Top 10 Bali Green Choices

Bali Barat National Park
Almost the whole of Bali's western tip, an area of over 750 square kilometers, has been baptized as a conservation area. The park boasts open savannahs, rainforests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and a deer island off the north coast. The park is a sanctuary for a wide range of animals, especially for the endangered bird, the Bali Starling. Although most of the park is not accessible to the public, there are a number of trails open to the sightseer. 'Pu¬lau Manjangan', home to the rare Java Deer, can also be visited and offers great diving and snorkeling. Get your ticket at the National Park Headquarters in Cekik, about three kilometers south of Gilimanuk.

Bali Bird Park (Taman Burung)
Taman Burung houses more than a thousand birds from allover Indone¬sia. One of the park's objectives is to try and breed endangered species; the Bali Mynah for example. If ornithology doesn't interest you much, you will be impressed by the two hectares of tropical gardens.

Bali Bird Park (Taman Burung)
Indonesia's only Butterfly Park helps study, breed and preserve many kinds of butterflies from all over the Indonesian archipelago. JI. Batu¬karo, Sand a Wanasari, Tabanan Regency.

Elephant Safari Park in Taro . . . .
Nowhere else in Bali can you awaken to awe-inspiring views of Suma¬tran elephants starting their day, from your very own balcony. All of the twenty-seven magnificent creatures were rescued from deforestation in Central and Southern Sumatra to live in this internationally acclaimed sanctuary where the meaning of "Respect for the animals is the most important thing." is sincere and obvious. Bali Adventure Tours Office:
JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Pesanggaran.

Blahmantung Waterfall
Dropping from a hundred meters, this waterfall is no less than spectacu¬lar, especially during the rainy season. Be prepared for a bit of a trek up a steep, and at times rough, track to get there. Near Pupuan, West Bali.

Sangeh Monkey Forest
This forest of approximately six hectares, near the village of Sangeh, is filled with vast nutmeg trees that can grow up to forty meters in height. The main attractions here are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that in¬habit both the trees and the temple on site. Visitors should be aware that the monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jewellery are to be left behind or well hidden under clothes before setting off to explore.

Ubud Monkey Forest
This forest is smaller than the one in Sangeh but the monkeys are just as wild. Therefore, take care of your belongings.

Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya, Bedugul)
Established in 1959, these gardens cover over 120 hectares on the slopes of 'Gunung Pohon' (Tree Mountain). The gardens contain a huge collection of trees, nearly 500 varieties of orchids and a rich bird popula¬tion. The gardens boast a herbarium and library.

Taman Buaya & Reptil (Reptile & Crocodile Park)
This park houses not only four of the famous Komodo Dragons but also a large collection of crocodiles, lizards and snakes within lovely tropi¬cal gardens. 'Feeding time', snakes, a magic show and even crocodile wrestling add to an unforgettable experience.
Werdhi Bhuana, near Mengwi.

Gitgit Waterfall
Not far from the main road, Gitgit is an impressive 40 meter waterfall that gushes into a deep pool. Swimming there is wonderfully refreshing; although a local legend has it that couples bathing in the pool together will eventually separate...
10 kilo meters south of Singaraja.

Source: Gude to Bali by American Express

Bali As Paradise Island

Bali is an island paradise which has been the favorite destination of a range of discerning travellers. Bali is only Hindu state, and the rich blend of tradition and culture has had an incredible impact.

In Bali, the gods and goddesses called the “Dewa-Dewi” -a god being a “Dewa” and a goddess a “Dewi”. The Balinese religion uses the Indian Hindu pantheon, though having adapted it to their own history, character and unique needs.

This pantheon is a packed pedestal of immortals reflecting Hinduism’s rich vision of spiritual life. But the essential Dewa-Dewi are composed of two balanced trinities, called Tri-Murtis: The male group of Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa, and their female consort and counterparts, Saraswati, Dewi Sri, and Durga.

These six cover all the basic aspects of existence. As india has the Himalayas, Bali has its own sacred seat of the Dewa-Dewi, Gunung Agung (Great Mountain). The Balinese use it as a “channel” to Suarga, the heavenly realm where the Dewa - Dewi dwell. From there they bless and protect Bali and occasionally pay visits. The core of the complex Balinese religion is “right alignment’ to the Dewa-Dewi via this sacred cannel.

Going sight seeing in Bali
People have come for the culture, for the tropical environment, for the beaches. For the diving, for the food, the surfing, the shopping. People come here to unwind, become inspired, or experience the ultimate adventure. Bali is the island which has it all.

