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.
Travel to Negara - 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.
Negara attractions
Jalan Ngurah Rai: the main street in town with tourist appeal has some shops, hotels and ATMs.
Rambutsiwi Temple: this hilltop temple is the Negara region’s main highlight and has a stunning location with panoramic viewpoint.
Side trips from Negara
Menjangan Island: situated off to the northwest of Negara near the national park, this area has some of the most colorful coral and best diving in Bali.
Events
Buffalo races (Mekepung): animals are raced around a two-kilometer course often accompanied by much fanfare.
In brief
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.
Trivia: the Muslims of Negara are descendents of the Bugis sailors from south Sulawesi.