JAMES ONG’S PHOTOGRAPHY
JAMES ONG’S PHOTOGRAPHY
2010
The island of Bali lies east Java, separated from it by the Bali Strait. The attractions of Bali are varied, appealing to visitors with an interest in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and sports.
South Bali has the greatest concentration of beach resorts and nightlife; Central and East Bali are particularly rich in history and artistic interest. However, in many areas quite undeveloped.
The whole journey took 8 days 7 nights:
Day 1: Arrived Bali and visited Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Day 2: Diving at Tulamben Bay and overnight at
Candidasa
Day 3: Diving, visited Tegangan Village, Puri Taman
Ujung, and Tirtagangga
Day 4: Diving
Day 5: Watched Barong and Keris Dance at
Batubulan, visited Balinese Village, Gunung
Batur, Pura Tirta Empul, terrace rice field,
Bali (23-30 Sep 2006)
10/14/09
Photo taken at Pura Tanah Lot. As the sun goes down, the shrines make a magnificent silhouette against a glowing horizon.
and Jimbaran Beach
Day 6: Visited Pura Taman Ayun, Botanic Garden, Pura Ulun Danun, and Pura Tanah Lot
Day 7: Visited Kuta
Day 8: Leaving to Singapore
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is not only one of Bali’s most sacred places of worship but also one of the most beautiful examples of classical Balinese architecture. It is thought to be built on 11th century. Until the beginning of the 20th century only the princes of Denpasar were allowed to worship here. It is best to visit during the late afternoon when the sea breezes rise, and then enjoy the sunset.
Diving
Bali dive sites are rich in marine life, lush coral gardens and reef wall. We were dive at Tulamben Bay, Crystal Bay, etc.
Candi Dasa
Originally a fishing village, Candi Dasa has now grown into a popular resort. However, since the reef which once lay offshore was largely destroyed by exploitation as a raw material, the beach has been almost completely eroded. However, it is still a good base for exploring the region, and for diving and snorkeling.
Tegangan Village
The original Balinese Village still maintain a distinct cosmology and social organization. For example, villagers must marry in the community or leave the village.
Puri Taman Ujung
Is a water palace built in 1921 by the last raja of Karangasem. The building were all destroyed in the earthquake of 1974. But renovation in 2004 has restored it to its former grandeur.
Tirtagangga
Meaning “holy water from the Ganges”. It is the best surviving example of Bali’s royal water palaces. It was built in 1947, and restored after damage sustained in the 1963 by the eruption of Gunung Agung.
Barong and Keris Dance
The dragon-like Barong (representing order, harmony and health) and his demonic counterpart Rangda (associated with chaos, illness and harm) are guardian effigies. Devotees of the Barong attack Rangda with their keris daggers. The Rangda’s power turns the daggers against the attackers; and the Barong’s power prevents the blades from piercing their bare skin.
Balinese Village
The Balinese Village is one of the island’s most visually distinctive features. It’s essentially a religious community, organized around a core of temples.
Granary
Pelinggih are shrines or “seats” of the gods
Pura Tirta Empul
This sacred spring temple is a major tourist stop and a pleasant place to visit. The main feature is a series of courtyards containing rectangular bathing-pools. The temple is thought to date from the 10th century. People come from all over the island for holy water and ritual ablutions, particularly on the day of the full moon.
Terrace Rice Field
Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran beach provides a great view of sunset. It’s also a good place to eat. The beach is lined with thatch-rooted eating places, where customers choose their fresh seafood which is then grilled over coconut husks and delivered to the table.
Pura Taman Ayun
Pura Ayun temple symbolizes the Hindu world set in the cosmic sea. It is thought to ensure the harmonious circulation of water from the mountains of Bali to the rice fields, then to the sea, and back to the mountains. Originally established in 1740, the temple was restored in 1937.
Botanic Garden
Pura Ulun Danun
The temple is one of the most important on Bali because of its association with Lake Batur, which supplies the irrigation system of Gianyar and Bangli through a series of underground springs.
Kuta
As Bali’s main tourist hub, Kuta is a good base for relaxation. The beach is long and sandy. Besides the beach and water sports, the principal attractions are shopping and nightlife.
Pura Tanah Lot
One of Bali’s most heavily promoted landmarks, Pura Tanah Lot is a temple set dramatically on a small island about 100m off the coast. It is accessible on foot only at low tide.
Gunung Batur
The most active volcano in Bali. It has erupted on a large scale more than 20 times in the last 200 years. The most devastating occasion was in 1917 when more than 1000 people died and over 2000 temples were destroyed.