Based on visitor experiences and reviews within our community, I decided to skip the Supreme Water Temple Pura Ulun Danu Batur and Lake Batur. I wanted to avoid especially long drives, the potential for being stuck in terrible traffic, over-tourism, and aggressive vendors.

We spent 6 nights in Bali. Three nights near Ubud (about 6 km Southwest of the city) and 3 nights in Sanur. Since the Royal Water Temple Pura Taman Ayun was the closest location to our hotel, this was our first Bali Temple (via taxi). We enjoyed the temple in the late afternoon (until closing) and made it back to the hotel with ease, no substantial traffic, nor need to hire a driver. The temple grounds are beautiful and our excitement grew knowing that there was so much more to see in Bali.

Both trips below were possible by hiring a driver via Klook for 6 hours. Affordable and convenient, the Klook app made the process even easier.

Trip #1 Subak Landscape of Catur Angga Batukaru

• Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

When we visited the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, the rice harvest had only begun 1-2 weeks beforehand. Farmers were preparing the rice to be dried (as seen here). While this did somewhat lesson the Rice Terraces scenic quality having less water, it was interesting to see the process. We walked the full circular route, even making a short stop at Luhur Besikalung Temple.

Nearby is the Batukaru Temple and upon arrival we noticed that a worship ceremony (Puja) was ongoing. We approached the area and listened to the Priest (Pujari) and witnessed various rituals (water blessing) and chanting. Afterwards, the fifty to one hundred worshipers went to a different part of the temple (near the entrance) to eat. Nearby is the pilgrimage route to Mount Batukaru, here we saw dozens of long-tailed macaques enjoying left over scraps following ritual food preparations.

Trip #2 Subak Landscape of Pekerisan Watershed

• Gunung Kawi Temple
• Pura Bukit Gundul
• Pura Mengening Water Temple
• Subak Pulagan (UNESCO sign located at Beanary Coffee & Eatery)

As has been shared, Gunung Kawi Temple is splendid and the rock cut architecture (examples going back even to the 11th century) were impressive. Perhaps an easily missed detour when approaching the temple is the small side path to Pura Bukit Gundul (10 minute walk), which contains further examples of rock-cut niches. This whole area is so rich in history and the temple is not overly 'touristy'. In one sacred area, you must take off your shoes. Walking barefoot in the oldest part of this already ancient Hindu Temple is a memory I will not soon forget. Moreover, we were often alone and through much of the temple the sound of water was a constant.

Pura Mengening Water Temple also had a full ceremony ongoing, so one portion of the temple (higher level) was off-limits. At the lower levels of the temple, Balinese and foreign visitors were taking part in the Melukat ritual for spiritual purification. The temple was alive with worshipers. This was the only temple during our stay where we met an aggressive vendor.

Near the Southern boundary of the Pekerisan Watershed we ended our day at the Beanary Coffee & Eatery. The Subak Pulagan UNESCO plaque is located here. This small coffee shop is located well-away from the major areas frequented by most tourists. There are two different paths that allow you to see the subak, which divide the large mostly flat rice fields. The area is pleasantly scenic, but the paths are more for farmers than tourists. Nevertheless, I explored the area and enjoyed a short walk before relaxing with my fruit smoothie overlooking the rice fields.

Over those six days, what became routine was how the temples of Bali felt alive with active worshipers. In fact, none of the temples we visited were excessively commercialized or touristy. While we could not completely avoid traffic in Bali, we definitely were able to avoid spending too much time at a standstill. Our excursions often allowed the driver to go around Ubud. In fact, we barely visited Ubud. We visited only twice for a meal or two, drinks, and live music. Our visit was greatly influenced by the reviews and collective experiences shared within our community of world heritage travelers. I am grateful for it, thank you!

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