Exploring TCEC Serangan: An Educational and Conservation Turtle Tourism Destination in Bali

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TCEC Serangan is the ideal location for those who love environmental tourism. This site serves as an education center, tourist attraction, conservation area, and a turtle research facility. Located on Serangan Island, it’s about a 30-minute drive south of Denpasar. Spanning 2.4 hectares, the turtle sanctuary allows visitors to explore and learn about turtle conservation. The staff is ready to explain the intricacies of turtles and the origins of the turtles housed here.

TCEC was officially opened on January 20, 2006, by the Governor of Bali, Mr. Dewa Berata. Initially, the purpose was not educational, but rather a strategy to combat turtle trade. The sanctuary aims to provide local Serangan residents with alternative livelihoods aside from turtle trading. Today, it serves not just as a rescue center but also as a crucial habitat for turtles saved from the wild due to illness.

This conservation center also plays a vital role in protecting turtle eggs along busy beaches, purchasing them from local communities. The turtle eggs are hatched at the facility, and the hatchlings are cared for for about a month before being released back into the wild. The efforts to save turtles are critical due to the threats they face from human activities, including hunting, egg consumption, ocean pollution, habitat destruction, and dramatic population declines.

TCEC's existence is incredibly important for conservation efforts. It would be a shame to visit Denpasar without stopping by this easily accessible destination, reachable by various means of transportation from the airport or other areas in Bali.


Exciting Exploration of Serangan Seafood Culinary Village: A New Taste Adventure in Denpasar

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Bored with the Same Seafood Menu in Kedonganan or Jimbaran During Your Bali Trip? You Should Definitely Try This New Culinary Destination in Denpasar: the Seafood Culinary Village in Serangan. 

As the name suggests, this culinary spot is located on Serangan Island. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. If you’re heading to Sanur or Gianyar, you’ll definitely pass by this village, making it a shame to miss out. 

Finding the location is easy; once you enter Serangan Island, you’ll be guided by signs. It’s situated right at the Serangan village square. There are plenty of seafood dishes to choose from at this new destination.

With 14 buildings and a total of 28 food stalls, there’s a wide variety of menus available. Most of the culinary offerings are seafood-based, including grilled shellfish, shrimp, grilled fish, and Balinese spiced squid, all prepared by local residents who have inherited these recipes through generations. The culinary stalls are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

This Culinary Village offers more than just food. The Denpasar city government aims to make it a one-stop solution for tourists. Thus, a jogging track runs alongside it, providing a space not just for dining but also for relaxing with family. Don’t miss out on this exciting new destination!

 

Wisata Edukasi Subak TeBA Majalangu

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Buat keluarga yang ingin memperkenalkan anak-anaknya dengan pembelajaran tentang alam khususnya pertanian. Inilah destinasi paling tepat dituju. Namanya Wisata Edukasi TeBA Majelangu. Destinasi ini milik Desa Kesiman Kertalangu yang terletak di kawasan jogging track Desa Budaya Kertalangu. Konsep tempat wisata ini adalah memberikan pelajaran bagi anak-anak tentang pertanian. Mereka bisa mengidentifikasi alat-alat pertanian, metodenya sampai praktek di lapangan. Semuanya bisa dilakukan di sini.

Don’t worry about the number of activities available, as the area spans 1.4 hectares. Both children and parents can enjoy a variety of experiences. There is a Subak Museum dedicated to showcasing traditional farming tools used in agricultural activities. This museum provides essential information, including the names of the tools and their functions, which is vital for the learning process.

Selain itu ada Rumah bibit tempat pameran untuk menampilkan contoh bibit organik yang sudah dibuat oleh kelompok tani setempat. Pengunjung bisa melihat bagaimana bentuk bibit / tanaman apa saja yang ada di kawasan TeBA Majalangu dan diberikan edukasi secara umum berkaitan dengan fungsi dari masing-masing tanaman.

After exploring the museum and seed house, there’s also an opportunity to feed animals. Here, visitors can interact with several livestock, which is particularly enjoyable for children. During this educational experience, they will learn about the types of animals typically used in traditional Balinese ceremonies.

