Goa Lawah & Besakih

, Bali

Goa Lawah

Nine kilometer from Klungkung is “Goa Lawah” or Bath cave. The roof is covered with thousands of bats and its entrance is guarded by a temple believed to be founded by a Sage nine centuries ago.

Besakih

Known as the “Mother Temple of Bali, the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings. Around the three main templates dedicated to the Trinity Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu are separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups

To the Balinese; a visit to the sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or “Odalan”. The sight of the temple against the back ground of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, colored banners add a touch of gaiety.

Kintamani, Bangli and Klungkung

Bali Hyatt



Kintamani
The villages of Kintamani and Penolakan give a view of the active Mount Batur and Lake. The caldera of Batur is impressive: 7 miles in diameter and 60 feet deep. From Penolakan, a road leads to Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be hired to cross over to Trunyan. This ancient village is in habited by people who call themselves “Bali Aga” or original Balinese who have maintained many of their old ways. The Puser Jagad temple has an unusual architecture and stands under a massive Banyan tree.

Bangli
Pura Kehen is situated in Bangli, Bali’s second largest temple. Three terraced courtyards are connected by steps, and their balustrades are decorated with carvings and statues. A large Banyan tree with a tower shades the lowest and second courtyard, while in the third courtyard several shrines for the gods and ancestors are found.


Klungkung

The former seat of the Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali from where Balinese royalty draws its blood line, Klungkung is the oldest kingdom on the island and its “Raja” the most exalted. The Kerta Gosa or Royal Court of Justice built in the 18th century, I specially known for its ceiling murals painted in the traditional wayang style pert raying punishment in hell and reward s in heaven and other aspects of moralities. The floating pavilion, garden and lotus ponds in this walled-in complex, located on the main intersection of town area a reminder of the former glory of this kingdom.

Goa Gajah and Tampak Siring




Goa Gajah


Goa Gajah dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have been built as a monastery. Carvings on the wall show a demon head over the entrance, flanked by two statues. The cave contains a statue of Ganesha. Excavations have uncovered a bathing place with six statues of nymphs holding water-spouts.


Tampak Siring


The temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring at Tampak Siring. 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 curative powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification. Specialties of the area are bone and ivory carvings and seashell ornament.

Ubud and Peliatan

,






Ubud


The cetre of Balinese painting, Ubud’s Museum “Puri Lukisan” has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. There are also several art galleries and homes of famous artists here, including that of Dutchborn Hans Snel and American Antonio Blanco. The “Young Artist” style now popular in Balinese painting was introduced by the Dutch painter Arie Smith. In the past other foreign painters inspired Balinese artist to adopt western techniques but traditional Balinese painting are still made and sold another museum called “Neka Museum” has a wide collection of paintings of both by Indonesian as well as foreign artists who used to live in Bali
Ubud has several small hotels. Located on a higher altitude with a pleasant climate.


Peliatan


Peliatan is located between Ubud and Mas. It has been known as the centre of traditional music, and dances. The fine art of local wood carvers started a new style of wood carving producing such things as fruits, flowers and trees in their real shapes and colorings.