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Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas is an unpolluted and free-flowing river in the heart of the Ozarks. It has both swift water and calm stretches on its course. Buffalo River became the nation’s first National River in 1972.

Understand
The Buffalo River is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states offering both swift-running and placid stretches. The Buffalo National River encompasses 135 miles of the 150-mile long river. It begins as a trickle in the Boston Mountains 15 miles above the park boundary. Following what is likely an ancient riverbed, the Buffalo cuts its way through massive limestone bluffs traveling eastward through the Ozarks and into the White River. The national river has three designated wilderness areas within its boundaries.

Headquarters is in Harrison. The Tyler Bend Visitor Center, the main visitor center for the park, is 31 miles south of Harrison and 11 miles north of Marshall on US Highway 65. The park has two other visitor contact stations: the Pruitt Ranger Station, 5 miles north of Jasper on Arkansas Highway 7, and Buffalo Point Ranger Station, 17 miles south of Yellville on Arkansas Highway 14.

History
Many prehistoric and historic cultural sites are located in the park, some dating back more than 10,000 years. These sites range from terrace village sites, to bluff shelters once occupied by Archaic Indians, to cabins built by early settlers. In Boxley valley, Ozark farmers still live in harmony with the land. Other areas, such as the Parker-Hickman Farmstead in Erbie, the Rush Mining District, the 1930s Collier Homestead at Tyler Bend, and the Civilian Conservation Corps structures at Buffalo Point, represent the progression of Buffalo River history. Trails in these areas lead the hiker back in time to an era when the natural and cultural world were one.

How did a river surrounded by the progress of civilization escape impoundment, impairment, and change? The Buffalo National River encompasses the diversity of the natural resources that are the Ozarks. This was acknowledged by an U.S. House of Representatives Committee Reports (1972) that explained the basis for the establishment of the Buffalo National River. It stated, "Because it is a pure, free-flowing stream which has not been significantly altered by industry or man, it is considered to be one of the country’s last significant natural rivers. It is not one single quality, but the combination of its size, its completeness, its wild qualities, and its associated natural, scenic and historic resources that makes the Buffalo worthy of national recognition."

Landscape

Buffalo National River has over 300 caves within its boundary. The Ozark Plateau is one of the most cavernicolous areas in the United States. Karst is a type of topography that is usually formed in rocks such as limestone and dolomite. It is characterized by an integration of surface and ground water via sinkholes, caves, losing streams, and springs.

The Ozark Mountains as a whole can be described as a southward tilted, uplifted plateau that has been dissected by the erosional effects of water resulting in dendritic or tree-branch shaped watersheds. Within the Ozark Mountains four major physiographic regions have been described: the Boston Mountains, Springfield Plateau, Salem Plateau, and the St. Francis Mountains. The drainage area of the Buffalo River is a mixture of the Boston Mountains, Springfield and Salem Plateaus.

The number and size of the springs and seeps within the Buffalo National River has never been quantified. Large springs that have perennial outputs, such as Mitch Hill Spring and Gilbert Spring, have been monitored for water-quality for more than 10 years, and much is known about the quantity, quality, and the aquatic organisms that reside in these springs. However, there could be thousands of springs and seeps within the watershed of the Buffalo River where little is known. These islands of aquatic and mesic habitats could be home to many rare or endemic species of macroinvertebrates and vascular plants.

Flora and fauna
The plant communities that compose the forests of the Ozark Mountains are composed mainly of Oak-Hickory communities; however, many other types of plant communities exist and these communities are much influenced by the geology of the area. Gradients of plant diversity and species composition can be seen on almost any mountainside that is of moderate elevation. Plant community composition within the Ozark Mountains exhibit gradients of species change similar to other mountain systems; however, these gradients are due to the accessibility of water and nutrients and not temperature or elevations, as is the case with other mountainous regions in the U.S.

The vegetative community at Buffalo National River is rich and diverse. The ridges, bluffs, hillsides, and valleys provide a variety of habitats that support over 1500 plant species. The major forest types are the Floodplain, Mixed-Hardwood, Oak-Hickory, Oak-Pine, Cedar Glade and Beech. Forests, cultivated fields, and abandoned fields at different stages of ecological succession throughout the area support small herds of elk and other wildlife.

Wildflowers can be seen nearly year round at Buffalo National River, but spring is the peak season. Spring rains and warm balmy days bring amazing color to the fields and roadsides of the park. In early spring many wildflowers can be found on the forest floor.

In the eons old progression of seasons, animal abundance within the Ozark Mountains ebbs and flows as animals migrate into and out of the oak-hickory ecosystem that exists within the rough hills and valleys that create the Buffalo River. With the coming of spring, animal movement is at its highest. Fish are actively migrating up the river corridor into tributaries, and songbirds are arriving from far off places, filling the forest canopy with movement and song. Wildlife observers have recorded 55 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, and 59 species of fish, along with a multitude of reptiles, amphibians, insects and other invertebrates.

In 1995 the largest sighting of feral hogs on the Buffalo National River was reported, a herd of 35 hogs was observed in the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area. Feral hogs have been released into the park from numerous sources in the last 2 decades, and now hogs range up and down the whole river corridor.

In 1981, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission began an Elk Restoration Project that has been an overwhelming success, and now special-permit hunting is required to keep the ever-growing population in balance. Visitors to the park can see the elk most frequently in the late winter and early spring in the meadows of Boxley Valley along the upper reaches of the river.

The "buffalo" in the context of the park's name is not entirely clear. The name could refer to the American Bison, which once roamed most of the central United States but is now no longer found in Arkansas. On the other hand, it could also refer to a freshwater fish of the genus Ictiobus found in the lower Mississippi river valley.

Visitor information

 * Park website

By plane

 * Boone County Regional Airport in Harrison is served primarily by general aviation.

Other nearby airports, with driving directions and approximate driving time to the Tyler Bend Visitor Center:

 * Fort Smith Regional Airport Interstate 40 east to Russellville, Arkansas 7 north to Dover, Arkansas 27/16/377/74 north to US 65 north; 3 hours 25 minutes
 * Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport Arkansas 264 east to Lowell, US 71 south to Springdale, US 412 to east to Harrison, US 65 south; 2 hours 45 minutes
 * Little Rock International Airport Interstate 40 west to Conway, US 65 north; 2 hours
 * Springfield/Branson Regional Airport (in Missouri) US 65 south; 2 hours 15 minutes

By car
Buffalo National River is a long, narrow park that is crossed by three main highways. Using Harrison as a starting point:
 * To reach the Upper District, travel south on Arkansas 7 or Arkansas 43.
 * To reach the Middle District, travel 31 miles south on US Highway 65.
 * To reach the Lower District, take US Highway 65 for five miles, then take US Highway 62/412 to the east to Yellville, then Arkansas 14 south.

Fees and permits
There is no entrance fee charged to enter Buffalo National River. Fees for boat rental, lodging, and campsites will vary by provider. No permit is required to operate a boat on the river. An Arkansas fishing license is required to fish for persons age 16 and over and may be purchased online at https://www.wildlifelicense.com/ar/start.php.

Get around
The Buffalo National River is 132 miles long and the best way to get around is by boat. (See "Do" below.) You may enter or exit the river at any of 22 river access points. Boat rental providers will also provide transportation to and from the access points.

Auto tours
The routes below are described in minimal detail. Not all turns and road numbers are listed. Therefore a good map that indicates county roads is recommended to supplement the maps provided below.

