Although very much understandable due to their historical past, there are actually so many other areas in Bali that are waiting for you to explore; just like Tabanan.
Tabanan is a regency (kabupaten) of Bali, Indonesia. It has an area of 839.33 km2 and population of 386,850 (2000), rising to 420,913 in 2010 Census. Its regency seat is Tabanan. Tanah Lot is in Tabanan.
Day 1: A Day at The Great Outdoor
First Stop: Jatiluwih
Located in Penebel District, north of Tabanan, this beautiful village has paddy fields following the contours of terraced land against the background of spellbinding Mount Batukaru and Mount Agung use traditional Balinese irrigation known as subak, Bali’s community-based water control management system. Lies at an altitude of 700 meters, the cool atmosphere of more original beautiful Jatiluwih is better than the most well known Tegallalang which has plenty of cafes and souvenir shops. Two routes to Jatiluwih are Denpasar>Kediri>Tabanan>Penebel>Jatiluwih or Denpasar>Mengwi>Baturiti>Jatiluwih. Jatiluwih is one of the five rice terraces that describe the “Subak” water management system which has gain acknowledgement from UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage.
To preserve the largest area of 53,000 hectares agriculture fields on the island, Tabanan Regency Administration would not allow the development of star-rated and city hotels anymore, unless tourism facilities with a commitment to environmental conservation would be allowed with 30 percent of buildings and 70 percent had to be left naturally as paddy field or plantation. The administration has also decided 300-hectare protected paddy field zone with a 100-hectare housing zone lies outside the protected zone. For visitors it is possible to visit the 300-hectare on foot (about 3,5 hr trekking) or alternatively with an e-bike tour that the local villagers organize since 2017 (takes about 1 h).
Second Stop: Bali Botanical Garden
The Bali Botanic Garden (Indonesian: Kebun Raya Bali) is the largest botanic garden in Indonesia and is located in the mountainous region of Bedugul, central Bali, around 90 minutes drive north of Denpasar. The Garden was established on 15 July 1959 and is situated around 1300 metres above sea level overlooking Bratan Lake and the Ulun Danu Temple on the slopes of Tapak Hill.
The Garden is a centre for botanical research, conservation, education and recreation. It is operated by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). The Garden contains more than 21,000 living specimens belonging to 2,400 species, representing various species from mountainous areas of eastern Indonesia: Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua. In addition its herbarium contains 10,000 preserved plant specimens ranging from algae to flowering plants. Apart from plant collections that include orchids, ferns, cacti and carnivorous plants, there is also a traditional Balinese style guesthouse that functions as a guest house for visitors. One of the world’s largest displays of begonias is also on display in the conservatory building.
Third Stop: Bali Butterfly Park
Bali Butterfly Park is a butterfly park in Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia. The park is home to some of the rare species of butterflies including the birdwing butterfly, swallowtail and great Mormon. Bali Butterfly Park is dedicated to research, breeding and preservation of butterflies in Bali.
Day 2: Spiritual Getaway
First Stop: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
See an ancient Hindu temple at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Built in 1663 on the shores of Lake Bratan with manmade islands stretching out into the lake, the water temple cuts a figure against the surrounding mountainous landscape and hallowed waters. Admire the delicate interiors of the temple buildings, and place an offering to the Balinese water, lake, and river goddess Dewi Danu, who is particularly esteemed here because of the importance of Lake Beratan as a source of irrigation in the area. Before you leave, take time to appreciate the fertility and natural abundance of the area by having a freshly cooked local meal at the on-site restaurant..
Second Stop: Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot means “Land [in the] Sea” in the Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) North West of Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries.
The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. In addition to Balinese mythology, the temple was significantly influenced by Hinduism. At the base of the rocky island, venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha’s selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.
Day Three: A Sporty Day.
