Escape to serenity in Bedugul<\/p>\n
I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Bedugul, Bali<\/p>\n
The fog descends slowly, engulfing the peak of the hill.
\nSometimes you still can see Pucak Padang Dawa temple,
\nmajestically situated on the top of the hill.<\/p>\n
The fog, the hill, the ancient temple and the darkness that
\nformed slowly around the Bedugul area created a distinct sense of
\nserenity and temptation to lie back and enjoy the scenery -- two
\nof the main things that make Bedugul a favorite holiday
\ndestination in Bali.<\/p>\n
Located some 1,100 meters above sea level in Tabanan regency,
\nsome 60 kilometers and just one and a half hours by car from
\nDenpasar, Bedugul is the right place to escape to from the
\nscorching heat of southern Bali tourist destinations, such as
\nKuta or Nusa Dua.<\/p>\n
Bedugul boasts several tourist attractions, from the tranquil
\ndeep-blue Beratan Lake, where visitors can enjoy various types of
\nwater sports and activities or immerse themselves in the concept
\nof religious peaceful coexistence beautifully manifested in a
\nBuddhist stupa at Ulun Danu Temple, to the wide green of the 18-
\nhole Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, one of the island's
\nfinest.<\/p>\n
There is also the 120-hectare Bedugul Botanical Gardens, which
\nnot only give visitors plenty of space to connect with Mother
\nNature, but also a chance to learn about the gardens' around
\n1,130 species of plants.<\/p>\n
And for those who like to bring something from the places they
\nvisit, Candikuning market is full of numerous interesting things,
\nfrom locally produced fruits, vegetables, spices and plants to
\nwooden handicrafts and garments from various areas on the island.<\/p>\n
A few kilometers due north of Bedugul, a beautiful 40-meter-
\nhigh waterfall is ready to be explored in the Gitgit area.<\/p>\n
Various treks are available for the adventurous who want to
\nknow the real Bedugul, up close and personal.<\/p>\n
The tragic World Trade Center attack apparently has had little
\nimpact on this area. The manager of a hotel in Pacung, some five
\nkilometers south of Bedugul, says occupancy rates are normal.<\/p>\n
"November is still low season, and our occupancy rate is
\nnormal for the low season," the manager said. "We do not target
\nany specific market, or country. Perhaps that's the reason we do
\nnot feel the impact of the decrease in American tourist arrivals.<\/p>\n
An officer of the local Traffic and Transportation Office,
\nNyoman Sukisna, revealed that over the past several days there
\nhad been an increase in domestic tourist arrivals."I counted 60
\nbuses full of domestic tourists entering Bedugul yesterday," he
\nsaid last Monday.<\/p>\n
Being well endowed with nature has its dark side too, in that
\neveryone wants a piece of it. Development has spun out of control
\nwith many big contractors building luxurious villas, residences
\nand apartments. Unfortunately, conservation is not considered an
\nimportant priority.<\/p>",
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