Of the Indonesian islands, Bali is probably the best known… a very popular one as well, and a seething one as well, because three quarters of the entire area is covered by mountains of volcanic origin. The highest volcano among them at 3,031 m is the Gunung Agung, in which the Balinese see the seat of the gods. At its feet there are important religious sights – these are places of prayer, rituals and festivals for the inhabitants, because religion is very important to the Balinese, alongside the family. For example, the impressive Hindu temple complex Besakih, which extends over 3 square kilometers and encloses 22 temples, lies at a height of approx. 1,000 m. A special and impressive experience is here or in one of the other temples on the island, to attend one of the colorful temple festivals. However, a trip to Ubud, which is considered the center of painting in Bali, or a visit to one or the other of the many museums is also worthwhile. Part of the island’s culture, however, is also gamelan music, which can be heard during the performances in the shadow theater, or the typical meal, where you shouldn’t miss Gado Gado, a vegetable mix with peanut sauce. However, the landscape of Bali is also very worth seeing. In addition to lush green rice terraces that nestle against the slopes, you will encounter monsoon forests, tropical cloud forests, humid savannahs as well as the Bali-Barat National Park, the Git-Git waterfalls and: dreamy beaches that also include water sports and relaxing beach holidays on the Indian Allow ocean.
Ubud and the Amandari
More than dream beaches
Of course, the island of Bali in Indonesia attracts with spectacular beaches and turquoise water. But it would by no means do this island justice to limit it to only that. And every traveler quickly realizes that Bali is a real treasure chest with treasures of all kinds
Ubud – the artistic center
The small town of Ubud, for example, northeast of the capital Denpasar, is such a gem. It is considered the artistic center of Bali. And not the first since yesterday. In the middle of the jungle you will find wonderful paintings, creative wood carving and exquisite works of art made of fabric. In general, artists have always been drawn to Ubud. Especially in the 1920s, European and American artists came to Ubud. The writer Vicky Baum wrote her legendary novel “Tod auf Bali” there.
Splendid past
Before the Dutch made Bali one of their colonies, Ubud was a monarchist city whose feudal princes had magnificent palaces built. One of them, Puri Saren, is still a sight today. Another is the sacred monkey forest, which is mainly home to macaques. In this small nature park with ancient trees there is also an impressive Hindu temple. Around Ubud there are endless rice fields that invite you to take endless walks or a bike tour.
Pure luxury at the Amandari
Ubud is not only the cultural center of Bali, but also a magnet for gourmets who will find the best restaurants on the island there. And if you want to treat yourself to something very special during your trip, you should make a stop at Ubud’s luxury resort Amandari. In the middle of a dreamy tropical
Jatiluwih rice terraces in Bali
A green wonder – the Jatiluwih rice terraces in Bali
If rice terraces are classified as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO and thus ennobled, then it must be a special achievement. This is undoubtedly the case with the rice terraces of Jatiluwih on the island of Bali Indonesia, because at a height of up to eight hundred meters they present themselves as a green wonder of nature. If you want to be fascinated by them, you should look around southwest of the artist metropolis Ubud and you will find them between Angsri and Penebel.
Hardworking farmers and water buffalo
The rice terraces of Jatiluwih are the work of the farmers of this region, and in order to preserve these imposing rice areas, the locals on the periphery of Angsri have been charging an entrance fee for holidaymakers who want to pass the road for some time. The obolus benefits the community and the protection of the rice fields. From there you can watch the rice farmers at their laborious work with the water buffalo up close. An irrigation system that has been working for centuries provides the basis for the yield of the harvest. Almost everywhere in Jatiluwih the rice ripens twice a year.
Priests regulate the water supply
The cultivation of rice on the terraces of Jatiluwih has a long tradition in the Balinese highlands. According to records, the history of the rice fields goes back to the 9th century. During this time the so-called “Subak” was born. A community of interests of farmers who promise each other to build canals and take care of their maintenance. In Bali, with its abundance of water, rivers, streams and springs were diverted in such a way that they supply the rice terraces at the foot of the Mount Batukaru volcano with the moist water even in the highest regions. The cooperation of the water supply is in the hands of the numerous Balinese priests in the temples of the island. They regulate who is allowed to skim how much of the sources of life and when.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida- a hidden gem in Indonesia
The Indonesian island of Nusa Penida is an adventurous dreamlike idyll that has remained largely untouched by tourism. Together with the two smaller islands Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, it forms an archipelago in the southeast of Bali. Penida consists of hilly landscapes with waterfalls, caves, spectacular cliffs as well as beautiful bays and fantastic viewpoints. There are excellent diving spots off the coast with intact coral reefs and colorful marine life. Nusa Penida is a popular destination for adventurers and Bali vacationers who take a day trip to the small island. It can be reached by speedboat or ferry from Padang Bai.
Natural sights and temples
The most fantastic sights are to be found on the cliffs in the west. The spectacular limestone cliffs rise up to 200 meters and offer overwhelming views. Some of them have a bizarre shape, like the stretch of coast at Kelingking Beach, whose formation resembles a Tyrannosaurus Rex. In front of the dizzying slopes of his back lies a dreamy white sandy beach that slopes down into turquoise water. Daring tourists reach it via a steep path that descends. Another natural spectacle is Angels Billabong Penida, a large natural pool that invites you to swim at low tide. Its crystal clear water magically glistens in shades of green, blue and turquoise. Right next to it is Broken Bay, which looks like a large hole from the cliff. A tunnel has formed in the rock, creating a huge arched bridge. Worth seeing Hindu temples are the temple cave Pura Goa Putri, which can be entered through a narrow gap, and the temple at the Peguyangan waterfall.
Beaches and diving spots
The most beautiful snow-white sandy beaches such as Suwehan Beach and Atuh Beach are hidden from the cliffs and are difficult to reach. The palm-fringed dream beach Crystal Bay is an exception. Along with Toyapakeh and Gamat Bay, it is one of the best diving spots. Majestic manta rays with a wingspan of up to eight meters can be seen on the west coast.
Mount Batur
Breathtaking hikes on an active volcano
According to Hindu beliefs, Mount Batur is one of the holy mountains. It is located in Batur Village, Kintamani District in Bali, Indonesia. Mount Batur is 1,717 meters above sea level and can be reached in around two hours by physically trained hikers. Mount Batur is an active volcano for which several tour operators and local guides offer unforgettable tours. These offer an ascent to the Batur to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise from the top of the active volcano. Spectacular landscapes and the shaking of the holy earth fill mind and soul, while the vacationers experience a delicious breakfast prepared by the steam of the volcano. Once at the top you can also enjoy the view of the highest volcano in Bali, the Gunung Agung.
To best appreciate the experience of Mount Batur, tourists should sign up for a morning trek. Such excursions usually start at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. from Ubud and reach the bottom of the volcano while it is still dark. The vacationers then begin the two-hour ascent to the summit of the volcano with headlights and moonlight – an effort that is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise on the mountain. Since Mount Batur is an active volcano, the unique breakfast of fried eggs is sure to be part of the hike, which is fried on the rocks heated with lava. After the tour, nearby Lake Batur, also known as Danau Batur, offers hot springs where early risers can relax their tired muscles.
