A friendly and remarkably artistic people, the Balinese have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies, making Bali synonymous world wide with the perfect “tropical paradise”. Terraced rice fields dominate the landscape; rivers and small irrigation streams dissect the luscious green landscape, filling the air with the enchanting sound of running water.
Bali is divided by a range of impressive volcanoes running almost through the center of the island. In Bali the mountains are the home of the gods. Shrouded in mystery and magic, they stretch skywards in majestic splendor. Bali’s main volcano is the sometimes explosive Gunung Agung, which is considered sacred among local people as the center of the universe. Many visitors leave with the same belief. The ancient kingdoms of the “Rajas” and princes of Bali were dismantled by colonial governments in the early part of this century, but many of their royal descendants still own traditional palaces and are very much respected as patrons of he arts. Art and culture are strongly bonded to Bali’s unique form of Hinduism called “Hindu Darma”. Classical dance dramas are based on the old Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabarata, but contain an element of local folklore peculiar to the island. The very soul of Bali is rooted in religion and is expressed in art forms that have been passionately preserved over the centuries. It seems that almost every person is an artist. Whether expressed through beautiful and intricate paintings and dances, extraordinary carvings, superb weaving or even in decorations made for the myriad shrines, the island is alive with art.
The Balinese Ceremony
The Balinese have been more exposed to international tourists and generally speak more English than people in other parts of Indonesia archipelago. They have managed to preserve their culture despite overwhelming foreign influences brought to the region by an ever-in-creasing number of tourists. Bali’s international airport, Ngurah Rai, is in the south of the island and is served by numerous international airlines and charters. In order to keep up with the growing number of visitors and the need for their comfort, more hotels have been built, ranging from small bungalows for budget travelers to the luxurious Nusa Dua tourist resort area. Water sports have naturally gained in popularity and Bali offers superb surfing, windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving and white water rafting.
Baris Dance | Barong Dance | Kecak Dance | Legong Dance
Air Saneh | Bali Museum | Batubulan | Bedugul | Benoa
Bratan Lake | Gilimanuk Bay | Goa Gajah | Jimbaran
Jro Kuta Palace | Kertha Gosa | Kintamani | Kuta | Legian
Menjangan Island | Mount Agung | Nusa Dua | Nusa Penida
Padang Bai | Sangeh | Sanur | Seminyak | Taman Gili | Tuban
Trunyan Village | Ubud | Werdhi Budaya Art Center
Besakih Temple | Batur Temple | Candi Dasa | Candi Kusuma
Kehen Temple | Luhur Batukaru Temple | Maospahit Temple
Makori Temple | Meduwe Karang Temple | Pancering Jagat Temple
Penulisan Temple | Petilan Pengrebongan Temple | Pulaki Temple
Rambut Siwi Temple | Sadha Kapal Temple | Sakenan Temple
Taman Ayun Temple | Tampak Siring | Tanah Lot | Uluwatu Temple
Baris Dance
The word Baris means line, in the sense of a line of soldiers, and refers to the warriors who fought for the kings of Bali. Baris dance is a solo warrior dance which originally was a religious ritual dance, the dedication of warriors and their weapons during a temple feast… more
Barong Dance
Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality… more
Kecak Dance
Kecak dance is perhaps the most stunning of all the Balinese dances. The story line of the dance is taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana . that tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sinta, who has been kidnapped by the evil King Rahwana. Prince Rama was able to rescue Princess Sinta with the help of the white monkey armies.
The word Kecak is derived from the “chak-chak” sounds, the chanting ‘monkey’ chorus. Unlike other dances, there is no gamelan orchestra accompanying it. Instead, a group of over 150 bare-chested men make an amazing synchronized chak-chak sound while swaying their bodies and waving their hands, acting as the various monkey armies that are featured in the story… more
Legong Dance
In legends, Legong is the heavenly dance of divine nymphs. Of all classical Balinese dances, it remains the quintessence of femininity and grace. The most popular Legong dance is Legong Kraton (Legong of the Palace). Formerly, the dance was patronized by local kings and held in a residence of the royal family. Dancers were recruited from the aptest and prettiest children. Today, the Legong dancers are still very young.
