History
Tabanan has its roots in the 14th century when Javanese invaders
settled in the area. As they expanded their territory, they
came into conflict with the Mengwi house, founded during the
mid-1600s with the fall of Gelgel and allied with Buleleng.
In the eighteenth century Mengwi was the second most powerful
royal house after Klungkung, whose support it enjoyed. Internal
conflict in the late 1700s weakened Mengwi and led to territorial
losses to Tabanan which were retaken in the mid-1800s. By the
late 1800s further conflict erupted and Klungkung withdrew its
support, opening the way for its destruction by Klungkung, Badung,
Bangli and the Dutch. Tabanan got most of Mengwi, but rising
Dutch interests in Bali and the refusal of Tabanan to give in
led to its end in 1906 with the imprisonment and suicide of
the ruler and his son.
Eco-tourism
As Kintamani is to Bangli, so is Bedugul one of Tabanan’s
main points of interest. This crisp mountain town boasts three
crater lakes, which are hemmed by untamed jungle and patchworks
of market gardens, and the tepid water of which sends a mist
into the icy air above the surface. This is another place
to retreat from the heat of the coast, to fish, or to wander
through the lovely botanical gardens. Recently a number of
companies have established walking trails, most of which take
visitors through the spectacular rice paddies of Jatiluwih.
Temple-going
The district of Tabanan boasts Bali’s most famous temple,
which is set on a rocky protrusion that becomes an island
at high tide, offering spectacular sunset views in the dry
season. There is also the Ulun Danu temple on the edge of
Bedugul’s Bratan Lake. The temple is devoted to the goddess
of the lake, which irrigates the rice fields of Tabanan. The
beautiful Alas Kedaton located in Petanahan is also worth
a visit.
Traditional arts
Tabanan is home to a number of villages that have nurtured
peculiar local art forms. Krambitan village, for example,
boasts the exciting tektekan exorcist dance drama which is
accompanied by giant wooden cowbells and bamboo instruments.
Tista has its leko-andir dance, performed by young girls.
Penarukan is known for its carvings, Pejaten for its ceramics,
and Blayu for its woven brocades.
The famous tour route of three interesting tourism objects.
This trip can be very enjoyable. From Denpasar one drives
to Bedugul a place high in the mountains where one can enjoy
or make a trip around the Bratan lake and Ulun Danu. Our next
stop after Bedugul is Alas Kedaton the home of hundreds of
spirit monkeys. You can make friends by buying a bag of peanuts.
Our Inspiration place for monkeys watches . Our last stop
is the coral gardens of Tanah Lot with a beautiful temple.
Tanah Lot Temple
One of Bali's most important sea temples, Tanah Lot is built
a top a huge rock which is surrounded by the sea. Built by
one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java in the 16th
century, its rituals include the paying of homage to the guardian
spirits of the sea.
Poisonous sea snakes found at the base of the rocky island
are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruder.
The best time to see Tanah Lot is in the late afternoon when
the temple is in silhouette.
Bedugul
The mountain resort of Bedugul, 18 km north of Denpasar, is
known for its excellent golf course. Located beside Lake Bratan,
it is surrounded by forested hills. A beautiful sight is the
"Ulun Danu" temple which seems to rise out of the
lake. The area offers good-walks. Boats, water skiing, and
parasailing are available for hire. The Bali Handara country
club has bungalows for rent and a restaurant. When the heat
and humidity gets to you, why not escape to Bedugul, Bali's
highland retreat tucked into the crater of an extinct volcano
1400 metres above sea level. Here three lakes provide everything
from recreation to the water for springs, rivers and rice
fields below. Lush pine forests seem to create a freshness
in the air. Bedugul is known for the quality of its fruits
, vegetables and flowers.
