sanur Beach

Hai, It Almost Summer Holiday. the Picture was Sanur Beach. Beautifull Beach at Bali Island. Have Fun!!

Sanur is the original Bali seaside resort that has developed naturally over the years due to its physical and cultural characteristics and beauty. Located just 25 minutes from the international airport, 15 minutes from the Kuta area, 10 minutes to Denpasar and with excellent by pass access to the rest of the island Sanur is a very well positioned venue. The locals of Sanur have been interested in Balinese spirituality and magic for generations and as with the rest of east Bali are particularly friendly, welcoming and accommodating. With this said it is surprising how un-crowded and peaceful Sanur is, there are many activities to try on the beach as well as beach resorts and bars and restaurants but this is all spread along a long coastline creating a secluded feel where the action goes unnoticed to the sunbathers and loungers upon unspoiled beaches that maintain the traditional Balinese feel.

Sanur beach is a long stretch of beautiful white sands lined with palms that shade dreamy footpaths market stalls and relaxed beach cafes. Along the beach are a number of traditional groins complete with traditional Balinese Bale (raised shaded day sleeping and relaxing areas). Most are no longer used although a few are sometimes occupied by the odd fisherman who fish from these waters. The waters of Sanur are protected by a long string of offshore reefs creating large, warm shallow, safe lagoons that are perfectly clear and excellent for swimming, snorkeling and a whole array of water sports. Surfers will be pleased to know that the reefs around Sanur produce some of the best waves in the world in the right conditions although they can be very shallow and dangerous at low tides. There are also plenty of more consistent spots around the area for surfing.

Other activities in Sanur are include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and cycling although the most popular activity by far is relaxing in the amazing beach resort’s beach access, pools and at cafes and on the sun loungers and sands. Accommodation in Sanur is of a mid to high range standard offering many dazzling beach resorts, international hotels and villas. There are some budget places but not in the abundance of Kuta, for budget accommodation look slightly outside Sanur in neighboring towns. This is due to Sanur being more of a family or couples holiday area, there are no big clubs and loud youths in Sanur, instead there are more classy relaxed bars and pub style bars that can be hard to find in Bali, food and drink is generally very good here and prices are not at all extortionate.

from: inbalihotels.com 

Raja Ampat Island

Today I Will Tell You About Raja Ampat, the Most Famous Island in Indonesian.

Located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesian's West Papua Province, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigo, and the smaller island of Koviau.

Raja Ampat Regency is a new regency which separated from Sorong Regency in 2004.It encompasses more than 40,000 km² of land and sea, which also contains Cendrawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. It is a part of the newly named West Papua (Province) of Indonesian which was formerly Irian Jaya. Some of the islands are the most northern pieces of land in the Australian Continent.

The name of Raja Ampat comes from local mythology that tells about a woman who finds seven Eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatch and become Kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat biggest islands whilst the other three become a ghost, a women, and a Stone

History shows that Raja Ampat was once a part of Tidore Kingdom, an influential kingdom from Maluku. Yet, after Holland invaded Maluku, it was shortly claimed as a part of the kingdom of Holland. The main occupation for people around this area is fishing since the area is dominated by the sea. They live in a small colony of tribes that spreads around the area. Although traditional culture still strongly exists, they are very welcoming to visitors. Their religion is dominantly Christian.

Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights. Two days earlier, some of these travelers had been at a deafening corner of a tourist trap in Bali. Once they took their flight to the bird head of the island of Papua everything changed as they embarked on a diving tour of a lifetime. In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat. 

Meanwhile, on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world’s coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world’s species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the white sandy beaches. 

“Disini bagus!”, says the friendly local guide who had been appointed by the tour operator who runs an eco-lodge in Raja Ampat, indicating that they have arrived at one of the most fantastic diving sites. On other days, this guide is just a simple fisherman. The local fishermen here are accustomed to foreigners and are friendly, especially when offered pinang  (betel nuts) or some sweet candies. These are very popular and offering these sweets is considered polite and a good way to win an instant smile. The fishermen usually eat this snack during Para-para Pinang, or social chatting and exchanging funny stories while chewing Pinang. In many respects, like nature, culture, and history, these fishermen are closer to the Moluccas. 

"No doubt about it, Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish that I have ever been." -
-Dr G.R. Allen

"I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier." --Michael Aw

"I love the people, I love the diving, it's super! I've never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now I'm thinking about going back for the third time! Should I say more?" --Peter van Dalen 

(These testimonials are taken from www.iriandiving.com)

While the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you embark on your dive, the phrase  ‘Attention to detail’ takes on new meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater ‘meeting list’. Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and a busy colleague, the turtle.  Natural and untouched beauty is the main attraction here. With no unnecessary adages, the sky, the lush islands, the sea, and everything above and under it is genuinely saying ‘Welcome to Raja Ampat Islands; your personal Disneyland of diving sites’.

More facts about the Raja Ampat Conservation Area:*

This area is home to 1,511 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape;
1,320 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat;
75% of all known coral species in the world;
10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean;
In the Birds Head Seascape there 600 species of hard coral recorded;
5 species of endangered sea turtles;
57 species of Mantis Shrimp;
13 species of Marine Mammals;
And 27 species of endemic reef fish found only in that area

from : Wikipedia and Wonderful Indonesia

Rangda "The Enemy Of Barong"

After I Tell You About Barong, Now i will tell you about Rangda the strongest enemy of Barong...

