The
temple is surrounded by dense forest and as you know, the monkeys are the
permanent residents here. Approximately, there are around 400 monkeys. Besides
that, they are accompanied by herd of big bats that hanging on the trees and
sleep while waiting the night.
Location and accommodations
Alas
Kedaton is located at Kukuh Village, Marga sub-district, Tabanan City, Bali, Indonesia.
The location is around four km from the city. For accommodations,
there are many hotels and villa around Tabanan City, like Alila Villas
Soori, Villa Cepaka Bed & Breakfast, The Luku Villa, Desa Cepaka Homestay, The
Sanyas Retreat, Villa Taman di Blayu, Puri Taman Sari.
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| Picture Suryapariwisata.wordpress.com |
Activities
As you step to the temple that surrounded by dense forest, you can
feel the magic aura and important historical ruins which are combined with
harmony. This condition make visitor wants to devour and explore each spots.
The
area around Alas Kedaton is believed having magical power. That is why local
resident doesn’t have courage to destroy anything around the forest. That magic
power has been protecting the area from irresponsible person.
Pura
Kedaton itself has four gates, i.e. at the west as the main gate, at the north,
east, and south. Each gate directs you to the middle spot. One of uniqueness of
Alas Kedaton Temple is that the temple has a yard and nominated as the most
sacred place because it located at the lower place than the yard in the middle
and outer.
The
monkeys that live in the temple are also sacred animal and they are free to
play around the temple. You may curious to know why there are so many monkeys
in the temple. According to the story that is told by local residents, they
believe that those monkeys are the messenger of Gods and therefore, they don’t
disturb and kill them.
Sometime,
they approach the visitors to attract them. Their actions are so funny. As a sacred
animal, they can live there and welcome the tourist in Alas Kedaton. Even, you
can play with them because they are so tame. But of course you still have to be
careful because sometime they are annoying. Keep your stuffs well because those
monkeys so active and always have their own idea to steal it from you. If that
happen, you have to take it back and catch them.
A
sacred ceremony name as Piodalan Bali is held in this temple on Tuesday
(Anggara Kasih) or 20 days after Galungan Ceremony. It started from noon and
must be finished before sunset. If you come to Alas Kedaton on that day, you
will see women participate by wearing traditional clothes and pray in the
temple.
If you want to know more about Alas Kedaton, you are suggested to
be accompanied by local guide because they can tame the monkeys and will give
you information about Alas Kedaton is. And the last, don’t forget to take some
pictures, like a group of monkeys and big bats in this place. Your vacation in
Alas Kedaton can be the most memorable journey in Bali.
In
order to explore Alas Kedaton deeper, you can visit the destination through
full day package from Bedugul – Tanah Lot Tour. Your vacations can be
unforgettable moment because along the street you will meet incredible scenery.
