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18 Sept 2006 :
Welcome to the revamped Indonesia pages here at Griffin Byteworks!

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Chapters:

Introduction
1: Ngaben in Ubud
2: Tirtagangga
3: Gunung Kawi
4: Balinese Art

Bali
Gunung Kawi

Click to enlargeGunung Kawi is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Bali, and one of the oldest, dating to the 11th century. It is a sacred place, and the wearing of a sash is required for entry (these are available as you reach the site). The temples are located near the town of Tampaksiring, and are reached by descending a long set of stairs deep down into the ravine formed by the river Pakersian. The temple complex spans both sides of the river, with five so-called candi on the side you first descend into, and a further four on the other side. The tenth candi lies about a kilometre beyond the group of four.

The latter four temples - actually believed to be tombs for a former Rajah and his consorts - are carved into the hillside overlooking a courtyard (Gunung Kawi literally means "mountain carving"). It is an eerie location, all the more so if you are lucky enough to have the place to yourself during the off-season (=wet season). There are a number of pavillions - monestaries and priests' houses inside the complex, as well as the usual gate structure found at all Balinese temples. A small foot bridge spans the river ravine, connecting the two sides of the complex.

The surrounding rural countryside is stunning and rugged, and certainly worth exploring. Steep rice terraces abound with their complex water irrigation systems.