GUNUNG PAYUNG BEACH

GUNUNG PAYUNG BEACH

       Gunung Payung Beach, located on the southern coast of Bali, is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist destinations. This remote and peaceful spot offers stunning views of the seascape and is named after the Pura Dhang Kahyangan Gunung Payung, a Balinese Hindu temple complex that sits atop a nearby cliff. The white sandy beach is located in the Kutuh village of South Kuta District, Badung district and is situated in close proximity to Pandawa beach, another popular tourist attraction in the South Badung area.

Experience the thrill of adventure and natural beauty as you make your way to Gunung Payung Beach, located just a half-hour drive away from Nusa Dua. As you travel down the main Jalan Gunung Payung road, you'll be surrounded by the lush greens of the 18-hole Bukit Pandawa Golf Club and the rugged limestone terrain. Keep an eye out for grey long-tailed macaques, which are known to be shyer than those found in the Uluwatu Monkey Forest.

This coastal area relies on the participation of visitors in keeping it clean, so be sure to do your part by not littering. The entrance fee for Gunung Payung beach attraction is IDR 4,000 per person, and parking for two-wheeled vehicles is IDR 2,000 and for cars IDR 5,000. The beach is managed by the Kutuh traditional village, as is the case with Pandawa beach. In the parking area near the Gunung Payung temple, you'll find ample parking, toilets, and food and beverage stalls.

As you approach the cliff edge after visiting the temple, you'll be greeted by breathtaking ocean views and the soothing sounds of waves crashing below. The beach can only be accessed by a steep flight of stairs, around 300 in total, so it's recommended for fit and determined visitors. Once you reach the beach, you'll find clear waters with deep green patches, which are the growing grounds for local seaweed farmers. The sand is deep and coarse, and the waters are calm, making it perfect for snorkeling.

For those seeking an even greater thrill, head to the hill of Kutuh village east of Gunung Payung temple, where you can try your hand at paragliding. Soar above the coast of Gunung Payung with the help of experienced parachute pilots. With so many unique and exciting experiences to be had, Gunung Payung Beach is a must-visit destination for any adventure-seeker.

Discovering the secluded Gunung Payung Beach requires a bit of effort, but the reward is an untouched paradise free from vendors. Make sure to pack your own water and snacks to enjoy while basking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The calm waters, protected by natural reef barriers, are perfect for swimming, but be cautious of sea urchins and high tide conditions as there are no lifeguards on duty.

2017 END-OF-YEAR BALI ADVENTURE

A 2017 END-OF-YEAR HOLIDAY JOURNEY

    As a student studying in Bali, I am blessed with the opportunity to explore the wonders of the island while on vacation. At the end of 2017, the first semester ended and I wanted to take advantage of my free time. Instead of going back to my hometown in Sulawesi, I decided to stay in Bali and experience all it had to offer. My vacation started with a visit to my parent's village in Tabanan, where I met my relatives again and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. The village was about three hours away from the busy city of Denpasar and provided a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle. Wanting to see more of the island, I asked my nephew Dedi Saputra to accompany me on a trip to Kelungkung Bali. The trip was full of stunning scenery and unexpected surprises, including a stop at the stunning Bedugul region. 

    Bedugul is a tourist area in Bali, Indonesia, known for its exceptional natural beauty, especially the clear and cool water of Bedugul Lake. The area is also home to several popular tourist attractions such as Bedugul National Park, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Bedugul Market. In addition, Bedugul offers a variety of outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking and kayaking. Many tourists come to Beduguli to enjoy its natural beauty and the activities it offers.

    After stopping at several places in Bedugul, we continued our journey to Puncak Wanagiri and had lunch there. Puncak Wanagiri is a tourist spot in the Bedugul district of Bali, Indonesia that offers beautiful views from the top of the mountain and panoramic views of Lake Beratan and the surrounding mountains. Puncak Wanagiri is also known as  "Hanging Garden" or "Hanging Garden" because of the several observation towers hanging on the cliff and offering a great view. Tourists visiting Puncak Wanagiri can enjoy various activities such as taking photos in the hanging gazebos, walking around the Beratan lake, or enjoying the views from the top of the mountain. Puncak Wanagiri also offers unique photo spots against the backdrop of Lake Beratan and the surrounding mountains, perfect for social media. To reach Puncak Wanagiri, you must take the  Desa Wanagiri road and pay the entrance fee. Puncak Wanagiri has several facilities such as toilets, parking and food stalls. However, tourists should be well prepared because the road to Puncak Wanagiri is quite steep and rocky.

