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Bali Botanical Garden

The Bali Botanic Garden (Indonesian: Kebun Raya Bali) is the largest botanic garden in Indonesia and is located in the mountainous region of Bedugul, Tabanan Regency, central Bali, around 90 minutes drive north of Denpasar. The Garden was established on 15 July 1959 and is situated around 1300 metres above sea level overlooking Beratan Lake and the Ulun Danu Temple on the slopes of Tapak Hill. The Garden is a centre for botanical research, conservation, education and recreation. It is operated by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI).
The Garden has an area of 157.5 hectares (389 acres) and daytime temperatures range from 17 – 25 °C and 10 – 15 °C at night. The humidity averages around 70-90%.
The Garden contains more than 21,000 living specimens belonging to 2,400 species, representing various species from mountainous areas of eastern Indonesia: Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua. In addition its herbarium contains 10,000 preserved plant specimens ranging from algae to flowering plants.

Apart from plant collections that include orchids, ferns, cacti and carnivorous plants, there is also a traditional Balinese style guesthouse that functions as a guest house for visitors. One of the world’s largest displays of begonias is also on display in the conservatory building.


History
The Bali Botanic Garden was first established on 15 July 1959 by Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno. The Garden was first known as the Eka Karya Botanic Garden, where “Eka” means first while “Karya” means creation in the Balinese language, referring to the garden’s status as the first Indonesian botanic garden to be established after independence.
It was originally intended that The Bali Botanic Garden specialise in the cultivation of conifer plants (non-flowering seed plants, or Gymnosperms) and as a place for recreation. The garden accommodates scientific, cultural and recreational activities for visitors.
Development of the garden stopped in 1965 due to political instability and was only reopened on 30 April 1975. When the garden became operational once again, its area was expanded to 129.2 hectares. It also added a new function for ex-situ conservation of plants from the mountainous region of eastern Indonesia.
In 2001 the land area of the Garden was expanded to 157.5 hectares.


Attractions
The garden is made up of both open areas for recreation and remnant mountain rainforest. Attractions include a large orchid display (>300 species), carnivorous plants, bamboo garden (87 species), cactus greenhouse (100 species), a fern garden (188 species), traditional Balinese medicinal plants (300 species) and ceremonial plants (218 species), Rhododendron garden (>20 species), a rose garden, aquatic garden, conservatory and one of the world’s largest begonia collections (100 species). On a clear day, there are good views to Lake Bratan and one of the most photographed trees in the garden is a giant ficus or fig tree located on the upper slope of Tapak Hill.

The garden is home to at least 79 species of birds, treeshrews are regularly seen and occasionally macaques can be spotted entering from the adjacent Batukaru Nature Reserve.
Three Hindu temples are also accessed from within the Garden.
As of 2011, the botanical garden is visited by 350,000 people, including 10,000 foreigners, yearly.

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Bali Butterfly Park

The Bali Butterfly Park is a charming destination for nature enthusiasts. It’s a haven for butterflies of various colors and patterns. The park’s layout mimics natural habitats, giving you a chance to see these delicate creatures up close.

As you explore the park, you’ll encounter a diverse collection of butterfly species, each with its unique characteristics. The knowledgeable staff is eager to share interesting insights about these winged wonders.

A trip to the Bali Butterfly Park offers a visual treat and a chance to learn about the life cycles and behaviors of these insects. It’s an ideal spot for families, nature lovers, and photographers to immerse themselves in the vibrant butterfly world.

This sanctuary provides a peaceful and educational experience, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of butterflies amidst Tabanan’s natural charm.

Tabanan is the capital town of the regency of Bali with the same name. Parts of Tabanan regency lie in Central Bali and other parts would be more often regarded as part of West Bali. For the purposes of this guide the Tabanan area will be classified in Central Bali, as that is where the key areas of interest to visitors are located.

The coastal areas in the south were previously not well known by visitors due to a lack of infrastructure, but these have been lightly developed in recent years, and there are now some high profile accommodation options there. Tabanan is though more usually associated by visitors with rolling green landscapes, hills and especially the imposing Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second highest peak at 2,276 metres.

