Karangasem Tourism Information Guides - all karangasem tourism and vacancy information

The Information About Karangasem Tourism

2008-05-06T07:42:00.002-07:00

The regency of Karangasem is one of the nine regency in Bali,situated in the eastern part of Bali, covering an area of 839,54 sq. kilometers. Karangasem itself consist of eight District namely : Karangasem, manggis, Rendang, Selat, Sidemen, Bebandem, Abang, and Kubu District.

Karangasem has an extraordinary variety of scenic landscapes. Low and high mountain ranges intermingle with upland plain, tropical forests, teracced rice field, beautiful beaches, culture and history archeological remains, traditional " Bali Aga" village with their way of life make Karangasem worth visiting.

It is very easy to reach all of the interesting places in Karangasem which are supported by fairly good road conditions, facilities such at hotels, restaurants, money changers, souvenir shops and others which would you expect in a tourist environment.

Tirtagangga
Tirtagangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which consists of three complexes. The first complex lies on the lowest level of this area, where we can find two ponds and a water tower. The second complex in the middle level is the location where we can find swimming pools; while in the third part, which is the main complex, we can find the rest house of the King.......More

Padangbai

2008-05-06T07:42:00.001-07:00

History:

The location of Padangbai is in a rural and isolated bay named Padang, which has been used as a harbour since years ago. The name of Padangbai was taken from this bay and by the influence of the Dutch language, the frase Padang Bay turned into Padangbai.

Location:
This tourist object is located at Padangbai village, Manggis district, about 53 km from Amlapura. Except being famous for its tourist attractions, Padangbai is the gateway to enter this island.

Facility:
Food stalls, small restaurants and small hotels are available here, besides other facilities needed by visitors to enjoy their visit.

Description:
Padangbai is a harbour where small and big ships drop their anchors. This area develops as a tourist object for some attractions it has, such as white sand, the beautiful surroundings and the amazing underwater panorama. Besides, the daily life of the traditional fishermen and the busy crowd in the harbour becomes another plus point of this area.

This tourist object is also known for its sacred temples, Silayukti temple and Tanjung Sari temple. Silayukti was built by Empu Kuturan. Besides these two temples, there is also Penataran Agung Temple, that is located on the west side of Padangbai.

Yeh Malet

2008-05-06T07:41:00.001-07:00

Location:

Yeh Malet is one of the tourist destinations in Karangasem. It is situated at Antiga village, Manggis district, which is about 33 km to the west of Amlapura.

Facility:
This tourist object is facilitated with some rest places for visitors passing this area. Food stalls are also available here. Visitors who wish to know more about tourist destinations and facilities around Karangasem regency or just to have brief information about Yeh Malet could come to tourism information centre established here.

Description:
Yeh Malet lies on the main road connecting Amlapura and Denpasar. Thus, this place is good for those who want to get rest. Here, visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and also watch the traditional making of salt. In this area, visitors can also have swimming, fishing or jogging.

Tenganan Pegeringsingan

2008-05-06T07:40:00.002-07:00

History:
Tenganan is one of several ancient villages in Bali, which is usually called "Bali Aga". There are some versions of story telling us the history of Tenganan village. Some say that the word Tenganan was derived from the word "tengah" or "ngatengahang" which means "move to the inner area". This derivation of word was having a relation with the movement of the villagers from the seaside to a rural area, in which the position of this village is in the middle of hills, that are western hill (Bukit Kauh) and eastern hill (Bukit Kangin).

Another version reveals that the people of Tenganan came from Peneges village, located in Gianyar, precisely near Bedahulu. Based on the folklore, once upon a time Bedahulu King lost one of his horses. The people looked for it to the east and the horse was finally found dead by Ki Patih Tunjung Biru, the King's right hand. For his loyalty, the King finally gave Ki Patih Tunjung Biru an authority to govern the land as far as the aroma of the carrion of the horse can be smelled. Ki Patih was an intelligent person, so he cut the carrion into pieces and spread it as far as he could. Thus he received a quite large area.

The word Pegeringsingan was taken from the word "geringsing". Geringsing is a traditional woven product that can only be found in Tenganan. Geringsing is noticed to be sacred for the belief that it has a magical power to drive away the evil or the black magic. Geringsing derived from the word "gering" means decease and "sing" means no.

Location:
Tenganan Pegeringsingan is situated at Manggis district, approximately 65 km from Denpasar (the International Airport of Bali). It is near Candidasa and can be easily reached by public or private vehicles.

Facility:
Visitors will feel comfortable when visiting this area, for some facilities are available here, like food stalls, good toilets, arts shops and a quite large parking area. If we wish to have meal in restaurants or to spend the night near this area, we can go to Candidasa, which is only 3 km from this village.

