Bali - Semarapura

 

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KLUNGKUNG
Regency

This is the smallest Regency, lying east of Gianyar. It covers only 121 square kilometers, including three island : Nusa Penida , Lembongan and Ceningan. Depsite its size , its influence on Balinese culture has been powerful. It was here, at the shadow of the holy Volcano Agung , that the princes and priests of Majapahit gathered in 1343 to continue the kingdom by setting up " Kraton " in Samprangan, but within a couple of generations , they moved to Gelgel and then to Klungkung , in 1710. In the 16th century , the Gods smiled on Gelgel, when Dalem Baturenggong reached an impressive political and cultural achievement to earn His "golden age ".

· BUKIT JAMBUL
On the way to the mount Batur, Kintamani , there is a stopover with its very enchanting scenery,located parallel to the hill, rice fields and the sea in distance. Restaurants are also available there.

· GOA LAWAH
About 43 kilometers east of Denpasar, one of the most sacred temples in Bali, which was built in the 11th century by the high priest "Empu Kuturan". Inside the temple, one will find a natural cave inhabited by thousand of bats hanging down from ceiling, flying around, and singing as well as holy python snakes that often appear around the cave.

· KERTHA GOSA
These pavilions, built in the 18th century, are located at the main road intersection side of the town of klungkung, 40 kilometers northeast of Denpasar. They are especially known for their ceiling murals, painted in the traditional "Wayang" style, depicting punishments in hell for miscreants, and higher up on the ceilings you will find the rewards in heaven for those that have led a good and honest life.

· NUSA LEMBONGAN
This small island is one of the most a popular destinations for day trippers from Bali. The tripscan takes about one and two hours from the Badung Strait, depending on whether you sail or motor boat. One of the main attractions of the island is diving and snorkeling, with amazing corals and tropical colourful fishes, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. Lembongan's large neighbouring island, Nusa Penida has a somewhat more ominous reputation and less popular.

Called Klungkung for many years, the name of this city was changed in the early '90s to Semarapura, the original and more regal name. This former royal capital is one of the busiest towns in eastern Bali and the main transit point for bemos and minibuses en route to Pura Besakih and points east-Padangbai, Candidasa and Amlapura. Bemos cost around Rp.500 from Klungkung to any of these places.
Prices in US dollars. Telephone code is 0366.

The Tourist Information Office on JI. Diponegoro, Phone 21448, is7am-1.45 pm, Mon Thurs, until 10 am on Fri and until noon on Sat. Loji Ramayana Palace Hotel J I. Diponegoro. 9 rooms. The new rooms are clean with private showers and sit-down toilets; the ones in the back are simple with shared showers and squat toilets. The restaurant serves Chinese food. $9.50-$16. Across the street and 20 m west is Cahaya Pusaka, JI. Diponegoro 135. rooms facing the garden are nicer. $7-$8. Bali Indah and Sumber Rasa right next to it on JI. Nakula are the only proper restaurants in town. Good Chinese food.

The post office is at JI. Surapati, Phone 21010. There is a wartel on JI. Diponegoro, Phone 21500. Buy essentials at the Tragia supermarket, JI. Batukaru, The only place for souvenirs is Kamasan village, south of Klungkung. Painters still produce traditional works in the so-called wayang style here. Ask for Nyoman Mandra, or any of his pupils.

Modern painter I Nyoman Gunarsa hasd a museum with his own collection of traditional Balinese painting, sculptures and antiques: Museum Seni Klasilk Gunarsa, Beng, Takmung, Klungkung, Also on display are his own energetic works, usually with dance themes. Look for the huge building with the billboard on the top on the north side of the road.9 am-4 pm, daily except Mon.

There's an astonishing view just north of Klungkung (actually in the Karangasem regency) at Bukit Jambul. There are two Bukit Jambul Garden Restaurants at the best spots, across the road from each other. $10 for lunch. Another great setting at the Puri Boga Restaurant just above these two.

The Nusa Islands Bali

Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan. These three unspoiled islands are southeast of Bali. Boats ply the routes to the islands from Sanur and Benoa (south Bali), Padangbai and Kusamba (east Bali). Most leave by 9-10 am. When travelling from Padangbai, it is advisable to overnight in Candidasa or Padangbai.

There are different take-off points depending on your destination. If you are heading to Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan, where most of the losmen are, then leave from Sanur, Benoa or Kusamba. If you are going to Toya Pakeh on Nusa Penida, leave from Kusamba or Padangbai.

You will have to wade through the water to get on and off the boat and you may get splashed during the crossing. Pack everything in plastic bags and keep a raincoat or poncho handy.