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.

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.

Built in the late 12th century under the rule of King Jayavarman VII, the long terrace fronts the eastern side of the Royal Palace within the walled city of Angkor Thom. It served as a grand platform from which the king could view military parades, public ceremonies and state functions. The terrace, also known in some records as the Terrace of Honour, is richly decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures of life sized elephants.

Carved like emerald steps into Ubud’s natural amphitheatres, locals say the spirit of the rice goddess still watches over the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terrace, blessing the fields with life and balance. Also known as Ceking, the terraces are a large collection of beautiful verdant rice paddies, carved into the hillside by generations of farmers and shaped by centuries of Balinese ingenuity.

Preah Ko is a profoundly significant temple that often gets overshadowed by the grandeur of Angkor Wat and Bayon. Preah Ko, which translates to “Sacred Bull,” was the very first temple built in the ancient city of Hariharalaya, located in present-day Roluos, 15 kilometres southeast of Siem Reap. This temple predates Angkor Wat by over two centuries and is key to understanding the architectural and spiritual foundation of the Khmer empire.