Most of the nort coast falls under the regency of Buleleng,
once Bali’s chief port. This long contacts with outside influences is reflected
in the etnic diversity of its populations and as a starting places for new
artistic developments which spread south. The ruling house came to power in the
17th and conguered parts of karangasem, Jembrana , and east java,
forming and alliance with Mengwi that lasted until the end of the 18th
century when Karangasem returned to power and took Buleleng. During the mid
1800s the dutch defeated Buleleng in their first atempt to take Bali. The dutch
make singaraja bali as capital, which still have some colonial buildings and
chinese temples. The large collection in Bali of lontar palm-leaf books is kept
at the Gedong Kertya Library outside the city ; the Sasana Budaya Art center is
more central. Out west is the tourist resort areas of Lovina, with quite
blacksands. Exciting bull race take places annualy is some neighboring villages. Views
are dramatic from the winding coastral road. Relax in the sulfurous hot
spring at banjar which has buddist monastery.
