Puri Saren Ubud : The Repository of Balinese Traditional Culture

Bali Personal Drivers - Puri Saren Ubud is 22 km from Denpasar Bali, you only take 35 minutes to arrive in this place. The location of Puri Saren Ubud is not difficult to be found, the traditional Balinese style building is standing stout and majestic in the midst of Ubud. Puri Saren Ubud is one proof of the preservation of Cultural heritage in Ubud and Bali, where the peoples always conserving nature and their customs in a religious ceremony in a dignified manner.

Introduction

Ubud is located on the highlands about 300 meters above sea level, its beautiful villages and the cool weather making an inspiration to anyone who came to visit. Ubud itself has become a city of the kingdom for more than a hundred years in which to date the king who has a degree "Tjokorda or Agung" and his family still live in a traditional castle called "Puri" and known as the Puri Saren Ubud.

Puri (palace) in Balinese language means the king's house. Puri Saren Ubud built by King Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel who ruled in 1800-1823. Puri Saren Ubud open to be visited by tourists from the 1930s when King Cokorda Sukawati ruled. Until this day, the successor of the puri still allow tourists to visit the puri, while the other puri closed to the public. Although developed as a tourist attraction, but the shape and the structure of the puri building, still looks like a their initial / unchanged. Puri Saren Ubud still has a place, which is worth sacred (madya) as a residential space that should not be entered by tourists.
The changes only appear in the puri area which is profane (Nista), such as : rest house, restaurant, art shop and stage art performances for tourists. While the other puri regions is still serves as the center of social and cultural life of society. It can be seen from the routine activities performed by the people around Puri Saren Ubud.

Need to know that, other than as a residence for the king, Puri Saren Ubud also has an important role in preserving the social and cultural life of the people of Ubud. The feudal system has long been abandoned, but the presence of puri is very meaningful to the people of Ubud. Although there is no formal power as royalty, but the commands of king Ubud is still highly respected by its community.

The leaders Puri Saren Ubud has a very high attention to the development and the protection of arts and culture of Bali. One measure is to grant permission for the people of Ubud to use the front courtyard of Puri (named Ancak Saji) to learn the arts of Bali. On Saturday and Sunday morning, ranging from children to teenagers, men and women come to learn to dance and gamelan at this place. Then every night at the same venue will be staged dance and gamelan from children and teenagers to entertain the tourists.

King of Ubud with traditional village governance and the public work together to make Ubud as a polite tourist attractions, for example : at certain times, the king and the community leaders conferred in Puri Saren Ubud to develop tourism program, that raised more traditional elements of Bali. Various rules to maintain the resilience of the local culture is also negotiated in Puri Saren Ubud. Cultural tourism who developed in this place makes tourists who come are those who want to learn the culture, including dance, painting or who want to play the gamelan.
The interesting thing is the presence of rules that have been agreed among the traditional leaders, communities and stakeholders in tourism that all evening activities in Ubud, whether its restaurants, shops, art shops, or activities in small bars limited only until 11 o'clock at night. After the appointed hour, it is no longer activity 'night tour'. So the nighttime atmosphere in Ubud so quiet and peaceful. In addition, the cooperation of traditional government (the king and traditional village leaders) in Ubud, prohibit the opening of a nightclub or similar to it, because it would be considered disturbing the peace and not in accordance with traditional culture.
So that's why Ubud that was so crowded, it will not ever be glittering like Kuta. The existence of Puri Saren Ubud was so honored. The command of the king, was so be obeyed, by its community. They had tried to keep together Ubud, in order not to lose the spirit and identity as a region that respects the cultural heritage of their ancestors. Puri Saren Ubud is currently acting as a repository of Balinese traditional culture, which is a major patron of art, dance, music and literature of Bali.

Then what is Ubud not modern ...?

Ubud is very modern, for example, because the location of Puri Saren Ubud on the main road, then automatically all forms of businesses that are in the main street is a support facility for the tourists who come. Around Puri Saren Ubud there are many wonderful local style hotel, shops and boutiques internationally, money changer, as well as a variety of restaurant presenting local and international cuisine. But modernity is not to change the face of Ubud. He remains a "girl", a calm and graceful that could wrap all the slick modernity with the power of local charm which he has.

