Rabu, 25 Maret 2009

London Sightseeing


Here are the ten top London tourist attractions for London sightseeing trip.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and on Horse Guards Parade are free displays of colourful Royal pageantry. In August and September Buckingham Palace itself is open to visitors. Take a look at the Houses of Parliament and the famous clocktower that houses Big Ben. Other must-see London sights include the London Bridge and nearby Tower of London with its colourful 'Beefeaters', British museum, Princess of Diana's Memorial and Madame Tussauds . Of course, you have to ride on the London Eye - the new landmark for London! London has some of the finest parks in the world. If you have time, pay a visit to Hamstead Health and kew Garden - you will feel some peaceful in a busy city!

Kew Gardens | London Kew


Location: Kew Rd., London
Tube Station: Kew Gardens - Map of Kew Gardens
Category: Parks Gardens, Arboretums
Phone: 020/8332-5655
Price: £11.75
Hours: Gardens Apr.-Oct., weekdays 9:30-6:30, weekends 9:30-7:30; Nov.-Mar., daily 9:30-4:30
Website: http://www.kew.org



Kew Gardens, (the plural being it’s proper name) lies on the South bank of the River Thames between Kew and Richmond and it was originally two estates - the Kew Estate and the Richmond Estate, however the two were formed to form this beautiful park.

It is a Botanical Research Center and it boasts the largest plant collection in the world, homed in temperature and condition controlled greenhouses as well as the stunning gardens. With its landscaped lawns, formal gardens and greenhouses, it’s no wonder that this is such a tourist attraction for anybody that is visiting the capital. Possibly the most recognizable structure within the gardens is the infamous Chinese Pagoda.

If you are planning to visit either of these parks, you will be thrilled to know that the area has six main car parks, all costing small fees, although the disabled, providing a disabled badge, can park for free.
Kew Gardens is open 9.30 am to 3.45 pm during the winter months, and 9.30am to 5pm in the summer months. Richmond Park, however, is open from 7am (7.30 in the winter) through to dusk. Richmond park is also free of charge, whereas you need to pay to get into Kew Gardens. The price is fairly small though, with children under the age of 17 (whilst accompanied by an adult) visiting for free and adults only paying 12.25 GBP.

Hampstead Heath | London Hampstead


Location: London, NW3
Tube Station: Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath Silverlink Line from Highbury & Islington underground for south of Heath; Golders Green underground for north and west of Heath - Map of Hampstead Heath
Category: Parks
Phone: 020/7482-7073 Heath Information Centre
Website: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk



Hampstead Heath is a public open space situated in North London, the capital city of England. With 25 main ponds, areas of ancient woodland, grassland, hedgerows and bog lands, this is possibly one of the most peaceful, and stunning places in the country!

Not only is it a magnificently beautiful patch of land, it has fantastic panoramic views of London, and the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral are fully visible. However, if you are looking for it, you must take a map, there are no signposts within it, or leading up to it!

Hampstead Heath is known as the home of British Cross Country running and it is a popular open space used for as many as 16 different types of organized sport, including cricket, swimming and fishing.

During the Summer, there were music concerts, mostly classical, but also the occasional pop concert, held by the lake. Due to residents complaints, however, these have now been abandoned and because of this, the future of Kenwood House now hangs in the balance. It very much depended on the income of these concerts to survive. It seems a great shame to no longer visit a concert in this area, simply because since 1951(until 2006) there was a concert held every Saturday during the summer!

British Airways London Eye



Price: Starting from USD $29.09 per person
Duration: Varies



The British Airways London Eye is the world's tallest observation wheel at 135 meters high. Located on the banks of the River Thames it offers unrivalled views over London.

Since opening at the turn of the century, the London Eye has become an iconic landmark, with a status that can be compared to Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Eros and the Tower of London. It has been used as a backdrop in countless films and for innumerable TV programs. A source of pride for the whole country as well as the capital, the London Eye is the most distinctive addition this century to the world's greatest city, loved by Britons and tourists alike.

In fact, in its short life, it has become the most popular paid for UK visitor attraction, visited by over 3.5 million people a year (an average of 10,000 a day). A breathtaking feat of design and engineering, passengers in the London Eye's capsules can see up to 40 kilometers in all directions, in complete comfort and safety.

But there's much, much more to the London Eye than its views and its engineering. It plays an integral role in the community, has become something of a gateway or a symbol for London and offers a unique venue for corporate events and entertainment.

Madame Tussaud's


Location: Marylebone Rd., London, NW1
Tube Station: Baker St. - Map of Madame Tussaud's
Category: Museums, Galleries
Phone: 0870/400-3000 for timed entry tickets
Price: From £14.99; prices vary according to day and season, call for details, or check Web site
Hours: Sept.-June, weekdays 10-5:30, weekends 9:30-5:30; July and Aug., daily 9:30-5:30
Website: http://www.madame-tussauds.com



If you want to hang out with the stars of the celebrity world, why not do it right here in London? Whether you want to mingle with the Beatles or chill out with Liz Hurley, Madame Tussauds has all the best stars all brought together under on roof!

Ok, I must admit, they are made of wax, but the photo opportunities are pretty awesome!

Madame Tussauds has fast become on of London’s top attraction, and with the number of stars available to see in their wax form rising every week, it’s not hard to see why. With new attractions constantly under development, more and more people are visiting the attraction every day, and with its easy accessibility and reasonable prices, you’ll understand why!

There’s a new sport section within Madam Tussauds as well as a Big Brother section, why not sit in the infamous BB chair and pour your heart out to the live Madame Tussauds Big Brother experience!

If that doesn’t float your boat, you could always check out on of the many other zones in Madam Tussauds built to amaze. You could grab a taxi and take a journey through the history of London. The mini versions of the famous London black cabs take you back and guide you through the historical events in London’s history, from the Tudor times right up to the swinging sixties!

You can get to Madame Tussauds by tube, rail, bus or car (although driving within London isn’t really advisable) There are many multi-storey car parks nearby as well as the major transport stations.

There are many facilities available too, so you won’t have to stray too far away from the attraction to get the most out of your trip to London. There is a café and also a gift shop, not to mention, toilets and baby changing facilities. You must be aware though, that pushchairs and prams are not permitted within the attraction.

Kensington palace


Location: The Broad Walk, Kensington Gardens, London, W8
Tube Station: High St. Kensington - Map of Kensington Palace
Category: Castles, Palaces
Phone: 0870/751-5180 advance booking and information
Price: £11.50
Hours: Mar.-Oct., daily 10-6; Nov.-Feb., daily 10-5; last admission 1 hr before closing
Website: http://www.hrp.org.uk



Set in Kensington Gardens, the palace has been an official Royal residency since the early 17th Century and is now the home of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester as well as the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

At present, it is also the home of the “Diana, Princess of Wales by Mario Testino” memorial, which consists of never seen before images of the Princess, and also a selection of dresses that she has worn that are due to be auctioned off at Christies in New York. This wonderful memorial for the young Princess closes in December 2007. A normal adult price to visit this attraction is approximately 12GBP and a child’s entrance is normally half of that.

You can get to Kensington Palace by the many methods of public transport that London has to offer, but with the limited parking spaces available, it is not advisable to drive to this location!

If all of this wonderful sightseeing within London and paying your respect to one of Britain’s most loved women has worn you out, why not take a trip down to the Orangery Restaurant within Kensington Palace. This restaurant hosts one of the finest tea selections in London and you can’t come to the capital of England without having a proper cup of English tea!

London Bridge


Location: H.M. Tower of London, Tower Hill, London, EC3N
Category: Bridges, Tunnels
Phone: 020/7403-3761
Price: £5.50, joint ticket available for Monument
Hours: Daily 9:30-5:30; last admission 5
Website: http://www.towerbridge.org.uk



Tower Bridge, given its name because of it being close to the Tower of London. It was originally opened on 1894 and is a suspension bridge and bascule bridge combined to allow boats to pass freely underneath on the River Thames. Not only is it a famous landmark to walk or drive over (over 40,000 pedestrians and vehicles pass over it everyday) but you can also visit the Tower Bridge experience, and walk over the high-level walkways between the two tower. It was originally closed in 1910 because it became a famous haunt for pickpockets and prostitutes alike, but has now been reopened for the general public.

