Yeh Panes Tabanan

Orang Bali menyebut Air Panas Penatahan dengan nama Yeh Panes. Yeh dalam Bahasa Bali artinya air, dan panes artinya panas. Air Panas Penatahan terletak di Desa Penatahan, Kecamatan Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan. Jaraknya sekitar 34 km dari Denpasar atau 13 km dari Kota Tabanan. Sumber air panas ini berada di tepi Sungai Yeh Ho dan di antara pepohonan yang rindang. Suasana di sekitar air panas cukup sejuk dan asri. Air panas di Sumber Air Panas Penatahan ini sudah dialirkan ke dalam beberapa kolam dan bak mandi kecil. Ada dua buah kolam berendam dan empat buah bak mandi kecil di Air Panas Penatahan. Dua kolam berendam tersebut dipagari bilik bambu dan ada pintunya. Di dalam kolam tersebut ada pancuran air hangat dan pancuran air dingin untuk bilas. Air panas di Air Panas Penatahan ini sangat baik untuk mandi atau berendam karena mengandung belerang sehingga bisa menghilangkan pegal-pegal dan menyembuhkan berbagai penyakit kulit.

Yeh Panes merupakan tempat yang indah dan damai, dengan alamnya yang masih lestari, hijau dan segar, serta dengan keadaan geografisnya yang berbukit-bukit yang memberikan pemandangan yang indah nan permai. Disamping itu, bila kita melihat sekitarnya maka tampaklah alam yang mempesona, dengan terasering dan persawahan disertai dengan padinya yang menguning, yang kesemuanya itu dapat kita lihat pada sepanjang sungai Ho ini. Pada lokasi Yeh Panes, akan dijumpai air terjun dengan anginnya yang segar dan tak kalah pentingnya sumber air panas yang muncul di tengah pura/dibawah pohon beringin yang berkhasiat dapat menyembuhkan penyakit kulit dan sekarang disekitarnya dibuatkan Natural Hot Springs & Spa yang dikelola profesional. Dengan dilatarbelakangi oleh Gunung Watukaru yang membiru membuat suasana Yeh Panes menjadi sejuk dan nyaman, semua itu sangat cocok untuk berekreasi (bersantai) untuk menghilangkan semua duk dan masalah.

Yeh Panes terletak di Desa Penataan, Kecamatan Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, jarak tempuh dari Denpasar ke lokasi lebih kurang 41 Km memerlukan waktu lebih kurang 1 jam dengan kendaraan roda empat. Lokasinya dekat Pura Batukaru, Jati Luwih, Bedugul, Alas Kedaton dan Tanah Lot serta Puri Kerambitan. Kendaraan Umum dapat dicari di Terminal Tuakilang Tabanan.

Yeh Panes Natural Hot Springs & Spa, dinyatakan sehat untuk mandi oleh Laboratorium Daerah, menjual segala produk/fasilitas seperti : Spa dengan air belerangnya yang dapat menampung 58 orang, Pool dengan air yang jernih dan segar, Restourant dengan segala jenis masakannya seperti Chinese, Indonesia, Japanese, European, Italian, dan khusus dengan menu Vegetarian, Bar dengan minuman yang khas, dan Room (kamar) sebanyak 16 kamar. Disamping itu tersedia pula program-program yang merupakan pelengkap fasilitas seperti : Trekking, Saikling, Jogging, dan Yoga Semadi, Senam Kesegaran Jasmani, Message, Stage, Confrence Room, Catering, Memancing dan Pasar Senggol.

Yeh Panes Natural Hot Spring & Spa, kian hari, makin dikenal oleh masyarakat baik lokal maupun asing. Keramaian pengunjung kadang mencapai puncaknya pada hari-hari raya, hari libur dan bahkan pada setiap upacara di Pura Batukaru yang jatuh setiap 210 hari tepatnya pada Umanis Galungan, kesibukan akan dapat terlihat dari mobil-mobil yang parkir di tempat parkir yang cukup luas sehingga segala hambatan dan ketertiban dapat selalu diawasi.


Information :
Harga tiket masuk Rp. 5000 perjam

Fasilitias :
4 kolam kecil lainnya berada di bawah kolam berendam. Keempat kolam kecil ini dibatasi dengan sekat tembok tetapi tidak dilengkapi dengan pintu. Untuk berendam di kolam/bak kecil ini pengunjung tidak perlu membayar lagi.

