A Full day tour with Mr./Mrs Phillips and family (Tim, Mel, Matt, Will, and Nick) at Pura Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave Temple)

Ubud Palace (Article)

Ubud Palace/Puri Saren

Puri Saren Ubud (Ubud Palace) is an Ubud Kingdom Palace with beautiful Balinese traditional houses as a residence of Ubud King. It is set in the center of Ubud Bali with traditional art market just in front of it and it is found by Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel who has commanded from year 1800 - 1823. This palace is an artistic cultural life center, while the traditional market is the symbol of local economics resident. The existence of Puri Saren as a palace is equipped by a Wantilan/auditorium that is a large building of meeting room and a banyan tree as shelter place at the daytime. The traditional market is the place of society economics and its existence is always border on palace as artistic cultural life center. It means that the both pole meeting is describing the dynamics of society and kingdom life.

Places to Visit in Ubud

The tourists who purchase the tour package to Ubud will visit this place and they will feel not complete if they are not invited to visit the Puri Saren (Ubud Palace) and traditional market, because both of these tourist destinations are the soul and identity of Ubud Village itself. The palace is very beautiful with artistically traditional building and contains the high esthetics value. It is situated in the good temperature which can give the ruthless and freshness for every visitor. Some world class painters from Europe have lived in Ubud like Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies, Arie Smith, Antonio Blanko, Hans Snell and others. These entire world class painters through its painting masterpiece have indirectly followed to promote Bali Tourism because theme or their painting objects are about the culture and nature of Bali. Ida Tjokorda Agung Sukawati has exploited his palace as lodge place for his entire respectable guest.

Ubud Palace in Growth

In the year 1928, the Tjampuhan Hotel is founded for all empire's guest and on 1934, this hotel is opened as a lodge for empire's guest and also used as a center place of Pita Maha Organization Activities. Tjampuhan Hotel is an eldest hotel in Ubud with the traditional style. In growth hereinafter, Ubud as a tourism destination is one of tourist area in Gianyar Regency own separate specification.

Tirta Empul Temple (Article)

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.

http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Tampak-Siring.htm

Gunung Kawi Temple (Article)

Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi is a Hindu Temple complex with old omission from the stone era located in Gianyar regency. Based on the inscription of Tengkulak A on 945 saka (Balinese calendar) which is released by Marakata King, the ancient omission complex is located at the Pekerisan River then it is called Katyangan Amarawati. Pekerisan River is also named by Jalu which is according to the inscription chiseled on the above of the biggest temple door sound ‘Haji Lumahing Jalu'. The name of Gunung Kawi is the name given on the omission which is related to the complex of temples because the temple on this area is like the symbol from the mount. There are 3 temples which so called the name as Gunung Kawi in Bali those are Gunung Kawi in Sebatu countryside, Gunung Kawi Temple in Keliki countryside and Gunung Kawi Temple in Babitra countryside. The ancient omission complex of Gunung Kawi is founded on 10 century. It is founded in the era of Udayana about 989 M. At the period of Marakata governance on 1023, the omission which is called Katyagan Amarawati is developed and continued by the governance of Anak Wungsu which is guess lead between the years of 1049 - 1077 M.

The ancient omission complex

It is consisted of 2 types:

Temple Complex.

Temple complex is consisted of 2 consecutions. The consecution in eastside Pekerisan River is consisted of 5 units and the consecution at west side of river is 5 units, in the north is 4 units and 1 unit is located far in south side separate from the others. On the above of the temple consecution in particular to the Eastside River, there is an article of Kediri word type sounding ‘Haji Lumahing Jalu'. Haji means a king, the Lumah means a temple or Sidha Dewata means to return to the nature of deity and Ing Jalu means in Pekerisan. The Jalu mean the Keris literal. The entire words mean that king is made in temple form at Pekerisan. From this article is assumed that this temple is dedicated to Udayana King which is also called Marakata and Anak Wungsu. The temple which is located in the west side of river related to all king concubines. The temples are located far in the south side is attributed to prime minister because in these temple areas existing an article Rakyan which is namely perform for high functionary of empire.

Buddhist Temple Complex

Buddhist Temple Complex is used as a residence and as place for meditation. It is consisted of some nooks and it is located in the cross east of Pakerisan River. Other nooks are located spread out and near the temple bunch.

Gunung Kawi is a famous tourist destination in Bali with its ancient omission so that this place is the right to visit during your vacation in the island.


thanks to http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Gunung-Kawi.htm

Goa Gajah Temple (Article)

GUWA GAJAH 

The writing of Gua or Gowa or Gua and some Guha become an orthographic problem in writing about the name with part of this. Exactly in English means cave. See from the fact it is not correct if we called it cave because the chamber is human made with full of carving on its front face.

