Sangeh

Sangeh Monkey Forest
It is located near to Sangeh village; the renowned 6 hectares of Bali Sangeh Monkey Forest are filled with giant nutmeg trees capable of growing as high as 40m. Sangeh Monkey Forest near the village of Sangeh, in southwestern Bali, has six hectares of forestland with giant nutmeg trees. 

Sangeh famous because this is a village where the monkeys (monkey) roam freely on a hill called Bukit Sari. There was also a temple called Pura Bukit Sari. Monkey here in power and is said to have three regions of the kingdom.

According to local legend of Bukit Sari and this monkey was there when Hanuman, a character in the epic Ramayana, lifting the mountain Mahameru. Some parts of this mountain fell in there and since then a monkey in power there.

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 jeweler should be left behind or kept well hidden under clothes or in a bag when exploring Sangeh Bali.

Tampak Siring

In the Tampak Siring village you can visit President's palace, Tirta Empul temple and Gunung Kawi.

Handicraft are found here alongside the road and here is one of the best paddy terraces that can be seen.

Tampaksiring Presidential Palace. 
Tampaksiring name derives from two words in Bali, which is visible (which means 'palm') and siring (which means 'oblique'). According to a legend recorded on palm leaves USANA Bali, the name is derived from the former sole of the foot of a king named Mayadenawa. King is clever and powerful, but it is insolence. He considered himself god and ordered his subjects to worship him. As a result of the disposition Mayadenawa it, Batara Indra angry and send his hosts to menghacurkannya. However, Mayadenawa ran into the forest. For his pursuers lost track, he walked by tilting the soles of his feet. By doing so he hopes that his pursuers do not recognize that the trail he left behind traces of it are men, the trail Mayadenawa.

Mayadenawa effort failed. Eventually he was captured by his pursuers. However, before that, with the remnants of its miracle he managed to create a toxic spring caused many deaths for his pursuers after they drank water from springs ciptannya it. Batara Indra also create other springs as the antidote to the poisoned water. Water bidder was given the name Tirta poison Empul (which means 'airsuci'). Forests that passed the King Mayadenawa denagn walking on his leg which was tilted region known as the Tampaksiring.
According to history, in one corner of the region Tampaksiring Palace, overlooking the pool Tirta Empul at the foot of the hill, there had been resting buildings owned by the Kingdom of Gianyar. On top of land that is now standing Wisma Merdeka, which is part of the Tampaksiring Palace was first built.
Tampaksiring Presidential Palace stood on the initiative of the first Indonesian President, Sukarno, 

Tirta Empul - Tampak Siring Temple 

 

Tirta Empul Temple or Tampak Siring Temple is a holy spring water temple located in Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar regency and it is about 39 km eastwards from Denpasar town. It is set in the dale and encircled by the hill. In the west side of this temple, there is an Indonesian President palace which has been found by the first president. The name of Tirta Empul is loaded in a inscription which is kept at Sakenan Temple, Manukaya village, Sub district of Tampak Siring, about 3 km from Tirta Empul Temple. In this inscription, the Tirta Empul is named by the Tirta Ri Air Hampul and then the name has changed into Tirta Hampul and finally become the Tirta Empul. Tirta Ri air hampul is meaning the water emerge or the holy pool (Petirthan) which is the water emerge from the land. 

History of Tampak Siring or Tirta Empul

The wellspring emerges from the land is believed that it is the infinite creation. According to the history, that, that this water source is arranged and sanctified by king Indrajayasinghawarmadewa in the year 882 Saka (960 M). He has given the name with Tirta ri air hampul. The data is loaded in the inscription that is located at Sakenan Temple. Besides of the above epigraphy data, in Tirta Empul Temple is also found the archaeology omission like Colossus Yoni, Arca Lion, Tepasana and Tirta Empul Pool. According to papyrus of Usana Bali narrated that Tirta Empul is created by Bhatara Indra (Sun Deity) when bearing arms against the king where his palace is located in Bedahulu Countryside. He is known as a very miraculous king, which he can lose or show suddenly, therefore he is named by Mayadenawa. Because of its miracle, he becomes the arrogance and expressing himself as a god. The Mayadenawa King owns the assistant (Patih) which is called Kalawong. They prohibit the people to do the Yadnya (praying to the god) so that is often happened the natural disaster, disease epidemic, agriculture fail and finally miserable life society. Finally Betara Indra (one of Hindu God) gives battle against the kings that happened in Tampak Siring and then the Mayadenawa is gone to the wall and disappear. King Mayadenawa has also created poisonous pools which can the team of Bathara Indra die and faint after drinking this water. Then Bathara Indra stick the weapon of Umbul-umbul and finally the water is emerging so that called by Tirta Empul and then it is passed to the dead and faint soldier that made them back to live. Therefore at the moment this pool water is sanctified by the Hindu society in Bali and they believe that this water source can heal various of diseases, hence every day this place is a lot of visited by Hindu people to do the ritual and sanctify them self . This place has been opened for public and as a famous tourist destination in Bali.

