Located at the slope of the highest and sacred Mount Agung,
Besakih serves as the most important temple and the pinnacle
of the sacred to the balinese of which people count as "Mother
Temple" of Bali. Besakih is a huge complex of temples. The main
one being Pura Penataran Agung, which has a large three-seated
shrine to brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. |
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A peaceful beach resort with beautiful view over some tiny island
offshore. Good spot for coffe break. |
Literally means "bat cave", this sacred cave is enshrined and
its wall vibrates with thousands of holy bats. When time permiting,
visit also traditional "salt maker" in front of the cave, along
secluded Kusamba Beach. |
An ancient village which is home to "Bali Aga" - original and
unspoilt Balinese. Beside their unique house compound, they also
preserve unusual customs, tradition and practices unseen elsewhere
on the island. |
Dated back to the early 18th century, it once served as the "Hall of
Justice to Bali's greatest kingdom: Klungkung, with view of classical
paintings on the celling potraying vision of heaven and hell. Located
7 kilometers north of it, there stands BUKIT JAMBUL hill where you
can admire beautiful rice terraces with glistening ocean in the distance. |
Just North of karangasem on the slopes leading up to Mount Agung
is Tirta Gangga, a veritable water playground designed by prince
in the Royal Family of Karangasem as a resting place. The exotic
pool and water fountains sustained some damage during the eruptions
of Mount Agung, but the water gardens remain as serene and tempting
as ever to the travel wearily |
Commanding a strategic position high over the patchwork paddy fields
of southeast Bali, the village of Putung is perched deceivingly high
in the hills on the back road between Karangasem and Klungkung. Cool
breezes and unbeatable views make this a popular jaunt for picnickers. |
Only a few kilometers from the main eastern town of Karangasem are
two small villages both belonging to the ancient Bali - Aga sect.
Asak has an antique 'Gambelan Gambang'orshestra with wooden keys.
Unique costumes and exotic flowered headdresses are worn in the
graceful group. Rejang dances that feature at every temple festival.
Bungya, with is neat geometrical compound walls and arched entrances
all following the traditional design, is famed for its skilled stone
carvers and intricate basketry and woven work. |
The palace of Klungkung fostered the local arts and music, which
consequently still flouristtoday in the area. Kamasan, two kilometers
south of Klungkung, is the home of the classical wayang painting.
Klunkung's Royal court of Justice, Kertha Gosa, which dates back to
the 18th Century, contains perhaps the finest examples of these
Wayang paintings awaiting in hell for wrongdoers and the joys in
heaven for the virtuous, these murals must have struck fear into
the hearts of those awaiting trial. |
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