The important and historic realm
of Buleleng is a narrow strip of land running the entire length
of the island. Bounded to the north by the Bali Sea, it shares
borders with Karangasem to the east and with Jembrana, Tabanan,
Badung and Bangli to the south. The spectacular chain of volcanoes
that stretches right across the island for a distance of some
150 kms forms a natural frontier between Buleleng and all of the
southern regencies. These mountains often appear as a distant
backdrop, while at other times they seem to gently unfold right
down to the coast. Lying between the mountains and the sea, Buleleng
is a region of exquisite natural beauty.
In former times, the mountain range hampered contact with the
rest of Bali, which in turn gave rise to Buleleng's discrete culture.
Buleleng also differs geographically from south Bali: its climate
is drier and wet rice cultivation is not as widespread. In the
western portion of Buleleng much of Bali's fruit is produced,
while the area is also renowned for the cultivation of coffee
and cloves.
|
