Tourists in Bali looking for an escape from the busy coastal resort and to explore some of the island’s most authentic culture should look no further than a day trip or a getaway within a getaway, to the Bedugul Highlands.
This region of Bali is slowly becoming more well-known to international tourists, and it’s not hard to see why demand is rising.
The Bedugul area of Bali is best known for being home to the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Beratan Lake. The Bedugul area is characterized by rolling hills, crisp cool air, agrotourism initiatives, and rural community life.
Though Ulun Danu Beratan Temple has long been a picture postcard icon of the island’s culture, the temple has often been a destination favored by domestic tourists more so than international tourists.
This, in part, is because temples like Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, the Gates of Heaven Temple – Pura Lempuyang, and Tirta Empul Temple have always been promoted to international tourists and are generally a little closer to the big resort areas.
However, all that is changing. As international tourists seek off the beaten path experiences, to connect to Balinese culture in a more authentic way and to dodge the ever increasing crowds of the southern coast, areas like Bedugul, Munduk and Sideman are slowly appearing more on the itinerates of international jet setters in Bali.
The Public Relations Officer for Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, told reporters on Monday that while tourist visits did increase over the Eid al-Adha holiday this weekend, that numbers are steadily increasing on average too.
Putu Suraya said “the number of visits increased by 30% compared to tourist visits on 16th June. On Sunday tourist visit were recorded at 900 local tourists and 1,000 foreign tourists.”
Suraya noted that he and his teams are preparing for the Gebogan Festival, which will be a platform to showcase Balinese arts and cultural performances around the Ulun Danu Beratan tourism area. He explained, “This festival will be held in mid-July, involving 20 Banjar Traditional Villages.”
In light of the recent increase in the number of reports of foreigners behaving badly in Bali, Suraya, and his teams are taking no chances. They have assigned ten security officers around the Ulun Danu Beratan tourism area to monitor the behaviour of tourists, ensure peace is maintained and to assess the ‘condition of tourists’ when they arrive at the site. They will also be conducting checks on bags too.
Suraya said “if the tourist is affected by alcohol, if they are drunk, we will not allow the tourist to enter to tourism area. This is done to prevent unwanted things.”
He added, however, that no incidences of badly behaved tourists her been reported in the area.
Suraya explained, “Until now, no foreign tourists have acted up when they arrive in Bedugul. I hope nothing bad will happen, because this could tarnish the name of Bali tourism.”
Tourists visiting the Pura Ulun Danu Beratan in Bedugul should be reminded that Balinese temple etiquette applies during a tour of the temple.
Everyone who enters the temple must wear a sarong and sash, as well as a modest shirt/t-shirt that covers the chest and shoulders.
It is not permissible to enter the temple if you are menstruating or have open wounds; photography is permitted but not in all areas, so it is always best to check with your guide, temple staff, or a member of the security team.
While a visit to Pura Ulun Danu Beratan and Lake Beratan is a wonderful way to spend a day, most tourists find this is really only a half-day activity unless they are heavily invested in learning about the culture and the temple’s history specifically.
A full-day tour of Bedugul can include Ulun Danu Beratan, Bali’s famous Handara Gate, the Bali Botanical Garden and/or The Blooms Garden, which is great for families and groups traveling with children, and a chilled afternoon at the Hidden Strawberry Garden, where you can pick your own fruit to take home to your accommodation at the end of the day!
Source: https://thebalisun.com/bali-highlands-increasing-in-popularity-with-international-tourists/