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White Ancient Tree

Wisata Kayu Putih which translates to White Wood in English, is located in remote village of Tabanan in central Bali. The ancient tree which the villagers believe to be approximately 700 years old is giant and mind blowing. It has been gaining popularity recently with many people visiting here specially on their way to north Bali.

The tree is located in a remote area bit off from the main road and there are no restaurants or hotels around. But only few kilometers from this area, you can reach Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, Bali’s most attractive rice terrace and further north you can reach many beautiful destinations in Bali. All in all, Wisata Kayu Putih is more ideal to pass by during the trip to north Bali. There is no entrance fee to get here but you are free to make donation to Wayan who stays there and maintains the place.

ASIDE from natural tourism with beautiful scenery, in Bali visitors will also be able to find a unique attraction related to the diversity of flora such as tropical giant white tree (Kayu Putih), not eucalyptus, at Bayan customary village, Tua, Marga, Tabanan.

This tree grows behind the Babakan Temple which was established during the time of King of Perean. If banyan trees, sacred fig or devil’s tree are commonly encountered at other temples, well, at this temple is different.

This giant white tree belonging to the tropical rain forest ecosystem has buttress roots that grow high above the ground. This root is shaped like a flat plank that serves to support the tree because it has shallow roots. This is distinct characteristics and adaptations of this kind of tree to ensure their survival.

The buttress roots protrude at the base of the tree, larger than the trunk. Buttress roots have a function to help the erect plant stems. Most trees having this type of root are trees that grow in tropical forests.

What uniqueness does it have?

This tree is named so because of the color of the tree. The uniqueness of this giant tree object in Tabanan lies in its age and size where this tree is estimated to have been 700 years old, towering about 75 meters and 60 meters in diameter.

There is a Balinese general belief that when a tree is sizing more than an adult’s embrace, the tree has the potential to be inhabited by a community of spirits. Related to this belief, this giant tree also once showed a haunted impression, especially when it is associated with mystical stories.

It is said, there are local residents who have heard the sound of gun shots or the strains of gamelan from the direction of the big tree. This story is then associated with the existence of gamelan instruments having been buried under the tree in the past.

Attractiveness

For photography enthusiasts or at least selfie lovers, this Tabanan destination in the form of a large tree object is used as a selfie background to enrich post content on social media or just make a travel album. Visitors can pose from various angles or the expanse of the buttress roots of the giant white tree.

Well, if you are a spiritual practitioner, this giant tree object with mystical nuances certainly has its own charm. By an large, those wishing to interact with the ‘residents’ and enjoy the magical atmosphere around will do meditation activities.

This natural tourist attraction has been widely known by residents outside the village or foreign travelers since 2013. Travelers then shared unique photos under this white tree through their social media account. Those who saw the beauty finally became curious. Even though it is known as a place with mystical and haunted nuances, the instagenic appearance makes the place a destination or an ‘instagrammable’ selfie tourist attraction that is quite attractive.

Location

It’s not too difficult to find out the location of the giant white tree. To be precise, it sits at Banjar Bayan, Tua Village, Marga subdistrict, Tabanan, right in front of a stretch of rice fields. This location can be accessed by car and motorbike and there is an adequate parking space. Approximately, it’s 2 km from the main road.

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Alas Kedaton

Alas Kedaton Temple is a small forest with the width about 6-7ha located in the middle of the rice field in Tabanan regency, west part of Bali. The total size of Kedaton forest, temple and its supporter facility is about 12 ha. In this forest, there is a temple called Alas Kedaton Temple and owns the natural environments that is looked green with its fresh air and create the calm, quite and holy atmosphere.

Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Alas Kedaton Temple Bali
The monkeys in Alas Kedaton Temple are very tame and free gallivanting in temple yard, so that the calm atmosphere is sometime solved by noise voice of the monkey, which are playing around and scrambling of food. The monkeys who dwell in Alas Kedaton Temple, there are jump up and down in temple wall, take a bath in moat or there is also hang out in few leaves representing impression view. The monkey like as custodian of temple, which are always ready to greet all visitor who are paying a visit to Alas Kedaton Temple. Beside monkeys, in Kedaton forest also can be met the bats and some other animals. At least 24 types of grove plant have been identified in Alas Kedaton Temple Bali.

