Photo Journal – Puri Taman Ujung, East Bali

by Barrie | June 30th, 2011   Tweet

One of my favourite places to visit in Bali on the east end of the island is Taman Sukasada; more commonly known as Puri Taman Ujung. Surprisingly it is a place not frequented by tourists on a large scale. This delightful place is located 5 kilometres south of Amlapura. Built in 1921 by the last Raja of Karangasem, Anak Agung Anglurah, Taman Sukasada with its recent renovations is a pleasure to visit.

I can well remember a few years back it was in a sad state of disrepair, however, now it is a pristine and attractive destination firmly secured on the tourist routes. Of the water palaces in Bali this is the largest and set in beautiful gardens with spectacular lakes and pavilions. Puri Taman Ujung is a definite must-see when you visit Bali and one that you will enjoy. This picturesque park is open from 7am to 6pm and the entry fee is only Rp10,000.

Taman Kupu Kupu – Bali Butterfly Park

by Barrie | February 14th, 2011   Tweet

One of the delightful must-see and do experiences in Bali is a visit to where butterflies dance around you. Being just eight degrees below the Equator, Bali has the type of climate that is pleasing and relatively mild although warm. It is an island that has a diverse range of animal species.

One that I have always found delightful is butterflies. You will find them fluttering around the gardens in your hotel but it is when you get out of the polluted tourist areas that you are able to view these colourful creatures in their natural habitat. Of course the most spectacular in colour of these butterflies you will predominately find in the jungle areas of Bali such as the Bali Barat National Park.

However, there is no need for you to go trekking through the jungle to view these beautiful creatures. Located 7kms north of the town of Tabanan, at Wanasari, on the road to Penebel is the Bali Butterfly Park (Taman Kupu Kupu) – kupu kupu is Indonesian for butterflies. It will take about an hour to get there by vehicle. The park is a fabulous place for families and educational for children.

After passing through a couple of doors and a set of hanging chains, you are inside the net-covered garden. From the very start you will be enchanted by the array of thousands of brightly coloured butterflies all around you; hovering in curiosity as you wander through. I particularly liked the large yellow and black butterflies fluttering around. The park is aesthetically mesmerising. Photography is allowed.

The Bali Butterfly Park covers 3,500m sq, making it the largest park of its kind in South-East Asia and the park provides an environment for butterfly preservation and study.

Opening hours:
Daily 8am-5pm

Bali Butterfly Park
Jalan Batukaru,
Sandan Wanasari
Tabanan 80351
Tel: (0361) 814282 (0361) 814283
Fax: (0361) 814281

Further Reading: Butterflies of Bali by Victor Mason

Taman Narmada: Lombok

With any visit to Lombok a must-see on the sister island to Bali is the spectacular and spacious tourism attraction of Taman Narmada. When visiting here allow yourself a few hours to explore all the park has to offer and not just the main objects within. Located roughly 11 kilometres east of Mataram and the best time to visit is in the months of May to August, when the climate is perfect. Taman Narmada was built by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem in 1727.

This famous tourist attraction is a miniature replica of the summit of Gunung Rinjani and its Crater Lake. Interestingly the park’s name derives from the Narmada River in India. Located within the park is the amazing Pura Kalasa. This temple is used annually for a Balinese ceremony known as Pujawali.

View the Original article