The Telaga Waja River, flowing down the verdant slopes of Mount Agung in East Bali, is best known today for its rafting adventures but beneath its rushing waters lies a deep, often overlooked historical and cultural undercurrent. Historically, this river has served as both a geographical and spiritual artery for the people of Karangasem. It provides water for rice fields through a traditional irrigation system called subak and many Balinese believe it to be sacred.

Located on the northeastern fringe of Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Pura Prajapati, known to locals as the Cremation Temple, is far more than just a place of worship. Estimated to have been constructed around 1350AD, it is one of three major temples within the forest complex and plays a critical role in Bali’s intricate death rituals. The Hindu temple honours Hyang Widhi Wasa, the divine spirit that permeates all existence, in the form of Prajapati, the Lord of all b

Celebrated in March, the Balinese New Year known as Nyepi is a truly unique spiritual occasion unlike any other in the world. Instead of loud celebrations, fireworks or street parties, the island enters a state of complete silence. No flights arrive or depart, no vehicles take to the road and even electricity use is minimised. Known as the “Day of Silence,” Nyepi is devoted to self-reflection, meditation and purification.

First established in the 17th century, Pura Batur is one of Bali’s most venerated temples, second only to Pura Besakih on the sacred slopes of Mount Agung. Perched at roughly 900 metres above sea level, this mountain sanctuary overlooks the dramatic caldera of Mount Batur, an active volcano steeped in myth and raw geological power.

Tanah Lot, which translates to “Floating Land,” is one of Bali’s most revered and iconic sea temples. Located in the village of Beraban...

Standing proudly at 1175 metres above sea level, on the peak of Mount Lempuyang, this ancient temple complex is among Bali’s oldest and most revered, believed to predate most Hindu temples on the island. Although there is some confusion about the site’s exact age, the establishment of temples here stretches back at least a millennium.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a striking example of how nature and human intervention can merge to create something unexpectedly beautiful. Unlike the ancient waterfalls that have thundered down cliffs for millennia, Kanto Lampo is a relatively recent formation. In the early 2010's, changes to the local irrigation system inadvertently redirected water flow, which began to spill over the terraced cliffside near the village of Beng.

Founded in 962AD during the Warmadewa dynasty, Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most sacred temples, located in the cool highlands of Tampaksiring near Manukaya village. Its name, which means "holy water spring," is derived from a natural spring that bubbles up into the temple’s central pool and continues to feed the nearby Pakerisan River. This revered site is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu God of Water and Preservation

Gunung Kawi Sebatu is one of Bali’s lesser visited yet most serene temple complexes, nestled in the forested highlands of Sebatu village. Established during the 11th century, its origin is tied to the ruthless reign of King Mayadenawa, a figure known in Balinese lore for defying the gods. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu preserver deity and features crystal-clear spring pools, manicured gardens and a peaceful atmosphere that belies the legend tied to its sacred wa

Hanuman, the fierce Monkey King, prowls through the shadowed corners of Balinese myth, a figure both revered and feared. Far beyond a mere symbol of strength, he embodies a primal force, wild, untamed and relentless in his pursuit of justice. In Bali’s ancient Hindu-Buddhist tapestry, Hanuman’s presence evokes a raw energy, one that bridges the mortal world with darker realms where gods and demons wage eternal war.

Barong is one of the most iconic and revered figures in Balinese mythology, embodying health, good fortune and divine protection. More than just a mythical creature, Barong is believed to act as a guardian angel, accompanying each person through life and shielding them from harm. He is the leader of the hosts of good and the eternal nemesis of Rangda, the dreaded Widow Queen.

Built in honour of its namesake Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom and learning, Pura Taman Saraswati is a graceful water temple nestled in the heart of downtown Ubud. This sacred site blends spiritual reverence with classical Balinese aesthetics, offering a peaceful retreat just steps away from the town’s busy centre.

Carved into the rugged rock face of a ravine above the banks of the sacred Pakerisan River, this ancient hermitage niche is a remarkable archaeological site that offers a glimpse into Bali’s pre-Hindu past. Hidden discreetly in the quiet hamlet of Sawan Gunung, the site shelters a collection of pre-Hindu megaliths, silent remnants of an era long before the arrival of Hindu-Buddhist influence on the island.

Established in the 8th century by the Indian priest Rsi Markandeya, Gunung Lebah Temple was built as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. Its location at the confluence of the Wos and Pormin rivers, where they merge to form the sacred Campuhan, was chosen for both its tranquil setting and the potent healing properties of the surrounding flora.

The Ubud Royal Palace, known as Puri Saren Agung, is an iconic historical site in Bali, situated in the heart of Ubud. The palace traces its origins to around 1640 when it was first constructed as a residence for a branch of Ubud's royal family. Over time, it evolved into the majestic structure we see today, largely due to the significant contributions of King Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel during the early 1800s.

Nestled in the eastern highlands of Bali, in the quiet village of Ababi at the foot of Mount Agung, Tirta Gangga is a royal water palace steeped in beauty and spiritual reverence. Commissioned by the last Raja of Karangasem in 1946, this sacred estate pays homage to Balinese Hindu devotion. Its name, meaning “blessed water from the Ganges,” reflects its role as both a royal retreat and a site for spiritual purification and ceremonial bathing.

Right in the heart of downtown Ubud near the Puri Lukisan Museum, stands Pura Dalem, a temple steeped in spiritual significance and cultural heritage. As one of the main temples in the area, it plays a vital role in the religious life of the local community, serving as a sacred space for worship, ceremonies and traditional performances.

First mentioned in ancient copper inscriptions from the 9th century, Kehen Temple was originally known as Pura Hyang Api, a sacred site dedicated to Agni, the Hindu God of fire. This powerful deity symbolises not just destruction but also renewal and purification, embodying the transformative force of flame. Over the centuries, the temple underwent several name changes as it evolved with the shifting tides of Balinese history and spirituality.

Evoking both fear and intrigue, the Balinese divinity known as Rangda stands as a terrifying yet essential force within the island's spiritual and cultural landscape. She is more than just a monstrous figure, she is the embodiment of ultimate darkness, chaos and destruction, the shadow side of the cosmos that cannot be ignored or denied.

Carved into the rock cliffs on both sides of the Pakrisan River, this 11th century temple site and funerary complex is of profound historical and spiritual significance to the Balinese people. The name Gunung Kawi translates to the "Mountain of Poetry" but it is also affectionately referred to as the Valley of the Kings.