Tower Bridge and Bridge of London are very close together, so you may has well visit one and then the other. They are easily accessible by train, tube and bus. You can also drive to these, but London is a busy town and there is the congestion charge to think about.

If you wish to visit the Tower Bridge exhibition, again, you may wish to take in to account the opening times vary on the time of year and it costs 6GBP for an adult and 3.00 GBP for a child. Kids under the age of five can visit the attraction for free.

Big Ben


Location: St. Stephen's Entrance, St. Margaret St., London, SW1
Tube Station: Westminster - Map of Houses of Parliament
Category: Government Buildings
Phone: 020/7219-4272 Commons information; 020/7219-3107 Lords information; 020/7222-2219 Jewel Tower; 020/7219-2184 Lord Chancellor's Residence; 0870/906-3773 summer tours
Price: Free, £7 summer tours
Hours: Commons Mon. 2:30-10:30, Tues. and Wed. 11:30-7:30, Thurs. 11:30-6:30, Fri. 9:30-3 although not every Fri.; Lords Mon.-Thurs. 2:30-10; Lord Chancellor's Residence Tues. and Thurs. 10:30-12:30. Closed Easter wk, late July-early Sept., 3 wks for party conference recess mid-Sept.-early Oct., and 3 wks at Christmas
Website: http://www.parliament.uk



When visiting London, there is one landmark that you can’t help but notice, and that it is Big Ben, not named due to it’s sheer size, but after the first Commissioner of Works, Sir Benjamin Hall. It is 96.3 meters (315.9feet) high! It has four clock faces which are 23 feet squared and the minute hand alone, stands at 14 feet long. The numbers on the clock face are 2 feet tall! Now you can understand why it simply can’t be missed! It holds the record of being the “worlds largest four-faced chiming clock.” It did have the record of being the largest four-faced clock in the world, but this has since been overtaken by a clock in Wisconsin. That clock, however, does not chime!

The tower of the clock, has cells within it to imprison members of parliament for breach of parliamentary privilege, but the last recorded case of this was in 1880. The tower itself isn’t actually open to the general public, but if you have a “special” interest, you can try and make an appointment to visit it through the local MP.

Big Ben lies at the North-Eastern end of the Houses of Parliament. This magnificent building has been the home of the English parliament since before 1547 and was originally called the Palace of Westminster. This is the site that Edward the Confessor had the original palace built in the first half of the eleventh century. However, in 1547, the royal residence was moved, but the Lords continued to meet here and that is how it became the home of the English Parliament!

You can visit the Houses of Parliaments to view debates and also the Prime Minister’s question time, which is, expectedly the busiest time. If you want to arrange a visit to this, you need to book it through an MP or the embassy.

Not only are these fantastic landmarks full of history, they are also magnificent buildings and are part of the culture of London. They have survived many years, and Big Ben, especially, has survived bombings and all sorts and the lengthiest shut down of the clock for maintenance in 22 years was in 2005, and this was for 33 hours. IT has become well known for being a massive part of the New Year’s celebrations in the UK, with the countdown of the new year being on the “bongs” of the clock. Also, in films, it has become known as the biggest way to portray London, and it has been featured in many films.

All in all, you can’t really come to the Capital City of England and not visit Big Ben and the houses of Parliament. London is well known because of these landmarks, and although there are hundreds of things to view in the City, but these are by far, the biggest and best!

Buckingham Palace


Location: Buckingham Palace Rd., London, SW1
Tube Station: Victoria, St. James's Park - Map of Buckingham Palace
Category: Castles, Palaces
Phone: 020/7766-7300
Price: £14, includes audio tour, credit-card reservations subject to booking charge
Hours: Late July-late Sept., daily 9:45-6, last admission 3:45; confirm dates, which are subject to Queen's mandate. Changing of the Guard Apr.-July, daily 11:30 AM; Aug.-Mar., alternating days only 11:30 AM
Website: http://www.royal.gov.uk



Buckingham House was originally bought in 1761 by George III for his wife, Queen Charlotte to use as a family home. Since then, it’s extensive renovation works and extensions, and the amount of Royalty it has housed, has made it a great tourist attraction for anyone planning to come to London for a vacation.

Not only is Buckingham Palace the London residency for the Queen, but it also the busy administrative headquarters of the Monarchy. There are many attractions within this magnificent building for ant tourist to see.

The State rooms are commonly used by the Queen and the Royal Family to entertain guests on special occasions When the Queen goes on her annual visit to Scotland in August and September, these State Rooms are open to the General Public.

There is also the gardens within Buckingham Palace that is home to over 350 different types of wildflowers!

Opening times in Buckingham Palace are 09.45 to 18.00 between the first of August and the 28th September. There are two types of tours you can choose from, the first is the State Rooms with an audio guide and this is priced at roughly 16GBP per adult, 8.75GBP for a child, and under five’s go free.
There second tour is aptly named A Royal Day Out and is a tour of not only the State Rooms, but of the Royal Mews and The Queen’s gallery also.

Paris Attractions


Six attractions in Paris draw a whopping 23.5 million visitors yearly. With the hundreds of museums and monuments in the grand City of Light, take this short list to be sure you catch the best spots. After all, could millions of people be THAT wrong? TIP: You can also get the Paris Pass, which includes entry to many of these attractions.

1. Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower
This is one of the world's most recognizable monuments (and the best-known monument in all of Europe), and it is breathtaking to behold. Be sure to take the lift for a view of the city. This attraction alone drew 6.2 million visitors in 2002, according to Paris Office of Tourism statistics.

2. Louvre Museum

Louvre
Arguably the world's most famous art museum, the Louvre's most popular piece is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa." It was established in 1793, and is one of the oldest museums in Europe. Its collections spans from the birth of great civilizations up to the 19th century. A whopping 5.7 million tourists visited the museum in 2002.

3. Centre Pompidou

The funky and hip Centre Pompidou features a wonderful collection of modern art within its creatively designed building. It also features a cinema, concerts and children's activities. The Centre attracts 5.5 million visitors annually.

4. Cite des Sciences at de l'Industrie

This fun, hands-on science museum attracts 2.5 million visitors each year, with its cool exhibits on anatomy, biology, you name it.

5. Musee d'Orsay

This museum may not be the massive size of Louvre, but its Impressionist collection is among the best in the world. The museum is housed in a former rail station, and has the atmosphere and personality to match. The Musee d'Orsay attracts 2.1 million visitors annually.

6. Arc de Triomphe

Climb to the top for one of the best views of Paris. No, it doesn't go as high as the Eiffel Tower. But since the city is relatively flat, the vantage point at this height is actually better. The arch brings in 1.4 million visitors each year.

Eiffel Tower


The Bottom Line

OK, if you go to Paris, you simply must see the Eiffel Tower. If not, your friends will think you are wierd. Frankly, though, you can see it from almost any vantage point in Paris. You won't find the best view of the city at the top. It is, however, a sight to behold due to its amazing architecture and sheer size.
Pros
  • It's a must-see if you visit Paris
  • Cheap to go up, free to visit
  • A spectacular work of engineering
Cons
  • Overcrowded with long lines
  • A little out of the way
  • Top is not handicapped-accessible

Description

  • Paris' most-visited attraction
  • Too crowded much of the time
  • Send friends and family postcards from the post office on the first level
  • Over 204 million people have visited since 1889
  • Weighs more than 10,000 tons

Guide Review - Eiffel Tower

Few things symbolize Paris like the Eiffel Tower. It is found on postcards, paintings, books, tee-shirts, and even home furnishings like lamps are fashioned into the recognizable shape. Of course, a trip to Paris simply isn't complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower.