 

UBUD - The Art Village

What's Ubud ??

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.




Ubud's Royal Palaces

Ubud has been a "royal town" for over a hundred years. Its princes, who bear the title "Tjokorda" or "Agung" still live in traditional palaces, called "Puris". Be aware, however, that every place called "puri" is not a royal palace. The word has been used quite liberally of late. Also be aware that there is not one palace in Ubud, but many, most of them clustered around the main cross-roads near the Bud market. There are several other "royal" towns in the Bud area, too, with their own palaces, most of which have close family ties to the Bud Tjokordas. A web of connections is maintained by incidental and arranged marriages among the respective offspring of princes in Sayan, Pejeng, Singapadu, Peliatan, and Payangan's puris.
Although the old Balinese feudal system was superseded by the Dutch colonial government more that eighty years ago, the Tjokordas still retain a special role in Ubud society. Many leadership roles, both sacred and secular are held by Tjokordas. They also figure prominently in the local business community, arts institutions, and professional circles. While no formal power is automatically granted to someone because they come from a puri, the Ubud royals still command respect solely on the basis of their heredity. They also command respect from some quarters on the basis of their rather disproportionate wealth.
The palaces have long been the largest landholders in the area. They used to manifest this role in a largely "custodial" way, managing vast tracts of rice-growing land for the benefit of the community and the temples. In recent times, however, with the advent of western models of land ownership, many palaces have developed or sold landholdings to augment their personal wealth--sometimes conspicuously. In pre-colonial Bali, palaces were the primary patrons of art, music, dance and literature. The Ubud palaces consciously continue this tradition. They act as repositories of traditional culture, and develop artistic endeavours throughout the area, much to the benefit of both Ubudians and visitors.

The Tjokordas are no longer the physical embodiment of The State, they are just private citizens, with the same concerns as other private citizens, plus a few more. Accordingly, the Ubud palaces are essentially just family homes, and none have yet been turned into museums of public tourist attractions. While some of them are fine examples of traditional architecture, none are "historical" in terms of age. In fact, most are pretty new. The oldest Ubud palace was located a little to the east of Pura Dalem Ubud, above the main road. It collapsed in an earthquake early this century, and nothing remains but a flat place with traces of foundation here and there.

Arts in Ubud 

If you like it, buy it. It's hard to know if you like it in an unfamiliar environment. Spend some time with a work, and see how it makes you feel. If it is a startlingly strong feeling, an excitement, then the chemistry is good. Buy it. Prices are generally not negotiable in the fine art galleries. For more "commercial" art, in the smaller, less formal galleries, however, you may ask if the price is open to discussion. Don't worry too much about price. Prices in Ubud, tend to be very, very reasonable. This holds for truly fine art, and also for the many attractive and decorative paintings that are produced and sold throughout the area. Don't turn up your nose a the latter category; much of the less expensive art available in Ubud clearly falls into the category of Folk Art or High Quality Craft. As such, most are works of lasting value, which will be greatly appreciated at home, and will perhaps appreciate in value as well.
Craft (As Opposed to Art)

