Bali West National Park

Bali West National Park is nature conservation with pure ecosystem managed by zone system for multiple research purpose involving the education, tourism and recreation. It is one of the national park located west side of Bali Island with beautiful panoramic, unique nature ecosystem and fresh atmosphere. Bali West National Park or most the local people call Taman National Bali Barat is one of the tourist destinations in Negara Regency and many visited by tourists.

Bali West National Park Location
It is situated in west side of Bali Island and close to Gilimanuk Port or about 4 hours drive away from Bali's International Airport. Some of the Bali West National Park Area located in Grokgak sub district, Singaraja Regency and some of the area located in Melaya Sub district, Jembrana Regency. It is very easy to locate it from Denpasar direction to follow the main road go to Gilimanuk Port or Singaraja town to Gilimanuk Port.
Bali West National Park Generally
According to Republic Indonesia Forestry Minister decision written on the official letter no 493/Kpts-II/1995 that Bali West National Park own 19.002,89 ha which is consisted of 15.587,89 ha land and 3.415 ha ocean. The conservation effort toward the ecosystem at this park goes to three objective activities as follows:

1. To protect the ecosystem those support the life
2. Pickling the variety of flora and fauna including the habitat
3. Exploiting everlastingly the nature resources including the ecosystem

Bali West National Park area is a green are spread out along the main road Denpasar – Gilimanuk – Singaraja about 150 kilometers. Topographic of this park own constant gradation between mount, hill, valley, bay and sea. The mountain area is involving up to 71% from the total park area as protected forest with multifarious faunas like deer, forest pig, lion, birth etc. meanwhile the flat area is about 29% located in north part of main road Gilimanuk – Singaraja until Java Sea.
If we look from the conception, this area is a Giri/Gunung or mounts which is completed by the forest (Wanagiri). According to Kidung Utama Tantri script there is a word mention Ning Wana Ukir which gives the direction that the Wana Giri philosophy is well written to describe the total of this world.

Flora and Fauna
Bali West National Park own high potential of flora and fauna those are consisted of 14 variety of protected floras involving Sawo Kecik (Manilkara Kauki), Sono Keling (Dalbergia Latifolia). From the fauna, Jalak Bali Birth (Leucopsar Rothscildi) is one of the endemic fauna in Bali Island there are pure habitat found in this park along to Prapat Agung and surrounding area. Other faunas can be found at this park involving cow, deer, mouse deer, venison, wild cat, grey and black monkeys. Beside of the above animals, a couple of reptiles and other 60 rash of births also can be found. The condition of coral reef at this park is highly varied with unique combination and multifarious of habitats. In year 1998, it was recorded 110 kinds of coral including 22 mushroom corals and up to now, it was recorded that this park own 222 kinds of fish.

What to do?
Bali National Park is managed base on zone involving main zone, forest zone and exploitation zone. The main zone is absolutely protected and not allowed to change by the human activities except the research purpose. Forest Zone is the protector for Main Zone and able to do the activities like in Main Zone and limited tourism activities. Exploitation Zone able to do the activities like both zones, build the nature tourism facilities and other facilities to support the conservation. The following activities can be done by visitors when visiting this park as follows:

1.     Nature Tourism like jungle trekking, diving, snorkeling, camping, bird watching, etc.
2.     Nature Educational
3.     Research
4.     Religion activities especially for Hindu people due to there are 2 Hindu Temple existing in this park

History
The forest area in west part of Bali has been appointed as Nature Park and then famous called by Bali West National Park based on the decision of kings throughout Bali on 13 August 1947 No. E. 1/4/5. This reason is purposing to protect the Fauna and the beauty of nature which is useful for education and cultures. Since it is appointed as animal asylum in year 1947 until 1970, the management if this park is done by Government Forestry Affair and then on 12 March 1970 the new Nature Protection Affair was founded to continue and manages this park. According to the legend from the local community Jaya Prana and Layon Sari which is very famous history among the Balinese and it is frequently connected to this park area. In this area, we can also find the old grave to remind the tragic history from Jaya Prana (a young Balinese man) killed by the high serve empire in order to get his girl friend Layon Sari as a wife of king.

