Bali's Exotic Eco Tourism

The rich culture of Bali being maintained from one generation to the next generation is never the boring of tourists of reason to visit this island. But Bali does not offer simply its unique culture; eco-tourism also has a part in the attraction of Bali.

The culture of Bali will be always the wire in attraction for tourists. It is because the community follows closely the Hindu lesson, which gives a strong direction of the spirit and dictates their daily behavior. The habits, the traditions and the religion announced in one in Bali equipping the mixture with a strong direction with stability. The large temples always play an essential part and the ritual one are still carried out with full the devotion by Balinese in spite with their increasingly modern life styles, perhaps even with an increasing attachment.

According to the sociologist and the observer of tourism, Dr. I. Gde Pitana, Balinese refute unconsciously the theory of Weber about the relationship between the richness and the culture. The theory of Weber proposes that a culture of companies decreases vis-a-vis the increasing richness. It seems that that in Bali the reverse is true, with an increase in the richness of the company, the cultural values are always adhered to more narrowly. The visitor can observe any ceremony or ritual in Bali to see that the crowned character of the ceremony and the devotion of the people are something but missing.

The tourists do not come simply to appreciate cultural attractions but also the beautiful geography of Bali. The operators of tourists offer much choice of eco-voyage like packages to the lake and the frame Batur, the rice layers of Jatiluwih, Tabanan, river transporting, or plunging by raft, between others.

There are in fact much factors implied by accumulating eco-tourism, the principal consideration is probably of the means of preserving nature. It is not a simple equation there, if the object of eco-tourism is destroyed, will be more tourists to visit the site. To avoid this, eco-to travel the companies must work together to create the programs which are ambient friendly.

Eco-tourism started to affect Bali in 1991 when the European tourists became tired metropolitan life styles of life and were attracted with more again with the environment of nature. Like answer, the companies of excursion started to offer the area of Batur as a regeneration, slackening the alternative. Except the normal beauty of its flows of lava, the Batur frame is also a pleasant mountain to go up to stimulate various excursions of trekking in the sector. After long voyage day, the tourists can slacken out of hot normal sulphur springs at Toyabungkah. Through the lake, the ancient village of Trunyan still offers another attraction with its average narcotics to place deaths above the ground.

In the zone of Tabanan, three beautiful lakes and an abundant forest can be appreciated. More and more the complete equipment appears in the area of Bedugul offering more approvals in this comfortable, fresh and clean climate. In this sector, much of sites can be visited, all offering the normal beauty of the flora and fauna surrounding.

The Agung frame in the zone of Karangasem is still another excellent destination of eco-tourism. Of this, the largest mountain in Bali, hikers can appreciate beautiful a tropical sunrise in the icy temperatures. On a frame of clear time Rinjani on close Lombok can be seen, not to mention the major part of the island of Bali inclining to the bottom with the sea below. The Eastern end of Bali offers one of the most normal habitats and most intact in Bali, the Western national park of Bali. It is here that Bali almost extinct Starling resides among much of another single and beautiful flora and fauna in this protected forest. To protect the sector, the visitors must receive a laiss government before being left enter.

Adventure sports, considered continuously part of eco-tourism in the Nineties are modified like transporting white of water. To transport by raft is primarily a combination of the sports of adventure and tourism because of its capacity to offer to the tourist precipitations of an adrenalin like a scenic excursion of the almost inaccessible parts of Bali by all other means. Two rivers, Ayung and Tukad Unda, were the principal focus for people of the transporting country of the operators by raft. The lakes bali' S started to compete the ocean in what they must offer. Bedugul, for example, offers fishing, the Para. sailing, the water ski and the trekking along its shores to compete of the sports of ocean. However, those which prefer the lucky find of cam of ocean right about any sport to satisfy them; Para. - sailing (DUA of Nusa), plunging (Bali of north), snorkeling (Bali of north), surfant wind (Sanur) and Bali have some excellent waves for surfer (Bali of south and Westerner).

Several organizations with the WWF (funds of the world for nature) held a “control of reff� July in the whole of Indonesia. The coral reefs of the island and Tulamben de Menjangan were the center of the program in Bali. The goals of this control are to record statistics on the condition and to employ the data to improve the conditions year by year.

The expansion of eco-tourism was also enriched by agro tourism, which presents the products of agriculture of certain sectors. As the voyages which however take with tourists the layers in rice terrace of Tabanan or Gianyar, agro-tourism also envisages to present the fruits and vegetables of Bali in their normal environments. the Agro-tourists can see the methods of plantation, worrying for and about the gathering of oranges in Kintamani, Bangli as an example. They are also invited to select oranges themselves and the savor the fruit while appreciating the beautiful sights of the surrounding panorama.