Ubud

Ubud adalah sebuah tempat peristirahatan di daerah kabupaten Gianyar, pulau Bali, Indonesia.

Ubud terutama terkenal di antara para wisatawan mancanegara karena lokasi ini terletak di antara sawah dan hutan yang terletak di antara jurang-jurang gunung yang membuat alam sangat indah. Selain itu Ubud dikenal karena seni dan budaya yang berkembang sangat pesat dan maju. Denyut nadi kehidupan masyarakat Ubud tidak bisa dilepaskan dari kesenian. Di sini banyak pula terdapat galeri-galeri seni, serta arena pertunjukan musik dan tari yang digelar setiap malam secara bergantian di segala penjuru desa.

Sudah sejak tahun 1930-an, Ubud terkenal di antara wisatawan barat. Kala itu pelukis Jerman; Walter Spies dan pelukis Belanda; Rudolf Bonnet menetap di sana. Mereka dibantu oleh Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, dari Puri Agung Ubud. Sekarang karya mereka bisa dilihat di Museum Puri Lukisan, Ubud.

Ubud memiliki kawasan wisata yang sangat beragam, dari wisata wana hingga wisata tirta tersebar di kawasan Ubud, diantaranya adalah:

Museum Rudana dan Rudana Fine Art Gallery

Museum Rudana merupakan museum seni yang berlokasi di Ubud, Bali, yang didirikan oleh Nyoman Rudana, seorang kolektor lukisan yang juga duduk sebagai anggota Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (DPD) mewakili Propinsi Bali periode 2004 2009 dan diresmikan oleh Presiden Soeharto tanggal 26 Desember 1995. Museum ini menyimpan lebih dari 400 buah lukisan dan patung hasil karya para seniman, baik dari Bali, seniman Indonesia di luar Bali maupun karya para seniman asing yang menjadikan Bali sebagai tempatnya berkarya. Berada dalam satu kompleks, berdiri Rudana Fine Art Gallery yang didirikan pada tahun 1978 dan merupakan cikal bakal berdirinya Museum Rudana.

Museum Puri Lukisan

Adalah sebuah museum seni rupa pertama, yang dikelola oleh swasta, di Bali. Diprakarsai oleh Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad serta seniman asing yang menetap di Ubud, Rudolf Bonnet. Berdiri pada 31 Januari 1956 dibawah naungan Yayasan Ratna Warta, dan di buka secara resmi oleh Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, Muhammad Yamin.

Di museum ini bisa dinikmati perkembangan seni rupa di Ubud, baik seni lukis maupun seni pahat. Beberapa karya dari para seniman asing yang berkarya di Ubud seperti: Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies, Arie Smit serta maestro lokal seperti I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, I Gusti Made Deblog, Ida Bagus Made dan yang lainnya. Termasuk juga karya seni rupa pada masa Pita Maha.

Puri Agung Ubud

Puri Agung Ubud Krisnakusuma terletak tepat di jantung kota Ubud. Merupakan pusat pemerintahan Kerajaan Ubud pada zaman dahulu, serta sebagai pusat kegiatan seni budaya dan adat, yang diadakan di tepat di depan puri. Puri Ubud masih memiliki tata ruang dan bangunan yang dipertahankan seperti aslinya. Di halaman depan, setelah pintu gerbang, terdapat area yang disebut Ancak Saji. Disini seminggu sekali diadakan pertunjukan seni tari, bagi wisatawan. Dan setiap hari, dilaksanakan latihan gamelan dari berbagai kelompok seni musik yang ada di Ubud. Semua aktivitas seni semakin mengentalkan suasana Ubud sebagai sebuah desa yang berwawasan kesenian.

Wanara Wana

Wanara Wana atau Hutan Kera, (lebih dikenal dengan Monkey Forest) adalah kawasan hutan sakral yang terdapat di kawasan Ubud, tepatnya masuk ke dalam wilayah desa adat Padangtegal, Ubud. Di hutan ini terdapat sekawanan kera yang jumlahnya ratusan, yang telah menghuni kawasan ini selama ratusan tahun. Di kawasan ini terdapat pula Pura Dalem Padangtegal, yang didirikan pada awal abad ke-20. Pura tersebut memiliki arsitektur serta ornamen yang sangat kuno dan artistik. Anda juga bisa mencari mata air suci di bawah Patung Komodo yg tersembunyi, yg mana bila diminum, dipecaya dapat menyembuhkan segala jenis penyakit.