The dance is performed by three dancers: a female attendant of the palace and two identically dressed legongs who act the roles of royal persons. The story derives from the history of East Java in the 12th and 13th centuries. A king finds the maiden Rangkesari lost in the forest. He takes her home and locks her in a house of stone. Rangkesari’s brother, the Prince of Daha, threatens war unless she is set free.
Rangkesari begs her captor to avoid war by giving her liberty, but the king prefers to fight. On his way to battle, he encounters a bird of ill omen that predicts his death. In the fight that ensues he is killed. The dance dramatizes the farewells of the King as he departs for the battlefield and his ominous encounter with the bird.
The dancers flow from one identity into the next without disrupting the harmony of the dance. They may act as the double image of one character and their movements marked by tight synchronization. Then they may split, each enacting a separate role, and come together again. In a love scene in which they rub noses, the King takes leave of Rangkesari. She repels his advances by beating him with her fan, and he departs in anger, soon to perish on the battlefield… more
A new version of Ramayana dance was introduced to Bali in mid 1970s. Accompanied by the gamelan gong orchestra, Ramayana dance is a unique combination of traditional dance technique and modern comedy… more
Air Saneh
Air Saneh located 17km from Singaraja, Air Saneh is a serene beach resort where tourists can plunge in a natural swimming pool. Its icy water originates from a cool freshwater spring nearby, located a few meters from the beach. The water is believed to run from Lake Batur. Air Sanih beach is also known for its stunning sunrise. By leaving early enough for Karangasem, tourists may see the first lights hit the peak of Mount Agung – a real awesome experience… more
Museum Bali
Bali Museum was built on 8 December 1932 and has a large collection of old items. Located on Major Wisnu Street, this museum consists of 4 buildings: Buleleng, Karangasem, Tabanan, and the East Building. Each building exhibits unique collections.
Buleleng Building exhibits Balinese traditional fabrics and costumes for religious rituals and ceremonies.
Tabanan Building displays Balinese traditional works of art, while the East Building exhibits pre-historical and historical items. Bali Museum has also become an object of research work and exhibitions. It is open daily from 08.00 am, except on Saturday and public holidays… more
Barong Dance in Batubulan
Batubulan is well-known for its stone carvings. Most of the stone sculptures in Bali are from this area. Batubulan is also famous for the Barong dance which is performed daily here. The dance represents the never-ending battle between good and evil… more
Bedugul
Bedugul is small lakeside village over looking Lake Bratan. The weather is cold since it is located in the highland… more
Benoa Harbor
Benoa is a main harbor as well as the starting point for numerous cruises around Bali and to Sunda islands. It is also a center of leisure and sporting activities, such as para-sailing and windsurfing. Benoa harbor is about 6km from Denpasar. The International Yacht Festival is frequently held at this harbor which involves the participants from around the world. It starts from Benoa harbor and finishes at Tanjung Perak harbor in Surabaya… more
Bratan Lake
Motorboats and canoes are available in Lake Bratan, as well as para sailing and water skiing. Across the lake, there are some caves used by the Japanese in World War II. From those caves, there is a path to the top of Mount Catur, which has an ancient temple at the top… more
Gilimanuk Bay have a wide range of coral beaches, white and black sand beaches, and mangrove forest. The beauty of the underwater coral attracts people to dive in and do snorkeling. There are two small islands in the bay: Pulau Kalong (Bat Island) and Pulau Burung (Bird Island)… more
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is located between Pejeng and Gianyar. It portrays both elements of Hindu and Buddhist. To enter the cave is through the gigantic mouth of a demon. There are two pools with spring water flowing from spouts held by female figure statues in front of the cave… more
Jimbaran Beach
On the western site of the Bukit (hill), Bali ‘s southern Peninsula. lies the once sleepy fishing village of Jimbaran, now the site of the Intercontinental, Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton. Take a walk along the pristine sand or dine at one of the beach side seafood restaurants. Perhaps a sunset drink – Jimbaran is known for its spectacular sunsets. An offshore reef offers protection from the wave action, providing excellent swimming water… more
Jro Kuta Palace
Jro Kuta Palace is located on Kumbakarna Street, Denpasar, about 100 m of Maospahit Temple. This palace has unique building complex such as Ancaksaji, Semanggen, Ranggi, Pewaregan, Saren Raja, Saren Kangin, Paseban, Pamerajan Agung, and Pekandelan which is a kind of fortress to protect the main part of the area… more
Kertha Gosa (Court Hall), surrounded by a moat, is located in the center of Semarapura. Built in 17th century, it was once a part of Semarapura Palace and used as a royal assembly area for the kings of Bali. This building is a perfect model of Klungkung architecture, well-known for its painted ceiling in Klungkung style… more
Kintamani and Batur Lake
Located about 1.500m above sea level, the beautiful Kintamani area has a cool climate which is suitable to grow certain fruits and vegetables. Perched on the rim of a vast crater, overlooking the Lake Batur and its bubbling hot springs, Kintamani truly offers stunning scenery.