The location of this Guwa is at the area of Pejeng village, around 35 kms east of Denpasar city, around 6 kms east of Ubut town, on the slope of Pekerisan river.

The name Goa Gajah ( English = Elephant Cave ) was probably derived from a name mentioned in a scripture called Negara Kertagama written during the reign of His Majesty King Hayam Wuruk of Majapahit kingdom around 1350 AD. In this scripture is mentioned that the king had a hermitage on the slope of a mountain called "Lwa Gajah". Other assumption come from the shape of the cave which entrance is decorated with carving to look like monster, and from a distance look like elephant head. Another said that the name is come after a Ganesha wooden statue which is put in the cave. Ganesha is a mythical son of Shiva, with human body and elephant head.

First excavation was conducted in 1950 based on the surface findings and the scriptures. Before it was excavated the area was totally buried and no indication of the bathing place and the cave. The excavation by National Archaeological Service was successful and could disclose a monumental heritage.

It seems that Goa Gajah is a hermitage place for the Buddhist priest or what is later known as Shiva-Buddha Syncretism, since there is remains of Buddhism and Shivaism such as Lingga-Yoni symbol, and the Hariti Fertile Mother. It was also probable that the oldest Buddhism remains is here, as a Buddhist statue just 25 meters north of the cave was found bearing the same style with those found in Borobudur.

On the wall of the cave was written Sanskrit word with a type of old writing called " Kadiri Quadrate " mentioning " Sahivansa ". It is not known what is the meaning exactly. The writing style was developed during the flourish of Singhasari kingdom in East Java around 1225 AD.

Now the problem still could not be solved is the presence of bathing place with water fountain sculptures. The architecture of this bathing place showing the same style and architecture of those bathing place in East Java called " Belahan " near present Malang city which is already been disclosed that it was built by king Erlangga of Mataram kingdom in the 10th century. It was probable that the site of Goa Gajah has been continuing from 9th century until much later time of 13th century of Majapahit kingdom. One important information from the bathing place in East Java is on it's wall is written " Udayana Gempeng " which means Udayana is dying of love " While the figure Udayana is known as one of the famous king in Bali during 11th century. Historian supposed that the king was falling in love with one of the princess of East Java which was in fact the Princess Mahendradatta that he married and ruling Bali together. The princess was died earlier and was said to have been rested at Burwan, near present day village of Buruan.

An other fact that is very important for Balinese since the marriage of above couple is that, all ancient Balinese language was changed into old Javanese Language, the introduction of Hindu-Javanese Calendar which is consist of 7 days a month, and 210 days a year called the month of " Wuku " This system of dates replaced previous Balinese calendar of Caka year. So also the rituals is coming every 210 days with various rituals within the span of 210 days such as Kajeng Klion, Buda Wage, Tumpek, and so on, while before this it seemed that the temple ritual was every 365 days following the Caka calendar. Since then Balinese conduct the ritual based on Wuku month such as some of the biggest are Galungan, Kuningan, Saraswati and various Tumpek days. It is strongly believed that since this time the most important Holiday of Balinese was started such as Galungan and Kuningan holiday.

On the site of Guwa Gajah is now still a bulk number of stones, the ruins of probably a big construction which is not yet identified weather it is belong to the bathing place or an independent construction and where, considering the area is only small and sloping down to the river, or is probably above on the plain land where now is shopping arcade. It needs a serious research to disclose the site which might give strong light to the completion of Bali hsitory between 9th to 12th century.

I Made Terima.

http://www.balitouring.com/bali_articles/goa_gajah.htm

ATV Ride with Paddy Adventure

ATV is a four-wheel-motorcycle, commonly used to agriculture or recreatition. It's hight-tire-wheels are modified specifically for off-road environment, with 250 cc or 350 cc engine power. Easy to drive on wet condition and reliable control to maneuver jumps.

We have an armada of reliable five-gear-level YAMAHA brand, in both semi automatic and manual clutch. They are designed to yield powerful performance with outstanding balance even on high speed level. If you follow instruction and ride carefully, it's guaranteed to be an unforgettable and exciting journey.

We are pioneer to ATV ride in the Island and take pride on our thrilling adrenalin-pumping adventure. Since 1998, we have been striving to achieve high customer satisfaction, pursuit on excellence with uncompromised safety standard. We located in Tabanan regency, right on the feet of Batukaru Mountain, famous for its breathtaking scenery of largest paddy terrace Bali. Lots of rain provides fresh pleasent weather ( under 25 degree C ) and thrilling route all year long. Challenge yourself to an exhilarating adventure in the Island of the Gods.

