Southeast Asia Map

Southeast Asia Map

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Moon Temple and Yeh Pulu (Bali)

Just on the outskirts of Ubud are two lesser-known and therefore uncrowded, hidden treasures. The first of these, the Pura Penataran Sasih or Moon Temple, is known for housing one of the most important Bronze-Age antiques in Indonesia, an ancient ornate bronze kettle drum allegedly 2,300-years old. Highly valued, considered sacred, it is the largest in Southeast Asia. It's kept high above the ground but I gave my best attempt at a photo.


It was most peaceful walking around the temple complex all by ourselves and it was quite a treat to see Dennis in a sarong! This is the first of many more occasions.


When entering a temple it's necessary for ones shoulders and legs to be covered and to wear a sash around the waist. Every temple seems to have a supply of sarongs and sashes that can be borrowed for a small donation. The sarong Dennis is wearing was supplied by our airbnb host and I have my own lovely lightweight sarong that is versatile and perfect for traveling!


Oops, Dennis is showing some leg -


The second hidden treasure is the Yeh Pulu fourteenth-century rock-cut carvings. They have been chipped away from a cliff face amid rice fields. The story of the carvings is uncertain but are in great condition for their age. Once again, at least on this particular day, we were the only ones who cared to visit. We took our time to examine the reliefs.


Yes, they were literally next to rice fields -


Dennis receives a blessing and sprinkle of holy water. It was my turn next.


Again, it was so peaceful here by ourselves.


Depicting a successful wild boar hunt -


Interestingly, this made us realize we have not yet seen a horse in Bali - only statues of horses.


Note on current exchange rate: US$1.00 is about Indonesian Rupiah IDR12,160 is about ZAR10.60

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