The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called “Pura”. One is the museum called Pura Jagatnatha which is dedicated to the Supreme God. Sang Hyang widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities. Offshore reefs protect the beach againts the waves and make it popular for windsurfing, boarting and other watersports.

Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a popular beach for surfing although currents mat it ess suitable for swimming and faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets. Nusa Dua is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northen side of the Bukit Peninsula, biggr along the south.

Ubud the centre of Balinese painting, Ubud’s Museum “Puri Lukisa” has a permanent collection f modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. Goa Lawah or Bat cave, the roof is covered with thousands of bats and its entrance is guared by a temple believed to be founded by a sage nine centurie ago. Besakih known 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 though split gates to the main couryard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings. Menjangan Island the little island of Bali’s west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs nearby and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it. Bedugul the mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course. A beautiful sight is the “Ulun Danu” temple which seems to rise out of the lake. The area offers good walks. Water skiing, and parasiling is done as well.

Source : www.tourdebali.net

Bali Regions

South

* Denpasar — A large, bustling city, the administrative center and transport hub of the island but not a major tourist destination.
* Bedugul — A small village north of Denpasar
* Jimbaran — Sea-side resorts and nice beaches south of Kuta.
* Kuta — Surfer central, by far the most heavily developed bit of Bali. Lots of shopping and night-life, and the center of party culture on Bali.
* Legian — Surfer central, by far the most heavily developed bit of Bali. Located between Kuta and Seminyak.
* Nusa Dua — A enclave of expensive high-end resorts.
* Sanur — More sea-side resorts and beaches.
* Seminyak and Kerobokan — Quieter, more upscale beachside resorts and villas just to the north of Kuta, with some fashionable upscale restaurants . Much of the nightlife has also moved into this area, especially around Jalan Dhyana Pura.
* Uluwatu — A small village near the southernmost tip of Bali with a stunningly located clifftop temple

Central

* Bedugul — Nice lakes in the mountains, Golf Course, Botanical Gardens, and the famous Ulun Danu temple.
* Between Sanur and Ubud — A series of "crafts villages" featuring wood carving, painting, batik, and jewelry
* Ubud — The center of art and dance in the foothills, with an interesting small palace, monkey forest, and lots of arts and crafts shops
* Sayan — very spectacular rice terraces.

West

* Gilimanuk — Ferry to Java
* Negara —

North

* Lovina — Small villages, black volcanic sand beaches and coral reefs on Bali's north coast.
* Singaraja -- Largest city on the north shore.
* Kintamani — Cooler mountainous region of Bali where growing fruit and vegetables is the main horticultural activity . The main attraction for travellers is located around Lake Batur where Peneloken provides the first spectacular view of this crater lake, set in a vast volcano caldera. A climb to the summit of Mount Batur, still an active volcano, to watch the sunrise is an unforgetable experience for more energetic travellers. Further along the rim of the caldera is Pura Ulun Danau Batur, the second most important temple in Bali.

East

* Amed — A peaceful fishing village. The newest tourist area to be developed in Bali, featuring black sand, coral reefs and excellent diving. Some good restaurants too.
* Candi Dasa — A very quiet tourist area with a few good restaurants. A great place to curl up with a good book.
* Tirta Gangga -- Mountains, the water palace and beautiful rice terraces.
* Padang Bai

Islands

* Nusa Penida — is an island southeast of Bali island, Indonesia. Administratively, the island is a subdistrict of Klungkung regency. There are two small islands nearby: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali.
* Nusa Lembongan — is an island off the southeast coast of the main island of Bali. The water is quite clear; good for diving and snorkeling. Surfing is crowded but nice waves. Nice coral sand beach. Learn about the cosmetic seaweed farming industry.
* Nusa Ceningan — is the smallest of the three islands and is rarely visited. Waters around Nusa Ceningan are crystal clear, hosting colorful coral and sea creatures, making it an ideal location for snorkeling and for any other water sport activities.

Source : wikipedia.com

Bali

Bali is one of over 13,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and is located just over 2 kilometres from the eastern tip of the island of Java and west of the island of Lombok. The island home of approximately 4 million people is approximately 144 kilometres from east to west and 80 kilometres north to south.

The islands varied landscape of hills and mountains, rugged coastlines and sandy beaches, lush rice terraces and barren volcanic hillsides provide a picturesque backdrop to the colourful and deeply spiritual culture of this 'Island of The Gods'.

Source : wikipedia