Tourism Facilities
As a tourist destination, we can find easily the tourist facilities at Bali National Park like hotels, restaurants, trekking track, birth watching, parking area and others. Since it is appointed as a tourist destination in Bali, many tourists from domestic and foreign countries visits this park and most of them takes Bali West Tour Packages that visit many other places of interest in west part of Bali.

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Taman Sukasada Ujung Karangasem

Taman Sukasada or Sukasada Park is a beautiful park with big fish pond surrounds the old Karangasem Empire heritage building which is used by the Karangasem's King for day relaxation or meeting place in their era. It is located in Ujung Countryside about 5 Km from Amlapura town. This park is originally met one pool only which is very Ghostlike and very secret called by Di Dirah and this pool at the period of I Gusti Gede Putu King (1849-1893) governance with his brother of Gde Oka (1849-1890) that the around of this pool is functioned as place of exile for the man who alleged to run the black magic (leak). At the period of I Gusti Bagus Jelantik governance which start to lead the Karangasem Kingdom in the year 1909, this pool area is extended and developed by some pools and also luxury building Bale Gili with European style (modern style), later then it is given the name called Taman Sukasada/ Sukasada Park Ujung Karangasem, that is estimate made in the year of twentieth.

Tourism Destination in East Part of Bali
This park is strategically located in the coastal side, south part of Karangasem town and founding a lot of wellspring around the area. If seen from the history aspect, most of all omissions from Karangasem Empire both for Lombok Island and also exist in Bali, altogether area consisted by the pool and Gili building which is exist in the middle of pool like Mayura and Narmada Park which are existing in west part of Lombok Island. We can say that this Sukasada Park as a mascot of tourist destinations in east part of Bali because Sukasada Park has been recognized until foreign countries since twenty's year and more famous again in the year of thirtieth when all foreign tourist start to pay a visit to Bali. King of Karangasem I Gusti Bagus Jelantik who is known as Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem is a Statesman, Man of letters as well as an architect. He has created a lot of building not even in the form of park but he also done some building which are exist in Puri Agung Karangasem (Karangasem Palace) like gateway which is looking like pagoda.

Location
It is located in Ujung Countryside, south part of Karangasem regency or about 2, hours from Bali's International Airport. From Denpasar Town, we have to take the highway of Ida Bagus Matra's Street and go to the east part of Bali until arrive at Karangasem town. The journey will take about 2 hours and turn right to the south part of Karangasem town. Taman Sukasada is right located in the costal side with beautiful old building and the right place to visit during your vacation in Bali.

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Tirta Gangga Royal Palace

Tirta Gangga is a beautiful park with the huge water fountain and wide pond located at Abang Sub-district, Karangasem Regency in east part of Bali. Tirta Gangga Park is built in the year of 1948 by the Karangasem King of Anak Agung Agung Angluerah Ketut Karangasem. Before this park is found, there is big wellspring found in this area which the local society believe that this water come from the land is holy spring therefore they call this place is Embukan means wellspring. According to the local believe that this wellspring functioning as a bath place for the god and also used as drinking water for the local community from the nearest village. Therefore this wellspring is sacrificed by local people and keeps the park naturally. The King of Karangasem has got an idea to improve this park into a good looking and nowadays, it becomes one of the famous tourist destinations in east part of Bali.

A Magical Wellspring in East of Bali
Tirta Gangga Park is also featured by the wide public pool with the cool and clean water where it can be used by everyone who visiting this place. It is situated on the foot Abang Hill with cool temperature in particular night time or morning time. The lush tropical garden are well surround the park and big fish ponds are running away at another ponds to give the impression for every tourist who pay a visit to this beautiful park. Some buildings and other decorations are intentionally made as according to the spirit from Puri Agung Karangasem (Agung Karangasem Palace), so it can be said that between Tirta Gangga Park and Sukasada Park (Taman Sukasada) which is located at Ujung countryside is a union.