It really isn't the most amazing thing in Paris, though, despite its fame. There are many attractions that are far older with a much richer history. There are more romantic (and less crowded) spots. There are even better views of the city (climb the stairs at Notre Dame, go up the Tour Montparnesse, or go to the top of the Arc de Triomphe).

You also do not physically HAVE to visit to Eiffel Tower to see it. Anywhere in central Paris is almost sure to feature a view of the architectural wonder.

If you do go, you can climb to the second floor, or take an elevator to the top. You will have to stand in line for one of the two elevators, although trips are around 8 minutes apart between the two. Avoid the masses by going early in the morning on weekdays.

Visit the first floor for displays on the tower's history, to send a post card right from the tower (there is a postal branch there) or to dine at the Altitude 95 restaurant. On the second floor, visit the more upscale Jules Verne restaurant. Both levels have souvenir shops and Internet kiosks.

At the top, get a view of the city (and there are panoramic guides to tell you what you are seeing). This is so high-up, though, it can be difficult to make things out.

Paris Pass


Save on Sightseeing in Paris with the Paris Pass!

Paris is one of the most spectacular sightseeing cities in the world containing a wealth of history and culture. With countless Art Galleries, scores of top museums and stunning historical monuments there is something to please every visitor.

The Paris Pass has been specially designed for sightseeing visitors to Paris and includes everything you will need for a great trip whilst saving you both time and money.

Benefits of the Paris Pass include:

  • Paris Museum Pass - free entrance to over 55 of Paris' world famous museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe and many more.
  • Additional Attractions entry - free entry to Paris' best attractions including a Seine River Cruise, Musée Grévin, Tour Montparnasse and even a Wine Tasting experience!
  • Free Public Transport - with a Metro Travelcard giving you unlimited travel on the Metro, buses and RER within central Paris.
  • Exclusive Special Offers - From shopping offers at Galleries Lafayette to great deals at restaurants and even a special free gift of perfume at one of France's best perfumeries.

You can visit as many attractions as you like, and with fast track entry at the busiest attractions you will save time as well as money with the Paris Pass in your pocket.

Centre Pompidou


Centre Pompidou in Paris is the perfect attraction for those interested in modern art and architecture. What most people don't realize is Centre Pompidou is not simply a modern art museum, but is devoted to all forms of modern and contemporary creations, including literature, theater, film and music.

Centre Pompidou, in fact, is the third most visited Paris attraction with about 5.5 million visitors a year.

History of Centre Pompidou

This popular Paris museum was the idea of President Georges Pompidou, who envisioned a cultural center focused entirely on all modern creations. The building was designed by architects Renzo Piano, and is probably one of the more distinct architectural designs in the world. Centre Pompidou first opened in 1977.

Visiting the Centre Pompidou

While there is certainly a lot to do in Paris, you could make a day of visiting the Centre Pompidou and neighborhood. Certainly allow a half day to truly soak it in.

Besides the changing exhibits and the museum's collections, it's also worthwhile to visit the gift shops.

There are, in fact, three bookshops in Centre Pompidou. You can access the book store on level zero, as well as the design boutique on the mezzanine, without paying for tickets to the center.

The bookshop is a wonderland for those interested on a wide variety of arts, and is worth a visit to Centre Pompidou alone. The design boutique is much smaller, but it's a wonderful place to shop for unique, funky and artsy souvenirs and gifts.

This is also a great place to eat, believe it or not. There are two quick and casual shops with food of a caliber one might expect from a museum, but a better choice is the level 6 Restaurant Georges with panoramic views of Paris.

Planning a Visit to Centre Pompidou

Making sense of which tickets to buy at Centre Pompidou can be pretty intimidating, as there are various ticket options depending on what you want to see and when you want to visit. While there are variations, for a basic ticket to the museum and exhibitions, expect to pay €12 during the busy tourist season and €10 in the off-season. Those under 18 can enter the museum and exhibits for free, and those ages 18-25 can enter on Wednesday evenings through June 2008. The first Sunday of each month, entry is also free (but expect large crowds).

You can buy tickets online that you print before visiting Centre Pompidou from home. You can also purchase a Paris Pass, which includes line skipping, free entry to Centre Pompidou and 59 other attractions (like Le Louvre), and free Metro rides.

Outside Centre Pompidou

Once you leave the center, your visit isn't truly complete. Just outside the center, you can find sculptures and street art. In particular, look for the colorful and pop-art-esque Stravinsky Fountain. You can't miss its bright lips, heart and elephant figures. This is a wonderful place to people-watch or find a cafe overlooking the fountain.

Paris Bus Tour


Discover the beauty of Paris from the comfort of our famous yellow double deck buses.
Individual earphones. Recorded commentary in 16 languages at each departure.

This tour includes: Grand Louvre - Ile de la Cité - Notre Dame Cathedral - Hôtel de Ville - Bastille - Square Sorbonne - Pantheon - St Germain-des-Prés - Champs Elysées - Arc de Triomph - Eiffel Tower - Invalides - Concorde Square - Madeleine Church - Opera Square - Place des Pyramides.

Dates:
Daily

Duration:

1:30 hours

Time:
Summer (from April 1 to October 31): every day at 10:00am, 11.30 a.m, 2:30 pm

Winter (from November 1 to March 31): every day at 10.00, 11:30am, and 2:30 p.m

Location:
Bus terminal located at: 2 rue des Pyramides (nearest train station Metro Royal).

Hotel Pickup:
Not provided.

Bonuses:

  • Individual earphones

  • Recorded commentary in 16 languages (English, Chinese/Mandarin, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.

  • Transportation in air conditioned yellow double deck bus.

    Additional Info:
    ● This tour must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of your travel date.

  • Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking.

  • Excursions are fully escorted by a hostess who will advise you on how to make the most of your unguided visit and explain the easiest form of access to the various sites included in your visit.

    Child Policy:
    Infants under 4 are free of charge

    Child prices are applicable for children aged 4 - 11 years

    Travel Voucher

    For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher for presentation at the destination. You will receive a link to your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed.

  • Minggu, 15 Maret 2009

    Hawaii information


    Hawaii is one of the world's best tour destinations in the world. Some of the popular Hawaii tours are to the main island of Oahu. 80 percent of the Hawaii poplation live on Oahu. There are also many Hawaii tours to Hawaii's Maui island, Molokai island, Lanai island, Kauai island and the Big Island named Hawaii.

    There are many Hawaii activities and attractions on all the Hawaiian Islands. There are land, water and air activities on all the islands. One poplar Hawaii tour is riding ATV's on Hawaii's large ranches. Other Hawaii tours such as bicycling, dolphin encounters, eco-tours, helicopter/airplane tours, hiking excursions, historical tours, horseback riding tours, jet skiing, Kayaking, luaus, parasailing, sailing, scuba diving tours, shark/ray encounters, shows, entertainment, sightseeing, snorkeling, snuba diving, sport fishing, submarine/glassbottom boat, sunset cruises, surfing and whales watching (December - May) Hawaii tours are all available. These are some of the most popular Hawaii activities and attractions.

    One of the most popular Hawaii activity and attraction on the island of Oahu is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Hanauma Bay is a very popular Hawaii tour and Hawaii activity. This state protected nature preserve is home to over 450 species of fish. Hanauma Bay was origianlly a volcano and the outer wall was knocked down by years of pounding surf and strong winds. The ocean came inside the volcano and Hanauma became a protected bay. On the Hanauma Bay snorkeling or scuba diving tour, you are actually, swimming or diving inside of a volcano.

    Hanauma Bay Dive Tours is one of the few companies offering guided snorkel and scuba diving tours in Hanauma Bay. Their staff have permits issued by the Parks and Recreation Department to bring in up to 5 people on one instructor's permit. Their instructors are scuba instructors / life guards with current first aid and CPR training. Their Hawaii tours is one of the safest and most thorough for snorkeling and scuba diving at Hanauma Bay. The instructors teach you and guide you to the best spots to see turtles and schools of Hawaii tropical fish. Their 4 hour Hawaii activity snorkel, and scuba tours are offered on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the second Hawaii tour from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Their Hawaii activities include all the instruction, round trip hotel transportation and drinks and snacks. Call them toll free at 1-800-505-8956 or email them for more Hawaii tour information. Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesday and the state currently does not allow commercial activities on weekends and state holidays. Due to the limited nimber of permits and the small personal attention groups, these snorkel and scuba diving tours are very peoplular. Hanauma Bay Dive Tours also offers snuba at Hanauma Bay and a swim with dolphins snorkel boat tour on the west side of the island.

