Gunung Kawi: A Window into Ancient Bali
One of Bali’s most ancient archaeological sites has for some reason remained off the main tourist trails. Gunung Kawi, found in the Tampaksiring area 30-minutes north of Ubud, is a stunning complex of shrines of an old Hindu civilisation from the 11th Century, and is a must-visit for any lover of history and culture. History
Pura Ponjok Batu and the Boat-Shaped Shrine
Julah village in Tejakula, Buleleng regency, is one of the areas in Bali where old traditions live on. Here, a sea temple attracts the pilgrims looking to be blessed with prosperity for their business, artists for skilful hands to create works of arts, and fishermen for an abundant catch on a day out at sea.
Ubud Monkey Forest: Things to Know Before You Go
Located in Padangtegal Village, Ubud Monkey Forest – also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Ubud. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Ubud, the monkey sanctuary is the perfect place to visit but before you go, you should get familiar with some
Pura Tirta Empul: The Holy Spring of Indra
In an area of Bali rich in ancient and archaeological history, you will find a temple within which holy waters are said to gurgle from deep beneath the ground. Pura Tirta Empul, a holy spring temple found in Tampak Siring, is where many Balinese Hindu will go to perform the melukat purification ceremony. However, it
The 7 Best Museums in Bali: Discovering Art and History
When you are travelling, it is essential to understand the history of a place. Museums are the best places to go for this, filled with art, artefacts and mementos of culture. Here in Bali, the culture is rich and to learn and understand it you’ll need to go to the places that display this culture in
Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre : Denpasar’s Cultural Hub
In the midst of Denpasar’s busying streets, amongst the bustle of markets and the whiz of local commerce, Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre — often referred to as Bali Art Centre or Taman Budaya Bali— stands as a beacon of heritage. This impressive space is home to an art museum, several theatres or amphitheatres and
Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets
Featuring masks used in shamanistic practices, communal rituals, and theatrical performances, this gem speaks of the human impulse to transform one’s identity. The Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets presents a treasure trove of heritage quite unlike anything else. Celebrating cultures and traditions by housing over 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets from across the
Pura Gaduh Temple: Home of a Giant’s Head
Kept in one of the towers of Pura Gaduh in Blahbatuh is a statue of a giant, which legend says had parts chopped off as a peace offering to ease the tension between the temple’s priest and his congregation. Pura Gaduh, or known as Pura Kebo Iwa amongst the locals residing around the temple’s areas,
Pura Tanah Lot Temple: Where the Giant Snake Dwells
One of Bali’s most visited temples has a remarkable legend, where a powerful priest battles a giant serpent. The revered Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most visited temples. Year-on-year, Tanah Lot welcomes hordes of people, be it masses of Balinese Hindu pilgrims making their annual visit and prayers here, or the many tourists
Pura Petitenget Temple and the Haunted Chest
The name ‘Petitenget’ has now become synonymous with the glitz and glamour of the Seminyak lifestyle; with some of Bali’s best hotels, restaurants, beach clubs and bars lining both sides of Petitenget Road. Though popular today for its late-night haunts, before the bright lights and upbeat music the area was once known as being haunted.
Bali’s Christian Hamlets
Balinese Hindu temples and mosques are decorating a good portion of the Jembrana area in West Bali, with quite a number of them located by the roadsides. But if you turn inland on the way to the West Bali National Park to the villages of Blimbingsari and Palasari, you’ll come upon the home of the
Bangli’s Hidden Temples
If you explore Bangli deeper, you’ll be amazed by the regency’s many charms not listed in any guide book – Pura Taman Pecampuhan and Pura Dalem Balingkang for instance. Bangli is best known for its Kintamani highlands, home to the majestic Lake Batur and Mount Batur. Both residents and visitors usually flock the area for
Pura Kahyangan Jagat: Nine Temples of Auspicious Locations
Here on the island, there are nine temples known as the Pura Kahyangan Jagat. Meaning the ‘palaces of the gods’, the temples of Kahyangan Jagat are spread across nine cardinal directions (eight wind directions with another being in the centre), aimed to foresee any evil attack from any direction, and repel it. There’s something special