What is interesting here ...?

Puri Saren Ubud of Bali has traditional architecture that had a high aesthetic. Paduraksa gate is a complex gate into the Puri Saren Ubud. This very thick gate made ​​of red bricks, with carved ornaments decorate ledges and other parts. The "Kala" carving seems to be on top of the inlet, with a pair of giant statues stand guard in front of the gate, as well as another pair of smaller size are in a wall niche. "Kala" is the son of Lord Shiva which is the ruling the gods of time, and as a symbol that no one man can stand against time, because when the time comes, then Kala will come to fetch. Behind the gate there is a bale which is used by visitors to rest while enjoying the atmosphere at the puri.

A typical Balinese building called "Kori Agung" stood majestically that believed to be the entry and the exit gates for the gods. Kori Agung also serves to limit between the "Jaba Tengah" (middle) with Jaba Jero (utama mandala or the inside). The doors carved with exquisite then painted with colors prada (gold). The left-right door, there is a pair of Balinese umbrella with red tassels, behind the giant statue wrapped in black and white striped traditional Balinese cloth, called saput poleng. "Saput" in Balinese language means blanket, while "poleng" means striped. Above the door there is a Kala relief as repellent reinforcements and on the left wall there is a royal symbol with golden color.

The interior of the Puri Saren Ubud you can accomplish by passing through a small gate on the right side Kori Agung. Here looked a fairly large bale where there is Gamelan of Bali, where all around him, there are statues of a giant beast with the head and body with wings. Several giant statue crowned and armed with mace also looks keep on the front bale. Paduraksa a gate, which leads to the private residence of the royal family, visitors are not invasive, and you can only see a beautiful sculpture from a distance.

Puri Saren Ubud is built with the concept of sanga mandala (the division of the castle area into nine plots). You can see how beautiful the traditional Balinese houses that decorated with Balinese carvings and painted with golden color (prada). In order not to contaminate the floor, visitors are not allowed to go up to the floor. "Do not climb up please" plastered every existing building. The main puri building here is the most substantial and full of Balinese carvings located in the northern part. This is where the King of Ubud usually received his guests. East side there is a "Bale Dangin" which functioned for the humanitarian activities like wedding, "potong gigi" (cutting teeth) and a corpse lay down before cremation. Rule here is simple "do not go up to the floor, no smoking and not noisy", but "feel free to take picture here".

One more thing, the puri also provides an opportunity for those who want to feel a part of the royal family by renting rooms that were there. If interested, you can ask the receptionist, who served in front of the puri area. Welcome to the royal family house.

Reference : wisatadewata.com
Photo : flickr.com, commons.wikimedia.org

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Penglipuran : The Real Balinese Traditional Village

Bali Personal Drivers - Penglipuran Village located in Kubu, Bangli Regency, Bali, about 45 kilometers from the city of Denpasar. When reached by car will take about an hour away and is very easy to find, because this village lies on Kintamani - Bangli Main Street. Bangli is only one of the nine Regency on the island of Bali that does not have beautiful beaches such as Kuta.

Introduction

Penglipuran Village beginning of existence is said to have existed long ago, precisely at the time of the Kingdom of Bangli. The ancestors of these villagers come from Bayung Gede village and settled till now. Penglipuran derived from the word "Pangelingan Putra" which means a close relationship between the duties and responsibilities of the community in the running of dharma religion. Panglipuran also means "panglipur" reminder or remember to the ancestral or derived from the word "Pengeling Pura" which has the meaning of a shrine to commemorate the ancestors. With an area of ​​1.12 sq km, that stretches from north to south, the village is populated by more than 200 familiesand most of them are Hindus and worked as farmers and craftsmen. Penglipuran Village separated by a road, the "kangin" is a house located in the eastern part, meanwhile the "kauh" is a house located in the western part. Penglipuran Village also directly adjacent to the area of ​​the village of Kubu in the east, the village of Gunaksa in the south, and the west is Tukad (river), while in the north it is Kayang village.

What is interesting here ...?

Penglipuran Village far from modernity. However with its strong village governance that is derived from a blend of culture and local wisdom that actually awake, is able to display a unique panoramic beauty of the village.

This ... is ... so ... beautiful village.

