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Interesting Places
Kintamani-The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan give a view of the active Mount Batur and Lake. The caldera of Batur is impressive: 7 miles in diameter and 60 feet deep. From Penelokan, a road leads to Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be hired to cross over to Trunyan. This ancient village is inhabited by people who call themsleves "Bali Aga" or original Balinese who have maintained many of their old ways. The PuserJagat temple
has an unusual architecture and stands under a massive Banyan tree.

Bangli-Pura Kehen is situated in Bangli, Balis second largest temple.Three terraced courtyards are connected by steps, and their balus-trades are decorated with carvings and statues. A large Banyan tree with a tower shades the lowest and second courtyard, while in the third courtyard several shrines for the gods and ancestors are found.

Klungkung-The former seat of the Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali from where Balinese royalty draws its blood line, KlungRung was the oldest kingdom on the island and its "Ra ja" the most exalted. The Kerta Gosa or Royal Court of Justice built in the 18th century, is specially known for its ceiling murals painted in the traditional
wayang style pertraying punishment in hell and the rewards in heaven and other aspects of moralities. The floating pavillion, garden and lotus ponds in this walled-in complex, located on the main intersection of town are a reminder of the former glory of this kingdom.

Goa Lawah-Nine kms from KlungRung is Goa Lawah or bat cave. The roof is covered with thousands of bats and its entrance is guarded by a temple believed to be founded by a sage nine centuries 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 through split gates to the main couryard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings. Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu, are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups. To the Balinese, a visit to the temples sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or "Odalan". The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, coloured banners add a touch of gaiety.

Menjangan Island-This liHle island off Bali's west coast is known for its beautiful coral reefs found nearby and the wealth of tropical fish inhabiting the waters around it. The island itself including Terima Bay, are by themselves worth a visit because of the beautiful sceneries they offer.

Sangeh-Ten hectares of nutmeg trees in the Sangeh forest abounds with monkeys. The forest is considered sacred, sono wood is allowed to be chopped here. Two temples stand in the middle of the forest and another at the edge. As they live in this sacred forest, the monkeys are also held sacred and are rather tame, but it is
advisable not to play with them.

Tanah Lot-One of Bali's most important sea temples, the temple sanctuary at Tanah Lot is built atop a huge rock which is surrounded by the sea. Built by one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the16th century, its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of
the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruder. The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when the temple is in silhouette.

Bedugul-The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is known for its excellent golf course. Located besides Lake Bratan, it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight- is the "Ulun Danu" temple which sems to rise out of the lake. The area offers good walks. Boats are available for hire. Water skiing, and parasailing is done as well. The Bali Handara country club has bungalows for rent and a restaurant.


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