    There are other ways to go to Hanauma Bay. You can take the city bus to Hanauma Bay and bring your own snorkel equipment or rent snorkel equipment at Hanauma Bay. Bus fare to Hanauma Bay is $2 and snorkel equipment rental is $6 for all day. The city busses are often over crowded with only standing room. There are also several companies offering Hanauma Bay tours, but actually they are snorkel rental companies with a round trip taxi fare included. On those Hawaii tours, you may have to hike into Hanauma Bay from outside the entrance or from the taxi drop off spot and if you have trouble with your equiment, you are out of luck. These tours are often very cheap. You will have to get in line to get into the park and the wait can be more than an hour during busy times. Thge entrance fee is $5 for adults and 12 and under is free.Tour companies such as Hanauma Bay Dive Tours do not have to wait in line because they have a state permit to operate tours there.

    Another way to go to Hanauma Bay is by rent a car. You can bring your own snorkel equipment or rent snorkel equipment at Hanauma Bay. However, during the busy seasons, the 300 parking space lots fills up by 8:15 a.m. and cars are not allowed into the park until some people leave. The parking lot is also often filled up in the middle of the day and cars are turned away.

    Everyone entering Hanauma Bay must see the 9 minute Hanauma Bay preservation educational video. The theater holds 110 people and the video is shown 4 times a hour. This way no more than 440 people can enter Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve every hour. The good side of this that the beach is never crowded. People are leaving as people are entering. It is not like before when 10,000 people a day visited Hanauma Bay. Currently 2,500-3,000 people visit Hanauma Bay daily.

    It is best to research Hawaii tours and Hawaii attractions before you arrive in Hawaii. Many of the popular Hawaii tours are sold out weeks and even months in advance. It is best to reserve a Hawaii tour and plan you Hawaii vacation itinery before you arrive in Hawaii. Most Hawaii tour companies have a 24 hour or 48 hour cancellation policy with no cancellation fees.We hope you enjoy your Hawaii vacation and can participate in some fun Hawaii activities,

    Aloha!

    Senin, 09 Maret 2009

    Bali Information


    BALI ISLAND OF GODS AND DEMONS.

    Both magical and mythical, this land of volcanic lakes, spectacular rice terraces, stunning tropical beaches, ancient temples and palaces is and exotic melting pot of cultures and peoples. Renowned of its unsurpassed architecture, traditional theatre, dance and elaborate religious festivals, the colorful Balinese culture is a dynamic force that is constantly synthesizing the old and the new, the traditional and the innovative.

    LOCATION
    Bali is one of more than 18 thousands island in Indonesia. It is located between the two islands Java & Nusa Tenggara, between 8 03 40 8 degree South latitude and 114 25 & 115 42 40 degree East longitude.
    Bali has 5.632,86 square kilometers of land. The total population is approximately 3.2 million people.
    Standard time zone is UTC/GMT + 8 hours.

    Map of Bali

    REGENCIES
    As a part of 30 provinces in the Republic of Indonesia, Bali is divided into 8 regencies ( Badung, Gianyar , Tabanan , Bangli , Karangasem , Jembrana , Buleleng and Klungkung, 1 municipal city (Denpasar), 51 districts and 666 administrative villages.
    Denpasar is the capital city of Bali province.

    Mount Agung is used as orientation and considered North (Kaja) while the sea is considered South (Kelod). This is the reason why "south" in Buleleng is the opposite of "south" in Badung. In Hindu perspective, north direction (mount) is a holy place while on the southern part is the insulted place.

    In the division of area, it is analogized the anatomy of the body: head, body and legs as utama (main), madya (medium) and nista (insult). Therefore, the holy place is located in north edge, in the middle as a place of residence and in the south as place of cemetery. Even, for sleeping, head is faced to north or east and legs are directed to south or west.

    THE PEOPLE
    The Balinese are one of the 250 ethnic groups in the Indonesian archipelago. Most of them (95%) are Hindus, a religion which came from India, passing through Sumatera and Java. After the fall of Majapahit empire all the Hindu aristocrats and the common people fled to Bali, bringing along their religion, traditions, literature and arts. Other religions like Christianity or Moslem, Buddhism are also in Bali. But all live in peace, there is no conflict of religion or conflict of ethnics. The population of Bali are three million people. Most of them live in the southern part of the island. Here the tourist resorts are located such as Sanur, Kuta and Nusa Dua. The Balinese people are very creative. They have created and are still creating various kinds of artistic creativities such as wood carving (statues), paintings, gold and silver smith, handicrafts, dances and religious offerings. Nearly everyday there are religious ceremonies in the temples spread all over the island. There are the so called "Bali Aga"; people, the original Balinese communities in several places like in Tenganan or Trunyan. It is worthwhile to visit them there.

    CLIMATE
    Bali has tropical climate all year with two different seasons namely dry season from April to October and wet season from November to March. The average temperature hovers around 30 degrees Celsius year-round. The average yearly rainfall between 893,4 mm till 2702,6 mm with average humidity is 79%.
    Bali Weather

    POPULATION
    Bali has 5.632,86 square kilometers of land.
    The total population is approximately 3.021.247 people.

    IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS
    Immigration Offices:

    Jl. D. I. Panjaitan, Niti Mandala, Complex Renon - Denpasar
    Phone : (62 361) 238 168
    Ngurah Rai Airport Complex, Tuban, Kuta
    Phone : (62 361) 751 038
    Customs regulations allow, per adult, a maximum of one litter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 gram of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume. Photographic, video and filming equipments, radio, typewriter and car are admitted as they are recorded in you passport on entry and taken out on departure. Narcotics, arms and ammunition TV, sets and Chinese medicines are items that strictly prohibited while fresh fruit, plant and animals must be passed by the Quarantine Office.

    BANK & MONEY EXCHANGE
    Most foreign currencies are easily changed at banks, hotels or money changers. Banking hours are from 8.00am to 14.00 noon Mondays to Fridays, and from 8.00am to 11.00am on Saturdays. Bank in Hotels usually stay open longer hours while Money Changers are generally open till evening. ATM is available in many places, provides VISA, MASTER, ALTO and more.

    MEDICAL SERVICES & HOSPITAL
    Hospitals and Health Centers staffed by well trained doctors and medical-assistants are available in major tourist resort and the Provincial Capital. Public Health Centre is also available at every Sub district unit.

    Sanglah Hospital
    Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar
    Ph. (62 361) 227 911

    SOS
    Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 505x, Kuta
    Ph. (62 361) 710 505

    Bali Medical Center
    Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 100x, Kuta
    Ph. (62 361) 761 263

    CONTACT NUMBERS
    Police : 110
    Ambulance : 118
    Fire Department : 113
    SAR : 115/151/111

    TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES
    Bali is linked via satellite to all major countries in the world and to make an International call can be made from any private house, business center, hotel telephone, or "Wartel" (Telecommunication Counter). Internet is also can be reached at many "Warnet" (Internet Counter). For local and international phone and fax service look out for a sign like this: Int'l Direct Dialing 001 or 008 + country code + area code + local telephone number. Int'l Direct Inquiries : 102, 101
    Local Inquiries : 147
    Operator Assisted : 110/104

    Jembrana


    City : Negara
    Width Area : 841,80 Km2
    Subdistricts :
    1. Melaya
    2. Mendoyo
    3. Pekutatan
    4. Negara

    Mayor : Prof.Dr.drg Gede Winasa
    Vice Mayor : Ir. Ketut Suania
    Office : Jl. Surapati No.1 - Negara
    Web Address : www.negara.go.id


    Jembrana location


    Demography
    Regency of Jembrana is located in the western of Bali, consists of 4 subdistricts, divided into 51 villages/administrative villages(desa/kelurahan). This area covers more or less then 841.8km² with more less than 220,000 people its density 261 people of every km.
    Especially living of its society is agricultural sector like rice, water melon, vanilla, clove, buffalo, ox, chicken, fish of lemuru and prawn windu.
    The potency supported by crafting / diligence and industry like canning fish, coconut coir, knit and garment, weave cagcag, bamboo matting, palm leaf and rib, (crafting / diligence) of shell of coconut, wood carving and others having wide market compartment enough in and abroad.


