The Other Side of Bali: Unique and Unusual Things to Explore in Bali

Unique and Unusual Things in Bali– Home to astonishing sites and staggering, picturesque vistas, Bali is truly everyone’s dream come true. The word “paradise” slips from mouth to mouth, as soon one lays their eyes on what Bali has got to offer. Pristine beaches, profound cultural traditions, and majestic temples nestled within are only amongst other things to describe this heaven on earth.

Bali may be well-known for its spectacular clear seas. We do agree that beach-hopping is a crucial list on your itinerary, but have you ever considered exploring the other side of Bali? If you yearn to explore up to the most corners of Bali– sit back! We got you. 

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Bali’s Unique Gem: Where to Go?

If you only knew Bali as a tropical paradise where you could immerse yourself in the amazing outlooks of its beaches, you sure haven’t gone to these places. Keen to explore unique places in Bali you wouldn’t find anywhere else? Here are our top lists:

1. Subak Rice Terraces

The picturesque rice terraces stretching along the hills in many beautiful parts of Bali are a sight to behold. What’s so unique about these rice terraces is the fact that it was formed in a cascade, adjacent to each other– forming this beautiful landscape of greens as smooth as velvet. If you’re on a road trip, do stop by if you see these beauties. The magnificent view of the greens below will captivate you.

You might wonder, why do paddy fields were formed in a cascade in Bali? Turns out, it’s not something that only pleases the eyes, t-mates! These cascading paddy formations are a key to cultivate rice in steep areas, such as mountainous or hilly landscapes. The irrigation system that breathes life to each paddy field is called Subak– in which water flows graciously from one paddy field to the other. 

One of the best views where you could breathe in the misty, fresh air whilst enjoying the green sceneries amidst you is Jatiluwih rice terraces. Jatiluwih is one of the areas that produce high-quality rice, amongst others, and it covers nearly 600 hectares of paddy fields stretching along the mountainous range of Mount Batukaru. Psst, a visit to Jatiluwih will be incredibly beautiful during the wet season, as the rain brought in this misty, lush look across all the rice fields. 

2. Underwater Temple Garden, Nusa Lembongan

Swimming with the fishes, snorkeling to your heart’s content– might be something just ordinary in this case. How about we bring you to a whole new diving and snorkeling experience? 

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, gather around! Keen to try the new experience of underwater exploration? Not only you can swim with the fishes and witness amazing, colorful corals beneath, but here, you will also spectate Buddhist statues and temples miniature! 

Sunken Buddhist statues are waiting to be explored at the coast of Nusa Lembongan, Bali. You can dive deep below and find yourself in this underwater Buddhist park. You might wonder how these statues ended up being underwater. Though you hope that these statues are a part of an ancient civilization that was eaten by time, well, the fact is, it is not what it seems like. 

These wondrous sculptures were sunken for an art project used to advocate environmental threats to marine lives. Built from natural stones carved by the locals, these statues are a symbol of giving new homes to marine life. Well, it was proven creative yet effective, no? You could see anemones and corals thrive on these statues 😉

3. Trunyan Cemetery

Now, let’s move on to one of the eeriest visits ever existed in the lands of Bali. Situated on the eastern coast of the misty, soothing waters of Lake Batur, Trunyan Cemetery is a local cemetery grounds of the most ancient ancestors of the very local Balinese– Bali Aga tribe. Where most Hindu-Balinese cremate their dead, Trunyan is unique indeed, as they leave the dead to rot in an open space.

Bizarrely, though you expect strong unpleasant smells to emit from these bodies, you could only trace the faintest of smell. The locals believe that it’s the supernatural work of this tree called Taru Menyan– or fragrant tree, which overpowers the unpleasant smell. This tree lies majestically amidst the cemetery grounds, but you couldn’t smell any fragrant smell either. Hmm, odd, huh?

It is indeed odd, t-mates! You couldn’t help but find out more about this bizarre yet unique phenomenon. That being said, we highly suggest you ask your questions and satisfy your curiosity about this place. The warm local guides would be happy to assist you and take you to centuries ago with their fantastic storytelling skill 🙂

4. Natural Swimming Pool in Tembeling Beach

Reputedly, there’s this natural hidden gem situated within the dense forests of Nusa Penida. Locals will warn you about the challenges you would encounter along your journey– muddy, rocky, steep tracks, but those who persist will be rewarded with the stunning view of this kept-secret beauty. Sounds like a fairy tale, no? 😉

Tembeling Beach is indeed a definition of well-kept hidden beauty. Not everyone dares to persist in the journey, but the journey will surely excite and attract adventure-seekers alike. Cliffs and forests are what accompanies you during your journey, and as you pass by these beautiful views, you’ll reach this unique natural phenomenon nestled in the beauty of Tembeling Beach– yes, a natural swimming pool!

This beautiful natural pool sat nicely with adjacent cliffs around, and it sparks this striking sapphire-colored hue water– bringing a sense of soothing sensation as you immerse yourself in it. Particularly perfect for a quick dip after your long journey! 

5. Goa Lawah Temple

Goa Lawah Temple is one of the 6 temples considered as the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or “The six sanctuaries of Bali”. There is a unique story behind these holy places. These temples, according to the locals, are known to be the most pivotal places ever existed in Bali. These places are meant to provide a spiritual basis for the people of Bali, and thus– it is deemed as the holiest place for worship in Bali. This includes the Goa Lawah Temple.

Goa Lawah Temple is situated in Pesinggahan Village, Dawan Klungkung. It is known as the center of Sea Temple– in which this place of worship is designed to worship God as the ruler of the seas. Worship in this place could be in the form of wishing that one does not destroy the sea as a natural resource, and the sea, in turn, does not bring chaos into the world they live in. 

What’s so unique about Goa Lawah is the fact that adjacent to this temple, exactly beyond the main worship place, lies a cave where hundreds of bats make a home of. When you step your way forward on the edge of the worship place, you’ll hear them squeaking! Go for a visit at around 6 PM to Goa Lawah, and you’ll watch hundreds of bats break out from their home. 

6. Pulaki Temple

Another unique temple you could opt for is Pulaki Temple. Situated by the beach, you’ll be amazed by the number of monkeys roaming around this temple. Just a short notice: Never bring food which is visible to the monkeys, because they would not resist themselves to jump over you and take your food! 😀

Pulaki Temple, as to how its location suggests, is one of the temples built to worship the Gods of the seas, which form a chain of temples along with other temples near the sea to protect the island. This temple is also situated near adjacent cliffs, which further add to the beauty of this temple. 

If you happen to pass by Singaraja, Buleleng regency, do take a quick stop at this majestic temple! Pulaki Temple offers religious visits for you who are keen to explore the cultural, spiritual side of Bali. You could even be entertained by the reliefs present in this temple. One of the reliefs portrays the importance of humans and animals to always live in harmony. Do you agree? 🙂 

Unique and Unusual Visit– An Alternative to Explore the Other Side of Bali

So t-mates, you do agree that these places have their own unique feature worthy of a visit, right? These places above will further drive you to explore the other parts of the islands of Gods not known to many. Indeed, what lies beyond Bali’s picturesque beach landscapes and majestic temples offers its own unique story to tell.

Hence, it would be a perfect time for you to plan your next holiday to Bali! Book cheap flights and affordable, comfortable hotels only at tiket.com for a guaranteed, memorable experience in Bali 😉

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