With its power it can passed which motor cycle commonly doesn't . It is YAMAHA product that has five gear level. Some used semi automatic clutch and another used manual clutch. It is balance, it can not turn upside down except you turning suddenly very sharp with high speed. If you followed its instruction and ride carefully , it has exciting journey.

Paddy Adventure is a company which provided its off road adventure. It taking location at Tabanan regency exactly in the bottom of Batukaru Mountain. Here its weather is under 20 degree and almost get rain every afternoon. Paddy terraces and beautiful view is remind us that Tabanan is the most of rice field in Bali.

ATV Ride

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Ride

Are you bored with the usual adventure activities? Want to get more challenge? Or you love the world of auto-adventure and want to do in Bali? Here we have a solution. ATV Riding, one in Bali adventure tours using imported motor and a track specially designed for you who likes challenges and adventures. ATV Motor is specially made so easily be ridden by anyone, even though you have never ride a motorbike. The trek through which a specially-created with several obstacles and still does not eliminate the element of the natural beauty of the natural charm of Bali.

Simak

Baca secara fonetik

Sea Walker

Bali Sea Walker

This Sea Walker tour is available at Sanur. It is very suitable for you who like to adventure under the sea and could see the fish life and beautiful underwater plants. With Seawalker tour, you don't need to know how to swim or have a certificate as well as diving. Equipped with a special helmet and oxygen, you will be able to walk and breathe just like on the mainland. You don't even need to take off your glasses. Children can join become participants.

Camel Safari

Camel Safari
Ride a camel in the side part of the beach with its white sand of Nusa Dua and the nature around it with some of the temples there. The camel have been trained to adapt to people and the environment. And also you will be accompanied by professional tamers to guide you along the safari. All the animals that they use are become accustomed to serve the guest from the different age.

Location: Near Nikko Hotel and Resort Nusa Dua - Bali

Jimbaran Sunset Dinner

"Jimbaran Grill Seafood - with Balinese Sauce"
Come and enjoy Balinese Seafood at Jimbaran Beach restaurants while the sun goes down.

The moment that you won't forget.

Why in Jimbaran ?
Kedonganan bay or jimbaran bay still interesting for people who would like to enjoy fresh seafood with beautifull panorama of sunset, Beeing a part of legendaries indian ocean Jimbaran Bay offers you a complete activites of seafood product, by half kilometres to the International Ngurah Rai airport its make jimbaran bay different than others.

Trekking

Trekking with Bobby and Michelle (US) in Payangan village near Ubud-Bali. It took around 4 hours walking down the river through the rice field. The scenery was so beautiful and we saw many tropical trees and people who live in the village. Something you don't wanna miss while you are in Bali

Place of Interest

- Bali Bird Park (www.bali-bird-park.com)
- Bali Reptile Park
- Bali Zoo
- Safari and Marine Park
- Turtle Island
- Bungy Jumping
- Waterbom Park

ACTIVITIES

During your holiday, you can try many activities or adventures available in Bali that makes your holiday more enjoyable and memorable. These are some activities you might be interested in:

1. Elephant Riding/Safari
2. White water rafting and tubing
3. Mountain & Village Cycling
4. Mountain Trekking
5. Horse Riding
6. VW Safari
7. ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) Riding
8. Parasailing
9. Banana Boat, jetski,
10. Diving & Snorkeling
11. Fishing, Turtle Island Tour, Dolphin Watching

And if you feel little bit tired after you done those activities, you can have your relaxation time in Spa or massage.

Tour Program 2

Ubud Tour
This tour will drive you to the most important destination in Ubud area. Ubud is located in Gianyar Regency which is known as regency of arts. Many arts are found in this area, for example: painting, stone and wood carving, textile dance and drama, and many kind of handicrafts. There are also many temples can be visited during the tour.

Batubulan Village - Batubulan is well known as the center of stone carvings and traditional dances (Barong dance and Kecak dance). But nowadays it is also the place of Batik Textile factory and shop and souvenirs. Here, divinities and demons are carved from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples. You can visit workshops to watch the artist work.
Celuk Village - The village of Celuk is noted for its gold and silver-work of jewelery made using age-old technique.
Bali Bird Park (Taman Burung) - It houses more than a thousand birds from all over Indonesia. One of the park's objectives is to try and breed endangered species, the Bali Mynah (Jalak Bali) for example. If ornithology doesn't interest you much, you will be impressed by the two hectares of tropical garden.
Mas - famous of its wood carvings where many of Bali's old masters still live. Art galleries exhibit some of their best work. Visitor can go through the Balinese-style houses to view the carved wooden pillars and the artists instructing their apprentices.
Ubud Monkey Forest - The main attraction here are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that inhabit both the trees and the temple on site. Visitors should be aware that the monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so camera, jewelery, hat, sunglasses, etc should be kept well hidden or given an extra attention.
Ubud - Famous for its artist and painters, Ubud is a one-stop destination if you want to enrich you artistic side or simply enjoy the beauty of its natural surroundings. Ubud gives you more choice for your shopping experience and also relaxes you from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Elephant Safari Park in Taro - Nowhere else in Bali can you awaken to awe-inspiring views of Sumatran Elephants starting their day, from your very own balcony. All of the twenty-seven magnificent creatures were rescued from deforestation in central and southern Sumatra to live in this international acclaimed sanctuary where the meaning of "Respect for the animals is the most important thing" is sincere and obvious. This park is operated by Bali Adventure Tours.
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) Temple - The temple is located near Ubud village, about 15 minutes from the center. Dating from 11th century, there are conflicting opinions as to whether this cave was originally a Buddhist or a Hindu hermitage. Although not very large, it boast interesting carvings.

