About Badung  - Demography - Geography - History - Attractions

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City : Mengwi
Width Area : 418,52 Km2
Subdistrics :
1. Petang
2. Mengwi
3. Abiansemal
4. Kuta
5. Kuta Utara
6. Kuta Selatan

Mayor : A.A Ngurah Oka Ratmadi
Vice Mayor : Drs. I Made Sumer, APT
Office : Jl. Surapati - Dalung
Web Address : www.badung.go.id

The Regency of Badung, which is located between 08 degrees south latitude and 115 degrees east longitude, is shaped liked a “kriss”. The Regency, which has only 418.52 square kilometers of land, is divided into sixth districts (kecamatan), 40 administrative villages (desa dinas and kelurahan), and as many as 117 traditional villages (desa adat). Those villages are again subdivided into as many as 297 smaller community groups known as “Dusun”, and 498 “Banjar”. Each Banjar in the Regency has a youth organization named “Sekaa Teruna Teruni” (STT). The total population of Badung Regency is approximately 280,000 people, with the average density of 672 people per square kilometer. In compliance with the state objective, the harmony between material and spiritual development must be equal. The governmental structure down to the rural villages play an important role in keeping this balance. The Government programs also encourage people to consciously take an active part in all development fields, regardless of one’s gender. As the Regency is headed by Regent (Bupati), the Districts headed by Pak Camat, Desa and Dusun are headed by Perbeke (Lurah) and Klien Banjar / Kepala Dusun.

In this five-year term development, Badung is divided into three Development territories.
1. North Badung: Includes Districts of Petand and Abiansemal, centered in Blahkiuh. The priority here is agriculture in broad terms, as well as ground conservation.
2. Central Badung: Covers the whole Mengwi District with food crops, agriculture, and home industries as the priorities.
3. South Badung: Tourism industry, education and commercial development are the priorities in this area which include Kuta, Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, Bukit, Jimbaran, and Kedonganan.

Agriculture and industries (especially the home and small-scale industries) that support the tourism sector are likely to be intensively expanded. Extension in the tourism sector has become the main sector to strengthen foreign exchange, visas, employment, equity of earnings, and private businesses, all of which increase the overall welfare of the community welfare.


Demography
Badung regency is one of 9 sub-provinces embraced by Bali province and located in the centre of Bali island, stretching from north to the island’s south end. It is bordering at north with Buleleng Regency, at west with Tabanan Regency, whilst at the east with Bangli Regency, Gianyar Regency and Denpasar Municipal, physically has the unique form, looks like a shape of “keris”. So this uniqueness is used as a symbol of this regency, means it contains of the spirit and which has close relation to the story of this area namely event of “Puputan Badung”. This spirit is used as the base of motto of Badung Regency that is “Cura Darma Raksasa” (Governmental obligation to protect the people and truth).


Geography
Geographic Regency of Badung covers 418.52sq : kilometers total of land, consists of 6 Kecamatan (district) known as Kecamatan Petang, Abiansemal, Mengwi, South Kuta, Kuta, North Kuta those consist 40 villages, 16 kelurahan (Administrative village) and 328 Dusun (Administrative sub-village), 119 Linkungan (environment), 28 propose environment, 119 Desa Adat (Traditional village) and 522 Banjar (Administrative sub-village) and also 522 youth organizations.
Regency of Badung area is an area of tropical climate which has two seasons, dry seasons (April – October) and rainy season (November – March). Air temperature vary form 24 ºC up to 30.8 ºC with average rainfall of 893.4 mm till 2,702.6 mm per year and average humidity is 79%. Its flora and fauna is of tropical Asia.
Total population according June 2001 report is 332.265 people, with average population density as much as 794 persons per sq. kilometers.
Majority population are followers of Hindhu religion with its everlasting magnificent religious ceremonies and unique tradition.
And the original income of regency (PAD) on 2000 equal to 203,861 billion Rupiah from target of equal 153,790 billion Rupiah, while up to June 2001, realization of PAD equal 170,176 billion Rupiah from the target 248,101 billion Rupiah.
Daily communication languages are Balinese and Indonesian language while English is not so much spoken. Most of the people living in agriculture sector, trade and services industry. Regional income is mainly from tourism sector.