Kintamani borders on Batur/ Karanganyar Village. There is a market up the road to the north, which is busy every three days on Hari Paseh. It is interesting to see all kinds of products from surrounding mountain farms such as oranges, corns, and vegetables. Kintamani is also well-known for its big furry Kintamani puppies. Its physical and personality characteristics make it a popular pet for the Balinese… more
Kuta Square
Since the 18th century Kuta has served as the entry for foreigners visiting southern Bali. In the 1830s Kuta was a thriving slave market, attracting a wide variety of international ‘lowlifes’. Since its rediscovery by hippies and surfers in the 1960s, Kuta and Legian have expanded so rapidly that the district is now one of the busiest tourist areas in the world. Hundreds of hotels, bars, restaurants and shops provide for all tastes and budgets… more
Legian Beach
Legian is on the North of Kuta and on the South of Seminyak, it is very hard to tell where it ends. Not too long ago this area was fertile rice paddy, but now it is a bustling area dotted with chic designer shops that can hold their own against any competition… more
Menjangan island
Located in the West Bali National Park, less than an hour by boat from Pemuteran, Menjangan has the most beautiful coral reefs in Bali and holds many well-known sites, ranging from a sheer drop of 60m, small caves, sandy slopes and a beautiful blue green lagoon. Along with the nearby Labuan Lalang is a wonderful place for diving and snorkeling.
During the rainy season is the best time to have a chance to see whale sharks. Turtle, napoleon, grouper, big barracuda and shark are all regular sights. Menjangan also has a wreck known as Anchor, perched on the top of a reef. The wreck is a 19th century trading vessel… more
Mount Agung
Mount Agung (3142m) is the highest mountain in Bali and towering majestically over eastern and northern Karangasem. On March, 17 1963, Mount Agung erupted which was the most disastrous volcanic eruption. Streams of lava and hot volcanic mud poured down to the sea in the southeast of the island, covering roads and isolating the eastern end of the island. The whole island was covered in ash and crops were wiped out.
It destroyed many villages and temples, and killed thousands of people. Most of those killed were either burned to death or choked by the burning clouds of hot gas rushing down the volcanic slopes. It destroyed the whole villages of Sorga and Lebih. Amazingly, Besakih village, just a few km from the crater, suffered little damage… more
Nusadua Beach
The most recent of Bali’s tourist center, Nusa Dua – located on the Island’s southern-most tip, is quite unlike anything else in Bali. A government-run dreamland of coconut palms, five-star hotels and perfect beaches. A great place to relax in the sun and be pampered, but this is a long way from Balinese village life… more
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida once was an exile for criminals and undesirables from Klungkung Kingdom. Now, this secluded island is well-known as a great place to surf and snorkeling. The island also has some fascinating temples including Ped Temple near Toyapakeh and Batukuning Temple near Sewana. There is also a huge limestone cave, Karangsari Cave, about 1km from Sewana… more
Padang Bai is the harbor for the ferry service to Lombok. It is a quiet fishing village located in a perfectly sheltered bay. The beach is picturesque with its long sweep of sand where multicolored boats are drawn up on the beach… more
Sangeh
Sangeh is the village whose northern area covers about 14 hectares of a holy homogeneous forest of Pala trees, inhabited by hundreds of monkeys. The trees cannot be found in any other area and their existence in this village remains a mystery. There is also a beautiful mossy temple, hidden amongst the tall and gracious Pala trees… more
Sanur Beach
Bali’s first beach resort, Sanur is a place of remarkable contrasts. In this modern and prosperous community – home to many high class hotels and restaurants – there is also found considerable sorcery.
