Prambanan Architecture And Relief

The Hindu temple complex at Prambanan is based on a square plan that contains a total of three yards, each of which is surrounded by four walls pierced by four large gates. The outermost walled perimieter, which originally measured about 390m per side, was oriented in the northeast, southwest direction. However, except for its southern gate, not much else of this enclosure has survived down to the present.

The two walled perimeters that surround the remaining two yards to the interior are oriented to the four cardinal points. The second yard's walled perimeter, which measures about 225m per side, surrounds a terraced area that consists of four rows containing 40, 48, 56, and 64 temples, respectively, each with a height of 14m and measuring 6m x 6m at the base, or 224 structures in total. The sixteen temples located at the corners of the rows face two directions; the remaining 208 structures open to only one of the four cardinal directions.

Sample of Prambanan Relief

Prambanan Legend

The popular legend of Lara Jonggrang is what connects the site of the Ratu Boko Palace, the origin of the Durga statue in northern cell/chamber of the main shrine, and the origin of the Sewu temple complex nearby. The legend tells of the story about Prince Bandung Bondowoso who fell in love with Princess Lara Jonggrang, the daughter of King Boko. But the princess rejected his proposal of marriage because Bandung Bondowoso had killed King Boko and ruled her kingdom. Bandung Bondowoso insisted on the union, and finally Lara Jonggrang was forced to agree for a union in marriage, but she posed one impossible condition: Bandung must build her a thousand temples in only one night.

The Prince entered into meditation and conjured up a multitude of spirits (demons) from the earth. Helped by supernatural beings, he succeeded in building 999 temples. When the prince was about to complete the condition, the princess woke her palace maids and ordered the women of the village to begin pounding rice and set a fire in the east of the temple, attempting to make the prince and the spirits believe that the sun was about to rise. As the cocks began to crow, fooled by the light and the sounds of morning time, the supernatural helpers fled back into the ground. The prince was furious about the trick and in revenge he cursed Lara Jonggrang to stone. She became the last and the most beautiful of the thousand statues. According to the traditions, the unfinished thousandth temple created by the demons become the Sewu temple compounds nearby (Sewu means "thousands" in Javanese), and the Princess is the image of Durga in the north cell of the Shiva temple at Prambanan, which is still known as Lara Jonggrang or Slender Virgin.

Prambanan Temple

Special Summary Prambanan Temple by Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Soaring up to 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, among an area that now functions as beautiful park.

There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.

Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.

Entering Shiva temple, the highest temple and is located in the middle, you will find four rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other three rooms contain the statues of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga statue is said to be the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the above legend.

In Vishnu temple, to the north of Shiva temple, you will find only one room with Vishnu statue in it. In Brahma temple, to the south of Shiva temple, you find only room as well with Brahma statue in it.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located close to Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is of golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings similar to eagle's. It is assumed that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shines') that is associated with the god of the Sun or Re in Old Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods).

Its ability to save her mother made many people admire it to the present time and it is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as the symbol of the country. Other country using the same symbol is Thailand, with the same reason but different form adaptation and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.

Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that - in Hindu - the tree is considered tree of life, eternity and environment harmony. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking a lion. The presence of this tree makes experts consider that Javanese society in the ninth century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just like Garuda, Kalpataru tree is also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru is used as the logo of Indonesian Environment Institution. Some intellectuals in Bali even develop "Tri Hita Karana" concept for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. This tree of life is also seen in the gunungan (the puppet used as an opening of traditional puppet show or wayang kulit). This proves that relief panels in Prambanan have been widely known throughout the world.

If you see the relief in detail, you will see many birds on them; they are real birds as we can see on the earth right now. Relief panels of such birds are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One of them is the relief of the Yellow-Crest Parrot (Cacatua sulphurea) that cites unanswered question. The reason is that the bird only exists in Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, did the bird exist in Yogyakarta? No body has succeeded in revealing the mystery.