Alas Kedaton Temple is located in Kukuh countryside, Marga Sub district Tabanan Regency. The journey go to Alas Kedaton Temple can be done easily by using motor vehicle follow the major roadway from Denpasar to Tabanan. On the way go to Alas Kedaton Temple, we will see the beautiful nature view where in front of us will meet the carpet of rice field and irrigation voice at the side of road to bear the impression/peaceful atmosphere.

Alas Kedaton Temple have three yard that are external yard, middle and center yard. In the center and middle yard are encircled by wall and the outside yard is representing a open yard. The interesting point of this temple is the inside yard representing holy yard, its situation lower than the middle yard. This thing is different compare with the general temples in Bali that are more goes to inside the temple, the more higher the place will be. Beside of that another interesting point of this temple owns four entrances.

Alas Kedaton Temple as Tourist Destination in Bali
In growth of handling of this tourist destination in Bali, Alas Kedaton Temple has several become a training location about tourism nature, environmental handling and agro tourism. Alas Kedaton Temple is as one of touristr destination at Tabanan area has visited by many tourist from local and foreign countries which are generally a lot of paying a visit on August, December until January, while the local tourist generally pay a visit on holiday season and feast day of Ramadan (Moslem holiday) and this place is good to be visited in the day time.

In front of Alas Kedaton temple there are quite a lot small shops selling the handicraft as souvenir, for example clothes, pants and other handicrafts. Others, there are some shops booth selling food and beverage, toilet and park area which is wide enough.

Temple Festival at Alas Kedaton Temple
The temple ceremony in Alas Kedaton Temple is carried out every 210 days a year. It is on Anggarakasih Medangsia (Balinese Hindu calendar) or on every Tuesday where on that time the society do the worship or pray to request the safety and prosperity. The unique in this ceremony is do not use the fire and do not hence Penjor and also finished before the sunset or before the night is come.
Alas Kedaton Temple Bali | Interesting Things.

Visiting Alas Kedaton Temple Bali, at least there are 3 interesting things we can see.

1. First is the funny of the monkeys around the trees, Is free from charge of taking picture of monkey
2. The second one is bat show, must paid in order to enjoy the bat show at Alas Kedaton Temple
3. The third one is take some pictures with the snake. must paid to take picture with the snake. is good expereince especially for the children,can bring a very interesting experience related to the animals
In Alas Kedaton Temple, there are about 2.000 monkeys. They are the most attractive magnet for the visitors. The visitors can give some foods to the monkeys directly. Just put some nuts or cookies on your hand and those monkey will be happy to eat. With only some nuts on the hand, some brave visitors can take some pictures while the monkeys eating the nuts on their head, or hand. When doing this activity it is very advised to not wearing your hat, or glasses. The monkey have a bad attiture: they will steal your hat or glasses when ever they have a chance.

The authorities of Alas Kedaton Forest, Desa Adat Kukuh, Marga, Tabanan has designed the forest full with the monkeys, to interact with the visitors directly. Of course, all of the monkey is gentle. They are not bad, as long as the visitor does not doing some bad thing, like hit them. Another attraction is a bat show. It is not ordinary bat, but a giant bat. Very big. You will not see this kind of bat in daily life. So in Alas Kedaton Temple this could be the only one experience taking picture with a giant bat.

Last attraction or the third one is taking the picture with the snake. Not only for adults, kids is also very happy with the attraction. Again, this is not a wild snake like we often see in National Geographic. Although the snake is very big and long, but this creature is a gentle one. Some photograph with the snake in Alas Kedaton can be good here.

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Batu Karu Temple

Batukaru Temple, referred to by locals as Pura Luhur Batukaru, is one of Bali’s key temples. It’s located at the foot of namesake Mount Batukaru, which stands at 2,270 metres above sea level. The temple is surrounded by cool natural forests, providing a pleasant stopover for nature lovers.
The island’s most impressive expanse of rice paddies, Jatiluwih, is within a 2-km drive from the temple, making both a popular combination for excursions to Bali’s central highlands.

Features of Batukaru Temple
Batukaru Temple is filled with ancient structures heavily covered in green moss. The walled compounds contain several shrines and high meru towers, together with bale pavilions with unmistakably ancient Balinese features, such as dark grass roofs and intricate wall carvings.

