When you feel that life is so harsh on you, you are left with no option. It would be best if you had a break, and we are encouraging you to leave everything behind; because Bali is calling you. This island is surrounded by spectacular mountains, majestic flora and fauna, lush coconut trees, paddy fields, craggy coastlines, and ferocious volcanoes. Bali is thriving with its diverse yet vibrant culture between Java and Lombok islands.
Bali is a group of more than 17,000 islands, situated just over 2 kilometers from the western tip of Lombok and the eastern tip of Java Island. If you visit this place in December-March, you must be ready to face high humidity. Still, the daytime temperature is pleasant (between 20-33 BC). You encounter hospitable people when you visit it. Magnificent beaches and diverse yet spiritually vibrant culture validate this reason. Bali is lovable to all, whether it is about young backpackers or wealthy people in business. What do you think- why do people call this place a 'paradise'?
This beautiful island showcases the vernacular style of architecture, which draws influence on traditional houses. Because designers use local materials, like bamboo and coconut wood, to construct homes, buildings, and structures. It is astonishing to know that Bali still retains its purification rituals by a priest in white. You can spot Hindu temples - the length and breadth of Bali. Despite being a Muslim-dominated country (Indonesia), these temples make you feel the presence of Hindu culture. For that reason, Bali is famous as the island of the Gods. Don't let the tagline fool you. Just take a virtual look into rows of majestic temples with us to justify it. Now, let's plunge into spirituality.
- Tanha Lot –
Tanha Lot has a unique offshore setting in Tabanan, West Bali, a constant icon on Bali's postcards. Take advantage of the sunsets here, and it's a disclaimer for all potential travelers. Tabanan Regency has a coast of Beraban village, and this village is placed just on that coast. Crashing waves always touch this Hindu shrine on the top of an outcrop. It is easy to go there as it is just a 45-minute drive from Kuta. You can find a cultural park, several restaurants, and shops for your leisure facilities. You can enjoy dance performances which are held in this cultural park. It should be focused on the holy day of Kuningan, the temple's anniversary is the best day and early afternoon is the apt time to visit this place. Bali's famous spicy sauced grills and seafood with ice-cold beer are served there. You will feel bad if you don't include this temple in your travel itinerary.
- Goa Gajah –
Translating "Goa Gajah" will show the meaning of "Elephant Cave." However, this term doesn't complement it because you won't spot any pachyderms here. Ubud, central Bali, is where you can find this beautiful temple. In the 11th century, this place was built as a meditation site, but now it is a tourist destination. You reach a vast complex when down a flight of steps from the roadside. It provides brief stopovers on tours.
Furthermore, the temple courtyard and 'empty' meeting hall are right in front of the mysterious cave. An ancient bathing pool excavated in 1954 is an open-air collection of significant stone relics. This pool has beautiful statues holding waterspout vases, and people take an entry in the pool through it. This shallow cave is engraved with stone idols and meditation spaces. Opening time of this complex starts from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm, and days are from Mon to Sun. Shivaite dominates the southern side, and Buddhists dominate the complex's northern side.
“And like tea dissolving in hot water, the sun dissolved in the sky… creating a velvet horizon, announcing for the stars’ night dance with the moon, the awaited joy for the wounded souls. -- From Bali – The Rebirth”
- Abeer Allan
- Uluwatu Temple –
Images of this Temple always adorn Bali's postcards. This place is blissful for surfers because it's an exotic spot for surfing. The Southwest cliff top, which is 70 meters above the crashing wave, gives place to this Temple. Sunset backdrops of Tanah Lot also share with Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Its higher altitude provides sweeping seascapes, and you witness ancient architecture and sculptures. A nearby theater presents the Ramayana ballet or Kecak dance. This dance show performs during golden sunset hours and is ideal for taking awesome pictures. If you want to enjoy the scenic and sunset moments, you must consider this place as this counts under top sites on the islands. It opens at 09:00 am and closes at 06:00 to offer prayers for 24 hours.
- Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple –
This Temple, with a striking complex, central highland of Bali, is located on the western side of Beratan Lake. A smooth reflective surface of Beratan surrounds Temple's base. Thus, you can see a unique floating illusion inside the Temple's complex. The mountain range provides the pleasing and dreamy backdrop of the Temple. Cold weather and enchanting scenery attract tourists' attention and make it the best sightseeing spot. You can also click memorable and candid photographs in extensive flowering lakeside gardens. Leisurely rides on duck paddle boats compel tourists to be a child again. For the entry fee, you need to shell out IDR 7,500 (domestic tourists) and IDR 10,000 (foreign tourists). Timings are 08:00 in the morning till 06:00 in the evening.
