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At Four Seasons, you enjoy a unique vantage point from which to explore the sights, sounds and experiences around you. We hope the highlights of local attractions below help simplify your planning. Please let us know how else we can assist you. To help plan a just-right-for-you vacation and to make your visit memorable, you are invited to a private session with one of the Resort's Personalized Paradise Planners. Experts in all things Bali, our planners can assist you in creating the best blend of leisure activities, making suggestions for special occasion dining, tailored spa programmes, island tours, or other on- and off-site sports activities, all packaged into a pre-planned personalised itinerary. Appointments can be made prior to or upon arrival at the Resort. Attractions on this page Antique galleries Antiques gallery.
Antiques gallery.
Antiques gallery.
Art galleries For centuries, the Balinese have incorporated arts and crafts into their religious rituals. The earliest examples of Balinese paintings date as far back as the mid-1400s.
As European artists began flocking to Bali in the 1930s, Western influences were gradually introduced. The concept of art for art's sake began to appear in the works of some artists who turned from the more usual, religiously inspired images.
Collectible art can be found in galleries located mostly in Ubud. A seemingly endless collection of traditional crafts – weavings, carvings, pottery – and attractive souvenir paintings are available in virtually every village and hamlet throughout the island.
The works of famous local and international artists are on display at this gallery.
When Spanish painter Antonio Blanco married a Balinese lady, the former President honoured him with land in Bali. Blanco's works can be found in Bali and around the world in art galleries and private collections. His beautiful house is now a gallery devoted to his work.
With a focus on the artist's vision of Bali, the Ganesha Gallery exhibits a different local or international artist each month.
The IB Marka Gallery is home to a massive collection of wood carvings. Visit the carvers in their workshop beside the gallery!
With an emphasis on modern paintings, this gallery exhibits the work of local and foreign artists.
The Neka Gallery is home to a good collection of traditional Balinese style paintings as well as some modern paintings.
Wood carving – a skill dominated by clerical families – is passed from generation to generation. The talent and tradition of master carver IB Njana is continued today by his son, Tilem. Wood carvings of the finest quality are displayed in his gallery.
The painter Nyoman Gunarsa combines the ancient Balinese "Wayang" or puppet shape with more abstract strokes. His paintings depict stories from the Indian epics Mahabharata or Ramayana.
The Puri Lukistan Gallery, established in 1954, is dedicated to showing the works of local painters. It is an excellent place to get an overview of the stylistic differences between artists.
The Rudana Gallery has a good collection of traditional and contemporary Balinese paintings.
The works of local and international female painters are exhibited in this gallery.
Attractions Discover the Bali Bird Park, home to more than 1,000 species of birds, including 250 rare and exotic species. Spectacular rain-forest walk-in aviaries, beautiful natural surroundings, and guided tours given by resident biologists make for an unforgettable visit. At the same time, visit the Bali Reptile Park. See the famous Komodo dragons!
A small village where stone statues of fanged demons, noble warriors and animals of all shapes and sizes are left displayed under shady trees. Young boys and old men are accomplished stone carvers in Batubulan and can be seen plying their craft by the roadside. Batubulan is also famous for the daily performance of the Barong Dance from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. More like a drama than a dance, the Barong story depicts the age-old struggle between the good and the righteous (the Balinese call it the path of Dharma, or Right-Doing) and the agents of destruction.
The spectacular mountainous regioun around Kintamani - with its deep crater lake and bubblings hot springs - makes this region a "must see" on any Bali itinerary.
The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani - with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs - makes this region a "must see" on any Bali itinerary.
Don't leave Bali without visiting the truly unique and spectacular Indonesian elephants. Located in the cool jungle/forest of Desa Taro (20 minutes north of Ubud), the Elephant Safari Park offers you the chance to feed and interact with these wonderful creatures in a natural setting. A 30-minute elephant safari ride is available to those who wish to do more than just look. Then join in with the elephants as they take a bath, immersing themselves in the cool waters of the lake. Elephant safaris are suitable for all ages.
Gunung Kawi (Mountain of Poets) is an 11th century sanctuary with gurgling springs and rock-cut memorials to long-dead kings.
Mas and Kemenuh villages, located on the way to Ubud, are reknowned wood-carving villages. The Nyana & Tilem Gallery has a collection of very fine quality wood carvings.
Located in Ubud.
Just north of Tampaksiring lies the sacred spring of Tirta Empul. Legend has it that the gods created this rejuvenating pool after their army was poisoned by the demon king, Mayadenawa; it has been considered a holy place since the 10th century.
Widely considered the most beautiful view of rice terraces in Bali, this is a popular tourist stop. Be careful not to stand too close to the edge and expect lots of children and adults selling souvenirs.
Come and join the fun at Waterbom Park, where more than a kilometre (close to a mile) of top quality water slides wind through landscaped tropical gardens in the heart of Kuta. Relaxation is the key at Bali's only waterpark and there are plenty of activities to choose from – a leisurely voyage down the lazy river, a scenic slide through tropical vegetation on the jungle ride or the sheer excitement of the race track, where speeds can reach up to 50 kilometres (30 miles) per hour.
