One of the most horrific chapters in Balinese history occurred during the anti-communist purges which swept across Indonesia in the mid 1960's and barely anyone dares talk about it. In the years leading up to the massacre, Bali was already a fractured island, mirroring the deepening political and social divisions across Indonesia.

Located south of the Red River Delta Region 90 km's from Hanoi, Hoa Lư was a bustling capital city in turmoil during the 10th and 11th centuries. For a short time, it was the economic, political and cultural centre of medieval Vietnam. In 968 A.D, it was strategically built in a flat verdant valley, protected between steep limestone mountains, which created a virtually impenetrable barrier to human traffic.

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.