PLACES OF INTEREST
The Temples
The pura or temple is the center of Balinese worship,
ritual and devotion, so be respectful whenever you
enter. It is appropriate to put a bright yellow sash
around the waist, and for men to wear either long
pants or a sarong. Be prepared to make a nominal contribution
toward the temple upkeep. For a fee, English-speaking
native guides will be glad to give you a tour of the
temple grounds.
Besakih
The "mother temple" or greatest of all Balinese
sanctuaries.
Goa Lawah (Bat Cave)
A state temple of Klungkung in eastern Bali. Legend
has it that when Klungkung was ruled from Kusamba,
a prince of Mengwi sought protection here.
Goa Gajah (Elephant Caw)
Located two kilometers east of Teges near Ubud.
Pusering Jagat
This temple in Pejeng contains several interesting
Hindu antiquities dating from the 14th century, which
are now placed in shrines. Reliefs represent a story
from the Mahabharata called the "churning of
the ocean" in which gods and demons search for
the elixir of life.
Sangeh Monkey Temple (Pura Bukit Sari)
Said to have been built in the 17th century, there
is a statue here of Garuda. The temple is surrounded
by tall nutmeg trees. Many monkeys roam the surrounding
forest (watch you purse and eyeglasses! ).
Taman Ayun
Located in Mengwi, the temple consists of a forecourt,
a central court and a spacious inner court. After
a tall stone gateway, the inner court has rows of
shines and carved stone pedestals. Along the basement
of the pavilions are relief series on Arjuna.
Tanah Lot
Sunset is the favourite time to visit this isolated
temple on the west coast.
Tirta Empul 'The Sacred Spring'
Tirta Empul lies just north of Tampaksiring on the
road to Kintamani. A major pilgrimage point.
Uluwatu
Located on a tip of a peninsula, with a breathtaking
view of the sea. The carvings which decorate the temple
are very well preserved. It was built in the 11th
century.
Ulun Danun Batur
This is an imposing complex of nine temples, still
undergoing renovation.
Kuta
a popular beach for surfing or looking for leather,
fashion, handicrafts, jewellery, shoes, music tapes
or CD's, paintings or exotic wood carvings.
Sanur
has long been a popular recreation site for people
from Denpasar and elsewhere. located on the eastern
coast of Bali is the ideal beach for snorkelling as
it is protected by a coral reef.