Entering the area Penglipuran you can feel its beauty since you first set foot in this village. In the area of ​​"Catus Pata", which is the border area to enter Penglipuran Village or as welcome area, you will see the village hall - community facilities with open space that has a beautiful view.

Then your eyes will be bound to see the houses are almost all the same. The similarity of the building can be seen from the gate, it looks uniform to each other with a bit of roof made from bamboo. The door was just wide as a hip of adults with about two and a half meter is commonly called "angkul-angkul". Another similarity is also found in the arrangement of buildings within the home, such as "bale" (hall), room, and kitchen. Almost all of them are also using the same raw materials as ground material for walls and bamboo on the other side of the building. The use of bamboo for the roof, wall or other needs is a must to be used as Penglipuran Village surrounded by bamboo forest that is wide enough.

Penglipuran Village, is one of the rural areas in Bali which has the structure of traditional Balinese architecture. The village topography composed in such a way where the main village area has a higher position and so on down to the lowlands. If viewed from the village zoning, that according to the agreement of local custom, the village is divided into three areas, namely "palemahan" or village foot area, "pawongan" or village body area, and the last is "parahyangan" or village head area. Parahyangan is a part which is considered sacred to the villagers of Penglipuran. In this Parahyangan area there are Pura Penataran and Pura Puseh who is also the village's main building. The area around Parahyangan has a unique and specific structure, because along the way of village corridors should only be used for pedestrians, then on each side is equipped with the attributes of the village buildings such as "penyengker" (walls), "angkul-angkul" (gate) and "telajakan" (a piece/part of a village street which is lies in front or side yard), all of which are seem uniform.

Located at an altitude of 700 meter above sea level, making the air in Penglipuran Village pretty cool. Penglipuran village also has other tourist attractions ie, the spread of bamboo forest which reaches more than 75 acres. This forest be used as one of the attractions that are often visited by tourists who want to see both different types of bamboo and those who just want to enjoy the atmosphere in the middle of a bamboo forest.
The bamboo forest in Penglipuran Village overgrown by various types of bamboo as Petung Bamboo, Jajang Aya Bambooa, Jajang Abu Bamboo, Tali Bamboo, Papah Bamboo, Suet Bamboo and there are even some types of bamboo that is almost extinct. Bamboo forest is partly owned by the indigenous villages and partly owned by the individual. After enjoying the beauty of bamboo forest, tourists can also see the plantation of Penglipuran people, as well as going to their house, to see the activity of making various forms of woven bamboo, which is done by people of Penglipuran.

Atmosphere in the village of Penglipuran make you feel to be in a real traditional Balinese village. This occurs because the culture and local wisdom passed down by ancestors of the Penglipuran Village is still firmly held and also implemented by the community of Penglipuran Village from generation to generation until today. Penglipuran Village is so clean, quiet, no vehicle, and the unusually beautiful ...!
Each corner of Penglipuran Village is photogenic, in any direction you point your camera certainly have beautiful results. Penglipuran Village also frequently used as a filming location for several commercial and documentary films that take on traditional Balinese theme. In addition to its beautiful scenery, people of Penglipuran Village also very friendly to guests. So stay a bit longer in this village is very pleasant.

Reference : wikimedia.org, oladoo.com
Photo : wikimedia.org, flickr.com

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Ubud Monkey Forest : The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Bali Personal Drivers - Ubud Monkey Forest is a part of the village Padangtegal, Ubud. This place is about 30 kilometers from Denpasar city. Located on Jalan Monkey Forest which is, the crowded center of Ubud, making it easy to reach. Ubud Monkey Forest is a sacred site for Hindus in Bali because of the monkeys that inhabit the forest is different from other monkeys. The monkeys in Ubud Monkey Forest is sanctified by the local community.

