The enchantment of Bali is not only its beautiful beach, white sand and sun shine. Bali also has a beautiful mountain range landscape with its forest and lake like in Bedugul, Tabanan regency. Tabanan Regency nestles on the southwestern part of Paradise Island and is well known as green and fertile area.
The agriculture has been developed very well here. This regency borders Badung on the east, Jembrana on the west and Buleleng on the north. Northern side of this regency is Bedugul producing fruits and vegetables. Bedugul is one of tourism area which is perched about 1240m high from sea level. This area is so cold with the temperature 180c in the night and 240c in the day time on an average. The fantastic panoramic views decorate the area. We can visit the Ulundanu Temple and Lake Beratan, Blayu Village, Jatiluwih Village, Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bedugul (botanical Garden).
The Ulun Danu Temple and Lake Beratan lies at the village of Candikuning, the district of Baturiti. Both are being contiguous and they created a full satisfaction for everyone who has been there and accompanied by green mountain range and tropical rainforest which always become as their characteristic. On the lake Beratan we can use motorboats and canoes which are available to go around the lake, as well as parasailing and water skiing.
There are some caves used by the Japanese in World War II across the lake and there is a path to the top of Mount Catur from those caves, which has an ancient temple at the top. The Ulun Danu temple itself is a big temple nestling on the side of Lake Beratan. Beside from the main complex of the temples, there are two groups’ temple shrines in the lake. When the ritual ceremony or temple festival falls, a simple bamboo bridge will be built to connect the temple with the main complex upon the ceremony.
We will see greenery and the shadow of the banyan tree, a small garden with some of local flowers adding the beauty of the landscape in front of the temple. We can also watch additional attraction on other part of the temple area and also can get in touch or take an amazing picture with some wild animals such anaconda-like snake, giant bat, iguana, and some tropical forest birds based on your own request with certain amount of fee. Black and white portrait paintings are available on the southern lake front pavilion near the wooden jetty. Relax on the stone like chair while the artist is painting our face patiently. This is based on your request. This can be surely a memorable moment on your journey around this island.
Blayu Village is a small village located on parallel side from Pacung to Bedugul. This village is known for its traditional Songket Sarongs which is used for ceremonial purpose.
Jatiluwih Village and Yeh Panes is a small village on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. Jatiluwih means ‘truly marvelous’ as the view is truly encompassing a huge region of southern Bali. A hot spring, Yeh Panes lies on the road northwards of Tabanan.
The last one is Kebun Raya Eka Karya Bedugul (Botanical Garden) is nestled near Bedugul. It was established in 1959 in 120 hectares of land as a Branch of the Bogor National Botanical Garden, which has a large collection of native plants and over specimens of orchids.
Accommodation
We can find a lot of cottages, guesthouse, bungalows and hotel here including
Ashram Guest House - Situated in a god position in attractive grounds on the lake side, this is a large establishment, offering a range of options.
Cempaka - Clean, quiet place just behind Permata Firdaus off the road to the Botanical Gardens
Lila Graha Bungalows - Located almost opposite the Ashram Guesthouse, 100m back towards Candikuning. Bungalows overlooking the lake. . This Bungalows offer travelers who plan to taking part of the local treks.
How to get there
Those places are about one hour and fifty minutes from Denpasar. To reach those places, we recommend to hire motorbikes, rent a car or taking part on the regular Bali sightseeing tours.
