Pride and Preservation in Desa Tenganan Pegringsingan Traditional Village
Found 3km north from the popular coastal town of Candidasa, Desa Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan (Traditional Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan) is the cultural and administrative centre of the Tenganan area. This land, from the floodplains to the dramatic rolling hills of Karangasem, was said to be bestowed upon its residents by Indra, the God of War
Yeh Pulu Temple: Ancient Carvings of the Anonymous Ascetics
A centuries-old relief adorns Yeh Pulu, a humble but historically significant temple hidden in rural obscurity. Deep in an isolated ravine of Gianyar, these ancient stone-cut carvings give us a peek into Bali from centuries ago. Just east of Ubud is the historically rich village of Bedulu, in Blahbatuh District of Gianyar. Best known for
Churches and Cathedrals, the Balinese Way
The west Bali villages of Palasari and Blimbingsari are two Christian hamlets that display a unique amalgamation of Balinese and Gothic architecture. Whilst the population of Bali is predominantly Hindu, other faiths find a home here and even pay homage to the shared visual identity of the island. Bali is known as the island of
Pura Puncak Penulisan, A Megalithic Museum
On the western rim of the Batur Caldera is the Penulisan summit, the caldera’s second highest peak after Mount Abang on the eastern rim. At the top of this peak, 1,745m above sea level, is an understated, but highly significant, temple known as Pura Puncak Penulisan. Sometimes referred to as Pura Tegeh Kahuripan, this is
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
Pura Taman Ayun: A Beautiful Garden Temple
Taman Ayun Temple is an important part of Bali’s history. It is a remnant of the once powerful Mengwi Kingdom, a place of worship for the kings and queens of old. It is the second largest temple complex on the island today and remains an integral part of Bali’s subak water-sharing system. Manicured to near
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,