Negara is a Muslim town in west Bali that doesn’t hold much interest for tourists apart from the nearby Rambut Siwi Temple. It does make an interesting stop-off when heading to Menjangan Island for the diving, however, or when on a trip to Java.
Negara is essentially one main street situated on flat land with a large mosque in the center of town, a few ATMs, shops, and one or two hotels. Jalan Ngurah Rai is the most happening street in Negara, one street down from the main drag.
Negara is especially known for its regular buffalo races as well as for its bamboo gamelan orchestra (gamelan jegog), which is a bit touristy when the standard display with lunch is included on a stop off.
The real appeal of Negara is its surroundings and heading north of town reveals some pretty scenery. Rambutsiwi Temple is worth a look, sitting as it does on a cliff top overlooking paddy fields and a beach. It is just a short drive from town.
Getting There
Negara is a bit off the main road between Denpasar and Gilimanuk and despite its relative proximity with the capital, it is still a 2-hour, 30-minute drive from Denpasar. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar is a 2-hour flight from Jakarta’s international airport.
Need to Know
- Worth it? Only really for a stop off to or from Denpasar or Kuta.
- What to do: visit the temple, see a gamelan orchestra.
- Best time to go: May through October has the best weather in Bali.
- How long? One or two hours are ample time in Negara.
- Tidbit: the Muslims of Negara are descendents of the Bugis sailors from south Sulawesi.