Kegiatan terakhir yang bisa dinikmati adalah permainan atau game outbond merupakan salah satu kegiatan yang paling disukai anak-anak yang bertujuan untuk melatih dan mengembangkan kepercayaan diri, keberanian dan daya kreatifitas anak-anak. Jadi tunggu apalagi, TeBA Majelangu sangat cocok buat keluarga yang rindu dengan aktivitas alam dan sangat mudah dijangkau dari Kota Denpasar.

Enjoying Arts and Culture at the Bali Cultural Park: The Largest Performance Center in Denpasar

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Taman Budaya Bali, also known as Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre Denpasar, is one of the oldest art performance centers in Bali, located on Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar City.

This cultural park consists of four complexes: the sacred complex, which includes Pura Taman Beji, Bale Selonding, and Bale Pepaosan; the tranquil complex, which houses the Perpustakaan Widya Kusuma; the semi-crowded complex, featuring Gedung Pameran Mahudara, Gedung Kriya, sculpture studios, an art guesthouse, and wantilan; and the bustling complex, which includes the Ardha Candra stage and Ksirarnawa.

Ardha Candra is an open stage often used for colossal performances, music shows, and other art displays. This iconic stage can accommodate up to six thousand spectators. Ksirarnawa, on the other hand, is a closed stage that can also host colossal performances, serving a similar purpose as Ardha Candra, but in an enclosed format. The Bali Provincial Government, particularly the Governor of Bali, frequently holds major events here.

In addition to Ardha Candra and Ksirarnawa, there are also Kalangan Ratna Kanda and Kalangan Ayodya, which are open-air stages typically used for performances such as dance, arja, and joged.

Covering an area of 14 hectares, the complex is designed with Balinese architecture and adorned with beautiful and captivating reliefs. Inside the exhibition building, visitors can view various paintings and sculptures created by Balinese artists. The idea for this facility was initiated by Governor Ida Bagus Mantra, who had a profound love for Balinese culture. He also donated five hectares of land to build the complex, which opened in 1973.

Today, Taman Budaya Art Center is the only venue in Denpasar that offers a complete array of Balinese cultural performances.

The venue is open daily from morning to evening. The best time to visit is during the Bali Arts Festival (Pekan Kesenian Bali, PKB), held annually from June to July. During this event, representatives from nine regencies in Bali showcase their unique regional arts, including dance, music, carving, painting, puppetry, and traditional food.

Lumintang City Park: An Integrated Recreation Destination in the Heart of Denpasar

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Here is the favorite city park for the people of Denpasar. It is located on Jalan Gatot Subroto Tengah. This city park offers complete facilities for families with various purposes in the capital of Bali. For those who aren’t familiar with this park, let’s take a look at the available facilities at Lapangan Kota Lumintang.

Taman Kota Lumintang is not just equipped with sports facilities; it has transformed into a beautiful city park that serves as a new choice for recreation and education for families. The park is divided into several themed areas, such as a traffic park, a senior park, a fitness park, a bird park, a digital park, and a children's playground. All of these areas provide recreational opportunities for relaxation in the city. The park is bisected by Jalan Gatot Subroto Tengah.

On the southern side of the road, there is a traffic park that has been inaugurated with traffic signs and facilities to educate children about road safety. One of the newest facilities in this southern area is an internationally recognized skatepark. Moving to the northern side of Lapangan Lumintang, there is a digital park that provides easy access to information technology through comfortable internet services, complete with seating and tables. This area is also equipped with CCTV and free Wi-Fi for information access.

There is also a Youth Park, which is often used as a coworking space, a mini food court, for youth entrepreneurship training, live music shows, dance, theater, and creative exhibitions (such as paintings, photographs, and architecture). The Youth Park features its own jogging track, allowing visitors to jog while enjoying the clean and well-maintained Tukad Tagtag river.

The main facility on the northern side is an open area featuring a jogging track. This facility is most frequently used by residents in the early morning, with peak usage in the late afternoon. There is also a senior park, which is often utilized by elderly residents for activities such as aerobics and light exercises like walking.

Additionally, there is a bird park where children can learn about the agility of pigeons while interacting directly by feeding them. For those exercising, various fitness facilities are available at no cost.

One indicator of a city’s livability is having a proper city park. Taman Kota Lumintang certainly meets this criterion.

Exploring History and Traditions at Pura Petilan Pengerobongan: From Majestic Penjor to Ngurek Dance

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Have you ever been curious when seeing viral videos of large and beautiful penjor (decorative bamboo poles) displayed together? If you’re wondering where this location is, we inform you that it is in Kesiman, specifically at Pura Petilan Pengerobongan. This temple is located in Kesiman village, East Denpasar. The installation of these beautiful, large penjors is just one of the activities at this temple.

Pura Petilan, situated on the northern side of Jalan WR. Supratman, Denpasar, has historical significance and a unique tradition known as Ngerebong, celebrated every Redite Pon Medangsia. In addition to being famous for its large penjors, one of the interesting cultural aspects of this temple is the Tari Ngurek or Ngunying, which is a dance performed in a half-trance state using a kris (traditional dagger) at certain times.

Pura Petilan, also known as Pura Pangrebongan, is one of the temples in Denpasar closely related to the history of Puri Kesiman. The son of the Badung king, who later became the king of Kesiman with the title Cokorda Kesiman or Batara Inggas, established a new palace to the west of Puri Kedaton or Puri Kesiman Baru. To strengthen the support from the people of Kesiman, the worship sites in the area were also improved.

To the east of Pura Petilan, worship places for the Pasek community, Warga Gaduh, and Warga Dangka were built. Similarly, worship sites connected to Pura Petilan were restored by the king. These included Pura Kedaton, Pura Urasana, Pura Kesiman, and Pura Tojan. The ceremonies at Pura Petilan continued, with the king participating in worship alongside the people. The statue of the additional king was also brought and installed at Gedung Agung along with the statue of Dalem Kesiman.

At Pura Petilan Kesiman, there is a gedong agung (main shrine) located in the center, with a bedawang nala base to place the statues. Next to the gedong agung, there is another gedong to accommodate the manca pengerob temple and all the pecanangan or pratima from all the temples in the Kesiman area during the Pengerebongan ceremony at Pura Petilan.

Pura Petilan is very interesting as it unites the people, in this case, the residents of Kesiman with various communities or citizens from different professions. They are united by the strength of their religious beliefs, as the temple not only serves as a medium for worshiping God and the sacred spirits of ancestors but also reaches out to social and cultural aspects.

Bali Mangrove Forest or Ngurah Rai Forest Park: A Nature Tourism Destination that Combines History, Beauty, and Conservation

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One of the natural attractions in the city of Denpasar that you should never miss is the Bali Mangrove Forest, or Ngurah Rai Forest Park (Tahura). This destination has historical significance as it was once the site where heads of state from G-20 countries, including U.S. President Joe Biden, gathered, took photos together, and planted mangroves. It is located on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Km 21, Suwung Kauh, Pemogan Village, Kuta, Denpasar. When entering this location, look for the large sign indicating G-20.

There are various activities to enjoy in this 1,373-hectare mangrove park, which features a 1.5-kilometer-long mangrove track. Here, you can walk along the wooden track above the mangrove forest, where visitors can observe and identify a variety of mangrove plants on either side. This mangrove track offers a view of the Bali Mandara Toll Road.

Visitors can also take a moment to relax and breathe in the fresh air from a special tower in the middle of the forest. This tower is also Instagram-worthy, making it a popular backdrop for photos. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the mangrove forest from above. Another activity you can try here is renting a jukung (traditional fishing boat) owned by local fishermen. The mangrove forest is home to boats from the Segara Guna Batu Lumbang Fishermen Group, which has around 40 members.

Tourists are invited to explore the mangrove forest for 25-30 minutes, even passing beneath the Bali Mandara Toll Road. The Guna Batu Lumbang Fishermen Group also manages a mangrove nursery, where they replant dead or damaged mangroves. Replanting efforts extend into the deeper parts of the forest using boats or canoes.

There are at least 16 species of mangrove vegetation in the Bali Mangrove Forest, predominantly Rhizophora, Bruguiera, and Xylocarpus. These mangroves provide shelter for various aquatic and terrestrial wildlife in the area. The Ngurah Rai Forest Park Technical Implementation Unit has recorded approximately 61 bird species, four reptiles, 30 species of crustaceans, and eight fish species living within it.

Isn’t it interesting to explore activities in the Denpasar Mangrove Forest? Who says tourism in Denpasar is only about culture and beaches? The mangrove forest is also worth visiting.

 

Unveiling the Charm of Sindu Market Sanur: A Favorite Culinary Spot for Foreign and Local Tourists

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Forget any dirty or unpleasant impressions you might have when hearing about Pasar Sindu Sanur. All those impressions can be dismissed; instead, you will be left with a remarkable experience. At Pasar Sindu Sanur, visitors are often amazed by the large number of international tourists mingling with locals. It’s no wonder this market is nicknamed the “Bule Senggol Market.”

Pasar Sindu Sanur is located at Jalan Danau Toba No. 17, Sanur, Bali. The market spans an area of 51 are and accommodates 361 traders, most of whom are local residents. In the morning, the market sells various daily necessities, while at night, the market transforms into a vibrant night market. It was inaugurated by Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Marie Elka Pangestu, in 2010, with the aim of making Pasar Sindu a friendly and fresh market.

Far from the typical impressions of traditional markets, Pasar Sindu stands out for its cleanliness. It is not only known for being friendly and fresh but also as a market appealing to tourists, especially when it opens at night. In the evening, the market offers a variety of traditional culinary delights from street vendors at affordable prices.

Some of the standout dishes at Pasar Malam Sindu include chicken noodles, fried rice, meatballs, satay, goat curry, and fruit ice. Its location in Sanur, a major destination in Bali, makes Pasar Sindu a popular shopping spot for international tourists. They blend in with locals and domestic tourists to enjoy local culinary offerings. The cleanliness and organization of the vendors create a comfortable atmosphere, dispelling any notions of messiness and disorder.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sitting close to international tourists while enjoying the culinary offerings at Pasar Sindu. If you don’t believe it, you can check it out for yourself!

The Tomb of Queen Ayu Siti Khodijah: A Story of Multiculturalism and Legend in Denpasar

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The tomb of Ratu Ayu Siti Khodijah serves as evidence that multiculturalism has long existed in the city of Denpasar. This tomb is located to the north of Setra Agung Badung, in the Pekraman village of Denpasar, precisely to the east of Pura Dalem Kahyangan Denpasar.

Ratu Ayu Siti Khodijah Pemecutan is the tomb of one of the daughters of the Raja Pemecutan named Gusti Ayu Made Rai, also known as Raden Ayu Pemecutan. However, it is unclear which Raja Pemecutan she descended from. She married Raden Sosroningrat, the son of the Raja of Bangkalan, and after their marriage, Dewi Ayu moved to Madura, converted to Islam, and changed her name to Siti Khotijah.

The story of Raden Ayu Pemecutan resembles the legends of princesses from royal courts throughout the archipelago. The princess was renowned for her beauty and beloved, becoming the flower of the kingdom. Many nobles in Bali wished to propose to her. However, misfortune struck when the princess contracted jaundice. Raja Pemecutan attempted to heal his beloved daughter, but was unsuccessful. In desperation, he held a contest: whoever could cure her would be rewarded, marrying the princess if male, or being adopted as a royal child if female.

Kabar tentang sayembara ini terdengar oleh seorang ulama di Yogyakarta dan mempunyai seorang anak didik yang jadi raja di Madura yaitu Pangeran Cakraningrat IV. Ulama yang dalam buku Sejarah keramat Raden Ayu Pemecutan disebut Syech ini memanggil Pangeran Cakraningrat IV ke Yogyakarta untuk mengikuti sayembara tersebut. Raja Madura ini berangkat ke Bali, hasilnya dapat ditebak Raden Ayu Pemecutan dapat disembuhkan oleh Pangeran Cakraningrat IV.

Setelah sang putri sembuh, lalu Raden Ayu Pemecutan dan Pangeran Cakraningrat IV dikawinkan. Tentunya dalam perkawinan muslim, keduanya harus beragama Islam, Raden Ayu Pemecutan pun jadi mualaf dan bergelar Raden Ayu Siti Khotijah. Sang putri lalu di boyong ke Madura oleh Pangeran Cakraningrat IV.