Arung Jeram

Di wilayah barat Ubud, terdapat Tukad (Kali) Ayung. Di sungai ini banyak aktivitas wisata tirta, di antaranya adalah arung jeram dan berkayak. Terdapat beberapa jasa wisata tirta yang menawarkan layanan ini. Selain wisata tirta, di sepanjang tebing Tukad Ayung juga memiliki pemandangan alam yang memikat, dan terdapat puluhan hotel berbintang.


Information :

HOTEL
1. Puri Wulandari - A Boutique Resort & Spa
2. Kamandalu Resort and Spa
3. Ubud Green

Museum & Gallery
1. Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA), Jl Pengosekan,+62 361 975742 (info@armamuseum.com),9AM-5PM.
2. Blanco Renaissance Museum, Jl Raya Campuhan, +62 361 975502. 9AM-6PM daily.
3. Neka Art Museum, Jl Raya Sanggingan, Kedewatan, +62 361 975074 (info@museumneka.com),9AM-5PM.

Tourism Information Office :
Bina Wisata, Jl Raya Ubud (di barat pasar ubud), +62 361 973285

Alas Kedaton

Objek wisata bali, yang bernama alas kedaton ini terletak di desa Kukuh kurang lebih 4 km dari kota Tabanan. alas kedaton terdapat sebuah pura yang mempunyai dua keunikan yang sangat menarik.

Lokasi
Alas Kedaton terletak di desa Kukuh Kecamatan Marga + 4 km dari kota Tabanan. Desa Kukuh terbagi atas 7 dusun dan 12 banjar adat. Sebagian besar warga menggeluti pertanian di mana sebagian besar waktunya digunakan untuk menggeluti sektor lain seperti pertukangan, pegawai atau buruh.

Pura kedaton memiliki empat pintu masuk ke dalam Pura yaitu dari barat yang merupakan pintu masuk utama yang lainnya dari Utara, Timur dan dari Selatan yang ke semuanya menuju ke halaman tengah. Berbeda dengan pura pura lainnya yang ada di Bali. Keunikan yang kedua adalah halaman pura Alas kedaton dalam yang merupakan tempat paling di sucikan berada lebih rendah dari halaman tengah dan luar. Tempat suci pura Alas kedaton ini dikelilingi oleh hutan yang dihuni oleh sekelompok kera yang dikeramatkan oleh masyarakat sekitar Objek wisata Bali ini. di Alas kedaton selain hidup sekelompok kera juga terdapat sekelompok kalong yang hidup bergantungan.

Tinjauan sejarah

piodalan di Pura Alas kedaton ini adalah jatuh pada hari Selasa (Anggara Kasih) dau puluh hari setelah Hari Raya Galungan. Yang mana upacara dimaksud dimulai pada siang hari dan harus sudah selesai sebelum matahari terbenam. Pura ini sering pula disebut Pura Alas Kedaton atau Pura Dalem Kahyangan. Objek wisata bali alas kedaton juga di huni oleh sekumpulan kera yang sudah jinak, akan tetapi jika anda Liburan bali ke kedaton perlu di waspadai juga karena kera kera tersebut bisa saja jahat dan barang bawaan anda harus tetap di perhatikan, ini akan sangat berpengaruh pada kenyamanan Tour bali anda objek wisata bali ini sangat dekat dengan tanah lot sehingga anda bisa merencanakan Bali tour anda ke Tanah lot setelah Alas kedaton.

Mount Agung

Gunung Agung adalah gunung tertinggi di pulau Bali dengan ketinggian 3.142 mdpl. Gunung ini terletak di kecamatan Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem - Bali.

Gunung Agung adalah gunung berapi tipe stratovolcano, gunung ini memiliki kawah yang sangat besar dan sangat dalam yang kadang-kadang mengeluarkan asap dan uap air. Dari Pura Besakih gunung ini nampak dengan kerucut runcing sempurna, tetapi sebenarnya puncak gunung ini memanjang dan berakhir pada kawah yang melingkar dan lebar.

Dari puncak gunung Agung kita dapat melihat puncak Gunung Rinjani yang berada di pulau Lombok di sebelah timur, meskipun kedua gunung tertutup awan karena kedua puncak gunung tersebut berada di atas awan, kepulauan Nusa Penida di sebelah selatan beserta pantai-pantainya, termasuk pantai Sanur serta gunung dan danau Batur di sebelah barat laut.