    Geography
    Geographic Regency Of Jembrana have coastal area and the loaded mountain with very interesting tourism object supported by typical artistic of Jembrana in the form of Jegog besiege which is the no the others.


    Home Industries
    Weave Cagcag This commodity is one of pre-eminent commodity of Jembrana tha potensial enough and people widerly in rural. This production such as cloth, saputan(selendang), udeng(headband for man clan in Bai) that jacquards is the characteristic Jembrana regency, very artistic, and very enthused by society in Bali.
    Sentra Weave Cagcag of Jembrana regency like in Sangkar Agung administrative village, Dauh Waru, Batu Agung, Dangin Tukad Daya, with 1458 units of effort, use 1458 employees, with local investation Rp 474,725,000,- production value Rp.3,997,260,000,- and material value Rp. 3,384,156,280.

    Commodity of Wood Carving exist in almost around of Jembrana regency which production like : door of grave Bali, graven pelinggih (altar of Hindu people) Bali Sari Ukir.
    This effort 350 employees with 62 units of effort, investation value about Rp. 86,702,000,- production value about Rp. 3,988,366,000,- value of raw material about Rp. 86,998,000,- It marketing also almost covers all of Bali area and even there is until in Java area.

    Crafting Of Matting Bamboo. This activities are located in Tukad Daya and Warnasari village subdistrict of Melaya, Yeh Sumbul village, subdistrict of Mendoyo, Medewi village, subdistrict of Pekutatan, kinds of production such as : lamp shade, basket fruit, bag, bokoran etc. The effort used 106 employees, by 73 units of effort, value of investation about Rp.23,492,000,- value of production about Rp. 250,135,000,- and value of raw material Rp. 86,998,000,- its marketing beside in Bali also penetrate market export.

    Bangli


    City : Bangli
    Width Area : 520,81 Km2
    Subdistricts :
    1. Kintamani
    2. Susut
    3. Tembuku
    4. Bangli

    Mayor : I Nengah Arnawa
    Vice Mayor : I Made Gianyar, SH, M.Hum
    Office : Jl. Brigjen Ngurah Rai No.30 - Bangli
    Web Address : www.bangli.go.id


    Demography
    Regency of Bangli is one of regencies in Province Bali which doesn’t have sea area, but that way Regency of Bangli save the number of potency namely human resources, among other things the beauty panorama of Mount and Lake Batur which located in Subdistrict Kintamani.

    The Regency of Bangli Region is about 520.81 km² in administratively divided into 4 subdistrict, 4 administrative village and 65 village, with resident amount as much 197,210 people. Labor force amount to 121.563 people.

    Regency of Bangli Development Priority placed on economic area with emphasis of Agricultural Sector in wide meaning, Tourism and Industrial of small craft specially supporting tourism.


    Home Industries
    Crafting / Diligence of Bamboo is small industry crafting / diligence in Regency of Bangli represent pre-eminent commodity with local raw material still enough made available. Crafting / diligence observed fas growth Bamboo, with spreading location in Kubu village, Kayubihi village, subdistrict Bangli, Tanggahan village and three subdistrict, Susut. Type production for example : snugly the flower, lamp shade, chanp, bag and multifarious of other bamboo matting. Up to year 2000 effort unit amount reach 2,966 units absorbingly labor as much 4,838 employees.

    Crafting / Diligence Wood is also pre-eminent product of Regency of Bangli. Location of crafting / diligence of wood gone the round of Tembuku village, Yangapi village, subdistrict Tembuku Bangli, Abangsongan village, Abangbatudinding village, Suter village, Banua village, subdistrict Kintamani Bangli, Sekaan village, subdistrict Kintamani, Bangli, Serokadan village, Demulih village subdistrict Bangli.

    Crafting / Diligence Keris, Gold, Brass and Silver seen from raw material that used this crafting / diligence does not use local raw material but sum up employees which is elaborated this crafting / diligence are quite a lot. This crafting located such as in Kubu administrative village, subdistrict of Bangli, Undisan village, Peninjoan village, Bangbang village subdistrict of Tembuku, Apuan village, Tanggahan village subdistrict of Susut. Type production of this crafting in the form of : keris, silver accessories, brass accessories, Balinese clothes accessories. Sum up this employees up to year 2000 reaches 112 units, which used 467 employees.

    Garment crafting / diligence of garment not use local substance but also have good growth of prospect. Up to year 2000 amount of unit this effort reach 156 units which is used 1,478 employees. Location of this crafting / diligence such as in Bangbang village, Tamanbali village, Bunutin village subdistrict of Bangli.

    Copy Arabica is pre-eminent product of the Regency of Bangli garden with potential areas about 18,775 ha. Location of garden which has done about 8,377,495 ha, and the garden has resulted about 6,734.001ha.

    Denpasar


    City : Denpasar
    Width Area :
    123,98 Km2
    Subdistrics :
    1. Denpasar Barat
    2. Denpasar Timur
    3. Denpasar Selatan


    Mayor :
    Drs. A.A Puspayoga
    Office :
    Jl. Gajah Mada No.1 Denpasar
    Web Address :
    www.denpasar.go.id

    sanurbeach.jpg (16292 bytes)Capital of Bali propinsi (province), south central Bali, Indonesia, 40 miles (70 km) south of Singaraja. The largest city on the island of Bali, it is also the capital of the Badung kabupaten (regency). Denpasar was the site of a suicidal battle of the rajas of Badung against the Dutch Militia in 1906. A large open square in the centre of the city, named Puputan Square, commemorates the event. The population of app. 400,000 is mostly Balinese who speak a dialect of Indonesian written in Pallava script and practice a form of Islam strongly influenced by Hindu customs. In addition, there are Arab and Indian merchants who deal mainly in textiles; Chinese operate most local businesses, and there are some Christians. The city's mechanized industries include food processing, papermaking and printing, and the manufacture and repair of machinery. Handicrafts include sandstone carving, weaving, coconut and bone carving, plaiting, basket weaving, and the production of coir and of gold and silver jewelry.

    A network of roads links Denpasar with Singaraja and other cities on the island. Denpasar also has an international airport. A branch of the National Archaeological Research Centre; the Bali Museum, built by the Dutch government in 1932 and containing specimens of Balinese art from prehistoric times to the early 20th century; and Universitas Udayana (founded 1962) are located at Denpasar. Sites of interest include the Puri (temple) Pemecutan, St. Joseph Church, Meredith Memorial Library, Pasar (market) Dadung, Kokar (Conservatory of Performing Arts), Academy of Indonesian Dances, and Abiankohas Art Centre.

    Demography
    Denpasar is the capital-city of Bali Province, Denpasar has got some fascination for tourism such as : remain of ancient building with Balinese architecture. It offers a city-tour where tourism can experience and learn about various cultural attraction of Denpasar. The tour start from Pemecutan Palace, proceed to Kuta Palace, Satria Palace, and Kesiman Palace then visit the old and the newest temples in town. The journey continued to visit Bali Meseum, Finger Print Museum, Le Mayeur Museum, and Archeology Museum in Sesetan. There is also a chance to do shopping at Kumbasari, River-side market of Pasar Badung. Finally visit Satria Bird market and Kereneng.