History
Nambangan was said to be the name of the regency before Badung was forged by Gusti Ngurah Made Pemecutan in the late 18th century. He who aided by magical kriss and whip conquered Mengwi, and Jembrana until 1810. He was succeeded by two other "Rajas" of whom the demise seems to have been engineered by the successor, presumably brother, Raja Kesiman, who ruled trough crucial years of 1829 to 1863. He showed him self to be predisposed to the world beyond Bali and giving cause for hope to the Dutch. The Dutch were allowed to set up recruiting station at Kuta in 1826, return for handsome bounty paid to the response. A Danish trader, Mads Johannes Lange, who came to Bali when he was 18 took mediator role, where the raja then got attractive cut, since than Mads Lange who was born in 1806 got good relation ship to most raja in the island. In 1856, Lange was ill and tired, decided to head back to Denmark but he died suddenly before his ship left port. Kuta is also place where Captain Cornelius de Houtman and his crews pitched up in 1557, when 20.000 Balinese troops on the way to defend Blambangan from the encroaching Moslem of Mataram kingdom. In 1904, a Chinese Ship "Sri Komala" ran aground off Sanur under the Dutch flag.

The Dutch accused the local people to strip the wreck of its contents and claimed the raja for all his lost and damages of three thousand silver dollars and punish the culprits. The refusal of raja of the accusation to pay compensation, causing them to prepare the sixth Military expedition to Bali on September 20th 1906. Three battalions on infantry and two batteries of artillery arrived off the coast of Badung. After the bombardment, they marched toward Denpasar, and at the gate, they met no resistance. They were greeted by the crowded all in white costume ready to die at " Puputan" Commanded by the raja, his priests, his generals and all his relatives, men and women, adorned themselves with jewels and the dress of warrior, set out amidst the battle. Abided by his religion, the ultimate goal of the warrior is to die in battle; the soul may ascend to heaven. Surrender to Tabanan, West of Badung in 1908, the raja of Klungkung also held Puputan, giving the Dutch control the island.
In 1914 the army was replaced by a police force and the Dutch reorganized the Government. Although the remaining princes were deprived of political power, they maintained much of their influence and importance as patron of the art. Bali's culture was safe guarded and enjoyed a renaissance during the three decades of Dutch control. The town of Denpasar which of 3 Kecamatan (districts) used to be part of Badung Regency before it was assigned to be municipality on February 227, 1992.
 

  ATTRACTIONS 

Deluang Sari Turtle Farm
This farm's goal is to promote the survival of the green turtles, which are an endangered species.  This farm is located next to Tanjung Benoa, near Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Bay. The shy turtles are kept in bamboo fences, so that they are safe from poachers. People are now encouraged not to kill the turtles for food in order to ensure the survival of these creatures.

Nusa Dua
It means "two islands in Bahasa Indonesia". There is one of the premier resort areas in the world. The area is located  20 minutes south of Denpasar International Airport Ngurah Rai, and is a short drive to many of Balis attractions and beautiful beaches. This is the home many of Balis worlds class luxury resort hotels.

Geger Beach
It only takes 5 minutes to go there from the Bali Golf Nusa Dua. Many tourists often call it as "a hidden paradise". Its not only because of the beach have clear water it is worthy to be the place for swimming as well as surfing.

Uluwatu Temple
Art western most tip of Bukit Peninsula, this is one of Bali's nine "directional" Kayangan jagat temples. The locations is dramatic, perched on the edge of a high cliff with a picturesque sunset view.  The temple was first used for worship by the holy 11^th century priest, Empu Kuturan, who came to Bali to bring religious law and to form Desa Adat (traditional villages). The area where the spectacular sunset can be viewed is filled with the scent of frangipani blossoms and is also the home of monkey.

Nyang Nyang/Labuan/Sait/Padangpadang/Bingin/Suluban beach
Located a few kilometers north of the ancient temple of Uluwatu, facing the vast Indian ocean. From the parking area one must descend down stairs and pass through long narrow gap of cliff before reaching the large waves make it one of the best places for surfing in all of Bali, as surfing lovers throughout the world have already discovered.

Kedonganan
It is about 3 kilometers south of Bali International Airport Ngurah Rai. The fishing village of Kedonganan, at the northern part of the beach could be seen a traditional fish market and a great number of anchoring "Jukung" of traditional fishing boat which present an interesting view.  To experience sailing around the gulf here by traditional sailing boat give us the picturesque image of west Balis crescent beach.

