Culture of Bali. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Bali is an amazing island with a unique culture and a truly rich choice of historical, cultural and architectural attractions. This is a true paradise for fans of exciting excursions. Here tourists will have a unique opportunity to visit ancient temples and natural reserves, as well as to watch numerous colorful ceremonies and national holidays. Mother Temple of Besakih is widely recognized as one of the most famous and popular religious sites of the island. The building of the temple was completed in the 10th century. The place of interest is a complex consisting of three dozen small churches that are located on the spacious stepped terraces. There are seven terraces in the complex in total. The lowest terrace is located at an altitude of 1000 m.

Kintamani volcano is known as the brightest natural attraction of the island. The volcano has gained worldwide popularity because of its unusual double crater. If you climb to the crater of Kintamani, you will see the volcanic Lake Batur that is distinguished by its truly marvelous beauty. Quite a notable fact - the depth of the lake remains unchanged throughout a year. Climb up to see this natural attraction, and you will be able to attend an observation deck that provides really spectacular and unforgettable view of the island. Bali is home to numerous nature reserves and botanical gardens. Tourists traditionally enjoy excursions to the Bird Park, among the inhabitants of which you will see such rare birds as Australian cockatoos, rare Bali starlings, and South American macao. The birds live in beautiful spacious open air cages that are designed in accordance with the natural living conditions of various species of animals. In addition to rare species of birds the park is the location of various exotic tropical plants and flowers.

Reptile Park also offers its visitors to see a unique collection of animals brought from different parts of Indonesia. Especially for visitors of the park, the local staff organizes exotic shows, during which you can watch feeding of snakes or crocodiles fighting. A walk on the Balinese forests can also turn into a true adventure, because monkeys are the main inhabitants of the local forests. The most beautiful and famous forest of the island is located near a small village called Sangeh. The local animals have already got accustomed to a large number of people, so finding contact with them is really simple. Friendly monkeys can be photographed and fed with delicacies, but this can be done in the presence of guides only. Near the village named Taro is located Elephant Park that is a great place not only to see these majestic animals, but also to make a safari through the jungle while riding an elephant. Tourists are offered to feed the animals holding food in their hands, or to bathe with them in a beautiful lake. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Tirta Gangga is perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in Bali. Water Palace is located near Abang. Previously, this building served as a royal palace. When translated, the place means “water from the Gange”. This outstanding structure was built in 1948 by order of Raja Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. Already by the year 1963, the palace suffered an earthquake, after which it was reconstructed. This is a real maze of fountains, pools, statues, in the frame of rice fields. Concerts with the participation of Balinese folk performers are often organized here, so that visitors will have a feeling of approaching the local culture.

The Ujung Water Palace is another excellent example of Balinese architecture. It was built in 1909, but suffered the same fate as Tirth Gangga – in 1963, the palace was badly damaged by an earthquake. Afterwards, it suffered from a volcano eruption in 1979. Currently, the territory of the water complex is in a fully restored state, and urges all tourists to stroll along it and feel an incomparable bliss during the walk. The water palace is located in the southeast; the landmark of Amlapura can serve as a geographical guidance. Another interesting temple Klungkung brings to mind the magnificent kingdom. Everything here is interesting – sculptures, the history of the temple, and murals.

Bali is some sort of synonym for the word “mystic”. Truth be told, while here, you cannot miss out on an opportunity to visit the most mysterious places of the island. Firstly, there is the abandoned Bedugul Hotel, which can be found in the settlement of the same name. When visiting the hotel, be sure to ask the locals about its history and the reason behind its abandonment. On second place is an abandoned aircraft which you would find fascinating. The aircraft is situated near the town of Kutuh. Also, it is worth pointing out that the “Liberty ship” once crashed here. Its wreckage can be found at the bottom of the ocean. For this reason, a lot of drivers are trying to find them in that place which is located off the coast of Tulamben.

Near the Bangli Regency and Tukad Cepung waterfall, you can find the Penglipuran temple. It is located in the Penglipuran village, where there are interesting buildings with beautiful architecture. This authentic village is the best place to become acquainted with the locals and their culture – fascinating and charming. Another place that should be noted is the Gungun Sari Dance, which blows with a light breeze of mystery and mysticism, giving rise to conflicting feelings: it is very beautiful and atmospheric here. Rivers, bridges, rice terraces, boulders, all inspires extraordinary feelings. Nevertheless, the constant feeling of someone’s presence is what makes this place so charming. Who knows, possibly it is a divine inspiration which is being acquired here?