 * Compton and Boxley Valley, Approximately 15 miles, one way, Route: Compton (Highway 43, approximately 15 miles south of Harrison) to Boxley Bridge (approximately two miles south of the Highway 43/21 junction) For adventurous hikers, Compton marks a major trailhead for the Ponca Wilderness. One of the biggest attractions in this wilderness is Hemmed-in-Hollow, the tallest waterfall between the Rocky and Appalachians Mountains. Traveling south on Highway 43, travelers will pass through the community of Ponca, a once thriving mining community. During World War I, the height of the zinc and lead mining operations, miners earned $1.50 per day. At the junction of Highway 43 and 74, a solitary cabin sits as a reminder of days gone by. James Villines, known as "Beaver Jim" for his renowned trapping ability, grew up in this home. The Villines family is one of the oldest families to have lived in Boxley Valley. From the Ponca River Access, a short hike will take you to the home "Beaver Jim" lived with his wife until the early 1930s. "Beaver Jim" died in 1948 and is buried in Beechwood Cemetery beside his wife Sarah. A trail winding through Lost Valley takes visitors to unique geological features including a natural bridge, Cob Cave, Eden Falls, and Eden Falls Cave. Boxley Valley is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the homes and fields of the valley are privately owned, they retain the traditional patterns of the nineteenth century.
 * Erbie Loop, Approximately 24 miles, mostly gravel roads, Route: Marble Falls (13 miles south of Harrison; may still be called Dogpatch on older maps) to Erbie to Highway 7 and return to Marble Falls. County Road map highly recommended. Marble Falls was once the home of Dogpatch USA, a theme park that centered around Al Capp's "L’il Abner" cartoon series. The park is no longer operational. The waterfall for which the town is named is located on property that was once part of the park, with a deserted train bridge high over the water. The Marble Falls Post Office is located on what was once the park's parking lot. The road from Marble Falls to the river winds through scenic forest and pastoral lands. About a half mile before the Buffalo River, Cecil Cove Loop Trail allows hikers to follow a nearly seven-mile trail that follows Cecil Creek and loops past an old homestead site and cemetery. After the left turn at the intersection of the Cecil Cove Trailhead, the Erbie Church and then the Rulus Jones Homestead will be visible on the right. The church, along with the nearby school, post office and store formed the center of the Erbie community. The former residents say the church was built in 1896. The church has continued to be available for services to the present time. The homestead, built by Rulus in 1922, shows the evolution from log homes to frame houses. This frame house replaced a log cabin that dated to the late 1830s. After the river crossing, the Parker-Hickman home is one of the oldest structures standing in the Buffalo National River. In the late 1830s, Alvin Parker and his brother Greenberry arrived from Tennessee and built a home here using the nearby red cedar trees. Joining the hand-hewed logs with half dovetail notches, the Parkers crafted one of the finest log houses in the Buffalo River valley. The Cedar Glade Picnic Area is located near the Henry R. Koen Experimental Forest. This picnic area overlooks the river and has an accessible trail leading to South Pond and a fishing dock across the road. A non-handicapped accessible hiking trail leads to North Pond and a 0.4-mile trail connects the ponds. The Koen Interpretive Trail (accessible) leads through the Henry R. Koen Experimental Forest, which was established in 1950. Over 34 species of trees and plants have been designated along its loop. Trail guides are available at the Pruitt Ranger Station and the Forest Service Office in Jasper. Ozark Campground was once owned by the Shaddox family who planted the fertile valley with peas and corn. Today, it is a popular spot for camping, swimming, and canoe access.
 * Buffalo Point and Beyond, Approximately 38 miles, some gravel roads, Route: Caney (10 miles south of Yellville) to Maumee, to Rush, to Buffalo Point, and to Dillard's Ferry. From Caney to Maumee, many open pastures can be seen. The North Arkansas Mining Company developed the area known as Maumee in the late 1890s for the purpose of mining zinc ore. The company’s land surveyor named the area for the Maumee River in Ohio near which he was raised. The peak mining activity was during World War I. Now this area is a popular put-in point for canoeists. The crushing mill foundations and the entrance to the Maumee Mine can be seen along the road to the canoe launch, just outside of the park boundary. When zinc ore was discovered on Rush Creek in the 1880s, a community developed to support the influx of workers. By the 1890s, the mining boom was well established and miners and investors arrived from all over the country. It was written that so many people came that local farmers could not keep the town supplied in fresh meat and eggs. Some fifteen mines operated in the Rush District. The most famous mine at Rush was the Morning Star Mine. A quarter mile trail loops through the remains of the Morning Star area. Structures along the loop include the smelter, blacksmith shop, mill and other foundations. A longer trail (approximately 3 miles one way) rises above the valley floor crossing steep, rocky terrain and past mine ruins. Mines are very unstable and entry is prohibited. Trail guides are available at the Buffalo Point Ranger Station. The area known as Buffalo Point was developed through cooperation among the National Park Service, the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Arkansas State Parks Commission, and was established as Buffalo River State Park in 1938. All of the Civilian Conservation Corps structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several hiking trails ranging in length from a quarter mile to three and a half miles lead hikers to a scenic vista, caves, a waterfall, and other interesting features. Interpretive programs are given regularly in the summer. Schedules and trail guides are available at the Ranger Station. Doc Dillard built the original ferry (named Dillard’s Ferry) with his sons Ira and Pate and W. Davenport in the early 1900s. The old ferry crossing is just a few meters downstream from the present bridge and was in operation until the bridge was completed in 1959. In December 1982 a flood covered the bridge. The river was about 65 feet (19.8 meters) above normal water level, making this the biggest flood in the river’s recorded history.

Hiking

 * Lost Valley Trail, 2.1 miles round trip, This trail begins at Lost Valley Campground. Features along the trail include waterfalls, towering cliffs, a large bluff shelter, a natural bridge, a cave and spring wildflowers.  The cave is about 200 feet long and ends in a large room with a 35 foot waterfall.  If you intend on entering the cave, make certain each person in your group is equipped with a flashlight.
 * Ozark to Pruitt Trail, at Pruitt, 2.6 miles, Many wildflowers are in bloom along this trail from March through June.
 * Mill Creek Trail, at Pruitt, 2.1-mile loop, This level trail follows Mill Creek through a lowland hardwood forest and features a pioneer homesite. This trail begins at the east end of the Pruitt river access. This level trail follows Mill Creek through a lowland hardwood forest and features a pioneer homesite.  This trail is best hiked before summer grasses take over the trail.  Additional information is available at the Pruitt Ranger Station or Park Headquarters.
 * River Overlook Trail at Tyler Bend, 1.1-mile loop, The Collier Homestead provides one of the many glimpses into the past that is visible up hollows, atop ridges, and along the river corridor. This trail begins at the Collier Homestead parking area at Tyler Bend. The loop trail leads you to the historic Collier homestead and to river overlooks.  The trail is accessible to wheelchairs for one-half mile, including the homestead and first overlook.  The Buffalo River Trail can be reached from the Collier Homestead parking area.
 * Indian Rockhouse Trail, at Buffalo Point, 3.5-mile loop, Begin your journey to the Rockhouse, a large bluff shelter once inhabited by Indians, at the trailhead located between the ranger station and restaurant. The return trail is a strenuous uphill climb.
 * Overlook Trail, at Buffalo Point, 0.6 mile, This easy hike will lead you to a beautiful overlook of the Buffalo River. Begin at the trailhead located between the ranger station and restaurant.
 * Campground Trail, at Buffalo Point, 1.3 miles, This connector trail links the campground with the ranger station, the concession cabins, and all other Buffalo Point trails.
 * Forest Trail, at Buffalo Point, 0.7 miles, The trail leads from the group camps sites to the canoe launch area.
 * Morning Star Loop Trail, at Rush, 0.3-mile loop, This path passes the ruins of the Morning Star Mine buildings, including the remains of a blacksmith shop, livery barn, and smelter built in 1886. Begin at the Morning Star Trailhead. Do not enter the mines.
 * Rush Hiking Trail, at Rush, 2.2 miles, Begin your hike at either the Morning Star Trailhead or Rush landing. The trail is completed to Clabber Creek.

Boating
The very best way to see Buffalo River is by canoeing. There are 22 river access points along the river. You may bring your own canoe, kayak, raft, or john boat; but your best bet may be to rent one from local authorized concessioners – no permit is required. Motors must be less than 10 horsepower and properly registered in the state of Arkansas. Life jackets are required in all boats, and must be worn by children 12 and younger. United States Coast Guard regulations mandate that life jackets must be USCG-approved, in good condition, and the appropriate size for the wearer. No glass containers are permitted within 50 feet of the river or its tributaries. Floating the Buffalo can be a wonderful experience, and you can keep it that way by following a few precautions. Always check river conditions before you float. River levels are posted at the access areas and can also be found on the internet or by calling any ranger station or visitor center.

Middle River (Carver to South Maumee)

 * Buffalo Camping & Canoeing, +1 870 439-2888 or +1 870 439-2386

Fishing
The Buffalo River is a favorite with anglers. Long pools and shallow riffles provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The Buffalo and its tributaries comprise one of the Nation’s richest areas in total number of fish species. Game fish of choice are the small mouth, largemouth and spotted bass, catfish, Ozark bass, and a variety of panfish. Favored traditional methods of fishing are bank fishing and float fishing in flat-bottomed johnboats. Float fishing is most common on the lower (eastern) half of the river. State and National Park Service regulations govern fishing. An Arkansas fishing license is required for persons age 16 and over (see "Fees and permits" above for link to website). Catch and release of smallmouth bass is encouraged (with artificial lures, barbless hooks, and careful handling). Smallmouth bass kept must be at least 14 inches in length with a limit of two per day.

Swimming
The river is great for swimming, but never swim alone or during high water. There are no life-guarded swimming areas. Diving is extremely dangerous because of unseen rocks and logs beneath the water's surface. Glass containers are prohibited on the river, on trails, within 50 feet of any stream or river bank, and in caves.

Bird watching

Bird watching is quite popular at Buffalo National River. The park is a biological crossroads, providing many different habitats supporting a large variety of our feathered friends. Over 200 species of birds inhabit the park for some part of the year, and many birds live here year round. Bird checklists are available at any ranger station or visitor center. In December the park hosts the Annual Christmas Bird Count, sponsored by the National Audubon Society. The event’s conception was in protest of a traditional event called a "side hunt", where hunters would choose teams and compete to see who could shoot the most birds and animals. On December 25, 1900, small groups of individuals began counting instead of shooting the wildlife. It is now the longest running ornithological database in the world, providing valuable insight into the past and present status of resident and migratory birds and the general health of the environment.

