Cultural Sites

A unique custom takes place in one of Bali’s mountain villages, whereby the placentas of newborn babies are placed inside coconuts and hung on trees. Setra Ari-ari, or the placenta graveyard, is certainly one of Kintamani’s more obscure destinations. Bayung Gede village is neatly tucked into one of the gaping valleys of Kintamani. It is

The black volcanic and red earth bricks dominate much of the temple architecture of South Bali, and as beautiful as they may be, they are no match for the truly ornate temples of North Bali. The ‘pura’ of Buleleng Regency are almost Gothic in their aesthetic, featuring intricately carved walls, reliefs and statues that protrude

Found in the area of Pemecutan, Denpasar, Pura Maospahit is an ancient temple compound that dates back to the early days when the Majapahit Empire first established itself in Bali. Denpasar has long been a significant region in Bali. Ancient inscriptions, such as the Blanjong inscription in Sanur (913 AD), hint at an organised civilisation living

Deep in the regency of Gianyar, a temple stands quietly on the side of the busying main road. An expansive parking lot hides the beautiful mysteries found beyond: a temple dedicated to Durga, ‘The Goddess of Death’, with a statue of the deity enshrined inside. Pura Kahyangan Jagat Bukit Dharma Durga Kutri is a lesser-known temple.

Buried deep in the limestone cliffs of Jimbaran is one of south Bali’s most serene temple caves. This sacred sanctuary goes by the name of Goa Peteng Alam Pura Tunjung Mekar and showcases just how spiritual Bali’s natural wonders can be. A long limestone path leads to Goa Peteng, building the anticipation to this quaint

Deep within the basin of the Batur Caldera in Kintamani, tucked into the crater’s northern fringes, lies the remnants of an ancient kingdom. What was once the palace of the King of Bali is now a quaint temple known as Pura Dalem Balingkang. In the 12th century, Bali was ruled by Sri Jaya Pangus. His

Dedicated to the three cosmic dragons, especially Naga Basuki, Pura Goa Raja is said to be an entrance to a cave that travels deep into the heart of Mt.Agung, and beyond. Found at the foot of Bali’s most holy complex, Pura Besakih, Pura Goa Raja sits in relative obscurity on the slopes of Mt. Agung.

On the winding valley roads of Jembrana Regency stands a majestic and holy tree by the name of Bunut Bolong, a twisting and towering banyan that has a road running straight through its centre. As you travel up north from Medewi, up the picturesque mountain route that cuts through the verdant Pupuan countryside, it’s impossible

Located in the village of Guwang, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Pura Dalem Guwang is an important Hindu temple. Steeped in history and faith, the temple stands as a testament to the region’s traditions and beliefs. It is a site of worship and religious events for the residents of Guwang Village, featuring intricate architecture, Pura Dalem Guwang

West of Ubud, in the hinterlands of Abiansemal, a twin waterfall has become the go-to destination to experience the unique Balinese cleansing ritual known as melukat. At Taman Beji Griya Waterfall, nature and Balinese spiritual practices come together. Bali is blessed with countless natural wonders: gorgeous waterfalls seemingly down every valley, or forests that scatter

Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’, as it is often called, Pura Besakih is found 900m high on the slopes of the great Mt. Agung in the Karangasem Regency. As the highest temple on the highest mountain of Bali, it marks the pinnacle of worship. The temple takes its name from the Besakih village in which it is

Bali’s archaeological monuments are shrouded in mystery; ancient shrines and tombs carved into rock faces, and many reclaimed by nature over the centuries. One such site is Goa Garba, or Garba Cave, a meditation enclave on the banks of the Pakerisan River around Tampaksiring. The site’s history is tied to that of Kebo Iwa, a