Sanur is famous throughout Bali for its black and white magic. It was also the landing point for Dutch forces in 1906 on their way to destroy the royal house of Pemecutan in Denpasar… more
Seminyak
Little by little Seminyak is coming into its own as an area to be reckoned with. The restaurant scene in Seminyak is vibrant and eclectic while the area’s nightclubs have set the pace in Bali for some time now – this is where you go after you’re done all you can in Kuta. Perhaps for this reason the area has become a magnet for designers, both local and international, and many small hotels and villas have been built in Seminyak reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the area Canggu is more or less an extension of Seminyak, as some folks – either try to escape the crowds or just came late to the party and found Seminyak a bit too expensive – have continued the Kuta sprawl north… more
Kerthagosa
Taman Gili, known as Bale Kambang (Floating Pavilion), is a beautiful palace which adjoins Kertha Gosa. It is surrounded by lotus pond, representing an isle of splendor surrounded by ocean. It is also well-known for its exquisite painted ceilings telling stories about the sacrifice of the hero ‘Sutasoma’, and ‘Pan and Man Brayut’ – the couple who had too many children… more
Hotel Aston - Tuban
Just south of Kuta lies another small fishing village community, Tuban. Largely overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Kuta, Tuban has recently emerged as a tourist area in its own right and is now home to well several known international chain hotels – among them Ramada and Holiday Inn, Aston Hotel and several family oriented amusement parks. Tuban has a very good mix of hotel accommodations starting from “losmen” or “backpacker” hostel through 5 Star properties and, being more relaxed and a bit quieter, has earned a reputation as a family oriented, value for money destination. It also very close to the Ngurah Rai International Airport… more
Trunyan Village Cemetry
Trunyan Village is located between Lake Batur and the outer crater rim of Mount Batur, and only accessible by boat. It is a Bali Aga village, inhabited by descendants of the original Balinese, the people who predate the arrival of Hindu Majapahit Kingdom in the 16th century.
Trunyan Village is well-known for its Pancering Jagat Temple, but visitors are not allowed to enter. There are also a couple of traditional Bali Aga-style houses, and a large banyan tree which is said to be more than 1.100 years old. In Kuban Village, close to Trunyan Village, there is a mysterious cemetery, separated by the lake and is only accessible by boat.
Unlike the Balinese people, Trunyan people do not cremate or bury the corpse, but just lay the corpse out in bamboo cages to decompose or under a huge Taru Menyan (Menyan tree). Taru means ‘tree’ and Menyan means ‘aromatic smell’. The word ‘Trunyan’ is derived from these two words.
The tree is believed to absorb the bad smells and instead, produce aromatic smells. Loads of skulls and bones lie on the stone platform and the surrounding areas.
The women of Trunyan are forbidden to go to the cemetery when a corpse is carried there. It is said that there will be a disaster in the village if a woman comes to the cemetery while a corpse is being carried there… more
Ubud Accomodation
Small village in the central of Bali . Ubud renowned for Artists and Paintings, and also known as the art center of Bali. There are a lot of artists who lived in Ubud. Antonio Blanco had his house and gallery there. Ubud is growing very fast the last few years. Art Gallery and Art Museum are something you will not missed while you are in Ubud. There is a wide range of hotel accommodation from the most expensive hotel on the island down to the everyman losmen. As well there are a number of very fine restaurants, several respectable museums and lots of interesting folks wandering about… more
Werdhi Art Center
Werdhi Budaya Art Center Werdhi Budaya Art Center is located on Nusa Indah Street, about 2 km east of Puputan Square, and covers an area of about 5 hectares.