You can discover many more things in Prambanan. You can see relief of Wiracarita Ramayana based on oral tradition. If you feel tired of enjoying the relief, you can take a rest in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since 18 September 2006, you can enter zone 1 area of Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being reconstructed. Please come and enjoy Prambanan temple.

Borobudur Reliefs

Reliefs on every circle

There was a long series of main relief's at the first alley, either at the main wall or at the inner side of Kutamara wall. Relief's at the Kutamara wall depicted Jataka's and Awadana's a story of Buddha's life, which expressed as Bodhisattva, due to his good deeds in the past. Sometimes, Buddha is expressed in the form of animals such as rabbit, monkeys and soon, as it was told in animated stories. The story was adopted from Sanskrit book, Jatakamala. Only one third of the relief's were known, the rest was still unclear.

The lower reliefs of the main wall contained the same story. The upper relief's also had the same story as the lower one. The story contained the life of Buddha consisting of 120 frames until he began teaching Buddha religion. The first frame began from the South of Stairway of the curved gate at the East and follows the path of the Sun (the temple on the right side). The life story of Buddha was adopted from Lalitawistara book.




At the second alley, Jatake and Awadana story were continued on the inner side of Utamara and on the main wall, story was began with stories adopted from Gandhawyuha. This story was so long that it occupied the main wall and inner sidewall of Utamara at the third and fourth alley. The story showed the adventure of a Sudhana who met Bodhisattva Maytreya (the future Buddha) to have religious lesson from the Buddha. Later on, the Sudhana met with Bodhisattva Mandjusri and finally he met with Dyani Bodhisattva Samanta Badra, who gave the highest wisdom. Most of those stories expressed the use of spiritual strength and unusual happenings.








There were many beautiful ornaments in scripted at the wall of the fourth alley because the fifth alley did not contain any ornaments. The fifth alley is a transitional alley to the next platform, the round platform. The next round platform also did not contain any ornaments at all.

Borobudur Arts And Architecture

The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.

The structure, composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock is erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.

For each direction there are ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues and 1,460 relief scenes. The lowest level has 160 reliefs depicting cause and effect; the middle level contains various stories of the Buddha's life from the Jataka Tales; the highest level has no reliefs or decorations whatsoever but has a balcony, square in shape with round walls: a circle without beginning or end. Here is the place of the ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas tucked into small stupas. Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions: east, with the mudra of calling the earth to witness; south, with the hand position of blessing; west, with the gesture of meditation; north, the mudra of fearlessness; and the centre with the gesture of teaching.


Besides being the highest symbol of Buddhism, the Borobodur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolises the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, in which man's world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; the middle level, the world in which man has control of his negative impulses and uses his positive impulses; the highest level, in which the world of man is no longer bounded by physical and worldly ancient desire.

It is devotional practice to circumambulate around the galleries and terraces always turning to the left and keeping the edifice to the right while either chanting or meditating. In total, Borobodur represents the ten levels of a Bodhisattva's life which he or she must develop to become a Buddha or an awakened one.

Borobudur Location

Approximately 40 kilometers (25 mi) northwest of Yogyakarta, Borobudur is located in an elevated area between two twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo. According to local myth, the area known as Kedu Plain is a Javanese 'sacred' place and has been dubbed 'the garden of Java' due to its high agricultural^. Besides Borobudur, there are other Buddhist and Hindu temples in the area, including the Prambanan temples compound. During the restoration in the early 1900s, it was discovered that three Buddhist temples in the region, Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut, are lined in one straight line position. It might be accidental, but the temples' alignment is in conjunction with a native folk tale that a long time ago, there was a brick-paved road from Borobudur to Mendut with walls on both sides. The three temples (Borobudur–Pawon–Mendut) have similar architecture and ornamentation derived from the same time period, which suggests that ritual relationship between the three temples, in order to have formed a sacred unity, must have existed, although exact ritual process is yet unknown.

