GOA GAJAH

A thousand year old hermitage with a Ganeca (Elephant headed God) statue inside, often called the Elephant Cave. Near by there is a beautiful carved bathing place and the remains of a Buddhist monastery.

TAMPAK SIRING - The holy spring in the inner courtyard of the Tirta Empul in Tampak Siring is said to have magical curative powers. There are special bathing pools where clear cool water spouts from mossy walls. Legend was that the spring by piercing the ground in search of holy water to revive his dying army.

GUNUNG KAWI - Just two kilometres from Tampak Siring is an ancient complex of rock hewn temple hidden in a beautiful valley. Legend has it that they were carved by a giant using his finger nail. The impressive Facades have no interior and served as memorials for deified royalty. There is also an extensive monastery with many carved niches for holy men in the cliff face. The complex was established in the 11th century.

KINTAMANI - 1500 meters above sea level, the village of Kintamani has a cold damp climate suited to growing oranges and passion Fruit, and on market day, the main street becomes a bustling chaos of vendors, some of whom have travelled vast distances carrying their wares on horseback.

SEMARAPURA - The palaces of Semarapura fostered the local arts and music, which still flourish here today. Kamasan, 2 km south of Semarapura, is the home of the classical Wayang painting Klungkung's Royal Court of justice, Kertagosa, Which dates back to the 18th century, contains the finest examples of these Wayang paintings on its ceiling. Modern examples of this style are available near the Kertagosa.

GOA LAWAH - A cave with thousand of bat inhabitants located inside a temple courtyard. The temple is on the south coast road on the way to Candidasa beach.

TENGANAN - Protected for centuries from the outside world by its surrounding walls, the village of Tenganan has maintained its ancient pre-Hindu customs. Unique ritual offering dances and gladiator like battles are enacted as they have been for centuries. Tenganan is famous for its "Double Ikat" woven cloths called gringsing, which are supposed to protect the wearer with magical power.

TIRTA GANGGA - Tirta Gangga is just north of Karangasem on the slopes of Mount Agung. It is water playground designed by a prince in the Royal Family of Karangasem as a resting place. The exotic pools and water fountains sustained some damage during the eruptions of Mount Agung, but the water gardens remain as serene and tempting as ever.

BESAKIH - The holiest temple in Bali, Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung is the focal point for all Balinese Hindus. In 1979 the great 100-year ceremony of Eka Dasa Rudra, a sacrificial purification ceremony of massive proportions was held there. Besakih is a complex of about 30 temples the main one, Pura Panataran Agung has a large three seated shrine to Brahmana, Wisnu and Siwa, the Hindu holy trinity in the main courtyard.

LOVINA - Lovina is the name a beach in Kalibukbuk village, 12 km to the west of Singaraja. The location is peaceful and its beach still natural. There are many pleasant guesthouses to accommodate you.

CANDIDASA - Candidasa in named after the temple overlooking the freshwater lagoon on the road to Amlapura. The temple is dedicate to Shiva and Hariti, so it serves both Hindus and Buddhists Childless couples come hereto pray for children. And on the other hand Candidasa is smaller, more intimate and offers betters value for money than the main seaside resort and is an excellent base from which to explore the sights of east Bali.

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