    After conquering the peak of Wana Giri, we continued our journey to Munduk Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Bedugul region of Bali, Indonesia. Known for its incredible beauty and breathtaking natural scenery, Munduk Waterfall rests in the middle of a lush and cool green forest, adding to its charm and grandeur. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as walking around the waterfall, bathing in its waters, or taking photos against the background of the waterfall. There are several places worth photographing, including below and above the falls, as well as some viewpoints with great views from the top. To reach the Munduk waterfall, you have to walk along a steep and rocky path. However, the trip is worth it as the waterfall offers breathtaking views. There are facilities around the waterfall such as toilets, food stalls, and parking. When visiting Munduk Falls, remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water, and always remember to protect the environment and dispose of waste properly.  

    After soaking in the natural beauty of the waterfall, we headed to Klungkung, an administrative region of Bali, Indonesia, famous for its rich cultural heritage and rich history. Klungkung has several popular attractions such as Taman Kertha Gosa, a 17th-century royal palace known for its beautiful ceiling paintings depicting the lives of Klungkung's rulers. In addition, Klungkung is home to Pura Goa Lawah, a temple believed to be the resting place of bats and considered a sacred temple by the Balinese Hindu community. Klungkung is also known for its traditional handicrafts and weaving, which are famous in Bali. Visitors can visit local craft centers to witness the creative process and purchase handmade items made by local artisans. Klungkung also offers exciting activities such as snorkeling and diving in Teluk Penyu. 

    During our trip to Klungkung in Bali, we stopped several times to enjoy Bali's natural beauty of lakes, mountains, rice fields, and abundant greenery. When we arrived at the family's house in Klungkung, it was already night. After refreshments and dinner, we were taken to the lively central square of Semarapura,  a popular night spot for locals. The beautiful central square was decorated with lights and cultural sculptures and there was also a night market nearby which made it even more lively. We took pictures and ate local snacks while enjoying the beauty of Semarapura night. When we were full, we went back to the house to rest. 

    The next day, my uncle took us to a tourist spot called Rangkung Hill. There we did many fun activities like butterfly flying and outdoor challenges and also enjoyed delicious grilled fish which is a specialty of Klungkung. After spending time at Rangkung Mountain, we stopped at the famous Klungkung Beach, also known as Pantai Lebih. The day passed quickly and when the evening approached we returned to the house to rest and prepare for the next day's trip to Nusa Dua. 

This trip at the end of 2017 was very enjoyable and left a lasting impression on our first semester at the University of  Bali, with hopes to explore more of this beautiful island in the future. Thanks for reading this short summary of my end-of-2017 trip.

KARANG BOMA CLIFF

 KARANG BOMA CLIFF
ULUWATU, BALI

Discover the hidden gem of Karang Boma Cliff, a lesser-known tourist destination that offers breathtaking views of the sea and beaches from the top of towering cliffs. The cliffs, known as Tanjung Mebulu, provide a natural vantage point, while the area's name, Karang Boma, is derived from the Pura Pucak Karang Boma temple located nearby. Come explore this picturesque area and be awed by its natural beauty.

Discover the hidden gem of Karang Boma Cliff, located in the stunning village of Pecatu, South Kuta. Just a short 30-45 minute drive from Ngurah Rai airport, this natural wonder can be easily navigated with the help of maps or GPS. The road leading to Karang Boma offers great access, but be prepared for a short walk as four-wheeled cars are not permitted past a certain point. Motorbike riders can park and continue on foot for a mere 5 minutes to reach the breathtaking cliffs of boma coral. Limited parking is available as the area is primarily a temple park. Enjoy this serene and undiscovered destination for free, as there is no entry fee. Occasionally, a small parking fee of IDR 5,000 may be required.

The Karang Boma Cliff tourist attraction does offer beautiful views from the top of high hill cliffs, like the high cliffs in the Uluwatu area, this area offers the same natural beauty, but specifically, Karang Boma Cliff is not widely known, so there are not so many visitors. But it has a very beautiful photo spot, especially during the afternoon. If you schedule a tour to Uluwatu, because this place is in the same direction, then you can add a tour to this place, because it won't take up much time.

Suggestion: 

• Visit Karang Boma Cliff in the afternoon to catch the beautiful sunset from the top of the high cliffs.
• Bring friends, family or a loved one to make the experience more enjoyable and memorable.
• Use a motorbike for transportation as it is faster and parking is closer, only a 5-minute walk away.
• Pack a camera, snacks, drinks, and a mat to fully enjoy the sunset.
• Remember to dispose of any trash properly before leaving the location.
• Plan to leave before it gets too late as the road can be quiet at night.

#Enjoy Your Trip. Stay Healthy and Safe Travels during the Covid-19 Pandemic.