The Wombats Top Ten Temples Part Two
Part 1 posted yesterday were my all-time favourite temples. And, now for the final 5, which are in their own right, superb to visit and enjoy.
6. PURA SADA
Near the market in the village of Kapal you will find the beautifully decorated temple of Pura Sada. Originally a sanctuary of the Mengwi royalty, it dates to the Majapahit era. It has a 16 meter high tower, but, it is the 64 stone shrines resembling ancestral shrines that are the feature of this temple. They are believed to commemorate fallen warriors.
Getting there: Buses from the Terminal Ubung stop at this village on the way to Mengwi. Alternatively, bemos are easily obtained at the various stops.
7. PURA PANATARAN SASIH
Home of the renowned ‘Moon of Pejeng’, a 3rdC BC bronze, single-cast Kettle Gong whose origin is unknown. There are numerous legends associated with the Kettle Gong. The temple itself was the main shrine of the old Pejeng kingdom and has numerous sculptures and statues dating from 10th-12C.
Getting there: A bus from Terminal Kereneng travels to Tampaksaring. Get off at Pejeng, and it’s a short walk to the temple. This region is fascinating archaeologically and steeped in Balinese history, and so it’s best to explore by car to appreciate the many antiquities.
8. PURA GOA LAWAH
Founded in 1007 by a holy man, Empu Kuturan. The distinct feature of this temple is the bat cave and it’s associated legends.
See Nick’s recent post on this temple for more detail as well as excellent fotos.
Getting there: The bus heading to Amlapura is obtained at the Terminal Kereneng. Get off at the temple site itself.
9. PURA LUKLUK
This Pura Dalem has a magnificent Candi Bentar. Beautiful and decorative painted bas-reliefs portray mythological characters and themes as well as those of typical village life. Walk down the side street to your left as you first directly enter the village (its the only one!). Probably the best time to see this temple is at dusk when the fading light enhances the bas-reliefs.
Getting there: Buses from the Terminal Ubung stop at this village on the way to Mengwi. Bemos also ply the route.
10. PURA TAMAN AYUN
A maginificent garden temple, it dates to 1634 and is the second largest temple complex in Bali. The royal temple of the Raja of Mengwi, its main features are the many meru towers, the 29 shrines dedicated to the ancestors, as well as the beautifully constructed moats and gardens.
Nick has covered this temple in more detail in a recent post. It has great fotos and a good write-up.
Getting there: A bus from Terminal Ubung will take you directly to Mengwi. Easily accessible by bemo as the temple is only 16 klms north of Denpasar.
There you have it folks, my Top 10. Of course there are many stunning temples in Bali, and, each with its own uniqueness and treasure to be seen. Take time to explore as many as you can - you will definitely not be disappointed. And remember, always respect the conduct and dress code when entering temples.
By Sean | Permalink
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