Jimbaran Beach
This area is just south of Kedonganan beach and has  a very beautiful white sand beach area and clear se water that is suitable for recreation and relaxation. It is quieter than its neighboring beaches and one will find nice hotels and mostly seafood restaurants. Jimbaran is, in fact, famous for its delicious seafood with Jimbarans "secret sauce". You've got to taste it to believe it. Mainly sea food, particularly its typical grilled sea food.

Gatotkaca Statue
This statue was built in 1993, located at the center of road intersection at the northeast of Bali International airport. In Mahabratha story  Gatotkaca is depicted as a very brave and powerful knight, the son of Bima one the five Pandawa brothers. He is identified as lying knight who is responsible for air defense and  security protection for the Pandawa Kingdom.  The erection of the statue apart from as an effort to beautify the landscape around the airport, it is also believed could contribute spiritual protection and safety for all incoming and outgoing flight.  This statue enable to present a very striking view and excellent for taking picture when you arrive in or leave Bali.

Kuta Beach
Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a popular beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets. Accommodation ranges from international hotels to home stays. The village abounds with restaurants, shops, discotheques and other tourist facilities. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists, than anywhere else in Bali. Some performances are staged nightly. The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.
Kuta Art Market has a multitude of shops selling a wide variety of goods including, sarongs, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, furniture and leather goods. You can find some good pieces if you look carefully and smart bargain.

Legian/Seminyak/Canggu Beach
These beautiful beach are several kilometers north of Kuta. Like its neighboring  beaches, these area offers a  refuge for surfers.  There are also many facilities for tourist as the result of the Kuta north expansion.

Sadha Kapal Temple
This temple with decorative carving is famous for its intricacy and ingenuity. Dating from the Majapahit period, this originally was as old dynasty sanctuary (prasada) of Mengwi Royalty.  The split gate and a 16-meter high tower inside the temple are constructed much like "Candi" in lava. The 64 stone seats, similar to megalithic ancestral shrines, commemorate warriors who died in battle.

Taman Ayun Temple
"Taman Ayun", means beautiful garden, located in the village of Mengwi, 18 km west of Denpasar, is indeed one of Balis most picturesque temples.  The King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom, built its stately propositioned courtyards and large surrounding moat in the year 1634.  Containing both the Royal family ancestral shrines and storied MERU Shrines to the major deities. Taman Ayun became the main temple for the ancient kingdom of Mengwi.

Indonesia Jaya Reptile Park
Located in Mengwi, the park covers more than 2 hectare of land which host many endangered species such as the komodo Dragon, many kinds of crocodiles, cobra snakes and pythons, and various lizards. Apart from reptiles, this park also present ?Debus? trance dances and the amazing crocodile tamer versus the crocodile fighting demonstrations.

Traditional Village of Baha
The population here is dominated by workers and the traditional farming community, who own wide rice fields, and by the "Subak" organization that mainly functions to regulate water distribution for irrigation.  The uniformity of the typical entrance gates of the family compounds combines with the traditional housing structure present a charming appearance for the village.

Monkey Forest
Sangeh is the village whose northern part covers about 14 hectares of a holy homogen forest of "Pala" trees with hundred of monkey inhabitants. The trees cannot be found on any other part of Bali and their existence in this village remains a mystery.  Look for a lovely mossy temple, which is hidden amongst the tall and gracious Pala trees.

Ayung River
The river Ayung is the longest and largest river in Bali, and along this river, white water rafting was first introduced in Bali.  To experience rafting on the river Ayung's west side is amazing, for besides the enjoyment of challenging rapids, the panorama of this beautiful, intact nature area is highlighted by the appearance of  wild animals along the rafting route such as big bats, black monkeys, magpies and more.

Tanah Wuuk
Is the beautiful river valley of Tukad Penet, just 2 kilometers north of the Sangeh holy monkey forest. Its location is off the main road, hidden behind rice field, and is a very quiet and private place to enjoy the pristine nature.

Petang/Pelaga Village
Located 800 meters above sea level, about 45 kilometers north of Denpasar at the northern most point of Badung Regency.  Both villages present interesting agro tourism areas due to their intact ecology. Their vast horticulture of vegetable, coffee vanilla, corn and more add to the beauty of the sights and their charming atmosphere.

Nungnung Waterfall
A small village about 40 kilometers north of Denpasar at about 900 meters above sea level.  At this village, a 50 meter high waterfall can be found as well as expansive rive terraces just around the road intersection to the waterfall and should walk about 2 kilometers off the beaten track and pass through lush green trees and plantations.