CategoriesJembrana Area By administrator

Segar Rupek Temple

Segara Rupek Temple, Traces of the History of the Separation of the Islands of Bali and Java
Hidden in the silence of the West Bali National Park, precisely in Sumberklampok Village, is hidden a sacred place that holds an unforgettable story. Segara Rupek Temple, which is located at the westernmost tip of Bali Island, is not only a historical site, but also a silent witness to a major event that separated the islands of Bali and Java. But unfortunately, its charm is still hidden and rarely noticed by the eyes of the world.
Segara Rupek Temple is a holy place located in the West Bali National Park area, precisely in Sumberklampok Village, Grokgak District, Buleleng Regency, Bali. From Denpasar City, you can travel 143 km by vehicle with an estimated travel time of around 4 hours 20 minutes.

This temple has deep historical significance where this place is a silent witness to the split of land between the islands of Bali and Java. However, unfortunately, the condition of the facilities, infrastructure and infrastructure around this temple is inadequate, so it rarely receives proper attention from the community and leaders in Bali.

This temple is located at the westernmost tip of the island of Bali, making it the land closest to the island of Java. However, to reach this temple, visitors have to travel around 12 kilometers through the protected forest of the West Bali National Park (TNBB), with additional obstacles in the form of dirt roads and rocks that must be passed. This condition makes Segara Rupek Temple a place that is rarely visited by the general public.

Segara Rupek Temple was only discovered on April 8 2001 by a hiking group consisting of 21 people. They carried out search efforts to reveal the whereabouts of the original Segara Rupek. This expedition was guided by the guidance of lontar literature, geographical calculations, and spiritual wisdom, with guidance from the advisor and supervisor of the Besakih cave temple, namely I Gusti Mangku Kubayan Manik Arjawa.

The history of the founding of Segara Rupek Temple originates from the chronicle or lontar entitled “Indik Segara Rupek”. The chronicle tells of the friendship between Mpu Siddhimantra from East Java and the Dragon Basuki in Bali. It is said that Mpu Siddhimantra often visited his friend every full moon. Mpu Siddhimantra often brought food to the Dragon, and in return the Dragon Basuki would give valuable jewelry to Mpu Siddhimantra.
However, this story takes place when Manik Angkeran, the son of Mpu Siddhimantra, who likes gambling, steals his father’s bell. He went to Besakih to ask Naga Basuki for treasure and gold. This request was immediately granted by Ida the Dragon King Basuki. However, because of his greed, Manik Angkeran cut off Naga Basuki’s tail which was made of jewels. As a result of his actions, Naga Basuki became angry and killed Manik Angkeran.

Mpu Siddhimantra, who knew about this, rushed to Besakih to ask for forgiveness for his son’s mistakes and asked the Dragon Basuki to bring his son back to life. The Dragon Basuki granted this request. However, Mpu Siddhimantra was worried that his son would repeat his bad actions,

After meditating, Mpu Siddhimantra received the order to scratch the ground with his stick three times precisely in the area of Ceking Getting or now the Bali Strait. The ground shook and split the land, separating the islands of Bali and Java. This event is known as the Segara Rupek event, which means narrow sea. Not long after, a shrine was erected which would later be known as Pura Segara Rupek. This temple is a silent witness to the extraordinary event that separated the mainland islands of Bali and Java. Its existence is a symbol of the greatness of nature and the greatness of the Creator.

When you want to pray at Segara Rupek Temple, there is a flow that must be followed. First of all, the pemedek will go to the Beji Segara Rupek Temple, a place where they will be purified first before continuing to pray. In this place, there are the Pelinggih Penglurah Agung and the Pelinggih Gedong Betel, as well as direct views of the island of Java which can be enjoyed clearly across the beach.
Next, go to Payogan Ida Mpu Siddhimantra Temple which is located to the east of Segara Rupek Temple. This temple has several main pelinggihs, but there is one pelinggih which is specifically intended to worship Ida Mpu Siddhimantra directly.

Only after that, the pemedek will enter the Kahyangan Jagat Segara Rupek Temple which is located in the Utamaning Mandala. The structure of this temple consists of the Nista Mandala (Jaba Sisi), which is the outermost part of the temple architecture. And the Main Mandala (innards) is the deepest and holiest part of a temple as well as the main shrine of the temple.

The architecture of the buildings and pelinggih in this temple displays a charming ancient feel, conveys an aura of ancient grandeur, and enriches the spiritual experience of the pemedek in praying. Even though these three temples are located separately, they are still in the same Segara Rupek Temple area, complementing each other in their sacredness.