Unlike other temples, which were built on a flat surface, Borobudur was built on a bedrock hill, 265 m (869 ft) above sea level and 15 m (49 ft) above the floor of the dried-out paleolake. The lake's existence was the subject of intense discussion among archaeologists in the twentieth century; Borobudur was thought to have been built on a lake shore or even floated on a lake. In 1931, a Dutch artist and a scholar of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, developed a theory that Kedu Plain was once a lake and Borobudur initially represented a lotus flower floating on the lake. Lotus flowers are found in almost every Buddhist work of art, often serving as a throne for buddhas and base for stupas. The architecture of Borobudur itself suggests a lotus depiction, in which Buddha postures in Borobudur symbolize the Lotus Sutra, mostly found in many Mahayana Buddhism (a school of Buddhism widely spread in the east Asia region) texts. Three circular platforms on the top are also thought to represent a lotus leaf. Nieuwenkamp's theory, however, was contested by many archaeologists because the natural environment surrounding the monument is a dry land.

Geologists, on the other hand, support Nieuwenkamp's view, pointing out clay sediments found near the site. A study of stratigraphy, sediment and pollen samples conducted in 2000 supports the existence of a paleolake environment near Borobudur,which tends to confirm Nieuwenkamp's theory. The lake area fluctuated with time and the study also proves that Borobudur was near the lake shore circa thirteenth and fourteenth century. River flows and volcanic activities shape the surrounding landscape, including the lake. One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi, is in the direct vicinity of Borobudur and has been very active since the Plitocene.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the ninth century measuring 123 x 123 meters. Borobudur temple is the one of the best-preserved ancient monument in Indonesia that are most frequently visited by over a million domestic as well as foreign visitors. It also had been acclaimed by the world as a cultural heritage main kind. The architectural style has no equal through out the world. It was completed centuries before Angkor Wat in Kamboja.

Borobudur is one of the world's most famous temples; it stands majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of gray andesite stone. It rises to seven terraces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculptured in bas-reliefs extending over a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relieves in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit and each scene an individual masterpiece.


Borobudur temple built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty, is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words "Vihara Buddha Uhr" the Buddhist Monastery on the hill. Borobudur is a terraced temple surmounted by stupas, or stone towers; the terraces resemble Indonesian burial foundations, indicating that Borobudur was regarded as the symbol of the final resting place of its founder, a Syailendra, who was united after his death with the Buddha. The Prambanan temple complex is also associated with a dead king. The inscription of 856 mentions a royal funeral ceremony and shows that the dead king had joined Shiva, just as the founder of the Borobudur monument had joined the Buddha. Divine attributes, however, had been ascribed to kings during their lifetimes. A Mahayana inscription of this period shows that a ruler was said to have the purifying powers of a bodhisattva, the status assumed by the ruler of Shrivijaya in the 7th century; a 9th-century Shaivite inscription from the Kedu Plain describes a ruler as being "a portion of Shiva."

The visitors have the option of going by taxi or public bus to reach this temple. Public transportation is available from the bus terminal. From that point visitors can hire becaks or horse carts, or walk the rest of the way to the monument. A large parking area is available not far from the monument, so private cars and buses can park in this area.

Bali Transportation

"Transport, transport! You need transport? Bemo, Bemo, Bemo!" is an all too familiar catch-cry.

"No transport, saya jalan jalan!" The frustrated tourist's reply. Another bemo will pass by in a moment, and another chorus of the same song will be sung. Finding a ride is that easy!

Getting around on the tiny island is never a real problem, and there are plenty of modes of transport available to the traveller. Walking is the most basic way of getting around, and your own feet will serve you around the village, beach or resort area where you are staying. But to travel further afield, some other form of transport must be found.

Most travellers are satisfied to get about via bemo (chartered vehicles with driver), taxi (metered) or public buses (usually mini-buses, also known as bemos or colts). Whenever you are walking in Bali, you can be sure that the too familiar cry of "Bemo, bemo, bemo" or "Transport transport" will be heard emanating from almost every car that passes you by.

