AMLAPURA

Its old name is Karangasem. The name was changed to mislead evil spirits from burying the town again under a volcanic eruption. You can't cash money here so bring enough, or go to Klungkung where the nearest banks are. See Puri Kanginan, the last raja's famous palace. A combination of European, Chinese, and Balinese designs, the large verandah on the main building is called Ba/e London. This is an enormous complex though the fountains have stopped spouting; dragons and serpents sit stonily with wide open mouths. South of town only 3 km at Ujung is the majestic old waterpalace, now being fully restored. Further on, black sand beaches. stay: Losmen Sidah Karya is at the beginning of town on JI. Nasamudin, Tel. 43; Rp500 single, RpB00 double, has electricity, is clean and efficient. A sign greets you upon entering: 'Attention. You must be well dressed on the road. Violating this rule you will be seized and confiscated. Police.' No meals, but coffee, tea, and bananas are served in the mornings. The pasar and the bus, bemo and Colt stations, are all about 1 '/, km walk from this losmen. Another hotel up on the main street has Rp400 dormitory beds, eat: At Rumah Makan Sedap try the garianfish, a specialty of the area, Rp1500. There are many warungs around the bus station serving Javanese and Balinese style nasi campurs on a banana leaf, Rp75.

Nusa Lembongan is situated 12 miles south east of Bali. It is one hour traveling time by boat from Benoa Harbour. This pear shaped island is around 4km long and 2km wide. It is surrounded by a beautiful fringing reef, which hosts a myriad of marine life, The waters are renowned for their abundance of life and great surf breaks. The reef has been declared a marine park by the Indonesian authorities. Not only does the reef support its own Eco-system, but it supports most of the villagers on the island as well. The local people farm seaweed. This seaweed is cultivated, harvested then exported all over the world for use in cosmetics, food stabilizers and medicines. Other sources of income include traditional wooden boat building, farming peanuts, sweet potato, and fishing.Village life is very slow and enchanting. Very few cars and motorbikes are seen on the roads. The people are steeped in tradition, and one could imagine Bali being like this island, thirty years ago.Although the island is small there are many things to do. Fishing, diving, surfing, mangrove exploring, discovering natural fresh water springs, underground cave house exploring, cycling around the island. A visit to the bat caves on a nearby island, or a picnic at dream beach. Try catching mud cabs in the mangrove area at the back of the island. There is something for every one at Nusa Lembongan.