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Pantai Keramas, the surfing beach in Gianyar
Keramas beach is one of the best surf spot in Bali and most popular to local surfers as well as foreigner surfers since year 2000. Many world class surfer event and competitions already held in Keramas beach, such as Billabong Pro Junior, Garuda Indonesia Travel Scene and Oakley World Pro Junior.
eramas beach is located in Kerama village, Blahbatuh district in Gianyar regency, it’s about 20 minutes drive from Sanur or Denpasar to the east. Keramas beach is also close to other surf points such as Ketewel Beach, Gumicik Beach, Padang Galak Beach, Matahari Terbit Beach and Sanur Beach.
The best time for surfing at Keramas Beach is during the rainy / wet season in the early mornings and commonly from the month of October to April because the wind flows from the west to the east and create the great wave that is suitable for surfing activities.
Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest in Bali
Alas Kedaton, known as Kedaton Monkey Forest, since within the small spot of forest of high trees live dozens of wild monkeys and fruit bats, enclosing a temple characterized with old tradition of monolith which is supposed to originated from megalithic period. The location of this forest is just 2 km from a settlement or village which is belong to the area of Kecamatan Kediri Tabanan, or located around 5 km from the town of Kediri. From Denpasar this place is around 17 km, and from Kuta is shorter, around 14 km. The environment of this forest with temple is a rice field and a small river on the east border. Along the way from Denpasar or Kuta one will pass the villages and towns which is densely populated as the area relatively closed to the biggest city of Bali, Denpasar and very close distance to the capital city of Kabupaten Tabanan that is Tabanan city. Between Denpasar and Tabanan one passes cities such as Kapal, Mengwi, and Kediri which is now has no clear border between them along 21 km length. The reason of preserving the forest in the populated area of Bali is the existence of a temple. A temple must have an area that is to be preserved either in the condition of natural or a rice field or dry field considered as the wealth of the temple itself. A tradition of Balinese that to preserve a forest or nature, a temple is built, so the relation between temple and nature is two aspects that must be co-existence. It is not only for nature but for any natural heritages such as animal. For example see Goa Lawah, to preserve the existence and life of the bats, a temple is constructed on the mouth of the cave where the bats live, monkeys habitat can be found many in Bali other then Alas Kedaton, such as Sangeh, Uluwatu, Grokgak, Ubud, and others. At each of this animal habitat a temple were established, so people will not trouble the life of the animal. At every places that have dense forest a temple also constructed to warn people not to trouble the forest. Only later after the independence of Indonesia with the formation of forest rangers some permits to cut the trees in the forest has been issued. This permits have caused most of the trees were cut including clearing for a new field of farming. To strengthen the traditional technique of preservation by Balinese, even a myth of frightening has been also created. For Alas Kedaton a myth of monkey’s culture has been developed, and to protect the National Bali Barat Nature Reserve a myth of invisible town also has been created, and still many myths to protect places in Bali which is in the main idea to deter the people to trouble the preserved object. For Alas Kedaton with its wild monkeys it is a story of the smart monkey life, like a human being the monkeys will burry their died member. That is the reason that from hundreds of years the farmers around the forest never find any dead monkey. A spot of land south of the forest which is look like a cemetery with dozen of small domes is considered the cemetery of the monkeys. This group of monkeys are more diligent compared to other monkeys as it is belong to the holy spirit that abide the temple, and any one who gives trouble to the monkey will be encountered with problem. This is the believe of the people living around Alas Kedaton. This story was created to preserve the forest and its wild monkeys and fruit bats. The way Balinese preserve the nature sounds superstitious, yet so success so far. The only government side did not understand how to adjust this good traditional technique to shift it into scientific way of preservation, as it is realized that superstitious way will sooner or later will be re-considered by the people themselves in the pace of their knowledge. A partial solution to the effort was done by Department of Archaeology of University of Udayana in 1982, only just to discover the truth of the myth by organizing an excavation to the spot supposed as the monkeys cemetery, but without the adjustment of the preservation ideas laid out behind it. It was lucky that Alas Kedaton has developed into tourist object and by this, the people were given advantages, if not the lost of believe on the story of the monkeys ability to burry their died member will fade the believe of the people to the holy spirit that abide the temple and at last will harm the spirit of preservation. The number of monkeys live until today is believed more then a hundred which are become so tame due to the tourists always giving them souvenir for feeding such as peanuts, banana, and any kind of fruits. On the high tree also dozens of fruit bats which is called flying foxen can also be seen during the day. At the front of the temple where buses and cars of visitors first arrive now have been built many shops, especially souvenir shops from handicrafts, garments, accessories, and any other goods. The shops are expected to interest the visitors to buy small souvenirs at their shops. This is indeed giving bad impression to the guests, just like Tampak Siring Temple that the guests are forced to walk among the shops to see the object. Such errors almost happened also with Besakih temple, but with the new Bupati, the head of the region it can be re-located. A visitor to Alas Kedaton arrive at the parking area then walk around the temple or can also walk further through the shadow of big trees. Yet the monkeys already presence at the parking area waiting for gifts.
Fast Fact About Bali
Country
Bali is one of the thousands of islands that togethar constitute the Republic of Indonesia. Because of its unique features, Bali has become a primary destination for tourists from all over the world, who have chosen to travel to the Asian tropics.
Geographical
The province of Bali is situated between 8°03'40"-8°50'48" of the south latitude, and 114°25'53"- 115°42'40" of the east meridian. The west border is marked by Bali Strait, separating the island from Java Island and Java Sea while Lombok Strait lies along the eastern part of Bali, separating the island from Lombok island. Then the Indonesian Ocean and Java Sea each lies on the south and north of Bali. The mountain that stretches out from west to east uniquely divides the island into two. Two volcanoes stood tall as landmarks of Bali among the mountain range, namely Mount Batur (1,171m) and Mount Agung (3,140m).
