Dreamland: Surf’s up at Bali’s New Kuta Beach

Overview

A vast stretch of soft pearly white sand, clear blue sky over the enchanting blue waters, and nothing but the fascinating sounds of waves hitting the shores; no, this is not a set from a dream, this is where nature interprets  your dream, this is Dreamland Beach, on the southern coast of Bali Island.

Recently dubbed as the New Kuta Beach – a fresh comparison to the already highly popular Kuta Beach, this little piece of paradise is located within the integratedPecatu Graha Resort complex, at the Bukit Peninsula  in the Badung regency, just about 15 minutes from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple. Although sharing  a similar name, Dreamland is far from the crowded and vibrant atmosphere of the original Kuta Beach. Instead, the beach offers tranquility and much more exciting waves perfectly fit for advanced surfers.           

The once hidden beauty of this coastline was first introduced to the world when the popular pop/rock Band, Michael Learns to Rock shot their musical video clip: Someday in 1996. The beach is mainly highlighted with the soft pearly white sand shore that stretches some 1 kilometer and is considerably cleaner than most beaches in Bali. As any beach at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dreamland is also decorated with beautiful rocky cliffs on its shore which radiate an enchanting atmosphere. The vast stretching shoreline also makes it a perfect place to bask under the tropical sun or to stroll along the indulging sands, or simply sit down and immerse oneself in the dream-like beauty of nature. As daylight slowly fades, the brilliant colors of sunset over Dremland’s horizon will surely confirm why this beach got its name.

Among surfers, the waves at the coastline of the Bukit Peninsula are undisputedly legendary, and Dreamland Beach is no exception. The beach features a break with longer left and a short right handers, “surfable” at low to dead low tide and works well when there is an average swell above 3ft coming in. However, when the swell is over 7ft, the waves tend to be unpredictable and close out. The soft, fat waves and deep water make it suitable for the professionals or those with some learning experience behind.

Get There

Located at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dremland Beach can be reached  from Kuta-Legian area in about 30-40 minutes. From the capitalDenpasar, it is roughly about an hour’s trip (depending on  traffic conditions). From Denpasar or Kuta, take the main south road (Jl Bypass Nusa Dua) which is the only route to the south Bukit Peninsula area. Take this main road south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Follow the road up to Pecatu Village until the main entrance of the Pecatu Graha Resort comes in sight on the right. Enter the resort and follow the road sign directing to New Kuta Beach.

To Stay

There are several accommodation options you can find within the resort and close by. Here is the list of some of the accommodations around Dreamland Beach:

THE DREAMLAND LUXURY VILLAS & SPA

JL.Raya Uluwatu Gang Kahuripan No.69 Br.Bakung Sari Ungasan-Kuta-Bali-Indonesia

Phone : +62 361 708199 

Fax: +62 361 708168

Email: reservation@dreamland-villa.com

Live Messenger:dreamland_villa@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.dreamland-villa.com/

MU

Bingin (on the cliff edge at Bingin close to the car park and the southerly steps)

Phone: +62 361 7428249

Email: jbataillardbali@gmail.com

Chocky's Place

At the base of the cliff right on the beach at Bingin

Phone: +62 818 05444833

Email: info@chockysplace.com

Bali , Surfing

The Giant Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue and Cultural Park

Overview

Situated on a limestone plateau in south Bali, high on the Bukit Peninsula, 300 meters above Bali’s shoreline, is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park that offers a grand view on Jimbaran Bay and Kuta to the west, and Tanjung Benoa and Sanur to the east with the imposing Mount Agung and Mount Batur as its background.

Focal point of this Cultural Park is the magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, that will reach a total height of 126 meters, weighing 3,000 tons, that will be taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The statue depicts Lord Vishnu mounting the mythical Garuda bird, as manifestation of the conscience of Amerta, the Perennial Goodness.

At present, the 23 meters high head and torso of Lord Vishnu already stands in place. Still in construction is the giant Garuda Bird. When completed, both the head and torso of Lord Vishnu will be placed on the Garuda bird, which together will reach 75 meters high with the Garuda wings spanning 64 meters wide. The entire statue will then be placed on top of a 60 meters pedestal, so that the total structure will stand 126 meters high. The statue’s structure is made of copper, brass, steel, with gold mosaic placed on specified parts.