First Stop: Nirwana Bali Golf Club, Tabanan
Every golfer dreams of the perfect landscape to play, and there is no doubt that the physical characteristics of the Nirwana Bali Golf Course are just that. Lying on Bali’s southwest coastline at Tanah Lot, Nirwana Bali Golf Club designed by Greg Norman and opened in July 1997. The course is a 30 minute scenic drive from Kuta Beach, the Bali airport, and the capital city of Denpasar. The golf course overlooks the Indian Ocean and weaves through rice terraces and towering palm trees. A 6805-yard par 72 championship golf course, it has been voted by Golf Digest and Asian Golf Monthly as the best golf course in Indonesia and best golf resort in Asia, respectively. Nirwana Bali Golf Club reflects the natural beauty, spirituality and rich culture of Bali. It is a visual masterpiece of dramatic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes. The Bali golf course offers a spectacular challenge and a unique world-class experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Second Stop: Scuba and Snorkeling Pemuteran.
In the past, Pemuteran reefs have suffered greatly from damage by destructive fishing and the El Nino effect. Pemuteran village residents have taken action to prevent use of these destructive methods in their reefs, whether by locals or by outsiders.
Coral nurseries were built using the Electrolytic Mineral Accretion Technology, which provide unique advantages for restoring coral reefs. Corals grown on mineral accretion are exceptionally brightly coloured and rapidly growing, and support dense fish populations. The coral nursery structures are made of welded construction steel bars, of around 1 centimetre diameter. They are built in a variety of shapes. The success of these structures in stimulating rapid coral growth was apparent within months, leading to requests to greatly expand the project. All structures are charged by power supplies located on the adjacent land.
More than 60 Biorock coral nursery structures have been installed since June 2000 in Pemuteran Village. With a total length of 300 metres situated in an area of 2 hectares: this is the largest Biorock coral reef nursery and restoration project worldwide. These structures are located in an area parallel to the shore, about 50-100 metres from the coastline, in waters ranging from about 3 to 7 metres deep. They are roughly lined up, forming a natural snorkelling and diving trail.
Day Four: Living Like Locals Do
First Stop: Taman Anyar, Mengwi
Balinese family invites you to discover the traditional Bali life and farming. You will see how regular balinese day passes. You can experience blessing in family temple, rooster fight, making the offerings, preparing food, short trekking around rice fields, rice planting and wonderful balinese lunch.
Second Stop: Belimbing Village Tabanan
Belimbing Village is one of the tourism villages located in Pupuan district of Tabanan regency, precisely located at the foot of Mount Batukaru, the second highest volcano in Bali. This village is famous for the beautiful scenery of rice terraces that is similar with Jatiluwih area along with some coconut trees grow in paddy field area. Rice fields in Belimbing village are so very beautiful and natural, and not so touristy. If are into photography guaranteed this place is gonna be a heaven for you. The area of rice field in Belimbing Village is approximately 460 hectares divided into six subak (local community in charge of water management in those rice fields): Subak Mas, Subak Gemuh, Subak Nyanglad, Subak Teben Telabah, Subak Duren Taluh, and Subak Suranadi.
However, beautiful rice fields are not the only thing we can find in Belimbing Village; here we can also find a sacred temple called Pura Luhur Mekori. The tourists are allowed to enter the area of the temple as long as accompanied by a tour guide or local residents who are serving at this temple. Another thing to consider for the visitors of the Temple is, those who are in a state of cuntaka / in a phase of menstruation for women visitors, or in mourning conditions. Two beautiful waterfalls (singsing) can also be found in the village of Belimbing, with relatively easy trekking access to both waterfalls after some renovations which make visitors can reach the location more comfortably. If you plan to stay longer in the village to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Belimbing village some hotels and stays are also available nearby the village, along with several restaurants and food stalls.
Third Stop: Balian Beach, Tabanan
Balian beach is very famous among Australian tourists who like water sports activities such as surfing. This remote beach is perfect for tourists who wish to have a relaxed holidays and lthose who seek quiet tourist attractions in Bali. In addition to the hidden beach location, Balian beach has constant big waves that will make surfing enthusiasts squeal in glee upon seeing them. The black sands on the southwest-facing beach only adds for its predicate as one of the best locations to see the sunset in Bali.
Balian each is favored by tourists because the atmosphere is comfortable, quiet, and calm; apart from the fact that the accommodation is available at a low rate, compared to the prices in the southern Bali tourism area. Like Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Jimbaran, Seminyak, Canggu or Kuta.
