Temple Garden Dive Spot and Biorock NGO Pemuteran Beach Bali
Indonesian Name: Taman Pura Laut dan NGO Biorock Indonesia di Pantai Pemuteran, Bali
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Introduction
Located on the north coast of the island of Bali, Pemuteran Beach is home to the Temple Garden dive location, a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
The beach is also home to the office of Biorock Indonesia, a local NGO working to protect and preserve the marine environment through the use of innovative technologies. In this article, we'll explore these two attractions and what visitors can expect when visiting.
Address
The Temple Garden dive location is located at Pemuteran Beach, Gerokgak, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81155, Indonesia. (See on Google Maps)
Location
Pemuteran Beach is located on the north coast of the island of Bali, about a 2.5 hour drive from the capital city of Denpasar. It is a peaceful and secluded area, surrounded by lush green forests and featuring a long stretch of sandy beach.
Address & Phone Number of Nearest Hospital for Emergency
The nearest hospital to Pemuteran Beach is the Pemuteran Clinic, located at Jl. Raya Pemuteran, Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155, Indonesia. The clinic can be reached by phone at +62 878-6101-3128 in case of emergency.
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Three Key Reasons To Visit
1. Temple Garden Dive Location: The Temple Garden dive location is home to a wide variety of colorful marine life living in and around a collection of , making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The waters are clear and calm, making it suitable for beginners as well as experienced divers.
3. Biorock Indonesia NGO: Biorock Indonesia is a local NGO working to protect and preserve the marine environment through the use of innovative technologies. Visitors can learn about their work and the importance of marine conservation during a visit to their office.
3. Relaxation and serenity: Pemuteran Beach is a peaceful and secluded area, perfect for those looking to relax and unwind. The long stretch of sandy beach and the surrounding forests provide a tranquil and serene setting.
History, Myths and Legends
Pemuteran Beach has a rich history and is home to several myths and legends. According to local legend, the beach was once home to a powerful temple dedicated to the sea goddess Dewi Danu. The temple was said to have been guarded by a giant sea turtle, who protected the temple and its treasures from harm. Today, visitors can still see the turtle statue that stands as a symbol of the beach's rich history and cultural heritage.
The Underwater Temple Garden, also known as Taman Pura in Indonesian, is an underwater temple located in Pemuteran Bay on the north coast of West Bali. The temple was created by Chris Brown, an Australian resident of Pemuteran, and Paul Turley, a British national. Both Chris and Paul work to promote diving in the Pemuteran area. Taman Pura translates to "garden temple" in Indonesian, with "taman" meaning "garden" and "pura" meaning "Balinese Hindu temple."
The idea for the Underwater Temple Garden had been discussed for years by Chris Brown and Paul Turley, but it remained a dream due to a lack of funding and Indonesia's struggles with tourism. However, a friend of Chris suggested approaching the Bali Rehabilitation Fund (Aus Aid) and the result was the creation of the "Reef Gardeners" project, which had both social and environmental dimensions. In 2005, Chris's dream was finally realized and the Underwater Temple Garden was built. The main gate of the temple is a split gate, a type of gate found in traditional Balinese architecture, which was brought piece by piece to the seabed by a team of divers. The temple also features statues of various deities, including Ganesha and turtles, carved from sandstone.
Initially, the Underwater Temple Garden was only accessible to experienced divers because it is located about 30 meters underwater. In 2006, a second area was added at a depth of 15 meters to allow less experienced divers to explore. This area features statues of the Buddha. The temple has become a habitat for various marine creatures, with the statues being colonized by corals and attracting small fish. Divers visiting the site often make donations to the Reef Gardeners project, which provide training and employment for local fishermen to maintain the coral around the temple garden.
In 2010, a photo of the Underwater Temple Garden circulated online and sparked rumors that an underwater archaeological site had been discovered off the coast of Bali. Local media reported on the supposed "discovery" and speculation grew, with some even claiming that there were ten more temples like it in the strait between Bali and Java. The director of the undersea archaeological division at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism even promised an investigation. However, Paul contacted the Jakarta Globe to clarify that the underwater temple was actually a project by Chris and himself, rather than an ancient site.
What To Expect When Visiting
When visiting the Temple Garden dive location, visitors can expect to spend time snorkeling or diving in the crystal clear waters, marveling at the colorful marine life that calls the area home. The beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, and there are several local vendors selling snacks and drinks.
