Bali, Indonesia (Temples)
-April, 2010-
In continuation of our tour, Surya took us to Bali's temples. Our first stop was the Goa Gajah Temple. It was built during the 11th century. The original elephant statue, which it is known for, collapsed during an earthquake, but the ruins still stand. If you've noticed we were wearing cloths from the waist down. If for the Buddhists, one's shoulders can't be exposed, the Hindu's do not allow exposure of the legs when visiting their temples.
In continuation of our tour, Surya took us to Bali's temples. Our first stop was the Goa Gajah Temple. It was built during the 11th century. The original elephant statue, which it is known for, collapsed during an earthquake, but the ruins still stand. If you've noticed we were wearing cloths from the waist down. If for the Buddhists, one's shoulders can't be exposed, the Hindu's do not allow exposure of the legs when visiting their temples.
The temple houses a bathing pool with 6 statues of nymphs holding water spouts. The pool is used for cleansing before any ceremony.
The temple is also known as the elephant cave because of the cave in the area, which is used for meditation. It has a demon head over the entrance.
The cave has 2 altars inside one with Ganesha (elephant God) and the other with the gods representing water, wind and fire.
One of the most interesting temples I've visited was the Temple of Pura Tirta Empul. Outside the temple's vicinity is a balete tree, which they believed is holy. A local toured us inside explaining the ins and outs of the temple. He was really nice.
The temple was built 1,000 years ago which is famous for its sacred spring. Its bathing places is used by locals for good health and prosperity because of the waters curative powers.
For prosperity, Oliver and I washed our faces and drank 3x from the water springs. It was really clean.
We witnessed a purification ceremony of the locals as we explored the huge temple.
There were also a couple of interesting structures and natural wonders inside.
Opposite the temple is the president's palace, which has been closed from viewing since the 2002 bombing.
To complete our tour, our guide taught us the Balinese infinity stance which is the symbol for eternal love.
Oliver got so fond of our tour guide he had his picture taken with him.
Other 2010 Travels:
> Hong Kong
- Disneyland
- Ocean Park
- Peak Tower
- HK Night Life
> Macau, China
> Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao
- CDO
- CDO Night Life
- Bigby's Cafe
> Camiguin, Mindanao
> Bukidnon, Mindanao
> Batanes
- Northern Batan
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- Southern Batan
- Basco
> Bohol
- City Tour
- Island Hop
- Panglao
> Tree Top Adventure, Subic
> Singapore
- SG at Night
- City Tour
- Chijmes
- Singapore Zoo
- Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
- Sentosa
> Bali, Indonesia
- Cultural Visits
- Tourist Spot
- Menjangan Island
- Menduk Waterfall
> Tagaytay, South Luzon
> Pueblo Por la Playa, Pagbilao Quezon
- The Wedding
- Morning After
> Hundred Islands
- Islands
- Maxine's Restaurant
> Anawagin Cove, Zambales
> Cebu
- Shangri-La, Mactan
- The City
> Hong Kong
- Disneyland
- Ocean Park
- Peak Tower
- HK Night Life
> Macau, China
> Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao
- CDO
- CDO Night Life
- Bigby's Cafe
> Camiguin, Mindanao
> Bukidnon, Mindanao
> Batanes
- Northern Batan
- Itbayat
- Sabtang
- Southern Batan
- Basco
> Bohol
- City Tour
- Island Hop
- Panglao
> Tree Top Adventure, Subic
> Singapore
- SG at Night
- City Tour
- Chijmes
- Singapore Zoo
- Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
- Sentosa
> Bali, Indonesia
- Cultural Visits
- Tourist Spot
- Menjangan Island
- Menduk Waterfall
> Tagaytay, South Luzon
> Pueblo Por la Playa, Pagbilao Quezon
- The Wedding
- Morning After
> Hundred Islands
- Islands
- Maxine's Restaurant
> Anawagin Cove, Zambales
> Cebu
- Shangri-La, Mactan
- The City