Gilmanuk’s beaches are truly pristine, and there is a wide range of them : coral beaches, white and black underwater coral awaits anyone willing to dive in and go for a snorkel. There are two small islands in the bay, which are barely more than sandbars – Pulau kalong ( Bat Island ) and Pulau Burung ( Bird Island ). There is also a museum containing pre-Hindu archeology. The villages around Gilimanuk contain a mixture of Balinese, Javanese, Madurese and Bugis architecture unique to Bali. No less beautiful are the various boats belonging to these ethnic groups.
Further south, at Candikusuma, there are two temples dedicated to the legendary figure of Dang Hyang Nirartha Indra Kusuma temple and Taman Sumur Bulus. Locals are how in 1897 two Dutch officers were attracted to the place when they saw a light coming from the earth. It turned out to be a kris ( a supernatural dagger ). Candikusuma beach is known for its beautiful black sand and the gentle hills permeating the beach.
Inland from Melaya are the parallel Christian communities of Palasari ( Catholic ) and Blimbingsari ( Protestant ), built at the beginning of the century in a settlement area for Balinese who had converted to Christianity. Hills and paddy fields surround the villages. Their uniqueness, however, lies in the cultural cocktail present in churches, which mix both Gothic and Balinese architectural styles.
Delodbrawah Beach is a black sand beach, which used to be a swamp ( brawah , believed to be a favorite crocodile haunt. Believe it or not, the sand from this beach is said to cure rheumatism. To the north of the beach is mendoyo in Negara. One of the best racing grounds for the Mekepung here is found here – it can even be used in the rainy season.
Rambutsiwi Temple is on a cliff top overlooking a breathtaking panorama of paddy fields on one side and the black sandy beach on the other. Stairs allow people to get safely down onto the beach. Two caves overlook the sea, boats and seabirds hovering above. This spot is a favorite hangout for painters. The temple itself was built by Dang Hyang Nirartha. According to the legend, he made a gift of his hair to the temple. Hence the name Rambut Siwi, which literally means”Hair worship”.
Medewi beach is a small resort in the southeast of Jembrana ( about midway between Gilimanuk and Denpasar ), just off the main road at Airsatang. Waves from three to seven meters in height make for perfect surfing. Small black stones are scattered over the black sandy beach, providing an unusual scene at sunset.