Somewhere there is a dividing fine between "art' and "craft," and regardless of where you place the fine, the Ubud area has plenty of both. On the side of craft, there are scores of "art shops" lining the main roads which connect Ubud to surrounding towns. Notably, the road from Peliatan to Pujung, which is dotted with woodcarving galleries and other craft shops. In Tegallalang and surrounding villages you will find Bali's best Garuda and Singga carvers, among the cheesy pop-art wooden souvenirs. Small woodcarvings of every sort are widely available in Ubud, Tegallalang, Pujung, Nyuh Kuning, Mas, Teges, and in abundance at the Sukawati art market, about twenty minutes south of Ubud. You can get pieces in naturally-finished woods representing animals, religious figures, people and so forth. Some woodcarvings are art, and others are simply craft. We'll leave it to you to decide which is which.
Throughout the Ubud area, you can pick up inexpensive small paintings which make excellent decorative accents back home. Other crafts in the towns surrounding Ubud include weaving (Gianyar area), stone carving (Batubulan), basket making (Bona), bamboo and rattan work (Sakah and Bona), jewellery (Celuk), bone and coconut carving (Tampaksiring), batik, furniture making, bronze casting, and, decorative metalwork. Most guidebooks have a good map showing which towns are centres for which craft.
The entire Gianyar district is densely populated with craftspeople in every imaginable medium. The majority of them are delighted to create works to order, so let loose the latent designer in you. Simply bring along a sketch, sample, or magazine clipping. Alternatively, if you like what you see in a showroom, but have an idea how it could be improved, explain what variation you have in mind. Don't forget to agree on a price in advance.

One word of warning to craft-shoppers. Prices are usually very, very flexible. Be prepared to barter. But always be polite. Some merchants are firm about prices, and rightly so. A final word of warning. Tour companies, drivers and guides are given large commissions for bringing buyers to art shops, and the cost of the commission is tacked onto the price you pay. So if you want the best price, go on your own, or choose a driver or guide who agrees to take you shopping without chasing commissions.



Activities  in Ubud

Walking

Just go! There are many wonderful walks in every direction from Ubud, through villages, rice terraces, jungle gorges, and grassy hilltops. Don't be afraid. Just strike out in any direction. You can walk anywhere you like, without "trespassing." Don't be shy, just be courteous. The best of the Ubud area is off the roads, so grab a map, or just go rambling without one, Often the best discoveries are purely coincidental and can't be found in any guidebook. If you prefer to follow a good leader, day treks are offered by adventure guides like Sobek (Tel - 287059), Ayung (Tel - 238759) and Adventure Products (tel - Vayatours 285555). Sobek's itineraries include the Bali Bird Walk, and if it's plants your after, call Lilir (t - 974865) to join a Bali Herb Walk, and learn about the many fragrant, edible and medicinal plants that surround you. Vayatours also leads walking tours in the Ubud area, focusing on historic Pejeng, and the hills and villages North of Campuan.

Biking

Bicycling is a great way to see the Ubud area, and to stay fit. The early morning hours are best, when it's still cool. You can peddle sedately along backroads, or take a mountain bike and bash your way down precipitous gorges, along slippery rice terrace dikes, or through rough village byways pocked with craters. A truly glorious ride is to slog all the way up to Kintamani on the crater of Mt. Batur then glide effortlessly back downhill to Ubud through a chain of traditional villages dotted with craft studios and cafes. For the lazy, you can find a car and driver in the middle of Ubud, put your bikes in and just do the downhill bit. Rent a bike in Monkey Forest Road, grab a Bali map, then find a driver in front of the tourist information office at Ubud Corner, and you're on your way. Another way to go is to call adventure guides like Sobek (Tel 287059) or Ayung (Tel 238759) who lead biking tours suitable for the whole family, with every little detail provided.
Rental Bikes are available for about 5,000 rupiah per day from many places in Monkey Forest Road and elsewhere. Once you're on your way, try hard to avoid the main roads because traffic is horrendous, except at the crack of dawn. All of the back roads are negotiable by bicycle and are only steep where they cross a river gorge (east to west). Otherwise, they generally run uphill gently from south to north. We recommend you ride north first, until you've had enough, then coast back downhill, and eat ---- bigtime. Adventure guides like Sobek (287059) and Ayung (238759) also offer day trips.

Hashing (Crosscountry Running, Trotting and Strolling)
The Hash House Harriers is a world-wide organization of people who like to trot cross-country together, then sit back and have a good laugh afterwards. The Bali chapter runs on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Weekly Has sheets are supposedly available at the Beggar's Bush in Ubud (Tel - 975009).