Introduction

Ubud Monkey Forest was established since 1990, and is home to more than 600 Balinese monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Ubud Monkey Forest is owned by Padangtegal villagers who are members of a foundation named "Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana Padangtegal". Foundatioan served as manager of Ubud Monkey Forest, and is also responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the forest and promote the sacred site as a tourist destination.
When Ubud began opening up to tourists, there are fears of the local communities that the tourist presence will affect the habitat of monkey that live in Padangtegal, the greenest village in Ubud. Finally Padangtegal community agreed to build a sanctuary as well as manage it. Padangtegal forest area is the most sacred area, because it has a temple that was founded in the mid 14th century. There are three temples are located in Padangtegal forest areas namely : Pura Dalem Agung which is located in the southwestern part, Pura Beji which has a structure "Tri Mandala" and Pura Prajapati which serves as the place of cremation. Pura Beji is located near the small river and has a pond where its every corner there is a statue of monkey. This pond was used as a place for purification. It was said, for those who pray and throw a coin into the pond, then its prayer would come true. Local people believe that the forest is a place to connect with the spiritual world. The sacredness of Ubud Monkey Forest can also be seen from the many offerings in the statues that are on the side of the road, in front of the temple and near large trees.
Balinese people believe that the monkey is the embodiment of positive and negative energy. This case related to the story of Ramayana epic and the story of Barong Dance. Monkeys manifested as a symbol of goodness as seen in figure Hanuman, the great monkey commissioned by Rama to help Dewi Sita from the evil hands of Rahwana. The forces of evil monkeys can be seen from the characteristics of the antagonist monkeys who became army of Rahwana. However, the monkeys were in Ubud Monkey Forest is considered sacred and protected by the people of Padangtegal. They believe that the monkeys were able to keep the existence of the temple to fight the negative energy and the wicked soul. Until today, people in Padangtegal still think about these monkeys as sacred. This is in line with the concept of Hindus in Bali, that human beings should live in harmony with nature.

What is interesting here ...?

Two large monkey statue on the left and right of the highway became the welcome door to Ubud Monkey Forest. Ubud Monkey Forest has two entrances, which is east side and west side. The east side entrance is a favorite of visitors, besides the main entrance as well as the parking area for vehicles is wider. After buying a ticket, visitors will get a warm welcome from little monkeys at the entrance.

Stepping into Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana or better known as The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the cool air will instantly crawling your body from the dense forests which is pristine. A small river flowing through the forest add to the appeal to this tourism object. While passing through the small streets of the fortified with trees, your eyes unceasingly is shown by the activities of the monkeys who live comfortably in the sanctuary. There are lazing on the roadside, then an adult female who was holding a tiny baby, and seem also the monkeys were busy playing water in the pond near the entrance.

Although the monkeys are wild, most seem very tame and familiar in the human face. Many travelers said that the monkeys in Ubud Monkey Forest is very adorable and more friendly than the monkeys at Pura Luhur Uluwatu. The visitors can freely give the monkey a banana without fear of being attacked. Before getting into the area of Ubud Monkey Forest there are banana seller. If interested, you can buy bananas here to give to the monkeys inside.

There is a special excitement when feeding the monkeys. You have to be careful when carrying bananas, the monkeys did not hesitate to take it off your hands. Sometimes, some monkeys also reached into tourists pants pocket, because they wish there was food in it.
Seeing the tourists who do not familiar with the monkeys also become exciting experience. Some tourists seemed terrified and sometimes screamed, but there was a tourist who sat calmly accompanied by the monkey and not a few also of the tourists are amazed when he saw the king monkey whose body was so big. Even one of the tourists said that he had never seen monkeys directly in the wild like this, just on television.
Sometimes there are nosy monkeys. But you do not need to worry because in Ubud Monkey Forest there are many forest guards. They usually wear traditional clothes in green. Deftly they will kept monitor the activities of monkeys when close to tourists.

In the midst of the hot weather on the island of Bali, the coolness was felt when entering into the Ubud Monkey Forest. The forest has an area of approximately 27 hectares is not just appealing because monkeys activities. The shady trees and footpaths of stone that neat and lush is also become an attraction at this tourism object. If you've seen the movie Eat, Pray and Love starred by Julia Roberts, it appears there is one scene where the main artist cycling in the shade of trees. Was originally, the scene is taking location in other places, but for some reason the Ubud Monkey Forest eventually be an option. Shady trees and lush landscape seems right to a shooting location. Indeed, the scene is not the main scene. But from that point, it is clear that this sanctuary is able to make Hollywood attracted.

