Pura lempuyang bali

Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan

These two islands are located in the South-East of Bali, and are much less busy. Indeed, for Balinese, those islands have the reputation for hosting demons. That’s why this place is less crowded than Bali. But also it is because tourists generally never heard about Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, while Bali and The Gili Islands are more famous.

Nusa Lembongan: In comparison with Bali, this little island has beaches with shining white sand, but some of them are not for swimming. It is better to practice diving or snorkeling to have an intermediate level of it to enjoy the beauty of life under the sea. Being quiet, this small island is a little piece of paradise.

Nusa Penida: It is bigger than Nusa Lembongan but wilder. Most of the time, visitors come to admire the huge hills, the seaweed fields and the beautiful beaches at the South coast. It is an amazing place to dive, thus making Nusa Penida ranked as one of the best spots for diving.

How to get there? The easiest way is to go to Sanur beach and use the speed boat. The cost can be expensive for foreigners, you should bargain to have an affordable price.

The Gili Islands
The Gilis are composed of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
Those islands are really famous and a lot of tourists go there mostly to have a party in the middle of a beautiful background, especially in Gili Trawangan. This island has the reputation to host epic parties and full moon parties. But this island is not only about parties.
Gili Trawangan is the most popular and the most developed area to invest. There are more and more businesses popping up like spas, a lot of coffee shops, bars and even cooking lessons!
Gili Meno has the best beaches amongst the other Gili Islands, where it is a little paradise with the least population and underdeveloped in comparison with the two other islands. It is the most untouched Gili island, thus it has the finest beaches and best snorkeling waters.
Finally, Gili Air is also developed like Gili Trawangan but is more authentic. Gili Air has the largest population among other Gili Islands, where they welcome the tourists without losing their own identity and culture. It is a rewarding island where you can find plenty of businesses while discovering a population.

How to get there? There are shuttle boats which drive you in the morning at 9 a.m and in the afternoon at 4 p.m. Usually, the price is around 30.000 IDR.

Lombok
Located to the East of Bali, Lombok is often called the “unspoiled Bali”. With amazing waterfalls, beautiful beaches, the volcano of Mount Rinjani and a low rate of tourists, Lombok is a paradisiacal tropical island. The natural landscape and the traditional culture remain unchanged for hundreds of years. Local families run a lot of businesses on the island where you can find a huge variety of merchandise, food, toys, hardware, etc. You can get to Lombok by boat or by airplane. By airplane, you will take off from the Domestic Airport of Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) and land at Lombok International Airport. It takes 30 minutes of flight and costs around IDR 350K. By boat, you can take the public ferries from Padang Bai Harbour (Bali) to Lembar Harbour (Lombok) and the price is around 40k Rupiah.

Moyo Island
Located a few kilometers from the North coast of Sumbawa, Moyo Island owns a beautiful natural reserve with some deers and a great variety of birds. There are beautiful beaches of white sand, where you can observe amazing coral reefs by diving or snorkeling. There aren't a lot of habitants in the island, with around 21 villages concentrated in the North. You can also admire a breathtaking view from Mount Tambora, the highest mountain of Sumbawa.

You can also visit the Moyo Island, A National Park of Indonesia.

How to get there? You need to go first to Lombok, by plane or boat. Then from Lombok International Airport to Sumbawa (30 minutes) and the departure of the boat to Moyo Island leaves from the fishing hamlet of Ai Bari, which is 45 minutes drive. It cost between IDR 800.000 and IDR 3 million Rupiah to take the boat to Moyo Island. More expensive in comparison with the other islands, but it worths it.

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) World Bank Meeting is a meeting that happens every year to discuss the actions that could be taken on global financial and economic issues, poverty eradication, and aid effectiveness. Many topics will be discussed as the slow global economic recovery from the crisis, sluggish global economic growth, increasing domination of China in the global economy and world leaders’ concerns on the impact of globalization and global integration. In 2015 the IMF chose Bali to host the summit in 2018, October 12th, 13th, and 14th. The gathering will take place in Nusa Dua, where plenty of four and five complex can welcome the more than 20.000 delegates expected.

Central Bank Governors, Finance ministers, business executives, civil society representatives, the world media, and academics from 189 member countries will attend the different conferences of the summit.

“To serve this important event, major preparations and adjustments are necessary to be made on the island of Bali itself to meet the needs of the thousands of delegates, but which should also not disrupt or inconvenience the normal flow of the thousands of tourists and local activities on the island,” said Minister Luhut Panjaitan. Nusa Dua already had two huge convention centers, the Bali International Convention Center and the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, that can welcome thousands of participants.

To facilitate the traffic for that particular event authorities have decided to change the roundabout situation around Ngurah Rai airport. An underpass has been dig to unclog the high traffic, which would have been a big issue with the high number of people coming especially for these 3 days. Garbage issue is a recurring issue in Bali and authorities, with the help of the US embassy, worked on waste management and trash incinerators that may at the same time generate electric power.

