Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple, also known as Pura Taman Ayun, is a beautiful temple located in the Mengwi village of Bali. It is one of the significant cultural landmarks on the island and holds historical and religious importance. Here's some information about Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple:

History and Significance: Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple was built in the 17th century during the reign of the Mengwi Kingdom. It served as the main temple of the royal family and was used for important ceremonies and rituals. The temple complex was designed as a demonstration of the harmony between nature, man-made structures, and the divine.

Architecture and Design: The temple showcases traditional Balinese architecture and is surrounded by a large garden and a moat. The name "Taman Ayun" translates to "Beautiful Garden," which is fitting considering the stunning landscape surrounding the temple. The complex features multiple courtyards and intricately decorated gates, pavilions, and shrines.

Layout: Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple follows the concept of "Tri Mandala," which divides the temple into three main sections: the outer courtyard, middle courtyard, and inner courtyard. The outer courtyard serves as an entrance area with manicured gardens and a large fish pond. The middle courtyard contains various pavilions and shrines, while the inner courtyard is the most sacred part and is accessible only during religious ceremonies.

Unique Features: One of the notable features of Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple is its multi-tiered shrines called "Meru." These pagoda-like structures have distinctive thatched roofs and symbolize the mythical Mount Meru, considered the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology. The temple complex also has several statues and stone carvings depicting various deities from Balinese Hinduism.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple has been recognized for its cultural significance and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as a part of the "Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy." The temple's inclusion in this list highlights its historical, architectural, and religious importance.

Visiting the Temple: As a popular tourist destination, Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple welcomes visitors from around the world. It provides a serene and picturesque setting to explore Bali's rich cultural heritage. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees, as it is a place of worship. It's recommended to check the temple's opening hours and any specific guidelines before planning a visit.

Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple is not only a significant religious site but also a stunning example of Balinese architecture and landscape design. Its historical importance, cultural significance, and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those interested in exploring the beauty of Bali's temples.

THE STORY OF LUWAK COFFEE

How it all began?

Luwak Coffee has a history that dates way back to the 18th-century Dutch colonial rule of the East Indies (now Indonesia). Back then the Dutch East India Company imported Arabica seed from Yemen to cultivate on their local Indonesian plantations. The product of their cultivation had wide demand in Europe; second only to Ethiopian coffee.

Their crops were almost entirely exported to Europe, and not meant for local consumption. Extremely protective of their harvest, the Dutch therefore jealously guarded their produce by forbidding the local workers from helping themselves to even leftovers or spills. Nothing could go off the plantation!

Nature takes its course!

The coffee plantations were often surrounded by jungles nearby. Luwak, who are native to the jungles, were looked upon as pests by the plantation owners. That's because the animals relished the ripe coffee beans from the plantations and feasted lavishly on them. Plantation owners, therefore, ordered the local workers to hunt and eliminate these "pests".

Unbeknown to plantation owners, however, the local workers soon discovered that the Luwak couldn't actually digest the entire coffee berry. While the soft pulp disintegrated in their digestive systems, the pit of the berry was ejected in excrement in the jungles and around the animal's habitat.

Eager to share in the delights of Coffee themselves, the local workers would carefully collect and sanitize the droppings to harvest the undigested coffee seed. They then used the seeds to brew their own coffee. What the Dutch plantation owners forbade them from doing — taking the seeds off the plantations— nature now provided to the locals in abundance!

And the legend begins

Plantation owners soon became aware of the fact that the local workers were brewing their own coffee. Upon visiting the huts where the workers resided, they discovered that the coffee is brewed by the locals using beans that were found in the excrement of the Luwak. Taken in by the amazing aroma of the Luwak coffee, the plantation owners were eager to sample a taste for themselves. And what they tasted was amazing!

The Dutch then introduced this "new" type of coffee to Europe, but when consumers learned of its origins — that this great coffee was in fact a by-product of the digestive process of an animal, and was harvested from animal excrement—the market was unwilling to accept it.

Although the newly discovered flavor didn't immediately catch on in the 18th century, its popularity has been growing exponentially over the past decade or so. New harvesting and production techniques, better branding and packaging, and more stringent quality control and health and safety checks have now made Luwak Coffee into a mainstream player. Niche coffee houses, cafés, and restaurants now proudly offer Luwak Coffee on their elite menus!

The market is situated in Bedugul village, selling traditional farmers such as strawberries, carrots, cauliflower, a variant of kinds of rice, spices, and many more. it is good to see the local people shops in the traditional way.

We will stop here for about 15-30 minutes.

In Bedugul, there is a beautiful Beratan Lake that appears around 1,239 meters above sea level. Beratan Lake is located next to Mount Bratan and Mount Catur. It is the second-largest lake in Bali. You can see it directly because is located on the edge of Highway Bedugul. Exactly located in CandiKuning Village, Baturiti District of Tabanan. Beratan Lake is a lake that first passed when you come from Denpasar and is about 300 meters from the Bedugul Botanical Garden. The lake is located on the right road when heading to Singaraja. Beratan is the perfect place for water sports such as parasailing, motor boating, jet skiing, water skiing, canoeing, etc. Bedugul fertile soil also produced an abundance of plants and trees, some of them formed rain forests with their exotic birds, monkeys, and other creatures.