Werdhi Budaya Art Center consists of various building complexes. The main building, Mahudara Mandhara Giri Bhuwaana, was officially opened to the public on 14 February 1973, and is used for permanent art exhibitions.
To the north of Mahudara Mandhara Giri Bhuwaana, there is Gedung Kriya Uccaihsrawa building where the Balinese and foreign fine arts exhibitions are held.
To the west of Gedung Kriya Uccaihsrawa, there is Dewi Ratih building. During Bali Art Festival, this two-story building is used for architectural exhibition on the ground floor and photography exhibition on the second floor.
The largest structure in Werdhi Budaya Art Center is Ardha Candra Amphitheater which covers 7,200 square meters. This enormous crescent shaped theater can hold up to 600 people. Ticketing offices and handicraft exhibition rooms are located underneath the stage.
To the west of Ardha Candra Amphitheater is the two-story Ksirarnawa indoor theater which covers 5,850 square meters. The theater, which is located on the second floor, can hold up to 800 people. The first floor is occupied by Art Center offices, a cafeteria, and several halls which are used for handicraft exhibitions… more
Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple, over 900 meters up the slopes of Mount Agung, is the largest and most sacred Hindu temples in the island. It is named after Naga Besukian, the dragon god thought by pre-Hindu Balinese to inhabit Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali. Besakih Temple has been regarded as a central, holy temple for the entire island since the Gelgel Dynasty of the 15th century. Today, it is referred by all Balinese as the mother temple of Bali.
Over a thousand years and more, Besakih Temple was extended to the present complex of about 30 temples. There are three main temples within Besakih Temple; Pura Penataran Agung, dedicated to Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. Inside the main courtyard stands the three-seated shrine enthroning the Trisakti, the trinity of Brahma, Visnu and Siwa. During festivals the shrines are wrapped in colored cloth symbolic of the deities.
The other two main temples are Pura Kiduling Kreteg, dedicated to Brahma; and Pura Batu Madeg, dedicated to Wisnu.
For Balinese people, a visit to the temple sanctuaries at Besakih is a special pilgrimage. Each temple has its own anniversary ceremony (Odalan) and on the full moon (Kedasa) the entire compound of Besakih commemorates the visit of the gods with an enormous mass of visiting pilgrims… more
Batur Temple
Batur Temple, also known as Ulun Danu Batur Temple, is located in Karanganyar, Batur village, Kintamani, approximately 900 meters above sea level. It is also known as the Temple of the Crater Lake, dedicated to the Lake Goddess Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu, and Tirta Empul, where run the holiest waters of Bali, believed to have magical curative powers.
Batur Temple is the second largest temple in the island. Huge ceremony, called Ngusaba ke Dasa, is held here every year.In the past, Batur Temple was located on the south western slope of mount Batur. After the destructive eruption in 1917 which ruined the temple. Head of the village along with the villagers brought the surviving shrines and rebuilt Batur Temple to the higher place in Karanganyar. In 1927, the people of Batur rebuilt Ulun Danu Temple which once lay at the foot of the volcano. Most of the 285 planned shrines are yet to be completed. At present, the temple is simply designed… more
Candi Dasa located in the South of Mount Agung and slightly to the east, is a quaint seaside resort from which to explore the secluded bays and ancient temples.