Area
The island of Bali is approximately 153 km wide and 112 km north to south (95 by 69 miles, respectively), with a surface area of 5,632 km²
Population
Based on 2000 survey on Bali's population, the island had 3,146,999 citizens.
Capital
Denpasar.
People
Balinese (89%), Javanese (7%), Baliaga (1%), Madurese (1%).
Language
Balinese and Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages in Bali, and like most Indonesians, the vast majority of Balinese people are bilingual or trilingual. There are several indigenous Balinese languages, but most Balinese can also use the most widely spoken option: modern common Balinese. English is a common third language and the primary foreign language of many Balinese.
Religion
Unlike most of Muslim-majority Indonesia, about 93.18% of Bali's population adheres to Balinese Hinduism, formed as a combination of existing local beliefs and Hindu influences from mainland Southeast Asia and South Asia. Minority religions include Islam (4.79%), Christianity (1.38%), and Buddhism (0.64%). These official statistical figures do not include immigrants from other parts of Indonesia.
Government
Bali has eight districts collectively called Kabupatens, which comprise of Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem, Klungkung, and Tabanan. Among all these districts, Badung is the most famous and highly populated one, with Despansar as its capital.
Climate
Bali has a climate that is tropical all year. The average temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius year-round. There are dry and wet seasons - dry from April to September and wet from October to March - but it can rain at any time of year and even during the wet season rain is likely to pass quickly. In general May to August are the best months in Bali. At that time of year the climate is likely to be cooler and the rains lightest.
Major Holidays
Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi, Saraswati, Pagerwesi
Economic Profile
Tourism is the economy's largest industry, agriculture is still the island's biggest employer[citation needed], most notably rice cultivation. Crops grown in smaller amounts include fruit, vegetables and other cash and subsistence crops.[citation needed] A significant number of Balinese are also fishermen. Bali is also famous for its artisans who produce batik and ikat cloth and clothing, wooden carvings, stone carvings and silverware.
Currency
The unit of currency is Rupiah indicated as Rp. USD1 is roughly equivalent to Rp. 9,100,-. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.
Banking Hours
Most states: Mon - Fri: 8.00am to 5.00pm. Sat & Sun: Closed (Selected banks and branches are open on Sat).
Post Offices
Open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily except the Saturday Open from 8.00am to 1.00pm, Sundays and public holidays.
Time
Six hours ahead of GMT and 15 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
Weights and Measures
Indonesia follows the metric system in weights and measures.
Telephones
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telkom office.
Accommodation
Bali has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. Five-star, medium range, budget hotels, youth hostels, beach chalets and timeshare apartments are just some of the types of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available for rent.
Arma Museum & Resort
Situated at Pengosekan Village in Ubud, ARMA Resort is hidden away from the regular tourist crowds where guests can enjoy the arts, the tranquility of the gardens, and the natural surrounds of the resort during their stay on the island paradise of Bali. This long-standing resort that provides a greater opportunity for you to discover the uniqueness of Balinese traditional culture, to indulge yourself in the luxurious accommodations, modern facilities and top-class services as well as pamper your senses with the flavors and aromas of a wide selection of delicious cuisines.
ARMA Resort offers three types of rooms, Superior, Deluxe and Kokokan Suite.
Superior room comes in cottage style with traditional Balinese architecture and set within a beautiful garden with air conditioning, private veranda with antique day bed along with table and chairs, private bathroom with bathtub and shower. From 8 Superiors rooms, 3 rooms have swimming pool and rice field view, 2 rooms has rice filed view , 1 room has garden and rice field view and 2 rooms has rice field and small river view.
Deluxe room is elegantly designed in Balinese architecture cottage style, set within a lush tropical garden and equipped with air conditioning, private veranda with table and chairs, big bed room and big bathroom with shower only. Out of 5 Deluxe rooms, 2 rooms have rice field and river view, 1 room has rice field view, and 2 rooms have rice field and swimming pool view.
Elegantly designed in Balinese architecture style Kokokan Suite is equipped with air conditioning, private veranda with antique day bed, table and chairs, big bed room facing rice field and river, separate dressing room with small antique day bed, big bathroom with separate bathtub and shower.
All rooms are equipped with Air Conditioned, Stocked mini-bar, IDD Telephone Service, Hair Dryer, Shower and Bathtub, Toiletries in bathroom, Comprehensive Information Package and private terrace.
Superior room comes in cottage style with traditional Balinese architecture and set within a beautiful garden with air conditioning, private veranda with antique day bed along with table and chairs, private bathroom with bathtub and shower. From 8 Superiors rooms, 3 rooms have swimming pool and rice field view, 2 rooms has rice filed view , 1 room has garden and rice field view and 2 rooms has rice field and small river view.
Deluxe room is elegantly designed in Balinese architecture cottage style, set within a lush tropical garden and equipped with air conditioning, private veranda with table and chairs, big bed room and big bathroom with shower only. Out of 5 Deluxe rooms, 2 rooms have rice field and river view, 1 room has rice field view, and 2 rooms have rice field and swimming pool view.
Elegantly designed in Balinese architecture style Kokokan Suite is equipped with air conditioning, private veranda with antique day bed, table and chairs, big bed room facing rice field and river, separate dressing room with small antique day bed, big bathroom with separate bathtub and shower.
All rooms are equipped with Air Conditioned, Stocked mini-bar, IDD Telephone Service, Hair Dryer, Shower and Bathtub, Toiletries in bathroom, Comprehensive Information Package and private terrace.
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