We covered a lot of ground during our two day visit to Bali. We started our tours at noon on day #1 (due to mid-day port arrival time) and continued to 6pm. After an evening of rest and great food in Ubud, we started day #2 at 8:30am and ended our day back at Benoa port at 2pm. Staying overnight in Ubud meant that we avoided the drive between Benoa port and a tour site each day - which was a great time saving decision.
Pura Tanah Lot
The drive from Benoa to Tanah Lot took about 90 minutes in moderately heavy vehicle traffic. I read that in particularly heavy traffic (or with accidents), this drive can take up to three hours. One of the reasons for the long drive is that there is one primary road from the port area to Tanah Lot.
Tanah Lot in Balinese means "Land in the Sea" and is the name of the rock on which the temple resides. The temple, Pura Tanah Lot, is believed to have been built in the 16th century. Dewa Baruna, the sea god, is worshipped here. This site is the most visited place in Indonesia, with about 500,000 visitors each year. Pura Tanah Lot is one of the seven main sea temples located on the south-west coast. Tanah Lot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This temple is currently undergoing restoration work that is scheduled to be completed in 2026. The previous renovation work was done in the 1980s. I read that a third of the temple is now composed of artificial rock. The waves are a constant source of structural damage.
Entry Gates to Tonah Lot
Pura Batu Bolong (Temple of the Hollow Rock)
Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Tayman Ayun
Pura Tayman Ayun, meaning "Beautiful Garden Temple,” is the second-largest temple in Bali and covers about 17 acres. In 2012, the temple became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a large water system (Subak) that feeds the Badung Regency area.
The temple was built in the 15th century by the King of Mengwi as a royal family temple. There are three temple sections, each separated by a moat.
Pura Tayman Ayun observed a clothing dress code. A "kamben" cloth was provided to men and women wearing shorts to cover their waist to ankle.
Entry Gate to Pura Tayman Ayun
Inner Sanctuary, Restricted to Worshippers
Bali Rice Terraces
The rice terraces of Bali were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. The terraces demonstrate the use a "Subak" cooperative water management system. Water flows from one rice terrace farm to another. The terraces are beautiful, functional and reflect the Balinese "Tri Hita Karuna" philosophy, harmony with nature, other humans and god.
Balinese Family Compound
On the morning of our second day in Bali, we made a stop to visit a traditional Balinese family compound ("Gunung Agung"). Dewa, our guide, told us that he lives in a family compound with 30 family members.
The compound we visited had a traditional rectangular perimeter wall. Within the wall, there are several family sleeping quarters and a family temple, ceremonial pavilion, kitchen, storage and washing area. Each structure is placed in a culturally defined location and direction.
Entry Gate to Family Compound
Balinese Folk Show and Dance
After our visit to the family compound, we were taken to view a five act Balinese play. The play reflected the eternal fight between good and evil. Barong, a mythical animal, represents a good spirit. Rangda, a mythical monster, is an evil spirit.
Barong
Balinese Musicians
Barong and Monkey Friend
Attack by Rangda
Batik Workshop and Silver Jewelry Workshop
Our last stops on day #2 were to visit a batik workshop, followed by a stop at a silver jewelry workshop. We were able to observe workers doing intricate hand work at each location. We had an opportunity to visit the retail shop of both workshops and made a few purchases for ourselves and family gifts.
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