Day Five: A Cultural Study
First Stop: The Royal Puri Anyar Karambitan
Bali is blessed with not only a complex culture but also an incredibly rich history, and so the best way to remain curious is to dive deeper: talk to people, learn more, remove the tourist barriers and engage one-on-one with the surroundings. I was recently lucky enough to find myself in one of Bali’s less visited areas, Kerambitan. This is one of the districts (kecamatan) in the Tabanan Regency (kabupaten), which is also home to Tanah Lot and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. What brought me here was an interesting story of Puri Anyar Kerambitan, one of three royal palaces within the district.
Puri Anyar Kerambitan was built in the 1620’s by the 12th King of Tabanan. The king had 2 sons, his first son was born of a selir, a lower-caste (sudra) mistress, his second son was of royal blood. The first son was granted Puri Agung Kerambitan, the only palace at the time. Puri Anyar Kerambitan was made for the second son, and its name ‘anyar’ means ‘new’, as it was the newer of the two palaces. Thus, the land too was split, Puri Agung was given the South and West of Kerambitan and Anyar was given the North and East.
For 350 years the palaces ran on its traditionally feudal system, each privy to more than 100 hectares of the surrounding land, as well as the produce made by their populace. Puris were always places foreign dignitaries would visit, to talk of trade and share gifts. One of the most common gifts that Puri Anyar was given were ceramic plates. These were original Delftware (Delft Blue) plates from Holland, which for some reason became part of the palaces adornments. These plates of an unknown age are embedded into the reliefs of balés and on temple shrines. In 1967, Puri Anyar Kerambitan suddenly became a social hub. ‘Royal Dinners’ were held, showcasing local dances and cultures, and prominent visitors frequented. Among these were David Bowie, King Hussein of Jordan and Dewi Soekarno. Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger had visited 3 times, purportedly hoping to learn the tektekan dance – not knowing it was a sacred trance dance!
Sexond Stop: Subak Museum
Subak Museum is a museum exhibit and displays the collection of agriculture/farming tools and traditional irrigation system of Bali called Subak. Subak Museum is also becoming one of the most visited tourist destination for the educational tour by students or tourists both domestic and foreign tourists in the center of Tabanan. Subak Museum Sanggulan Tabanan is located in the village of Banjar Anyar, sub-district of Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali Indonesia. Distance from the city of Denpasar is approximately 21 kilometers or about 47 minutes.
Day Six: Cleanse Your Soul
First Stop: Pengempu Waterfall
Pengempu waterfall is one of the hidden waterfalls in Tabanan regency. Unlike the waterfall Tegenungan always crowded visitors, precisely Pengempu waterfall is still very lonely from the visitors, this is because not so famous place this tour. Visitors are mostly local tourists who happen to vacation to the surrounding attractions, such as wuk basin tour, Sangeh monkey forest, and mange sangeh garden. The uniqueness of the waterfall pengempu water tejun this as dihimpit two rock cliffs are very sturdy. This waterfall is almost like waterfall DusunKuning Bangli. The atmosphere around tejun water is still very natural with shady and green trees, coupled with the rushing sound of the stream, is a soothing view of the mind. So this place is suitable for refreshing from the frenetic city.
Second Stop: Angseri Hotspring
Situated among lavish rice paddies and small channels, this natural hotspring is located specifically in Banjar Munduk Lumbang, Angseri Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency. The huge areas that were mainly utilized as a classic bathhouse by the nearby people, has been converted into a comfy bathing spot that we can enjoy with just Rp 5,000 for local and 25,000 for foreigners. Take pleasure in the warmness of the hot spring swimming pools; a couple hours trip from Denpasar if you take the route to Bedugul.
The entire spot is bounded by green plants, primarily bamboo, palm and fern trees, as well as harvested rice paddies, where you could occasionally notice the neighborhood farmers going just after work in the rice fields. Angseri Hot Springs provide two open-air pools and four small personal cabins, accomodating up to six peoples maximum. With only 10.000,- Rupiahs for every visitor, you may use one of the cabins for approximately thirty minutes (psst- you can use it for as long as you want when it’s low season and the spot is relatively quiet.). For the public open-air pool, there is no charge.
The personal cabins are cleaned out right after each customer and the water is changed entirely as well. The entire area is virtually just a few years old and cleanliness appears very fine. Early in the afternoon, the open-
