Pura Pasar Agung Lempuyang — Attraction in Kecamatan Abang

The Decline of Bali: A Traveler’s Disillusionment

For years, Bali has been hailed as a tropical paradise, a land of pristine beaches, lush jungles, and a vibrant Hindu culture that sets it apart from the rest of Indonesia. However, the Bali of today is a far cry from the idyllic escape it once was. After seven visits over the past decade, I have witnessed firsthand the gradual yet undeniable decline of the island.

The Deterioration of Cleanliness and Beauty Bali was once known for its serene landscapes and immaculate beaches, but those days seem to be slipping away. Once-pristine locations like Amed, which previously promised a tranquil retreat from the island’s busier hubs, now resemble an open landfill. Litter is scattered across beaches and roadsides, with little to no enforcement of cleanliness regulations. Coral reefs, once teeming with marine life, are now suffering from neglect, pollution, and unregulated tourism. The lack of sustainable waste management and growing disregard for environmental conservation have turned once-breathtaking coastlines into polluted stretches of land.

The Decline of Hindu Culture Amongst the Youth Bali’s distinct Hindu culture was once one of its most captivating elements, offering visitors a deep sense of spirituality and tradition. However, amongst the younger generation, there appears to be a waning connection to their heritage. Increasing commercialization and a growing focus on tourism revenue over cultural preservation have led to a dilution of Bali’s rich traditions. Authentic religious practices now often serve as mere tourist attractions rather than deeply revered customs. While temples still stand as testaments to Bali’s heritage, the essence of devotion and tradition seems to be fading among the youth.

Overinflated Prices: Bali vs. Australia One of the biggest shifts in Bali over the past decade has been its pricing. What was once a budget-friendly paradise is now priced at nearly the same level as Australia. With the Indonesian government imposing additional levies, cleanliness charges, and a staggering 21% tax on services, a trip to Bali is no longer the affordable getaway it used to be. What’s more frustrating is that these higher prices rarely translate to better service or improved infrastructure. In places like Amed, where basic cleanliness and road maintenance should be a given, visitors are instead met with broken roads, rampant construction, and exorbitant pricing that offers little value.

Amed’s Rapid Downfall: A Lost Potential A few years ago, Amed held the promise of being a peaceful retreat away from the over-commercialized areas of Bali. With its volcanic beaches and relatively untouched charm, it attracted those looking for a quieter escape. However, in just a short time, Amed has transformed into an unregulated, chaotic mess. The once-promising snorkeling spots have been replaced with artificial attractions, while locals have effectively monopolized beach access, making it nearly impossible to find a genuinely natural experience. Despite these deteriorations, prices have skyrocketed to match European standards, with little justification. Rampant construction continues to erode the area’s ecological integrity, turning what was once a hidden gem into an environmental nightmare.

Ubud: From Cultural Haven to Urban Chaos Once the heart of Balinese culture and spirituality, Ubud now feels like a bustling metropolis, more reminiscent of New York City than a peaceful retreat. The streets are overcrowded, making walking—let alone driving—a challenge. The tranquility that once defined Ubud has been overtaken by relentless commercial expansion, traffic congestion, and an influx of tourists that the area’s infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle. The charm of the rice terraces and cultural sanctuaries is overshadowed by the stress of navigating through an...

You have to walk up 1255 steps to get here from the road, and most of them are quite steep. You don't go up for the temple, you do it for the views and the experience. The temple itself if okay, but it's still only a temple, and many locals come here to pray. You know you are close to the temple when you start to see monkeys.

Drones are "forbidden", but you could probably sneak one up on the way up if you...

Pura luhur Lempuyang merupakan tempat ibadah umat Hindu, merupakan salah satu pura kahyangan jagad di Bali, tempat yang sangat religius, membutuhkan waktu kurang lebih 2 jam perjalanan untuk mencapai pura ini. Berada di puncak gunung lempuyang, tempatnya sejuk, tenang dan damai. Selain di peruntukkan sebagai tempat sembahyang, puncak gunung lempuyang juga di jadikan sebagai obyek wisata, akan tetapi, bagi wanita yang lagi datang bulan dan lagi ada saudara yang meninggal tidak boleh masuk ke area pura,. Di bagian paling bawah yang terdekat dengan tempat parkir, merupakan tempat yang paling diminati wisatawan, karwna dari tempat ini anda sudah bisa menyaksikan keindahan gunung Agung yang merupakan gunung...