HOTELS IN BALI
TABANAN AREA
The district of Tabanan comprises two main regions: the
mountains and the lower plains. Tanah Lot, probably the
best known and most-photographed temple in Bali, is closely
associated with the legendary priest Nirartha. Legend
says that as he passed by and was impressed by the tiny
island's superb setting and suggested to locals that it
would be a good place to build a temple. Tanah means earth,
and Lot means sea. The temple symbolizes the meeting point
of natural and cosmic elements.
Tanah Lot is also famous for its magnificent sunsets.
Every dusk tourists flock to witness the fantastic starkly-outlined
temple against the glowing horizon. The best view is from
the cliff overlooking the temple.
The city of Tabanan is a modern, prosperous home to a
substantial ethic Chinese community. It is the birthplace
of Mario, a dancer who revolutionized Balinese dance in
the 30's with his kebyar and kebyar trompong dances, and
commemorated by The Mario Theatre.
Southwest of Tabanan is Kerambitan. The enchantment of
this place lies in the fact that it is still to be affected
by modernization. It is particularly noted for the beautiful
old buildings and low large palaces.
The Tabanan highlands mostly consist of volcanic areas,
with Mount Batukaru (2275m), Mount Sanghyang (2093m),
and Lake Bratan, one of three lakes that make up the Bedugul
resort area. The area has the last remaining tropical
forest on the island. The tranquil botanical gardens of
Kebun Raya Eka Karya in Bedugul are home to 650 species
of trees and a unique collection of ferns and orchids.
