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Getting Around Bali
There are many
modes of transport to help you get around in Bali.
A variety of half day, full day and overnight tour
packages are available from your hotel desk or any
of the many travel agencies and tour operators.
Or you can find a
car plus driver who will also act as your guide.
The public transport system in Bali can virtually
bring you anywhere you want to go. Buses and Bemos
are cheep but often crowded. Wait by the side of
the road and flag down to stop. Ask the driver whether
he will pass the place you want to go just by
mentioning the name of the place.
Bemos generally
cater for local traffic routes, not tourist
routes. Bicycles are available to rent, but bear
in mind that in Kuta, Legian and Denpasar, traffic
is very heavy. Bicycles are very ideal in Ubud and
country sides.
You can hire
cars or motorbikes to drive yourself, but you
will need a driving license from your home country
and an international driving license to drive a
car, and get a special permit at the police
station for driving motorbikes. Bear in mind that
in Bali, as well as in all part of Indonesia, you
drive at the left side of the road!
The following are
some of Bali's places of interest worth to visit...
Art Centre
Bali's Art Centre is a show place of Balinese temple and palace architecture. The complex includes an open stage, museum, Balinese pavilions, and art galleries and sprawling parklands.
Besakih
Situated on the slopes of Mount Agung. Besakih, and its complex of about 30 temples, is a focal point for Balinese Hinduism.
Batubulan
Near Bali's capital, Denpasar, on the road to Ubud, Batubulan is the home of skilled stone
carvers and famous for its Barong or Kecak dance performance.
Batur
On the slopes of the smoldering Mount Batur, Batur village was destroyed in a 1926 eruption. The villagers then moved further up the mountain, where they build an impressive temple.
Bedugul
Bedugul's cool western highlands climate is ideal for growing vegetables, fruits and flowers for market.
Celuk
Home to hundreds of silversmiths, Celuk is centre of the silver and gold crafts industry. Item can be bought ready made or ordered.
Denpasar
Bali's administrative and commercial centre, Denpasar is a fascinating city where spices, salted fish, intricately woven clothe, gold and silver
craft wares are traded in traditional markets alongside modern department stores, banks and restaurants.
Goa Gajah
Known as the Elephant Cave because of the thousand years old Ganesha (elephant-headed god). There is also an intricately carved bathing area and the remains of a Buddhist monastery.
Goa Lawah
On the southern coast road to Candidasa beach, a cave in the courtyard of Goa Lawah's temple is home to thousands of bats.
Gunung Kawi
Hidden in a beautiful valley two kilometers from Tampaksiring is an ancient complex of rock-hewn temples established in the 11th century.
Jatiluwih
The view is spectacular from this small village, about 20 kilometers from Tabanan and 850 meters above sea level. Rice terraces follow the contours of the hillsides as far as the eye can see.
Kintamani
Here, at 1500 meters above the sea level, the climate is damp and cool. Kintamani is the centre for growing oranges and passion fruits. The main street on some days becomes a bustling market place.
Krambitan
A vibrant culture centers. The playing of bamboo music instruments is a specialty in this village.
Kuta
Famed for its spectacular sunsets, this once sleepy fishing village has becomes a bustling tourist resorts in recent years. The surf is excellent for board and body surfing.
Lembongan Island
About 20 kilometers due east of Sanur and two hours by motor boat, this is one of Bali's three sister islands. It has
white sandy beach and crystal clear waters. Ideal for diving.
Lovina
About 12 kilometers west of Singaraja, Lovina is a peaceful and quiet beachside village with several guesthouses.
Mas
Mas is home to some of Bali's most talented wood carvers. Groups of young craftsmen work under the supervision of the masters. Their work is renowned throughout Indonesia.
Mount Batukaru
This 2278-metres pinnacle has a strong influence on local beliefs.
Museum Bali, Denpasar
Established by the Dutch in 1910 to exhibit Balinese artifacts, it has a rich and varied collection.
Nusa Dua
Carefully planned to protect the environment, Nusa Dua has fine resort hotels, excellent shopping and entertainment
centers. Some claim it has the best beaches and is the sunniest part of Bali.
Negara
Famous for its Makepung, a traditional buffalo race originally
held as a part of the harvest festival, has now become a
tourist attraction.
Sanur
Sanur is an international-standard resort with every modern facility. Nearby, village life continues much as it has for centuries.
Sangeh
Site of the "monkey forests", where large families of monkeys live in nutmeg trees.
Tampaksiring
The holy spring Tirta Emphul, in the temple at Tampaksiring, is said to have magical powers. There are also special bathing pools.
Tanah Lot
Carved by the tides, the seaside sentinel rock of Tanah Lot is the side of the temple. It is connected to the shore by a bridge. Large sea snakes are said to guard the rock.
Tenganan
This village maintains its pre-Hindu customs and is known for double-ikat woven cloth.
Trunyan
An ancient village on the northeastern shore of Lake Batur, Trunyan is a rich research source for anthropologist and historians.
Tirtagangga
On the slopes of Mount Agung, Tirtagangga is noted for its water gardens.
Tulamben
At Tulamben, about 100 kilometers by road from Sanur, on the north-east coast, are the remains of an American World War II vessel.
Ubud
Home to painters and celebrities, Ubud attracts art lovers and visitors from all over the world.
Uluwatu
The ancient Luhur Uluwatu temple is on that part of the south coast where the tablelands end at steep cliffs. Uluwatu beach is considered one of Bali's best surfing spots, attracting surfers from around the world.
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