Rafting
The rivers around Ubud provide pleasant rafting conditions year round --- with enough rapids to make the ride fun, but still mild enough for those who tend to be timid when it comes to whitewater. Rafting also provides an unrivalled way to check out the natural scenery, wildlife and exotic plants of Bali, while sitting happily on your rear end! And it's a good way to cool off if the tropical heat gets oppressive. Call Sobek (Tel - 287059) , Ayung (Tel - 238759) or Bali Adventure Rafting (Tel - 721480) and they will take care of everything for you, including transportation, equipment and food. Your hotel can book rafting for you, if you don't feel like phoning. Prices for a half day river trip are about US$60.

Kayaking
Ayung (Tel - 238759) offers kayaking in easy to handle inflatable boats on the scenic Ayung River. No prior experience required, just a healthy body and a willing attitude.

Bird Watching
Sobek now organises the famous "Bali Bird Walks", which are light-hearted explorations of the Ubud area, seeking ornithological oddities. The program was started by Victor Mason, a famous local character and the former publican at the Beggar's Bush in Campuan. (Tel - 287059).

Elephant Trekking is now available in the village of Taro, twenty minutes north of Ubud. You can ride an elephant, then feed it and give it a bath. Open 9 to 4 every day, no reservations necessary, just show up in Taro with $27 and choose your mount.

Badminton Indonesians as a rule are keen on badminton. Ubudians are no exception. Most afternoons, around 5:00 or so, men get together to play in the bale banjar in every community in the area. Foreigners have often joined in, and been welcome to do so. The standard of play is generally quite high.

Volleyball Volleyball is popular in Indonesia. There are community courts, often near bale banjars, and men get together to play, usually in the afternoon. Listen for shouting, and see if they can rotate you in.
Football/Soccer There are a number of temporary and permanent teams that play around Ubud. Some of the less formal ones are Bebek United (headquartered at the Bebek Bengil Restaurant) and the Sai-Sai Team (headquartered at the bar of the same name). Masses of people congregate to kick a ball around the Ubud field in the afternoons if there's not a game or an organized practice. Foreigners often join in. The situation may be similar at other fields in the area, too. In general, throughout the world, a good player, or a good-natured one is always a welcome addition.

Swimming
Ubud has no public pool, but many hotels let non-guests have a swim for a small fee. Hotel pools are generally too small for a serious workout, though. You can swim in the Wos and Ayung Rivers. Just find a good place and go for it.

Fishing
Eel-fishing in the rice fields at night is a popular pastime. Fishing for shrimp, freshwater crab, and small fingerlings in the rivers upstream from Ubud is also popular. Ask some local fellows if you can join them. Times are usually chosen in relation to the cycle of rice crops, the phases of the moon, and the Balinese calendar.

Workouts
There's no aerobics studio or gym in Ubud. Yet. Occasionally teachers pass through town. Some of the banjars, for example Nyuh Kuning, have aerobics workouts in their bale banjar. Dress is modest, and routines are very straightforward and not too strenuous. Ask a local about this, or check at the bale banjar to see if there's a schedule up. At the crack of dawn large groups gather in football fields for mass calisthenics. It's a patriotic thing. We know nothing specific about this at time of writing, but check out the Ubud field around 6:30 or 7:00. There is apparently a community exercise hall in Peliatan that offers classes, but no details at time of writing.

Golf, Tennis
No golf yet, but there are rumours of a golf course development in the Kedewatan area, north of Sayan. The only tennis court we know about in the area is at the Hotel Tjampuan.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu lies at the southern tip of Bali in the Badung Regency. Famous not only for its unique position, Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Being a popular surfing spot for the very experienced, Uluwatu offers a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset. Warungs or small restaurants perched on the cliff offer a comfortable spot to survey the vast Indian Ocean beyond and below the 300-foot-high cliffs with panorama on three sides. Monkeys inhabit the temple and cliff face hoping for a banana or some peanuts from the visitors.

About 45 minutes from Nusa Dua, or 1 hr 15 minutes from Kuta or Tuban area. From Nusa Dua, the hilly road will pass through Pecatu, (in)famous for its uncompleted monument and luxury homes. If you are from Kuta, similar hill climbing road through Kedodongan and Jimbaran Hills (and Bay) will bring you here.

Description:

Officially known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (yes, that's the real name: "Luhur" means "something of divine origin" while "Uluwatu" can be broken into "ulu" which means "land's end" and "watu" means "rock" in the old language). Nonetheless, merely mentioning Uluwatu will get you here in no time.