When the season of durian comes, the road of Denpasar with Bedugul is furnished with the kiosks selling this thorny fruit. Often the tourists are taken in the jungle on the difficult ways to see the durian for themselves freely or to select their clean durian. Tress of durian are seldom planted like harvest, rather the trees are wild and thus sometimes difficult to find.

In the fresh climate of Bedugul, the tourists interested in the tropical factories can also visit brought back parts of cabbage and the strawberries are relatively large and completely candy with a luminous red color. Visitors are invited to observe the plantation or the selection of the strawberries in their respective seasons.

Agro-tourism encourages very for the farmers because they receive the additional income of the tourists, which helps to supplement their usually minimal benefit. The sites of tourists who are included in the category of the ecotourism cause the increasing attention as for their normal state so that they can continue to be admired. The conservation of our environment is indeed each one responsibility so that the future generations can continue to appreciate this beautiful ground.

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Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is situated at Ababi village, Abang District. It is about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura to the north.

Tirta Gangga water garden was built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. This water garden was constructed in a very unique architecture of Balinese and Chinese styles.

Tirta Gangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which consists of three complexes. The first complex lies on the lowest level of this area, where we can find two ponds and a water tower. The second complex in the middle level is the location where we can find swimming pools; while in the third part, which is the main complex, we can find the rest house of the King.

Before the construction of the water garden, there was a big spring water in this area. Therefore people surrounding the area called this place "embukan" which means spring water.

The spring water was then functioned to fulfil the people's need of water and also for the "purification" of the Gods (Ida Betara). For this case, the spring water is recognised to be holy and sacred.

The religious to construct this tranquil water garden for his rest house and also for the people's function and the cool climate of this area, plus the fascinating view around, inspired the kingleisure and pleasure.

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Balinese Architecture

If, instead of walking, we look at Balinese villages from above the impression of order is no less extraordinary. Houses are all identical and strikingly parallel in layout with family temples, kitchens and rooms occupying the same relative position in the walled compound.

Large temples, likewise, all have the same structure with their main shrines occupying the same 'kaja kangin' (east-mountain ward) corner and villages, all with the same banyan tree, in the vicinity of the similarly located princely mansion.

And, all around this orderly world, the greenness of the trees and the glitter of rice fields. More than any of the so-called tourism 'objects' vaunted by the industry, it is in this harmonious integration of Man and Nature that the genuine charm of Bali can be found.

Traditional architecture in Bali originates from two sources. One is the great Hindu radiation brought to Bali from India via Java. The second is an indigenous architecture pre-dating the Hindu epic and in many ways reminiscent of Polynesian building.

Even the Balinese it has been noted, is surrounded by a stone wall dividing its sacred precincts from the village very much like Hawaiian and Tahitian places of worship.


Religion and Architecture

THIS Balinese sense of order and harmony, beside the peculiar constraints of an agrarian tradition, are based on principles of the Hindu-Balinese religion, and in particular its emphasis on balance between Man, God and Nature.

Depicted as a microcosm, Bhwana Alit or 'Small World', Man is expected to exist in his natural environment in a way, which conforms to the macrocosmic order of things -the Bhwana Agung or literally Larger World.

In other words he reshapes his environment on the dual model of himself and the Macrocosm. As formulated in the Asta Kosala Kosali manuscripts all architectural structures or elements of urban planning should reproduce the tripartite order of both the world and the human body, which are each divided into upper (utama), middle (madia) and lower (nista) parts.
Every building, compound and territorial unit should thus have a head, a body and a lower body, respectively corresponding to the upper world of the gods (Swah), the middle world of humans (Bhwah) and the lower world of demons (Bhur).

To practically apply these cosmological principles, a system of orientation is also needed. It is determined by the crossing of two natural axis, that of the rising and setting sun on the one hand, and that of 'kaja-kelod' mountain-sea or, more precisely, that defined by the upstream-downstream axis (ulu-teben) on the other.


Balinese Temples

BALINESE temples are divided into three parts; one inevitably passes through a split gate or 'Candi Bentar' to enter the first courtyard. Then a second gate rising high with the grinning face of a guardian demon leads to the second division.

Inside there are numerous pavilions used for various purposes. In the final courtyard one may find the 'meru' pagoda which may have as many as eleven roofs if the owner or temple is important enough. The black thatch is from the sugar palm and can only be used in temples.

There will also stand numerous 'sanggah' or spirit houses and pedestals, which will be full of offerings on ritual days.

Everywhere carving in brick, volcanic stone and wood will be apparent. Walls ring all. The Balinese have always spent a great deal of energy and money on their temples for it is the duty to repay the ancestors for the prosperity.

