GOA GAJAH

A centuries old temple that is fashioned in early Balinese architecture. An amazing story sets the tone for this wondrous find. Goa Gajah is a significant Hindu archaeological site. Goa Gajah is locally known as the Elephant Cave because of its close proximity to the Elephant River. A mysterious cave, relics, and ancient bathing pools set amid green rice paddies and a garden lure tourists from nearby Ubud.

The menacing entrance to Goa Gajah looks like a demonic mouth, suggesting that people are entering an underworld as they venture inside through the darkness. Some claim that the entrance represents the Hindu earth god Bhoma while others say the mouth belongs to the child-eating witch Rangda from Balinese mythology. Whatever the myth, many people go inside the cave to offer blessings and prayers with positive energy.

GOA GARBA

An early Balinese site constructed to ward off evil spirits and offer a safe place to those who sought enlightenment through meditation. It is situated on a steep cliff, right on the bank of the Pakerisan River. Based on information of local residents, Goa Garba is a hermitage niche carved on the wall of the cliffs edge. Above this hermitage lie a number of pools which lead to a set of caves. Some caves have been inscribed with hieroglyphs which appear to have extra terrestrial or crop circle like characteristics.

To navigate this cultural hermitage, visitors must first visit a neat entrance gate with nicely arranged stairs made of river stone. Meanwhile, the entrance gate is made of sand stone. It is said that the cave was made by Kebo Iwa, a Balinese mythical icon known for possessing supernatural powers.

LUNCH IN THE RICE FIELDS

We will stop at an Indonesian Restaurant in Ubud, set in front of a lotus pond overlooking scenic rice fields. You can sit in a Balinese 'Bale' Gazebo or take the conventional dining seats & enjoy either a Balinese or western menu lunch.

TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE

The location of one of the greatest myths of this island, Tirta Empul holy springs at Tampak Siring may offer you a healing experience. The Balinese Hindus flock to the springs because they believe the waters offer wellness and have magical curative properties. Built circa 960 AD at the time of the Warmadewa Dynasty, it is a national cultural heritage site with a legendary tale of mythical good and evil forces. Water was sprouted from the earth to save the soldiers in a holy battle, the mysterious ground water source still remains & offers visitors an enchanting discovery.

GUNUNG KAWI

Feel like Indiana Jones in the Temple of Doom as you explore an ancient riverside temple, Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pura Gunung Kawi is an ancient and beautiful temple which is nestled within rice fields, lush forest and the river which courses the Pakerisan Valley. There are alot of steps down to the archaelogical Pre-Majapahit Empire site but the trek is definitely worth it.