Bali's Cool Highland
Retreat
High in the central ranges of west Bali, a cool mountain retreat
nestles in the crater of an extinct volcano. Here lies placid
Lake Bratan, source of life-giving water for the springs, rivers
and rice fields below. Verdant tropical rainforests blanket the
hills, which at 1400 m above sea level provide temperatures several
degrees lower than the plains 11°C to 30°C.
Few tourists stop to explore Bedugul and Lake Bratan on journeys
to and from the north coast. But this little hideaway is well
known to long-term Bali residents for its delightful scenery,
spectacular mountain walks and many other recreation opportunities.
The road to Bedugul leads west and north from Denpasar through
Mengwi, taking an hour and a half to reach the top. As it winds
up the mountain, magnificent views stretch back over the lowlands
to the coast and across to the misty peaks of Bali's volcanoes
- Agung, Abang and Batur to the east. To the west, deep gorges
border tiers of jungle foliage below the hazy peak of Mt. Batukaru.
Near the top of the hill the road suddenly branches to the right,
sloping gently down and a striking new panorama is revealed sparkling
blue waters backed by lush, green hills. Cottages dot the hillside
down to the shores of the lake, and a pier provide a mooring for
boats of all shapes and sizes.
This is the Bedugul Hotel, center for water skiing, parasailing,
canoeing and fishing Facilities include boat sheds Jumping ramps,
slalom and trick water ski equipment Contact Mr. Wayan Purnayasa
owner of hotel, for information and rental equipment
The lake goddess presides
On the western shore of the lake, dramatic Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
projects into the water. This is the temple of the lake goddess
who is much revered as a source of fertility Built by the king
of Mengwi in 1633, it consists; of four compounds, the two outermost
of which are completely surrounded by water.
When the three-tiered Siwaitic lingga Petak was recently restored,
the builders discovered a bubbling spring and a big white stone
flanked by two red ones - a phallic lingga representing the reproductive
power of Siwa as the god of fertility. Towering above this, on
a separate islet, is a single shrine of 11 roofs dedicated to
Wisnu in his manifestation as the lake goddess Dewi Danu, protects
all living creatures.
The main temple complex on the shore Pura Teratai Bang, is a pura
penataran or temple of origin. Its many shrines, associated with
different aspects of creation, are donated by a large 7-tiered
meru dedicate to Brahma. The smaller Pura Dalem Purwa dedicated
to Dewi Uma Bhogawati, the goddess of food and drink.
Lush tropical gardens
In 1959, a large expanse of tropical rain for in the foothills
of Bukit Tapak was set as by the government as the Kebun Raya
Karya Bali - a botanical garden cove an area of 129.2 hectares.
This extensive area is a popular place for weekenders, but during
the week it is a haven of peace and solitude,
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