    Geography
    Administratively, Denpasar city divided 3 sub district, 43 village/administrative village, width of area about 12.780 ha, consists with 3,147 ha of rice field and 9,633 ha of land which can not be used as a rice field. Located on 8º-35’-31” - 8º-44’-49” south latitude and 115º-10-23” - 115º-16’-27” East longitude with the amount of citizen about 4,080 people/km and rate of growth average 3.01% per year.

    From that amount of people 44.44% located in the west area and 24.90% located in the east area and 28.66% in the south area. As a capital of Bali Province, Denpasar is a center of any activities specially economic activities. There are many facilities and economic structure in this area that can be supported the growth of economy of Bali generally. In the year of 2000 PDRB which is reached about 3.1 quintillion rupiah if (based on valid price) or increase about 12.60%.

    Home Industries
    Crafting / Diligence of Wood Idol is one of exceeding / exporting pledge which from year to year has increased. There are 35 units of effort, which used 175 employees consists in 3 sub-district in Denpasar town.
    Type of production : Generally design of wood crafting has special characteristic in each sub-district. Such as Denpasar Selatan is dominated by Buddha statue, Denpasar Barat dominated by Buddha statue and people in Denpasar Timur sub-district is dominated by Chicken hutch, farmer, fishermen, animal and pop art.
    Raw material most of this effort use local raw material and outside the area. Production process use traditional and simple technology (with simple equipments). Marketing : Export to Dutch, American, Australian, Canadian, Polandia, Taiwan, Etc.
    Silver Crafting / Diligence widespread in three sub-district in town of Denpasar consists of 20 Units effort with absorbingly of labour about 500 employees. Crafting / Diligence of Silver have typical design and very liked by foreign tourist and represent one of pledge commodity / pre-eminent export. This crafting / diligence is specially produced decoration good for souvenir and also export like : ring, pendant, mother of pearl, anything, bangle, other crafting / diligence and as goods of interior decoration. Marketing : Export to French, American, Canadian, Australian, Japan, Dutch and other state.
    Garment craft was grown and developed in Denpasar very fast, both in the form of household crafting / diligence, small until middle representing pre-eminent product of especial exporting of area and at most permeating labor in town of Denpasar more or less than 75 units of effort which is use about 100.000 employees from the employees who has no skill until the employees who has special skill. The most production is produced are clothes of woman or man, spray, bad cover, coastal cloth and the other. Local marketing and export to any counties like American, Australian, Japan, French, and Italian.
    Crafting / Diligence Kipas Cendana reside in one of village/administrative village in Denpasar namely in Sesetan administrative village and is one of villages in Bali which produced their production in Kipas Cendana Crafting. There are 15 units effort with absorbingly about 300 employees. Type production : Fan of graven Cendana and fan combined with painting with all kinds of form there are ½ circular and full with difference size. Raw material : Cendana wood which conducive from East of Indonesian. Local wood, Other indirect material. Marketing : as souvenir for tourist and domestic.
    Crafting / Diligence of Matting also has prospect which fair enough, and this crafting / diligence have been able to penetrate marketing as a souvenir or interior and household tool and furniture. Production : as production of decoration like mirror, lantern, place tissue, place for fruit, newspaper of place, wallet, bag, beside decoration goods are also produced furniture like desk, chari, bad, toilet and others. Marketing : local and also export to American, Japan, Dutch, French, China and Others.

    Beaches

    Sanur Beach
    Save for a few scattered villas owned by lords and heiresses, during the thirties Sanur beach was left in seclusion. Pandy's Art Gallery was then an aquarium and coffee shop. Tandjung Sari was a solitary temple on the cape, and Hotel Bali Beach had not neared its conception. The only surviving home of those times is that of the Belgian painter Le Mayeur, who moved to Bali in 1 932 and lived there for 26 years. The house, with its statued gardens, luxuriant gold and crimson carvings, and Le Mayeur's own paintings is now cared for by his widow, Ni Polok, once a renowned Legong dancer and famed beauty-the ideal Balinese of his paintings. On his death Le Mayeur willed the house to the Indonesian Government. A guidebook is available. The house is situated close by the Hotel Bali Beach.

    By the fifties, the first cluster of bungalows was built as a small hotel. The villagers were amazed that someone would want to settle by the ocean, as beaches were traditionally shunned by the Balinese because of spirits. Yet Sanur continued to attract an international elite and today is a prominent luxury resort area in the Far East.

    1sanur45.gif (46672 bytes)

    The Hotel Bali Beach, a Soekarno-era project, was opened in 1966. While the Hotel Bali Beach expanded into a new wing and bungalows (called the Bali Seaside Cottage), more than 30 hotels opened their doors up and down the beach.

    When the Hotel Bali Beach first opened, and even to this day, it was a source of wonder to the Balinese. They came from all over the island to set eyes upon what, to the modern world, were everyday matters-sky-high rooms, running water, electricity and elevators. The Bali Hyatt and Sanur Beach are the next largest hotels. The building boom reached its peak for a PATA Conference in 1974 when hotels at Sanur alone provided about 1,600 rooms. A new, open highway now links Sanur to Denpasar and Nusa Dua. The volume of traffic to the Bukit Peninsula has increased since more luxury hotels opened at Nusa Dua resort in 1982.

    sanur.jpg (22268 bytes)

    A wise government regulation that forbids buildings taller than a coconut palm has allowed Sanur to retain much of its village character. The luxuriant vegetation soon covers building scars, and moss transforms a new stone wall. The regulation encouraged the growth of bungalow-style hotels based on the style hotels based on the Balinese norm of many small buildings within the one-house compound. The hotels of Sanur are all comfortable and elegant. The bungalow-style hotels are popular with tourists who enjoy the peace of garden settings.

    Built along the beach, the hotels of Sanur are ideal in the early morning, for the coast there faces the sun rising over Nusa Penida. On the clearest days, Lombok's Rinjani voicano floats distantly above its collar of clouds, with Baii's own Gunung Agung closer by. Elegant triangular sails of fishing prahus glide on the calm sea. These boats are called jukungs and there are many for hire for trips along the shore. At low tide, the waters recede leaving great swathes of sand and coral that stretch for hundreds of meters to the reef, It is then that villagers wander among tidepools to collect coral, which they burn nearby to make building lime. At night, fishermen wade by torchlight to catch shrimp and small bait. Sanur is famous, too, for its magic, because of the many Brahmana families that live there and its proximity to the sea. Its farmers are reputed to grow the most delicious rice in Bali, formerly reserved for the tables of kings.1sanur47.gif (17735 bytes)
    It is easy to spend a day around Sanur: lazing by the pool-side, walking on the beach, or following paths through the surrounding hamlets, rice fields and coconut groves. You can take a look at the coral pyramid in the sea temple or the old pillar inscription at Belanjong. In the evening the choices are several. Relax on the beach (especially around the full moon) or on the porch of a bungalow. Wander down to the beach market and try the local food stalls. Watch a dance or drama (your hotel can tell you when they are on) Or if it is action you are looking for, there are night clubs at the three largest hotels

    Temples

    Petilan Pengerebongan Temple
    This temple located at Kesiman Culture Village, Kesiman Petilan Village, District of East Denpasar, and Denpasar municipality. This temple is one of their temples of Dang Kahyangan at District of East Denpasar, a lot of tourist come to visit this temple as specially be held the Ngrebong Ceremony. It means the Tabuh Rah ceremony is continued by cook-fighter to attend by some people with un-conciseness to tourney the crease in that body (in Balinese language "Ngurek")

    denpasarmunicipal7.jpg (25372 bytes)

    The temple located on the way side of Denpasar Street to Gianyar, it about more-less four kilometers from Denpasar to East Side. The temple clamped by two streets on the right and the East Side, the both streets are short way to Taman Lita Ulangun Oongan.

    This temple consists of two part are: at Jeroan temple has two pelinggih they are: The Pelinggih Pasimpangan Dalem Kesiman Temple and Pelinggih which have cave/hole that has Ananta Bhoga statue on the bottom side. And Jaba temple only has Bale wantilan that has function as entertain stage and place to realize Ngerebong ceremony.