How to Find Tirta Gangga?
Tirta Gangga is strategically located beside of the main strait from Karangasem to Singaraja Town and it is just 20 minutes from the local town or 2 hours and 15 minutes from Denpasar Town. You may also join the exciting tour to the east part of Bali that we call it by Karangasem Tour and you will discover many places of interest in east part of Bali including Tirta Gangga.

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Puri Agung Karangasem

Puri Agung Karangasem or Karangasem Palace is one of palaces exist in Amlapura Town, east part of Bali owns the unique building architecture. If we see from palace ichnography, Puri Agung Karangasem owns two types those are the older shares with traditional ichnography and the at new building own the modern ichnography even its building name use the modern name like Maskerdam from word Amsterdam, London, Betawi, Yogya and others. The buildings are mostly decorated by Chinese architecture. The door is decorated by Barong Sai ornament and other bas-reliefs ornament at door leaf is fully patterned from china.

What to See?
The ichnography at ancient building is still following the traditional pattern of Puri/palace. It is starting from the entrance south part of palace which is called Bancingah or Ancak Saji, then step into the middle area call Jaba/Petandakan/Pamengkang and it is referred by last Loji, the king residence. The building form types are still keeping traditionally with the graven pillar. The ancient building is made about 1875, while the Maskerdam building is assumedly built in year 1900 by I Gusti Gde Jelantik and then it is taken hold by Stedehouder (Dutch Government Representative). The mains building is called Maskerdam own three doors with the wide front yard. It's building pillar is made from the intact teak, so that looks utilize the modern technique. Front of mains building there is another building which is called Bale Gili and it is encircled by big enough pool of hotspot or meeting place. The entrance of new building pass through two doors with the high rise building like pagoda is giving typical type of Puri Agung Karangasem. This Palace is non-stopped to do the improvement and now it has been opened as a tourism destination in east part of Bali Island. A lot of tourist have visited this place and from Denpasar town only 2 hours to the east way.

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Candidasa Beach

Candidasa is located in hilly bank, beside of the main road between Semarapura towns with Amlapura (Karangasem). It is situated about 50 km to east way from Denpasar town or 1,5 hour from Bali's International Airport. In the center of Candidasa there is a pool which is wide enough, and from that place we can enjoy the beautiful view of the Lombok Strait. Candidasa own beautiful beach with the black sand along the coastal and the magnificence view of the ocean. Now Candidasa is one of the famous tourist places in east part of Bali. In this place, we can find many hotels, villas, resorts and other accommodations which have been built to accommodate the visitor to pay a visit and enjoy the holiday in this beautiful area. Restaurant and art shop to sell the souvenir are also completing this area as a resort area in the tranquility of Bali.

Candidasa is a pearl hidden in east part of Bali
From Denpasar town, Candi Dasa is easily reached through the highway alongside the coastal edge and about 1 hour from Denpasar town. It is recognized with the tourist place in east part of Bali and own the fascination of the beautiful beach, thrive coconut trees, tropical atmosphere and peaceful. It is an ideal place for relaxation and refresh during your vacation in Bali . Candidasa Beach owns the calm wave and peaceful atmosphere that suitable for holiday in far from town bustle. Beside of that, many others places of interest can be visited around Candidasa like Tenganan Village, Goa Lawah (Bat Cave), Kusamba Beach and others. Candi Dasa has a lot of visited by many tourists because it is the second favorite resort area after Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua or Ubud.

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Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple is the biggest Hindu temple in Bali which the local people call Pura Besakih. It owns beautiful view from the top of temple area where we can see the wide nature panorama until to the ocean so that way this temple is many visited by tourists from all over the world. Besakih Temple is located in Besakih countryside, Rendang sub district, Karangasem regency, east part of the island. It is located in southwest side bevel of mount Agung, the biggest mounts in Bali. It is because pursuant to Agung Mount confidence is holiest and highest mount in Bali Island.