The piodalan at Segara Rupek Temple falls on Purnama Jyestha, or the eleventh full moon of Wraspati Kliwon Wuku Klawu in the Balinese calendar. At that time, the entire temple complex was filled with a sacred spirit, decorated with a series of ceremonies and offerings that depicted devotion and respect for the presence of the Creator.

To visit Segara Rupek Temple, visitors can get entrance tickets at an affordable price. Visitors are charged IDR 5,000 to IDR 15,000 per person. Meanwhile, Hindus who want to go to this temple can enter the place without being charged a penny. However, please remember that visitors must be careful because this temple is still in the West Bali National Park area. Many wild animals such as monkeys, deer, wild boars, porcupines, and so on can be encountered during the trip.

With all its rich history, nature and spiritual values, Segara Rupek Temple is not only a historical place, but also a cultural and natural heritage that must be protected and preserved for future generations. With joint efforts, Segara Rupek Temple can continue to radiate the beauty and meaning contained within it.

CategoriesJembrana Area By administrator

Rambut Siwi Temple

Rambut Siwi Temple is a revered ocean-view temple nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of West Bali. Perched atop a scenic cliff overlooking the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, this temple symbolises spirituality and tranquillity. With its panoramic views and serene ambience, this sacred site offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Bali while marvelling at the beauty of the surrounding seascape.

As one of the prominent tourist attractions in West Bali, Rambut Siwi Temple beckons travellers seeking to explore the region’s spiritual and natural wonders. Set against the backdrop of lush forests and rolling hills, the temple provides a serene retreat for contemplation and reflection. Visitors can partake in traditional Hindu rituals and ceremonies, offering prayers and seeking blessings amidst the soothing sounds of the ocean waves. With its significance as one of the places to visit in West Bali, Rambut Siwi Temple invites guests to experience the harmony between nature and culture, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking solace and serenity on Bali’s western shores.



ABOUT RAMBUT SIWI TEMPLE
General Information
Rambut Siwi Temple, located in the village of Mendoyo, embraces a picturesque setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. As a prominent sea temple, its strategic location adds to the allure, creating a spiritual atmosphere that resonates with the ebb and flow of the ocean waves. The temple complex, surrounded by lush greenery, comprises various shrines and pavilions, each telling a tale of devotion and cultural significance.

History
The history of Rambut Siwi Temple traces back through centuries of Balinese spirituality. Constructed to honour the sea god Baruna, the temple is a testament to the island’s enduring cultural practices. Explore the intricate carvings and artefacts that narrate the tales of worship and reverence, offering a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions that define Balinese spiritual life.

The Highlights:
Embark on a spiritual journey as you explore the highlights of Rambut Siwi Temple:

Panoramic Coastal Views: Absorb breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean, providing a backdrop for spiritual contemplation.
Sacred Rituals: Witness or partake in traditional Hindu ceremonies, experiencing the vibrant cultural expressions that characterize Rambut Siwi Temple.
Architectural Grandeur: Admire the Balinese architecture and artistic elements that adorn the temple, reflecting the island’s cultural richness.
Sunset Point: Experience the magical allure of sunset at Rambut Siwi Temple as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the coastal landscape.
Photography Opportunity: Capture the temple’s serene beauty and cultural intricacies, preserving the moments of your spiritual exploration through captivating photographs.
Serenity Ambiance: Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Rambut Siwi Temple, finding solace amidst the sacred surroundings and echoing waves.

Other Tourist Attractions Nearby
Extend your journey in West Bali by discovering nearby attractions. Explore the biodiversity of West Bali National Park, embrace the serenity of Gede Perancak Temple, unwind at Medewi Beach’s laid-back shores, and marvel at the iconic Bunut Bolong. Each destination complements the spiritual ambience of Rambut Siwi Temple, creating a well-rounded and enriching travel experience.

CategoriesJembrana Area By administrator

West Bali National Park

Unspoilt beauty lies at the west end of the fabled island of Bali: lush green forests, picturesque mountain range, crystal clear blue water, and vast stretches of pristine beaches, those are what await at the West Bali National Park. Home to over a hundred species of wildlife, the national park is best known as the sanctuary of the exotic white Bali Starling , an endemic iconic bird of the island of the gods.
Located in the most north-westerly point of Bali, the national park includes the whole area of the Prapat Agung Peninsula, and large swathes of land around the towns of Gilimanuk, Cekik and Banyuwedang which lie in the regencies of Jembrana and Buleleng. This national park is approximately 100Km from Bali’s capital city, Denpasar, or about 50 km west from the northern city of Singaraja, capital of Buleleng regency.