Description:
As an ancient village, Tenganan Pegeringsingan is identical with religious activities. Many temple festivals performed in this village that attract visitors to come. The most famous one is "Mekare-kare" or "Perang Pandan". This is a ceremonial fight or war using thorny pandanous leaves as the weapon. This festival usually takes place in relation to the celebration of "Sasih Kelima" or the fifth Balinese month. Many other uniqueness of custom and culture can be found here that make Tenganan worth to visit.

Putung

2008-05-06T07:40:00.001-07:00

History:

Based on the story downed from generation to generation, the name of Putung was taken from the name of an isolated area, which was once visited by those who wished to hold meditation to get descendant or to be blessed with other blessings. The word "Putung" is presumed to be derived from the word "putus" which means a marriage with no descendant, which in Balinese word is called "putung".

Location:
Putung itself is located in Duda Timur village, Selat district, approximately 64 km from Denpasar and about 19 kms from Amlapura. This area is reachable by public or private vehicles.

Facility:
Small hotels with restaurants completed with large parking lot are available in this area as the supporting facilities.

Description:
The most plus point of Putung as a tourist object is its wonderful and amazing pristine panorama, which is the combination of mountains and sea view in a distance. Putung lies on mountainous area that surrounded by dense trees, particularly "salak" or snake skin fruit garden. This makes the air in this area is very cool and refreshing.

From here, we will be able to take a view around to see the scenery of terraced rice fields. From this high place, we will also be able to view the blue sea with fishermen ships catching the fish. The beauty of Putung becomes famous through the painting of an Italian painter who lived in this area for a long time and married a local woman from Manggis village.

Sibetan

2008-05-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

Location:

Sibetan village, which is famous for its "salak" or snake skin fruit is located in Bebandem district, 83 km from Denpasar or 15 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Visitors visiting this area will be able to find food stalls and home stay.

Description:
As one of tourist destination in Karangasem, Sibetan village offers natural panorama (agro tourism). Sibetan village is 400-600 m above the sea level, with the average temperature of 20º-30º C. Its average rainfall is 1.567 mm - 20.000 mm per year. The cool climate and the comforting air make salak or skin snake fruit grows well in this area. Here, visitors can find various vegetations of salak with different tastes. The vast salak garden in this village is also interesting to see.

Almost 81,12% of Sibetan's area, which is 1.125.000 hectares, is turned into salak garden. Thus, about 14 various vegetations of salak can be found here, in which it cannot be seen in other areas. Mostly, visitors come to Sibetan village to witness directly the complete cultivation process of salak, including its marketing process.

Except showing the vast salak garden, Sibetan is also worth to visit for its unique and special culture and traditional art performances, such as dances and "genjek" and the show of traditional music instrument called "angklung".

To enjoy the natural view of this area, visitors can join the trekking activity that will be led by local guides.

Puri Agung Karangasem

2008-05-06T07:38:00.002-07:00

History:
Puri Agung Karangasem or Karangasem Palace was built in 19th Century by Anak Agung Gede Jelantik, the first king of Karangasem Kingdom. This tourist destination is visited for its unique architecture, which is the combination of Balinese, Chinese and European architectures.

Location:
The location of Karangasem Palace is in the center of Amlapura, approximately 78 km from Denpasar.

Description:
As it was mentioned before, the architecture of Puri Agung Karangasem is the combination of three different styles. Balinese architecture can be found on the carving of Hindu's statues and the relief on the wall of the building. The European influence is seen on the style of the main building with its large veranda, while the Chinese architecture is implied on the style of the window, the door and its other ornaments.

Puri Agung Karangasem consists of three parts, namely Bencingah, Jaba Tengah, and Maskerdam. Bencingah is the front part of the Palace, where traditional art performance takes place. Jaba Tengah is set as the Palace Garden with a big pond. In the middle of the pond, there is a building called "Balai Gili" or floating building, here we can also find 2 old lychee trees. The third part is Maskerdam, of which the name was given after the name Amsterdam, a city in Netherlands. This building was constructed when the King of Karangasem started opening relationship with the Dutch government.

Jemeluk

2008-05-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

History:

Based on the folktale the name of Jemeluk derived from the word "menyeluk" or "seluk" which means gulf. This area is famous for it under water life.

Location:
Jemeluk is precisely situated at Purwakerti village, Abang ditrict. It is about 100 km from Denpasar and 21 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Around the area, we will be able to find small restaurants, hotels, and food stalls. For visitors who wish to closely enjoy the sea panorama, a stopover is available.

Description:
Jemeluk becomes interesting to visit for its amazing luxurious underwater scenery. Its shallow save and clear water give comfort for visitors who loves diving activity very much, to see tropical fish and other marine lives exist here.

The coral reeves found in this area becomes another attraction of Jemeluk that draws visitors from all over the world.