Candi Dasa
Travel on to Amed, Bali’s desert beach, complete with cacti, clear blue water and colourful marine life. Amed is one of Bali ‘s most famous dive sites. Besides being near many top dive spots, Candidasa is near many cultural treasures – Pura Besakih and Tenganan Village. For those looking for a holiday off the beaten track a few days in Candidasa would be a welcome respite… more
In the south of Jembrana regency, in Candikusuma, there are two temples of Indra Kusuma and Taman Sumur Bulus, dedicated to the legendary Dang Hyang Nirartha. It is said that back in 1897, two Dutch officers were attracted to the place when they saw a light coming from the earth. It turned out to be a ‘keris’ (a supernatural dagger). Candikusuma beach is also known for its beautiful black sand and the gentle hills permeating the beach… more
Kehen Temple
Kehen Temple, one of ancient temples in Bali, is located at the south of Bangli in Cempaga village, about 43km from Denpasar. It was built by Sri Bhatara Guru Adikunti Ketana who reigned Bangli kingdom in the 12th century in a terraced mountain sanctuary. The people of Bangli believe that Kehen Temple is the largest and the most sacred temple of the region and regard it as the state temple of Bangli.
This temple is worshipped by people around the village. The ceremony takes place on Rabu Kliwon Shinta where Ngusaba ritual is held one in a three years period, which is on fifth Purnama around November.
Kehen Temple offers an authentic Balinese temple atmosphere. It has three courtyards connected by steps, and is decorated with carvings and statues. In the first courtyard is a huge Banyan tree, surrounded by walls inlaid with Chinese porcelain. In the next courtyard, multi-roofed shrines (merus) dominate the area. On the right side of this inner courtyard are three throne shrines representing the Hindu Trinity, Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa.
Besides its magnificent panorama, Kehen Temple has a variety of ancient manuscripts. There is a manuscript about the slaughter of a black bull during a feast held in the temple in the year 1204.
At the foot of the stairway is an old temple, which has a collection of historical manuscripts inscribed on bronze plates. Statues, carved in a shadow puppet style, line the first terrace from which steps lead to the most important gate (the Great Exit). Like other split gates found in all Balinese temples, above the gate looms the hideous face and splayed hands of Kala Makara. This terrifying creature symbolizes the demonic one who catches harmful spirits and prevents them from entering the sacred space. On the other side of this area is a statue of a villager gesturing a welcome to visitors… more
Luhur Batukaru Temple
Luhur Watukaru Temple is located in Wangaya Gede village, approximately 21 km northwest of Tabanan. This temple is one of six sacred temples Sad Kahyangan in Bali.
The temple is surrounded by thick foliage and refreshing fresh air. There are old Balinese remains in this temple. Numerous local and foreign visitors visit this temple, especially on its temple festival, which is usually held on Umanis Galungan, one day after Galungan… more
Makori Temple is located in Blimbing village, 55km from Denpasar or 32km from Tabanan. This temple consists of stones hidden in the forest. It does not similar to other temple in Bali, but it is a place where people pray to their God… more
Maospahit Temple was built around 14th century. It was restored following a large earthquake in 1917. It is associated with Majapahit Kingdom as parts of this ancient temple imitated from Majapahit Kingdom.
Some relics of the Maospahit Temple:
- Gedong has two Arca Terracota which put at right left entrance
- Gedong Kemimitan has one Arca Terracota Pergina and one fragment Arca Terracota
- Candi Bentar has relic of Garuda on the left side and relic of Bima on the right side
Maospahit Temple used to be a kingdom temple when Badung kingdom was still the authority. Nowadays, there are 20 families who take care the temple and its ceremony… more
Meduwe Karang Temple
Meduwe Karang Temple Meduwe Karang Temple is located in Kubutambahan Village, 12km east of Singaraja. This temple is a place to pray for the plantation to be fruitful.
The stairs are guiding the visitors to the big area of the temple. In front of the temple there are rows of statues telling the story of Ramayana. The inner part of the temple is the most sacred for Hinduism people. It is decorated with carvings reflecting the nobleness and the daily life… more
Pancering Jagat Temple is located in Trunyan village, Kintamani. The temples ’ name is taken from Arca da Tonta or Ratu Gede Pusering Jagat, a megalithic 4-meter high statue. The ceremony in this temple is usually held on Purnamaning Sasih Kapat around October.
