It’s not uncommon to see this unique Candi Bentar (a classic Balinese split gateway entrance gate) in the check-in photos of friends in Bali on social media. The entrance belongs to the Besakih Temple. The photo of a person standing in the middle of the aisle is simply spectacular. No wonder it has become a photography “place of pilgrimage” for tourists from around the world.
Besakih Temple is a sprawling complex of 22 separate but interconnected temples on six rising terraces along the slopes of Mount Agung. The mountain is revered as a sacred mountain by Balinese people and hence the temple on it is revered as a sacred site by Hindus in Bali. In the past, after several volcanic eruptions, the temple complex repeatedly avoided the lava flows at a distance of a few meters. Locals believed the temple’s salvation to be a miracle. The Hindu temples are arranged in terraces up the hillside, allowing visitors to climb stairs to the main sanctuary and the world-famous divided gate entrance. A number of religious festivals and sacrifices are held at the Besakih Temple each year. When planning your visit to Bali, you can find out about festive events at the temple in advance so you can be there in time to experience the amazing Hindu culture!
Tanah Lot Temple
A Hindu temple stands on a massive rock off the coast of Bali’s southwestern coastal area. When the tide comes in, the only passage leading to the temple is covered with sea water. Its name is Tanah Lot Temple, which worships the sea god of Hinduism. Founded by a Javanese Hindu monk named Danghyang Nirartha, the Tanah Lot Temple has guarded the Indonesian Ocean since the 15th century.
“Tanah Lot” is Balinese for “skerry in the sea”. The temple on it is one of the seven ocean temples on the coast of Bali. Tanah Lot Temple may not be as magnificent as its counterparts, consisting only of a simple Balinese wooden Meru tower and sanctuary. The temple is set against the stunning backdrop of sea and tides that makes it exceptional. Hindus on the island flock to the temple to worship during Hindu festivals. After visiting the temple, you can shop for souvenirs at the nearby market or enjoy Balinese dishes at a restaurant while waiting for the stunning sunset at Tanah Lot Temple.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Along with the USA, Germany and Mexico, Indonesia also uses an eagle as a symbol on its national coat of arms. The eagle named Garuda on the national coat of arms of Indonesia is no ordinary eagle. It is a mythical eagle and the vahana (vehicle mount) of one of the three main deities of Hinduism, Vishnu.
Indonesians founded this theme park in Hindu-thriving Bali to commemorate Vishnu, the protector of the universe, and his powerful companion the eagle in Hindu mythology. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in the park, depicting Vishnu riding Garuda, is the tallest in all of Indonesia. It is even taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York.
Not only does the park offer you a full understanding of Hindu culture, but it is also an excellent stage for captivating Balinese dances and traditional music performances. Numerous shops sell delicious local foods and interesting souvenirs such as handicrafts, silverware, sculptures and more. If you are planning to visit the park, you should check the official website for the latest programs to catch any of these epic events such as concerts and culinary activities.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Rice is the essence of Indonesian food culture. For many, a meal is incomplete without rice. Rice fields in the mountains of Bali are not only a staple but also a notable tourist destination. In Ubud you will find the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
Endless strips of towering palm trees, fresh green rice terraces and a beautiful golden light of sunrise make the entire rice terrace seem like something out of a dream. There are photo opportunities everywhere. As you circle the field, remember to always stick to the paths at the edge of each terrace before taking a deep breath of rural Bali air. Since you are already on the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, why not experience the popular Rice Terrace Swing, which gives you a more spectacular view of the vast Rice Terraces Amphitheater from a higher angle? Make sure your friends take the stunning photos from behind as the perfect souvenir for you!
