We came to one of the most unusual and luxurious hotels on the island – Mandapa. It is in Ubud and drowns in green. The complex itself was built in the classical Balinese style and fits the place perfectly; it looks as if it appeared at the same time with enormous volcanoes overgrown with moss, waterfalls and rice terraces. An incredible place!
This is one of the oldest sanctuaries on the whole island. And it is pretty unusual. You should not expect a classical Temple complex if you’re planning to go there. It is more of a large green territory, with the thick walls in the center, overgrown with green and giving an impression of abandoned castle walls. The main sight however is the Elephant Cave itself – the oldest shrine of the island, where ritual sacrifices are still being held from time to time.
We’ve visited an amazing place right in the heart of the island – on Danau Bratan lake, which is located 1200 m above the sea level. This body of water is called holy for a reason, as on its shores legendary Pura Ulun Danu Bratan water temple is located. Its figure, dark against the mountains, reminds of the top of a pine tree and is one of the most photographed objects on Bali.
It is not an ordinary temple; it is more likely to be described as a temple-island, the name of which is translated as “land in the sea”. You can get here only during low tide, and you should run on a narrow sandy split, which was underwater a few minutes ago. This is one of the most important temple complexes among locals, all Balinese are firmly committed to visit it at least once.
