There are a lot of holy caves in Bali and normally stated as ritual place for certain ceremony and some famous cave is also treated as a very important temple such as Goa Gajah and Goa Lawah (Goa means Cave) and one of those is the temple of Goa Giri Putri in Suana village, Nusa Penida Island, Klungkung Regency. This Giri Putri Temple will give you a different experience that is rarely found in other tourism area in Bali.

The history of this temple is said to be predicted in Neolithic era. In this era, it was said that human lived without feeling, norms, or even rules. They always lives as a wolf to other human, who is stronger, he will survive this world. To save lives and developing families, this cave is said to be used for protection. And later when the world is getting better, this temple then used for meditation and spiritual purposes.

The word “Giri Putri” was given to the greatest cave in Nusa Penida Island by certain reason. The word “giri” means ’hill’ and the word “putri” means ‘female”. Those words were given to refer the cave as holy site of Siva on the manifestation as a goddess whose possess the nature to protect, nurture, and loving human being.

About geographical data provided by Warmadewa University in 2007, this cave is approximately 262 meter in length and located on 150 meter above sea level. Inside the cave there is water path, stalagmites, stalactite, bats, and snakes. There are four biggest main area of this cave that is used as main praying area. One is placed in front of the cave and the other three is inside the cave. Before 1990, this cave is only used as local tourism spot (mainly on Galungan & Kuningan). And the water inside the cave is used as holy water for ceremonial purposes.

One unique fact of this cave is that the main entrance to this cave is so small. The entrance is only a size of a bucket. Even one adult seems unable to get inside. However, it just looks that way. When you tried to get inside, you will get there without big trouble. Moreover, people usually surprised when get inside the cave to see the big and wide area inside the cave that can fit to approximately 5.000 people.

This temple also has a very strong relationship with two other big temples. When a big ritual ceremony is due on the tenth full moon (based on Balinese traditional calendar) every year, the ceremony is also related to the Puncak Mundi Temple and Dalem Ped Temple. Therefore, when people are visiting Nusa Penida Island for ritual purposes, those three temples will be the main destinations. However, people are more eager to sleep over in Dalem Ped temple since the weather is warmer and the facilities are provided more.The condition of this cave is far different compared to its condition in 1990. In the past, this cave is more likely to be dark, cold, and scary. However, now the cave looks brighter and well preserved.

I Nyoman Dunia as the head village and the priest of Giri Putri Temple said that there are 13 temples (palinggih) in various forms of architecture. If you are eager to pray in this temple, the first area will be the Tri Purusa Temple located in outside the cave. After praying in the Tri Purusa temple, the next area will be entering the cave. This cave is divided into three main praying spot: in the front, middle, and backside. In this area there are four temples as a place to pray for safety and prosperity for life.

Advanced into the middle part of the cave, there are five temples, three in the bottom and two other are above. This holy place is a place to pray for spiritual pureness. This is a place to pray to be freed from all negative things. The outer side of this middle part is a meditation place. Balinese believe that people can be cured in this holy place. The meditation spot is also well naturally decorated by stalagmite and multi-color cave wall. With beautiful sounds of dropping water, this place is a perfect place for meditation.

The west end of the cave contains four temples. In this place people can see a beautiful panorama where the sunlight coming inside the cave. And there is also an exit route in this area where people also can see the beautiful nature of Nusa Penida Island. If you are visiting Nusa Penida Island, don’t forget to come to the temple of Giri Putri. A unique experience travelling in Bali is treasured here.

Sangeh is one of the most famous tourists destination in Bali. Sangeh is a forest located in Sangeh Village, District of Abiansemal, Badung Regency which is around 20 kilometers from the capital city (Denpasar). It could be reached in 45 minute driving or getting on public transportation. Besides its function as a tourism object, Sangeh is also an area of conservation forest with size of 14 hectare and most of its area are overgrown by trees of nutmeg (dipterrocarpustrinervis). These trees age hundred years and could reach 50 meters which are dwelled by around 700 grey monkeys (macaca faciculais) species.

The forest area in Sangeh is well preserved by the local villagers near its location. The monkeys are free to roam around without disturbance from human activities. This is also related to the local belief that the monkeys and this forest is sacred. This situation resulting a real atmosphere that could give you an experience of venturing a remote jungle, even though you are actually walking inside a town. Besides that, inside this forest there is also a complex of small temple called Puncak Sari Temple which is covered by green moss and hidden between the towering trees.

Actually, this lush forest is a bit unique because it is the only forest in the area and surrounded by rice fields and houses. There is two legends behind this unique forest. The first one is related to the epic Ramayana. Reputedly, when Hanuman (a monkey God in the story of Ramayana) lifted up the Mahameru Mountain, some of its part fell down in the place where now is Sangeh. This part grows well and the monkeys rule the area until now. The second story is when the King of Mengwi requested a secret construction of a park with the nutmeg trees taken from Agung Mountain. The secret construction was found out and the King abandoned the park construction. From that time, this area has grown by nutmegs and become a lush forest in the middle of a village.