Besides the underwater panorama, we can also enjoy beautiful view of the surrounding area, which shows the fascinating scenery of hilly land with its steep valleys that combined with the vast sea.

The traditional process in making salt performed by the local people, should not also be passed when we visit this area.

Iseh

2008-05-06T07:37:00.001-07:00

Location:

The tourist object of Iseh is situated at Iseh village, Sidemen district. The distance of this object is about 52 kms from Denpasar and can be easily reached by public or private vehicles.

Facility:
Some facilities are available in this object, such as small hotels with its rural air and art shops that offer the most famous product of this area which is known as "Endek Bali", In those art shops we can find something to be brought home to remind us of this small paradise.

Description:
The magnificent nature of Iseh has been famous since years ago, for the most fascinating natural view can be seen here. Mount Agung stands in a distance with its steep valley, river that winding with its clear water in the middle of vast green carpet of terraced rice fields, where traditional farmers work so hard become interesting view to witness.

The beautiful panorama of Iseh was introduced to the world by two foreigners who had lived in this area for a quite long time. Through their paintings, they documented the adorable view of Iseh village with its special daily life of the people. Those two painters are Walter Spies from Germany and Theo Meier from Switzerland. They spent most of their time to socialize with the local people and to closely know their custom and culture.

Telaga Waja

2008-05-06T07:36:00.002-07:00

History:

The name of Bukit Jambul was firstly given during the Dutch invasion in Indonesia by a tourist, who was inspired by a high hill standing on the south of the main road connecting Klungkung regency and Besakih of Karangasem regency. There is a Hindu Temple called Pura Pucak Sari on the top of the hill, which is surrounded by big trees. Below the temple complex there is a stunning panorama of rice fields. This makes the trees look like a tufting hair from a distance ( Bukit = hill, Jambul = Tuft of hair).

Location:
Bukit Jambul is located at Pesaban traditional village, Nongan village, Rendang district. It is approximately 8 kms from Klungkung regency to the north, and about 51 kms from Denpasar or 15 kms from Besakih Temple.

Facility:
This area is facilitated with food stalls or "warung" and also small restaurants, with a quite large parking lot.

Description:
Bukit Jambul is renown as an outstanding natural tourist destination due to the harmonious combination of hilly land, rice fields, valleys and the beautiful sea panorama in a distance. From high land, we will be able to witness the beauty of the nature beneath.

Bukit Jambul

2008-05-06T07:36:00.001-07:00

History:

Location:
Bukit Jambul is located at Pesaban traditional village, Nongan village, Rendang district. It is approximately 8 kms from Klungkung regency to the north, and about 51 kms from Denpasar or 15 kms from Besakih Temple.

Facility:
This area is facilitated with food stalls or "warung" and also small restaurants, with a quite large parking lot.

Description:
Bukit Jambul is renown as an outstanding natural tourist destination due to the harmonious combination of hilly land, rice fields, valleys and the beautiful sea panorama in a distance. From high land, we will be able to witness the beauty of the nature beneath.

Tulamben

2008-05-06T07:35:00.001-07:00

History:

Tulamben is a village, of which the name was taken from the word "Batulambih". Batulambih means many stones caused by the explotion of Mount Agung. By the time, this word changed into Batulamben and eventually pronounced as Tulamben. This area then flourished into a tourist destination that worth to visit.

Location:
This tourist destination is situated at Tulamben village, Kubu district. It is about 102 km from Denpasar and 25 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
There are some facilities available to support the industry, such as small hotels, restaurants, and even food stalls. For visitors who longs to see the underwater life of this area, diving operators are available here.

Description:
Tulamben village grows into tourist area for its strategic position and because of the beauty of its surroundings. From here, we will be able to witness the fascinating view of Mount Agung on the west side. Besides, it also offers a magnificent panorama of marine life.

In our underwater adventure, we will find the wreck of US Liberty ship from the World War II. It becomes another attraction of Tulamben for visitors. While going back to the past, in this sunken ship, we will see beautiful tropical fish and other marine lives.

Candi Dasa

2008-05-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

History:

Previously, Candidasa was known as Teluk Kehen (Kehen Bay). But when this area was finally opened as tourism depelovment area, the name Candidasa was started to be used.

There is no certain report about the historical backgound of the name. However, it is assumed that the choice of this name is connected with the story of "lingga" inside the temple lies on the top of Candidasa hills.

An old manuscript found here mentions that Candidasa Temple was built on the 12th Century. There is a remain called "lingga" inide the temple, which is believed as the symbol of God Siva. In this holy place hermits often received their highest solitude or "heaven" by uttering 10 letters called "Dasa Aksara" (10 = Dasa).

