The Regency is just west of Badung, stretching from the coastline
of massive black rocks up to the central mountains. Tabanan
is an unspoilt of Bali which is also richly fertile, containing
the best agricultute and a place to give peace and prosperity
to their villagers. The main place to stay in Tabanan is the
mountain resort of Bedugul, famed for its cool climate and spectacular
lakes, mountains and rice fields. Penebel offers hot springs
with modern facilities. Krambitan is the place for an unusual
stay in a royal palace, living the mystic life. Tabanan's west
coast is being developed as Bali's newest beach resort-with
miles of deserted black sand and a pounding surf.
A range of water sports are available (motor boat, jet skis,
row boat, etc) next to the Ulun Danu temple and at the lakeside
hotels such as Bedugul and Lila Graha.
Shortly before Tabanan on the main highway from Denpasar a
signboard directs you southwest to Tanah Lot. Alternative access
if north of Legian, turning west toward Canggu, following the
signs to Tanah Lot. There are a number of shops and restaurants
nearby. Tourists congregate at this Balinese landmark by the
busloads at sunset.
• MT. BATUKARU
This 2,278 meters peak towers over the local landscape, and
strongly influence local spiritual beliefs. All local temples
have a shire dedicated to the spirit of the "coconut shell
" mountain , and high on its slopes is the public ( Kayangan
Jagat )
Temple of pura Luhur Watukaru.
• BEDUGUL
In the center highland of Bali is the serene mountain area of
Bedugul. Here , vegetables, fruits, and flowers thrive in the
alpine climate , and a colorful litte market at Bukit Mungsu
offers a wide selectionof produce including exotic wild orchids,
roses, and colorful birds. There is a large botanical garden
nearby. At Pancasari, an 18 - hole championship golf course
has been developed, with all the facilities to suit golfing
lovers. At Lake Beratan, the area's climate is refreshing after
being in the heat of the lowlands. Bratan Lake, approximately
60 kilometers from Denpasar ( to the north ), also provides
exciting surrounding, with cool fresh mountain air .
• ALAS KEDATON
Located about 20 km north of Tanah Lot temple. This forest is
inhabited by hundreds of monkey that live amicably. There is
a temple where one find something unique happens. It is when
a ritual ceremony held there, no one is allowed to use any kind
of fire offering equipment, such as incense and candle. Tens
of big bats dwell on the tips of leaves of big trees attract
the visitors who come there.
• TANAH LOT
Carved out of the landscape by tides, wind, and rain , the huge
offshore sentinel rock of Tanah Lot supports a small picturesque
sea temple which can be reached by a scramble over the wet rocks.
These are reputed to be several large caves just below the water
line, at the base of the rock , which shelter large sea snakes,
who are the guardians of the temple.
• KRAMBITAN
The village of Krambitan, southwest of Tabanan, was once an
extension of the ruling Raja's court and is still a cultural
stronghold, with music groups maintaining ancient custom of
music and dance, using bamboo instruments.
• JATILUWIH
Approximately 20 kilometers from Tabanan, the road climbs up
high into the hills to a small village named Jatiluwih. With
a height of 850 meters above sea level, the view here is one
of the finest imagineable. Bali's terraced paddy fields stretch
into endless contours over the hills and valleys as far as the
eye can see.
