Tabanan Attractions
Tabanan
By road: from Denpasar take the Gilimanuk and Negara road.
Bus and bemo: good services daily from Denpasar-Ubung.
Tabanan, chief town of the district of the same name, lies 24 km (15 mi.) north-west of Denpasar in a fertile and intensively cultivated 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.
By road: from Denpasar take the Gilimanuk and Negara road.
Bus and bemo: good services daily from Denpasar-Ubung.
Tabanan, chief town of the district of the same name, lies 24 km (15 mi.) north-west of Denpasar in a fertile and intensively cultivated 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.
Tabanan Surroundings
Krambitan, Indonesia
A few kilometers south-west of Tabanan the large village of Krambitan has two interesting princely palaces, the Puri Anyar and the Puri Gede. Both palaces are directly on the village street.
Read More
Pura Luhur Batukau
Pura Luhur Batukau is an important pilgrimage spot and one of the six royal temples of Bali. It stands in the jungle, at the base of the towering Gunung Batukau mountain.
Read More
Pura Tanah Lot, Indonesia
Sunset over Pura Tanah Lot, a temple standing on a small islet, is a major tourist attraction on Bali. Just off the coast, the 16th C temple can be reached by wading out at low tide.
Puri Anyar
The Puri Anyar is a faithful reconstruction of a palace originally built in the 17th century but largely destroyed in an earthquake. It is now a hotel, set in a beautiful tropical garden. Visitors may be allowed to look round the palace, which is laid out round a number of courtyards, even if they are not staying in it.
Puri Gede
Opposite the Puri Anyar is the Puri Gede, built in the second third of the 18th century in typical Balinese style. It can be seen by appointment.
