Balinese Dancing Theatre
Dance and drama are the very essence of Balinese culture and closely linked to religion. Theatre and dance are also intimately linked and in the local language the same word is used for both. Balinese dance performances are very dramatic and tell a story, involving a combination of dancing and acting that draws upon stories that include Indian and Indonesian epics.
Traditionally the dances are performed during temple festivals and holy ceremonies and they are very much a part of the religion. However, tourists can see dance performances in many areas of Bali including in hotels.
The 3 most popular and well-know types of dance are:
- Barong: this is basically a story about good over evil. Barong is an actual character in Bali mythology; he is the king of the good spirits, a protector and enemy of Rangda. Often represented by a lion, traditional performances depict his struggle against Rangda to restore balance. This dramatic art is sometimes used to strengthen a community's resistance to harmful forces and improve health and prosperity.
- Legong: is a refined and feminine dance characterised by intricate hand gestures, foot work and facial expressions. Traditionally it is the dance of divine nymphs. Girls start training in this dance art form at the age of 5.
- The Kecak: is an unusual Balinese dance as there is no musical accompaniment. It is performed by a group of 150 or more men wearing only checked dhotis percussively chanting "cak" while throwing their arms up in the air. The story depicts a battle from the Hindu epic Ramayana, where the monkey-God helps Prince Rama fight the evil King Ravana, Also known as the Ramayana Monkey chant, Kecak has its roots in Sanghyang which is a trance-inducing exorcism dance.Ubud
The artistically rich town of Ubud is known as the cultural centre of Bali and is one of its most popular tourist destinations. Balinese culture is considered one of the most refined in the world, and Ubud is the perfect place to discover it.
There are numerous art galleries and some really attractive modern art works at Ubud. Art lovers will be impressed with the stunning permanent collection of Balinese artworks at the famous Ubud's famous Museum 'Purl Lukisan'. Neka Museum is also worth a visit and has some beautiful paintings.
There are plenty of artistic workshops, cooking schools and dance programmes on offer and some of the islands best dance performances take place here. You can also find a variety of 'batiks' - traditional Indonesian paintings on cloth, for sale in Ubud and you can even watch them being made.Besakih Temple
Perched 1,000 metres high on the slopes of Mount Agung, the most revered mountain in Bali, Pura Besakih is the biggest and holiest of all the Balinese temples. There are literally thousands of temples to discover on this wondrous island, but Pura Besakih, commonly known as the "Mother Temple of Bali", is not to be missed. The mountain top setting gives it an almost mystical quality and the stunning sight of the beautifully-designed temple against the mountain backdrop, is reason enough to visit Pura Besakih.
Over a thousand years old, Pura Besakih temple features 3 main temples dedicated to the Hindu Trinity of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. These are surrounded by about 30 separate temples and shrines. This sacred pilgrimage site is the most popular in Bali and the locals consider a visit to be very special.Uluwatu Temple
This is arguably Bali's most spectacular temple located high on a cliff top 80 metres above the waves of the Indian Ocean at the edge of a plateau. The famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is dedicated to the spirits of the sea and is a beautifully designed, architectural wonder in black coral rock. There are spectacular views here and it is a popular place with tourists to watch the sunset.Tanah Lot
This temple is perched on a large offshore island rock that was formed by the gradual erosion of the tide over thousands of years. Located in Tabanan on the southwest coast, it is one of the 7 sea temples around the Bali coast and is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea.
Tanah Lot is claimed to be founded by the 15th century priest Nirartha, one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java, so the temple has significant Hindu influence. The temple itself is not open to visitors, but there are magnificent views from several points nearby. It is especially popular at sunset when people gather on the terraces nearby to watch the changing colours of the sky behind the temple.Terraced Rice Paddies
Bali's emerald-green rice terraces are the most beautiful and photogenic agricultural complexes in the world. The rice terraces date back 2,000 years, when they were carved into the steep hill sides by locals, using very basic hand tools. These impressive paddies have been cared for by generation after generation of farmers and they remain a gorgeous sight.
The river gorge near Tegallalang village, in central Bali, is considered to have the most beautiful terraced rice paddies on the island and is well worth a visit for stunning photographs. Other similar sites can be found in the Ubud area, around Papuan, Tabanan and Jatiluwih.Sangeh Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest, or Bukit Sari, in the village of Sangeh is a 6 hectare forest complex and protected area full of giant nutmeg trees. As the name suggests its main attractions are the hundreds of monkeys that inhabit both the trees and the 17th Century temple, Pura Bukit Sari, found in the heart of the forest.
Monkeys have a special status in Hindu Balinese religion and are respected by the local population. Visitors are not allowed into the temple but it is possible to see the huge Garuda statue, stone-carved reliefs and meru.Lakes
There are 4 lakes in Bali, all up on the highlands:
Lake Batur
Lake Batur was the original crater of the active volcano Gunung Batur before the mountain rose to its current peak just next to the lake. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lake Batur from Kintamani. There is a hot spring right by the lake where you can bathe. Across the lake lies the ancient village of Trunyan, where the Bali Aga people live and still maintain their centuries old traditions. Near the lake is Batur Temple, one of the 6 main Hindu temples in Bali.