The important temple of Pura Ulun Danu solemnly guards the lake. The resort area of Bedugul offers excellent views of the lake, as well as a number of water activities. Providing a cool retreat from the hot and humid regions of Bali, its shores provide the traveler with hotels and restaurants and its cool waters offer parasailing, water-skiing, banana-boat rides, and other water sports. Some Japanese caves across the lake were dug during World War II. =While in the area hike to the beautiful shrines that dot the lakeshore and forested hills around the lake or visit the beautiful Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

Jatiluwih is a renowned rice terrace located in the Tabanan Regency of Bali. It is known for its stunning landscapes, terraced rice fields, and rich cultural heritage.

The name "Jatiluwih" can be translated as "truly marvelous" or "really beautiful" in the Balinese language, and it certainly lives up to its name.

The Jatiluwih rice paddy covers an expansive area of approximately 600 hectares (1,500 acres) and is situated at an altitude of about 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level. The terraced fields are meticulously carved into the hilly landscape, creating a breathtaking sight that stretches from the foot of the Batukaru mountain range to the coastal plains.

The traditional Subak irrigation system, which has been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Landscape, is practiced in Jatiluwih. This ancient and sustainable irrigation system allows farmers to effectively manage the water supply for their crops. The Subak system emphasizes harmony with nature and community cooperation.

Jatiluwih offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Bali's rural countryside. Travelers can explore the area on foot or rent a bicycle to navigate through the narrow pathways that wind through the rice fields. Along the way, you'll encounter stunning vistas, lush greenery, and a peaceful ambiance that immerses you in the tranquility of rural Bali.

For those interested in learning more about traditional Balinese agriculture, there are several agro-tourism activities available in Jatiluwih. You can participate in activities such as rice planting, farming, or even trying your hand at traditional Balinese crafts. Local farmers and guides are often happy to share their knowledge and provide insights into their way of life.

It's important to note that Jatiluwih is not only a tourist destination but also a living and working landscape. The rice terraces are actively cultivated by local farmers, and their livelihood depends on rice production. Visitors are encouraged to respect the surroundings, stay on designated paths, and support the local community by purchasing local products or handicrafts.

Jatiluwih's natural beauty, cultural significance, and agricultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic experience of Bali's rural charm.

Tanah Lot Temple is a famous Hindu temple located on the coast of Bali. It is one of the most iconic and picturesque landmarks on the island. Tanah Lot means "Land in the Sea" in the Balinese language, and it aptly describes the temple's unique offshore setting.

The temple is situated on a rocky outcrop in the sea, which becomes completely surrounded by water during high tide. It is located in the Tabanan Regency, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of the Kuta area. Tanah Lot is part of a series of seven sea temples along the southwest coast of Bali, each within the eyesight of the next, forming a chain of spiritual significance.

The history of Tanah Lot Temple dates back to the 16th century when it was built by a Hindu priest named Dang Hyang Nirartha. Legend has it that Nirartha was wandering along the coast and discovered the beautiful setting. He decided to rest on the rock and was captivated by its serenity. He advised the local fishermen to build a shrine on the rock to worship the sea god, Dewa Baruna, and to protect the area from evil spirits.

The temple complex consists of several smaller shrines, pavilions, and a cultural park. The main deity worshiped at Tanah Lot is Dewa Baruna, the god of the sea. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, stroll along the pathways, and witness the traditional Balinese architecture and design. The temple's black volcanic rock structure stands out against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, especially during sunsets, creating a mesmerizing sight.

In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Tanah Lot has become a major tourist attraction in Bali. The temple complex offers a variety of facilities, including restaurants, shops, and cultural performances, making it a popular destination for visitors. During low tide, visitors can walk across to the temple and receive blessings from the Hindu priests.

It is important to note that as a sacred site, Tanah Lot holds significant religious value to the Balinese people. While tourists are welcome, it is essential to respect the customs and traditions of the temple. Modest attire is required, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully.

Overall, Tanah Lot Temple is not only a place of worship but also a captivating symbol of Bali's cultural heritage and natural beauty. Its unique location and stunning views have made it a must-visit destination for tourists from around the world.

Kecak Dance, also known as the "Monkey Chant Dance," is a traditional Balinese dance and musical drama that originated in the 1930s in Bali, Indonesia. It is one of the most famous and distinctive dance forms on the island and has gained international recognition.

The name "Kecak" is derived from the sound "cak cak cak" made by a chorus of male performers who provide the musical accompaniment for the dance. The dance was created by the German painter and musician Walter Spies, along with the Balinese dancer Wayan Limbak and the Balinese musician I Wayan Rindi. They developed the Kecak dance based on traditional trance rituals called Sanghyang, which involved dancers entering a state of altered consciousness to communicate with deities or spirits.

Kecak Dance tells the story of the Hindu epic Ramayana, specifically the episode where Prince Rama's wife, Sita, is abducted by the demon king Ravana. The dance typically begins with a performance of traditional Balinese music, followed by the entrance of the main characters, including Rama, Sita, Ravana, Hanuman (the monkey god), and other mythical figures.

The dance unfolds through a series of choreographed movements, gestures, and symbolic actions, accompanied by the powerful chanting of the male chorus. The performers reenact the various scenes from the Ramayana, including battles, encounters, and rescue attempts, all conveyed through expressive body language and facial expressions.

Kecak Dance is not only a visual spectacle but also a powerful auditory experience. The synchronized chanting and intricate choreography create a mesmerizing atmosphere that transports the audience into the mythical world of the Ramayana.

It has become an iconic symbol of Balinese culture and has been adapted and performed in different parts of the world, showcasing the richness and beauty of Balinese traditional arts.