Cultural Sites

On the borders of Amlapura, Tirta Gangga is one of the most distinct and recognisable places in Bali, a place where history meets leisure, and architecture meets nature. This estate, built in 1946, is the sister site to Taman Ujung, also built by the King of Karangasem. Stepping into the one-hectare water palace complex, the atmosphere

Taman Ujung Sukasada is one of these historical sites. Often referred to as the ‘Water Palace’, it is in some ways a modern puri, or royal palace, built by the last ‘official’ King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik. Serving under the title of Anak Agung Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, the king reigned from 1908 to 1950,

For the history buffs out there, Museum Gedong Arca in Blahbatuh, Gianyar, is a lesser-visited museum that houses ancient artefacts dating back to Bali’s palaeolithic era, including the largest collection of ancient sarcophagi. Most people’s perception of Balinese history is dominated by events of the last millennium. If we rewind the clock, we will see

The structure, philosophy and positioning of a Balinese temple is no accident. It is well thought out, imbued with symbolism and the result of history. Pura Samuan Tiga is part of that history: a temple where wise men gathered centuries ago to unite Bali’s religious sects and redefine temple planning across the island. Located in

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

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

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 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

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

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

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.