    The relation ceremony of Dalem temple which called Dalem kesiman temple, also done Tabuh rah for four days after the ceremony take place for 21 days started from Wednesday wage Langkir. After doing tabuh rah for four days, eight days after Kuningan ceremony took place, the fifth day of Tabuh Rah started on Sunday Pon Medangsia exactly on the Pengerebongan Day (Amutering Bhuana) moved by the local people to Petilan as Tajen Pengerebongan (cook fighter).

    Maospahit Temple
    Maospahit Temple has status as Dang Kahyangan and it has change ancient temple, which located in Denpasar City at Banjar Grenceng Pemecutan Kaja, Sub District of West Denpasar. From Catur to the west more less than 950 meter, we will find the temple at Sutomo Street on the West Side. Maospahit Temple around located among local people house, Bank and Banjar Grenceng also shopping center.

    maospahittemple2.GIF (50309 bytes)

    This temple has known long time ago by Ancient Historians because Maospahit remembered us to the Kingdom of Majapahit and perhaps parts of old of this temple imitated from Majapahit about 14-15 centuries ago.

    Jagatnatha Temple
    Located at Mayor Wisnu Street, lies at the heart of Denpasar City, the north side of Museum Bali and the East Side of Puputan Square. This temple including District Administrative of Dangin Puri. Sub District of East Denpasar, Denpasar Municipality Region Level II, Bali Region Province Level I

    This temple established facing to the west as commonly as the temples in Bali. Besides facing to the west there are also the temples in Bali facing to the south. The east and north directions are able the holy direction which is according to Hindu's religion.

    jagatnatatemple3.GIF (22945 bytes)

    That is why every people will be able to easy know the location of Jagatnatha Temple in Denpasar, from the huge Padmasana.

    History
    In this explanation we convey the background of developing and function of this temple, and also the important thing is the chronology of development of the temple since to be planed until finishing the phase.

    Background of developing this temple to realist decisions which has discharged in meeting of Parisada Dharma Hindu Bali on 20 November 1961, at Campuhan Ubud, Gianyar Parisada Hindu Dharma is high Assembly Indonesian Hinduism, which was centralization located at Denpasar. The one of decisions such as: established the center of religious education activity to build up and to develop the live of Hindus religion in Bali as specially and in Indonesian as generally.

    Every fifteen days on full moon and dark moon, at this temple is loaded by Hindu's people which most of them come from Denpasar City to pray. For young generation principally: sometimes after praying which usually done, on the afternoon and the evening is held the Shadow Puppet show at the next of this temple.

    Sakenan Temple
    The sakenan temple is dang Kahyangan Temple which located in island it called Serangan Island. Serangan Island has large land more less 1.119 Km2 which located at the top of south east of Bali Island which means the District Administrative Area of Serangan, Sub District of South Denpasar, Denpasar Municipal Region Level II.

    To active Sakenan Temple from Denpasar to south with 8,5 Km we will arrive boat Pirelli, and we see through crock of mangrove for 30 minutes. In crossing through mangrove we will see the Benoa Harbor on the West Side, On the East Side we can see Nusa Penida Island which means the Administrative Area of Klungkung Regency.

    This temple divided into two parts, which surrounded by restricted brick are Masceti Temple on the East Side and Sakenan Temple on the West Side.

    The kind of sacral small temple which located in the Masceti Temple are most of Padarman, and Sakenan Temple is only has one persada it called Persada Danghyang Dwijendra.

    Serangan culture Village located at Serangan Temple includes Sub District of South Denpasar, Denpasar Municipality. This village has six parts of Banjar consists of four heads of village’s part, it under mainland and also there is not mountain.

    On the south side of Serangan Island it called Tanjung Benoa Strait and the north of island spread out the ocean, in the East Side is called Badung Strait and West Side is ocean.

    Markets

    Kumbasari Traditional Market
    This market established third floor are: on the first floor for any meat, fresh and living chicken, duck and piglets, on the second floor special for handicraft, textiles, fruits, vegetables and also for exotic array of herbs and spices.
    The activities of Badung and Kumbasari market are going on whole day. Women arrive from near and far with truckloads of produce and a bustling night market till down. The parking area has opened before down, and the first sticks of incense are placed at the Melanting Temple, for ask the softy, prosperity for hustle and bustle of the day.
    pasarbadung.GIF (49554 bytes)Besides of Badung market there is Kumbasari market, which located on the opposite side of the river is more of a market it has extension of the river and the daily market at ground level. And then on up stairs for art shops to sell a full range of crafts from antique wood carvings to woven material and paintings, the huge shopping complex is open till 10.00 P.M. each night.
    On the south side of shopping complex in the edge of Badung river. There are many kiosk selling a variety of clothes, batiks, shoes and other bargain priced item it’s called Night Market (Pasar Senggol), a popular place among the local and visitors alike to eat and shop at night.

    The Kumbasari Market near the river gives an interesting overview of an Indonesia market with household wares and clothing on the third level, spices and dried goods on the second level and traditional market in the basement. It can be a bit dark in the basement. Nearby is Jalan Hasanuddin, a whole street of gold shops, selling 18-22 carat gold jewelry. Not far away from Jalan Hasanuddin is Jalan Sulawesi where all manner of fabrics are available. The whole street consists of fabric stores on both sides with a few household ware stores in between.

    Satria Market
    Located at the north side of Gajah Mada street, corner of Nakula street and Veteran street. This Market is the center of dealer’s, but this market is not as big as Badung market. This market sells the art-shop as like as wooden handicraft, paintings and other handicraft on the second level, for daily produce and commodity market at grown level.

    And Bird Market located at Veteran Street the entrance to Puri Satrya. This market sells many kinds of birds, hovels, and so on also fishes, and variety animals such as: puppies, rabbits and monkeys, etc.

    Sanglah Market
    In the south side of Denpasar City is standing up the market is called Sanglah market. The bustling of market can be seen at 6.00 am and it is quite again by early morning, and used by the purchaser or buyer.

    In the evening the market is stuffed by the people. Beside Sanglah market became the Night Market is located in the corner of Sanglah Market, is often visited by the student that their campus nearby the market.

    Kreneng Market
    At Sub District of East Denpasar, Kamboja Street there is a market is called Kreneng Market. Kreneng Market is also the station of Bemo (transportation around Denpasar City) as public transportation.

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    Kreneng Market also selling the various of daily equipment, and in the evening is stuffed by kiosks which brightened with the sparking light it is often call: Unexpected Touch Market (Pasar Senggol Asoka). At night market is sold the variety of traditional food, which sold on wheel boxes.

    In noisy situation the hawkers is welcomed so warm by cloth sellers, the roof is brightened with sparking light. The most important to take attentions delicious that the food is sold being clean.

    Puputan Square

    puputanbadungstatue3.jpg (13482 bytes)Denpasar's fame came from "Puputan" fight to the death against the Dutch in 1906, when thousands of Balinese warriors, dressed in their finest Balinese regalia, and armed only with their tradition weapons like the Keris (short dragger) and spears, hurled themselves against the lines of Dutch carbines.
    The injured then being finished off and frenzied women, also looking for death. Much of the nobility was wiped out. The incident is now remembered by the Puputan square the former Kingdom of Badung, where the slaughter took place.
    It is dreary open space on the site there is a monument in memory of Puputan overlooking at Surapati Street. The monument shows a parent and two children-carrying knife (Keris) and bamboo post ready to fight, keep prestige and knight blood.
    At one corner of the square stands at 5 meters high statue made of stone that is dedicated to the "Great Teacher" -Shiva.
    It makes this an interesting feature is the fact that face to the east is that of Indra (Iswara), while that to the south is Brahma, to the north is Vishnu, and to the west is Mahadewa.

    Also within to the square is very modern looking Pura Jagatnatha, the temple of the Lord of the world within is to be found a gilded statue of the Supreme God, Sanghyang Widhi Wasa. Nearby stands the magnificent Bali Museum that was established in 1932 on display are archeological finds, dance masks, handicrafts, paintings, as well as the architectural illustrations of the various Balinese Temples. And on the north side stands the luxury building of Jaya Sabha, which means the Governor of Bali Province Residence. And in front of that building is often used as bullring and the commencement processions of Bali Art Festival continuously it arranged every June-July in a year.

