One of the most frequently visited sites in Indonesia is the beautiful island of Bali, home to some breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife and amazing adventure. The island’s peaceful ambiance can be enjoyed at one of the most stylish Bali resorts, the luxurious Anantara Seminyak Bali. Located on the beachfront, this Bali resortoffers its guests contemporary and lavish comforts to indulge in. It is the perfect setting for a memorable holiday on the enchanting island.
The intricate Hindu influence that is seen greatly in the nation’s culture can be explored on the island too, as many sites on the island are related to this enchanting religion. Travellers in search of ways to spend their time in Bali will find no shortage of things to do here, and one such interesting option is a visit to the Elephant Cave, locally known as Goa Gajah, located in the Bedulu Village just outside Ubud.
The ‘T’ shaped cave is not very large in size, yet it attracts many visitors for the wonders on offer inside and around in its surroundings. The interiors are cool and dark, as there is no artificial lighting, and the pleasant ambiance felt here is calming. Religious rituals take place inside the cave, and there is a statue of the Hindu God Ganesh and a worship area for the Lord Shiva. Probably most spectacular is the entrance to the cave, with a face carved around it giving the illusion of walking into the mouth. It is not known for certain what the face represents, but most commonly it is believed to be an elephant or a Hindu God.
It is uncertain when the Elephant Cave first came into being, but it is believed that this religious site dates back 700 years, though it was first discovered in modern times in 1923. In 1995 the Elephant Cave was named a World Heritage Site for its immense historical value. The area around the cave is full of sites to explore. While further away there are Hindu and Buddhist temples to visit, in the immediate vicinity are charming gardens, lush greenery and picturesque ponds. Excavations done in the area have resulted in masses of relics being unearthed, and some of it is on display for visitors to admire. Visitors are advised to dress decently to preserve the sanctity of this must visit site in Bali.