Dense tropical forest and funny behavior of around 600 monkeys certainly very comforting. The monkeys always followed the steps visitors wherever they go. Ubud Monkey Forest is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00 pm. Here are some tips if you want to visit Monkey Forest Ubud :

• When you are in the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, keep stay on the road, do not enter their area, because the monkeys here may feel that you are trying to invade their homes.
• Treated monkeys with courtesy and keep a safe distance.
• Do not feed the monkeys unless you are accompanied by a guide who is watching you.
• And remember, Monkey are curious creatures, so watch your luggage.
• If they "borrow" one of your items, ask for help to guide to bring your items back.
• Do not try to tease and touch them. They can react in unexpected ways.
  A visitor from Taiwan suddenly famous for her photo published in the Daily Mail when two monkeys here pull her dress. There is also an incident when a negligent photographer putting her lens cover, a monkey grabbed and chewed the lens cover.

Reference : wisatadewata.com
Photo : commons.wikimedia.org

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The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum

Bali Personal Drivers - The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum is located at Jalan Raya Campuhan, the village of Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali. The Blanco Renaissance Museum is open daily from 09.00 until 17.00 pm. If you are interested in visiting this art museum, you only need about 45 minutes from Denpasar City with a distance of approximately 25 km.

Introduction

The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum was originally a large parcel of land which was given by the King of Ubud, Tjokorda Gde Agung Sukawati, to Antonio Blanco as an appreciation for the various works of art that have been made during his stay in Bali.

Antonio Blanco was a painter which was born in the Philippines and has Spanish blood. After years of traveling, he finally settles down in Bali.
Why he chose Bali ...?
Because he felt Bali has given an important element which is he needed to build his artistic genius desires. Bali has beautiful scenery, incredible love, the unique life art, and the atmosphere like a dream. Antonio Blanco was so comfortably settled in Bali and he married a Balinese dancer and also was the model for his painting, named Ni Ronji. On December 28, 1998, he built a house plus museums in Ubud that became his residence which is full of wonders. The building is built on his image and passions and became the estuary for Antonio Blanco to realize his dream and his works. No wonder, since was built, Antonio Blanco became very rare to leave his residence.

The museum was created as The Maestro wishes to perpetuate all his work, but before the museum officially opened Antonio Blanco died. Don Antonio Blanco died on December 10, 1999 in Denpasar, Bali, due to heart and kidney disease he suffered. He left a wife and four children : Cempaka, Mario, Orchid and Mahadewi. The Maestro Dreams are now continued by his son, Mario Blanco, who followed footsteps of his father to become a painter. The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum is now open to the public and a variety of artwork from the Maestro can be seen in this place.

What is interesting here ...?

As soon as you enter the museum courtyard, you will see a courtyard which is arranged in a neat and beautiful. You can also see a bird collection of golden macaw and parrot species, it makes an interesting sight for tourists who come. Before you enter the museum, you are required to buy a ticket. The ticket that you purchase is to be free to enter without a limited time. In addition, you also get the facility of guide books and welcome drink with a pretty straw decorated young coconut leaf.

The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum has two floors, to enter the museum you will pass through a great gate and up the stairs that on both side there is a dragon relief. After you fill out the attendance list, you will be guided by staff to have a look and give an explanation of the paintings on display at this museum. Arriving inside, the journey to enjoy the paintings will begin accompanied with a soft classical opera music that makes the atmosphere became very romantic. In this museum, the visitors are allowed to take pictures in the garden area and the main entrance only. The visitors are not allowed to photograph the paintings of Antonio Blanco, so painting is not damaged due to over light.

The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum has a powerful aura of art, the artistic atmosphere that surrounds it, is so remarkable in every museum areas with a blend of Victorian and Balinese nuance. A total of 300 paintings by Antonio Blanco display here, on the first floor and second floor. The painting's theme in general is exploring the Balinese female body, including his wife, Ni Rondji and his first daughter, Tjempaka Blanco.

Has become a habit for Balinese womens to work hard and walk away with their hands raised holding the burden above their head, and its makes the shapes of Balinese women's breasts to be beautiful. This is also inspire Antonio Blanco to write an article entitled "Bali-a-Breast". A brilliant exploration of the female body objects brought Antonio Blanco as a famous painter in the style of "Romantic Impressionist". The Maestro paintings that highly accentuate the beauty of the female body, that is what drew the interest of many people ranging from Soekarno, Mick Jagger, Jacko until the King of Spain was conferred the title of 'Don' in the name of Antonio Blanco.