When you first enter the area, at the gate you will see a big statue of a giant named Kumbakarna which is crowded and beaten by a lot of monkeys. This statue is a visualization of a fragment in Ramayana story which is very famous especially in Hinduism. After entering the gate, you will walk down the path around 200 meters heading into the nutmeg forest. In this area, the Puncak Sari Temple is located. In the end of the path, near the exit there is a sacred giant nutmeg tree which is called Lanang Wadon tree (man woman tree). It is named man and woman tree because this tree’s trunk do looks like genitals of man and woman.

The Life of Monkeys

The monkeys of Sangeh live as they have their own kingdom. Usually, they could be seen in group and every group has one leader. They also have one highest leader or king amongst all of the monkeys in the area. This leader or king live in the most spacious area of the forest. The rule of their life is similar like the human’s kingdom, for example the leader must always take precedence in particular situation, such as food sharing, and so forth. The monkeys of Sangeh are also known as the most naughtiest monkeys in Bali as they often annoy the tourists or steal their luggage. However, now these monkeys are more benign and not as wild as they were in the past. So, you should not afraid of visiting this place. However, it is highly suggested that you do not put on jewelries, glasses, mobile phones, or other small and precious things.

Tips

Around the area of Sangeh there are also some stands and shops selling various kind of souvenirs and also foods. The entrance ticket for visiting this place is only Rp 5.000. Inside, some staffs of the forests maintainer or local guides in Balinese clothes are ready to guide you to walk around the area of this forest. However, make sure you obey the rules of this area, such as dress modesty, do not disturb the monkeys, or be careful with your luggage because some of these monkeys are naughty enough to steal whatever you bring or put on around your body. It is suggested that before entering the Sangeh area, you buy a bag of peanuts around the shops in the parking lot for feeding the monkeys. These monkeys will be more friendly if you give them foods. Apart from that, Sangeh is a “must visit” tourism object that you need check in Bali.

Australia has been known as one of the most developed countries in the world. It could be seen from the advance of its development, economy, education, and also military sector. This country is also the most unique country in the world, because Australia is the only country which at the same time is also a continent. This small continent has a beautiful nature with enormous richness of animals, floras, and landscapes. Australia is also included as the nominator of the New 7 Wonders of Nature from 259 nominators offered by 222 countries.

Although, did not selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Australia is still exotic and attractive. Many tourists still choose Australia as one of its favorite destination. What is actually special from the nature of Australia? Well, maybe you could draw your own conclusion after reading some of Australia’s favorite natural attractions below.

Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef is a the largest coral reef system in Australia and even in the world. located near the Queensland’s beach, this natural wonder is formed by over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for about 3,000 kilometers over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometers; larger than the Chinese Great Wall. Amazingly, this reef system is the only living things which is visible from the space, so you can imagine how vast the area of it. It was said that this reef system has been existed from the prehistoric era, or about 25 million years ago.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru which is also known as Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock formation located 450 kilometers southwest from Alice Springs in Kata-Tjuta Uluru National Park, central Australia. This rock is made from sandstone and one of the largest monoliths in the world. Uluru rises 348 meters above the desert floor and has a circumference of 9.4 kilometers. Such a big stone!

Because of its greatness, many people try to climb this big rock. However, Uluru is actually a sacred place for the people of Anangu; the indigenous of this area. These people do not allow tourists to climb this sacred site anymore. Apart from that, Uluru is still one of the attractive places to visit in Australia. Moreover, it is getting famous because of the color at this sites could become more vibrant and even changing at some particular time.

The Pinnacles

It was said that this places has been existed from 30 thousand years ago when this area was still an ocean. Thousands of stone pillar spread around the area of the desert creating an amazing and unique landscape. The height of these stones varies from a few centimeters until 3.5 meters. Some of them has a jagged top, but some also has a round top which look like a tombstone. These rocks are formed from hardened shells existed from the prehistoric era when this area was still underwater.

The Pinnacles is located in Nambung National park, and is a natural habitat for the grey kangaroos and some species of reptiles.

Bungle Bungles

Bungle Bungles is a national park with the collection of unique sandstones massif. It was estimated that the area was formed around 350 million years ago. The highest top could reach 578 meters. A scenic flight is the best way to gain a perspective of its massive size. Many people prefer seeing the panorama of Bungle Bungles from the air because the panorama could be very astonishing. However, visiting this area by road is also a worthy experience, especially for the people who like adventure.