Tour Program 1

Kintamani Tour
A full day tour drives you to visit some interesting places and temples and we will drive through Batubulan, Celuk, Mas, Tegallalang, Tampaksiring and Kintamani. On this tour, we will visit:

Barong and Keris Dance – this is basically a story about the struggle between good and evil. Good is personified by the Barong, a strange, fun-loving creature in the shape of a shaggy semi-lion. Evil is represented by Rangda, a witch.
Rice Terrace - It is located at Ceking Tegallang, where you can see a beautiful terraced rice field.
Tirta Gunung Kawi Temple (Sebatu) - A water temple dedicated to the Rice Goddess. Near the temple grounds is a small spring-fed lake with sacred gold fishes, which are said to be the guardians of the spirit of the spring.
Gunung Kawi Temple (Tampaksiring) - Set in a revine in Tampaksiring, the temple 'Candis' are carved into the rock face. There are five Royal Tombs at the rear of the temple complex.
Tirta Empul Temple (Tampaksiring) - Considered the holiest spring in Bali, this temple is frequently visited by Balinese seeking for mental cleansing and physical healing. Tirta Empul temple is built around the sacred spring at Tampaksiring. Over 1,000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been valued by the people because of the spring water's curative power. Regular ceremonies are held here for purification. Specialties of this area are bone and ivory carvings.
Ulun Danu Temple (Batur) - The second most important temple after Besakih temple, housing more than 90 shrines. Worth visiting at anytime of year, especially during the Odalan festival, usually on March depending on the full moon, which is dedicated to the goddess of the crater of the crater lake, who is said to control the irrigation systemfor the entire island.
Kintamani - The first glimpse of the barren slope of Mt. Batur is enough to entice the indifference. The gushing wind of fresh mountain air can make everyone realizes that Kintamani could possibly be a piece of heaven on earth. The view is amazing, but note that Kintamani also has its own group of hawkers that can easily irritate you.
Mount Batur - The historically active Mt. Batur is located at the center of two concentric calderas northwest of Mt. Agung. The southeast side of the caldera contains caldera lake. The wall of the inner calderas lies beneath lake Batur, while the Batur cone has been constructed within the inner caldera to the height above the caldera rim. The first historically documented eruption of Batur was in 1804 and it has been frequently active since then. The caldera is populated with locals largely relying on agriculture for income but tourism has become increasingly popular due to relatively straightforward trek to the summit of the central crater.
Bali Agrotourism Garden - This is the place where you can see the spices garden and tropical plants such as coffee, cocoa, jackfruit, snakeskin fruit, vanilla, banana, etc. You can even taste Balinese Coffee drink for free and Luwak (Civet) coffee.
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) Temple - The temple is located near Ubud village, about 15 minutes from the center. Dating from 11th century, there are conflicting opinions as to whether this cave was originally a Buddhist or a Hindu hermitage. Although not very large, it boast interesting carvings.

Introduction

Dear visitors,

Hi, My name is I Made Virsuyama, but you can call me "Yama". I'm from Sukawati village, Gianyar regency-Bali which is known as the art Regency in Bali. I proudly present to you the most experiencing moment when you stay in Bali. I'm glad to introduce myself as a person who can drive you wherever you'd like to go around Bali. I've been driving for 9 years, not quite long, but I'm familiar with many major tourism objects in Bali. I also know several places where people don't usually visit due to location too far from the hotel where they're staying, or time period is too long to reach. But for someone who likes journey and to explore the island, it might be a good thing to do. You can also customize your own tour as you've been to Bali before, just let me know and I'll try my best to help you enjoy your trip. I'm a kind of person who is open to suggestions and very friendly so you don't really need a hard argue about how much time and how much money you'll spend for the tour or trip. Everything is negotiable here. Well, if you're interested so far, don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail or my mobile. Have a nice holiday, I'm waiting....