Unlike painting at large, each painting belongs to Antonio Blanco framed with different special frame. These frames are designed by himself, following the theme of the painting to match what he intended to convey.

The unique thing from this museum is, in one corner of its room named with "Erotic Room", which is reserved for visitors over the age of 17 years. The paintings are on display in this particular room, indeed increasingly "wild", with the theme about the beauty of men and women bodies on most the positions being sexual intercourse.

Turning to the other room, you can see the photos that depict a glimpse of the career of Antonio Blanco. Here you can also see pictures of the family and important people in the life and career of Antonio Blanco. Then you can continue your exploration into the room, which contains paintings of Antonio Blanco is not yet finished. Here, as if you look at what's going on 'behind the scenes' of the paintings were exhibited earlier. There are many sketches of the unfinished painting. Paints and brushes also left lying everywhere. Visitors can freely hold and look at a variety of painting tools that he's been wearing.

Go to the next room, still in the same building, there is a room containing several cameras from the personal collection of Mario Blanco that are stored neatly. Apparently, beside inheriting skills painting from his father, he was also a big fan of photography. Not surprisingly, if a variety of old cameras on display here.

For the convenience of visitors The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum also has been equipped with various facilities, such as an auditorium, a library, a collection storage room, workshops, audio-visual room, administration room, canteen / café, and a toilet. In this museum has also been equipped with a store that sells a variety of Balinese handicrafts.

Regardless of whether you are a fan of art or not, The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum is a destination that you should visit when you come to Bali. This destination is so popular between foreign and domestic tourists, maybe this is due to the fame of the name Antonio Blanco himself who has been perpetuated in numerous books and films. Even, there is a popular jargon that blows among domestic tourists "not yet to Ubud if not visit The Antonio Blanco Renaissance Museum".

Reference : wisatadewata.com
Photo : blancomuseum.com, flickr.com

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Ubud : When You Need Inspiration

Bali Personal Drivers - Ubud is a small town in the district of Gianyar, Bali island, Indonesia. Ubud is located about 20 km from Denpasar and can be reached within 30 minutes or 15 minutes from Gianyar city.

The Origin of Ubud

The origin of Ubud as written in the palm "Markandya Purana", originated from arrival of a priest named Rsi Markhandya from Java Island with his followers in the 8th century. When he came to the region flanked by two rivers, called the Oos River in the area of Campuhan, he meditated and then settle in this area. In this area Rsi Markandya allot land to his followers for the house, moor and rice, then it was formed a village. In addition, he also made ​​a temple just below the bridge of Campuhan and makes a natural healing center in the village. And then popped "Ubad Village" for the village name, which was in the language of Bali Kuno (the ancient Balinese) has the meaning of "medicine". As time goes by name Ubad changed to the present name "Ubud". It is the basis and guidelines for the people of Ubud, to make Ubud as a remedy in the search for peace and inspiration for everyone who comes to Ubud. The village is occupied by people who most of them are Hindu. They able to keep the environment naturally, so that way this place usually used by many tourist / people / actors to get the art inspiration. Ubud is one of Bali ' s major arts and culture centres, it has developed a large tourism industry.

What is interesting here ...?

Ubud is located on the high land about 300 meters above sea level in the rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills from Gianyar regency. Ubud is surrounded by good temperature compared with other regions in Bali. The temperature is relatively cold, so it is ideal for everyone to stay in this beautiful place.
Ubud tourism focuses on culture, yoga and nature. In contrast to the main tourist area in southern Bali, the Ubud area has forests, rivers, cooler temperatures and less congestion although traffic has increased dramatically these days as the more famous name of Ubud in the world.

In addition to offering beautiful natural scenery with a carpet of green rice fields, as well as a beautiful river with towering high cliffs, Ubud is also a cultural village, which is rich in historical heritage of great artists such as: I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, Anak Agung Gede Sobrat , Ida Bagus Made and many others. Many museums, galleries, and performing arts can be an option for your visit. You can try to visit Museum Puri Lukisan. Museum Puri Lukisan is the first museum in Bali and have a large collection of historic paintings. In Museum Puri Lukisan, you can see a variety of paintings that tell about Bali from the past until now. Another museums that you can visit include The Blanco Renaissance Museum, Museum Rudana, Neka Art Museum, Agung Rai Museum and also the Museum Marketing. These museums are art museums.

