The magical island of Bali features many fascinating wonders of spiritual rituals, mystical temples, and a unique and beautiful culture. On our trip in May we scheduled a driver to take Marla, our daughter Lisa and husband Ray and me to visit some of our favorite temples. Our first stop was Goa Gajah Elephant Cave, a 9th century temple near Ubud.

The temple features two large sunken bathing pools with Hindu angel statues as waterspouts. The pools are considered sacred and are used for ritual purification ceremonies.

The driver from our hotel was helpful in explaining the area to us. It is necessary to wear sarongs while visiting the temple.

The “Elephant Cave” is very striking! The intricately carved entrance is believed to ward off evil spirits. We were last here in 2019 with our grandchildren Paxton & Logan. We’ve hosted visits to the temple on three occasions with groups of our clients. I really love the area!

Purple sarongs were a favorite of ours.

Marla enters the cave.

The cave features a “Lingam”, symbols of Shiva, and images of Ganesha.

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati, is a widely revered Hindu deity. It is known as the god of wisdom, intellect, and good fortune. He is also known as the remover of obstacles.

The moss covered bridge is beautiful.

Our driver from the Kayon Jungle Resort brought us much needed water as it was very warm.

A giant Banyon tree with exposed roots on the temple grounds

A Balinese priest by the tree.

Marla receives a blessing.

I received one as well.

Lisa and our driver walk to the entrance of the next temple, Pura Goa Lawah.

Pura Goa Lawah is one of the holiest sites for worship on Bali.

The back of the temple is a cave.

Check out my video of the bats in the cave. We saw an 8′ python clinging to the cave wall on a visit years ago.

She is a beautiful fellow adventurer!

Across the street was another religious ritual by the ocean.

A Balinese priest and priestess.

New temple and new sarongs.

Tenganan Village is an interesting place to visit in Bali as it is totally unique. The people of Tenganan Pegringsingan are called Bali Aga—the original Balinese. They descend from the pre-Majapahit kingdom of Bedahulu. There are strict rules as to who is allowed to live in the village. Only those born in the village can stay in the village and become full members of the community. There are rules regarding marriage and anyone who marries outside of the village has to leave. There is some leeway to the rules in these modern times.

The villagers love their roosters and often use food coloring to change their appearance.

This is me in 2019 with a rooster called “Lady Gaga”.

We were all wilting with the rain, heat and the humidity.

Lisa and Ray greet a villager,

Wood carvings and roosters.

Water buffalo roamed freely in the village.

A village guide offered to show us some weaving,

Tenganan village is known for geringsing, or double ikat woven textiles. They are woven in only 3 places in the world: Indonesia, Japan, and India.

This is a single ikat cloth we purchased in 2019. We use it as a table cloth for special dinners.

Lisa found a beautiful single ikat cloth at this tiny workshop on our trip.

While walking to dinner in Ubud we watched a procession coming down the mainstreet.

My video shows the village flags, gamelon musicians, followed by villagers and women carrying offerings on their heads in the procession. This is the real Bali we love.

We purchased tickets for a dance performance at the Ubud Palace.

A carved stone guardian at the palace.

A gamelan group played before the dance performance.

I didn’t take this photo as I was so enthralled with the dancing I embarassingly forgot.

NEXT WEEK I’LL TAKE YOU TO A TOTALLY AMAZING OGOH-OGOH PARADE AND CEREMONY IN A SMALL VILLAGE. THIS WAS OUR FAVORITE DAY IN BALI!

Photos: Dick Gentry, Not to be used without permission. Last photo: Golden Bali Tours.