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Scooter ride: discoveries between temples and rice fields in the heart of Bali

Update

08/01/2025

By Romain

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After planning our route by studying the map the day before, we set off on our newly rented scooter, heading north in Bali . The idea was to go right through the heart of the mountains. But before venturing further into the highlands, we took the time to stop at some interesting-looking temples along the way.

Visit to the ancient Gunung Kawi temple

Arriving at the first temple of the day, we were assailed by sarong sellers and more particularly one who insisted that we needed one anyway to visit the temple. If having to wear a sarong when visiting a temple is indeed necessary, she obviously took care not to tell us that it is included in the price of the ticket at the entrance to the stairs leading to the temple...
We consoled ourselves by saying that at least we wouldn't be bothered anymore since we already had some... Jitima was happy to chat quickly with some Thais who were traveling alone as a couple, seeing that she was doing the same thing to them.

This sanctuary is known as Gunung Kawi and consists of 10 temples carved into the rock face adjacent to the site. It is also one of the oldest (dating from the XNUMXth century) and one of the best preserved on the island.

This day was looking to be beautiful and pleasant.

In a small local market, somewhere north of Ubud.

A family comes to make an offering.

Here we are on the stairs leading to the first temple of our day. As soon as we arrive at the site, the surrounding rice fields, the stairs embedded in the rock and the open-air corridor that extends them immerse the visitor in an atmosphere of indescribable charm.

These are the kind of rice fields that make Bali so attractive.

The path is dug between the rice fields.

Enter.

The temples are embedded in the wall of the 2 hills facing each other, the main part being on the other side of a small bridge, everything is calm because few tourists here and rather charming.

The water in the temple is considered sacred, rinsing your face or hands with it is supposed to bring good luck, well I didn't bother since it was hot anyway... (it's completely allowed in this temple)

It's creepy in there...

This is the bridge I mentioned earlier.

The small offering house in the middle of the rice field.

Here too, you can't escape the souvenir shops, especially since you can go there and back, since there is only one entrance.

Let's get to work.

At certain crossroads there are statues, sometimes impressive (by size or by what is represented) here it is really not the best example but I saw the others at night or in bad conditions to take photos of them...

Visit to Tirta Empul, a sacred temple in central Bali

Arriving at the next temple (Pura Tirta Empul) we see this majestic tree which is clearly respected and protected (this is often the case in Thailand too).

By focusing on certain details, it produces some funny photos.

The housework is neglected… (I’m talking about the full ashtray 😉

This pond was filled with goldfish of all sizes.

No, it's not a swimming pool...

The places are still used for rituals and prayers.

The mix of colors is sensational.

A ceremony in progress.

The basin is hot, the volcanic activity here is linked to the temple.

Just leaning against the temple, a basin is still used for washing clothes and bathing.

Of course there are the inevitable shopping corridors, always deserted, we wonder where the tourists are (we will understand later that many are content with the sea...)

This time Jitima will please a saleswoman by stopping in her shop, our trip is coming to an end (well still 4 days anyway) it is not completely inappropriate to make souvenir purchases now.

Roman

When I discovered Thailand in 2006, I certainly didn't expect to settle down there 2 years later! Since then, I've been based in Bangkok and regularly travel throughout the country (especially in the north!). I share my stories, photos, and tips to help plan your trip to Thailand and other Asian countries. This blog is for anyone who wants to discover the land of smiles, who's looking for a bit of adventure, and those who dream of Asia.

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Roman

When I discovered Thailand in 2006, I certainly didn't expect to settle down there 2 years later! Since then, I've been based in Bangkok and regularly travel throughout the country (especially in the north!). I share my stories, photos, and tips to help plan your trip to Thailand and other Asian countries. This blog is for anyone who wants to discover the land of smiles, who's looking for a bit of adventure, and those who dream of Asia.

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