Horseback riding
One of the many ways to enjoy the Buffalo River is by horse. Designated trails for horseback riding are located in all districts of the national river. In the upper district, the Old River, Cecil Cove Loop, Center Point, and Sneed Creek (formerly Chuck Creek) Trails are horse routes. In the middle district, riders enjoy the Buffalo River Trail. In the lower district, the Cook Hollow/Cow Creek trail accessed at Hathaway Gap is the most-used area. Two camping areas in the upper river are designated for visitors with horses – Steel Creek and Erbie. Steel Creek horse camp offers 14 sites, and Erbie horse camp offers 5 sites. Use is limited to 6 persons and 4 horses per site with a 7-day limit per stay, first-come, first-served. In the middle district, Woolum Campground is a designated horse camp. In the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area, visitors may camp at Big Creek or Hathaway Gap trailheads. There are no commercial horse outfitters operating at Buffalo National River.

Buy
Most authorized concessioners have gift shops.

Eat
There are plenty of restaurants in Harrison and other nearby towns.

 * Buffalo Point Concession (see "Sleep" below), located at Buffalo Point, has a restaurant that is open in the summer season.

Drink
National Park Service regulations control the use of alcohol on Buffalo National River. There is no alcohol for sale within the park boundaries, however, you may bring your own alcohol into the park on a limited basis. Bringing alcohol is a privilege, not a right. You are required to regulate your alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related offenses may be punishable by eviction from the park. Glass containers are not permitted on or within 100 feet of the river.

Camping
Thirteen designated campgrounds are accessible by car and are open year round on a first-come, first-served basis except that Buffalo Point Campground offers some campsites by reservation through http://www.ReserveUSA.com or calling +1-877-444-6777. Tyler Bend (all year) and Buffalo Point (Mar 15-Nov 15) offer restrooms, showers, and trailer dump stations; camping fees are charged at both locations from Mar 15-Nov 15. Buffalo Point has water and electrical hookups. Buffalo Point Campground fills most weekend evenings from Memorial Day to mid-August. The steep roads to Steel Creek and Kyles Landing and winding roads to Mt. Hersey are not recommended for large trailers, buses, or motorhomes.
 * Buffalo Point. Modern campground with 83 drive-in campsites and 20 walk-in campsites. Three drive in campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water available year round in B Loop; showers, flush toilets, water and electric hookups, and a dump station are available Mar 15-Nov 15. Camping and pavilion fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. Drive-in sites: $17 - Day, Walk-in sites: $12 - Day, Pavilion: $50 - Day
 * Carver, Semi-developed campground with 8 campsites, available first-come/first-serve. Picnic tables and vault toilets available. Camping fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. $10 - Day
 * Erbie, Modern campground with 14 drive-in campsites, 16 walk-in campsites, and 10 group sites available first-come/first-serve. One drive-in and one walk-in campsite are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water, and flush and vault toilets available. Camping fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. $10 - Day
 * Kyles Landing, Modern campground with 33 campsites, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water, and flush toilets available during Mar 15-Nov 15. Camping fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. $10 - Day
 * Lost Valley, Modern campground with 15 campsites, available first-come/first-serve. Two campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water, and flush toilets available April - October. Camping fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. $10 - Day
 * Maumee South, Primitive campground with open camping, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Vault toilets available. No camping fees required.
 * Mt. Hersey, Primitive campground with open camping, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Fire grates and vault toilets available. No camping fees required.
 * Ozark, Modern campground with 35 campsites, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water, and flush toilets available Mar 15-Nov 15. Camping and pavilion fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. Camping: $10 - Day, Pavilion: $25 - Day
 * Rush, Semi-developed campground with 12 campsites, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Drinking water, fire grates, and vault toilets available. Camping fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. $10 - Day
 * Spring Creek, Semi-developed campground with 14 campsites, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates and vault toilet available. No drinking water. Camping is free.
 * Steel Creek, Modern campground with 26 campsites, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, drinking water (Mar 15-Nov 15 only), and vault toilets available. Camping fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. Additional horse campground with fourteen sites available. Fees charged. $10 - Day
 * Tyler Bend, Modern campground with 28 drive-in campsites and 10 walk-in campsites, available first-come/first-serve. Five group sites (for tent camping groups of ten to twenty-five) are available by reservation. One drive-in, one walk-in, and one group campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Picnic tables, fire grates, and drinking water available year round; showers, flush toilets, and dump station available April - October. No water and electricity at the campsite. Picnic pavilion available by reservation. Camping and pavilion fees required Mar 15-Nov 15. Camping: $12 - Day, Pavilion: $50 - Day
 * Woolum, Primitive campground with open camping, available first-come/first-serve. No campsites are accessible for disabled persons. Fire grates and vault toilets available. No camping fees required. Horse campsites are available.

Primitive Camping on Gravel Bars Primitive camping with campfires is allowed along the river on the numerous gravel bars. This is a popular option for both locals and those floating a portion of the river. The gravel bars have no developed facilities, but also have few or no snakes, insects or poison ivy.

Stay safe

 * Historic structures and mines are fenced off for your protection. Do not enter mines.
 * Do not climb up bluffs or get too close to cliff edges. Gravity can be dangerous.
 * Bring ample drinking water, or even better, a water purifier. Never drink untreated water from springs or rivers due to the potential presence of harmful organisms.
 * Poison ivy and snakes are present and protected in the park. Never reach or step where you cannot see.
 * Ticks and chiggers are hard to avoid anywhere in the Ozarks. Long pants and insect repellent (90%+ DEET) help. Light-colored clothes make it easier to spot and remove insects.
 * Sturdy shoes and proper clothing are a must to ensure a safe and comfortable out-of-doors experience.
 * Choose campsites that allow an escape route as locally heavy rains can cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly.
 * Do not dive or jump into the river. Shallow water and submerged objects are hazardous. Swim only in clear, calm water and check below the surface for submerged objects.
 * If a lightning storm occurs, leave the river and find shelter immediately. Metal boats and water itself conduct electricity.
 * Prevent wildfires by exercising caution when building or extinguishing campfires. If possible, use a portable gas stove instead of starting a fire.

Pets
All pets are expected to be on leashes and under physical restraint at all times when in the campgrounds up to 25 feet from the river. Pet owners are expected to scoop up their pets' poop and dispose of it in a designated trash receptacle. There are two trails in Buffalo National River that are pet friendly: The Forest Pit Trail in the Lower District and the Mill Creek Trail in the upper district. Please contact one of the district Visitor Contact Stations or Park Headquarters for maps and current information.

Go next

 * Branson, Missouri a family-friendly Las Vegas with world class entertainment and access to Table Rock Lake for Bass fishing and Lake Taneycomo for lake trout fishing.
 * Silver Dollar City and Celebration City theme parks near Branson.
 * Eureka Springs, Arkansas sometimes called the little Switzerland of the Ozarks and on other occasions the San Francisco of the Ozarks. Local craft shops and art galleries, good food and shopping. Close to Beaver Lake with fishing, water skiing, swimming and other water sports.
 * Mountain View is home to the Ozark Folk Center and Blanchard Springs Caverns.
 * In Marshall, drop by the, Kenda Drive-In one of only three surviving drive-in movie theaters in Arkansas.

title: Buffalo National River


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Buford

Buford is a city of 16,000 people (2019) in Metro Atlanta.

Do

 * - located in Buford

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Buford


text:
Bugnara

Bugnara  is a small mountain village in the Abruzzo region. The village is perched on the side of the mountain 'Colle Rotondo' and has a picturesque medieval centre.

By train
Bugnara has a tiny railway station, about ten minutes walk away in the valley. About five trains run daily from Sulmona from 6AM until 8PM (the last one runs through Goriano and takes a bit longer).

By bus
There are actually about three or fours buses a day from Rome Tiburtina bus station that stop in Bugnara on their way to Scanno. The bus stops by the bridge at the bottom of the town. There are about seven local buses a day that run from Sulmona through Introdacqua and Torre Del Nolfi that stop in the main square.

By car
On the A25 take the exit for Anversa (if you are coming from Rome) or Sulmona if you are coming from Pescara. Bugnara is about ten minutes drive away from each exit (follow signs to Introdacqua and Bugnara).

See Trenitalia and ARPA for timetables.

Get around
Bugnara is small enough to cover entirely on foot.

See

Buy

Drink

 * Have a coffee or a beer at the bar on the Piazza.

Sleep
Plenty of B&Bs and private houses for rent.

Go next

 * Sulmona takes about 10 minutes by car, 40 minutes on a bike or a couple of hours to walk (the walk is pretty nice through the fields in the valley)
 * At the top of the village are the beginnings of many beautiful hiking trails up into the hills.

title: Bugnara


text:
Buhl

Buhl is a town of 4,500 people (2019) in South Central Idaho, 20 miles west of Twin Falls. Known as the "Trout Capital of the World," Buhl is the location of numerous hatcheries in the immediate surrounding area, which produce a majority of the rainbow trout consumed in the United States.

Understand
Clear Springs Foods, located just north of Buhl, processes over 20 million pounds of rainbow trout each year, making it the world's largest producer.

Get in
U.S. Route 30 passes through Buhl, along the scenic Thousand Springs Scenic Byway from Twin Falls to Bliss.

See

 * Snake River Canyon
 * Balanced Rock
 * Hot Springs
 * 1000 Springs

Drink
At Trouts.

title: Buhl


text:
Builth Wells

Builth Wells (the vowels of "Builth" are pronounced like build; Welsh: Llanfair-ym-Muallt) is a market town in Brecknockshire, Wales, UK.

