Pura Candidasa Temple: Ten Children and a Happy Goddess
The name Candi Dasa derives from the words cili dasa, meaning “ten children”. This temple, Pura Candi Dasa, is believed to be the source of fertility and abundance. And when it rains, the magic will grow even stronger. As the most popular area along the coast of East Bali, Candi Dasa provides a quiet seaside
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple: The Gate to Heaven
Pura Luhur Uluwatu or popularly known as the Uluwatu temple is dramatically located on a cliff’s edge. The temple, as documented on ancient lontar, is also a portal that can transfer those who deserve it to heaven. Uluwatu temple is celebrated for its religious importance and the stunning natural surroundings, making it one of the
Pura Kebo Edan Temple and The God with Four Penises
The sexual tension used to be high at this temple. The male worshippers envied the size of the god’s phallus, and the females were aroused. And so the statue of god Ciwa Bhairawa with his four phalluses were covered with a chequered cloth. Pura Kebo Edan is an interesting temple with an unusual story. But
Pura Rambut Siwi : The Temple That Grew from Hair
Dang Hyang Nirartha stumbled upon this temple during his pilgrimage journey in the mid-sixteenth century. The temple was ruined, so Nirartha took a lock of his hair to fix it. The biggest temple in the Jembrana regency, Pura Rambut Siwi, occupies the West coastal area with majestic grandeur of Balinese architecture and a captivating ocean
Pura Samuan Tiga: The Temple of Three Gods in Disguise
The story of this temple resembles that of the Olympian gods who came down to earth, disguised as mortals to save humanity. Gianyar was ruled by an unjust, wicked and somewhat atheist leader named Maya Denawa during the 11th century. And just like wicked geniuses like those villains in your favourite movies, Denawa was a
Taman Ujung Water Palace and the Enchantment of East Bali
The spectacular coastal roads of eastern Bali is an adventure in its own right, with green hills on one side and stunning cliffs and raw ocean views on the other. Many of the villages don’t really receive a large number of visitors, thus ideal for those who wish to avoid tourist crowds. Karangasem in East
The Ancient Archaeological Sites of Bali
Bali’s archaeological sites seem to stand outside and beyond the reaches of time. Traces of the old Hindu civilisation can be found in many corners of the island, and the excitement one feels when strolling along their ancient pathways is indescribable. PURA KEBO EDAN Before we get started, here’s a quick lesson in Bahasa Indonesia:
Tihingan, The Village of Musical Craftsmen
Tihingan is where the music on the island comes from, a rare gem even in the artsy, culturally rich Bali. Indeed, the traditional Gamelan orchestra is one of Bali’s unique characteristics. From a simple celebration on the island’s rural villages to grand temple ceremonies, the orchestra is always played as an integral part of the
Bali’s Beguiling Chinese Temples
Here and there around Bali are gorgeous Chinese temples. Known as klenteng they are mostly old and have seen their share of history and hard times. Indonesia and Bali have long had contact with China. Trade started centuries ago and after time, these traders established small communities which then needed to have a place of
The Holy Spring Temple
Thousands of steps lead down, down, down, through pristine jungle. Along the way, shrines are decorated with fresh offerings, although because we are very early, there is no sign of human life anywhere. We are heading to the holy springs of Sebatu, a little known place that is right off the tourist trail, but well
Temples of Tampaksiring
The major archaeological sites in Tampaksiring seem to stand outside and beyond the reaches of time. Traces of the old Hindu civilisation can be found in many corners of the area, and the excitement one feels when strolling along their ancient pathways is indescribable. The name Tampasiring is derived from the words “Tampak”, meaning foot,
Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets
Featuring masks used in shamanistic practices, communal rituals, and theatrical performances, this Sukawati gem speaks of the human impulse to transform one’s identity. Celebrating cultures, traditions, by housing over 1,300 masks and 5,700 puppets from across the Indonesian archipelago, China, Europe, Latin America, and Africa, the Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets is an
Tirta Empul: Bali’s Hidden Heritage
Locked way in the vicinity of Tampaksiring, Tirta Empul is one of a series of ancient and holy temples that draws the crowds every day of the year. The name, which means “holy water spring”, is bestowed on this source of holy water, which feeds a series pools and fish ponds. A group of temples