This incredible monument will then be visible from a 20 Km distance, and can be clearly viewed from Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Visitors will be able to ascend inside the statue to its chest level. From that height, visitors will look down upon the most panoramic view of the fabled island of Bali.

Unfortunately, work on the statue had stalled 16 years, but will now finally be resumed, which will take three years to complete, said I Nyoman Nuarta, Indonesia’s maestro sculptor and creator of this iconic statue. Having been postponed since 1997, this monument is projected to become an exceptional landmark for Indonesia’s tourism in this modern age.

Conceptionalized by sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta, actual work on the statue is, nonetheless, not undertaken in Bali, but in the artist’sworkshop, NuArt Studio, in the mountain town of Bandung in West Java, involving many artists and experts from various fields .

Born in Tabanan, Bali, in 1951, I Nyoman Nuarta is one of the Indonesia’s outstanding pioneers in the new visual art movement since 1976. While still at college, in 1979 Nyoman Nuarta already won Indonesia’s Independence Declarators Statue Competition. Until this day, Nuarta has created over a hundred statues which all reflect modern art in sculpture which follows the naturalistic style. Most of his statues are made of copper and brass.

At the moment, about 200 workers are working in NuArt Studio in the construction of this magnificent statue. Upon completion, the statue will be sent in parts from Bandung to Bali to be reassembled on the site at the Bukit Peninsula.

As many as 13 modules of the project are currently being transported, which are expected to reach Bali late July or early August 2013. The process of reassembling will cost around IDR157 billions, even more expensive than the work on the statue itself which took IDR150 billion. It will take about 400 huge trucks to transport parts of the 3,000 tons statue from Bandung to the site in Bali. Modules will be transported in stages over the course of three years.

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue and park was initiated by members of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Foundation, a group of influential people, that include Joop Ave, then Minister for Tourism and Telecommunications , IB Sudjana, Minister for Mining and Energy, I Made Mangku Pastika,current Governor of Bali, sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta, and a number of businessmen.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Meanwhile, the extensive Cultural Park where the statue stands is already operating in full swing. It is a favorite venue for large convention dinners and functions able to seat hundreds of delegates, as well as stage star-studded concerts that attract the public by the thousands. Among which was the band Iron Maiden that drew crowds and tourists from throughout Bali.

 

GWK Cultural Park covers more than 240 hectares of land that was once an abandoned and unproductive limestone quarry. The GKW Cultural Park is already an attraction for both local and foreign visitors, the Lotus Pond surrounded by gigantic pillars seats 7,500 persons. The Street Theater where fashions shows and parades are held packs 2,500, the Amphitheater seats 800, and there is also the 200 square meters Exhibition area, and the Indraloka Garden, which is a favorite for weddings and dinners. There are Balinese dances daily, Indonesian cultural performances and other activities.

In the Park is the Jendela Bali Resto, which offers a fantastic view on Bali’s south coast, especially for romantic evening dining and delectable Bali cuisine. The restaurant is also open for lunch.

Since the Park is so extensive there are fun rides available on Segway 2 wheeled vehicles that can take you around the park. The GWK Cultural Park is open from 8.0 am to 10 pm. Entry is Rp. 80, 000 for foreigners, and Rp. 40,000 for Indonesian nationals, with special discounts for Indonesian children at Rp. 30,000.

Get There

Situated in the Bukit Peninsula on Southern Bali, The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is close to some of Bali’s finest sites such as Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Suluban Beach, and Balangan Beach. The Park is only 10 minutes’ drive from Ngurah Rai airport, 25 minutes from Kuta Beach, and 20 minutes from Benoa harbor and Nusa Dua.

The Bukit Peninsula is connected to Kuta through Jimbaran by the busy Jl. Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in. Take this main road south to the junction with Jl. Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Continue on this road until you find the entrance to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park.

To Stay

As a favorite tourist destination, the whole Bukit Peninsula area was popularized by surfers. There are still numerous small, cheap bungalows close to the main surf points at Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin and Suluban. The area has more recently sprouted an impressive collection of high-end villas and resorts as well. Considering its proximity to the tourists’ hub ofKuta and the capital Denpasar, you can also choose to stay in those two areas.