Barong Brutuk dance is performed on the ceremony to commemorate the legendary wedding anniversary of Ratu Sakti Pancering Jagat; the guardian of the village and Ratu Ayu Dalem Pingit (Ratu Ayu Dalem Dasar). This dance can only be performed by adolescent boys (Sekeha Teruna) of that village. The boys, together with the village elders, must fulfill certain requirements such as be successful in holiness ceremony for 42 days in Pancering Jagat Temple with certain offerings… more
Bukit Penulisan (Penulisan hill) is located at 1745m above sea level, approximately 3km from Kintamani, or 30km from the capital city of Bangli. Bukit Penulisan is also called Bukit Tunggal because its site is separated from mountain range stretches along from west to east of Bali.
Around 9th century, Tegeh Koripan Temple was built on Bukit Penulisan. It is also known as Puncak Penulisan Temple since it is located on the peak of Bukit Penulisan.
An old stairway leads to Puncak Penulisan Temple, the ancient temple as well as the highest temple in the island. During a clear day, the view is breathtaking. The temple is even more romantic and mysterious when covered in a foggy mist… more
Petilan Pengerebongan Temple
Petilan Pengerebongan Temple is located at Kesiman Petilan Village, East Denpasar. This temple is one of Dang Kahyangan and is well-known for its Ngerebong ceremony. Petilan Pengerebongan Temple consists of two parts: Jeroan temple and Jaba temple. It is in wantilan hall of Jaba temple, Ngerebong ceremony takes place.
Ngerebong ceremony is a religious ceremony which involves a large number of barongs and rangdas. Along with a large number of people who become in trance, they encircle the wantilan hall three times in a long procession… more
Pulaki Temple is located in Bayupoh Village, about 53km west of Singaraja. It is situated on a hill that is about 25m from the beach. This temple is inhabited by monkeys which are considered as the descendants of Dewa (Gods). Pulaki Temple is one of the Sad Kahyangan Temples the main temples in Bali. There are also Pabena Temple and Pemuteran Temple which is well-known for its hot water nearby… more
Rambut Siwi Temple
Rambut Siwi Temple is located on the top of a cliff, overlooking a breathtaking view of paddy fields on one side and the black sandy beach on the other. This spot is a favorite hangout for painters. The temple itself was built by Dang Hyang Nirartha. Legend has it that he dedicated his hair to the temple. Therefore, the temple is known as Rambut Siwi which literally means ‘hair worship’… more
Sadha Kapal Temple
This temple is famous for its detailed and beautiful decorative carving. Dating from Majapahit period, it originally was an old dynasty sanctuary (prasada) of Ratu Jayengrat, a noble, who sailed from Majapahit and stranded on the coral reef at Kapal Village.
This temple was destructive by earthquake in 1917 and has not been restored until 1950. The split gate and a 16meter high tower inside the temple are constructed much like ‘candi’ (temple) in Java. The 64 stone seats, similar to megalithic shrines, memorialize warriors who died in battle… more
Sakenan Temple
This temple is divided into two parts. Inside the first part, there is a shrine of Cri Cedana or Dewi Sri, the goddess of prosperity and welfare. In the second part of Sakenan Temple, there are shrines for the Prasanak, the relatives of Dewi Sri who come to visit the temple on its anniversary day. On the holy day of Manis Kuningan, Sakenan Temple commemorates the anniversary of its founder Mpu Kuturan. The festival is held in two days which begins on the last day of Kuningan Wuku and ends on the first day of Langkir Wuku… more
Taman Ayun - Mengwi
Taman Ayun which means beautiful garden, is located in Mengwi Village, 18 km northwest of Denpasar. It was built in 1634 by I Gusti Agung Anom, a founder of the Mengwi Kingdom, and became the main temple for the ancient Mengwi Kingdom. The temple is surrounded by ponds which give the effect from a distance as if the temple is floating on water.
Taman Ayun Temple was renovated in 1937. The grassy area of the outermost courtyard, the fine array of roofs (merus) and pavilions in the inner courtyard, and its well-kept appearance make it one of the most beautiful temples in Bali.