Bali already has a plethora of attractions that appeal to visitors that include daily cultural performances, amazing natural beauty, underwater dive sites, delectable cuisine, to unforgettable shopping for fashion, arts and crafts. Delegates will be offered cruises around Bali to Lombok and Komodo. Direct flights will be arranged to Toraja, Labuan Bajo, Solo and Silangit airport at magnificent Lake Toba, confirmed Coordinating Minister Luhut. Already this September there will be cruise ships available at Labuan Bajo to take passengers island hopping to 6 different stops. While at Lake Toba, 2 boats will be added to take passengers touring around the huge lake.

Bali's Hidden Water Temples: Guardians of Spiritual Harmony

 

Amidst the lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Bali harbors hidden water temples and sacred sites that hold profound significance in the island's spiritual tapestry. Join us on a journey to unveil the secrets of Bali's hidden water temples and discover the spiritual guardians that watch over the island's cultural soul.

 

Tirta Empul: The Holy Springs of Purity

Nestled in the village of Tampaksiring, Tirta Empul is a water temple renowned for its sacred springs that are believed to possess purifying properties. Pilgrims and visitors alike partake in a ritual bath within the temple's pools, guided by a centuries-old tradition of cleansing the body and soul in the spiritually charged waters. The temple's intricate architecture and the rhythmic flow of its springs create an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.

 

Goa Gajah: The Elephant Cave's Subterranean Waters

Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave, is an archaeological marvel that hides a sacred bathing pool within its cavernous depths. As you explore the carved stone entrance and the ancient meditation chambers, you'll encounter a hidden pool fed by natural springs. The subterranean waters of Goa Gajah have long been associated with ritualistic bathing, symbolizing purification and spiritual renewal.

 

Gunung Kawi Sebatu: Balinese Temple Oasis

Nestled in the lush highlands of Sebatu, Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a serene water temple surrounded by tropical gardens. Its holy spring is revered for its crystal-clear waters believed to bring blessings and harmony. The temple's tranquil setting, away from the bustling tourist hubs, offers a contemplative space for visitors to connect with the spiritual essence of Bali.

 

Pura Taman Ayun: Water Temple of Mengwi Kingdom

Pura Taman Ayun, a royal temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, showcases the architectural brilliance of Bali's water temples. The temple complex features tranquil moats and gardens, with the main sanctum surrounded by lotus-filled waters. The symbolic representation of the cosmic ocean and the temple's role in maintaining spiritual balance make it a hidden gem among Bali's cultural treasures.

 

Saraswati Temple: Lotus Bloom Amidst Ubud

Ubud's Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and the arts, stands as a testament to Bali's artistic heritage. The temple is adorned with lotus ponds, and its intricate stone carvings reflect the island's devotion to culture. Saraswati Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary where the arts and spirituality converge in a harmonious dance.

 

Pura Mengening: The Sacred Spring of Secrets

Tucked away in the village of Tampaksiring, Pura Mengening is a lesser-known water temple revered for its serene atmosphere and a sacred spring believed to have mystical properties. The temple's ancient stone structures and the soothing sound of flowing water create an ambiance that invites contemplation and introspection.

 

Balinese Subak System: Sacred Water for Rice Terraces

While not a traditional water temple, the Subak system of water irrigation is a sacred practice deeply intertwined with Bali's spiritual and agricultural identity. This subak system, recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, symbolizes the harmonious relationship between water, rice terraces, and the spiritual connection the Balinese people have with their land.

 

Air Panas Banjar: Hot Springs Amidst Tropical Surroundings

Located near Lovina, Air Panas Banjar is not your typical water temple, but it holds a unique charm with its hot springs believed to have healing properties. Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, the sulfuric waters create a natural bathing experience that reflects Bali's connection to the healing energies of its landscapes.

Sekumpul Waterfall: Nature's Temple of Cascading Waters

Sekumpul Waterfall, though not a traditional water temple, is a natural wonder that mirrors the sacredness attributed to water in Balinese culture. Surrounded by lush jungle and accessed through a trek, Sekumpul captivates with its majestic cascade, offering a refreshing and immersive encounter with the natural elements that inspire spiritual reverence.

 

The Spiritual Essence of Bali's Hidden Water Temples

In the heart of Bali's hidden water temples, a profound spiritual essence unfolds. Beyond the physical structures and natural springs, these sacred sites embody the island's belief in the interconnectedness of nature, spirituality, and the daily lives of its people. As you explore these hidden gems, you embark on a journey into the soul of Bali, where the sacred waters weave a tapestry of harmony that transcends time and space.

 

In conclusion, Bali's hidden water temples stand as guardians of spiritual harmony, offering a glimpse into the island's deep-rooted connection with the sacred elements of water and nature. Each temple, with its unique rituals and enchanting settings, invites visitors to experience the timeless magic that defines Bali's cultural and spiritual identity.