There are different courtyards inside the complex, sparsely positioned and on different elevations. These courtyards are connected through a series of flowering gardens and statue-lined steps. Within the main temple courtyard, you’ll find a freshwater spring that serves as a holy water source for prayers and ceremonies. There’s another separate spring reserved for cleansing and purification rituals.

Visiting Batukaru Temple
A sacred site in Bali, Mount Batukaru has misty slopes from the heavily forested mountain which enhances its overall spiritual vibe. The temple complex is frequented by visitors on any given day but several parts of the temple’s inner sanctum remain off-limits to non-praying visitors.

The 11th-century Batukaru Temple shares the cool and quiet upland vicinity of the Wongaya Gede farming community in the Penebel Village of Tabanan regency. The best time to visit is during the temple’s biannual piodalan temple anniversaries, which coincides each Thursday after the Galungan celebrations. Balinese Hindu families from villages in Wongaya Gede and from all over the island make pilgrimages to this mountain temple for blessings.

Things to know when visiting Batukaru Temple
Old Balinese chronicles state that the temple suffered major destruction following a siege by the neighbouring Buleleng kingdom during the warring times of 1,605 AD. The temple remained in ruins for a considerable period, until major restorations (1959–1979) reinstated Batukaru Temple to its current form.

A visit to the temple calls for proper attire and conduct. As with any Balinese temple visit, you must wear a sash around your waist, which is available for free at the security post before the temple entrance. Women during their periods are not allowed to enter the temple grounds.

There is a large parking area about 1 km down from the temple, where a variety of local kiosks and warungs offer local cuisine, snacks and refreshments. One of the traditional must-try cakes in the Tabanan region include klepon, palm sugar-filled gelatinous steamed rice flour balls served with shredded coconut.

Batukaru Temple
Location: Jalan Penatahan-Wongayagede, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali 85125, Indonesia

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Jati Luwih Rice Terrace

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, an iconic destination in Bali, enchants visitors with its mesmerizing blend of nature and culture. The vast rice fields, meticulously cultivated in terraced patterns, create a stunning panorama that reflects the harmony between human ingenuity and the untouched beauty of the environment. The cool mountain air and the rhythmic life of local farmers add an authentic touch to the experience, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and cultural admirers.

Central to Jatiluwih’s charm is the Subak, a Balinese social organization dedicated to preserving nature and regulating the local community’s social life. Recognizing the profound significance of this synergy, UNESCO has bestowed World Cultural Heritage status upon Jatiluwih Rice Terrace. As visitors explore the terraced landscapes, they witness a living canvas where tradition, nature, and culture converge in timeless splendour, making Jatiluwih a scenic spot and a cultural sanctuary in the heart of Bali.

ABOUT JATILUWIH RICE TERRACE.

General Information
Nestled in the enchanting landscape of Tabanan, Bali, Jatiluwih Rice Terrace unfolds over 600 hectares, showcasing the marvels of Bali’s Subak irrigation system. Recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, Jatiluwih is a testament to the profound intertwining of cultural and natural elements.

The name “Jatiluwih” derives from the words “Jati” and “Luwih,” signifying “true” and “good.” This aptly captures the essence of Jatiluwih as a place of undeniable beauty. The expansive rice fields, extending from the foothills of Mount Batukaru to the ocean’s edge, create a unique allure. Beyond its scenic charm, Jatiluwih produces three distinct types of rice—white, brown, and black. White rice serves as a staple for Indonesians, while brown rice, with its low carbohydrate content, is valued for its health benefits in preventing diabetes. Additionally, black rice finds its place in culinary creations, notably in pudding. Jatiluwih’s rice, recognized for its quality, holds global appeal, being exported abroad as a testament to Bali’s agricultural excellence.

The History
Dating back to the 9th century, Jatiluwih has been shaped by traditional Balinese farming practices. The Subak system, an ancient water management system, has sustained the terraced fields, showcasing the island’s agricultural ingenuity.

