Bali is only one of the enchanting and magical little islands that make up the archipelago of Indonesia. This small island gem has a long history. During this history this island encompassed the diverse elements of Tantrism, Shaism and Mahayana Buddhism. Nowadays, Bali is the only island out of the thousands of Indonesian island that hold Balinese Hinduism as their main religion. Their practices are a myriad of Hinduism and Buddhism along with other mystical practices and belief systems. Today tourists from around the world scurry across continents and oceans to absorb the amazing and mysterious auras of Bali and is an epicenter for finding your spirituality.
Sacred spots
Bali’s Northern and Southern regions are separated by a range of volcanic mountains that are believed by the locals to be the home of the gods. Bali’s tallest mountain, Gunung Agung, sitting high at 10,308 feet is sacred to the Hindus. Gunung Batur is the holiest for the remote village aboriginal people living deep in the jungles. It’s believed the supreme manifestation of Shiva lives amongst the close by Lake Batur and Mount Agung.
Bali is also inundated with holy and sacred temples. At least eleven thousand if you can believe that! Unlike other temples in many Asian countries, Balinese temples are open and set in a beautiful courtyard open to the sky. These temples themselves aren’t necessarily scared but they house the spirits and the temples are a residence for them to live in.
Enlightening retreats and adventures
Yoga and meditation retreats and classes are a common practice in Bali. There are many places to get in touch with your inner-self. The Yoga Barn, Intuitive Flow, and Ubud Bodyworks are well known studios to go to. Some also offer ecstatic dance as well to burn up any pent up energies. Private lessons can booked as well with some of Bali’s best Yogi’s.
To really immerse yourself and become one with your spirits you could try ashram. Experience the ultimate spiritual retreat with yoga, meditation, vegetarian diets, prayer, and even bio-energy meditation. Taksu offer spas and healing treatments to it’s visitors as well as raw foods to cleanse your body, mind and soul.
Bali’s holiest temples
Bali has 6 supreme holy temples to visit. Also called “Sad Kahyangan” “six temples of the world.” They are: Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Pusering, Pura Batukaru, Jagat, Pura Besakih, Pura Gua Lawah, and Pura Uluwatu.