other places to visit

Shopping & Markets

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Shopping is for many one of the most exciting activities. Try not to accept the first price that you are given as it is perfectly normal to bargain in Bali. Although tempting, try not to make any major purchases for the first few days. Look around, take your time, bargain and then buy at the right price. Bali offers a wide selection, from stone and wood carvings, traditional and modern paintings, ceramics, etc. Talk to your Driver about locating these markets. One good market is Ubud.

Temples

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The island’s rich cultural heritage is visible everywhere – there are over 20,000 temples and palaces, many colorful festivals, ceremonies, and cremations. To the East of Lovina is the Beji Temple of Sangsit, dedicated to the goddess of rice. The Jagaraja temple, just a few kilometers to the South of our Villa, commemorates battles with Dutch colonialists. To the West of Lovina lies the Pulaki temple, inhabited by monkeys that are believed to be the descendants of the God Dewa. The Ulundanu temple is located near Bedugul. Your Driver will assist you in determining which of the many temples you may wish to visit.

Buddhist Monastery

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In the hills of Banjar, approximately an hour West of our Villa, is the Buddhist Monastery of Brahma Vihara Arama. This is the only Buddhist monastery in Bali, also known as the little Borobodur.

Sawah – Rice fields

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One must take the time to visit the sawah. Balinese farmers are the finest non-mechanical irrigators in the world. The network of terraces and waterways used to flood the terraces and then irrigate the growing rice make the most efficient use of water possible. Water flows from the highest mountains to the sea, diverted from natural streams to the terraces, highest to lowest in order, then on to another set of terraces, and on, until finally it leaves the lowest fields (sawah) and returns to the rivers near the sea. Ask your Driver for an exclusive trip.

Water palace – Tirta Gangga

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The last king of East Bali built this beautiful water palace during his reign which is situated about two hours to the East of our Villa. This water garden has a unique combination of European, Chinese and traditional Balinese architectures. Surrounded by a fantastic panorama, Tirta Gangga is worthwhile visiting. The water palace rests on the site of a spring; the water is considered to be sacred. People are allowed to bathe in the royal waters (for a fee). The gardens and restaurant are run by one of the grandsons of the last king.

Waterfalls

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There are several lovely waterfalls in this area; some close by and others a bit further away. See your Driver for suggestions.

  • GIT GIT – A spectacular waterfall in Bali is a mere hour drive from the Villa. A path lined with souvenir stalls, winds along a coffee and vanilla plantation to the 40-metre high waterfall.
  • There is a local waterfall closer by which is even more spectacular, almost completely absent of tourism. See your Driver for suggestions.

Warm water springs

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A little bit further South is a natural hot spring with the warm water coming directly from the mountain into the swimming pool. This hot spring is known as the Air Panas Banjar. Some people believe that the sulphur in the water has healing properties.

Vulcanoes

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Arrangements can be made for a very early morning tour guide to reach the summit of Mount BATUR (1750m) in time for sunrise with a stunning view of Mount Agung (3142m) in the background. Mount Agung is a sacred mountain in Bali which the Balinese consider to be ‘the Navel of the World’. Many Balinese always sleep with their heads pointing towards Mount Agung. For those just passing through, there are nice opportunities to visit restaurants near the villages of Kintamani or Batur along the way to the volcano for a buffet (reasonably priced) which offers a splendid view of the volcanoes.