- Besakih Temple –
Eastern Bali (Indonesia) is where you can find this Pura (Temple) in the village of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung. Each shrine has its anniversary, that's why 70 different celebrations are held here each year. Tourists need to spend an entire day exploring this spellbinding Temple properly. But sometimes, single visits cover only the central and largest complex. This complex comprises Pura Penataran Agung (great Temple of state). You can consider this Temple the most important, influential, and holiest Hindu Temple on the island, which survived the catastrophic eruption of 1963. It thrills travelers and wanderers as it is situated on the side of an active volcano. Tourists can stroll around the complex and wander the stepped terraces and brick gateways of 23 ancient temples. It is open 24 hours for offerings. However, the best time for this Pura is from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
- Tirta Empul Temple –
This ancient Temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple near Tampaksiring, Bali (Indonesia). This Temple's complex comprises petirtaan (bathing structure) for the ritual purification of Balinese Hindus. The meaning of Tirta Empul is 'Holy Water spring," based on the name of a water source located inside the Temple. This Temple is a national cultural heritage site dating to 960 AD. Local myths and legends are famous for various locations throughout the region. Tourists can enjoy this place with a dress code as it is sacred. The best time to visit this Temple is at 09:00 in the morning and at 05:00 in the evening.
7. Taman Ayun temple –
Taman Ayun temple comes under the Mengwi sub-district in Badung Regency, Bali (Indonesia). This 17th-century Temple is a compound of a traditional Balinese Hindu temple and garden. Travelers witness magnificent courtyards and enclosures in it. Water features, lotus, and fish ponds can be seen inside an expansive tropical garden. Tjokorda Sakti Blambangan was its late ruler, and this Temple is the Mengwi kingdom's heritage site. Chinese architecture draws influence from this Temple's reliefs. This Temple has Rp. 3,000-4000 as its entrance fee and timings are from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm.
- Lempuyang Temple –
This Temple is considered Bali's oldest and most highly regarded Temple. It is situated at 1,175m (above sea level) upon the peak of Mount Lempuyang (East Bali). It is on par with the Besakih temple. Travelers must include this vast Temple in their itinerary as it is believed to predate the majority of Hindu Temples. To visit this place, you need to scale up the steep staircase of over 1,700 steps in 2 hours. However, scaling up these staircases is worth doing as you witness a blend of mountains and cultural excursions.
- Gunung Kawi Temple –
Gunung Kawi temple will be the best choice if you want to see unique archaeological sites in Bali. Since it comprises a collection of ancient shrine reliefs carved into the face of a rock cliff. Legends say memorials inside the temple are of defied Balinese King Udayana and his family. And this leads to Gunung Kawi temple, which is considered the tomb site of the Warmadewa Dynasty. The best time to see the beauty of this temple is its piodalan temple anniversary.
- Pura Taman Saraswati Temple –
In central Ubud, this Saraswati temple is a beautiful water temple. A side street in Jalan Raya, named Jalan Kajeng, is an access point. This place is the perfect stopover along your leisure walks through Ubud town as you enjoy the best sightseeing and candid photos backdrop with great architecture. Tourists should attend Cafe Lotus, where traditional dance performances are held around 07:30 in the evening. But for that, you need to pay IDR 2000,000 or $15. Its Amphitheatre has access timings for a full day, where you can be amused by the calming atmosphere, sandstone bas-reliefs, and architectural features.
All readers must think, 'Bali is best for only pilgrimages and travelers.' But the story doesn't end here. Bali is not a place of a cluster of temples only; instead, every kind of traveler can enjoy it accordingly. If you are a frequent business traveler seeking to conduct a business meeting in the best place, Bali is the place. No need to wonder because we will showcase some areas where business meetings and fun can be blended seamlessly. Here are some sites which need to be visited right now.
Awe-inspiring Jungle oasis –
Business trips can be hectic, but fascinating vistas and the fresh aroma of natural surroundings make your day bliss. Corporate travelers can take luxury to a new level with an eye-catchy Dutch-style tented camp deep in the jungles of Bali. Corporate travel transforms into a free holiday when you enjoy hanging gardens and float in the infinity pool with captivating views of tropical wildlife. You can also do yoga to relax your mind on the riverside deck. Bali is the only place that matches your business travel vibes. It hardly matters what is your company's travel style because Bali gets your back.
River rafting in Ayung River –
How to fill confidence and enthusiasm in yourself when business trips make you dull and slack? Only a ride on rapids of river water can do this miracle. Bali gives you enormous chances to break down the barriers and turn your colleagues into the right collaborators with whitewater rafting in Ayung River. You return to nature where paddle, splash, and thrill are the rhythms of the paradise river. Rafting in Ayung is an amazing race-style adventure through Legian. This adventure is committed to providing protected and unforgettable whitewater experiences while you enjoy cultural highlights in Bali.
Team up with a yoga class –
When you host a single business trip that will be all about building bonds via experience and adventure, Ubud – a lush inland region is a perfect choice for that. Here, you don't find walls and only encounter wonder. Since nature is your conference room with its mountains, vibrant rice terraces, and jungles. To be in the thick of view, you must stay in boutique hotels near Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It will let you close with Yoga Barn, which covers everything from tai chi to ecstatic dance.
Bali is heaven for everyone, but only your need and perception take you to the path of travel. First, you need to understand what kind of getaway you want and let that decide for you? Peep into your heart and plan your Bali holiday now.
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