August 22, 2016

The Temples of Bali

The Temples of Bali

On our fabulous 10-day vacation to the Indonesian island of Bali, we will have the honor and the privilege of being able to experience the stunning temples located there.  Also known as the Land of the Gods, there is nowhere better to transcend on a spiritual journey of self-discovery.

Pura Taman Ayun

Pura (meaning temple) Taman Ayun is among one of the most famous and picturesque temples in all of Indonesia.  The temple does not stand alone, and features a lush and impressive garden.  It is located in the Mengwi district of Bali and is one of our first stops on our trip.

Tanah Lot

The Tanah Lot is a temple located right next to our first hotel, the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort.  A sacred rock formation, Tanah Lot is not only a popular tourist spot and cultural icon, but a place of pilgrimage, and a lovely way to see the sunrise right above the Indian Ocean.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

This temple, also known as the “floating temple” is located on Lake Bratan.  It is a Hindu temple surrounded by the mighty mountains near Bedugul and it was established in 1633 in honor of the Balinese lake and river goddess Dewi Danu.  Lake Bratan was and is a main source of irrigation in central Bali, and to experience a temple of such importance and grandeur is truly inspiring.

Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu Temple, also known as the Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is the final temple on our spiritual journey.  This temple is located in the Kuta South district of Uluwatu and is one of the Sad Kahyangan.  The Sad Kahyangan are the six holiest places of worship in all of Bali, so this is a temple that you really don’t want to miss.  It is dedicated to the supreme god of Indonesian Hinduism known in Balinese as Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa and many other countries as simply Acintya.

The opportunity not only to see all of these temples, but to be so constantly surrounded by them and be able to feel their presence in the communities around them is a once in a lifetime experience.  To be in touch with such profound spirituality is a unique treasure that is limited to only certain places in the world, and Bali just happens to be one of them.