Eat, Pray, Love: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Indonesia Beyond Bali

Since the renowned book “Eat, Pray, Love” and the subsequent film adaptation, Indonesia’s 17,000 islands have been overshadowed by the singular allure of Bali. While Bali is indeed a jewel in the archipelago, known for its serene beaches, surfing, and meditation retreats, there is a wealth of incredible attractions beyond the typical beach vacation that often go unnoticed.

A Land of Prayer

The Balinese are deeply religious people. On this small island, there are over twenty thousand active temples. Unlike many other places, there is no centralized church organization; each temple and its clergy rely entirely on the offerings of their congregants. In addition to public temples, every resident has a home shrine, the size and grandeur of which depend on the owner’s wealth, and a micro-temple in each room of their house for offerings.

The Balinese begin their day by preparing small gifts for the gods, typically flowers on palm leaves, which they place outside. This ritual is performed first at home and then at work. Bank clerks, shop assistants, waiters, chefs, travel agency staff, and many others all partake in this tradition before starting their duties. They fold palm leaves into small boxes, decorate them with flowers, sprinkle them with rice, and place them by the entrance. By midday, the streets are adorned with these offerings, some of which are crushed underfoot or by wheels. The gods, both benevolent and malevolent, are believed to be satisfied by these offerings, as no deity should be neglected.

Religion on the Island

The question of religion on the island does not have a definitive answer. While Bali is formally considered a Hindu enclave in a predominantly Muslim archipelago, the Balinese pantheon is much broader. It includes not only Hindu gods but also Chinese deities, the Zoroastrian sun god, elements of Buddhism, animism, ancestor worship, and spirit veneration. Bali is also home to many sorcerers and magicians, though tourists are rarely taken to see the genuine ones. Despite their friendliness, the islanders are secretive about their religious practices. Guides often exclude the most revered temples from tours, and in others, “outsiders” are not allowed into the sacred inner courtyards.

Top 5 Temples of Bali

Besakih, the Mother Temple

Besakih is the main temple of the island, actually a temple complex comprising dozens of temples, towers, thrones, granaries, and even cockfighting arenas, spanning three kilometers. Built over a thousand years ago on the sacred Mount Agung, Besakih remains mostly empty as it is believed to be a resting place for the gods. Devotees bring offerings only during religious festivals, and tourists are generally not allowed beyond the first courtyard to avoid disturbing the gods.

Tanah Lot, the Land in the Sea Temple

Tanah Lot is the most recognizable temple in Bali, featured on countless postcards and guidebooks. According to legend, it was built in the 16th century by a holy man named Nirartha. Nirartha chose this spot for his sermons, but a local priest, feeling threatened, ordered him to leave. Nirartha complied in a unique way by moving into the sea with the rock on which he prayed. Today, Tanah Lot can only be visited during low tide. While tourists are not usually allowed inside the temple, they can walk along the isthmus and drink from a sacred freshwater spring. The temple is also known for its sacred snakes, said to be the transformed scarf of Nirartha, though sightings are rare.

Batu Bolong, the Temple with a Hole in the Rock

Located near Tanah Lot, Batu Bolong is part of a chain of temples along the ocean coast, protecting Bali from sea demons. The temple features viewing benches for watching the sunset over Tanah Lot and is a prime spot for surfing.

Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave Temple

One of the nine main and most revered temples in Indonesia, Goa Lawah, or the Bat Cave Temple, was built in the 11th century. Dedicated to sacred bats that inhabit the cave, foreigners are not allowed inside. The temple is also known for its black sand beaches, remnants of past volcanic eruptions.

Uluwatu, the Temple of Monkeys

Uluwatu, perched on a high cliff, is famous among tourists as the monkey temple. Built in the 11th century, legend has it that the temple was constructed from the wreckage of the sea god’s ship. Sacred monkeys, well aware of their high status, greet tourists at the entrance and are known to snatch items like bags, cameras, and even flip-flops. Despite their antics, the temple is worth visiting for the Kecak dance, a traditional performance depicting the ancient story of Rama and Sita from the “Mahabharata.”

Ubud, the Heart of Bali

Ubud, often referred to as the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, is a collection of 14 neighboring villages. It was the setting for the film “Eat, Pray, Love.” Ubud’s atmosphere is a major attraction, with its sacred status among the Balinese, numerous artist workshops, and an impressive concentration of museums. Ubud is renowned for its unique crafts made from bamboo, silver, gold, clay, and its traditional wood and stone carvings, batik, and metalwork. The town’s fame as a cultural center is largely due to the German artist Walter Spies, who arrived in the 1920s and actively patronized local talents. By the 1930s, Ubud was considered one of the most bohemian cities in the world, attracting Hollywood stars and artists.

For more information, visit the official Bali tourism website.