If the vehicle has a taxi meter, insist that it be used (unless you are very confident that you can negotiate the "best" price to your destination). Often, the driver will offer you a fixed fare, or will tell you the meter is broken. Don't believe it! The flagfall is about Rp.2,500 in meter taxi's, and a short trip across town could cost about Rp.5,000 to 10,000.

If the vehicle is a "private" bemo, and has no meter, you will have to bargain for the cost of the charter before taking the ride. This is often very daunting to those who have never haggled before, which is of course to the benefit of the driver. Some people prefer to offer a very low bid, then try to hold the driver to a small premium, while others allow the driver to open the negotiations, hoping to settle at about half the initial price.

A great benefit to the new arrival, is the sign at the airport, displaying the correct bemo fare to a number of the island's popular destinations. Use it as a guide to the fares you will pay whilst travelling between locations on Bali.

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Above: The airport taxi prices sign

An alternative "do-it-yourself" way to get to Kuta from the airport, is to turn right when you leave the airport doors, following the path that runs alongside the international area toward the domestic terminal. Continue on through the airport gates, then about 50m down the road and cross over to the left-hand side. Simply wait around for a bemo to arrive. Public bemo's must pay a fee to enter the airport, so it is possible to save a few Rupiah by walking the first 100 or so meters yourself.

Public bemos and buses are by far the cheapest mode of transport, although the trip you take may often be via "the scenic route", and they are often very crowded. Long trips by public bus can be downright uncomfortable, and don’t be surprised to be sharing the ride with all kinds of produce and livestock!

The grid below indicates the approximate distances (in kilometers) and the times taken to travel between some of Bali's major centres. Note that the distances and times will vary depending upon your chosen mode of transport and factors such as whether direct routes are available. Travelling through the mountainous central and east coast roads can be slow, even over short distances.

Above: Approximate travelling times and distances between major centres.

Note that most public bemo routes are via Denpasar, and that interchanging is usually required. There are several bus stations in Denpasar and each services an exclusive part of the island of Bali. The list below indicates the bus stations and the major centres that they service.

For example: To travel by public bemo from Kuta to Lovina, you must catch the bus from "Bemo Corner" in Kuta, and travel to Tegal bus station. Interchange from there to Ubung bus station where you may catch the bus to Singaraja. Change to the local bus at Singaraja for the Lovina beach area.

Tegal bus station (services Southern Bali)...

• Airport (Rp.5,000 - 10,000)
• Benoa village (Rp.5,000 - 10,000)
• Kuta (Rp.5,000 - 10,000)
• Legian (Rp.5,000 - 10,000)
• Nusa Dua (Rp.5,000 - 10,000)
• Ulu Watu (Via Pecatu) (Rp.10,000 - 15,000)

Ubung bus station (services Northern and Western Bali)...

• Air Sanih (Via Singaraja) (Rp.8,000 - 15,000)
• Banjar (Via Singaraja) (Rp.8,000 - 15,000)
• Bedugal (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Gilimanuk (Rp.15,000 - 25,000)
• Kediri (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Lovina (Via Singaraja) (Rp.10,000 - 15,000)
• Mengwi (Rp.5,000 - 10,000)
• Tanah Lot (Via Kediri) (Rp.7,000 - 12,000)
• Negara (Rp.7,000 - 15,000)
• Singaraja (Rp.6,000 - 12,000)
• Busses to Java leave from here

Suci bus station (services the Balinese seaport of Benoa)...

• Benoa harbour (Rp.5,000 - 10,000)

Butu Bulan bus station (services East and Central Bali)...

• Amlapura (Rp.10,000 - 15,000)
• Bangli (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Besakih (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Bedulu (Via Gianyar) (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Candi Dasa (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Celuk (Rp.5,000 - 8,000)
• Gianyar (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Goa Gajah (Via Gianyar) (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Gunung Kawi (Via Gianyar) (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Kehen temple (Via Bangli) (Rp.7,000 - 12,000)
• Kintamani (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Klungkung (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Mas (Rp.5,000 - 8,000)
• Mt Agung (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Mt Batur (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Padangbai (ferry terminal for Lombok) (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Penelokan (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Tampaksiring (Via Gianyar) (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Tirtagangga (Rp.6,000 - 10,000)
• Ubud (Rp.5,000 - 8,000)

Kereneng bus station (services the Sanur area)...