Besakih in Mythology
The Besakih's name is come from the word of Basuki, the old language from Sanskrit Wasuki, and then it become the Ancient Java Language. In this Sanskrit, the Basuki means congratulation. In mythology of Samudramanthana has mentioned that Basuki is a dragon that twines the Mount Mandara. The omission has come from tradition megalithic which had been indicated that it had to be sanctified place. It seems, the Besakih is coming from very old era which is far before the existence of Hinduism influence. Hereinafter, an Ancient Bali king of Sri Kesari Warmadewa found the Merajan Selonding Temple in this temple complex area. He also commands to build the Blanjong Monument that is located in Sanur Village. The Besakih Temple complex is built pursuant to cosmos balance. It is based on the nature conception which is disseminating the fundamental temple complex that is arranged to pursuant of the way direction. So, this building can deputize nature as symbolic of the world balance existence

Besakih, Place to Visit in Bali
Besakih Temple is located in the plateau area which is covered by the cool atmosphere and Mount Agung as a back drop. From the top of temple building, we can see the beautiful panorama of nature from the temple area to the ocean. It is situated in cool area with the light breeze and unique temple buildings spread out in the temple complex will create the peaceful atmosphere. It is ideally for the people who did the meditation and now, the Besakih Temple is opened for tourist and it is the great place to visit in Bali.

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Tenganan Village

Tenganan Village is one of the oldest Balinese Traditional located in Karangasem Regency, east part of Bali. This village is much referred by cultural literature science of Tenganan Pegringsingan, which is very famous in the island. It own very unique local community

life pattern which is one example of Bali Aga Village cultures (Hindu Prehistoric) and different with other countryside in plain of Bali. Nowadays, this village has been appointed as a place for tourist destination which can present the attractive and unique matters which able to add the variation of object and fascination for tourist to come.

Tenganan Village presenting the unique traditional culture
The specification of tourism object at Tenganan Village is consisted of:

•  Countrified pattern of rural having the character of Linear

• The structure of bilateral society orientation at seniority collective

• Special Ritual System in high frequency by serving the religion solidarity, artistically and social mechanical solidarity

• The tradition of Mekare-Kare on every June is a faith tradition as the screw pine in ritual context, religion value, spirit of struggle and test of physical delaying accompanied by traditional gamelan of Selonding

• The Art Crafting Weave of cloth fastens which is famous called by Ikat Pangringsingan that is designed and arranged by the typical color.

Tenganan Village Geographically

Tenganan village is geographically situated among the hill in west and east part of this village. This village is located in Manggis sub district and Karangasem Regency or about 1 hour drive from Denpasar Town. It is a small village consisted of three Banjars (group of local community) those are Banjar Kauh, Banjar Tengah and Banjar Pande. The regional of this village is consisted of three complexes those are resident, plantation and rice field complex. The history of Tenganan village is expressed in a few versions. The first version is mentioned that the resident of Tenganan village are come from Paneges Village, a village is located near with Bedahulu Village that is located Gianyar Regency. The second version is expressed that word of Tenganan recognized in one of Bali inscription that was written by the word of Tranganan. The third version is expressed that the Tenganan Village Resident prays to the Bukit Lempuyang Temple. The word of Tenganan is ascribed by a Tengah root word which can mean to aim to middle of Pegringsingan, the fasten cloth type weave that is typically produce by Tenganan village resident. The structure of resident in Tenganan village is built in linear consisted of six rays. Each of ray consisted of some lawn broadly, the building form where the local community use it to present the handicraft for tourists. All the tradition existences of the human being are harmoniously with the God, human and environment as according to Tri Hita Karana concept. The Tourism Destination of Tenganan remains to draw during the time, goodness as tourism cultural object, tourism nature and agriculture tourism.

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