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Baris Dance

According to Covarrubias no dance in the world can be manlier than baris. Baris, a traditional war dance, typifies the strong elegance of the male and is the source of for all masculine dances. The Baris dance can be performed by men in pairs of four, eight, sometimes even tens; the accompanying gamelan is the gamelan gong or gamelan gong kebyar. The word “baris” means a line or military formation, in the sense of a line of soldiers, and referred to the warriors who fought for the kings of Bali. Originally, Baris was performed as a religious ritual. The dancer may bear a kris, a spear, a bow, or other weapons, depending on the variant performed. Baris has an exorcizing character and is invariably danced at important temple ceremony. The special characteristics of baris are its elegance moves and complex facial expressions. The movement of baris is synchronized with the tempo of the music and Baris‘s facial expressions show the varieties of soldier mood such as admiration, wonder, surprise, rage, pleasure, tenderness and love.

There are various kinds of Baris dances in Bali which are usually named according to the weapon used in the dance.

BARIS CENDEKAN, The Baris Cendekan uses a weapon called cendek, a kind of short lance. The Baris Cerdekan is found in north Bali and is danced by several pairs of tarunas (young men). They wear everyday clothes and the accompanying music is a kind of angklung orchestra called the gamelan kembang kirang.

BARIS PANAH, This dance uses a military weapon, a bow and arrows, and is danced by tarunas (young men) in north Bali especially in Buleleng and Bangli.

BARIS MEMEDI, Baris memedi is danced by a group of people depicting the movement of spirits (mamedi) which reside in spooky place such as cemetery. The costume is made of leaves and twigs taken from the plants in cemetery. The accompanying music is Gamelan balaganjur. This dance is performed in cremation ceremony in south Bali especially in Tabanan.

BARIS PRESI. Dancers of the Baris Presi carry a presi or shield. This dance is performed by men in pairs on temple ceremony in north Bali especially in Buleleng and Bangli.

BARIS TAMIANG. The Baris Tamiang is a variation of the Baris Presi. The dancers carry a tamiang or shield, and dance in pairs. This dance can be found in south Bali especially in Badung.

BARIS DADAP. A very poignant and slow Baris compare to the other Baris. The Baris Dadap uses a weapon called a dadap, a canoe-like shield. In north Bali, the Baris Dadap is danced in a temple ceremony especially in >Bangli, Buleleng, and Gianyar. In west Bali especially in Tabanan, Baris Dadap is performed in cremation ceremony. The accompanying music may be the gamelan kembang kirang. The dancers sing as well.

BARIS GOWAK. Baris Gowak is danced in pairs a group acts as soldier and the other group acts as Guwak (Crow) which brings death. This dance portrays the battle of Tegal Badeng (Badung) soldiers against Guwak (Crow). In north Bali this dance is performed in temple ceremony. This dance is considered as a sacred dance by people of Selulung (Kintamani -Bangli).

BARIS TUMBAK. The Baris Tumbak is danced in pairs the weapon being a lance with imitation of armor costume. It is performed for temple ceremony in south Bali.

BARIS GEDE. The Baris Gede is a Baris dance with a long lance, danced by a great number of men in pairs usually five or six pairs. Baris Gede is performed in temple ceremony, can be found all over of Bali.

BARIS JOJOR. The Baris Jojor is a Baris dance with a long handled lance as its weapon. This dance is performed in temple ceremony in north Bali.

BARIS BAJRA. The Baris Bajra is a Baris dance in which the dancers use a gada (club) as their weapon. This dance is performed in temple ceremony in north Bali especially in Bangli and Buleleng.

BARIS KETEKOK JAGO. Dancer brings black and white check-board patterned lance, and clothes with same color. This dance is performed in cremation ceremony in south Bali especially in Badung and Denpasar. A similar dance in Buleleng is called Baris Bedug while in Gianyar is called Baris Poleng.

BARIS BEDIL. The Baris Bedil is danced in pairs the weapon being imitation of rifle made from wood. This dance is performed in temple ceremony in south Bali especially in Badung and Klungkung.

BARIS DEMANG. The Baris Demang is danced by a group of people the weapons being swords, lance, bow and arrow, etc. this dance represents the character of demang (one of many characters in Gambuh play). The Baris Demang can be found in north Bali especially in Buleleng.

BARIS JANGKANG. The Baris Jangkang is danced in pairs the weapon being long lance. This dance is performed in temple ceremony in south Bali especially in Gianyar, Klungkung (nusa penida) and Bangli.

BARIS KELEMET. The Baris Kelemet is danced in pairs the weapon being a paddle. This dance represents the activities of fisherman. Baris Kelemet is performed in temple ceremony in south Bali especially in Badung.

BARIS KUNING. The Baris Kuning is danced in pairs; the dancers are men in yellow clothes, and weapons being kris and shields. This dance is performed in temple ceremony in north Bali especially in Buleleng.

BARIS GAYUNG. The Baris Gayung is danced by a group of people consist of priests carrying gayung or cantil (holy water container), This dance is performed in temple ceremony in south Bali especially in Badung, Bangli, and Gianyar.

