THE BALI ART FESTIVAL

In evening of 20 June 1979, the people of Denpasar and some other areas in Bali poured out onto the Puputan Badung Square on Surapati Street to witness the first ever Bali Art Festival Even though they often had performance of art at the temple or at the banjar (traditional meeting place), the Bali Art Festival attracted a lot of attention from the local people who were interested enough to travel long distances to witness the event. Art performances of the eight regencies were presented at the procession of the Bali Art Festival and thus opened the eyes of the Balinese upon the rich collection of art and culture of the island.

The variety of Balinese art and culture had motivated Professor Dr Ida Bagus Mantra, who was the ruling governor of Bali to put them together in one stage performance. The exploration and the preservation of art and culture potentials in Bali were propagated by Ida Bagus Mantra while he was still Director General of Culture. Ideas to collect the variety of Balinese arts and culture had already been proposed when the provincial government built the Werdhi Budaya (Art Center) in Abian Kapas village in Denpasar.

The choice of location for the Taman Budaya at the cold suburban area of Denpasar and the building construction displays structural steps of exploring, preserving and developing the arts. Building for permanent exhibition, periodical exhibitions, stage performances, and the Ardha Candra open stage are built to cater for the activities of Balinese artist, to explore, to display, and to develop the various arts. The establishment of STSI (the Institute of Indonesian Arts) on the north side of the Taman Budaya further strengthens the concept of whole preservation of Balinese arts.

The construction of the Taman Budaya and the organization of the Bali Art Festival really support each other. Year after year, the Bali Art Festival takes place at the Taman Budaya, encouraging the great flow of people to witness the presentation of traditional and creative performances by local artists. Many kinds of performances, which are rarely brought to stage, then have opportunity to be presented the Bali Art Festival each year. In addition to performances of dance and music, which are the highlights of the festival, classical literature reading, the fine arts, handicraft, and also creative and contemporary art work fill up the month-long event.

As a result, the Bali Art Festival does not only take part in the preservation of traditional Balinese arts, but it is also an event for tourism. The mid-year festival, which takes place between June and July, is a good time for presenting the arts on a large-scale performance as a tourist attraction. To organize the event in conjunction with the school holidays, and the peak season for tourism, Bali Art Festival is always flocked with visitors.

Until 2015, the Bali Art Festival celebrated the 27^th year of its organization. Children, who were used to be held in their mothers’ arms in the first five years of Bali Art Festival, then took part in as artists in the event, being seen by generation of 2000. It seems that the Bali Art Festival as an event for introducing and passing on the arts has become a medium of constant creativity for the Balinese.  

JIMBARAN

Jimbaran Bay is fringed by one of the best beaches in Bali. The sand is fine and white, and the calm waters make it very suitable for swimming, children and adults alike. The southern end of the beach close to the Four Seasons Resort is the quietest but the whole stretch is very pleasant indeed.

Arrive at around 5PM, take a seat in one of the restaurants located on the beach, order food drink, and enjoy the romantic sunset while waiting for your orders. The sunsets in Jimbaran are very beautiful.

A traditional fish market is located at the northern end of the bay right by the beach at the junction with Jalan Tukad Ayung. The catch comes in every morning here and customers include most of Bali's fine dining restaurants. All manner of fish and shellfish are on available. Best to visit between 6AM-9AM.

NUSA DUA

Nusa Dua is known as an enclave of large international 5-star resorts in south-eastern Bali. It is located 40 kilometres from Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali, and administered under Kuta South District. Nusa Dua means two islands.

Geger Beach is located in Sawangan, about 3 kilometers from the southern area of Nusa Dua. The sea here is calm so farmers grow seaweedhere and tourists swim here

Immediately north of Nusa Dua enclave is the peninsula of Tanjung Benoa that includes less exclusive hotels and Benoa village. A multi-denominational area, it includes a mosque, and Chinese and Hindu temples in close proximity. Much of the beach's sand was eroded away following the mining of the nearby barrier reef for construction materials.

Benoa Port is also located here for yachts and small ships previously, but in December 2012 became Benoa Cruise International Terminal of turnaround port to serve both embarkation and debarkation of cruise passengers. As turnaround port tourists can arrive by plane and leave by a cruise ship or conversely.[2]

On December 26, 2012 the Bali Governor signed permit to utilize, develop and manage the Benoa Bay area. Reclamation of an 838 hectares by PT Tirta Wahana Bali International will be used for luxury tourist facilities such as hotels, villas apartments, international hospital, and entertaintment centers including a Disneyland-like theme park.

BLUE POINT BEACH

Bali island seemed almost inseparable from the words "Beautiful Beach Tourism" because it is rich in fact Bali Beach Beautiful including Blue Point Coastal Tourism Bali. Keep in mind, if the Blue Point Beach is different from other beaches in Bali, even in Indonesia. Blue Point beach is located in the area of Uluwatu exactly one line with 2 other attractions that Dream Land Beach and Garuda Wisnu Kencana Monument. Well, what is the difference between Blue Point Beach with other beach in Bali? And what is beauty to be found on the beaches?

According to its name 'Blue Point' which means (The Landscape with a Blue Beach) because it's when you've got Blue Point Beach Resort, which will make you excited is a blue color ocean as far as the eye could see, and nothing else? Of course not! Blue point that makes it look different to the other beaches in Bali is located surrounded by high cliffs, where his regular sand beach surrounded by the sea. From the cliff you will see the scenery so spectacular, the ocean is dark blue pamper your eyes.