To me, this is the most spectacular temple on the island of Bali. The inner sanctum of the pura is perched majestically on the edge of a steep cliff that towers above the legendary surf breaks of southern Bali.

While I'm not too sure what the view is like from within the inner temple itself, the views are best enjoyed on two different vantage points on both northern and southern portions of the area.

I try not to mention much about the monkeys here. Precautionary signs have been put at a few places to remind about their aggressiveness. I did not experience any bad incidents with them, but I did take off my sunglasses and hid my camera in my pocket, just in case. At sunset, Kecak dance performance is held here everyday. And, it goes without saying that sunset viewing at Uluwatu is one of the must-do in Bali.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is regarded as one of the six most important temples in Bali (along with Pura Besakih, of course!). Its location on the south westernmost precinct of this magical island guards the Balinese from the evil spirit of the ocean.

There is a minimal entrance fee to enter. I'm not particularly sure about the need to have a "local guide" to explore the pura just like what I have experienced in Pura Besakih. Sarongs are available for rental at the entrance. It was indeed a hassle free experience for me. And the view is out of this world.

ultimate freedom". Entrance ticket cost at IDR 3,000 /person

Second Stop to watch Kecak and Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, A Kecak performance is very simple. The men's chorus chants the words Cak ke-cak ke-cak ke-cak ke-cak ke-cak, in rhythm, over and over again, For this reason they are called the Kecak or Cak dance. The Kecak dances consist of about fifty men wearing only a loin-cloth, the upper part of their bodies left bare. They form rows of circles, in the middle of which is a coconut oil lamp. The Kecak dance is performed for dance-dramas and the story presented is taken from the Ramayana epic. Ticket fee at IDR 70,000 /person

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a tourism destination located on Southern Bali with a strategic location with only 10 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai airport, 25 minutes from from Kuta, and 20 minutes from Benoa and Nusa Dua harbor. GWK Cultural Park will further support and enrich the already existing tourism infrastructure in Bali.

Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a 230 ha Cultural Park at Bukit Ungasan, Jimbaran Bali with the statue of "Garuda Wisnu Kencana" (146 metres high) as its landmark.

The Pedestal Building of statue establish an infrastructure for the world cultural communication, "WORLD CULTURAL FORUM", surrounded by supporting area Consisting of among others Amphitheatre, Exhibition Hall, Museum, Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Receiving Area, Boutique Hotel, Restaurant, Cafe etc.

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 location is called Plaza Wisnu and on this plaza’s yard, namely Parahyangan Somaka Giri, a holy spring continually spews out clear water through a stone bowl which many people believe it can cure illnesses or give you a long life.

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

Our latest addition to the cultural park is the hands of Wisnu. Finished on January 2008, it was placed temporarily at Tirta Agung.

Situated on a limestone escarpment overlooking the South Bali tourist region, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park shocases the art and culture of the Island of the Gods amid dramatic natural backdrops and breathtaking panoramic vistas. Located fiften minutes from the international airport and less than an hour from most major hotels and resorts, GWK is one of the island's premier venues for artistic performances, exhibitions, and conferences as well as for sightseeing and relaxation.

MODERN RENDERINGS OF ANCIENT TRADITION
Dominating the park is Wisnu, a bust of a Hindu deity constructed from giants slabs of copper and brass. Representing the divine force responsible for the protection of the universe, the 22 meter Wisnu figure is a modern rendering of an ancient cultural tradition. The companion piece, Garuda, represent the giant bird which transports Wisnu, a symbol of both freedom and selfless devotion.

The two 25-meter natural limestone pillars comprising the Gapura Batu, at the entrance gate to the complex, are carved with images taken from the Ramayana, the Mythical cycle of stories forming the dramatic basis of most Balinese art forms. The base-relief carving on the gate depict scenes from the Wayang, the shadow puppet theatre unique to Bali and neighbouring Java.

A PLACE OF SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE
Adjacent to Wisnu figure is the Pahrayangan Somaka Giri, a sacred spring from which flows water containing a rich mixture of ninerals. As the existence of the spring in these arid limestone hills has no scientific explanation, it has become a place of pilgrimage and meditation. The water is believed to cure disease, and is widely used by local conjurers in ritual to invoke rain in order to ensure good crops.

