On our Bali Photo Tours we like to visit some of the lesser-known temples for several reasons. Certainly we visit some of the iconic and magnificent temples such as Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Besakih and Ulun Danu, but we find that the off the beaten path locations serve us well and are no less spectacular. Usually we have them all to ourselves. If there is a ceremony underway, we are usually the only travelers there and receive a warm welcome. And, if you know where to look, you can find some mind-blowing artifacts, sculptures and hidden surprises.
Floating Leaf tours and exclusive Bali experiences
Our most recent Bali Photo Tour we went to a small village in Gianyar called Kemenuh for a couple reasons. One, they have some of the most talented wood carvers in all of Indonesia and the temple there is both prodigious and quiescent.
Floating Leaf tours and exclusive Bali experiences are the antithesis of the big bus tours. We travel in small groups, know the back roads, avoid the crowds and specialize in authentic deep Balinese culture. Unique insight and access to the true Bali is what you will experience.
One of my favorite parts of Kemenuh Temple is a unique sculpture of the Goddess of the Balinese mythological underworld, Rangda. She battles Barong is the most celebrated of Balinese ceremonial dances.
For much more on Rangda and Barong, please see the blog post, Rangda, Bali’s Child Eating Demon that can Heal?
This unique and impressive Rangda sculpture protects the little know Kemenuh Temple in Bali.
After closer inspection of the sculpture, we discovered a tiny stowaway protected by the fangs of the Demon Queen.
An opportunistic gecko found a protective rest area inside Rangda’s fanged mouth.