Here are some of the accommodation options available around Garuda Wisnu Kencana area:

• Pat Mase Villas Hotel
Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera No 88B, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia

• Gending Kedis Luxury Villas Hotel
Jl. KarangMas Sejahter 100Y, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

• Bali Baliku Luxury Villa
Jl. Bukit Permai No. 5A Jimbaran Indonesia Po. Box 3022, Jimbaran, Bali

• Udayana Kingfisher Eco Lodge
Jl. Kampus Bukit Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali

• InterContinental Bali Resort
Jl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran , Bali, Indonesia, Jimbaran, Bali

• Nirmala Hotel and Resort
Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 - Jimbaran, Jimbara

• Jimbaran Puri Bali Hotel
Jl. Uluwatu, Jimbaran , Jimbaran, Bali

• Keraton Jimbaran Resort and Spa
Jl. Mrajapati, Jimbaran P.O.Box 2023, Jimbaran, Bali

• Jamahal Private Resort and Spa
Jl. Uluwatu 1 Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali

• The Beverly Hills Bali Hotel
Jl. Goa Gong, Banjar Santhi Karya, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Uluwatu, Bali

• The Dreamland Luxury Villas and Spa

Jl.Raya Uluwatu-Gang Tegeh Pall No.69 Br.Bakung Sari Ungasan, Uluwatu, Bali

• Puri Bambu Hotel
Jl. Pengeracikan, Kedonganan, Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali

• Swiss-Belhotel Bay View Suites and Villas
Jl. Taman Mumbul Nusa Dua Bali, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali

• Langon Bali Resort and Spa
Jl. Darmawangsa, Kampial, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali

• New Kuta Condotel
Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort New Kuta Condotel St. Pecatu South Kuta, Uluwatu, Bali

• The Hill Villas Hotel
Jl. Taman Giri, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali, Indonesia

• Park View Heights Private Villas Hotel
Jl. Dharmawangsa No.168 Nusa Dua Hills, Nusa Dua/ Benoa, Bali

Bali , Heritage Sites , Sightseeing

Ulun Danu Beratan: Iconic Temple on Lake Beratan in The Bedugul Highlands

Overview

Set within the highlands of the mountainous Bedugul Regency in Bali, atop a plateau that sits on Lake Beratan, stands the majestic Ulun Danu Temple. In the mild, mountain weather, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. The stunningly clear lake is calm and almost perfectly still, save for the soft breeze that occasionally sweeps across, creating tiny ripples upon its surface. A thin mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air, surrounding the temple, giving it a somewhat surreal appearance.

Pura Ulun Danu was built in adoration of the Goddess Danu. Danu, in the Balinese tongue, means lake, while the goddess Danu is queen of water, lakes and rivers. The temple complex consists of four sacred buildings. Linga Pura stands three levels high, and is a place of worship to the god Shiva. Pura Puncak Mangu stands 11 levels high, and was built in dedication to the god Vishnu. PuraTeratai Bang is the main temple, and Pura Dalem Purwa is built in worship to Sang Hyang Widhi. This last temple is also a site for those who pray for fertility, prosperity and well-being.

The style of the building follows the Trimurti belief; three holy colors to represent the three gods: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The first color is red, to the lord Brahma, The Creator. Second, is black. The symbol of the lord Vishnu, the balance and preserver of the universe.Finally, white for the god Shiva, The Destroyer.

The area surrounding the temple is believed to have been a site of worship and center for religious rituals since the megalithic period. To the left of the temple lies a sarcophagus as well as a stone slate that are dated to around 500 BC. The existence of the temple itself is has been recorded as early as 1556. In 1633, it was rebuilt by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu,  with a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. Despite its age, the temple remains clean and in good condition, well kept by the local community. Ulun Danu Temple is one of the icons of the island of Bali, and is pictured on the 50,000 rupiah bill.

Lake Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali, and is the source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations across the entire Bedugul Village. The mountain on which it sits is often referred to as “the holy mountain” as the weather is cool and the soil rich and fertile. In early times, Lake Beratan was the largest lake in Bali, until a devastating earthquake occurred, dividing the lake into three sections: Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. The name Beratan comes from the word Brata, which means to conduct one’s self to fill the 9 primary needs in life. The word is used in the term “Tapa Brata,” which is to meditate and be united with nature.

