Mount Agung
Mount Agung is not only the tallest and one of the most majestic mountains in Bali; it’s also honored by Balinese as the dwelling of the gods, specifically Mahadewa, the supreme manifestation of Lord Shiva. Among the constellation of four sacred mountains that divide the island into northern and southern parts, Gunung Agung is considered the most sacred by Balinese Hindus. Due to the mystical properties and challenging landscape, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. Before hiking, guides and locals will pray in one of the mountain temples, asking for safety and guidance. As cows are considered sacred beings, beef of any kind is prohibited in this area, and always be mindful of restriction signs—do not enter places you’re not supposed to.
Besakih Temple
Perched on the jungly slopes of the sacred Mount Agung is the great Besakih Temple, a supremely holy temple. The compound comprises 18 temples scattered over a vast area, making Besakih the biggest temple in Bali. It is said that the temple was first built by a Hindu devotee from India named Rsi Markandeya, and has since become the center of religious activities for the whole island. This temple is open to the public, but some parts are strictly reserved for religious activities. To enter this temple, tourists will be required to wear clothing that covers their body parts —chest, arms, legs— and menstruating women are not allowed in.
Mount Batur
Probably known most as a spectacular sunrise spot in Bali, not many tourists realize that Mount Batur is actually one of the four primary sacred mountains in Bali. Despite being the smallest among the four, Mount Batur is one of the most active volcanoes in Bali, sitting on a huge crater left from when it erupted thousands of years ago. Legend says that when a massive eruption happened in 1926, a whole village is wiped out, but a holy shrine inside the mountain’s temple is perfectly preserved. Due to its lively volcanic activity, the mountain is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Brahma, who is often symbolized with a fire ring. Locals bring forth sacrifice and offerings to this mountain during sacred ceremonies to purify the area from evil, and also to keep a balance between the universe’s elements. As with temples, pregnant or menstruating women are not allowed to hike this mountain.
Lake Batur
This crescent-shaped lake is located on the foot of Mount Batur, sharing the same beauty and sacredness. The volcanic lake is honored for being the main water source for the whole of central Bali. The fresh water is rich in minerals, and feeds the flourishing rice fields in the area. The lake is then associated with Goddess Danu, the goddess of water. Some of the water springs originated from this lake are considered sacred and believed to have healing powers. On the lake’s side lies the beautiful Ulun Danu Temple, one of the holiest and most-visited temples in Bali.
Ulun Danu Batur Temple
In 1926, the sacred Mount Batur erupted, wiping out a whole village, including a mighty temple at its foot. Miraculously, the temple’s most vital shrine remains intact, an 11-tiered meru roof dedicated to the ruler of water, Goddess Danu. The villagers took the shrine and rebuilt another majestic temple further up the mountain slopes. The exquisite compound with nine temples and 285 shrines now doubles as a popular tourist destination, partly due to the awe-inspiring tall temple architecture with the picturesque Mount Batur and Lake Batur in the backdrop. Even so, real culture enthusiastss realize how the picture-perfect temple holds a significant spiritual value for locals who depend on the water goddess to bless their fields.
Lempuyang Luhur Temple
More significant than the temple’s breathtaking architecture and mountain view is its cultural and religious importance. Lempuyang Luhur Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bali, sitting on the peak of Mount Lempuyang in East Bali. It’s definitely not easy to climb up 1,700 steps towards the temple, but guard your speech and thoughts —locals believe that those who complain about the journey will never make it to the top. While there is no documentation on the temple’s history, legends has it that it was built when mother earth was only 70 years old, along with Besakih Temple and Ulun Danu Temple—a project initiated by Lord Pashupati and his children to help stabilize the island’s nature. The temple is especially crowded during Hindu holy days and during the full moon, when devotees embark on a pilgrimage to seek blessings and holy water.
Ubud Monkey Forest
There are many features that make this forest worthy of its widespread hype: the lush tropical jungle, hundreds of friendly monkeys, ancient architecture, and the overall calming ambiance in the heart of Ubud. But more than just a habitat for monkeys and trees, the area also houses three holy temples: the main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Holy Spring Temple with the gushing holy water is dedicated to Goddess Gangga, and a cremation temple that also serves as a place to worship is to Lord Brahma Prajapati. The temples are open only for religious activities, but tourists can still observe the symbolic sculptures and architecture. Even the trees species in the forest are significant in Balinese spiritual customs, many of which regarded sacred and often used during religious rituals.