Masyarakat Hindu Bali percaya bahwa Gunung Agung adalah tempat bersemayamnya dewa-dewa, dan juga masyarakat mempercayai bahwa digunung ini terdapat istana dewata. Oleh karena itu, masyarakat bali menjadikan tempat ini sebagai tempat kramat yang disucikan.

Gunung Agung
Ketinggian	3.124 meter (10.308 kaki)
Garis Lintang	8° 342′ LS
Garis Bujur	115° 508′ BT
Lokasi	Bali, Indonesia
Jenis	stratovolcano
Letusan terakhir	1964
Listing	Ribu

Hindu Religion

The main religion practiced in Bali is a form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma, where the Hindu it self is consisted of some religious sect, but in Bali all of Balinese are Hindu Ciwa. The two religions (Hindu and Buddhist) arrive from Java and some extend from India during the 8 th to 16 th centuries. The main symbol of Balinese Hinduism is the Swastika or wheel of the sun. An important belief is that elements of nature are influenced by spirit, which has been appeased. As such offerings (Sesajen) made from agriculture product are offered to this spirit. It is believed that Mount Agung is the abode of the gods and the ancestors. As such, it is revered as the `mother` mountain and is highly sacred to the Balinese.

The religion in Bali is according to three principles those are Desa (place), Kala (time) and Patra (circumstance). Five pillars of faith acknowledge Hinduism. They are believe in the one Supreme God (Sang Hyang Whidi Wasa), belief in the soul as the universal principle of life and consciousness (atma), belief in the fruition of one`s deeds ( karma pala ), belief in the process of birth and death (samsara), and belief in ultimate release (moksa). The religious rites of the Balinese consist of the human rites (Manusa Yadnya), the rites of the dead (Pitra Yadnya), rites of the gods or temple rites (Dewa Yadnya), rites of the demonic forces (Buta Yadnya ) and ordainment rites (Rsi Yadnya). Holy water, fire, ash, geese, duck, eggs and dabdab tree leave are purifying elements used in the ritual. The Balinese are extremely devout and no day goes by without making offerings to the gods. These daily offerings - called Banten are a major part of Balinese life. You will see these offerings nearly everywhere in Bali . Made of flowers, cigarettes, cookies, rice and even sometimes money (the actual items used are not as important as the process of making and offering it to the spirits) these offerings are given to the good spirits in hopes of continued prosperity as well as to the evil spirits as an appeasement.

Mebanjar

Banjar is a group of social community that has band of area, activities and social life. The purpose of Banjar is to held each other in line with the social activities like wedding ceremony, people death, take a part of refurbishment of temple, road, cleanliness of the area, security protection and do all the activities together in economic, social and ritual field. The Banjar is lead by Klian Banjar, which is consisted of 50 - 200 family leaders.

Tri Hita Karana

The Balinese Concept is fundamental from the Hindu Religion concept, which is more popular called TRI HITA KARANA where nowadays this concept is becomes the point of the hotel, restaurant and other building assessment in the world. The Balinese Traditional Architecture is not only monumentally, but also has the aspect philosophies and religious. The cosmogony is oneness of three worlds (Tri Bhuana) which is called Bhuhloka, Bhwahloka, and Swahloka. Each of this world (Loka) has habitants it self.

Tri Hita Karana Concept for Life
In addition of this three concepts cosmogony, it is also own contextual with Hindu Religion Concept, which is called Tri Hita Karana (three of the harmony, balance to create the peaceful and happiness). Tri Hita Karana word is come from Sansekerta Language that has meaning to keep the harmony and balance between human to God, human-to-human and human to environment. These three concepts is most popular in Bali spread out as follows:

PARHYANGAN
Parhyangan is one of the three concept related to the god. On this stage, the human is demanded to keep the harmony and balance with god. This concept has huge meaning where the Balinese discipline and full confidence to do this. It is not only including to pray at the temple, however it is cover all the activities which has a good thing in the life like build the temple, cleaning the temple, keep the religion symbols well a lot of thing we can do on this concept.

PAWONGAN
Pawongan in this concept is required to keep the harmony and balance between human to human and this concept has emphasized how to keep good relation with others. The simple ways to execute the implementation of this concept are to conduct three good things like to think the good thing, to speak the good thing and to conduct the good thing. By conducting three good things that is called Tri Kaya Parisuda, it is ensure we can conduct this concept.