    Catur Muka Statue

    Walking along Gajah Mada Road towards the Puputan Square, you will encounter a huge granite statue encircled by beautiful landscaped garden on the crossroad near will feel as if the statue is staring you. Magic? No, it is simply because the statue indeed has four heads, which faithfully guards the crossing point of Surapati Street, Udayana Street, Veteran Street, and Gajah Mada Street, is actually the depiction of God Brahma, the manifestation of God as the Almighty Creator.

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    There is one amusing story regarding the fact why Brahma is sometimes depicted as a four faced supernatural being. Once upon a time there was a beauty contest held in heaven. All Gods, including Brahma, shamelessly fought for the most advantageous spot from which they can view the contest best. The nymphs who joined the contest were required to parade in a circle around the Gods to reveal their best heavenly beauty. The participants were countless that the parade soon became a big and crowded circle. Brahma wanted to enjoy the visual pleasure overland over again in order to be able to appreciate the beauty of all of the ingenious solution, With his supernatural power, he transformed himself and he had three extra heads.

    A more serious explanation of why the statue has for heads shows their meaning. It is said that the four heads represents God’s might. The first head symbolizes the fact that God is infinitely big, the second head symbolizes that the God is the King of the kings of both this world and the next, the third heads symbolizes the fact that God is a tireless Worker who never quits working.


    Museum Bali


    On the eastern side of the historic Puputan Square in Denpasar is the Museum of Bali, built by the Dutch in 1932. The original collection was put together with the assistance of a German painter. Well apportioned exhibition halls display an excellent collection of Balinese artifacts from prehistoric to contemporary times, including weapons, dance costumes, Ming ceramic, cloth and paintings.

    The Museum Bali, built by the Dutch government in 1932, presents an excellent survey of Balinese art from prehistoric times to the early 20th century. Items range from Neolithic stone implements, Metal Age sarcophagi, and Buddhist and Hindu bronzes through a fine variety of modern woodcarvings and paintings, to ceremonial masks and ukurs-human 4tfigies made from silver and Chinese coins' used in death rituals. The architecture of the museum combines the two principal edifices in Bali: the temple and the palace. The split gate, the outer"and inner courtyards and kulkul ("alarm drum") tower are characteristic of the temple. Opposite the kulkul stands an elevated pavilion once used in palaces as a lookout for a prince viewing his lands. The main building with its wide, pillared veranda resembles the Karangasem palaces of East Bali, where the porch once served ministers and authorities who had an audience with the raja. The windowless building on the right reflects the Tabanan palace style of West Bali, while the brick building on the left belongs to the northern palace style of Singaraja, making the museum a true monument to Bali.

    Jl Letkol Wisnu Dps
    Open: Tuesday to Sunday - 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

    A permanent exhibition of modern Balinese painting and wood carving may be seen at the Art Center at Abiankapas on the edge of the city. This grandiose complex includes a large dance arena and a sales room. Exhibitions, dances, and recitations of classical literature are organized by the center. A calendar of events is available. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday.


    Werdhi Budaya Art Center

    The Werdhi Budaya Art Centre was started in 1973 and finished in 1976: the largest and most complete in a series of cultural centres built throughout the archipelago by the Indonesian Government over the last decade. Designed by Bali's foremost architect, Ida Bagus Tugur, (also architect for Indonesia,s new National Art Gallery) the vast complex is, apart from its very real cultural function, a showplace for Balinese Temple and Palace Architecture at its most opulent. The open stage Arda Candra with its towering candi gate and the almost rococo main Art Museum, sprawling park, Balinese pavilions and follies have, become a regular architectural attraction. Built on one of the few remaining coconut groves in central Denpasar, the centre has quickly become a busy forum for the performing and fine arts. With three Art Galleries and a host of stages, the Centre is only rivalled by Jakarta's Taman Ismail Marzuki as a venue for diverse and rapidly changing cultural programs. Since 1975 the Centre has been home to the islands Dance Academy (ASTI) a tertiary level Conservatorium, Dance and Drama School for traditional Balinese Performing arts. With the islands Art Scholl situated next door, the center's seminar halls and exhibition space are devoted to the encouragement and education of local art students.

    The Balinese have long had a dream: to have a large-scale central venue, where they could hold their own, Balinese Cultural Events. And this dream after many years of waiting eventually became a reality with the construction of tall building designed Balinese architecture. This building, the Mahudara Mandhara Giri Bhuwaana, was inaugurated on the 14th February 1973, the first of a series of buildings covering five hectares. This Art Center, located at Nusa Indah Street, is also known by the Balinese name Werdhi Budaya.

    Function of the Art Center Building

    In the North is located the Gedung Kriya Uccaihsrawa building where the fine arts exhibition are held. Balinese and foreign artists exhibit there.

    To The West of Gedung Kriya lies the two story Dewi Ratih Building. Which is used during the Bali Art Festival for an architectural exhibition on the first floor and a photography exhibition on the second floor.

    But the largest structure (7200 m2) by far is the giant crescent shaped Ardha Candra Amphitheater. A magnificent Candi Kurung's gates, through which the dancers enter the stage, make up the background of the performances. The atmosphere is particularly impressive during the full moon or under the light of the projectors. This theatre, completed in 1977, can hold up to 600 people. Underneath the stage, facing North, West and ticketing offices and handicraft exhibition rooms for the various regencies of the island.

    To the west of Ardha Candra Amphitheater is the Ksirarnawa closed theatre, which occupies a 5850 square meter surface on two floors. The theatre can contain up to 800 people, which is located on the second floor. The first one is occupied by the offices of the Art Center, a cafeteria, and several is also used for various handicraft exhibitions, the turn over of which is increasing from year to year, and they play a large role in the increase in non oil exports. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday.

    Bali Festival Park

    It is the one of Tourism fascinations, which located at Padang Galak tourism area. At this location we are able to see the crocodiles, turtles and many kind of birds with original situation.
    Laser game, roller coaster and to take swim in beautiful swimming pool be able to enjoy there and either with the other facilities available there, such as: The international restaurant , The traditional supermarket, and other attractions.

    Jaya Sabha Building

    Jaya Sabha Building is located at the North of Catur Muka Statue (Four faces Statue). This place is the residence of Governor of Bali Province level I.
    he Jaya Sabha Building uses the Bali architecture style. Besides at the front of it usually is used as the first procession of Bali Arts Festival which held every year in the middle of June to July.

    Indonesian Art High School (STSI)

    The Regional Government of Bali in 1967 first established STSI. To train a new generation of artists and scholars to help preserve, study and develop the performing arts of Bali. It became a national institute in 1969, and since then has been administered by the Directorate General Of Higher Education And Culture. The curriculum offers dance, music and shadow puppetry. Undergraduate students can attain a Sarjana Muda Bachelor of Arts degree, and there is graduate program that awards a Master of Arts degree, Seniman Seni Tari.

    A new curriculum is being prepared for the future incorporation of the academy into the Art Institution of Indonesian, (ISI) which will result in the elevating of this school to the level of a State University.

    A key role in the annual Bali Arts Festival is laid by the students of STSI, who create extra vaganza dance each year that are extremely popular with Balinese audiences. Performing groups from the Academy are often called upon to give presentations for visiting dignitaries. Strong ties with institutions in other countries, The Ford Foundation and The Asian Cultural Council among others, have led to a number of opportunities for study courses in the United States for M.A and Ph.D. levels.

    STSI located at Nusa Indah Street and beside of Art center in order to the Arrangement of Bali Art Festival, at STSI is also arranged the place of Art Performance, exhibition place and another activities as long as event is taken place.

    Information from
    Denpasar Government Municipality Tourism Office, Jl.Surapati No. 7, Denpasar, Phone 62-361-234569, 223602