• Selling Last and Love in Bali
• What to Do-Kuta and Seminyak
• The Hidden Life of South Bali
• The Struggle to Save Bali's Turtles
• Jimbaran-The Bukit
• What to Do-Impossible Surf at The Bukit
• Fair Trade in Bali
• Ubud
• A Dance for Every Day
• Balinese Painters
• Ubud-What to do
• A Word of Dance
• East Bali in a Nutshell
• The Hidden life of East Bali
• Klungkung
• Where to Stay-Padang Bay
• Where to Stay Candidasa
• First and Third World in Tenganan
• Amlapura-Tirtagangga
• Tirtagangga and Around
• Amed Beach
• Planning Your Trip: The Best of Bali
• South Bali in a Nutshell

 

A Word of Dances

The temple is thought to be a legacy of the East Javanese Singasari kingdom, which ruled over Bali in the 13 th century under King Kertanegara - an adept of Tantric, magic cults featuring frightening divinities such as Bhairawa (A. Hobart, U. Ramseyer and A. Leeman, The Peoples of Bali ) .

Gunung Kawi, the Po et's Mountain

Approximately 20km north of Ubud, near Tampaksiring, Gunung Kawi ia a perfect excuse for a bike tour or a walk in the cool hours of the day. From Ubud, take the road or a bemo heading to Tampaksiring. Then veer east off the main road at a signpost located a few hundred metres after the Tampaksiring bemo station.

The spectacular site hides two rows of ancient tombs hewn out of the rock in a green watery canyon. From the main road, the walk down to the caves offers awesome views of terraced rice fields and coconut groves. Once you get to the valley bottom, take a sharp left before crossing the Pakrisan River to see the tombs of Anak Wungsu, an 11 th century king, and his wives. Continue on the path leading left from the five roy al tombs, passing through beautiful scenery to reach a small waterfall where you can enjoy a dip in the clean water.

About 500m north of Gunung Kawi, the springs of Tirta Empul, are the holiest springs in Bali and a crowded tourist stop. Visits as early as 8am for a bit of serenity. Pass the small shops and the outer courtyard to a big banyan tree and a large wantilan (open pavilion for religious and cultural ceremonies). Behind a carved gate, 15 spouts pour spring water into two shallow, rectangular pools, with stony stools on which to sit and relax. Small boards explain in Balinese the properties of each shower, such as curing illnesses, blessing newly – built houses , or improving one's luck. Though you may not notice any changes in your luck, the fresh bath will enliven your mood. People bathe here for religious purposes, so wear a sarong rather than a swimsuit.

dramatic jegog bamboo

earliest known kettledrum

female deity surrounded

called rain drums

Javanese Singasari kingdom

relaxation yoga classes

local organic farming