PELEMAHAN
Palemahan, this word is come from lemah that is meaning the land or environment. Generally the Pelemahan in Tri Hita Karana is all aspect related to the environment. Base on this concept the Balinese has treated the environment well and they believe that the good environment will give their life better. Once example the Balinese treat the environment that on the Tumpek Uduh based on the Balinese calendar, the Balinese give the offering to the tree with the purpose that the tree has given them prosperity and a lot of thing they can do to keep the harmony and balance with the environment.

Otonan

Month by month has gone by and another year is coming. Time is so significant to humans when he performs action and writes down his story of life. When having arrived at certain point, he may need a short break for an introspection and commemoration of beautiful moment in his lifetime. Yes, it’s commonly known as birthday, an annual celebration of the day on which one was born.

Etymologically, there may have been a common ‘misperception’ here where birthday in the Gregorian calendar should be celebrated on the same day as the word suggests and not the same date (shoul be birth date). On the contrary, otonan in the Balinese (Hindu) tradition is similar thing but of different context. This one is celebrated every 210 days on the same day based on Javano-Balinese wuku year. So, it can be said a real birthday. For example, if one was born on Wednesday (day) Kliwon (five-day week) Dungulan (one of thirty wukus), he will celebrate his otonan on the same day as above.

Another difference between the two is the dating system, particularly on the starting point of new date. If the Gregorian starts at 00:01, the wuku at the sunrise. Sometimes, there is also misunderstanding among some Balinese to determine the day of a baby that was born at dawn, let’s say on Wednesday Kliwon Dungulan at 04:00. Based on Gregorian calendar, the day and date have belonged to the next (Thursday) and will become its ‘birth date’ later. However, its otonan should not follow this calendar system, but as the baby was born at 04:00, it should belong to Wednesday (Buda) based on the wuku system. This misdating may often inflict mistakes in determining his otonan day and its character does not accord with the Hindu astrology. This then needs something like ritual adjustment in Hindu belief to the appropriate day through an exorcism rite as mentioned in palm-leaf manuscript that commonly used as reference like Wrehaspati Kalpa.

Otonan in Balinese tradition is actually a private and comprehensive ritual that only celebrated by the family internally. By certain kinds of oblation, the ritual is intended for one’s inner and outer self along with his kanda empat or four companions that are believed to accompany him since birth to the end of lifetime and even the period after death. They are expressed in personification as amniotic fluid, vernix cascosa, the afterbirth and the blood. In Hindu belief, the names of the four companions will change in keeping with the increasing age of the human self and so are the places where they indwell. The four will loyally keep the self in this world. If ‘spiritual’ communication and empowerment run well among the five, one will never feel fearful wherever he goes and can do healing. As loyal and eternal companions, too, they will accompany the self around the clock. By doing this, they will know every single deed of the self during its interaction with corporeal body. After death, on facing the court of Yama, no facts can be hidden or no lies can be told, as the four companions will deliver the true witness.

In essence, otonan is an immensely important celebration for the Hindus. It constitutes right moment to reorganize, encourage the relationship of human self with the four integrated companions as the otonan contains two dimensional aspects, both sekala (visible) and niskala (invisible). By this, it is also expected to promote harmony between the body with soul and finally reach eternal bliss here and after.

Paintings

The beauty and variety of Balinese paintings have gained the admiration of the tourists. The island boasts major centers of dramatic art such as Batuan, Ubud and Pengosekan. Kamasan, near Klungkung is also the place identical with the traditional form of Balinese paintings.

Previously, the portraits of classic Hindu epics dominated the form of Balinese paintings. During that period, the painting was made on langse or ider-ider. Langse is a wide rectangular cloth, which is used to paint while ider-ider is much narrower. Langse and ider-ider were used to decorate the temples. Wooden boards were also material used to paint in the past.

In the early of 20th Century, western artists contributed tremendous support for the fresh approach in painting. With Ubud as the headquarter, Walter Spies and Rudolph Bonnet promoted painting as an art appearance and donated materials to the local Balinese, who began to paint naturalistic sights reflecting Balinese daily activities and traditions.

Anticipating tourism's negative impact on the quality of art, Ubud artists established the Pita Maha association in 1930s. The association tried to make all artists aware of the need to maintain artistic excellence and to exhibit work outside of Bali.