• Sanur (Rp.5,000 - 8,000)
  

Wangaya bus station (services Sangeh)...

• Sangeh (monkey forest area) (Rp.5,000 - 9,000)

Interchange between the bus stations in Denpasar will cost about Rp.5,000 - 8,000.

All prices listed above are approximate. Ticket prices will almost always increment in round numbers such as Rp.1,000, so allow up to that amount over the above prices to account for possible price changes.

As a rule of thumb, Rp.5,000 is the lowest fare for very short local runs, such as within a village or between nearby villages (although sometimes Rp.10,000 will be insisted upon) Longer journeys will cost more, however Rp.50,000 per person should be considered excessive for all but the very longest of trips.

Fares are generally payed to a collector, and are sometimes very "negotiable" for foreigners. You may be asked Rp.10,000 when the correct price (harga biasa) for the fare is Rp.5,000 or less. If you pay the correct amount (keep small notes for fares) you will rarely receive an argument.

Still, public busses are the way to experience places and people that you would otherwise have never seen, and if you take on the journey in the right spirit, you will find that getting to your destination is part of the fun and adventure of Asian travel!

Public bemos have set routes, and often you will find that the village you wish to get to is not connected directly via a bus route. You should try to find the best way to get to "point B" from your host before leaving your accommodation, or from a warung or bus station in the larger villages (ask for the correct price as well). Always try to double check transfers, and if necessary ask to be informed when you reach your destination.

Take care that in a crowded bus it may not be possible to keep your bags in sight, so always keep valuables such as passports, tickets, money etc. on you (in a moneybelt or hand-held bag).

The environment will thank you for using a bicycle to do your exploring. Many villages have a place where you can hire a bike for about Rp.8,000 to Rp.15,000 per day (sometimes a lower price may be negotiated, especially if the bike is old) An additional deposit may be required. Weekly rates are probably less.

Using a bike in Bali makes great sense, especially for exploring the backroads in places like Ubud and around Lovina. You can take your own time to see what you want to see.

Bring your own helmet and gloves if you feel more comfortable wearing protection.

Always check the state of the bike (brakes, chain, tyres etc.) and do not accept a faulty machine--you may be accused of breaking it when you return it later to the hirer, even if you don’t do yourself any harm.

Only you can tell how viable bicycling is (hilly areas may offer no problem to the fit and healthy, but, combined with the tropical heat, may cause unfit riders to back-pedal directly into a medical emergency).

Remember also, that Balinese road conditions are not always suited to long bike rides, there are many steep hills, and the traffic can be hazardous (Avoid the main roads and their crazy drivers. Buy a good map such as the "Bali Pathfinder" which is available in Ubud, and pick routes that will take you through the smaller villages). Most important to remember: ride on the left side of the road.

Motorbikes may be the answer for the do-it-yourself traveller who can ride one. A motorbike will take you to any part of the island at your own pace, and you'll see many interesting things that you couldn't get to see any other way.

The hire rate for a motorbike is usually more than double the rate for a bicycle, they require an insurance premium, and you must have a drivers licence, so be sure to have arranged for an international licence before leaving home, otherwise, you'll have to purchase a Balinese license, which requires a written test (but no driving test). Getting a Balinese licence is a waste of valuable time.

If you intend hiring a motorbike (usually a 100cc or 125cc throbber), be sure to check its condition, and to get a good helmet in the deal. Expect to pay around Rp.50,000 and over (depending on the age and condition) plus insurance.

Note that some of the small Asian bikes are capable performers. A 125cc bike such as the Honda Dream offers performance that will surprise even experienced motorcycle riders, and will easily carry a passenger, and even a few bags (we once rode a Dream about 15Km through winding hilly roads - three-up, with all of our backpacks on board as well)!