By car
Two of the main trunk roads though Wales, the A483 Swansea-Chester and the A470 Cardiff-Llandudno, go though the town.

Go next

 * Llanwrtyd Wells
 * Llandrindod Wells
 * Rhayader
 * Brecon
 * Hay-on-Wye

title: Builth Wells


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Bujumbura

Bujumbura is the former capital and largest city of Burundi. It is on the north-eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world after Lake Baikal.

Understand
Bujumbura was the capital of Burundi until 2019, when the capital was moved to the second largest city Gitega.

Climate
Bujumbura features a tropical savanna climate (Aw), with distinct wet season from October to April and dry season from May to September. Average temperature is, constant among the year. Bujumbura is much hotter than other part of the country due to it low altitude:. Bujumbura has 147 rainy days per year and records of rainfalls annually, less than other parts of the country. Wind blows from Lake Tanganyika during the day and stops in the evening.

Get in
Visa rules and prices change frequently. As of July 2023 two visas are available on arrival at the Airport: a one-month, multiple entry visa costs US$90, and a 3-day (2-night) transit visa is $40. Visas can be obtained from embassies prior to travel.

If you arrive by land you can only get a 3-day transit visa for 40usd. then you need to go to the immigration office in Bujumbura to get a visa extension 10 or 30 days for 20-50 usd.

Visa on arrival is only payable in US dollars: euros are often not accepted, Burundian francs (FBu) are not accepted (even if there is ATM in airport). Credit cards are not accepted even if the “Visa” and “MasterCard” acceptance logos are clearly visibles on airport stickers. Customs accepts only recent banknotes.

By plane
Recording around 5 flights per day, Bujumbura International Airport essentially connects to East African hub airports, via the following compagnies: there are direct Air Tanzania flights to neighboring Tanzania Kigoma and Dar Es salaam but none to Democratic Republic of the Congo.
 * Ethiopian Airlines, from Addis Ababa — 1 flight per day — ET807
 * Kenya Airways, from Nairobi — 2 flights per day — KQ444 and KQ448
 * RwandAir, from Kigali — 2 flights per day — WB482 and WB483
 * Brussels Arilines, from Brussels — 1 flight per week, on Sunday — SN451

Get around
Taxis are cruising all over the city; you need to negotiate the price with them. As of early 2010, rides in the city centre were about 1500-2500 FBu; rides to and from airport can be absurdly expensive (20,000 FBu) but there's little you can do about it. In the city, during the day, a cheaper option is a moto-taxi costing 500-1000 FBu a journey, but these have been banned from the city centre for safety reasons. Burundians typically rely on the many mini-buses, costing 300 FBu to anywhere in city centre in mid-2011, and 600 FBu to the suburbs. Minibuses serving the north of the city arrive and depart at the front of the central market (Marché Central), while those heading south use the parking lot in the back of the market near the Interbank head office. The last mini-buses leave around 22:00 as of 2011. It is not advised to walk at night after that; if you need to go anywhere, take a taxi.

To get a lift in any type of vehicle from the side of the road, hold out your hand with your palm facing upward. This works for taxis, buses, motorcycles, and all sorts of private and commercial vehicles. Mini-bus conductors will honk and use their fingers to show how many seats are available. If the bus is full, they will wave their hand with their palm facing downward. It is not uncommon for private vehicles to pick up foreigners requesting lifts during the daytime. They range from high-end SUVs driven by white-collar workers to flat bed pickup trucks where you must stand up. Payment is generally not expected for hitchhiking short distances, but working-class Burundians regularly give each other money for small favours, so there is no harm in offering.

See

 * Go for scenic drives (security permitting) for spectacular views from the hills of Bujumbura Rurale to the east of town or along Lake Tanganyika to the south of town. Find a place to enjoy banana beer or maybe a Fanta and chit-chat with shopkeepers.
 * Go for scenic drives (security permitting) for spectacular views from the hills of Bujumbura Rurale to the east of town or along Lake Tanganyika to the south of town. Find a place to enjoy banana beer or maybe a Fanta and chit-chat with shopkeepers.
 * Go for scenic drives (security permitting) for spectacular views from the hills of Bujumbura Rurale to the east of town or along Lake Tanganyika to the south of town. Find a place to enjoy banana beer or maybe a Fanta and chit-chat with shopkeepers.
 * Go for scenic drives (security permitting) for spectacular views from the hills of Bujumbura Rurale to the east of town or along Lake Tanganyika to the south of town. Find a place to enjoy banana beer or maybe a Fanta and chit-chat with shopkeepers.

Beach

 * Bora Bora Plage is next to Saga.
 * Bora Bora Plage is next to Saga.
 * Bora Bora Plage is next to Saga.

Culture

 * Check local flyers for information on Burundian drummer performances, or just be on the look out for a wedding reception taking place somewhere. With help from locals, you can also arrange to visit a drum troupe, get a lesson, and then see a private performance.
 * Many activities are organized by the Centre Culturel Francais (CCF), Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagasore, +257 222351 (City Centre). Extensive monthly film, theatre and music programmes available from their offices. CCF also offers courses in French and Kiswahili (individual and group).
 * Ciné Caméo (19 Avenue des Paysans), in the Asiatic quarter screens all the latest blockbusters for about 2000 FBu. The only cinema in the country, and a place to enjoy some air conditioning on hot dry season nights.

Sports
Several swimming pools available for who wants to cool down from the hot days.
 * Federation Football (soccer) games at the Stade in Rohero are at 14:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays. Entrance as of late 2011 is 500 FBu regular and 2000 FBu first class.
 * Université de Burundi ("Collège") has a large swimming pool with high-dive and a spectacular view of Bujumbura and Lake Tanganyika.
 * Entente Sportive, Avenue du Stade. Daily 07:00 – 19:00, FBu 3500 (2014). Old spacious colonial entourage. There are separate pool for children and even 3 m and 5 m high-dives. Length of the pool is 33 metres.
 * Hotel Club Lac du Tanganyika, Chaussee D'Uvira (take route in the direction of the Border with the DRC - Gatumba), +257 250220/221, fax +257 250219, . Daily open until 20:00. FBu 4000 during the week and FBu 10,000 during the weekend. Hotel pool, but in the weekends meeting point for the ex-patriate community of Bujumbura. Breakfast and lunch served at the poolside. Beach nearby.

Viewpoints

 * War Memorial at the top end of Ave Belvedere - for great sunset views. The Belvedere and Chez Vaya restaurants are nearby and offer equally good views - although during weekdays they only open at 18:30 - after sunset.

Buy
Diamond Trust Bank, Ecobank, Kenya commercial Bank and some others have ATMs in Bujumbura that accept international Master cards and Visa cards, Interbank charge ~5000 FBu for each transaction. At Gar du Nord bus station there is only one ATM around which sometimes is out of service, so come prepared.

Groceries
Most of the things that one needs can be found in one of the stalls in the Central Market. Stiff bargaining is needed to get it for the right price.

Small supermarkets are found across the city. Google supermarket, Gift Supermarket. They normally stock luxury Imported items at a luxury price.

The Greek-owned 'Boucherie Nouvelle' on Avenue du Congo is worth a visit. Always busy, but then it offers a wide variety of meat, cheese and charcuterie. Opposite the butcher you find vendors with exclusive and rare vegetables and in the rainy season wild mushrooms of all types. Be prepared for hassle and 'persuasive' sales techniques.

Souvenirs

 * The best place to buy souvenirs is the small curio market on Avenue de Stade.
 * Another small curio market is found on Chaussee Prince Louis Rwagazore, opposite Library St. Paul.

Eat
The people in Bujumbura love their food and enjoy eating out with friends or family. A beef or fish brochette, chips or fried plantain and a fresh salad is available in all restaurants. But take your time. All food is freshly prepared and the cooks take time. Waiting an hour before the food arrives is certainly not abnormal.

Restaurants are scattered all over town, but the best are in Rohero and Kiriri.

Some restaurants that are worth a visit are:

Rohero

 * Fleur de Sel in city centre (Blvd 1er Novembre). (June 2016)

Drink
There are several bars on Avenue de l'Universite (between Bld de l'Independence and Blv Mao Tse Tung).

The best known places for a transnight dance are l'Archipel and Havana. L'Archipel can be found at Blv de la Liberté and Havana is on Blv de Uprona (around the corner of the Novotel).

Sleep
Bujumbura Accommodation can be broadly split into the northern beach resorts and the city centre. The city centre can be further split into places near the lake, the city centre proper and up in the hills behind the city centre.

Downtown, lakeside

 * Restaurant Tanganyika 1 Avenue de la Plage - has 4 spacious rooms overlooking the garden with art deco fixtures, free wifi and air conditioning. A small sandy beach is over the road. Good value at US$60 per night including breakfast. The road is a little noisy however.

