Karangasem has a rich variety of older customs found in villages that resisted Javanese influences after the 14th century.
The royal family, related to Gelgel, became independent and in the early 1700s challenged Klungkung. Interl strife led to exile and formation of a rival house in Lombok, which return to defeat its own family on Bali and the taking of Buleleng.
This realm ended when the Dutch subdued Buleleng in the mid 1800s, and a Dutch-assisted rebellion in Lombok ousted the royal family in the late 1800s. By recognizing Dutch superiority, Karangasem remained intact when south Bali was conquered in the early 1900s.
After mount Agung erupted in 1963 the capital changed names to Amlapura. The Puri Agung Kanginan palace features a blend of Balinese, Dutch and Chinese architecture.To the south are the ruins of the Taman Ujung pleasure palace; a more intact one is up north at Tirtaganga with swimming pools fed by cool springs and an excellent place to stay.
Outside the town is the coastal tourist area of Candi Dasa, named after an old temple on the hillside; across the lagoon is a Gandhi meditation center. Snorkeling around a shipwreck is superb up north at Tulamben. Padangbai has the Silayukti sea-temple and the Ferry to Lombok. Tenganan is the only place in Indonesia where double-ikat gringsing cloth is woven.
Festivals here and in Dauh Tukad in June-July feature wooden ferris-wheels and ritual battles with thorny leaves. Nearby villages of Dauh Tukad, Bungaya, Asak, Timbrah, Perasi, Bugbug, Jasi, Ababi, Seraya, Sengkidu, Ngis, Bebandem and Padangkerta have colorful rituals with ceremonial dances for women and men. Trances battle, and spectacular offerings. Beautiful brocades are woven in Sidemen.
Winding mountain roads through salak snake skin fruit farm and terraced hills lead to Besakih, bali’s most important temple complex. Visitors may only see the huge temple from the outside, but the view is gorgeous and the air refreshing. Mount Agung should only be climbed by experienced hikers with a guide.
Bali Interest
May 25th, 2007
DENPASAR (Bali), SAT.: Bali Governor Dewa Beratha hosted a banquet last night in honour of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, who are on a four-day state visit to Indonesia.
The banquest was held at the governor’s official residence, Jaya Sabha, a building with unique Bali architecture which was constructed in the 1870s.
Their majesties were entertained to a cultural performance by more than 100 dancers and a dance drama, Sekar Jaga, which is well-known on the island.
Dewa Beratha, in his speech, said Bali hoped to further enhance relations and cooperation with Malaysia in various fields like tourism, culture, trade and education for mutual benefit.
This popular resort island of 3.2 million people is also home to 150 Malaysian students furthering their studies in medicine, pharmacy and dentistry here.
Meanwhile, a specific and unique Balinese chess board is a special souvenir presented to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and his consort Raja Permaisuri Queen Nur Zahirah to commemorate their visit to Bali.
The royal couple were attracted to a medium-size chess board when they were visiting the Ida Bagus Marka gallery in Mas Ubud village, Gianyar, Indonesia’s Antara news agency reported Friday.
The 48-member royal party included Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia Datok Zaenal Abidin Zain, embassy first secretary Mohd Pilus Ismail, official of the Malaysian royal household Tengku Farok Hussin, and honorary Malaysian consul in Bali Faisol H Hashim.
The royal couple has long been looking at the unique chess board and also looked at other handicraft articles. While they had the intention of buying the specific Balinese chess board, the host Ida Bagus Marka had already prepared it as a souvenir for the royal couple.
In their two-day visit to Bali within the framework of their four-day stay in Indonesia, King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and entourage also visited the Bali Convention Center (BBC), after which they returned to their hotel in Nusa Dua.
In the evening, they attended the dinner hosted by Governor Dewa Beratha and chairman of the Bali representatives council (DPRD) Ida Bagus Putu Wesnawa, in the company of their wives.
Mohd Nasir Yusof, BERNAMA - New Straits Times - Persekutuan,Malaysia
May 25th, 2007