Bali is also blessed with a beautiful
nature. Endless sand beaches envelope most of Bali's
shores, where silvery waves come home to. Tall cliffs
border the eastern shores. Volcanic mountains crown
the center of Bali, home to Gunung Agung (Mount Divine),
the sacred abode of the gods and the goddesses. Green
forests stretch on from east to west of the northern
part of Bali, nurturing numerous flora and fauna that
can only be found here.
Beaches
The beaches of Bali are, in one word, magnificent! From
the stretch of sand in Kuta, fenced far in the South
by the runway of Denpasar International Airport; the
peaceful elegance of Nusa Dua; the mysterious quietness
and somberness of Candidasa, as a temple dedicated to
the sea goddess submerges; to the spectacular sunsets
of Lovina in the North.
Waves
The beaches of Bali readily accept the arrival of the
waves, time and time again. And they vary. In the stretch
of Nusa Dua alone you can find soft waves for the beginner
surfers to the wildest of waves that will challenge
even the most experienced of the surfers. Yeh Saneh
in the East, Uluwatu in the South, and Medewi slightly
to the West, are all excellent site for waves.
Lakes
There are four lakes in Bali. Lake Batur, the old crater
of Mount Batur, is the largest. Kintamani offers an
excellent panoramic view of the lake, and the lake itself
effectively fences in the Bali Aga people in Trunyan.
Lake Bratan, the second largest, is near the town of
Bedugul. Lake Buyan and Lake Temblingan are also near.
Bedugul
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 fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Kintamani
The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani
with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs,
make this region a must to visit. Lake Batur is the
largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the
most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island.
Lake Batur also provides water for an underground network
of streams and springs across the southern slopes of
the mountain.
The district is the earliest known
kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The
evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay
overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise.
Many cheap losmens are available here.
Mountains
The string of volcanic mountains crown the Northern
part of Bali. The tallest is Gunung Agung (or Mount
Divine), the abode of the gods and the goddesses.
Forests, Flora, and Fauna
The wild forests of Bali can be found mostly in the
Bali Barat National Park, dedicated to the preservation
of wildlife. And the tropical climate of Bali endows
it with a rich flora. In the forests, tall tropical
trees reach for the sky, nursing a variety of wild orchids
to grow on their branches. Pine trees carpet the mountains.
Ever protective, waringin trees faithfully stand at
the center of every village. Flowers beautifully punctuate
little gardens in every house, and most importantly,
spreading their sweet fragrance into the midnight air
and completing offerings to the gods and goddesses.
Bali tigers (Panthera tigris balica
) used to roam these forests, but now you can only find
deer or wild boars. Bali Barat National Park is also
reestablished as the new habitat for Bali Starling (Jalak
Bali), a sweet, white bird that has inspired many a
painter. Sea turtles, another protected species, can
playfully accompany you when you go snorkeling in the
the waters of Nusa Dua.
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