For those of you who want to enjoy the beach, you have to climb down first through the steps that have been supplied by local people, located between the cliffs. When you've arrived at the shore, you will see high waves his average is 2-4 meters, then the Blue Point Beach surfers make this as one of their favorite beaches.

But for those of you who want to enjoy the crystal clear beach with a smaller waves, you can come down from the left of the Blue Point, there are a stairs that lead you to the seashore where the way to the shore you will pass a cliff cave, then go into the cave, after penetrating the cave, you will see the open ocean, there's the one part of the beach with its 'sand'. Here is his usual foreign and local tourists, sunbathing and soaking in the seaside.

DREAMLAND BEACH

Dreamland Beach is a tourist resort located in the south of Bali in an area named Pecatu. Dreamland beach surrounded by cliffs towering, and surrounded by a fairly large rocks around the beach. This beach is the location within the complex Pecatu Graha Bali (Kuta Golf Links Resort) which is about 30 minutes from Kuta beach.

Dreamland beach itself is almost similar to the Kuta beach. White sand and a steep gully eye sight are so appealing to the eye. Location of white sandy beach just below the narrow steep rock walls perfect for enjoying the sunset or simply watch the surfer’s attractions. The waves were high and great demand by fans of water sports surfing (surfing), even Dreamland surf spot has become a sort of new to the area of Bali.

Dreamland was given the name because it was first in the area there is a housing project and tourist attraction. But the project is delayed and neglected while the villagers Pecatu who once lived as farmers really hope the project is completed and they could pursue other business in the field of tourism. Because that land around the beach called Dreamland

GARUDA WISNU KENCANA

Designed and built by Nyoman Nuarta, one of Indonesia’s foremost modern sculptor, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue or GWK and its pedestal building will be standing 150 meters tall with its wings span 64 meters across.

Made from more than 4000 tons of copper and brass, the statue is picturing Lord Wisnu, as the source of wisdom, riding on the back of the mythical bird Garuda as the manifestation of conscience toward Amerta, the perennial goodness.

The statue and its pedestal will be surrounded by more than 240 hectares cultural park which was once an abandoned and unproductive limestone quarry. The cultural park will provide attractions for both local and foreign visitors with supporting facilities such as Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Amphitheater, Street Theater, Exhibition Hall, as well as Jendela Bali The Panoramic Resto and souvenir shop. At present time, the statue of Wisnu, the statue of Garuda, and the hands of Wisnu have been placed temporarily in three different plazas within the park.

GWK Cultural Park is intended to educate, especially the young generations about the importance of preserving and cultivating world’s cultural heritage.

The Statue of Wisnu

As the anchor point of GWK, the 20 meter tall copper statue of the Lord Wisnu has been placed temporarily on the highest hill of Ungasan where visitors can enjoy sunset or sunrise over the magnificent view of Kuta, Benoa and Sanur.

The statue of Wisnu is an illustration of the Almighty God in maintaining and caring all life and its being. The god Wisnu is the owner of Amerta in the form of water as the source of fertility , giving wealth and life to the universe.

The Statue of Garuda

Right behind the Plaza Wisnu is the Plaza Garuda where the 18 meters tall statue of Garuda placed temporarily.

At the present time, Plaza Garuda becomes the focal point of a massive alley of carved limestone pillars which covers more than 4000 sqm open space area namely Lotus Pond. The colossal limestone pillars and monumental Garuda statue make Lotus Pond a very exotic space. With its room capacity that can accommodate up to 7000 people, Lotus Pond has gained good reputation as the perfect place to hold big and international events.

The Statue of Wisnu’s Hands

The statue of Wisnu’s hands was added to GWK Cultural Park in 2007. It’s one step closer to finishing the complete Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue. This piece was placed temporarily on Tirta Agung area.

KUTA

Once a lonely little village on the road from Denpasar to Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now the tourist Mecca of Bali, popular mainly among the young and adventurous. Kuta beach is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta is most breathtaking. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport's runway, which gives the visitors a breathtaking landing experience. Kuta Beach bustles with tourists' vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle.

While the surfers are still part of the Kuta scene, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The accommodation in Kuta range from a modest home stay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, five star, international hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night. Legian Street, situated directly behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. We can find any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores such as the leather store staffed by two young Balinese men that will perfectly sculpt a leather jacket. (They are all extremely talented artists). _At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs. Gastronomical demands inspire a multitude of restaurants, serving traditional Indonesian and Balinese food to various ethnic meals from Japan, Switzerland, etc. As if these were not enough, various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.

ULUWATU TEMPLE

Unlike the other temples in Bali which always face the South, or the West, or the South-West, the temple of Uluwatu is facing the North-East. That means it has a close link with Rudra, the deity who has seat at the South-West point of the compass.

This temple was built, most probably, in 976 AD, when Bali was under the rule of Warmadewa and his family. Since it was here that a well known priest Dang Hayang Niratha to Moksha, release from the cycle of life and death which in Balinese language is called Ngaluhur, it is called Pura Luhur, the place where the holy priest was Ngaluhur.

Very often this place is used by mystics to practice meditation. The temple is located at the top of rocky cliff, about 50 meters above the sea level. Anytime it can be shaken by the strong wavew of the Indian Ocean. In the evening the visitor can see the Sunset while enjoy performance of Kecak Api (the Fire Kecak dance).