The temple complex consists of three ground areas. In the outermost court is Bale Wantilan which is used for all events, religious ceremonies, dance performances or cock fighting. To the west, there is a decorative fountain called Padma Sana. In the innermost court, surrounded by a small pond, there are 29 buildings which function as places for the gods and goddesses, called Bale Pelik with beautiful carvings, interesting relics and statues of the nine gods, Dewa Nawa Sanga. The whole complex of temple symbolizes the great Mandhara Mountain turning in a sea of milk… more
Tampak Siring
Tirta Empul Temple is built at Tampak Siring around the sacred spring which is believed to have magical curative powers. It is said that the God Indra created the spring when he pierced the earth to build the Amerta, the elixir of immortality, with which he revived his forces whom were poisoned by Mayadanawa.
Over 1000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been used by the people for good health and prosperity because of the spring water’s healing powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification, especially pregnant women and those who have endured a long sickness. On the full moon of the fourth month each year, the villagers from nearby Manukaya take a sacred stone to be cleansed at Tirta Empul.
On the hill above the sacred spring is the Government Palace, built in 1954 which was once a resting home for Dutch officials. It was also the former President Soekarno’s residence during his frequent trips to the island.
On the south of Tirta Empul, near Mount Kawi, there is Mengening Temple. There is a relation between these three places. Mengening Temple also has a spring of pure water. It is considered as the memorial temple of King Udayana… more
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot, located on the west coast of Bali, in Beraban village in Tabanan regency, is one of the most popular sites in Bali. Tanah Lot means the ancient land as well as the land to the south.
This temple was built in the 15th century by the priest Pedanda Bahu Rawuh or Danghyang Nirartha from Majapahit Kingdom. During his voyage along the south coast he caught sight of a rock island and rested there. Some fishermen noticed him and invited him to stay at their hut. Nirartha refused, saying he preferred to spend the night on the little island. That evening, he talked to the fishermen and advised them to build a shrine on the rock. Nirartha felt it would be a holy and appropriate place to worship God.
Built on a small cape, Tanah Lot is only accessible at low tide. During high tide, the rock appears as a large ship at sea. There are several small and big shrines nearby, the biggest one is Pekendungan Temple. There is a spring considered sacred not far from this temple.
Poisonous snakes inhabit the nearby caves as the guardian of the temple. The perfect time to visit Tanah Lot is at the sunset when the golden red sky surrounds the temple and the wave crashes into the rocks.
Though Tanah Lot is a small sanctuary, it is related to several sea temples on the south coast of Bali: Pura Sakenan, Pura Uluwatu, Pura Rambut Siwi and Pura Petitenget. All these temples are related to the primary mountain sanctuaries: Besakih at Mount Agung, Pura Batur at Batur and Pura Luhur at Mount Batukaru. Jagatnatha TempleJagadnatha Temple is located in Denpasar, on the north side of Museum Bali and the east side of Puputan Square. It is built towards the west as any other temples in Bali.
This temple is built as the result of Parisada Dharma Hindu Bali’s convention on November 20, 1961 in Campuhan, Ubud, Gianyar. One of decisions is to establish the center of religious educational activity to intensify the Hindu religion in Bali especially and Indonesia generally.
Every fifteen days, on the full moon and on the dark moon, this temple is full of Hindu’s people coming to pray which most of them are from Denpasar. Sometimes, after the praying ceremony, the shadow puppet show Wayang is held in the afternoon and the evening beside this temple… more
Uluwatu Temple
Located at the western most tip of Bukit Peninsula, this temple is one of Bali’s Kayangan Jagat Temples. Its location is dramatic, perched on the edge of a high cliff with a picturesque sunset view. The temple is carved from the enormous limestone rock. ‘Ulu’ means head, ‘watu’ means rock, and ‘Luhur’ implies heavenly, ancestral, original and transcendent all at once.
Uluwatu Temple was first used for worship by the holy 11th century priest, Empu Kuturan, who came to Bali to convey religious law and to form Desa Adat (traditional villages). This temple was then used for worship by the next holy priest, Dang Hyang Nirartha, who came to Bali at the end of 1550 and ended his holy voyage in this area… more
