Cultural Sites

Naga, or dragon, is a renowned mythical creature and found in lore across the world. It also plays a significant role in many of Bali’s renowned myths and legends—one of which is Naga Besuki in the legends of Pura Besakih. However, there is one temple in Belimbing Village that has its history intertwined with not

Chinese New Year is a time when all the temples are decked out in fresh coats of paint, bright red Chinese lanterns, sashes and bows. Apart from being a time to feast and reunite with family, Chinese New Year is a festivity accompanied by a large array of customs and rituals. There are quite a

Dupa or incense, is ubiquitous across the island, found wafting in every temple in Bali. That is, except for one. This is Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton, also known as Pura Alas Kedaton, founded in the depths of a monkey-populated forest. According to an inscription in Sading Village, Mengwi, Badung Regency, the temple was built by

Found along the roadside in the village of Pejeng is said to be one of the oldest temples in Bali. It is home to a relic from the Bronze Age, a bronze drum, believed to have illuminated the village of Pejeng in ancient times. This is Pura Penataran Sasih, which was founded in 1266 AD

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