Another story says that the name Candidasa was inspired by a statue near the lingga. It is a statue of Goddess Hariti that surrounded by 10 children. It is believed that Goddess Hariti could give blessing of welfare and prosperity to the people who pray here.

Location:
Candidasa is located at Samuh - Bugbug village, Karangasem district. It is about 65 km from Denpasar and 12 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Facilities available here are restaurants, small hotels to star hotels and other facilities needed to support the industry.

Description:
Candidasa is well known for its shiny white sand. Tourism industry flourishes significantly in this area that background by the Indonesian Ocean. From this place, we will see Lombok Island and Nusa Penida in a distance and the sparkling light of "Jukung" or traditional boat at night that will always draw us to come again.

Tirtagangga

2008-05-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

History:

Tirtagangga water garden was built in 1948 by the King of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem. This water garden was constructed in a very unique architecture of Balinese and Chinese styles.

Location:
Tirtagangga is situated at Ababi village, Abang District. It is about 83 km from Denpasar and 6 km from Amlapura to the north.

Facility:
Facilities available in this area are small hotels, small restaurants and food stalls, art shops and a parking area lot.

Description:
Tirtagangga Water Garden scratches on a 1,2 Hectare area, which consists of three complexes. The first complex lies on the lowest level of this area, where we can find two ponds and a water tower. The second complex in the middle level is the location where we can find swimming pools; while in the third part, which is the main complex, we can find the rest house of the King.

Before the construction of the water garden, there was a big spring water in this area. Therefore people surrounding the area called this place "embukan" which means spring water.

The spring water was then functioned to fulfil the people's need of water and also for the "purification" of the Gods (Ida Betara). For this case, the spring water is recognised to be holy and sacred.

The religious to construct this tranquil water garden for his rest house and also for the people's function and the cool climate of this area, plus the fascinating view around, inspired the kingleisure and pleasure.

Taman Ujung

2008-05-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

History:

Ujung Water Palace, which by the local people is called as Taman Soekasada Ujung, was built in 1919. However, the launching of this complex of water palace was performed in 1912.

The water palace was constructed by the late King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, that reigned in Karangasem between 1909 and 1945.

Ujung Water Palace was majestically built to welcome and to serve important guests and Kings from neighboring countries, besides for the pleasure of the King and his royal family.

Location:
Taman Soekasada Ujung lies at Tumbu village, Karangasem district. It is approximately 85 km from Airport Denpasar and 5 km from Amlapura.

Facility:
Tourism activity in this area is supported by the available of food stalls, small restaurants and quite large parking area. Visitors who are interested in local crafts product can find some of them in art shops available here.

Description:
Taman Soekasada Ujung has been announced to be a cultural tourist object for it is noted as one of several cultural heritages exist in Karangasem regency.

The complex of this water palace is the combination of Balinese and European architectures. There are 3 big and large ponds inside the area. In the middle of the main pond, there is a building that connected to the edge of the pond by 2 bridges.

On the most tip of the highest level of this complex, we will find a great statue of "warak" (rhinoceros). Beneath the warak there is a Bull statue. From this high place we will see a marvellous view of sea, hills with lush and green forest, the beauty of Mount Agung combined with the green terraced rice fields.

The greatness of Ujung Water Palace had been destructed by the explotion of Mount Agung in 1963 which was made worst by the great shake happened in 1979. However, the recovery effort had been performed to bring back the glory of this complex of water palace by holding a reconstruction and revitalisation project on it. Although it is not as great as it was, the amaze of the past still can be seen here this moment.

Besakih

2008-05-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

History:

This temple was intentionally built in a holy village named Hulundang Basukih, which is known today as Besakih village. The name of Besakih was derived from the word "Basuki" or in some old manuscripts written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the word "Wasuki" on the Sunskrit, which means "salvation".

While in the mythology of Samudramanthana it is mentioned that Basuki was the name of a dragon that coiled around the Mandara Mountain.

The old remains say that the BesakihTemple was built by Rsi Markandya and his followers in the 11th century. At that time, Rsi Markandya intended to go to Mount Agung to build a residence. However, the construction was troubled by the spread of disease which caused the death of his followers. For the safety of his followers, he then constructed a veneration to worship God for a salvation. The veneration was called "Sanggar Basuki".

Location:
The location of Besakih Temple or Pura Agung Besakih is at Besakih village, Rendang district, on the south west of Mount Agung. It is about 44 kms from Amlapura and 62 kms from Denpasar.

Facility:
Some facilities are available in this area to support the tourism activities in Besakih, like food stalls, fruit stalls and art shops. There is also a quite large parking lot and local guides who will always be ready to give their best service.

Description:
Besakih Temple is one of tourist objects which has its own uniqueness compared with other places. It becomes famous because of complex of temple established here, also known as the Mother Temple in Bali. Besakih which offers religious atmosphere was built based on the four directions.