Get There

Bedugul is located in the Tabananregency, about 50 kilometers north of Denpasar, capital city of Bali, or 70 kilometers from the tourist area of Kuta. Bedugul can be reached by private or rental car. The uphill journey travels across steep and winding roads, but the view is simply amazing.

Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu are located in the village of Candikuning, Tabanan Regency, Bali, not too far from the Eka Karya Botanical Gardens.

To Do

Enjoy the cool, mountain air and revel in the beauty of the natural surroundings; A calm, cool lake, surrounded by terraced rice fields, rolling hills and dense forests. Rent a boat or canoe to explore the area over water, or simply relax and enjoy the ride across the lake.

Pay a visit to Eka Karya Park, Bali’s only botanic garden, or stroll through theCandi Kuning Traditional Market. Bedugul is a region where fruit trees and vegetables of various varieties flourish. These are later sold in markets both in Bedugul and other areas around across the island. There are also small stalls where you can purchase beautiful and unique souvenirs, as a memory of your trip.

Though this area is a sacred place for Hindus, there is also a mosque in the region to symbolize the level of tolerance and harmony displayed by the local community.

To Stay

Strawberry  Hill Hotel – cozy, traditional cabins, just a walk away from Lake Beratan.

Address:  Jl. Raya Denpasar-Singaraja Km. 48,Bedugul 82191

Phone: +62 368 21265

Email: info@strawberryhillbali.com

Website:www.strawberryhillbali.com

Bali Handara Kosaido – located in the central highlands of Bali, and ranked among the top 50 golf courses in the world.

Address: Bedugul, Bali
Phone: +62 362 3422646
Email:reservation@balihandarakosaido.com
Website:www.balihandaracountryclub.com

Enjung Beji  Resort Hotel – beautiful cottages around the lake, north of the Ulun Danu Temple.

Address: Jl. Raya Bedugul, Candikuning, Tabanan, Bali
Phone: +62  361  8528521

Email: info@enjungbejiresort.com

Website:http://www.enjungbejiresort.com/

Tips

Rainfall can be sudden and frequent in this area, so an umbrella may come in handy. If you don’t have one, these can also be rented around the lake. Bring a jacket or sweater as the weather can get quite cold.

Adventure , Bali , Traditional Villages

Nusa Dua

Overview

Nusa Dua  is a special, self contained tourism estate, built comprising a large Bali Convention Centre and complemented with super-de-luxe resorts. Here you will find some of the world’s best known hotel names, like the Grand Hyatt, the Westin Resort, the Laguna Resort & Spa, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, 

Melia Bali, Nikko Bali, Novotel Nusa Dua, and the Ayodya.  The sprawling hotels offer beautifully manicured gardens, fantastic panoramic views of the blue ocean beyond, long stretches of white beaches and swaying palm trees. And, adhering to the architectural rule here, no hotel is built taller than a palm tree, making Nusa Dua a truly tropical dream paradise.

Some twenty years ago Nusa Dua was a barren and deserted area, where just a few fishing communities lived. A French company entrusted with compiling the Bali master plan recommended that Bali’s unique culture be protected from an undiscriminating onslaught of tourists to the island. In order to do this, the bulk of hotels and tourist facilities must be kept apart from the essential way of life and culture of Bali. Thus the development of the Nusa Dua resort was envisaged in this barren area, which would not encroach on the lush agricultural land of Bali, and provide routes inland to access the myriad attractions that the island offers.  

Today, Nusa Dua is Bali’s top venue for important international conventions. The historic December 2007 Climate Change Conference was held here, as are international Summits participated by heads of state.

To Do

Besides going for meetings and conventions, Nusa Dua offers some of Bali’s best Spas for ultimate pampering and relaxation. There are also good golf courses and Olympic sized swimming pools. At Laguna Hotel you can have your own private pool by your room.

Get There

Nusa Dua is easily accessible from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport directly by a wide highway. Hotels usually provide their own transportation. There is a shuttle bus between the hotels in Nusa Dua. Since all hotels are situated rather far in from the main gate, you must hire a taxi to see sights outside of Nusa Dua.

To Eat

All hotels in Nusa Dua offer fine dining, or have their own coffee shops. There are no roadside stalls here.

Bali