Twelve Apostles

This place is located off the shore of the Port Campbell National Park, by the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. Twelve Apostles is a place for a unique collection of limestone stack located in the beach. However, its existence become dangerous because of a severe erosion happens in this beach. Actually, the time when it was given the name Twelve Apostles (12 limestone), there were only 9 limestone left. Unfortunately, now only eight are still exist. However, this place is still an attractive place to be visited considering the uniqueness that you may not find in the other places in the world.

Shark Bay

Shark Bay is located approximately 800 kilometers north from Perth, Western Australia. Even though there is a population of shark (lemon shark) in this place, the chances of being attacked by a shark in the bay are very low. This place is a safe place for enjoying an amazing natural panorama of Western Australia. Shark bay has a white sand spread along 1.500 kilometers. Besides that, there are also limestone and cliffs which are very high. Besides population of shark, in this bay there are also species of dugong (sea cows), bottlenose dolphins, stingray, and many more.

Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains is located in the West of Sydney. You will be amazed by the beauty of this World Heritage Area. This mountain is shrouded by bluish fog. With approximately one million hectare area, this area is the most attractive mountain for the tourists, and adventurers. Blue Mountains area consists of high forests, sandstone cliffs, waterfall, and bushes. You can venture this area by mountain cycling, walking around with an Aborigine guide, or even get on a train in Greater Blue Mountains Drive.

Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is the only Universal Studio in the Southeast Asia region which is located in Sentosa Island. This place is one of the best family outing places in Singapore. This theme park offers various kind of unique rides and attractions with total different 7 themed zones, such as Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, Far Far Away, Sci-Fi City, and Madagascar.

Hollywood

Immediately after entering the park, you will see the Hollywood. Besides the unique setting this zone also offers you opportunity to meet some characters, such as Betty Boop, Beetle Juice, until the characters of Madagascar. Thus, this area/zone is favorite for taking pictures. This is also the place for Pantages Hollywood Theater, a place where you could watch a musical show of Universal monsters (Monster Rock), and even the Ironman.

This area also has a lot of merchandise shops like Universal Studios Store which sells themed collectible, toys and apparels; The Dark Room which sells things related to the visitors photo; Star Characters; Silver Screen Collectibles; Super Star Candies; The Brown Derby which sells accessories and hats for the kids; and That’s a Warp. For the restaurants there are Celebrity Cafe and Bakery, Hollywood China Bistro, and Mel’s Drive In (a classic 50′s drive-in restaurant which serves All-American favorites).

New York

New York is very close to the Hollywood. This area is located just in the right side of Hollywood. This area is very glamour with more colorful settings. Together with the Hollywood, this area is the visitors’ favorite place for taking photographs. The main attraction is the special effect show called Steven Spielberg’s Lights, Camera, Action. When you exit this area you will see the Hershey’s store. It sells various kinds of chocolate with different flavors.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt is very exotic yet thrilling area. In the Revenge of the Mummy, feel the thrill as you face some warrior mummies in an indoor roller coaster ride. Meanwhile, in the Treasure Hunters, you will venture the area of manmade Egyptian excavation site by driving a desert jeep. In the same area, a souvenir shop is available which is uniquely named as Carter’s Curiosities. Besides that a restaurant called the Oasis Spice Café is worthy to be visited.

Far Far Away

Far Far Away is probably the most popular zone amongst the visitors. This zone offers a beautiful and unique setting which really brings you into the world of fairytale. Besides that, some attractions and activities in this zone are interesting and spectacular. For example, there are Shrek 4-D adventure offers a unique experience seeing, hearing, and also feeling the adventure of Shrek’s characters right from your seat, Donkey Live which allow you to sing along with donkey in an interactive live show, an exhilarating roller coaster called Enchanted Airways, and a kiddies’ unique Ferris wheel called Magic Potion Spin.

There are two restaurants in the Far Far Away, Goldilocks and Friar’s which both serve sandwiches, fish and chips, and many more. Besides that, there is also Fairy Godmother’s Juice Bar, where you can mix your own colorful elixirs (juice).

The Lost World

The Lost World will bring you into the prehistoric jungle in a modern area. Here, you can feel the adventure like you saw in the movie. The attractions are Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, Canopy Flyer which is a funny inverted roller coaster, Dino Soarin a kind of kiddies ride on a back of Pteranodon, Amber Rock Climb where you get to scale the walls to explore artificial precious stones and fossilized insects, and a remarkable live water show based on the movie of Waterworld.

The available restaurant in this area is Discovery Foodcourt with its unique Jurassic setting. Besides that, there is also the Fossil Fuels stall nearby as an alternative.

