Located in Tabanan, Pura Luhur Batukaru is a Hindu temple from the 11th century and it is set on the southern slope of Mount Batukaru, Bali's second-highest volcano. The temple is one of nine kayangan jagat, or directional temples, meant to protect Bali from evil spirits. Originally built during the 11th century, Pura Luhur Batukaru was dedicated to the ancestors of the rajas of Tabanan. It was destroyed in 1604, before being rebuilt in 1959. The temple's most important shrine is a 7-tiered meru dedicated to Mahadewa, the God of Mount Batukaru.
Today, Pura Luhur Batukaru remains an extremely sacred site for Bali's Hindu population. Many of the complex's grounds remain off-limits to visitors for various ceremonies and events throughout the year. The temple is also the first stop one must take before ascending to the summit of Mount Batukaru. Once a year, there is a pilgrimage to its peak, and on that day, one may see thousands of worshipers walk its trails at once.
Ubud’s first museum, Museum Puri Lukisan, is a must-see for anyone with an interest in Balinese art and culture. Embracing the past and present and surrounded by stunning gardens, many pieces in the museum’s collection are available for sale.
Bali’s textiles are an important part of the its cultural heritage, in the past, traditional woven fabrics like songket were worn by the nobility as a class signifier in the royal courts. Today, caste-based restrictions no longer apply, but the songket remains a clear marker of status. Resplendent in shimmering silk and gold-wrapped threads, these ...
Fans of theatre and dance must make time to see Devdan Show: Treasure of the Archipelago, a new performance “spectacular” that combines traditional Indonesian dance with modern dance, aerial acrobatics, extraordinary costumes and breathtaking special effects. The 90-minute show takes the audience on the whirlwind tour of the Indonesian archipelago, ...
Locally known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (with Luhur meaning “something of divine origin”), Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali's nine key directional temples and one of the most spectacular ones in the entire island.
Perched majestically on the edge of a steep cliff about 150 m above the sea level, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking Indian ...