The Scenic Highland of Bedugul
Located almost in the middle if Bali, Bedugul is reachable within one and a half hours drive from the greater south where main tourist concentration spots like Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and Sanur are cascading along the coast. The winding trip worths to pay at it frames beautiful scenery and charming Balinese villages along the way. Of course the grand prize is awaiting at the end of the trip, the scenic Bedugul itself.
The most popular attraction of Bedugul is Lake Beratan. Bordered by green wall cascading hills with tropical forest, the lake offers various attractions. Water sport addicts can enjoy the speed of a jetski. Cool mountain climate, splash of freezing cold water, and flat calm water will give a different sensation than jetski rides on the beach. Slower pacers can choose to enjoy the scenery and the climate on the boat, or even just relaxing on the lake side.
Those interested in Balinese culture and religion should not miss to visit the ancient and holly temple of Ulun Danu. Located on the lake side with parts of it floating on the water, Ulun Danu temple offers a unique scene which combine serenity of hillside lake and magnificence of Balinese cultural and religious heritage. It is no less attractive in its different appearance than the rocky temple of Tanah Lot or the cliff top temple of Uluwatu.
On the slope of the hill just above lake Beratan you can find the largest botanical garden in Bali. In addition to numerous floral species both from across the country and the abroad, from this area you can enjoy the beauty of lake Bratan from a distant spot. If you are not a keen nature observer, knowing detail of each end every trees, shrubs, and flowers may not be an attractive activity. In addition to relaxing and enjoying the climate and scenery, here you can find Bali Tree Top Adventure. Traversing among the tops of soaring trees in various ways only with ropes will definitely pump your adrenaline up.
Also in the surrounding area of Bedugul there is Bali Handara Kosaido which offers both a luxurious hotel and a golf course. Bali has a number of top golf courses, but this is the only one located on the hillside. Whilst it may be just as scenic, it definitely offers a different experience being away from the heat and the wind of the beach.
Another thing that may attract your attention here in Bedugul is agro-tourism. Combination of its height, low temperature, and fertile soil is suitable for vegetables, flowers, and strawberries. To some, watching how strawberries are planted and grown up is quite interesting. You can even pick the fruit yourself. Kids like to pick the strawberries themselves, form real strawberry tree, at the the real strawberry farming land. I bet many adults like the idea too.
Are they all what Bedugul has to offer? Wait … Here comes the best. Regardless the popularity lake Beratan enjoys, it is not the only lake Bedugul has. There are two other lakes within the vicinity, taking only a few minutes drive among each other. A bit further up north from lake Beratan is the quieter and less popular lake Buyan. There is no lake side hotels, restaurants, and activities such as boat riding or jet ski here. But it does not mean that it is not attractive.
A camping ground on the side of lake Buyan is popular to those who love being close to the nature. Sleeping on tent, spending nights with the warmth of wooden fire, and spending the day in absolute peacefulness can become a mind-cleansing experience. The forest behind the camping ground is the playground for those who addicted to off-road adventure, no matter what vehicles they are riding, from four-wheel-drive jeeps to mountain bike.
The third lake Tamblingan is the most secluded one. It is a bit hard to find as well. But when you do find it you will be amazed with the atmosphere. In the middle of nothing but tropical forest, there is a temple close to the lake side. Combination of feeling in the middle of magnificent natural surrounding and the the temple creates a pleasant mystical feeling. Almost no activities here and visitors are also quite rare.
Another scenic one hour drive from Bedugul will take you to the north coast of Bali, with another numerous attractions – both cultural and natural – awaiting to be explored. The old harbor of Singaraja, the popular dolphin cruise of Lovina, scenic beach of Pemuteran, and the underwater paradise of Pulau Menjangan are just to name some.
To book a sightseeing tour to Bedugul, you can contact the concierge at your hotel or travel agent of your choice. But if you do not want to get bound to a certain tour program and prefer to enjoy it at your own pace, getting to Bedugul is not difficult at all. Rent a car or a motorbike and drive up with a map, chance to get lost is less then 1%.
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