City centre

 * Hotel Botanika tiny, delightful boutique hotel above Restaurant Botanika - one of the best restaurants in town. Located in city centre, in the vicinity of a lot of bars and nightclubs, so very noisy on weekends. Good food and service and Wi-Fi. Around US$90 per night.
 * Water front hotel (approx US$100). The former international Novotel brand and has been privatised after being state-owned for several years. The former first hotel in town, is in desperate need of renovation and has seen a lot better times.
 * Hotel de L'Amitie (rooms for US$25 - 50 including breakfast) is on the Avenue de l'Amitie by Blvd l'Uprona. Cheaper rooms come with cold showers. Local restaurant serves awesome fish and chips for 10,000 FBu. There is Wi-Fi in the lobby.
 * Water front hotel (approx US$100). The former international Novotel brand and has been privatised after being state-owned for several years. The former first hotel in town, is in desperate need of renovation and has seen a lot better times.
 * Hotel de L'Amitie (rooms for US$25 - 50 including breakfast) is on the Avenue de l'Amitie by Blvd l'Uprona. Cheaper rooms come with cold showers. Local restaurant serves awesome fish and chips for 10,000 FBu. There is Wi-Fi in the lobby.
 * Hotel de L'Amitie (rooms for US$25 - 50 including breakfast) is on the Avenue de l'Amitie by Blvd l'Uprona. Cheaper rooms come with cold showers. Local restaurant serves awesome fish and chips for 10,000 FBu. There is Wi-Fi in the lobby.

Up in the hills

 * The restaurant is old, shabby and overpriced, but the 4 rooms are good value. It's at the top of the hill near University, far from the centre of town, so it's quieter and cooler. Around US$90 per night.

Stay safe
Bujumbura is a moderately safe city, but common sense should prevail. Walking around during the day should be fine, but at night time (from 18:00) the streets get very dark and you are best off getting a taxi except for very short walks. Day or night there are very few police around. The area near the port feels pretty dodgy day or night.

Connect
English/French language broadcasts are available from BBC World Service on 90.2 MHz and 105.6 MHz.

Internet access is best at an expat restaurant with WiFi, especially Café Aroma on Boul. de l'Uprona. For those without their own device, Surf Internet Café (back of Rusca Plaza, Avenue de l'Amitié) has generally fast Internet on good quality computers during the day. In the evening, your best bet in the city centre is Face@Face near the Waterfront Hotel. 3G wireless sticks are available from Econet as of mid-2011, with other carriers planning to offer them soon.

Embassies and consulates

 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Kigoma, Tanzania: You can take a bus via the Manyovu border post. The distance is 227 km. From Kigoma you can take a train or bus to Mwanza or Dar es Salaam.
 * About 60 km south of Bujumbura are two lakeside resort hotels, Blue Bay  and Resha Royal Imperial Hotel   which make for nice day trips or as somewhere to stay overnight. Both have restaurants serving up excellent grilled fish.
 * The volcano bus company has regular service to Kigali Rwanda. and the Luba express bus company has regular service to Kigoma Tanzania There is an Intercity bus station on Avenue de l'OUA near GTS.

title: Bujumbura


text:
Bukavu

Bukavu is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is on the border with Rwanda. This area has suffered from some of the ongoing political unrest.

Get in
You can reach Bukavu from Rwanda via the borders of Cangungu, from Burundi via the border of Uvira, and from Goma via Lake Kivu or by Road. Due to continuing wars and go the massive crossing of goods over the Rwanda/DRC border, the border crossings can take a great deal of time, and bribes. Do not approach expecting to be able to buy a visa at the border. Have it beforehand and be prepared to wait and possibly pay a bribe. The border control is just one person writing everything down in a big ledger.

The road to Goma is not considered safe but there are boats every day. Expect to pay US$10–50 depending on speed and comfort. If you're white you may have to argue to get a cheap ticket, as it is considered to be not suitable for tourists. You may have to pay US$5 departure tax. Occasionally these boats also stop at Idjwi Island

There are wooden boats to Idjwi island leaving at various times through the day. Ask around at the port. Unlike the northern part of the lake the water here is generally calmer, due to it being narrow and populated with a lot of islands, so the voyage by wooden boat is not usually unduly traumatic. There are direct flights to Kinshasa twice or thrice a week from national carriers and private companies such as flyCAA

Get around
Getting around can be tricky to some especially those from developed countries due to the condition of the roads. The roads are in poor condition except for some parts of the city center such as the line from Labotte (head quarter of governments and other companies in the province of South Kivu) to the Ruzizi 1 border crossing in Nguba which is also the main artery of the city called boulevard Lumumba (named after the late Patrice E. Lumumba).

- Kadutu to Panzi Route which cost about 1000cdf(almost $0.5). - Kadutu to Kadutu (Bukavu's main public market) and goes to other part of Kadutu. - Kadutu to the Ruzizi 1 border may cost between 1000 francs to 1500 francs. There also regular mini-buses that goes from Bukavu to different parts of the province such as Kamituga, Uvira and other major towns of the province.
 * There are taxis or mini-buses, Boda Boda (Motorcycle) that go different routes such as
 * A trip from Bukavu to Uvira takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on the period. This trip cost about $10 maximum (2022). You can chose to one of two routes when traveling to Uvira either you go through Rwanda or Nyangezi (but the road in this side is in bad shape).
 * Bukavu to Kamituga about 165km, which is the mineral capital of the province and one of the strategic mineral towns of the Country, may cost you just over $10. Expect the journey to take more than one day in rainy season due to the bad condition of the roads.

See
For architecture buffs, there's a large number of Arc Deco buildings across the city.

 * A picturesque peninsula on Lake Kivu
 * From Bukavu you can visit the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National park, Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu, and Minova village.
 * Nuns near the airport. They have fantastic ice cream and cheese. You'll need a car to get to them and the road there is absolutely horrible, although quite worth it.
 * Panzi Hospital  visit the hospital where the 2018 Nobel prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege live and work.
 * Panzi Hospital  visit the hospital where the 2018 Nobel prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege live and work.

Do
You can visit the Kadutu Market and see the overcrowded area of the city.

Buy
Bukavu is mainly a US dollar economy, so plan to use Congolese francs only for small purchases.

For shopping, check out the SuperMarket Asante, between the Mayor building and SONAs, in front of the Bukavu Cathedral.

Eat

 * Hotel La Roche has great views of the lake.
 * Hotel Horizon (near Alfajiri Secondary School) is a good option for dinner, though the views are less exciting.
 * Hotel Orchid a great view of the lake and the best food in town. Not terribly overpriced despite the rather high-ish quality of the establishment. You will want to drive to it at night as the road is unlit and treacherous to walk in pitch black.

For lunch and dinner, try the Cafe and Restaurant Asante at Supermarket Asante between the Mayor Building and SONAS.

Drink

 * Beer - Primus, Mitzigi, Turbo king..
 * Soft drinks - Vitalo, Fanta, Coca Cola, juice.
 * Local Drinks - Banana beer called Kasiksi or Mutchibwe.

Sleep

 * Hotel Panorama. Boulevard du Lac No 12, Labotte
 * Hotel Panorama. Boulevard du Lac No 12, Labotte
 * Hotel Panorama. Boulevard du Lac No 12, Labotte
 * Hotel Panorama. Boulevard du Lac No 12, Labotte
 * Hotel Panorama. Boulevard du Lac No 12, Labotte
 * Hotel Panorama. Boulevard du Lac No 12, Labotte

Go next
Kaziba, about 55 km (35 mi) from the big city bedlam of Bukavu, has a guest house at Byakweli's property, closer to the Kaziba Hospital.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, about 33km between two mountains which are Mt Kahuzi and Mt Biega.

title: Bukavu


text:
Bukhara

Bukhara (also spelled Bokhara, Bukhoro, or Buxoro) in Uzbekistan was historically one of the great trading cities along the Silk Road. The city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Sanskrit the word Bukhara means "abbey". Bukhara, "The city of museums", contains more than 140 architectural monuments of the Middle Ages. Such buildings as Poi - Kalan, Kosh Madras, mausoleum of Ismail Samoni, minaret of Kalyan and others were built 2,300 years ago, and today are popular with tourists. The famous poets Narshahi, Rudaki Dakiki and others have played an important role in the development of Bukhara.

Legend of Siavash
According to the legend Bukhara was founded by King Siavash, a legendary Persian prince from the beginnings of the Persian Empire. After the treason of his stepmother Sudabeh, who accused him that he wanted to seduce her and betray his father, Siavash went into exile to Turan. Afrasiab, the King of Samarkand, married his daughter Ferganiza(Farangis) to him and granted him a vassal kingdom in the oasis of Bukhara. Later, Siavash was accused that he wanted to overthrow King Afrasiab and was executed in front of his wife. Siavash's father sent Rostam, the legendary Persian hero to Turan and Rostam brought Ferganiza (Farangis) and their son Kai Khosrow back to Persia.

Pre-Islamic times
The history of Bukhara can be traced back to the 4th or 5th cent. AD, the date of the first coins with Sogdian writing in an alphabet derived from Aramaic. There are no reports of a city in the area of Bukhara at the time of Alexander the Great.

