– ESCAPE THE CROWDS –
AN INDEPENDENT TRAVEL GUIDE
Sacred places in West Bali
There are some beautiful Hindu temples here on the Island of the Gods, and West Bali is also home unexpected churches, Buddhist temples and sacred trees. Wear a sarong and respectful clothing, and you'll be welcome to step inside.
– Medewi –
Rambut Siwi
is West Bali's sister temple of the more famous (and infinitely busier) Tanah Lot and Uluwatu. You'll likely not see another visitor to this clifftop temple, from where the views of the coastline are beautiful.
– Negara –
Sacred Heart of Jesus
is a Catholic church in the pretty hillside town of Palasari. It is quite unexpected – and magnificent to see. Around 1300 people worship here during the various services held on Sundays.
– Medewi –
Bunut Bolong
is a sacred tree with a road that passes through it. It's a beautiful road to drive along – and enjoy lunch or a Bali coffee with a breathtaking jungle view.
– near Pemuteran –
Brahma Vihara Arama
is a tranquil Buddhist temple on the north coast of Bali, about an hour's drive east of Pemuteran. It's often called "mini Borobudur", and is a pretty place to spend an hour or so.
– Balian –
Goa Maria
at Selabih is a pretty shrine to the Virgin Mary, which stands behind a hillside Catholic Church. It's set in tended gardens, and the view from up here is stunning.
– Bali –
Read
about the fascinating and intricate beliefs, ceremonies and rituals that surround Balinese Hinduism. Best books? Bali: Sekala & Niskala and Secrets of Bali are excellent books to read for this.