Tourism Object; Ubud - Besakih

Ubud

Ubud especially popular among foreign tourists because this location is situated between the fields and forest that lies between the chasms of the mountain that makes nature so beautiful.

In addition, Ubud is known for its art and culture that is growing very rapidly and developed. The pulse Ubud community life can not be separated from art. Here there are also many art galleries, and arenas of music and dance performances are held alternately every night in all corners of the village.

Ubud is a remarkable town in the middle of the island of Bali. For more than a century, it has been the island's preeminent centre for fine arts, dance and music. While it once was a haven for scruffy backpackers, cosmic seekers, artists and bohemians, Ubud is now a hot spot for literati, glitterati, art collectors and connoisseurs. Famous names walk its busy sidewalks everyday. Elegant five star hotels and sprawling mansions now stand on its outskirts, overlooking the most prized views in Bali. Nonetheless, Ubud is still popular with backpackers, mystics and all the finest fringe elements of global society. Ubud is not "ruined". Its character is too strong to be destroyed. It still draws people who add something; people who are actively involved in art, nature, anthropology, music, dance, architecture, environmentalism, "alternative modalities," and more.

Ubud is arguably the best place to use as a base if you're visiting Bali; if you're looking for culture, comfort, nature and inspiration. Ubud is surrounded by most of the things that bring people to Bali -- scenic rice fields, small villages, art and craft communities, ancient temples, palaces, rivers, cheap accommodation and unique luxury hotels. And it's central location makes it easy to get from Ubud to the mountains, beaches, and major towns.

Since there are so many other accounts of Balinese Hinduism available in guidebooks and other literature, we will spare you yet another one. Suffice to say, Balinese Hinduism permeates Ubud life as it has for eons. Some observers in fact, have noted a resurgence of religious activity, both in terms of outward devotional practice, and the more introspective, philosophical aspects of religiosity. Ubud is noted as one of the more traditional towns in terms of maintaining the tenets and manifold observances of Agama Hindu Bali. Everywhere you look, every single day, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred offerings. All of this is carried out in Ubud with a level of devout attention and meticulous care that is rarely exceeded elsewhere. This applies equally to the young generation as it does to their parents and grandparents. To witness (or participate in) the enactment of religious tradition, visit a temple during a holy day or on its anniversary, called and odalan. Your hotel, guest house, or the Balinese friends you make can tell you when and where an opportunity might arise. Consult the Bali Calendar to check dates of major festivals. You can't go more than a few metres in Ubud without seeing one hanging on someone's wall. Or let Balinese friends and acquaintances know you would be interested to attend a life-transition ritual (three-month birthday of a baby, tooth filing, wedding, cremation, etc.). Chances are, if you stay more than a few days you will have the opportunity to witness such an event. The main temples in Ubud are the location for a tremendous variety of festivals, special prayers and observances of particular holy days. Following is a list of the some of the main temples and the dates of their odalans, beginning with the three main temples which are requisite to any Balinese desa. Before you attend any religious ceremony or enter a temple, read the "Etiquette and Dress Notice" in these web pages. Our advice is to find a Balinese friend or hotel employee who will take you to a ceremony, and advise you throughout about what is taking place, and how you can appreciate and participate in the ceremony without making a faux pas.

Ubud has been a "royal town" for over a hundred years. Its princes, who bear the title "Tjokorda" or "Agung" still live in traditional palaces, called "Puris". Be aware, however, that every place called "puri" is not a royal palace. The word has been used quite liberally of late. Also be aware that there is not one palace in Ubud, but many, most of them clustered around the main cross-roads near the Bud market. There are several other "royal" towns in the Bud area, too, with their own palaces, most of which have close family ties to the Bud Tjokordas. A web of connections is maintained by incidental and arranged marriages among the respective offspring of princes in Sayan, Pejeng, Singapadu, Peliatan, and Payangan's puris.

Although the old Balinese feudal system was superseded by the Dutch colonial government more that eighty years ago, the Tjokordas still retain a special role in Ubud society. Many leadership roles, both sacred and secular are held by Tjokordas. They also figure prominently in the local business community, arts institutions, and professional circles. While no formal power is automatically granted to someone because they come from a puri, the Ubud royals still command respect solely on the basis of their heredity. They also command respect from some quarters on the basis of their rather disproportionate wealth.

The palaces have long been the largest landholders in the area. They used to manifest this role in a largely "custodial" way, managing vast tracts of rice-growing land for the benefit of the community and the temples. In recent times, however, with the advent of western models of land ownership, many palaces have developed or sold landholdings to augment their personal wealth--sometimes conspicuously. In pre-colonial Bali, palaces were the primary patrons of art, music, dance and literature. The Ubud palaces consciously continue this tradition. They act as repositories of traditional culture, and develop artistic endeavours throughout the area, much to the benefit of both Ubudians and visitors.

The Tjokordas are no longer the physical embodiment of The State, they are just private citizens, with the same concerns as other private citizens, plus a few more. Accordingly, the Ubud palaces are essentially just family homes, and none have yet been turned into museums of public tourist attractions. While some of them are fine examples of traditional architecture, none are "historical" in terms of age. In fact, most are pretty new. The oldest Ubud palace was located a little to the east of Pura Dalem Ubud, above the main road. It collapsed in an earthquake early this century, and nothing remains but a flat place with traces of foundation here and there.

Vanara Wana or Monkey Forest, (better known as the Monkey Forest) is a sacred forest located in Ubud area, to be precise entry into the territory Padangtegal traditional village, Ubud. In this forest there is a herd of monkeys by the hundreds, who have inhabited this region for hundreds of years. In this area there is also Pura Dalem Padangtegal, which was founded in the early 20th century. Temple has the architecture and ornaments of great antiquity and artistic. You can also search for the sacred springs under which the hidden dragon statue, which when taken, dipecaya can cure all kinds of diseases.

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.

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.

As we familiarize, that the point direction way like East, South, West, North, and middle as center point and each direction is named by Mandala. In Hindu philosophy, Panca Dewata is manifestation of Siwa God. Like Penataran Agung Temple as center, we find in its courtyard conception show the solidarity conception between the original Indonesia culture namely tradition megalithic in form of Punden Berundak-undak with the Hinduism concept. The ancient omissions which is existing in Besakih Temple complex can be classified into 2 types those are omission pertained by megalithic tradition and classic era. Besakih Temple beside as the altar for Hindu people in Bali, it is also as tourist destination which is a lot of visited by tourists.

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.