Motorbike accidents are one of the leading causes of injury to foreign tourists on Bali, and many of the roads are dangerously narrow, with cars, busses and trucks often overtaking the underpowered bikes even when there are oncoming vehicles!

Hire cars, usually tiny Japanese 2WD's or 4WD’s, are more expensive again (about Rp.250,000 and up, per day, but often less if hired for a full week). Larger more comfortable vehicles cost about Rp.400,000 and up. A hire car of course has the advantage that up to about four or five people may be carried, however as a long term hiring proposition they are probably out of the bounds of the budget traveller. Be sure to check the vehicle for damage or obvious problems before signing to hire it.

An insurance premium may be required (in addition to the hire rate), and you must have a drivers licence (minimum age conditions may also apply). The vehicles almost always have manual transmissions, and are right-hand drive (you must drive on the left).

Fuel stations in Indonesia are rarely serviced by automatic pumps. Don't be surprised if the fuel is poured into the car from coke bottles or cans. Typically, local drivers will only purchase the fuel they need for a single day (this may be wise, as it reduces the amount of fuel that can be stolen from your tank overnight!).

Beware of price rigging at fuel stations. The price for one litre of fuel is fixed at about Rp.800 to 1,000 per litre. Foreign drivers are regularly overcharged. The official price is listed at major fuel stations.

Tour buses and coaches are often unpalatable to the budget tourist except for undertaking the longest journeys, however some package tours include a complementary trip to the mountains, or to a special cultural event for instance. If they are required, tour bus tickets may be purchased at some hotels and almost any travel or tour agent in Bali at advertised fixed rates.

Above: Long distance busses are a an option for those wishing to travel to Java, Lombok and some other nearby islands (the busses cross between island on ferries).

A car with driver is probably the favorite option of most visitors to Bali. Typically costing about Rp.250,000 or so per day, this is like having a private tour bus, with the go-anywhere flexibility of a hire car. Most drivers are budding tour guides, and are willing to explain the stories associated with the common sights. Perhaps the largest drawback is that the drivers tend to follow a well-worn circuit of popular day-trip destinations, so be prepared to plan the sites you want to visit, and discuss your plans with the driver.

A few transport companies provide a medium cost long distance travel service which are well short of the luxuries of the large coaches, but far more convenient than the crowded public buses. Keep these in mind for transferring to a village on the other side of the island for instance. All prices are listed at the travel agencies (such as Perama travel) and are fixed.

Tip
	Although crime is not prevalent in Bali, travelling by public bus does expose you to the possibility of having your bags rifled or stolen, and to being robbed by pickpockets. Be on your guard against theft, and be aware that you may not always be able to watch you bags. Keep you valuable possessions and documents in a money belt.

Bali Flora And Fauna

Flora

Just like common tropical islands, in Bali you will find a wide variety of plants by surprise. Huge banyan trees are everywhere in the villages by the Bale banjar or pavilion, or temples ground. Tamarind is also a typical Balinese tree mostly found in the north coast, as well as clove at the highlands. Meanwhile acacia, flame tree and mangrove can be found along the south coastlines. Craft and house use basketries, a dozen species of coconut palms and varieties of bamboos are also everywhere across the island.

Flowers families are just as surprisingly as the variety of big plants. The most common are hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. In the day to day life flowers are routinely used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and flowers are worn behind the ear during ceremony sessions.

Fauna

Like some other parts of Indonesia, Bali was home for big mammals such as elephant and tiger, although they no longer exist since early of last century. However, Bali still is rich of wildlife with the existence of various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer. There are 300 species of birds occupy the island including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and the endangered Bali starlings. The underwater world or marine life of Bali has been noted as one of the best in the world with various species such as dolphin, shark and sun fish, and some smaller inhabitants like colorful coral fish, small reef fish, and moray eels, as well as crustaceans and sponges.

The existence of these flora and fauna become necessary for the day to day life of Balinese, where ceremonies and rituals always flourish.