Ubud is also known for its yoga activities. Ubud since the first is a yoga center where students, scientists, and anyone who is outside Ubud even abroad come to seek peace and do yoga here. Usually, the hotel will provide a venue, facilities, and services about yoga. Yoga in Ubud has its own uniqueness. You will be doing yoga in the open air with a panoramic view which is very beautiful. Just ask the hotel about yoga services at your hotel. If no, you can do it and learn about yoga elsewhere. One of the famous yoga are around Jalan Hanuman, called Yoga Barn of the most visited by tourists.

Additionally, you can choose the activities that are quite popular in Ubud that ie biking trails.
Already watch hollywood movie Eat, Pray, Love ...?
Movie that starred by Julia Roberts has the biking trails scene in a rice field which was filmed in Ubud. You can do this activity with ease, on the streets and in the hotel there are many bikes that you can rent.

You just choose the type of bike you want. Down the exploring the village and greeting them is really fun. You can also take the route in central Ubud to down the road here. The main street is Jalan Raya Ubud (Jalan Raya means main road), which runs east-west through the center of town. Two long roads, Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman, extend south from Jalan Raya Ubud. You can visit Puri Saren Agung which is a large palace located at the intersection of Monkey Forest and Raya Ubud roads and home of Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati (1910–1978), the last "king" of Ubud. Also you can visit The Ubud Monkey Forest is located near the southern end of Jalan Monkey Forest. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a sacred nature reserve and a temple houses approximately 340 Crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys.

If you are someone who love the adrenaline activities, Ubud also offers rafting adventure at Ayung River. Rafting on the Ayung River is quite popular among tourists because it is suitable for anyone, including those of you who are beginners. Do the rafting on the Ayung River has a different nuances, in the left and right river, you will enjoy the palm trees, rolling hills and beautiful terraced rice fields area. You will also be amazed by the work of the Balinese artists, which you can enjoy during wading through Ayung River. There are many carvings that tell about the Ramayana in various river bank.

For those of you who love cooking, a number of restaurants in Ubud is now providing cooking classes for tourists. You can learn about how to cook Balinese cuisine and also another Indonesian cuisines. Interestingly, to take this course you must come early in the morning, because this cooking class already begun with shopping ingredients in the traditonal markets that are around Ubud which is open daily, early in the morning.

If you have plans to vacation on the island of Bali, Ubud is a place that you must visit during your holiday in Bali. Its natural beauty, the hospitality of its people as well as its arts and cultural life will inspire you.

Reference : commons.wikimedia.org, forum.jalan2.com
Photo : commons.wikimedia.org, flickr.com

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Tanah Lot Temple : The Cultural Icon for Photography

Bali Personal Drivers - Tanah Lot Temple is located on the beach side Beraban countryside, Kediri sub district and Tabanan regency. It is situated in 30 Km in west side of Denpasar town and about 11 Km to the south of the city of Tabanan. Tanah Lot is a rock formation of the Indonesian island of Bali.

History of Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot word consisting of two words, the first word is "Tanah" is interpreted as reef looks like a gili or island. The second word "Lot" or "Lod" has meaning the sea. So Tanah Lot means a small island floating in the sea. What is now called as Tanah Lot has been used in the Megalithic period as a holy place, it is evident from the existence of menhir.

Tanah Lot Temple is claimed to be the work of the 15th-century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

The function of Tanah Lot Temple can be realized from the function of the main temple building which is located in the temple main area. In this place, there is a main temple to worship the god in form of Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, the sea power. The media of worship to this God is the temple building with 5 storied, meanwhile the 3 storied temple building in north part of this area is purposing to worship to Dang Hyang Nirartha.

What is interesting here ...?

Tanah Lot Temple stands on a large offshore rock which has been formed continuously over a long period by the waves of the sea, as it is only 20 meters from the shoreline. Tanah Lot Temple is very famous among tourist destinations in Bali because it has a beautiful view, especially at sunset where the sun slows down to the bowels of the earth. Tanah Lot Temple is also a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism.