From the Arab invasions to the Mongols
At the time of the Arab conquests, Bukhara was ruled by the Sogdian dynasty of the Bokar-kodats. Arab armies first appeared before Bukhara in the caliphate of Moawia, after Obayd-Allāh b. Zīād b. Abīhe crossed the Oxus (53-54/673-74). Bukhara was ruled by a woman, Katun, as regent for her infant son. She had to submit and to pay a tribute of a million dirhams and 4,000 slaves. Permanent Arab control in the city was established by Qotayba b. Moslem Baheli, who after arduous campaigns in Sogdia (87-90/706-09) overcame the resistance of the Bukharans and their Turkish allies and placed an Arab garrison in the city, forcing every home owner to share his residence with Arabs. In 94/712-13 he erected the first mosque in Bukhara within the citadel, on the site of a former Buddhist or Zoroastrian temple. In 166/782, the governor of Khorasan Fażl b. Solayman Ṭusi built walls to protect Bukhara against Turkish attacks.

In the 3rd/9th century, the notables of Bukhara asked the Samanid ruler of Samarqand and Farḡāna Nasr b.Ahmad for help, who in 260/874 sent his younger brother Ismail to the city. Bukhara enjoyed a period of prosperity lasting for 150 years and under the patronage of the Samanid amirs served as a cultural centre for Arabic learning and Persian literature. A passage by Taalebi, the famous scholar of Nisapur, praises Bukhara in the era of the Samanids as “the focus of splendour, the Kaba of the empire, the meeting-place of the unique figures of the age, the rising-place of the stars of the literary men of the world, and the forum for the outstanding personages of the time”. Geographers from the Samanid period mention the division of the city in a citadel (kohandez), the town proper (sahrestan) and a suburb (rabat). The citadel contained the palace and the original mosque of Qotayba b. Moslem. To its east, dividing it from the sahrestan, was the Registan, an open, sandy space where Amir Naṣr b. Aḥmad (301-33/914-43) built a palace and where the dīvāns of the administration were situated. In this century, an outer wall with eleven gates was built. The city had expanded, although geographers still criticize it as an unsanitary and crowded place.

In 389/999 Bukhara was occupied by the Ilak (Ilig) Nasr b. Ali. For the next 150 years it was part of the western Qarakhanid khanate, ruled by descendants of the Ilak Nasr. Under the loose, decentralized rule of the Turkish tribesmen, Bukhara lost its political importance. The reign of Arslan Khan Moḥammad b. Solayman (495-524/1102-30) brought peace to the city. He also rebuilt the citadel and city walls, and erected a new Friday mosque and two new palaces.

After the Mongol invasion
Bukhara was conquered by Gengiz Khan in 616/1220. All inhabitants were driven out and the city was burned., but in the time of Ögedey Qaan (626-39/1229-41) the city was prosperous again. Ögedey placed the administration of all the settled regions of Central Asia in the hands of a Muslim merchant trusted by the Mongols, who resided in Ḵojand and reported directly to the supreme khan. The revival of prosperity of Bukhara may have been due to his efforts. He was succeeded at Bukhara by his son Masud Beg, who remained in authority until his death in 688/1289, despite feuds among the Mongol successor states and repeated shifts in their borders within Central Asia. Masud Beg was buried in the madrasa that he had built at Bukhara. The skilled craftsmen inhabiting Bukhara were apportioned among the four divisions of the Mongol empire, each belonging to one of Genghis Khan’s sons and his descendants; each division was entitled to revenues from the portion of the population where they were assigned.

The Khanate of Bukhara
The Khanate of Bukhara came into existence after the conquest of Samarkand and Bukhara by Muhammad Shaybani. The Shaybanid Dynasty ruled the khanate from 1506 until 1598. Under their rule Bukhara became a center of arts and literature. Bukhara attracted skilled craftsmen of calligraphy and miniature painting, poets and theologians. Abd al-Aziz Jhan (1533-1550) established a library "having no equal". The khanate of Bukhara reached its greatest influence under Abdullah Khan II, who reigned from 1577 to 1598.

The Khanate of Bukhara was governed by the Janid Dynasty (Astrakhanids) in the 17th and 18th cent. It was conquered by Nadir Shah of Iran in 1740. After his death the khanate was controlled by descendants of the Uzbek emir Khudayar Bi through the position of "ataliq" (prime minister). The khanate became the Emirate of Bukhara in 1785.

In the early 19th century the Scottish soldier, explorer, diplomat and spy Alexander Burnes reached Bukhara from India, travelling in native grab via Afghanistan. His book Travels into Bokhara, was a bestseller when it was published in 1835. Today it is available at Project Gutenberg.

By train
Marshrutkas 268 and 378 go to the city centre at for 2000 som. The final stop of the marshrutka 378 is Kolkhoz (Defucon) bazaar (Markaziy Bozor) near the Ark citadel, so if you want to go to the old city directly, you'd better ask the driver to drop you off at the old city (Russian: staryy gorod). There are two daily trains, and an overnight train, connecting Bukhara with Tashkent via Samarkand. For departure times see the Uzbekistan#Get around section.

By bus or taxi
Buses and taxis to Tashkent and Samarkand leave from the

Buses and taxis to Urgench and Khiva leave from

Shared taxis to Karshi, Shakhrisabz, Termiz and Denau on the Tajik border leave from the

To Turkmenistan border you have to take a shared taxi or marshrutka from the

By car
Bukhara is 560 km from Tashkent, 270 km from Samarkand, 470 km form Khiva, 920 km from Andizhan, 900 km from Fergana, 160 km from Karshi, 800 km from Kokand, 560 km from Nukus, 280 km from Shahrisabz, 380 km from Termez and 440 km from Urgench.

To Khiva, you can take a collective taxi at 50,000 som per person in downtown or hire a private taxi for US$70–80 per car. To Samarkand, you can hire a private taxi for US$60. Alternatively, a 2-day excursion including Aydar Kul Yurt costs US$120 per car. Some of the recommended private drivers include Fahkredine (based in Bukhara, owns Nexia) on+998 93 472 5060 or Shukhrat (based in Samarkand, owns Lacetti) on +998 66 265 5522. Both speak basic English.

Get around
The Old Town is beautiful, and due to its small size there is no need for transport. Also, many of the streets are far too narrow for cars.

Talk
The main language of Bukhara is the Tajik dialect of Persian. Russian is the second language and Uzbek is used but to a lesser extent. Bukhara, along with Samarqand and other cities in Central and Southern Uzbekistan, has been historically populated by ethnic Tajiks and Bukharian Jews who spoke Tajik along with their own dialects which today include some Uzbek and a lot of Russian loan words.

See

Buy
Bukhara is famous for rugs. Historically, rugs woven by nomadic or village Turkomans were called "Bokhara carpets" because the city was a centre for trading them. Today the city itself also produces many rugs.

Eat
Beware of scams! Some visitors report unfair behaviour and inflated bills at Shaxriston restaurant (same street as Hammam Bozori Kord) and Asia Cafe (next to Lyabi Hauz).

Sleep
There are numerous bed and breakfast places around the Lyabi Hauze complex. These are excellent for independent travellers. Rooms can be had quite cheap, less than US$20 per person but standards and prices vary place to place, but make sure you look at a few before you make your choice. Some of them are amazing houses set round courtyards and provide an unforgettable experience much better than any hotel. You can also expect some top quality breakfasts with fruit, bread, cheese, yoghurt, and an unlimited supply of tea.

For an unconventional accommodation choice, Caravannsaroy Olimjon is an original Silk Road caravanserai and has become the centre of a respectable Couchsurfing community; they don't have much of an online presence but ask around and a local will point you there. Stay is completely free but no showers or WiFi and only one basic toilet to share between whoever happens to be there.

Go next
Most travellers head from Bukhara to the other two silk road cities of Samarkand (3h by train) or Khiva (5 hr by shared taxi).

You can get to Termez (6 hr by shared taxi, usually more). 150,000 som. You have to get first to Karchi (2 hr), then wait for passengers to Termez (4 hr). You might end up paying up more as the taxi is not sure to get full.

title: Bukhara


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Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is an Indonesian National Park spanning three provinces on the island of Sumatra.

Understand
The park has a total area of 3,568 km, and spans the provinces of Lampung, Bengkulu, and South Sumatra. Together with Gunung Leuser National Park and Kerinci Seblat National Park it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.

Flora and fauna
The park is home to many endangered species, including:

 * Sumatran Elephant (about 500 animals, or 25% of the total remaining population of this subspecies live in the park)
 * Sumatran Striped Rabbit (all recent records of this poorly known species have been from the park)
 * Sumatran Rhino (an estimated 60-80 Sumatran rhinos live in the park; approximately the same number live in Gunung Leuser National Park, and when combined the two parks account for the majority of this species' population)
 * Sumatran Tiger (approximately 40 adult tigers or 10% of the remaining Sumatran tigers live in the park).

title: Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park


text:
Bukit Kayu Hitam

Bukit Kayu Hitam is a town in Kedah, Malaysia. It is the main road crossing between Malaysia and Thailand and most long distance buses between the two countries use this checkpoint. The Thai checkpoint is officially known as the Sadao Immigration Checkpoint while the town immediately after the border is called Dannok.

There is not much of a town to Bukit Kayu Hitam (which locals like to refer to with its loose English translation "Black Forest") - just a few shops located on a side road off the main highway. Most commercial activity is actually centred at the busy duty-free shopping centre located between the Malaysian and Thai checkpoints.

Bukit Kayu Hitam is the northern starting point of the North-South Expressway (Expressway code E1) which runs all the way south to Johor Bahru, passing through Kuala Lumpur.

