Joanna James
South Bali home to capital Denpasar is rife with culture, traditions and attractions as old as time. The Bukit Peninsula on the southernmost tip will turn out to hold many allures. Read on and explore.
If you are on a business trip then this is the ideal attraction to explore in your free time. A 43 minute pleasant drive from the Bali International Convention Centre the Museum Negeri located in Denpasar, comprises of pavilions and buildings that on their own are fine examples of Balinese architecture. Inside you will discover traditional artefacts, pre historic pieces, ceremonial object, beautiful displays of elegant textiles and the Barong which is a mythical lion-dog like creature common in Balinese folklore.
An ode to artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres who arrived on the island in 1932, the museum is his former home. Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur married Ni Polok a beautiful 15 year old Legong Dancer and lived within these quarters located in Sanur. At that time the place was a quaint Fisher village from which the artist drew much inspiration. His paintings have sold for over US$ 150,000, and around 90 remaining paintings on display within the house which was opened after the death of Ni Polok in 1985.
A 4km long haven of sandy shore Jimbaran is one of the best places to see in Bali. The place is pretty clean and offers a good collection of cafes and restaurants for grabbing a snack and drink while enjoying sun, sand and surf. There are places to rent sun loungers for when you are not hitting the waves as the surf is quite irresistible here, especially since it is protected by an uninterrupted coral reef that mellows out the swells. Body surfing is a popular sport here and loads of fun.
For some local action do head over to the Bukit Peninsula in the early hours of the morning. Taking place on Jimbaran Beach the fish market is a hive of activity that comes with it unique dose of smells, sights and sounds. Watch as fresh catches of huge langoustines to little sardines are auctioned off; open from 6 am to 3 pm the action here is fast paced and quite fierce.
This museum displays a fine collection of art that spans across Pacific Ocean cultures. Over 600 paintings from a range of countries in the region are on display here. Together with the work of European artists who found inspiration in Bali. The place is open from 10 am to 6 pm and has on display the work of Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur, Arie Smit and Theo Meier.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
