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C U L T U R E T R I P P I N G I N I N D O N E S I A
us at the outskirts of Ubud. At Tampaksiring we stop by Tirta
Empul, an ancient Hindu temple where devotees bathe in
holy water from unseen mountain springs.
Pushing onwards, we encounter even more stirring
sights, among them the fog-obscured towers of the Ulun
Danu Temple, on the shores of Lake Bratan — and the truly
impressive rice terraces of Jatiluwih. These paddies were
carved from the mountainside over centuries, resulting in a
terraced landscape stretching out to the horizon.
From a vantage point by the roadside I savour this
spectacular view. Somewhere below, farmers are planting the
next crop. A buffalo and its master are busy plowing the soil.
A daughter offers rice and flowers to the spirits of the Earth.
Not too far away, a bamboo hut displays a curious sign:
“
Trekking Entrance: Rps 5,000” — indeed, tourism is part of
everyday life on this island.
Clockwise from
top: A lady makes
an offering at
Tirta Empul; the
rice terraces at
Jatiluwih; a rice
farmer; the mist-
shrouded Ulun Danu
Temple; devotees
bathe in the holy
water at Tirta Empul
Canang sari
can be found in
temples and even
on the street!
PHOTOS
LESTER LEDESMA
