Joanna James
Tabanan in central Bali basks in the glory of being home to some of the most wonderful treasures of the Indonesian island. Bali is renowned for breathtaking scenic beauty, and you can only imagine what Tabanan has in store for you for a blissful time on the idyllic tropical island.
Revered by locals for its historical and religious significance and admired by almost all tourists as a cultural icon for photography and immersive admiration, Tanah Lot, which is set about 20 kilometres northwest of Kuta, is a dramatic rock formation nestled amidst the wide-open seas. Atop the naturally striking rock is the eponymous Hindu pilgrimage temple, Pura Tanah Lot, which is arguably the most beautiful temple out of the whole host of Bali’s ornate temples. Surrounded by the turquoise blue waters, the ancient temple is a wonderful sight to behold from dawn to dusk, but it is at its most breathtaking when set against the tranquil, gorgeous sunset.
Expanding over a whopping 389 acres in the mountainous region of Bedugul, Tabanan, the Bali Botanical Garden is the largest botanical garden in all of Indonesia. Those seeking a moment of peace and quiet in Tabanan, make your way to the sprawling botanic garden, where oodles of nature and beauty stand to offer all the tranquillity you would need to wallow in and be alone with your thoughts.
Take a break from savouring Tabanan’s scenic nature and head over to the wonderful Bali Butterfly Park to admire the charms of the fascinating little creatures. The 32,000-square-feet nature reserve is home to a wide variety of butterflies, including some of the most rare species you will ever see, such as birdwing butterfly, swallowtail and great Mormon.
A 90-minute drive from the main Ubud centre will bring you to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces — a breathtaking 600 hectares of lush green rice-terrace covered fields that are sure to blow your mind away. It is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic sights that one could ever witness in the region of Tabanan. It may not be as incredible as the widely popular Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, but you are definitely compensated with far fewer crowds and tranquillity.
While there are a whole host of things to do in Tabanan, your holidays would not be complete without a slice of beach under the belt. Ringing the tropical island of Bali are some picture-postcard beaches and Balian Beach in Tabanan is undoubtedly one of the most stunning. Unwind under swaying palms, sip on tropical cocktails and bask in the soothing sun, immersing yourself in the delightful beach ambience. Savour a slice of sun, sand and sea and retreat to one of the finest resorts on the island, including the likes of Nirjhara.
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.
