Take a Daycation to The Island’s Best Cultural Destinations
Bali isn’t just a place full to the brim with natural beauty, but one overflowing with cultural wonders. Any trip to the island of the gods should include an adventure to one of its many colourful heritage sites, worthy of a day’s exploration. With so many to choose from it can be hard to decide how and where to spend your time – luckily we’ve done the hard work for you, with a list of Bali’s best cultural destinations below.
Tanah Lot Temple, Tabanan
Not too far from Seminyak sits one of Bali’s most significant landmarks and one of its most popular tourist destinations. The ever photogenic Tanah Lot sits perched on rocks on the edge of the Indian Ocean where earth and sea greet (its name stands for earth ‘tanah’ and sea ‘lot’). The sacred temple forms a part of a string of seven equally spiritual sea temples along the Balinese coast and has played a part in Balinese mythology for centuries.
Uluwatu Temple
The Fellow spiritual pillar Uluwatu Temple (or Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is another cultural destination well worth a day trip. Tucked into the cliffside, 70 metres up from the lapping of the aquamarine waves of the region, the temple dates back an impressive thousand years and remains home to a regular performance of traditional Balinese ‘Kecak’ fire dancing as well as a cluster of particularly cheeky monkeys.
Tirta Gangga, Karangasem
Within arm’s reach of the famous volcano Mount Agung is water palace Tira Gangga (it literally translates to water from the Ganges). A mingling of stone carvings and statues, manicured gardens, fountains and public pools (in which you can swim), this eye-catching complex also boasts impressive views of its mountainous neighbour. After some time wandering the grounds themselves, venture beyond into the nearby collection of rice paddies.
Ubud Palace
Get better acquainted with the headquarters of the Ubud royal family at Puri Saren Agung (or Ubud Palace). Sitting in the town’s main drag, this cultural space remains a major landmark for the jungle-laden region. The palace was originally built during the lordship of Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800–1823) and today plays host to plenty of international art-focused events, including the much loved annual Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
Goa Gajah
Considered to be one of Bali’s must-visit historical destinations is Goa Gajah, or the elephant cave, a fellow resident of Ubud – in fact it’s been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list. An intricately carved structure formed from stone back in the 9th Century, this ancient space has been named in ode to its unforgettable entrance formed in the shape of an elephant’s head, and decorated in demons and evil spirits. The temple site itself consists of a meditation cave, fountains and bathing pools.
When you only have a very short time for Bali Holiday, stay at Mamaka – an ideal place located at the heart of the island. Get ready to explore and check out our special offer !