All sports equipment and slides at Waterbom Park are maintained to the highest international standards; the water is naturally chlorinated using sea salt and there are Australian-trained lifeguards on hand at all times to ensure complete safety.
City tours Celuk and Singapadu villages, located on the way to Ubud, specialize in gold and silver work.
World famous for decades as an artistic communicty, Ubud has its own magic. Set in a particularly beautiful natural setting, Ubud's gracious way of life has drawn celebrities and artists from all over the world, some of whom have adopted it as their own home. The small villages surrounding Ubud are fascinating venues featuring a variety of arts, crafts, music and dance.
Local excursions Escorted bicycle trips can be arranged with Bali Adventure Tours:
From the resort, follow the Ubud trails through rice paddies and terraces; ride to Uluwatu; visit Jimbaran village; enjoy a 1.5-hour bike ride to Penestanan village through rice fields and past villages and temples on small, local roads.
Off-Site tours can be organized with Sobek:
Full-day trips generally last around seven hours including breakfast, lunch and driving time.
Experience the thrills and adventure of a lifetime as you steer yourself down the Ayung River in a canoe, kayak or raft. Instructors are on hand to lead you through the more than 25 sets of challenging and fun-filled rapids. Full instruction is given before you start by highly trained experts. The river is rated Class II to Class III so it is suitable for most people even if they have never rafted or kayaked before.
Located on the beach at Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay. Enjoy complimentary use of the Resort water sports equipment on the beach of the Jimbaran Bay Resort. Hobie cats, boogie boards, catamarans, windsurfers, lasers, paddle skis, and snorkelling equipment are available as well as aqua shoes for protection. No motorized water sports occur in Jimbaran Bay.
Cruises and sailboats can be booked easily.
Sobek's whitewater rafting trip on the magnificent Ayung River is one of Bali's most sensational tours. The Ayung is a fast-flowing river that carves its way through soft volcanic rock to produce a series of exciting Class II rapids like Snake, Montok and Pinball. Journey through narrow, deep-sided gorges, past tranquil rice paddies and stunning jungle scenery while observing rural Balinese life from the river. Sobek is located in Begawan village.
Padang-Padang Beach (30 minute drive)
Scenic day trips Close to 200 colourful butterfly species from all over Indonesia live and breed in this park. Come see for yourself!
A dramatic study in opposites, this still active 1,717-metre (5,633-foot) volcano towers over a serene lake.
Sporting/Concert venues Bali Golf and Country Club in the Nusa Dua area is only a 6.5-kilometre (4-mile) drive from the resort. The course is a world class 18-hole championship golf course designed by Rodney Wright and Robin Nelson of Hawaii. Special features include elegant Balinese architectural elements, terraced hills and scenic views of the Indian Ocean.
Bali Handara Golf Course is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. The scenery is spectacular with trees and colourful blooms lining the fairways and greens. The course was designed by Peter Thompson of Thompson, Wolveridge and Fream. Bali Handara is located 1,142 metres (1,249 yards) above sea level where temperatures are cool, comfortable and constant, hovering between 16-20°C (60-68°F). Facilities include clubhouse, pro shop, fitness centre, sauna and restaurant.
Nirwana Bali Golf Club is the island first members' club. With only 500 memberships available worldwide, Nirwana Bali Golf Club is dedicated to those who truly appreciate the best game has to offer. Designed by Greg Norman and set against a scenic ocean backdrop, the golf course has been built with an unwavering sensitivity to every environmental concern. It is a visual masterpiece of dramatic white sand bunkers, fresh water creeks, lush green grasses and trees and surrounding rice terraces.
Theatre/Performing arts More like a drama than a dance, the Barong story depicts the age-old struggle between what is good and righteous (the Balinese call it the path of Dharma, or Right-Doing) and the agents of destruction. The Barong is a mystical lion-dragon creature played by two men. A benevolent fellow, the whiskers of his beard are believed to hold healing powers. Performed in Batubulan village and Puri Sared, Ubud.
In the Kecak Dance as many as 100 men simulate the orchestration of the gamelan, with its Kecak or "cha-a-chak" sounds. The chorus acts as a unit conquering the individual ego and attains an ecstatic trance. This sound represents the chattering of monkeys - Hanuman and his allies - but the chorus also emits a long hissing sound when the menacing Rawana leaps into the centre of the stage. Again, the unfolding drama represents the search for balance between positive and negative. Performed in Padang Tegal, Ubud and Puri Peliatan.
The Legong Dance is performed by three female dancers and is an abbreviation of one of the oldest traditional Balinese dances performed during temple ceremonies. It is a study in female grace and exquisite style. .Performed in Puir Saren, Ubud on Monday and Saturday.
Among all of Bali's lively dramatic arts, the shadow theatre is perhaps the most enduring, the most popular and the most revealing of Balinese concepts of this world and the next. Wayang means 'shadow', and kulit means 'hide'. The procession of lace, lamplit puppet shadows and profusion of voices - speaking, shouting, singing and chanting - are all performed by one man working non-stop behind a white cotton screen. Performed at the Oka Kartini Theatre on Sunday and Wednesday.
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