To reach the quiet beach resort
of Yeh Sanih, catch a minibus (17 km) from Singaraja's
Penarukan station. This shady seaside spot offers
an idyllic black-sand beach-a bit rocky, but the
swimming is good. Enjoy wooden bale for sun-bathing.
Yeh Sanih's main attraction is an enclosed natural
swimming pool of clear, fresh, cool water welling
up from an underground spring. Known by the locals
as a recreation site since the early 30s, the water
is believed to come from Lake Batur in the mountains-the
temple near the pool is thus dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Cool sea breezes, tall trees, and the nice panorama
over the Bali Strait make for a serene setting.
Visit the 'pura' on the hill, Pura Taman Manik
Mas. In the mornings take a swim in the ocean-more
like a lake than a sea. Not a soul on the beach
to bother you. Quite passable snorkeling 500 meters
out, another good snorkeling spot one km away.
Seven km east of Yeh Sanih is the ancient temple
Pura Pondok Batu ('Pile of Stones') perched on a
small rock face and surrounded by hills, valleys,
and twisted frangipani trees. It's said the wandering
Javanese priest Nirartha sat on one of the temple's
stones and composed poetry.
Inside the temple is a well-crafted but eroded
statue of Durga. Nearby on the beach at low tide
is a freshwater springs frequented by locals, the
water bubbling up from the sand and running into
the sea.
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