Day 01
Eastern Bali Heritage and Temple Tour
- You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to Kertha Gosa, a historical site in Semarapura that is part of the Puri Semarapura royal palace complex. The complex has two main structures: a large hall, the namesake Bale Kertha Gosa, with Kamasan or wayang-style paintings on the ceilings, and the Bale Kambang "floating" hall or pavilion, which is ringed by a moat. Within a fenced compound, there are wide and open halls. The gates, walls, and main structures all feature unique and traditional Balinese architecture.
- Then, head to Pura Goa Lawah, located nearby, one of Bali's most unique and beautiful temples. Its name translates to "Bat Cave Temple," and it contains a structure built around a cave hole inhabited by hordes of bats. Mpu Kuturan, one of the early priests who laid the roots of Hinduism on the island, founded this temple in the 11th century. At Pura Goa Lawah's main gate, two enormous banyan trees stand tall. Three bale pavilions can be found in each of the temple's three corners as you enter the central courtyard. Fruit offerings are generally placed on these bales, and gamelan bands perform during significant rituals.
- Continue to Candidasa, Bali's most popular beach resort on the island's east coast. Here, you can relax by the sea and get away from the crowds and busy traffic of the island's south.
- Next, travel to Tirta Gangga Water Palace, also known as Taman Tirta Gangga, a former water palace of the Karangasem dynasty and one of east Bali's most famous landmarks. About 1.2 hectares of pools, ponds, and fountains surrounded by tropical gardens are located around 6 kilometres north of Amlapura. Three levels of attractive gardens with swimming pools, fountains, stone carvings, stepping stones, fish ponds, and airy pavilions back onto luscious rice paddies. Enjoy your lunch at a local eatery near the water palace while you are here.
- Later, travel to the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple at the end of the day, passing through vast expanses of lovely and clean rice terraces, winding roads, and breathtaking mountains. This temple is located in the highlands of Mount Lempuyang, at a chilly 1,775 meters above sea level. It is easy to reach and takes only around 20 minutes to walk from the parking lot. Before being comfortably transported back to your accommodation, take a wonderful picture between the gates facing gorgeous Mount Agung, just like a Gate of Heaven.
Trip ends.