Bali People And Life Style

Bali’s population of over 3,000,000 souls spread over the whole island, including those in the smaller islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Serangan and Menjangan Island. The overwhelming majority of Balinese are Hindus, with the increasing number on non-Hindu migrating from the closest neighboring islands of Java and Lombok.

The coastal areas in the south are the most populous area with over 370,000 people living in various professions in the capital of Denpasar. Farming has been the primary way of living in Balinese life. Where else fishing, trading and craftsmanship are also in fashion from generation to generation. Yet with the fast growing of tourism since past few decades, young people start to build up a new touch in their living culture.

Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called “Banjar”. The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the government. The local government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association exists in the banjar named “Subak” that concerns to the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice field must be a member of their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups.

Bali Geography

Among 17,500 islands across the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is one of the 33 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, the largest archipelagic country in the world, made up of 2,000,000 km2 of land with a chain of islands stretching over 500,000 km from Sumatra to Papua, and covers territorial waters of more than 5,000,000 km2.

Situated between Java and Lombok, the island of Bali is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator with the Java Sea to the north, the Indian Ocean to the south. Bali’s covers an area of 5,636 km2 or 0.29% of Indonesia, measuring just 90km long the north-south axis and less than about 140km from west to east.
Divided into three areas of water, the North Bali Sea is about 3,168km2, the East about 3.350km2, and the West about 2,982km2. Bali Sea covers an area of 9,500km2. The North Bali sea runs along the coastline of Buleleng, the East Bali Sea runs along the coastline of Karangasem, Klungkung and Gianyar, and the West Bali Sea include the coastline of Badung Tabanan and Jembrana.

Bali

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali for few years awarded as the world best island by The International Travel Magazine. There, however, are still many people who do not know in depth about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. Life in Bali is always related to “Tri Hita Karana” or a tripartite concept that include the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment.

The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, growing along with the of globalization. It is the Balinese civilization what makes the island different from other destination.

Indonesian Tourism

Tourism in Indonesian is an important component of the Indonesian economy as well as a significant source of foreign exchange revenues. With a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands.

1. The second longest shoreline in the world
2. 300 different ethnic groups and 250 distinct languages
3. And tropical climate throughout the year, nature and culture are two major components of Indonesian tourism

Tourism in Indonesia is currently overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. International tourist campaigns have been focusing largely on tropical destination with white sand beaches and blue sky imagery. Beach resorts and hotels were developed in some Indonesia islands, with Bali island as the primary destination. Cultural tourism is also an important part of Indonesia tourism industry. Toraja, Prambanan and Borobudur temples, Yogyakarta and Minangkabau are popular destinations for cultural tourism, apart from many Hindu festivities in Bali. About 5 million foreign tourists have visited Indonesia annually since 2000

However, tourism development had sometimes clashed with local people, that has created criticism over Indonesia's tourism industry. Most of the disputes were related over land possession, local traditions and the impact of tourism development to the local people. In another area, tourism industry in Indonesia faces major threats. Since 2002, several warnings have been issued by some countries over terrorist threats and ethnic/religious conflicts in some areas, which significantly reduces the number of foreign visitors.

Common expressions you are bound to hear / see / be able to use:

Selamat datang / Welcome
Apa kabar? / How are you?
Selamat pagi / Good morning
Selamat siang / Good may
Selamat sore / Good afternoon
Selamat malam / Good evening
Selamat makan / Have a nice meal
Selamat bertamasya / Have a nice trip / holiday
Have a nice trip / goodbye (if someone is leaving)
Selamat jalan / Goodbye (if you are leaving)

Selamat tinggal / Goodbye
Terima kasih / Thank you
Sama sama / Don’t mention it
Tidak terimah kasih / No thank you

Berapa harganya? / How much does it cost / what’s the price?
Mahal! / Expensive!
Murah! / Cheap
Boleh tawar? / Can I bargain?
Harga pas / Fixed price