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Ubud
The center Balinese painting, Ubud’s Museum “Puri Lukisan” has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. There are also several art galleries and homes of famous artists here, including that of Dutch-born Hans Snel and American Antonio Blanco. The “Young Artist” style now popular in Balinese painting was introduced by the Dutch painter Arie Smith. In the past, other foreign painters inspired Balinese artists to adopt western techniques but traditional Balinese painting are still collectable. The Neka Museum has a wide collection of paintings by Indonesian as well as foreign artists who used to live in Bali. Ubud has several small hotels and it located in the foothills of the central mountain range, giving it a cool, pleasant climate.
Peliatan
Peliatan is located between Ubud and Mas. It is know as the center of traditional music and dance.
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah, dates back to the 11th century and it believed to have been built as a monastery. Carvings on the wall show a demon head over the entrance, flanked by two statues. The cave contains a statue of Ganesh. Excavations have uncovered a bathing lace with six statues of nymphs holding water-spouts.
Tampak Siring
The temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring at Tampak Siring. Over 1000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been valued by the people because of the spring water’s curative powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification. Specialties of the area are bone and ivory carvings.
Kintamani
The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan give a view of the active Mt. Batur and Lake Batur. The caldera of Batur is 7 miles in diameter and 60 feet deep. From Penelokan, a road leads to Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be hired to cross over to Trunyan. This ancient village is inhabited by people who call themselves “Bali Aga” or “original” Balinese, and have maintained many of their old ways.
Bangli
Pura Kehen is Bali’s second largest temple. Three terraced courtyards are connected by steps, and their balustrades are decorated with carvings and statues. A large Banyan tree with a tower shades the lowest and second courtyard, while in the third courtyard several shrines for the gods and ancestors are found.
Klungkung
The former seat of the Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali, from which Balinese royalty draws its bloodline; Klungkung was the oldest kingdom on the island and its “Raja” the most exalted. The Kerta Gosa or Royal Court of Justice, built in the 18th century, is know for its ceiling murals, painted in the traditional wayang style, portraying punishment in hell and rewards in heaven. The floating pavilion, garden and lotus ponds in this walled-in complex are reminder of the former glory of this kingdom.
Besakih
Know as the “Mother Temple of Bali”, the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings. Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity (Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu), are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups. To the Balinese, a visit to the temple’s sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or “Odalan”. The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive, and during festivals colored banners add a touch of gaiety.
Sangeh
Ten hectares of nutmeg trees in the Sangeh forest abound with monkeys. The forest is considered sacred, so no wood is allowed to be chopped here. Two temples stand in the middle of the forest and another at the edge. As they live in this sacred forest, the monkeys are also held sacred and are rather tame, but it is advisable not to play with them.
Tanah Lot
One of the Bali’s most important sea temples, the temple sanctuary at Tanah Lot is built a top a huge rock surrounded by the sea. Built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th century, its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.
Bedugul
The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is know for its excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Brantan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight is the “Ulun Danu” temple, which seems to rise out of the lake. The area offers good walks. Boats are available for water skiing and parasailing, are done as well. The Bali Handara Contry Club has bungalows for rent and a restaurant.
Tenganan
Protected for centuries from the outside world by its surrounding walls, the village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient pre-Hindu customs through a strong code of non-fraternization with outsiders. Here unique rituals, dances, and gladiator-like battles between youths take place. Tenganan is famous for its “double ikat” woven material called gringseng, which is supposed to protect the wearer with magic powers.
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GENERAL INFO 
