Before revealing themselves to the naked eye, Sekumpul Falls let their presence be known with a potent rumble - the waters of two mountain streams fly into a deep green valley, falling 80 metres, creating a vision with few equals in the whole world. In Balinese, Sekumpul means “group”, “gathering” - differing from what happens in other parts of the island, here, there are actually seven distinct cascades, each with its own water flow. Surrounding them, a luxurious forest of bambù, durian and rambutan shoot up towards the heavens. Until a few years ago, Sekumpul Falls was a secret paradise only visited by locals. However, the allure of their beauty is totally irresistible - today, excursionists from around the world venture over trails, brooks and slippery steps to enjoy the landscape and, if the season permits, a restorative dive into the fresh waters of the underlying pool. On the way, views range from rice paddies and coffee plantations while the lakes of Bedugul are nearby with an aquatic temple dedicated to the Goddess Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu.
Pura Sada Kapal: the temple that changes for faith and for the ages
The vicissitudes linked to its destruction due to an earthquake and its reconstruction due to the faith of the inhabitants of the village in which it is located, make it a place with a fascinating and unique history and appearance.
Written by Balinese scholar Professor I Made Bandem and American art historian Bruce W. Carpenter, this stunning study of masks as an ancient art form is a richly illustrated book, with over 1000 color images by photographer Doddy Obenk.