The Highlights
*.Wide Expanse of Rice Fields: Marvel at the breathtaking terraced landscapes, symbolizing Bali’s sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature.
*.UNESCO Heritage Site: Acknowledged for its cultural and natural value, Jatiluwih holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO Cultural Landscape.
*.Rice Field Trekking Track: Explore the intricate network of trekking paths, offering an immersive journey through the terraced fields and Subak irrigation channels.
*.Subak Irrigation: Witness the ancient Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO-recognized cooperative water management system unique to Bali.
*.Panoramic Landscape View: Admire sweeping vistas of terraced rice fields against rolling hills, creating a mesmerizing scenic landscape.
*.Cool Temperature: Enjoy the cool climate of the highlands, making Jatiluwih a refreshing escape from Bali’s tropical heat.
*.Restaurants: Indulge in local cuisine at restaurants overlooking the rice terraces, offering a scenic dining experience.
*.Public Facilities and Parking Space: Convenient facilities ensure a comfortable visit, with tourist parking spaces available.

Nearby Attractions
Explore nearby wonders such as White Tree Temple, Taman Ayun Temple, Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot, Butterfly Park, Bloom Garden, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Beratan Lake, Bali Botanical Garden, Buyan Lake, Tamblingan Lake, Batukaru Temple, Penatahan Hot Spring.

Nature’s Symphony Awaits
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace invites you to step into a world where the rhythm of nature harmonizes with centuries-old traditions. Explore the green tapestry, breathe in the fresh air, and let the beauty of Bali’s cultural and natural heritage captivate your senses.

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Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot (Balinese) is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot (literally “Tanah Lot temple”), a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography.

Tanah Lot temple
Tanah Lot means “Land [in the] Sea” in the Balinese language.Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 16th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island’s beautiful setting and decided to rest there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock, for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods. The main deity of the temple is Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, who is the sea god or sea power and these days, Nirartha is also worshipped here.

The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. In addition to Balinese mythology, the temple was significantly influenced by Hinduism.

At the base of the rocky island, venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha’s selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.

Restoration
In 1980, the temple’s rock face was starting to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become dangerous. The Japanese government then provided a loan to the Indonesian government of Rp 800 billion (approximately US$480 million to conserve the historic temple and other significant locations around Bali. As a result, over one-third of Tanah Lot’s “rock” is actually cleverly disguised artificial rock created during the Japanese-funded and supervised renovation and stabilization program.

Tourism
Tanah Lot Temple
Sacred water at Tanah Lot temple
Entrance tickets cost 20,000 rupiah for Indonesian nationals (Rp 15,000 for children), but foreigners have to pay three times the price, or Rp 60,000 (Rp 30,000 for children). To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea. On the mainland clifftops, restaurants have also been provided for tourists.

Location
This tourist attraction is located in Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan, approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of Tabanan.

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Ulundanu Beratan Temple

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major Hindu Shaivite temple in Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. The water from the lake serves the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak).

The temple complex
In Bali, Hindu temples are known as “pura”, being designed as open-air places of worship in walled compounds. The compound walls have a series of intricately decorated gates without doors for the devotee to enter. The design and plan of the holy pura follows a square layout. A typical temple is laid out according to ancient Lontar texts with three courtyards separated by low walls pierced by ornate gateways. The outer courtyard is for secular pursuits, with pavilions used for meetings, resting performers and musicians at festivals. Food stalls are set up here during festivals. The middle courtyard is a transition zone between the human and divine sections; here offerings are prepared and temple paraphernalia are stored. The inner courtyard is the site of the shrines and religious ceremonies. The shrines are known as merus and are square structures with brick bases and multiple pagoda-style thatched roofs; the number of roofs reflects the status of the deity, and is always an odd number. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is one of the nine ‘Kahyangan Jagat’ temples on Bali. The temple complex consists of five various shrines dedicated to other Hindu gods as well.

Built in 1633, the temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali. The 11-storey pelinggih meru in the complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha’s statue is also enshrined in this temple. This temple is also called the “Bali temple on the Lake” because it looks as if it is floating when the Bratan River rises.

The Buddhist stupa

The Buddhist stupa in Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
The Buddhist stupa of Beratan is a place of worship for Buddhists located at the tourist complex of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. Its existence is quite unique and interesting considering its location in close proximity to the sites of worship belonging to Hindus.

This stupa signifies religious harmony. It faces south and is located outside the main area of the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex.