Bali Regency Info

Complet Information about Bali Regency

BADUNG REGENCY
Located in the southernmost part of Bali is the regency of Badung, the island’s most intensely populated region, where Denpasar, the island’s capital and bustling metropolis thrives, and where Bali’s world-famous beach resorts are the star of the tourist industry. The area stretches from the central highlands in the north through an isthmus to the club-footed Nusa Dua Peninsula, also known as Bukit Badung.

The landscape of the Peninsula consists of an elevated limestone plateau, which differs from that of the month, where rich volcanic soil nourish the lush vegetation. Kuta and Jimbaran are situated in the north and west of the peninsula respectively.. Sanur is in the east and the famous Nusa Dua resort area is on the eastern tip of the peninsula itself.

BANGLI REGENCY
The regency of Bangli is characterized by its rugged volcanic highlands with bubbling hot springs and lush paddy fields. The volcanic mountains slope down to the sea near Tianyar and Tejakula while the rice growing areas over look Klungkung and Gianyar.

Numerous villages are scattered across the landscape of rice terraces, lush valleys and forests.

Travelers usually enter Bangli through Gianyar, via either Tampaksiring or the main road branching east from Gianyar through paddy fields, brick entrances along village streets, and pule and giant Banyan tress towering above you. Bangli is the source of many of Bali’s rivers.

BULELENG REGENCY
Spread across the northern strip of Bali, the regency of Buleleng is flanked by the Sea of Bali on the north, Karangasem on the east and separated from the southern regencies of Jembrana, Tabanan, Badung and Bangli by grand volcanic mountains.

Pretty much isolated from the rest of Bali, Buleleng has developed distinct social and cultural features and continues to attract increasing numbers of tourist each year with its breathtaking natural scenery and unique history.
Buleleng was the first region to be colonized by the Dutch in 1849. From there on, the Dutch conquered the rest of the island, with the many buildings characterizing Dutch architecture. also taking the lead in the cultural realm, the influence of the performing arts in Buleleng can be seen in the southern parts of Bali.

DENPASAR REGENCY
During the days of sailing ships during the last century, the importance of a port depended on its access to the sea-faring routes and its control of the trade in opium, weapons and manufactured products. Denpasar enjoyed these advantages tremendously. Located in the center of the southern rice fields, it was linked to the ports of Kuta in the west and Sanur and Benoa in the east. Slowly, the power of Denpasar grew. The power of Denpasar princes reached its Golden Age at the end of the last century when they defeated the kingdom of Mengwi with the help of Tabanan.

The arrival of the Dutch in the early 20th century, however, put an end to Balinese self-rule. However, rebellion broke out in 1906 with thousand of courageous Balinese warriors putting up a bloody “puputan” fight against the Dutch colonialists. As it was a battle of rifles against the kris (short daggers), the Dutch ruthlessly massacred the Balinese. Today, at the site of the tragedy at Puputan Square in Badung stands a monument in honour of the Balinese nobles who died.

GIANYAR REGENCY
The second most populated region of Bali, Gianyar is the cultural heart of the island. The highland town of Ubud, in particular, has acquired a reputation as a center of art after several foreign artists settled there in the 1920’s and 30’s. Geographically, the region is quite diverse. While clove, coffee and vanilla are grown in the highlands, paddy is the most common crop on the lowlands. The old harbors of Ketewel and Kramas are fishing villages.

Travelling by road from Denpasar to Ubud, the first village one reaches is Batubulan, which is famous for its stone carvings. Actually, most of the stone sculptures you see around Bali are almost certainly made in Batubulan.

JEMBERANA REGENCY
The least populated area of Bali, Jembrana was home of the now extinct Bali tiger. Despite having only basic tourist facilities, many attractions make Jembrana worth visiting. The main population areas are scattered along the southwestern coastal road. By road, Jembrana can be reached from Singaraja in the north and Denpasar in the southeast through Tabanan.

Enjoying a strategic location at the southwestern coast of Bali, Jembrana regency is the landing points for travelers by sea from Java island. Regular ferry services link the ports of Gilimanuk in Jembrana and Ketapang in Java. Opened in the 1970’s, the ferry terminals have been upgraded to cope with the higher volume of traffic. from Gilimanuk a road leads northward to Buleleng through scenic clove and vanilla plantations.

KARANGASEM REGENCY
During the 18th centuries, Karangasem was the most powerful kingdom in Bali but in the middle of the last century, it became a vassal of Lombok.

Covering 861 sq. km, Karangasem regency is well known for its breath taking landscapes which have been formed by lava flows from Gunung Agung, the sacred mountain of Bali.

Beautiful terraced paddy fields lie at the lower southeastern slopes of the regency while coffee and clove plantations are found higher up.

Salt panning and fishing are the major economic activities in the coastal areas.

KLUNGKUNG REGENCY
Klungkung, which means “happiness” or “beauty”, is Bali’s smallest district. Lying on the south-eastern coast of Bali, it includes the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan. The great Unda River flows through Klungkung, passing through many scenic villages.
Klungkung town is a bustling commercial center, and it’s market is the largest in Bali. However, the main tourist lures are the Kertha Gosa, the Hall of Justice, and the Bale Kambang, a floating pavilion. A magnificent example of Klungkung architecture, the Kertha Gosa was used a venue for the administration of justice by kings and priests during pre-colonial times. It is surrounded by a moat and is decorated with beautiful paintings on its ceilings, which depict tortures in hell and bliss in heaven.