West Bali National Park has a total area of 19,002.89 hectares, covering 15,587.89 hectares of land and 3,415 hectares of water. The habitat is very varied with rainforests, dry savannas, acacia scrubs and lowland forests, as well as more montane forests in the higher region. There are also some pockets of dense mangrove forests. In the north of the park is an obvious north jutting peninsula called Prapat Agung. Around this peninsula are long stretches of protected beach and offshore coral reefs as well as a small offshore island called Menjangan . The latter is a very popular diving destination.
One hundred and sixty species of birds have been recorded in the park, including the near extinct Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), Bali’s only endemic vertebrate species,the fauna icon of Bali. It was the key reason why this national park was created in 1941. By 2001, it was estimated that as few as only six individual starlings were thought to have survived in the wild, all of them in this park. Since then, captive breeding and re-introduction efforts have continued apace, but poaching pressures remain a large problem. With that in mind, a second re-introduction program was started in the remote regions of Nusa Penida, off the coast of Sanur Beach in 2004. In June 2011, West Bali National Park received 60 endangered Bali Starling for release, 40 from the Surabaya Zoo and 20 from Taman Safari Indonesia . Keen birdwatchers can find a checklist of likely species and their status here.

Among some other fauna found in the National park are: the Wild Bull ( Banteng), Barn Swallow, Black-naped Oriole, Black Racket-tailed Treepie, Crested Serpent-eagle, Crested Treeswift, Dollarbird, Hawksbill Turtle, Indian Muntjac, Java Sparrow, Javan macaque (Lutung), Large Flying Fox, Leopard Cat, Lesser Adjutant, Long-tailed Shrike, Milky Stork, Pacific Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, Menjangan Wild Deer, Sacred Kingfisher, Savanna Nightjar, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Water Monitor, Wild Boar, Yellow-vented Bulbul, and many more.



The national park is also the home of several endangered species of flora such as: Pterospermum diversifolium, Antidesma bunius, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Steleochocarpus burahol, Santalum album, Aleuritas moluccana, Sterculia foetida, Schleichera oleosa, Dipterocarpus hasseltii, Garcinia dulcis, Alstonia scholaris, Manilkara kauki, Dalbergia latifolia and Cassia fistula.
The Marine reserve includes the cape shores and several sanctuary islands with many seabirds in the bay of Gilimanuk, on the island of Menjangan and the excellent coral reefs surrounding it. The good drop-offs on Menjangan’s south side are only surpassed by the particularly superb reefs on its northern shores. The island is a popular spot for locals and tourists wishing to dive for a variety of fish and coral reef exploration. There are no dangerous currents to contend with in this area.

West Bali Barat National Park also shows high bio-diversity in a relatively small marine area. At the end of the last century, 110 species of corals belonging to 18 families were recorded, of which 22 species were of the mushroom coral family (there are only 29 species of mushroom corals recorded worldwide), and there were at least 27 species of Acropora coral found in a relatively small area of only 2 hectares.
With all the splendors that stretch from the heart of its thick jungle to the deep waters that surround the peninsula, West Bali National Park is truly a natural treasure of the fabled island of Bali.



How To Get There
Most visitors to the park arrive along the north coast road from Lovina (about 90 minutes) or Pemuteran (about 15 minutes). Others come from the south via Gilimanuk harbor which is the main port that connects Java with Bali (about 15 minutes). From the capital city of Denpasar, the trip will take roughly about 4 to 5 hours along the main west road that connects Denpasar to Gilimanuk.
All visitors should check in at one of the two park offices (PHPA) for information, and to obtain permits and arrange guides. The headquarters is at the village of Cekik just south of Gilimanuk in the west. The other is at Labuan Lalang on the north coast from where boats to Menjangan Island depart. The main ranger station is on the road between the two offices at Sumber Klampok.

For permit and information please contact:
West Bali National Park Head Office:
Balai Taman Nasional Bali Barat
Jl. Raya Cekik-Gilimanuk Jembrana, BALI 82253
Phone: +62 365 61060
Fax: +62 365 61479
E-mail: tnbb09@gmail.com
Website: www.tnbalibarat.com