Today’s Bali adventure with our grandsons, Paxton and Logan, was without question our very favorite! I arranged private tour itineraries with “Komaneka Monkey Forest”, our hotel in Ubud. Our destination on this day was the “Gunung Kawi Temple”, a place I have always wanted to visit. It totally exceeded our expectations! As soon as we arrived in the little town of Tampaksiring we could tell we were in for an amazing experience.

Gunung Kawi is one of the most sacred temples in all of Bali. A sarong and sash are required of all visitors.

As we descended the 300 steep stairs it is impossible not to be visually overcome by the saturated green hues of the verdant terraced rice fields clinging to the river gorge.

I flashed to this stunning 1934 painting by Walter Spies in Bali. The painting sold in 2001 for over $4,000,000 in a Hong Kong auction. Spies was a tragic but very influential person who influenced Balinese art, music, and dance in the 1920s and ’30s. His story would make an amazing movie. See link: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1999/08/ubud-the-heart-of-bali/377741/

A woman descends the steep steps precariously carrying a load on her head!

Halfway down there are a few shops selling handicrafts.

I spotted this very young girl practicing Balinese dance. I love this image!

Carrying baskets to be used for a temple ceremony.

We crossed a bridge over the sacred Pakerisan River.

The Gunung Kawi temple appears above the river.

Ancient shrines, or “Candi’s” are carved out of the rock face. Former President Obama visited this magical place with his family in 2017.

Gunung Kawi is more than just a stunning archeological site, it is a sacred place of worship. Women are preparing offerings at the temple pavilion or “Bale.”

A Balinese priest rings a bell to summon the gods.

Prayer at the temple.

A woman makes an offering and prays.

Marla and Logan visited an ancient area for meditation. Bare feet were required. Walking was difficult especially when being bitten by red ants!

The complex radiates a mystical atmosphere of ancient legends and stories of Balinese kings forgotten in time. We all felt the spiritual magic of Gunung Kawi and felt truly honored to be here.

We really wanted to stay longer but it was time to head back up the 300 steps.

It was time for a swim.

Dinner tonight was at “il Giradino” a wonderful Italian restaurant tucked away down a little lane and an art gallery.

We heard unusual sounds near our feet and looked down to find ducks at our table! Our waitress told us they live here and asked if we would like to feed them. The dinner was fabulous by the way!

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