Discover 7 of Bali’s Unusual Sites by Michele Cempaka
Many tourists come to Bali and visit the recommended highlights that they’ve read about in their guidebooks. While places like Besakih and Tanah Lot are considered to be ‘must see’ landmarks, everyone else will be there too along with all those annoying hawkers. Why not add some less tourist trodden places to your itinerary? The seven recommendations below will give you a unique taste of Bali that will certainly be the highlight of your vacation.
1. Arma Museum – is much more than a museum. You may just want to spend the entire day here with all that is on offer. Arma is a center for visual and performing arts providing a vast array of cultural opportunities for visitors. The facilities house a permanent collection of paintings by masters and special temporary exhibitions. Guests can also enjoy a variety of excellent theatre, dance and music performances, as well as painting classes, cultural workshops, seminars and various training programs. For those seeking quieter activities, there is a nice bookshop, a library and a reading room where you can relax while you browse through a selection of books on great Indonesian artists. The Museum is made up of a series of buildings which are inspired by traditional Balinese architecture but on a grander scale. Natural materials have been used throughout, creating a warm inviting ambiance. The two main buildings, the Bale Daja and the Bale Dauh stand majestically amidst lush gardens, ponds and fountains: a major feature of the stunning landscaping. Accommodation is available for visitors at Kokokan Hotel which is located within the museum grounds along with two restaurants: Kokokan Club and Café ARMA, and Warung Kopi.
Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud
Tel: +62(0361)975-742
Email: info@armamuseum.com
2. Warung Bodag Maliah at Sari Organik farms – This treasure of a place is hidden away amidst hectares of ricefields. The warung has a homey atmosphere with a panoramic view of the surrounding ricefields and offers some of the best organic dishes that I have ever tasted in Bali. Their warm Tofu Feta salad with homemade Pita bread is not to be missed. You’ll also definitely want to sample the Falafel plate which is accompanied by a colorful selection of delicious roasted vegetables. All the rice is locally grown here and it’s organic. In addition, there is a good selection of locally grown products such as tofu ricotta, tofu feta, pesto, tomato sauce, homemade jams, and a variety of unique fruit wines, fresh brown bread and more for sale at the warung. Nila, the owner of Sari Organik decided to open the warung in 2007 with the help of Oded, her sponsor and visionary behind this project. In the near future Oded has an even greater vision of extending the farm so that the entire ridge can produce food for all of Ubud.
Tel: (0361)972087, (0361)7801839
Email: sari-organik@hotmail.com
3. Botanic Garden Ubud – This stunning garden which opened on June 15, 2006, is a great place to have a picnic or just wander around the spacious grounds which boast a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. A lush and tranquil sanctuary just 1.2 kilometers from the heart of Ubud, the garden is a unique tourism destination as well as a retreat for Ubud’s residents. There are many pathways and steps that join five hectares of natural ravine including an Orchid Garden, a vast collection of ferns, palms, bamboos and tropical trees. In addition the garden features Bali’s first Maze, an Islamic Garden and other spectacular features. There is also a lovely Amphitheatre housed in the Garden which can be rented as a venue for weddings and other events. Founded by German writer Stefan Reisner, the Botanic Garden Ubud was established to safeguard Bali’s precious flora and enhance environmental consciousness. As you wander through this incredible place you will have the sense of entering another world that is miles away from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life.
Kutuh Kaja, Ubud
Tel: +62 (361) 970-951
Email: info@botanicgardenbali.com
4. Tegallalang – Many tourists head into Ubud’s center for souvenirs and other handi-crafts. The prices are always so inflated and the crowded atmosphere isn’t all that inviting. Alternatively, why not head up to Tegallalang village which is just 10 minutes from Ubud. Tegallalang offers all the same handicrafts and much more for a fraction of the price. There are many small shops that line the street which leads up a gentle hill for several kilometers. Wide selections of goods are available such as elegant wood lamps, colorful dream catchers, hand painted children’s furniture, mirrors in all shapes and sizes, banners with cool sayings, clothing, jewelry and much more. When you get tired of shopping, be sure to check out the panoramic view of the rice fields that are peppered with coconut trees. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could take a short hike down to the small river at the base of the valley. If you’re lucky, you might be able to witness and Odalan at Pura Dalem, Pejeng Aji or Pura Bingin. Odalans are temple birthdays which occur every 210 days in all temples throughout the island of Bali. These are festive events celebrated by all Balinese Hindus who make many elaborate offerings which are carried to the temples in their villages and offered to the Gods.
5. Spa Hati is Jari Menari’s Ubud spa – a private haven just on the outskirts of Ubud’s center. The facilities here are truly special. The spa consists of seven tastefully designed treatment rooms which can accommodate nine people. Each room has its own private garden with access to an outdoor saltwater Jacuzzi and steam room which is included with any massage. You may want to arrive at least half an hour early or stay late so you can fully enjoy everything on offer. With nine types of treatments available, guests can choose from a 60 minute ‘Blissful Journey’ massage or ‘Rapture’ – a 90 minute treatment that includes a rejuvenating body scrub and two well trained masseuses who will massage away any remnants of stress. The five-hour program is aptly named: ‘Enchantment’ – a marathon treatment which includes a massage, scrub, flower bath, facial and mani-pedi. But perhaps the best thing about coming to Spa Hati is that you know you’ll be supporting the community projects of the Bali Hati Foundation. The majority of the revenue from their spa treatments fund the Bali Hati School in Mas, as well as other community programs.
Tel: +62 361 977-578
Spa Hati offers complimentary transport in Ubud area
Email: spahati@dps.centrin.net.id
6. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a picturesque temple located on a lake that fills the crater of ancient mount Bratan in Tabanan, which is in the northwestern part of Bali. The weather is much cooler here, so be sure to bring along a sweater. It also often rains which makes the air crisp and clean. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of serene Lake Bratan, as a manifestation of Brahman as Wisnu, the preserver. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a very important Hindu-Buddhist temple which was founded in the 17th century. The temple was built on small islands which are surrounded by the lake. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the waters. Ceremonies and pilgrimages take place here to ensure that there is an ample supply of water for farmers for their irrigation throughout Bali. The temple site consists of two multi-tiered merus which are truly beautiful, as they were designed with traditional thatched roofs. The largest temple is an eleven-tier meru; the home of the god of Gunung Mangu. It is also claimed to be the abode of Wisnu which the temple is dedicated to. The smaller shrine which is further away is devoted to Lingga Petak. This shrine which is dedicated to Shiva has a three-tier meru and is only reachable by canoe.
7. Topi Inn at Padang Bai – Many people pass through the somewhat tattered village of Padang Bai en route to Lombok or the Gillis. A great place to make your wait for the ferry a little easier is the Topi Inn. This delightful little sanctuary is situated right on the beachfront. Guests can chill out on the lovely second storey deck in a hammock, read a book or just revel in the beautiful ocean view. They offer small but comfortable rooms, a huge shared living area upstairs and an inviting open air café downstairs with pretty decent food. There are also many affordable warungs close by for those who are on a local budget. After you get your R & R, you can meander up the hill to indulge yourself in great snorkeling at the nearby Blue Lagoon beach. This small but very pretty beach is nestled between huge cliffs. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and white – perfect for sunbathing. There are other choices of accommodation of course, but Topi Inn has such a great vibe, so why stay anywhere else?
