Day 302 - Bali, Indonesia

TANAH LOT TEMPLE, TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE AND UBUD (30/10/09)

Our first outing was to visit a couple of Bali's hundreds of Hindu Temples. The first we visited was Tanah Lot, known for it's beautiful location right on the sea front. We were lucky in our timing as it was the weekend of a six monthly ceremony. As a result the temples were very lively and lavishly decorated with brightly coloured flags and ornaments made from reeds.

The temple is built as close as possible to the sea- at high tide the waves lap against the walls.

Just one of many ceremonial processions entering the temple.

The main temple building, built directly onto the coastal rock. Unfortunately, due to the ceremony, buildings of particular spiritual significance such as this are out of bounds to tourists so we couldn't go inside.

From Tanah Lot we travelled to Taman Ayun. This inland temple has a less impressive location but much more impressive carvings and architechture. The temple is surrounded by a green hued moat and the bridge is guarded by several of these fearsome looking statues.

The main pathway up the middle of the Temple.

The imposing gateway to the main Temple Shrine, closed to us.

The sheer number and complexity of the stone carvings around Taman Ayun was quite overwhelming.

Part of the central shrine, viewed over it's lily-covered moat.

Getting ready for the next day, the main day of the Hindu ceremony.

Offerings in small reed baskets are everywhere in Bali around the time of these ceremonies. They typically contain flower petals, scented leaves, food and maybe a small amount of money or cigarettes.

After the temples we went to explore the chaotic but fascinating Ubud Markets. Here Fred is sampling some delicious fresh mango given to him by an extremely persistent Balinese stall holder.