Bali - Destination Guide
Off the Beaten Track
Pejeng
The Pejeng region around Ubud hides some of Bali's most ancient monuments and relics. Set in the bottom of a lush green valley surrounded by terraced rice paddies are the 10 impressive rock-cut shrines of Gunung Kawi. The shrines are carved out of the rock face in imitation of actual statues - in a similar fashion to the great rock-cut temples of Ajanta and Ellora in India. Less spectacular, but equally important, are the rock carvings at Yeh Pulu, the Pura Samuan Tiga temple and Goa Gajah (the elephant cave) - all just a couple of kilometres east of Ubud. The best way to access these sites is to catch a bemo from Ubud or rent a mountain bike.
Taman Nasional Bali Barat
Taman Nasional Bali Barat (West Bali National Park) covers nearly 20,000 hectares (49,400 acres) of Bali's western tip and 7000 hectares (17,290 acres) of coral reef and coastal waters. Most of the natural vegetation in the park is coastal savanna with deciduous trees that become bare in the dry season. Over 200 species of plants inhabit the various environments. Animals include black monkeys, leaf monkeys and macaques; and Java, barking, sambar and mouse deer. There's also squirrels, wild pigs, buffalos, iguanas and pythons. The bird life is prolific, with many of Bali's 200 species represented, including the striking Bali starling. The park's attractions include hot springs, uninhabited Deer Island (which has great diving) and guided jungle treks.
The park's headquarters are at Cekik, near the port of Gilimanuk. Frequent bemos and buses shuttle between Cekik and Gilimanuk, which is connected to Denpasar by bus and to Java by ferry.
Situated on the western side of Bali, Pemuteran is located on the edge of the Bali Barat National Park. This resort is ideal for those with an adventurous spirit who still want to experience a comfortable stay.
Click here for hotels in Permuteran
Tenganan
The ancient village of Tenganan, inland from the east coast port of Padangbai, can only be reached by motorbike or on foot. It's a walled Bali Aga village, busy with unusual customs, festivals and practices. It's the centre for the weaving of the little-seen double ikat cloth, and ancient versions of gamelan and accompanying dances are performed here. The nearby towns of Amlapura and Tirtagangga are known for their decaying water palaces - relics of the power of the Balinese rajahs - which are surrounded by beautiful terraced rice paddies.
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