There are some characteristics of Balinese paintings. Kamasan, as one of the prime center of art, has its own style. East Javanese wayang (puppet) art is reflected on most of the paintings. Now, as the wayang tradition is kept alive, tourists can still discover people who are dedicated to painting in the customary wayang style. One of the pioneer in wayang tradition preservation is I Nyoman Mandra, famous Kamasan artist. Other prime center of art, Batuan, the artists, such as I Wayan Bendi, Ni Wayan Warti and I Made Budi often describes a statement about life in Bali, from traditional village activities to foreigners in Bali. Prior to this generation, Batuan artist such as Ida Bagus Made Togog and Ida Bagus Made Wija express their sense of art through the portrayal of supernatural side of Bali.

Another style, Keliki, has a different type in size. Keliki paintings are only 20 cm by 15 cm in size. Mythical and characters from Ramayana epics dominate the scene of the style.

In the direction of Pengosekan, the paintings are more realistic with natural creatures such as birds, insects and plants featured. The Ubud style is even more expressive but of course, the artists still retain traditional characters. Some of famous Ubud artists are Anak Agung Gede Sobrat, Gusti Ketut Kobot, Made Sukada, Ida Bagus Made and Dewa Putu Bedil.

In these villages, highly praised local artists live and burgeon. One of the most famous Balinese artists is I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (1862-1978), had an extensive range of talents in many media, including painting, sculpture and architecture. With his extraordinary talent, Lempad created masterpieces that gained international recognition.

Even some well-established foreign artists have chosen to make these centers their home. They include Antonio Blanco, Arie Smit, Hans Snel, Le Mayeur and Walter Spice. The existence of them influenced local artists in that area. The use of flamboyant colors gave a more expressive nuance in the paintings created by the next generation Balinese painters such as I Wayan Pugur, I Ketut Tagen, I Nyoman Londo and Ketut Soki.

Textiles

Bali has a rich textile industry. Endek woven is recognized from its abstract pattern and vivid shade. Many industrial units in Gianyar carry out unofficial tours to observe the process in which white threads are passed through a multifaceted dyeing process into configurations of color.

Tenganan, a small village in the eastern part of Bali is fame for its infrequent and sole woven, named Geringsing (without sickness). Balinese considers geringsing, as sanctified textiles and wears it in numerous main ritual ceremonies such as tooth filing and cremation.

In Bali, many imported textiles from Sumatera, Java, Sumba, Flores etc can be easily found around Kuta or Legian.

Stone Carving

Bali is a treasure throve of stone sculptures. The Balinese who is also very skillful at sculpting and engraving stone, especially the archetypal volcanic stone of the island, carry on the eternal tradition of excellent craftsmanship using long-established iconography passed on from one age group to the next.

Most of the temples in Bali, as well as the public buildings, are made of fabulously sculpted stone. Sculpted stone statues (normally sanctified metaphors of the Hindu spiritualities) are used extensively to embellish section of adoration, but can also be found along the lanes, on the angles, in the gardens and in the Balinese homes.

The village of Batubulan is the center of stone carving in Bali. While Celuk, is distinguished by homes and shops producing silver and gold objects such as rings, bracelets, etc lining the roadside.

Another famous village for its admirable metal craft is Kamasan. Now, the village of Kamasan is still the midpoint for Balinese courts arts, producing objects of silver and gold for ritual practice.

Wood Carving

Bali maintains a unique tradition for its highly prized woodcarvings by museums and international collectors. During the monetary crisis, it has given a tremendous contribution to the economic sector.

The artistic production of woodcarvings is varied from mythological and legendary carvings to carvings of natural and biological creatures such as flowers, animals, etc. Balinese woodcarvers are also famous for their creativity in producing antique furniture. Western touch also plays a significant role in the development of woodcarving in Bali, which is now more groundbreaking. Ketut Nongos, I Nyoman Cokot and Ida Bagus Nyana are among famous name of carvers in Bali.

In Bali, wood ornaments can be found in many Bali's public buildings and houses. Scenes of mythical and legendary characters decorate windows, door, and pillars as the objective to prevent evil intruders.

Bali is famed for ornately decorated T (mask), carved soft wood masks painted and adorned with coconut fiber and used in sacred temple ritual play. The village of Mas is best known for its intricate woodcarvings and masks. One example of artistic temple carving is Pura Puseh (Puseh Temple) in Batuan.

