Things To Do in Tabanan
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Tabanan Attractions
Kediri is south of Tabanan and has one of the busiest cattle markets in Bali, Pasar Hewan. It's not much to see unless you are in the market for livestock, but it is a small detour on the way further south to the pottery town of Pejaten, famous for its lovely pottery and terra-cotta tiles with figures of gods, goddesses, and wayang heroes. Also on sale are glazed Chinese ceramics. The prices are unbelievably cheap.
The Margarana Monument, 2km (1 1/4 miles) west of Marga (to the north of Tabanan), commemorates the November 20, 1946, battle against Dutch forces who sought to regain Bali as a colony after the departure of the Japanese. From here, one of the great figures in Balinese history, Gusti Ngurah Rai, led a band of independence fighters. Inside is a shrine in honor of Ngurah Rai and the words of his final letter ending in "Freedom or death."
On Bali's western coastline at Tanah Lot, 20 minutes drive north from Seminyak, the Greg Norman -- designed championship course Nirwana Bali Golf Club (in Le Meridien Resort, see below; Mon-Fri US$165, Sat & Sun US$175) opened in July 1997. It is acknowledged as one of the world's best; both Asian Golf Monthly and Golf Digest have voted the course the number one course in Indonesia. International competitions are staged here and there is a wealth of professional expertise on hand should you need lessons or guidance. The caddies here remain some of the best on the island. Golf carts with a caddy are compulsory and a drink service is provided. Lessons are available with the resident PGA professionals.
- Historic Site
Pura Taman Ayun
East of Tabanan is a huge elegant state temple surrounded by a moat. Built in 1634 and renovated in 1937, it was the main temple of the Mengwi kingdom until 1891. It has a flowing fountain and lovingly tended grounds and is sometimes used as a background for Balinese royal feasts.… - Religious Site
Pura Tanah Lot
Along the east-west road, this temple is one of the most popular and important sea temples on Bali. Proceed with caution if you chose to go. Sunset is the preferred time to visit and is thus teaming with tourists. You have to wade through a row of commercial shops and cafes before… - Historic Site
Royal Palace at Kerambitan
To the west of Tabanan is the 17th-century Puri Anyar Kerambitan. Its royal family represents Bali in its current progressive form, with roots in Balinese history dating from the 13th century. The family enjoyed great prosperity until the law of Land Reform in 1961 restricted… - Park/Garden
Sangeh Monkey Forest
Spend a morning north of Tabanan (or a 30-minute ride from Denpasar) on 7 hectares (17 acres) of land surrounding the 17th century Pura Bukit Sari temple, set within groves of nutmeg trees. The majority of the monkeys here are macaques, ranging from babies to larger 10kg (22 lb.)… - Park/Garden
Taman Kupu Kupu (Bali Butterfly Park)
Billed as the largest butterfly park in Asia, this preserve is best seen in the early morning when the butterflies arise and take flight. The park promotes the study, breeding, and preservation of over 300 species of butterflies found in Indonesia and is home to the rare birdwing…
