We began our Bali adventure in Ubud, known as a center for the arts and dance. The boys experienced a cultural jolt from the modernity of Singapore. We chose the Komaneka Monkey Forest Hotel as you can walk anywhere in Ubud. After 25 trips to Bali over the years primarily for business, we wanted to show our grandsons the uniqueness and beauty of this special island.

We booked a full-day private tour on our first morning in Ubud. Our first stop was at the Goa Gajah temple which was built in the 9th century. The image above is of the sacred bathing pool. The men had to wear sarongs as this is required for sacred temples in Bali. Women only needed a sash at this temple.

At the entrance to Goa Gajah, or “Elephant Cave,” you will find black and white checked fabrics, or “Poleng cloth”, that are wrapped around statues, certain trees, or rocks, almost everywhere in Bali. This symbolizes the Balinese philosophy of balance and harmony called “Rwa Bhineda.”

Entering the cave chamber with our guide.

The interior was used as a place for worship. Most Balinese practice “Bali Hindu,” a form of Hinduism, with elements of Buddhism and animist beliefs. Bali is a singularly unique part of Indonesia which is a majority Muslim nation.

We walked down to the river and a sacred area of the temple complex.

A young man places traditional Balinese offerings at important places in the temple.

Logan receives a blessing from a Balinese priest.

We loved the Goa Gajah temple; spiritual, historical, and an amazingly unique place.

Marla and I have always considered Tenganon Village one of Bali’s most special places. The villagers of Tenganon are descendants of the Aga people, Bali’s first inhabitants. They have very strict rules governing every aspect of village life including marriage. Their hand-woven single and double ikat fabrics and baskets are fabulous.

From our decorative textile background, you can imagine how excited Marla and I were as we passed these shops.

The narrow brown fabric is a “double ikat” which very few people weave anywhere! We fell in love and purchased the blue fabric on the lower left.

We loved seeing the wonderful weavings.

A mutually accepted transaction was completed and an invoice is prepared.

“Lady Gaga” is quite the beautiful rooster!

We stopped at “Tirta Gangga Water Spring,” a former Royal Palace.

Though a beautiful spot it was overrun with tourists from around the world. It would be a great place to visit very early in the morning!

Our final stop on our tour was the “Goa Lawah” temple. We hadn’t visited for years and were excited to show it to Paxton & Logan. It is home to thousands of bats and according to legend, a giant snake king. At this temple sarongs and sash are required for all.

Goa Lawah is one of the most sacred spots on the island.

We were the only tourists in the entire temple complex.

Worshippers gather for a prayer ceremony.

Our dinner was at Cafe Lotus next to the Ubud Royal Palace. We booked a table close to the palace’s lotus pond to see the evening’s Barong dance performance and a large gamelan group.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.