Tabanan, Indonesia
Tourism

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region, known as the "rice granary of Bali".

History

The town, or rather its rulers, played an important part during the period when the Dutch were attempting to occupy Bali. A powerful princedom from its earliest days, Tabanan retained its power for centuries and developed, particularly during the reign of Gusti Pandji Sakti (c. 1700), into one of the most influential princedoms on Bali.

When the Dutch landed on the north coast of Bali on June 22nd 1846 the Balinese forces could hold out only for a few days, and the princes of Bali went into hiding in the mountains. The declaration of one Raja is still remembered: "So long as I live this state will never recognize the sovereignty of Holland. Better that the kris should decide." When Dutch forces finally captured Tabanan and stood at the gates of the palace the members of the princely family did indeed take up their krises and commit ritual suicide (puputan).

Apart from a number of temples the town has no sights of particular interest: these are to be found in the surrounding area. The busy market (pasar) near the bemo station, however, is well worth a visit. Tabanan is also famed for its excellent gamelan orchestra. There is a Christian mission station in the town.

On the eastern outskirts of the town is a small but interesting Rice Museum which presents an excellent picture of rice cultivation on Bali.