Bali is one of the most vibrant islands in the Indonesian landscape and its rich offering of culture, history and spirituality makes it a must-visit item on your travel itinerary. Stay at one of the luxury villas in Bali for a true immersion into warm island hospitality offered at one of the area’s best hotels, the Alila Villas Soori. These prime examples of luxury villas Bali offers its visitors will transport one to a world of modern elegance set within the lush surroundings of tropical splendour for an unforgettable Indonesian excursion. The Tabanan district of Bali boasts an impressive history and its various artefacts that dot the verdant landscape are a testament to its decorated cultural lineage. The Pura Luhur Batukau temple, situated on the southern slopes of the majestic Gunung Batukau mountain, is an 11th century Hindi temple that offers an intriguing glimpse into the ancient Hindu spirituality that was once the nation’s main religion. Set within the lush and verdant vegetation of the mountain, the temple is one of the nine directional temples on Bali believed to protect the island from the influence of evil. Its construction in the 11th century was dedicated to the ruling rajas of Tabanan at the time. Completely destroyed in 1604, it was rebuilt in 1959 and serves as an important place of worship for the Hindu community on the island. It is imbued with a mystical air that is immediately apparent as you walk into this very sacred locale, and most of the temple complex is closed throughout the year in order for the observance of many religious ceremonies. However, if luck is with you, a kind priest might see fit to let you absorb the spiritual ambiance of the temple and let you in. Remember to pay tribute at the temple’s most important shrine, a seven-tiered structure dedicated to Mahadewa, the god of the mountain. The site is an important site of pilgrimage and it is also the first stop one makes before one attempts to climb to the mountain’s summit, which affords a heavenly view of the surrounding countryside.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.
