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In the bottom of this lush green valley is one of Bali's
oldest and largest ancient monuments. Gunung Kawi consists
of 10 rock-cut candi (shrines): memorials cut out of the
rock face in imitation of actual statues. They stand in
7m/23ft-high sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff
face.
This cool and dense swathe of jungle, officially called
Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana, houses three holy temples.
The sanctuary is inhabited by a band of grey-haired and
greedy long-tailed Balinese macaques who are nothing like
the innocent-looking doe-eyed monkeys on the brochures.
Given Bali's weather and volcanic soil, no one should
be surprised that orchids grow very well. At this garden
you can see thousands of them in a variety of settings.
Fans will love everything, others will enjoy the back
areas which have a wild tropical feel. The gift shop sells
orchid plants as well as books about the flowers.
This very important Hindu-Buddhist temple was founded
in the 17th century. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the
goddess of the waters, and is actually built on small
islands, which means it is completely surrounded by the
lake. Both pilgrimages and ceremonies are held here to
ensure that there is a supply of water for farmers all
over Bali.
The Belgian artist Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merpes (1880-1958)
arrived in Bali in 1932. Three years later he met and
married the beautiful Legong dancer Ni Polok when she
was 15. They lived in this compound from 1935 when Sanur
was still a quiet fishing village. The house is an interesting
example of Balinese-style architecture. |
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