BARIS TENGKLONG. The Baris Tengklong is danced by a group of people the weapon being a sword. It has a dynamic and elegant movement similar to Pencak Silat (Indonesian Matial art) movement. This dance is performed in temple ceremony in Penambangan Badung temple, in Denpasar.

BARIS CINA. The Baris Cina is danced by 18 dancers the weapon being a saber. This dance has unique costume, trouser, shirt, sarong shawl, black spectacles and hat. The dance movement imitates the artistic motion of martial art “Pencak Silat”. The accompanying music is Gong Beri (gong without snout). This dance is performed in temple ceremony in south Bali especially in Khayangan Tiga Temple, Renon village and Belanjong, Sanur (Denpasar).

baris cina

BARIS PENDET. The Baris Pendet is danced in pairs carrying an offering (canang sari) and a fan. This dance is performed in temple ceremony in south Bali especially in Tanjung Bungkak village, Denpasar.

BARIS CEREKUAK. Baris Cerekuak is danced by a group of people depicting the movement of a group of water bird (cerekuak) when searching for their lover. The accompanying music is Batel Gaguntangan. The dancers use a simple cloth with leaves all over their body. This dance is performed in cremation ceremony (Ngaben) in south Bali especially in Tabanan.

BARIS KUPU-KUPU. Baris Kupu-kupu is danced by a group of people imitating the movement of butterfly (kupu-kupu). This dance can be found in south Bali especially in Renon and Lebah village (Denpasar).

BARIS MELAMPAHAN. The Baris dances described above do not tell a story, but the Baris Melampahan is a dance-drama. In the Baris Melampahan heroic strories, usually those from the epic Mahabharata are danced. The distinctive feature of the Baris Melampahan” is that the protagonists wear costumes usually worn in the Baris. Dance, and that they dance the Baris dance style. One wellknown Baris malampahan presents the Arjunawiwaha story. It is not considered a sacred dance, however.

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Dreamland Beach

Forget in moment Kuta, Sanur, and or Nusa Dua. Enjoying Bali only by sand sunning in the coasts not be prestigious anymore. Nowadays, time for you enjoying more challenging exotic and exclusive vacation. Because the coasts only known by a few tourists. The information even also by mouth to mouth. You will not find in reference or travel. Even so maybe its not too much and can be calculated by finger.


Dreamland is on the south side of Bali, about 30 to 40 minutes from Kuta. There are 2 alternative ways to go to Dreamland. You can either go through the Jimbaran Bay area or pass through the Dwipayana University (a well-known public university in Bali); both ways are easy to follow. If you do get lost, ask for directions to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK). It’s a famous cultural park located in Bukit Unggasan, Jimbaran. Here you can find a 75 meter-high and 60-meter wide figure of god Visnu, one of the Trimurti symbols in Hinduism. The status is made by I Nyoman Nuarta, and is now still unfinished. When it is done, it will be taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York!

About 15 minutes from GWK, you will find a big statue of Garuda (the symbol of Indonesia), on the right side of the road. That means you’re just a stone throw’s away from Dreamland Beach. Dreamland Beach is located on a big-deserted property, a failed Pecatu Graha development. You will probably have to pay about Rp 5000 for the entry. When you get to the end of the road, you will be on top of a cliff, with the big blue ocean’s sky in front of you. Look down! That’s Dreamland Beach…

You have to walk a little then down a path of stairs to reach the beach.. Once on the sand, you will find rented umbrellas and beach benches facing the beach. You can also order food and drinks from the local traditional cafés available all around the beach. The cafes might seem common and usual, but many of them actually serve European dishes which is out of the ordinary for this setting. Planning to spend the night? Some of the local cafes offer humble accommodations at a reasonable price (ranged between Rp 50,000 to Rp 200,000 per night). In the evening, enjoy the sunset whilst several tourists build a campfire on the beach, or just play a light game of beach ball. As for me, I prefer swimming offshore and enjoy the sunset from there.
There are not many activities to be done here at night. The electricity is turned off after 10 pm and thus candles are lit to chase away the deep darkness of the night. After having dinner, the best thing you can do is to read a book or have a draft of cold beer. Otherwise, you can go upstairs to where most of the rooms are and enjoy the scenery. The moon’s reflection dancing in a flurry of lights on the ocean’s surface is simply breathtaking. During the peak season (July and December), some of the rooms on this floor will be more packed so at least you are not alone and will have company to chat with along with your own group of friends. It is always interesting meeting other travelers and sharing experiences. When you finally feel like sleeping, go back to your room and snuggle under the blanket. The lullaby of tides breaking on the shore is such a peaceful sound to sleep to. Being in Dreamland is like being in a dream you wish you will never wake up from.

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