Gunung Batukaru

Gunung Batukaru (2200 m ) merupakan gunung tertinggi kedua ke gunung Agung ( 3142 m ). Kata Batukaru diterjemahkan berarti, " The Coconut Shell Rock ". Gunung Batukaru merupakan gunung berapi punah.

Trekking ke puncak Batukaru adalah 6 - 7 jam perjalanan ke puncak, dan 5 jam untuk kembali. Sebuah menengah untuk tingkat tinggi kebugaran diperlukan - itu bisa sangat curam di bagian mendaki. Sebuah perjalanan pulang hari harus dimulai sekitar jam 6 pagi untuk memberikan waktu untuk kembali di siang hari. Atau, malam di atas menginap di KTT di tenda-tenda atau di bawah bintang-bintang dapat membuat perjalanan pengalaman yang lebih menyenangkan. Catatan: berjalan ini tidak dianjurkan untuk anak di bawah 10 tahun.

Apa yang Akan Anda Lihat
Perjalanan ke puncak untuk sebagian besar adalah dinaungi oleh hutan hujan tropis. Jejak sempit dan membukanya. Anda akan naik dari 700 m naik ke 2200 m. Anda akan melewati candi-candi gunung kecil di jalan, yang hanya bisa dimasuki jika Anda mengenakan sabuk seorang.
Catatan: Wanita haid tidak diijinkan untuk memasuki pekarangan kuil.

Di perjalanan Anda akan melihat pohon-pohon raksasa Gambar, Anggrek asli, epifit dan luar biasa Pandanas pohon. Panduan Anda akan memilih makanan asli semak bagi Anda untuk mencoba. Meskipun ini adalah rumah dari rusa kecil ( Kijang ), kucing liar ( musang ) dan Rhesus / Leaf makan monyet -satunya bukti kemungkinan bahwa Anda akan lihat adalah kotoran mereka di jalan. Dari puncak pada hari yang cerah Anda akan melihat kawah Batukaru, danau-danau Bedugul, Lombok, Jawa dan Bali. Anda mungkin menemukan Anda berada di atas awan...

Sourced from : http://www.baliecolodge.com/batukaru.htm

Mount Batur

Mount Batur, located less than an hour from north Bangli, is a mall volcano that still active in this island. Created by an eruption of Mount Batur approximately 30,000 years ago. It sets in the hearth of a huge crater 14 km in diameter and 65 meters deep.

The temple of Pura Danu Batur on the rim is dedicated to the Goddess of the Lake. The lake often becomes shrouded in mist but one can catch breathtakingly stunning views from the many vantage points along the rim. Hot springs at the lake's edge reach temperatures of 57 degrees Celsius while the rest of the lake is somewhat cooler.

As the road rises steadily from Bangli or Tampaksiring, nothing in the surrounding grey landscape of bushes and garden plots suggest the presence of a volcano. But over, one more small ridge a dizzying view awaits the eyes, encompassing the crater and beyond. From Penelokan, the main road runs right round the rim towards Kintamani, the panorama shifting as circling around the crater. Danau Batur is Bali's largest lake and cribbed with the calderas of an active volcano named Gunung Batur.

Rambut Siwi Temple

Rambut Siwi Temple is located on the top of a cliff, overlooking a breathtaking view of paddy fields on one side and the black sandy beach on the other.

This spot is a favorite hangout for painters. The temple itself was built by Dang Hyang Nirartha. Legend has it that he dedicated his hair to the temple. Therefore, the temple is known as Rambut Siwi which literally means ‘hair worship’.

Pulaki

Pulaki Temple is located in Bayupoh Village, about 53km west of Singaraja. It is situated on a hill that is about 25m from the beach. This temple is inhabited by monkeys which are considered as the descendants of Dewa (Gods).

Pulaki Temple is one of the Sad Kahyangan Temples (the main temples) in Bali. There are also Pabena Temple and Pemuteran Temple which is well-known for its hot water nearby

Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun which means beautiful garden, is located in Mengwi Village, 18 km northwest of Denpasar. It was built in 1634 by I Gusti Agung Anom, a founder of the Mengwi Kingdom, and became the main temple for the ancient Mengwi Kingdom. The temple is surrounded by ponds which give the effect from a distance as if the temple is floating on water.

Taman Ayun Temple was renovated in 1937. The grassy area of the outermost courtyard, the fine array of roofs (merus) and pavilions in the inner courtyard, and its well-kept appearance make it one of the most beautiful temples in Bali.