AVENUE FOR EVERY OCCASION
With little rainfall and open to fresh tropical breezes, GWK facilities are ideal for all types of outdoor events. The first-class acoustic environment of the 800-seat Amphitheatre is a peerless venue for intimate cultural performances. Enclosed by enormous limestone pillars with the Wisnu figure as a backdrop, the dramatic Lotus Pond area has a capacity for 7500 persons. Like the ceremonial boulevard of a Balinese village, the Street Theatre is suitable for processions, fashion shows, and other mobile performances. The most intimate space, the Plaza Kura Kura, can hold 200 people. In additional to the open public spaces, the Exhibition Gallery provides 200 square meters of covered area as well as ten square meters of internal open courtyard.

DINING UNDER THE STARS
Numerous cafes and restaurants provide a full range of food and beverage services, from snacks and light meals to banquets. On-site catering facilities can prepare up to 200 meals be it Indonesia, Oriental, or International cuisine, which can be served al fresco in an appropriate public space. A popular venue for an individual visitor is Warung Nyoman, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of south Bali while sampling traditional Indonesia food.

Pura Besakih

The Mother Temple of Besakih, or Pura Besakih, in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Agama Hindu Dharma in Bali., Indonesia and one of a series of Balinese temples.

The temple probably dates to the fourteenth century. It was built on the south slopes of Mount Agung, the principal volcano of Bali. The temple is actually a complex made up of twenty-two temples that sit on parallel ridges. It has stepped terraces and flights of stairs which ascend to a number of courtyards and brick gateways that lead up to the main spire Meru structure, which is called Pura Penataran Agung. All this is aligned along a single axis and designed to lead the spiritual upward and closer to the mountain which is considered sacred.

The symbolic center or main sanctuary of the complex is the Pura Penataran Agung and and the lotus throne or padmasana is the symbolic center of the main sanctuary and ritual focus of the entire complex. It dates to around the seventeenth century.

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Puru Besakih. The lava flows missed the temple complex by mere meters. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.

 Annually there are at least seventy festivals held at the complex each year since there is a yearly anniversary celebrating almost every shrine. This yearly cycle is based on the 210-day Balinese calendar system.

It had been nominated as a World Heritage Site as early as 1995, but remains unvested.

Kintamani

Kintamani is the most favorite tourist destinations in Bali with the active volcano of mount Batur and beautiful lake. Kintamani is surrounded by the captivating nature and there are six ancient villages around cauldron of Batur Lake which is often conceived by Bali Age Village. The local people from these Bali Age villages own the unique cultures, houses and life style. Kintamani Area is consisted of some Villages those are Kedisan Village , Buahan, Abang, Trunyan, Songan, South Batur, Middle Batur, North Batur, Sukawana and Kintamani Village . The total of resident in these area are about 15 thousand who are mostly working as farmer, merchant, or work at industrial tourism. 

Kintamani Volcano and Batur Lake

Mount Batur is located at Kintamani and it has erupted about 24 times since year 1800 and still active up to now. Since the mount erupting, it has impacted to the local society life around this mount, like removing altar (Temple), improve or repairing the village and re-arrange the tradition. Lake Batur is the biggest lake in Bali and functioning as irrigation source to all farmers around it and it is also for all Bali society generally. Kintamani area has been founded some lodging, hotels and restaurants which are located in Kintamani and Penelokan Village. It is a famous tourist place because Kintamani area owns the beautiful panorama and it is encircled by the cold atmosphere.

Kintamani is a Place to Visit in Bali

Kintamani is beautifully seen at the day time around 10:00 am until 15:00 pm especially having fine weather where entire Kintamani area will be able to be seen clearly. Generally, all tourists who pay a visit to this place will arrive in the day time where they can enjoy the panorama or enjoy the lunch in the local restaurant with lake view. Mostly restaurants at Kintamani generally own very beautiful view where tourist merging into their lunch in this restaurant and meanwhile enjoy the panorama.

Location

Kintamani is located in Kintamani sub district, Bangli Regency and about 50 km from Denpasar Town or about 2 hours by car. All roads are generally in good condition to access to this place. The fog will descend and blanket entire area of Kintamani with cold temperature in particular at late afternoon until the whole of night. The most amazing panorama at Kintamani can be seen in the morning time, when the sunrise emerges on the surface of earth precisely on the mount Batur .