Klungkung Regency

Outside the busy town, Klungkung offers a contrast of landscapes from the lush hills on the road leading to Besakih temple, to the stark gravel pits to the east, formed when Mt Agung erupted in 1963, its lava flows laying waste to the ricefields of the area. The villages of Klungkung are among the most charming in Bali, and have been major prize winners in the all Bali “beautiful village” competitions sponsored by the government.

One of the natural highlights of the FGungkung area is the great Unda River just east of the city. Floods and changes in the river’s course figure in many episodes of Klungkung’s traditional history. Nowadays its caprices are kept in check by a system of dams and man-made dikes, built with the voluntary aid of those who live by the river and are dependent on its waters for their survival.

History

The founding of Klungkung was not as idyllic as the name suggests., however. Prior to 1651 ancestors of the Klungkung kings ruled Bali from their capital at Gelgel, some 5 km to the south.

At its height, Gelgel was a great and powerful court, governing a realm that extended to the adjacent islands of Java, Lombok and Sumbawa. In 1651, the prime minister of Gelgel revolted and forced the royal family to flee. Some 30 years later, a young prince chose the present site for a new capital, and a smaller kingdom was born here.

Despite its small size and lack of natural resources compared to the other kingdoms of Bali, Klungkung has always maintained the mystique of being the island’s original royal center. The Klungkong royal family is still Considered more regal than any other on the island, and up until recent times this meant having exclusive rights to certain ritual status-symbols such as the 11-tiered cremation towers. In the intricate etiquette of the formal Balinese language moreover the Klungkung royalty have the right to speak down, literally, In everyone else.

Accommodation & Dining

Semarapura city

Loji Ramayana Palace Hotel JI. Diponegoro. 9 rooms. The new rooms are clean with private showers and sit-down toilets; the ones in the back are simple with shared showers and squat toilets. The restaurant serves Chinese food. $4.50—$9. Across the street and 20 m west is Cahaya Pusaka, JI. Diponegoro 135. Rooms facing the garden are nicer. $2—$3.

Penida Islands

On Nusa Penida there are several beachfront losmen with restaurants. There’s nothing at all on Nusa Ceningan. Most of the budget accommodation on Nusa Lembongan is on the northern beach area near Jungut Batu. Times are changing for this once sleepy island. As it continues to be promoted as Bali’s weekend getaway, Nusa Lembongan has become an aquatic playground, attracting day-trippers with its stunning coral reefs, its sandy beaches and lively surf breaks. Consequently, more upmarket hotels and resorts are being developed.

Jungut Batu

Agung Bungalows 12 rooms. Rooms and duplex bungalows with thatched roofs. The restaurant here has the best buys; try their daily special. $7 losmen room, $14 bungalow.
Main Ski Inn. 22 rooms. Basic duplex bungalows set in a simple garden close to the beach. Private shower, fan. Restaurant. $9—$11.
Number 7 Losmen. 9 rooms. Private bathroom and shower. Meals available. Quieter than most; located in the village. $4.50—$7, incl. breakfast.
Nusa Lembongan Bungalows 8 rooms. Two-story bungalows with living rooms and spacious bathrooms. Pleasant and clean. $5.50—$7.
Wayan Tarci Homestay 8 rooms. Two-story bungalows near the beach. Private shower. The restaurant serves mainly Western food. $5—$7.

Lembongan

Backpackers Inn Bungalows 4 rooms. Newer place located in a lush ravine. $8.50.
Mushroom Beach Bungalows 4 rooms. On a bluff with a trail down to the beach. $10.
Nusa Lembongan Resort overlooking the picturesque Sangiang Bay. Beautiful swimming pool and full five-star treatment, serviced by its own private catamaran, Sail Sensations. A luxurious and exquisite hideaway, $200.
WakaNusa Resort 10 bungalows. Romantic, luxury bungalows Watersports facilities, dive masters and equipment, village tour and treks. $75—$150.
Wayan Villa Bungalows 5 rooms. Pleasant overlooks a quiet bay. $10.

Bali Beachfront Resorts

Sanur Beachfront Resorts

Location : Sanur

Sanur today is a golden mile of Baliesque hotels that has attracted millions of paradise seeking globetrotters. And yet, within the very grounds of the 11story The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, a war-reparation gift from the Japanese, nestles the sacred and spikey temple of Ratu Ayu of Singgi, the much feared spirit consort of Sanur’s fabled Black Barong.

more Bali hotel area details