Lake Bratan
Lake Bratan is located next to Mount Bratan and Mount Catur. It is the second largest lake in Bali. The important temple of Pura Ulun Danu stands on the western side of the lake, dedicated to the God of Prosperity, Sang Hyang Dewi Danu. The resort area of Bedugul offers excellent views of the lake and there are several water activities available.
Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan
Immediately to the northwest of Lake Bratan lie Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, which used to be one lake until a landslide separated them at the beginning of the 19th century. The view at Tamblingan is breath-taking with the 1,860m high Lesong Mountain in the background. There are many historical temples here and, at an altitude of 1,000 metres above the sea level, the air is fresh and cool.Volcanoes
Bali's mountains are a string of volcanoes that are mostly in the northern part of the island. The mountains form part of the chain of volcanoes that make up the 'Ring of Fire' that stretch from the Asian continent to Sumatra and Java. The most important ones are:
Mount Agung
This is Bali's tallest and most revered mountain at 3,142m. It is an active volcano with an enormous and very deep crater that occasionally vents out smoke and steam. The Mother Temple of Besakih is located on its slope. This volcano overlooks the resort diving village of Tulamben.
Mount Catur
Lake Bratan lies at the foot of this 2,096m high mountain. It stands side-by-side with Pohen Mountain. The popular Gitgit Waterfall can be found on the northern side of the peak.
Mount Pohen
On its slope you can find Bedugul Botanical Garden with a collection of native Indonesian plants.
Mount Batukaru
Batukaru at 2,276m is the island's second tallest mountain and located slightly south of Mount Pohen. On its edge sits Pura Luhur Batukaru, one of the 6 main Hindu temples in Bali.
Mount Batur
This is the islands most active volcano. It is 1,412m tall and has one of the biggest calderas in the world, measuring 13.8 x 10 km in size, with Lake Batur dominating the eastern half.
Mount Lesong
Is a dormant volcano just south of Lake Tamblingan. It stands at 1,863m tall and has a large crater at its peak.Batubulan
The village of Batubulan, known as the stone carving centre of Bali, is another great destination to explore the island's rich culture and interesting customs. It has become famous for its intricate stone sculptures made here, and barong dancing.
The name of the village translates as 'moonstone' and skilled craftsmen create sculptures from soft volcanic rock, known as paras, which are displayed along the main street of Batubulan. These traditional masterpieces were used as decorations for palaces, temples and Balinese homes. Nowadays tourists can also buy these artworks and sellers can arrange to have them shipped to your door back home.Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
This newly established park in Nusa Dua is a centre for cultural events and large-scale international events in Bali with both indoor and outdoor venues. The hilltop park is a lovely setting and provides beautiful panoramic views of the coast.
The GWK statue stands 150m tall when finished and is visible from several towns and resorts around the southern part of the island. There are daily traditional Balinese dance performances and the park entrance fee entitles you to watch one of the best Kecak dance shows in Bali. You can even try a new riding experience exploring the park on a 2-wheeled eco-friendly Segway!Adventure Sports
Canyoning (also known as kloofing) is a great way for adreneline junkies to get their fix and explore nature at the same time. There are various river routes in the north of Bali from beginner to advanced, where trailists will shoot down natural water slides, leap of ledges and waterfalls, and abseil or rappel down walls, whilst exploring the stunning mountain gorge scenery. Half or full day trips are accompanied by professionals and 14m jumps and 40m rappels are sure to get most hearts racing.
Near to Ubud are some quad bike (ATV) trials. This activity might not be the most eco-friendly option, but it sure is a lot of fun. Race down hills, across rice terraces and along river beds on these powerful and sturdy machines, purpose built for the rugged terrain that you will explore.Golf Courses
Bali has recently become known as a great golf vacation destination in Asia Pacific. There are 5 golf courses on the island; 4 of them have 18 holes and 1 has 9.
Bali Golf and Country Club was voted "One of Asia's 5 best golf courses" by USA's Fortune Magazine. Located in Nusa Dua, the 18-hole course has multiple tees ranging from 5,028 to 6,871 yards, par 72. Designed by Robin Nelson and Rodney Wright, the course hosted the 1994 Asian Dunhill Masters.
Nirwana Bali Golf Resort is a Greg Norman designed championship golf course on the southwest coast. The 6,775 yard, par 72 championship standard golf course was voted as the No. 1 course in Indonesia by Golf Monthly and Golf Digest.
Bali Handara Kosaido Golf is the oldest golf course in Indonesia. It is set in an extinct volcano in Bedugul in the northwest of the island, 1,142 metres above sea level where the average temperature is 18°C. The championship course is 7,024 yards, par 72 and is deceptively difficult.
The Bali Beach Golf Course is a flat 9-hole, par 36 course in Sanur. The course is not championship standard and caters for golfers on a tighter budget.
The new Kuta Golf is a new seaside golf course near Jimbaran, Kuta. The 18-hole, par 72 course is designed by Ronald Fream, David Dale and Kevin Ramsey and comprises of 85 hectares.