Suatu ketika Raden Ayu pulang ke Bali beserta 40 orang pegiring dan pengawal. Pangeran Cakraningrat IV memberikan bekal berupa guci, keris dan sebuah pusaka berbentuk tusuk konde yang diselipkan di rambut sang putri. Sesampainya di kerajaan Pamecutan, Siti Khotijah disambut dengan riang gembira. Namun, kala itu tidak ada yang mengetahui bahwa sang putri telah memeluk agama Islam. Suatu hari ketika ada suatu upacara Meligia atau Nyekah yaitu upacara Atma Wedana yang dilanjutkan dengan Ngelingihan (Menyetanakan) Betara Hyang di Pemerajan (tempat suci keluarga) Puri Pemecutan, Raden Ayu Pemecutan berkunjung ke Puri tempat kelahirannya. Pada suatu hari saat sandikala (menjelang petang) di Puri, Raden Ayu Pemecutan alias Raden Ayu Siti Kotijah menjalankan persembahyangan (ibadah sholat maghrib) di Merajan Puri dengan menggunakan Mukena (Krudung). Ketika itu salah seorang Patih di Puri melihat hal tersebut. Para patih dan pengawal kerajaan tidak menyadari bahwa Puri telah memeluk islam dan sedang melakukan ibadah sholat. Menurut kepercayaan di Bali, hal tersebut dianggap aneh dan dikatakan sebagai penganut aliran ilmu hitam.

Due to the guards’ ignorance, the “strangeness” witnessed in the palace courtyard led them to report it to the king. The king became furious and ordered the execution of Raden Ayu Siti Khotijah. She was taken to a large burial area, and upon arriving at Pura Kepuh Kembar, Raden Ayu expressed her premonition regarding this situation.

Raden Ayu requested not to be killed with a sharp weapon, but rather with a hairpin tied with betel leaves and wrapped with three colored threads. She reminded them that if the scent was foul, they should bury her; but if it was fragrant, they should build a sacred place called kramat.

After Raden Ayu's death, it was confirmed that fragrant smoke emerged from her body, astonishing the patihs and her attendants. The king deeply regretted his decision. Raden Ayu's body was buried at that location, and as per her request, a sacred place called kramat was constructed, which was managed by Gede Sedahan Gelogor, who served as the palace chief at Puri Pemecutan.

Diving into the History and Traditions of Pura Tambang Badung: From Pura Taman to Pura Penambangan Badung

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Pura Tambang Badung is located in Banjar Pemedilan Kerandan, Desa Pemecutan, Denpasar, specifically on Jalan Gunung Batukaru, just west of Pura Pasah Pemedilan. This temple is one of the ancient temples in Bali.

Originally named Pura Taman, it later became Pura Ayu Panesteran Panembahan Badung before finally being known as Pura Penambang Badung. Pura Tambang Badung hosts several traditions, including the Baris Tangklong dance performed during Penampahan Galungan and the Siyat Sampian tradition celebrated during Manis Kuningan. These traditions aim to purify and instill a sense of chivalry among the community.

Pura Penambangan Badung serves as a royal temple for the Badung Kingdom. According to traditional sources, this temple was established during the early days of the Badung Kingdom by Kiyai Jambe Pule, who was honored with the title Kiyai Anglurah Pemecutan I.

The name Pura Penambangan is closely linked to the blessings received by Kiyai Jambe Pule at Mount Batukaru, symbolized by a whip (cemeti) and a rope (tambang). The temple represents the bond that ties the families and residents of Pemecutan together. Within the temple, various palinggih (sacred structures) stand, including the paibon (family ties) of all the individuals who contributed to the establishment of the Badung Kingdom.

There are a total of 52 palinggih, 18 of which are palinggih paibon, while the rest are dedicated to various important temples in Bali. This temple is maintained by the residents of Puri Pemecutan. The pujawali ceremony (the anniversary of the temple’s founding) is held every Purnama Kadasa (the full moon in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar, around March).