The temple complex consists of three ground areas. In the outermost court is Bale Wantilan which is used for all events, religious ceremonies, dance performances or cock fighting. To the west, there is a decorative fountain called Padma Sana. In the innermost court, surrounded by a small pond, there are 29 buildings which function as places for the gods and goddesses, called Bale Pelik with beautiful carvings, interesting relics and statues of the nine gods, Dewa Nawa Sanga. The whole complex of temple symbolizes the great Mandhara Mountain turning in a sea of milk.

Pura Luhur Watukaru

Luhur Watukaru Temple is located in Wangaya Gede village, approximately 21 km northwest of Tabanan. This temple is one of six sacred temples (Sad Kahyangan) in Bali.

The temple is surrounded by thick foliage and refreshing fresh air. There are old Balinese remains in this temple. Numerous local and foreign visitors visit this temple, especially on its temple festival, which is usually held on Umanis Galungan, one day after Galungan.

Siwaratri

Siwaratri is known as “Night of Shiva”, and is celebrated on the dark moon of the seventh based on the Balinese lunar calendar system, a day which usually falls in the month of January. This is an auspicious time for introspection and meditation during which the Hindus of Bali pray for forgiveness of their earthly sins and support and strenght from Shiva in order to reach their higher level.

Balinese believe that on this day, God Shiva, the destroyer, meditate for the welfare for the world, and the God of Shiva will bestow upon every person a pardon for all sin if he accompany the God of Shiva in his meditation by observing some self restriction and meditating on the night of Siwaratri.

Siwaratri starts with an opening ceremony of prayer and offerings which is performed at Kawiten , the family house temple. The premilinary ceremony shoul be finished before day break and it starts at 6.oo am followed by :

• Monabrata - Silence, no speaking for 12 hours. It is a method to learn one should never speak impulsively but instead carefully weigh one’s words before reacting to one’s experience in life, to always speak fair and honest words, to never lie, slander, speak evil or swear.
• Upawasa - Fasting, not eating and drinking for a period of 24 hours. This is a method to reach self control by not allowing greed or selfishness.
• Mejagra - meditation, not sleeping for a period of 36 hours. It is a method to learn to be constantly awake and to be aware of one’s approach to physical life, which should be done with insight and wisdom

The activities of Siwaratri are methods to learn self-conscious at all times and to have self control. When finished, each activity is closed with prayers and offerings at the in house temple.

Saraswati Ceremony

Saraswati Day is celebrated at the very last day of the Balinese Pawukon calendar, being the Saturday of its last week, Watugunung.

Dewi Saraswati is generally referred to as Goddess of 'Science & Knowledge'.

Dewi Saraswati is the female counter-part of the Balinese god Dewa Brahma, the manifestation of the Almighty Infinite Spirit as the Creator.

The materialistic world views that dominate the modern world we live in, have caused considerable mis-interpretations of the religious symbols found in Balinese Hinduism. The main reason for this is a general loss of the ability to think in ‘parallels’, to communicate in symbols and analogies. Instead, modern man tends to interprete most religious symbols literally.

Nowadays the Knowledge/Science symbolized by Saraswati is generally interpreted as pure secular, scientific knowledge; at libraries offerings are made for books and other important written materials, such as the lontar; books and (written) language are seen as the vessels of secular, scientific knowledge. At the schools and universities the students pray for success with their studies. During Saraswati Day it is not allowed to read, which can be compared with our ‘one minute silence’, in honor of the ‘gift’ of books and language which enables mankind to pass on the scientific knowledge that leads to secular success.

In itself these ‘modern’ interpretations do no harm as far as the importance of secular, scientific knowledge for the education and development of the worldy carreer of the individual is concerned.

However the loss of the original interpretation of the religious symbols, their actual meaning, does serious harm to the spiritual development of the Balinese as an individual, and to the spiritual progress of the Balinese as a people. And since the spiritual symbolism is universal, loss of spiritual consciousness concerns not only the Balinese but all of mankind, as individuals as well as a race.

Unfortunately, the true “Knowledge of Saraswati”, the knowledge of the mathematical science that defines the octaves of existence, and which rules and controls the cycles of life of all manifestations (also referred to as sacred geometry), and which enables mankind to be a true Master of his life, is not teached in our schools and universities, nor is it teached by our religious leaders.