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PADANGLAWAS


Some of the TOP Hotels in Bali

Bali's most famous and crowded resort is Kuta beach, a six-kilometre sweep of golden sand, with plenty of accommodation, shops and nightlife. Nearby Sanur is much quieter, but most backpackers prefer the beaches of peaceful east-coast Candi Dasa and traveller-oriented Lovina on the north coast. The island's other major destination is the cultural centre of Ubud , a still charming but undeniably commercialized overgrown village, where traditional dances are staged every night of the week and the streets are full of arts-and-crafts galleries.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
: The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property strategically located only 15 kilometers away from the... Nusa Dua
Aston Bali Resort & Spa : The Aston Bali Resort and Spa is a luxury hotel located on the waterfront facing golden sandy beaches... Tanjung Benoa
Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel : Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel is situated in the coastal village of Sanur, an ideal location from which to explore... Sanur
Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites : The Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites is located in Sanur Village just two kilometers from the Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel....Grand Bali Beach Hotel also is a nice hotel in Sanur.
Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga : The Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga is a deluxe property strategically located only 20 kilometers northeast from the Ngurah Rai... Nusa Dua
Grand Hyatt Bali Hotels located in Nusa Dua and The Oberoi Bali located in Seminyak, Maya Ubud located in Ubud, The Alilia Ubud, Chedi, Hard Rock Hotel Bali located in Kuta beach, Melia Bali located in Nusa Dua and Padma Bali located in Kuta

 


A collection of ruined 11th and 12th Century monuments virtually unknown to the outside world. This archaeologist's dream is found in South Tapanuli in the neighborhood of Gunungtua near the little village of Portibi, a small barren plain which was once covered in forests. Because of the area's isolation in the middle of the jungles of Sumatra, this site is very seldom visited. Out of at least 16 temple ruins there are 4 broken down but beautiful Hindu temples still standing: Bahal I, II, III, and Sipamutung. Of the other temple sites all that remain are mounds and piles of bricks. In addition, there are untold scattered and broken Hindu statues, carvings and ancient artifacts lying around by the dozens. The statuary (but not the bricks) are thought to have come from India, transported to this site on barges all the way by river from the east coast of Sumatra. These remains are connected with East Java architecturally, though a distinct type of Buddhism was practiced by these ancient Batak peoples, a tantric cult full of wierd magic. The main vaults of the temples are left, the walls decorated with dancing raksasas swinging swords and clubs, lions, many warriors and guardians. Temple Bahal I is 13 m tall and has the strangest iconography: demonic Tibetan tyrannical anger and revenge scenes with thunderbolts and skulls and hideous laughter. getting there : From either Bukittinggi or Padang get a bus first to Padangsidempuan. This small town is known as Kota Se/ak because of the abundance of the fruit, salak, Rp200 for a whole basketful. From Padangsidempuan there are buses only once or twice a day, Rp300, out to Portibi' village. Buses operate more frequently from Padangsidempuan to Gunungtua, Rp250, then it's easy enough to get the only 8 km from Gunungtua down to Portibi. If you want to make more than a day of it, stay with the villagers in Portibi.