Around Ubud

In this post I'm going to talk about two of Bali's big attractions that I liked a lot better than the Mother Temple. After leaving Pura Besakih, I felt frustrated and annoyed with the pushiness of the people there who I felt were only after the money of the tourists. The next two places that the driver took me felt touristy, but at the same time much more authentic.

offerings at Pura Tirta

 Pura Tirta Empul

sacred spring at Pura Tirta

Pura Tirta Empul is the Sacred Spring Temple in Bali. More than 1000 years old and dedicated to the god Vishnu, Pura Tirta is where the Balinese Hindus go for purification in the holy water. The temple wasn't nearly as crowded as the Pura Besakih, but there were still a lot of people there praying and ritually bathing in the holy springs.

holy water

The water in the pools was remarkably clean! I didn't get in, but some of the other tourists did. Just off the main bathing area is an area with a large koi pond. The koi, gifts from some wealthy patrons who went to Japan, are huge!

This was one of my favorite places I saw in Bali.

koi pond

Tegallalung Rice Terrace

Tegallalung Rice Terrace

Tegallalung is Bali's most famous rice terrace. Looking out from the top of the ridge, you can see green terraces for miles, it seems. Because Bali is so hilly, they have to cut terraces in the hills in order to grow rice. It creates a really beautiful scene. Once again, I was impressed with how green everything was.

so much green!