Bali is a holiday destination that encompasses diverse experiences. For the tourist who wishes to enjoy Bali’s pristine beaches and natural beauty, the coastal belt dotted with a series of high quality resorts will cater to their every need. For the discerning traveller with an inclination towards experiencing the Balinese culture and marvelling at their art and temples, Central Bali is the place to go to.
Central Bali is home to Bedugul, Tabanan and Ubud all of which are well known for culture, arts and temples while the latter city is known as Bali’s cultural capital. Ubud is filled with a number of museums of arts and crafts as well as galleries and workshops that showcase the artistic talents of the locals. However, this area harbours important historical and archaeological sites as well and the Elephant Cave is one such site which attracts tourists throughout the year. Located a mere two kilometres from Ubud, nestled at the heart of the Bedulu village, the Goa Gajah Cave will stun any traveller.
The exterior of the cave depicts an elephant’s head, thereby giving the cave its name, carved out of stone and the mouth of the elephant provides the entrance to the cave. What is truly thrilling about this particular attraction is the fact that it appears to be both a Buddhist and Hindu temple since artefacts and religious symbols from both religions are found within. For instance, the cave is home to a statue of God Shiva alongside several Buddhist statues of the Buddha and Harito whose designs can be dated back to the eighth century. Even though the cave appears to thus be of great antiquity, excavations began a mere fifty years ago and the site has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Close to Goa Gajah there are several other attractions one can visit such as Yeh Pulu, home to 14th century rock carvings, and the bathing pools at Tirta Empul. Therefore, Central Bali is a wonderful area to which an excursion can be made for a few days, away from the coastal belt. However, for those who flock to Bali in search of an idyllic vacation by the ocean, Uluwatu hotels are found in abundance while Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, located on a secluded beach, provides guests with the privacy they crave while also providing them with luxury, comfort and convenience as they enjoy their holiday in the tropics. It is one of the best Bali resorts and provides a truly unforgettable stay.
