Bali Experience

The stunning beauty of Bali's landscape enchants travellers at every turn. There are, however, some special spots that the visitor to Bali who is seeking that perfect postcard photograph, searching for more knowledge about Bali's environment, or simply looking for an afternoon of tranquility in harmony with nature should be sure not to miss.

The Bali Barat National Park, located on the west coast of the island, is one of only ten national parks in Indonesia. This 76,312 hectare park, encompassing 10% of the total area of Bali, offers a rare glimpse into Bali’s past, before the island was transformed by human habitation. Responding to the threat to Bali’s last remaining virgin forest from rampant timber cutting and expanding development, the Indonesian government acted in 1984 to set aside the park as a preserve, protecting the centuries-old trees and the habitat of several endangered species, giving a true gift both to the foreign visitor and generations of Balinese to come. Today the park is open to tourists with the appropriate permits (ask your travel agent to make arrangements), and is used for projects in the controlled use of natural resources.

Within the borders of the park there is a fascinating range of activities available to the visitor. Hikers can explore the trails that wind their way through the tropical, jungle-like environment of the southern portion, or the deciduous forests and low-lying mountain range that make up its northern section. Camping can also be arranged for those travellers who wish to spend a night under the impossibly bright stars in a true wilderness setting. For the day tripper, there are some interesting sites located within the borders of the park. At Banyu Wedang there is a volcanic hot spring rumored to possess magical healing properties. Not far from the springs, there is a spot marking the final resting place of Jayaprana, Bali’s legendary Romeo, who was duped by an evil king into undertaking a false mission so the underhanded ruler could steal the love of his Juliet, the famed beauty Lyonsari. Jayaprana was killed on his quest, but the faithful Lyonsari refused the hand of the king, choosing instead to commit suicide and follow her beloved into the afterlife. Perched on top of a hill, the temple devoted to Jayaprana is amusingly kitschy, with glass cases enclosing statues of the ill-fated couple, but the views stretched out below are pure paradise.

Other popular activities in Bali Barat include snorkeling and diving off the coast of Pulau Menjangan, a small island on the northern edge of the park. Here, away from the crowds of the more touristed south, an exhilarating undersea panorama of colorful corals and iridescent tropical fish, renowned as the best dive spot in Bali, is to be found.

Near Bedugul, eleven kilometers south of Singaraja, the Gitgit Waterfall is a stunning sight not to be missed. The 45 meter high falls roar down a steep stone cliff into a mist covered pool below, where travellers can cool off with a swim or rest their tired feet in the refreshing waters of the rushing river below. For those searching for the ultimately romantic spot to spread out an open air feast, there are picnic facilities available at the site, offering spectacular views of the dramatic falls. 

The Taman Burung or Bali Bird Park is another fantastic place to witness the natural wonders of Bali. Nestled in the cool foothills between Denpasar and Ubud in the village of Batubulan, the Bali Bird Park offers an amazing array of colorful, unusual avian attractions in a spectacular tropical garden setting. Over 1,000 birds -- ranging from the rare, endangered Bali Starling, a small white bird with a brilliant streak of turquoise blue encircling its eyes, to kaleidoscope colored Peacocks, blush pink African Flamingos, and jewel toned Birds of Paradise -- inhabit the two hectare grounds, whose walkways are lined with lush foliage and spectacular lotus ponds.

The Bali Bird Park also boasts a walk-in aviary, where one can wander through a thick canopy of dense rainforest with birds flying free singing songs overhead. The park is a wonderful place for children, who will be entranced by the rare Cassowaries, huge, lumbering birds as big as dogs, and the tame Cockatoos who will come to rest on your arm to pose for a picture. There is also a lovely restaurant inside the park, where you can have "breakfast with the birds" or a cup of iced cappuccino to cool you off after your relaxing stroll through the gardens.

Right next door to the Bali Bird Park there is also a Reptile Park, where you can take a peek at an exotic Komodo Dragon, a creepy crocodile, or dozens of other reptilian attractions sure to enthrall the kids and send shivers up the spines of their parents.