Any visitors who pay a visit to this place will be amazed to see the beauty panorama of Tanah Lot Temple. To reach Tanah Lot Temple, visitors must walk through a series of souvenir shops are located on each side of the road to Tanah Lot Temple. Beside Tanah Lot Temple, there are other temples that can be seen on your vacation to Tanah Lot Temple area as :

• Batu Bolong Temple
  Batu Bolong Temple is located approximately 100 meters to the west of Enjung Galuh Temple, precisely in Enjung Batu Bolong. Enjung Batu Bolong is a large rock formation that jutting into the sea and has a hole in the middle. Batu Bolong Temple is a place to worship to the God for holiness. Batu Bolong Temple is also a place that is often used to host the Melasti Ceremony.

• Enjung Galuh Temple
  Enjung Galuh Temple is located alongside with Jero Kandang Temple, precisely in Enjung Galuh, "njung" means rock that jutting into the sea. Enjung Galuh Temple is dedicated to the worship goddess of prosperity, the Dewi Sri Shakti.

• Surya Mandala Cultural Park
  Surya Mandala Cultural Park is a perfect place for arts performances, exhibitions, and conferences. But this place can also be used to enjoy the scenery and relax. Arts performances are held every day is the Kecak Dance.

• Pasar Seni (Art Market)
  Tanah Lot tourism object is equipped with facilities such as the art market for those who want to buy various kinds of Balinese souvenirs.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. A giant snake purportedly protects the temple, which was created from Nirartha's scarf when he established the island.

According to the legend that believed by the locals, Pura Tanah Lot or Tanah Lot Temple was founded in ancient times by a Rauh (priest) Hindu named Bawu Rawuh Nirartha from the Majapahit Kingdom, while he on its way to spread the Hindu religion of Java. He lived in Tanah Lot area for a while and teach the local communities about Hinduism. Nirartha then successfully strengthen the trust of local communities against Hinduism. During he lived in this place, he felt the vibrations of purity and perfection of spiritual gain.

A holy leader who lived in this place called Bendesa Beraban feel unrivaled, due to many of his parishioners become the parishioners of Danghyang Nirarta. Then Bendesa told Nirartha leaving Tanah Lot. Nirartha agreed but before leaving Tanah Lot with all his strength he moved the stone lumps into the sea and built temples there. She also changed her shawl into a giant snake purportedly protects the temple. These snakes are still there today, but are smaller and kind are sea snakes that have the characteristics of flat tail like a fish, striped black and yellow color. Bendesa Beraban was amazed and became parishioners of Nirartha.

Tanah Lot Temple area is a tourist spot with a very wide variety of interesting places. The following are some tips that you can use during a visit to Tanah Lot.

• In the rocks under Pura Tanah Lot there are several caves in which lived some large and small black striped yellow snakes. The snakes are very docile, but you should not disturb these snakes, because these snakes are very poisonous. Some say that these snakes have venom 3 times more powerful than cobra snake.
• All visitors before entering the Tanah Lot area, are required to purchase entrance ticket and parking tickets on ticket sales post. You should still bring the ticket you have purchased. These tickets must be shown when you enter the area object on postal checking tickets. Tickets that you have purchased includes accident insurance coverage for visitors and vehicles are parked.
• All visitors are not allowed to enter the temple in all the area of Tanah Lot.
• Tanah Lot region is a sacred area, therefore you should dress decently, not speaking rude and indecent act.
• When there are religious rituals, you are expected to order. If you want to capture the moment that happens, take a considerable distance, and do not photographed in close-up during the event procession lasts, so as not to disrupt the ritual.
• Tanah Lot region is an area of the southern sea coast with big waves. Hence be careful and follow the signs ban if you play on the beach. Safety remains your responsibility.
• All animals and plants that exist in the tourism area Tanah Lot is protected, so you are expected to preserve nature and the environment. Tanah Lot area are the taking out the trash orderly.
• If you need information and location please contact the tourist information desk.

Reference : commons.wikimedia.org, wisatadewata.com, indonesia.travel/id
Photo : commons.wikimedia.org

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