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As one of the most famous islands in Indonesia, Bali offers more than one could ever imagine. With its pristine beaches, ornate temples, scenic rice terraces, and delicious cuisine, Bali is more than a paradise; it is a mood, a tropical state of mind.
Bali, the alluring “Island of the Gods”, is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and vibrant modernity. Its cultural tapestry is woven with threads of artistic expression, spiritual reverence, and a deep connection to nature. A holiday to Bali would not be complete without visiting the island’s most famous temples.
Temples, the core of Balinese culture, stand as witnesses to the island’s profound spirituality. These sacred sanctuaries are not just places of worship; they are vibrant hubs where rituals and ceremonies intertwine with the daily rhythm of Balinese existence. From the iconic Tanah Lot, perched atop a rocky islet amidst crashing waves, to the serene Ulun Danu Bratan Temple nestled in the tranquil waters of Lake Bertan, offer a glimpse into the island’s rich spiritual heritage.
Mount Batur is one of the most famous tourist spots in Bali, loved by trekkers. The location features a wide range of mountains, stunning caldera formations, and a beautiful lake of lush vegetation. Witness the glorious view of the sun ascending behind the magnificent mountains. The whole scene of dawn is how paradise would appear if it were real.
Bali Handara Gate has recently become the most Instagrammable place in Bali. This gate to Singaraja Regency serves as an entrance to a golf resort. Encompassed by lush mountain areas and alluring lakes, this location is a beautiful place to enjoy a relaxing time.
Pristine beaches, paradisiacal surroundings, and magical vibes make Bali one of the most beautiful places in the world. Visit clifftop temples, forests filled with monkeys, beach clubs with gravity-defying infinity pools and hidden waterfalls off the beaten path.
Bali is home to several beautiful temples, and one of the most popular and best-visited with Bali Honeymoon Packages is the Uluwatu Temple. Ulu means the “top” or the “tip”, and watu is “stone” or rock in Balinese.
Perched on a seventy-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the temple is one of the six main temples in Bali. Visitors can enjoy the captivating views of the temple as they explore the temple grounds. A small forest surrounds the temple where hundreds of monkeys dwell as they are believed to be the loyal guardians of the temple.
The serpentine pathway to the temple is fortified by concrete walls on the cliffside. It is believed to be the sacred place where gods and spirits reside. It is believed that the power of three gods-Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva-merge here.
The traditional architecture of the temple is another highlight of the experience. The temple has two entrances and split gates with leaves and flower carvings. The ancient work of the temple can be seen on the gates and statues. A clifftop stage is present for the performance’s purpose. Kecak ( Ramayana Monkey Chant) dance performance based on the Ramayana, is performed daily at 6 pm on the cliff-side. You are advised to respect the ambience of the temple and wear clothes like long pants and a sarong.
Kebun Raya Bali is popularly known as the Bali Botanical Garden and is believed to be the largest botanical garden in Indonesia. Located in the hilly area of Bedugul in Central Bali, its proximity to Denpasar makes it one of the most popular attractions on the island. The botanic garden was established in the year 1959 and its alluring location makes the visitors witness the picturesque beauty of Bratan Lake and Ulun Danu Temple.
The garden is a vast area with thousands of collections of plants including orchids, cacti, and fern collections that yield forest vibes. Flowery plants and bamboo gardens are worth visiting. The Kumbakarna Statue in the garden shows how Hindu influence is strongly prominent on the island. The statue portrays one of the sad scenes of the Ramayana war story. Despite his scary face and gigantic figure, Kumbakaran is depicted as a kind character. A circular stepping ground enables photo hunters to stand beside the statue.
The Botanic Garden does not only have plants; there is an outbound spot for adrenaline junkies to try. Visit the Treetop Adventure Park near the Kumbakarna statue with activities open for all ages. There are seven circuits, and each circuit differs from the others in terms of difficulties. Adults can try the adrenaline black circuit with breathtaking jumps up to 160m – the Flying Fox and Tarzan Jump are worth conquering.
Vihara Dharma Giri is a Buddhist temple in the village of Pupuan in Tabanan and is best known for its giant, chalk-white sleeping Buddha statue, which radiates beauty. Vihara Dharma Giri is built on three levels, with each offering a different set of features.
The temple’s first level features an open and public courtyard where visitors can enjoy refreshments. Then, up a flight of steps, visitors find the 10–metre–long sleeping Buddha in all its glory. The statue is set against a backdrop of greenery from the tranquil gardens of the yard and the wide blue sky. Up a few stairs to the top level, one finds a small pavilion that houses a large bell and wooden bell hammer.
There is also a main building that houses another Buddha figure in bright gold and set in a sitting pose. This main building serves as the main prayer house for the devotees.
The Tegallalang Rice Terrace is a magnificent destination that has alluring vistas and gives a glimpse into traditional Balinese culture. Built over two thousand years ago as part of an intricate irrigation system, the tiered levels maximise water usage and nutrient distribution.
The terrace has three main levels, well connected by stepped pathways, that create an impressive visual effect as one looks across the different tiers of rice paddies and lush green foliage. The indigenous “subak” irrigation system is still used today by farmers who harvest their crops. Visitors can trek through the rice fields, make offerings at local temples, and enjoy locally grown produce at nearby restaurants.
Taman Ayun is a seventeenth-century temple and is the main landmark of the Mengwi village in the Badung Regency. The temple showcases great examples of traditional Balinese Hindu temple architecture. The name Taman Ayun translates to “beautiful garden”. It has well-maintained courtyards and enclosures showcasing how Balinese royals lived their lives behind palace walls back in the day.
Inside the palatial complex are expansive gardens with beautiful lotus-filled fish ponds. The temple is a heritage site of the Mengwi kingdom and its late ruler, Tjokorda Sakti Blambangan and was built in 1634.
Visitors can find hints of Chinese influences throughout the temple’s architecture and reliefs. The Taman Ayun Temple complex occupies an area of 100 x 250 m square and comprises four different courts. Surrounded by many tiered shrines dedicated to different gods, a lovely manicured foliage garden, a thatched-roofed prayer hut, and canals make it the ultimate place where people usually flock to get peace and serenity.
Many tourists come to Bali to spend their vacation time and create the most beautiful moments. The usual activity to indulge in Bali is to visit popular tourist attractions, and one such attraction is Edelweiss Park. Two types of beautiful flowers grow in Edelweiss Park, Karangasem, namely Marigold flowers and Kasna flowers. Marigold flowers provide a beautiful display with yellow and orange colours, whereas the Kasna flowers in white give the impression of being in an area covered with snow.
In the park, visitors can find windmill-shaped buildings that give the atmosphere as if they were in the Netherlands. In addition, the park also has a viewing post with a love-shaped background along with supporting facilities, such as connecting bridges, cottages, and wooden swings.
The park has a market called Pesar Peken from where tourists can buy various plantation products including beautiful kasna and marigold flowers.
Bali attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and historic temples. With its warm climate, friendly people, and abundance of activities, it is a perfect destination for those seeking either a relaxing vacation or an adventurous one.
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Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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