|  The
district of Tabanan comprises two main regions: the
mountains and the lower plains. Tanah Lot, probably
the best known and most-photographed temple in Bali,
is closely associated with the legendary priest Nirartha.
Legend says that as he passed by and was impressed by
the tiny island's superb setting and suggested to locals
that it would be a good place to build a temple. Tanah
means earth, and Lot means sea. The temple symbolizes
the meeting point of natural and cosmic elements.
Tanah Lot is also famous for its magnificent sunsets.
Every dusk tourists flock to witness the fantastic starkly-outlined
temple against the glowing horizon. The best view is
from the cliff overlooking the temple.
The city of Tabanan is a modern, prosperous home to
a substantial ethic Chinese community. It is the birthplace
of Mario, a dancer who revolutionized Balinese dance
in the 30's with his kebyar and kebyar trompong dances,
and commemorated by The Mario Theatre.
Southwest of Tabanan is Kerambitan. The enchantment
of this place lies in the fact that it is still to be
affected by modernization. It is particularly noted
for the beautiful old buildings and low large palaces.
The Tabanan highlands mostly consist of volcanic areas,
with Mount Batukaru (2275m), Mount Sanghyang (2093m),
and Lake Bratan, one of three lakes that make up the
Bedugul resort area. The area has the last remaining
tropical forest on the island. The tranquil botanical
gardens of Kebun Raya Eka Karya in Bedugul are home
to 650 species of trees and a unique collection of ferns
and orchids. |
At Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort, the
breathtaking vistas and natural ambience make this
resort unlike any other in Bali.