Visa
For details on visa requirements for Malaysia, please see the Malaysia | Get in section. Bukit Kayu Hitam is not a visa on arrival entry point.

By bus
To/from Thailand: For those heading to Hat Yai and other destinations in Thailand, you will have to cross the border into Sadao for connections. Please note that it is quite a distance to walk from the bus terminal on the Malaysian side to the Thai side of the border. Because of all this, it is much more convenient to take a bus directly to Hat Yai (or your Malaysian destination if coming from Hat Yai) rather than change buses at Bukit Kayu Hitam. Most long distance buses between Malaysia and Thailand use the Bukit Kayu Hitam-Sadao crossing but do not pick up passengers here.

To/from Malaysian destinations: Ekspres Bandar runs two direct buses daily between Bukit Kayu Hitam and Kuala Lumpur's Jalan Duta Bus Terminal. Tickets cost RM40. Buses leave near the Malaysian immigration complex.

There are many more options at Changloon (also spelled Changlun), 8km south of Bukit Kayu Hitam. Among the bus companies with direct links to Kuala Lumpur are Transnasional (Tel: +60-4-9241561), Etika Ekspres and Konsortium Bas Ekspres Semenanjung (Tel: +60-4-9241561). You will have to take a taxi between Bukit Kayu Hitam and Changloon. From Changloon, you can also catch a local HBR Liner bus to Alor Star.

By taxi
Taxis congregate at several locations in Bukit Kayu Hitam, especially near the Malaysian checkpoint and the district council stalls in Bukit Kayu Hitam town. Because of the distance between the Malaysian and Thai checkpoints, many people take taxis between the two. Malaysian taxis will usually stop just short of the border, which is within easy walking distance to the Thai checkpoint.

To Thailand: Taxis to Hat Yai (between RM30-50) and other towns in Thailand can also be found at the duty free shopping complex between the Malaysian and Thai immigration checkpoints. You will also see many signboards offering taxi services to Hat Yai along the expressway before reaching town. Taxis are also available on the Thai side in Sadao.

Most Malaysians drive to Bukit Kayu Hitam, leave their car in Malaysian territory and take taxis into Thailand to save themselves the hassle of getting Thai insurance for their vehicles. One popular place to park is at the Duty Free shopping complex. To get there, drive through Malaysian immigration as if you were driving into Thailand, then turn into the Duty Free complex parking space. There is a Hat Yai taxi counter near the exit of the car park with fares clearly displayed.

To other parts of Malaysia: For those arriving from Thailand, Malaysian taxis can be found just inside Malaysian territory after crossing the border gate, ready to bring you to through the Malaysian immigration checkpoint (about 1km away) and onward to any Malaysian destination. You can pay for one seat and wait until all seats are taken before the taxi moves, or pay for the whole car. Please agree on a price before boarding the taxi.

By road
Bukit Kayu Hitam is the northern end of the tolled North-South Expressway (Route E1) which spans Peninsular Malaysia. Once it crosses the Thai border into Sadao, it becomes the toll-free National Highway 4 which goes all the way to Bangkok via Hat Yai.

Bukit Kayu Hitam is 48km north of Alor Setar, about 150km from Penang and 470km from Kuala Lumpur.

For those heading to Langkawi, take the North-South Expressway to Changloon (just the next town) and turn into the new highway which goes all the way to Kuala Perlis in Perlis to catch the ferry to the island.

Get around
The few places you need to go to in Bukit Kayu Hitam such as the immigration checkpoints, duty free complex, foodstalls, are quite far apart and walking may be a little inconvenient. Many people take short rides in normal taxis or motorcycle taxis, especially when they want to cross the border.

See
Bukit Kayu Hitam exists for people to cross the border. There is nothing much to see except for the hordes of people trying to cross into or coming in from Thailand.

Do

 * Golfing at Black Forest Golf and Country Resort, an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course. It is located behind the duty free shopping complex in between the Malaysian and Thai immigration checkpoints. The golf clubhouse also has restaurant.

Buy

 * Shopping at the Cergas Jaya Duty Free Shopping Ccomplex. It's a mid-sized shop with sporting good, toys, some clothes, groceries and the usual stock of liquor, make-up and cigerettes. For pricing comparison: 1 liter of Bacardi Rum - RM45, Malibu Rum - RM65, Absolut Citron - RM57. The store is supplied by the Malaysians, so those from the Thai side can find some interesting items. Getting there: Those from Malaysia who want to only come here and NOT cross into Thailand should drive through Malaysian immigration and inform the officer that you only want to go to the duty free complex. He will issue you a pass which you should hold on to and return it when you go through immigration again after you finish shopping. Passports are not needed. Please note that you can only bring in duty free goods if you have left the country for 48 hours. However, many Malaysians just go to the complex to buy duty free items and hope they can pass Malaysian customs without them noticing. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Its your call. Of course, there is no problem if you are travelling onwards into Thailand or coming from there.

Eat
food stalls are located behind the check point.

Sleep
There is no accommodation in Bukit Kayu Hitam. You should proceed to Alor Star (about 40mins), Penang (two hours) or Hat Yai (one hour) if you are travelling the other direction for sleeping options.

Go next
Most people will leave Bukit Kayu Hitam as fast as they can. Head to Dannok just across the border or further to Hat Yai. On the Malaysian side, the nearest town is Changlun which is 7km away. Further down is Jitra and then to the capital city Alor Star 48km away.

title: Bukit Kayu Hitam


text:
Bukit Merah

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort is an eco-tourism destination in Perak, near the towns of Semanggol and Taiping. Most of its attractions are located by a lake. It is a family vacation spot. Keep in mind that prices here are not low, thus backpackers may want to give this stop a skip.

By car
Bukit Merah is primarily accessible via road. Take the Bukit Merah Exit on the North South Expressway, 10 minutes North of Taiping's Kamunting Exit and follow the signs.

By bus
Take a bus from the Kamunting Bus Terminal in Taiping to Semanggol. From Semanggol, take another bus into Bukit Merah

Get around
One can walk to most of the attractions as they are located close by. If you don't have a car, avoid staying at the apartments as they are located further out and are only accessible by car as there is no public transportation in this area.

See

 * Orang Utan Island - Tucked away on the 35-acre Pulau Orang Utan, Orang Utan Island is the world's first and only 5-acre rehabilitation and preservation facility where Orang Utans roam free. The unique island serves as a breeding sanctuary as well as conservation, research and education center to better understand this endangered species. There is a boat service that ferries people to and from the Island every 30–45 minutes. Entrance is RM15 for Adults and RM10 for children. Children below 90 cm will not be admitted.
 * EcoPark - A 3-acre eco-friendly sanctuary, the park features three large enclosures the Bird Park, Reptile Park and Tropical Trek, where rare indigenous and exotic bird, reptile, primate and mammal species roam freely in their natural habitat. Entrance is RM10 for Adults and RM7 for children.
 * Take a walk by the lake at sunset, near Marina Village. The view is quite spectacular.

Do

 * Skycycle - A monorail that gives you a breathtaking view of the surrounding tropic rainforest. The ride costs RM4 per person.
 * Village Tours - Take a tour of a traditional Malay Village and see a Malay house and school and learn to weave a grass mat. There are special combo packages available. Ask ticket offices to provide the details.
 * Water Park - Straddling an area of 11 acres, it is the largest in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. It has 10 different rides including Boomerang, the only of its kind in South East Asia. There is also a chairlift that will take you over the entire waterpark for a fee of RM4. Entrance to the waterpark is RM27 for Adults and RM23 for children.

Buy
Marina Village is a mall close to the waterpark that has many handicraft and souvenir stores to get nice items. Keep in mind that prices here are higher than in most other places as it is a predominantly tourist area.

Eat
Marina Village houses most of the F&B outlets like Cafe Le Lac, Ripple's Sidewalk Cafe and K'Bali Cafe. Bubbles Restaurant is located within the waterpark, it serves local and Western food at fairly high prices. Hong San Restaurant is located at the Laketown Apartments and serves Chinese cuisine while Colours Restaurant is located at Suria Service Apartments.

Drink

 * Angler's Karaoke Corner is a pub also located in Marina Village and has Karaoke facilities.
 * Mike's Place is a pub located in Marina Village. It has a live band.

Go next

 * Taiping, a town founded upon tin mining activities, it has a zoo and the country's first Lake Gardens. It is only 10 minutes south via the North South Expressway
 * Ipoh, state capital famous for its local cuisine. It is about an hour south via the North South Expressway
 * Penang, rich in history and known for good local food and beautiful beaches. It is about an hour North via the North South Expressway
 * Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands. It is a duty free zone, thus shopping is cheap. It also has beautiful beaches and many other attractions. It is about 3 hours North via the North South Expressway. Flights and boat trips are also available via Penang

title: Bukit Merah


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Bukit Mertajam

Bukit Mertajam is a town in Penang, Malaysia.