The Temple Garden is a dive location - you cannot snorkel there. Funded by BRF/Aus Aid and local dive centers, this is an eerie site featuring a small temple garden starting at 30 meters deep (hence the dive requirement). The dive location stretches back to the Temple Wall dive site and is filled with statues of Buddha, Ganesha, turtles, and more behind a decorative Balinese gate. Behind the central statue is a small outcropping with Buddha heads covered in cleaning shrimp. As you move up the wall and into the crevices, you may spot electric clams sparking. At 15 meters deep, you will reach an area with plinths and statue heads in a seated position.
At the Biorock Indonesia NGO office, visitors can expect to learn about the organization's work and the importance of marine conservation. The office may also have displays and exhibits related to their projects and technologies.
Information on Diving at Pemuteran Beach and Temple Garden
Is Temple Garden a suitable site for snorkeling?
No, Temple Garden is not a recommended snorkeling site. The statues at the location are located at depths of 15-30 meters and the visibility is often not clear due to the location in the bay. From the surface, it may be difficult to see any structural features as they are covered with marine life. A better option for snorkeling and viewing statues and structures is the Biorock site.
Can I dive at Temple Garden as part of an introductory dive course or Discover Scuba Diving experience?
No, Temple Garden is not suitable for introductory dive courses or Discover Scuba Diving experiences. The site is located at depths of 15-30 meters, which is beyond the maximum depth allowed for these types of courses. However, you can join one of the other normal dive trips offered.
I am an Open Water Diver. Can I go to Temple Garden?
If you have extensive diving experience, including experience with deep dives and have completed a dive with one of the dive center's staff, you may be able to visit Temple Garden. If you are interested in obtaining your Advanced Adventurer or Advanced Diver certifications or the Deep Diver specialty, you can complete a deep diver orientation with one of the instructors and join them on the dive. Even if you do not want to get a certification, you can still participate in a deep diver orientation and join an instructor on the dive.
I have Advanced and/or Deep Diver certification, but it has been a while since I have been diving. Can I visit Temple Garden?
If you have Advanced and/or Deep Diver certification but have not been diving in a while, it is recommended to complete a refresher course or a gentle refresher dive with an instructor or divemaster before visiting Temple Garden. This will help you get comfortable with the equipment and buoyancy again before attempting a deeper dive.
Photo Opportunities and Tips
The Temple Garden dive location offers plenty of opportunities for stunning underwater photography. Visitors can bring their own cameras or rent one from a local vendor. It is important to be mindful of the marine life and respect any rules or guidelines set by the dive location or tour operator. For those interested in capturing photos on land, the beach itself is a beautiful backdrop for photos, with its long stretch of sandy beach and lush green forests.
What Visitors Say They Liked About Visiting
Many visitors to Pemuteran Beach and the Temple Garden dive location rave about the stunning underwater scenery and the abundance of marine life. Others appreciate the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the beach, and the opportunity to relax and unwind. Some visitors have also enjoyed learning about the work of Biorock Indonesia and the importance of marine conservation.
What Visitors Say They Did Not Like About Visiting
Some visitors have mentioned that the beach can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays, which can detract from the peaceful atmosphere. Others have mentioned that the local vendors can be quite pushy when trying to sell snacks and drinks.
How Accessible is it for The Elderly, Children and Those With Mobility Issues?
The Temple Garden dive location and Pemuteran Beach are generally accessible for those with mobility issues, as the beach is flat and the waters are calm. There are also several local tour operators that offer assistance and accommodations for those with special needs. It is worth checking with the tour operator or dive location in advance to see what accommodations are available.
Safety Tips When Visiting
As with any beach destination, it is important to follow safety guidelines and use caution when swimming or snorkeling. It is always a good idea to swim with a buddy and to listen to any instructions or guidelines provided by the tour operator or dive location. It is also a good idea to use sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful rays.
Typical Amount of Time to Allocate for a Visit
Visitors can expect to spend a full day at Pemuteran Beach and the Temple Garden dive location. This allows for time to snorkel or dive at the Temple Garden, relax on the beach, and learn about the work of Biorock Indonesia at their office.
Food and Drink Options Nearby
There are several local vendors on Pemuteran Beach selling snacks and drinks, as well as a few small restaurants and cafes. Visitors can also bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
Conclusion
Pemuteran Beach and the Temple Garden dive location offer a unique and memorable experience for visitors to Bali. The stunning underwater scenery and abundant marine life make it a great spot for snorkeling and diving, while the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the beach is perfect for relaxation. Visitors can also learn about the important work of Biorock Indonesia and the importance of marine conservation during their visit. Overall, Pemuteran Beach is a destination not to be missed.
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