Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INFORMATION
In Tabanan, banks, ATMs and the post office are on Jl Gajah Mada and its continuation, Jl
Pahlawan. There's also an ATM plus several money changers near
Pura Tanah Lot
.
ACCOMMODATION
YEH GANGGA
Alila Villas Soori
Kelating village 0361 894 6388,
alilahotels.com
.
Gorgeous minim-
alist villas with a pool, a position between vibrant rice paddies and the Indian Ocean and an
air of barefoot luxury make this beachside resort the premier address (and then some) in the
area. Naturally, there's a spa, several
l rest
aurants and a beautiful bar and immaculate service.
Only one problem - trying to leave.
$842
Waka Gangga
Jl Pantai Yeh Gangga, Sudimara village 0361 416256,
wakahotelsandre-
across terraced rice paddies, constructed from natural materials and
boast
ing panoramic
views of the ocean and ricefields. Think high comfort rather than luxury.
$315
MENGWI AND AROUND
Puri Taman Sari
Umabian, 5km northwest of Pura Taman Ayun 0361 742 1165,
pur-
itamansari.com
.
In a hamlet, this
puri
(palace) owned by Agung Prana, visionary member of
a Mengwi noble family, is a chance to get far off the usual tourist trail. The pick of several
tranquil accommodation options are the suites overlooking rice terraces. Cultural activit-
ies include offerings or gam
elan
and dance lessons. Access is via Denkayu on the Meng-
wi-Bedugul-Singaraja road.
$216
Gunung Batukaru and around
Much of inland southwest Bali lies in the shadow of massive
GUNUNG BATUKARU
(sometimes spelled Batukau; 2276m), the second-highest mountain on the island after
Gunung Agung and one of the holiest. Beautiful
Pura Luhur Batukaru
temple on the lower
slopes is focus of many pilgrimages.
Gunung Batukaru and its hinterland forms the
wettest
region of Bali, and the dense tropical
rainforest on upper slopes has been designated a nature reserve, making this a rewarding area
for
birdwatching
. Combine the rainfall with rich volcanic soils on lower gentler slopes and
you have some of the most fertile agricultural land on the island. The area could have been
tailor-made for rice-growing and the ancient terraces around
Jatiluwih
are some of the most
scenic in all of Bali.
As if picture-postcard scenery wasn't reason enough to visit, there are some lovely rural
hideaways (see
Accommodation and eating
) up here: comfort in
Wongayagede
, eco-chic in
Sarinbuana
or organic escapism near
Jantiluwih
.