Sci-Fi City

In this impressive zone you will experience the ultimate intergalactic battle of Good versus Evil and visit a vibrant metropolis with all the ultimate modern conveniences. Some rides and attractions with future style are available, like the Accelerator a whirling twirling attraction;

Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon a spectacular and intertwined roller coasters which the riders on both coasters will experience unbelievable thrills as they race towards each other and nearly collide; and Transformers The Ride a hyper-realistic 3D thrill ride, right in the middle of the incredible world of Transformers.

The unique and futuristic restaurant StarBot Café is ready to serve you with variety of Asian cuisines. There are two souvenir shops located in this area, they are Galactica PX and TRANSFORMERS Supply Vault.

Madagascar

Madagascar’s characters are always enjoyable to watch. You can watch them dance like in the Move it Dance Show. After the show you could see them in the “meet and greet” and take some photographs with the characters. Besides that, you can also enjoy a river boat ride with these characters through the Crate Adventure. In the same area, there is also King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round, a unique carousel for kids. You can bought some souvenirs of the Madagascar characters from the Penguins Mercantile. The restaurants are Marty’s Casa Del Wild which serves Southeast Asian dishes and Gloria’s Snack Shack which offers Japanese rice bowls and seafoods.

Curug means waterfall in Sundanese (West Java). Curug Malela or Malela waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located in Cicadas Village, Rongga District, West Java. Different with the other waterfalls in Indonesia, this waterfall has a unique form which is similar with Niagara Waterfall in Ontario, Canada. This Curug Malela is indeed smaller in the water debit and size, but from the structure this waterfall deserves a reputation as the Little Niagara.

Based on its topography, the river which falls as Curug Malela is Cicurug River. Curug Marela itself is approximately 50 meters in height and 70 meters in width. Besides Curug Malela, the biggest one which flows to the downstream, there are also other six series of multi tiers waterfall along 1 kilometer area. Those waterfalls are Curug Katumiri, Curug Manglid, Curug Ngeubul, Curug Sumpel, Curug Palisir, and Curug Pameungpeuk which are all located in Cicadas Village.

Every waterfall has its own uniqueness, for example Curug Malela which has a spread water when falling down, Curug Katumiri which could show a beautiful rainbow around 08.00-09.00 in the morning, or Curug Ngeubul with its unified flow when falling down resulting a foggy surrounding and booming sound (the opposite of Curug Malela). Meanwhile, Curug Manglid has a hidden cave behind its waterfall, Curug Sumpel has a big river below its waterfall, Curug Palisir which is the little Curug Malela, and Curug Pameungpeuk which is the estuary waterfall between Cidadap River and Cisoka River.

Steep relief of Rongga Plateau gives a hard terrain with some valleys forming v-form with angle more than 45 degree. On this plateau the rivers erode the area vertically. The slopes creating a limited terrain to be accessed, but in the other hands resulting a fascinating landscape which are enjoyable to be watch. Some of the plateaus’ height reaching up to 1000 meters above sea level. The area around these plateaus has been used for tea garden since the era of Dutch Colonialism in Indonesia.

The kind of stones which are forming Curug Malela are very hard and tough. The toughness of these stones creating an impression of a firm and slick edge walls. These walls surrounding the waterfall looks very beautiful and elegant. The elegance of this waterfall becomes even more obvious when this waterfall is photographed in a low speed setting, resulting a picture looks like silky threads flowing from upside.

Even though Culug Malela has been labeled with a predicate of tourism object, this area is not really suitable with that call. Its hard access, makes this waterfall more suitable to be called as an outbound or trekking area.

Access

Since 2006, the local government has declared their will to administer this potential tourism object. Until now, the road heading to Curug Malela has been repaired even though not really well. Unfortunately, not all roads are repaired. There are still 5 kilometers way which do not undergo the repair.

The absence of street signs is the minus of this area. It is supposed us to be a more active asker, because without asking to the local people you will get lost easily. After asking enough direction you will arrive at Bunijaya and then turn left into Simpang Rongga. After that, you will face ascending winding roads which need careful driving. In the town of Rongga, you will face another intersection and this time you need to go to the left heading into Kubang, Montaya. In the middle of the trip, when you are crossing the District of Gununghalu, Rongga, you could enjoy the green scenery of tea garden.

The trip from Gununghalu to Kubang Montaya which is only 20 km should be taken in around 2 hours because of the problems mentioned above, for instance the absence of street signs or broken roads, especially from Simpang Kubang to the Cicadas. Holed and rough roads will need extra care to be passed. It needs around one hour to take that 3 kilometers road. After arriving in Cicadas, it does not mean that Curug Malela is close. After this, you will need to cross a farm area on foot. After one hour trekking, you will finally arrive in Curug Malela.

Indeed, the trip to Curug Malela is exhausting, but once you get there all of the tiredness will be paid off with the beautiful panorama of this little Niagara.