Rangda is the demon queen of the Leyaks in Bali, according to traditional Balinese Mythtology. Terrifying to behold, the child-eating Rangda leads an army of evil witches against the leader of the forces of good —Barong. The battle between Barong and Rangda is featured in a Barong dance which represents the eternal battle between good and evil.Rangda is a term in old Javanese that means: "widow"

Rangda is important in Balinese culture, and performances depicting her struggles with Barong or with Airlangga in that tale are popular Tourist Attraction as well as tradition. She is depicted as a mostly nude old woman, with long and unkempt hair, pendulous breasts, and claws. Her face is traditionally a horrifying fanged and goggle-eyed mask, with a long, protruding tongue.

Bali is a Hindu island, and it is suggested that Rangda may also be closely associated with Durga. She has also been identified with the Hindu mother warrior goddess, and Kali, the black mother goddess of destruction, transformation and protection in Hinduism.

While Rangda is seen as fearsome and by many as the personification of evil, she is also nevertheless considered a protective force in certain parts of Bali, much like Kali is seen as a benevolent mother goddess in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam and Kerala. The colors associated with her — white, black and red — are identical with those associated with Kali. Her iconography is similar to that of both Kali and Chamunda, who are closely related.

Rangda was linked to the legend of Calon Arang and also the legend of divorced and exiled Javan queen Mahendrada.

from : Wikipedia

Barong Dance

 

Hello, you know bali has so many culture, arts, and traditions. This time i will tell you one of culture of bali, Barong Dance.

Barong is a lion-like creature and character in the mythtologi of Bali, Indonesian. He is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good, and enemy of Rangda, the demon queen and mother of all spirit guarders in the mythological traditions of Bali. The battle between Barong and Rangda is featured in Barong dance to represent the eternal battle between good and evil.

Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality.

The story goes that Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali in the tenth century, was condemned by Erlangga's father because she practiced black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga's soldiers, and fight ensued. Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers all wanted to kill themselves, pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests. Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.

Somebody can die or get seriously injured in a Barong dance. It is said that if Rangda's spell is too strong, a weak soldier may not be able to resist it, even with the help of Barong. He may end up hurting himself with his own keris.

The masks of Barong and Rangda are considered sacred items, and before they are brought out, a priest must be present to offer blessings by sprinkling them with holy water taken from Mount Agung, and offerrings must be presented. 

from : Wikipedia , Indo.com

Borobudur Temple

Wow, I already at Magelang, Central java. I Go there with my friends. I Have So Much fun with them, This time i go to Borobudur Temple... 

The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site widely considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. This awe inspiring monument is truly a marvel. After a visit here you will understand why it is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction and a famous icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

Located on the island of Java, the temple sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. It covers an enormous area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and stonework of this temple has no equal.  And it was built without using any kind of cement or mortar! The structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held together without any glue.

The temple has remained strong even through ten centuries of neglect. It was rediscovered in 1815, buried under volcanic ash. In the 1970’s the Indonesian Government and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former majesty The restoration took eight years to complete and today Borobudur is one of Indonesia and the world’s most valuable treasures.

The temple is decorated with stone carvings in bas-relief representing images from the life of Buddha. Commentators claim that this is the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit.

This monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The ten levels of the temple symbolize the three divisions of the religion’s cosmic system. As visitors begin their journey at the base of the temple, they make their way to the top of the monument through the three levels of Budhist cosmology, Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). As visitors walk to the top the monument guides the pilgrims past 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

The whole monument itself resembles a giant stupa, but seen from above it forms a mandala. The great stupa at the top of the temple sits 40 meters above the ground.  This main dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

Historians suggest that the name of Borobudur comes from the Sanskrit ‘Vihara Buddha Uhr’ or the ‘Buddhist monastery on the hill’.

from : Visit Indonesia

Prambanan Temple

Hello, Everyone this photo was from my holiday trip to Klaten,Central Java. It was Prambanan Temple...
here Are the History Of Prambanan Temple :

Mataram is the largest empire in the ancient Javanese who first appeared on the stage of history in 732 BC, which at that time jobs were governed by Sanjaya of Mataram, the ruling Hindu nobleman in fertile areas between the opaque and rivers Progo river. In the year 750 BC, Dynasty Buddhist dynasty expelled Sanjaya together with his family in exile in upland areas outside the boundaries of the kingdom of Mataram.

A century later, the descendants of King Sanjaya Pikatan Rakai married with a family clan dynasty and held the reins of power. In his reign the influence of Hindu like being born again and in that time many buildings of the temple was founded specifically prambanan temple construction.

Rakai Pikatan started building the temple in 856 BC with the purpose of commemorating the return of Sanjaya dynasty came to power. However, the temple complex was abandoned a century later when the kingdom of Mataram and its people moved to East Java and the temple itself collapsed since the devastating earthquake that occurred in the 16th century. Temple restoration performed in 1930 and still do until now.

The three temples on the main page so dominate the complex. But the most impressive temple is a large building which was in the midst of complex and towering as high as 47 meters of Roro Jonggrang Temple. It is said by some experts that Roro Jonggrang temple dedicated to Lord Shiva while the two smaller temples in the north and south is dedicated to the god Vishnu and god Brahman.

From : Tour in Indonesia