By bus
Bukit Mertajam is a town in Penang State. There are two main express bus stations in Penang, Butterworth Bus Terminal near the ferry terminal and KTM train station and Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal on Penang Island (around 10 minutes drive from Butterworth). Bukit Mertajam is just a short distance away from Butterworth Bus / KTM (Train) / Ferry terminal. To get to Butterworth Bus terminal, take an express bus. Many major bus companies like Transnasional, Konsortium, Sri Maju, Suasana Edaran and Aeroline go to Penang / Butterworth / Georgetown. You can find the express bus schedules at Roadhop. The bus driver will drop you off direct at Bukit Mertajam. If that is not possible, take the ferry from Butterworth Bus terminal to Penang Sentral local bus terminal on Penang Island. When you arrive, take bus 701 and 702 from Rapidpenang for around 2.7RM to go to Bukit Mertajam. These buses do not come often but it is the cheapest way to get in.

By train
Alternatively, you can take the KTM train. There are a number of lines to choose from, for example, Express Rakyat 1 and Express Langkawi EL8. Trains are really convenient if you are coming from locations without express bus terminals! Bukit Mertajam was a major railway hub for both passengers and cargo. If you drive to Bukit Mertajam, you will encounter a surprising number of railway crossings everywhere. There is one coming from the short cut from Permatang Tinggi and two coming from Permatang Tengah. Moreover, the railway station once won the most beautiful station in Malaysia award.

By taxi
If you can also take a taxi from Penang Sentral to Bukit Mertajam, but you risk having a high fare because of the traffic. It will cost around RM 30-50 for a day trip or RM 120-150 at night. Ironically, the taxi drivers at Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal actually charge much less and have a fixed price! In Bukit Mertajam, there are local buses connecting from towns like Kulim and Parit Buntar. It is also a short distance away from the beach resorts at Batu Ferringhi.

By car
Most of the car rental places in Penang are located at the airport, so if you will like to drive to Bukit Mertajam, it is better to fly in using one of the budget flights and rent a car.

Get around
The only public transport available in the town is bus, with some lines running as infrequently as once every hour or two. You can travel around with taxi too, but you can rarely get a taxi on the street. Normally, you only can get the taxi from the main taxi terminal.

See

 * Bukit Berapit - a hill full of fruit trees such as durian, mangosteen, and nutmeg, with two Buddhist temples and scenic views
 * Mengkuang Dam - the biggest dam in Penang, and a recreational activities venue
 * The railway station - once won the most beautiful station in Malaysia award

Religious sites

 * Pek Kong Cheng - Also known as "Tua Pek Gong Biu" to some, is an old Chinese temple with its rich history and existed since the early development of Bukit Mertajam. It serves not only as a place of worship, but also as a central point of the town's major wet and dry market. There are many food stalls located around the temple each with different specialty (operates 24 hours) and it is a popular eating spot for both the locals and tourists. Few of the specialties include silver needle noodles (Niao Chu Hun/Bee Tai Bak), white wantan mee and roast duck/pork rice.
 * Pek Kong Cheng - Also known as "Tua Pek Gong Biu" to some, is an old Chinese temple with its rich history and existed since the early development of Bukit Mertajam. It serves not only as a place of worship, but also as a central point of the town's major wet and dry market. There are many food stalls located around the temple each with different specialty (operates 24 hours) and it is a popular eating spot for both the locals and tourists. Few of the specialties include silver needle noodles (Niao Chu Hun/Bee Tai Bak), white wantan mee and roast duck/pork rice.

Do

 * Tokun Hill - It is a small hill for hiking. On the track up to the hill, you can always notice invertebrates like millipedes and colorful butterflies.

Buy

 * Spacious mall featuring a supermarket, familiar chain eateries & retailers like KFC, Baskin Robbins and Nando's & a TGV movie theater.
 * Spacious mall featuring a supermarket, familiar chain eateries & retailers like KFC, Baskin Robbins and Nando's & a TGV movie theater.

Eat

 * Black man's rojak (pronounced olang rojak in Hokkien)
 * Duck egg fried kuey teow (there are 3 stalls operated by 3 brothers, one in front of the railway station, another beside the taxi station, and the latest one in Jalan Kulim)
 * Soya milk (nearby Pek Kong Cheng temple along Jalan Pasar)
 * Roast duck and pork rice (roadside stall beside Pek Kong Cheng temple)
 * Chendol - BM Chendol House, or the one in the market, behind KFC
 * Yam rice at Taman Sentosa
 * Hawker food in Taman Sri Rambai, Taman Sentosa
 * Dim sum ("Wong Chow" or "Soon Hong" restaurant)
 * Nasi kandar pelita
 * Konlo mee (also known as tok tok mee) and mee soup (similar to Koay Teow Th'ng) - stall is located between the fruit stalls and Pek Kong Cheng temple
 * Bak kut teh non-halal food/soup - there are 2 shops located at Jalan Mutiara, Taman Sri Rambai, operated by brothers; one is top 20 most delicious bak kut teh in Malaysia

Sleep
The Summit Hotel

Palm inn

Iconic Hotel

Chariton Hotel Alma

U Design Hotel

My Hotel Bukit Mertajam

title: Bukit Mertajam


text:
Bukit Peninsula

The Bukit Peninsula is southernmost point of Bali, Indonesia. Bukit means hill, and the peninsula has a dramatic landscape that if anything exceeds the promise of its name.

Understand
This is a large limestone peninsula which, bar a sliver of land just south of the airport, would be a separate island. It is rugged and dry, and pre-tourist development this was a real backwater of Bali.

The Bukit (as it is commonly referred to) includes the famous cliff-hanging temple at Uluwatu, a number of Bali's very best beaches including Balangan, and the top surfing spots on the island. As is so often the case, it was intrepid surfers who really opened up the eyes of the world to this part of the island.

The two main towns with strong local communities on the Bukit are Pecatu and Ungasan.

This article covers the whole of the Bukit Peninsula south of Jimbaran and west of Nusa Dua.

Get in

The Bukit Peninsula is connected to Kuta through Jimbaran by the busy Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in. Take this main road south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Continue on this road into the heart of the peninsula.

A taxi from Kuta to Uluwatu for example takes 30–40 minutes on winding roads and will cost about Rp 120,000 one-way. If you are just visiting for the day, consider asking the driver to wait trip as it can be difficult to find transport back. Figure on paying the taxi driver Rp 20,000/hour to wait. Joining a tour can be a cheaper way of getting to Uluwatu and this destination is very widely offered by tour operators all over the island.

Get around
Exploring the Bukit lends itself very well to a rented motorbike. A number of the nicer beaches are reached via small roads or dirt tracks and a motorbike is the best method.

Taxis are not plentiful but can be found. There is a taxi stand at Padang-Padang just north of the bridge and one or two taxis are often sitting there waiting for customers.

A few bemos ply the main routes only but they are neither regular nor reliable.

See
The cliff is fascinating but the temple is not as impressive as others in Bali. There is also a very scenic cave underneath with rock formations leading onto a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.

Beaches
There are a number of good white sand beaches on the Bukit Peninsula which many consider the best in Bali.

Do
Uluwatu is a very well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers though - the waves are big here. The main surfing spots are Uluwatu, Dreamland, Padang-Padang, Bingin/Impossibles and Suluban.

Kecak Dance (monkey dance) performances are held at Uluwatu temple daily 18:00-19:00. Tickets for the visually spectacular, if rather unoriginal show (it was invented in the 1930s), cost Rp 100,000 (from Jan 2015). Buy them more than a few minutes before the show starts—they sell out.

Choosing to get married or renewing vows in Bali is increasingly popular, and the Bukit Peninsula is the most popular destination for such ceremonies. There is a stunning, modernist, purpose-built cliff-front wedding chapel close to Nyang Nyang Beach and the Bulgari Hotel, and a number of resorts offer specialist wedding packages and planning.

Buy
There are the usual souvenir shops at the parking area at the entrance to Uluwatu temple. Otherwise, this is not an area of Bali known for its shopping.

There are convenience stores and small supermarkets in the villages of Pecatu and Ungasan for everyday shopping.

Eat
The growing number of five star resorts on the Bukit Peninsula all have top class restaurants (and prices to match). Alila and Karma Kandara are especially highly rated.

At a more humble level, there are a host of simple local roadside cafes catering to the young surfing crowd at Bingin, Padang-Padang and Uluwatu. A lot of these hardly have a name, let alone contact details, and the best advice is to follow the crowds. Expect cold beers and good, simple Indonesian food.

Drink
This is certainly not an area in which to expect much nightlife, and visitors staying here wanting some late night bar or club culture might make the 45-minute journey up to Kuta or Seminyak.

You will almost always find somebody to join you for a relaxed beer on the beach though as there is a strong surf culture here. The beaches at Padang-Padang and Bingin are the best bets.

Sleep
As a tourist destination, the whole Bukit Peninsula area was popularised by surfers. There are still numerous small, cheap bungalows close to the main surf points at Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin and Suluban, and many visitors just turn up and take what is available.

The area has an impressive collection of high-end villas and resorts as well. Beware false advertising though: only the most expensive "villas" are completely private and self-contained, while most share at least some facilities, and the cheapest ones are just clusters of bungalows.

Private villas
All the villas listed below are standalone and feature private entrances, accommodation and their own swimming pools.

Internet
Most of the Bukit Peninsula is now covered by ADSL services and you will find WiFi available at most hotels and many cafes.

Go next

 * This is the most southerly point of Bali. Unless you are inclined to make your way east to Nusa Dua, the only option is to return to town via Jimbaran.

title: Bukit Peninsula