Goa Lawah at Kusamba
Nine kms from Klungkung is Goa Lawah or bat cave. The roof is covered with
thousands of bats and its entrance is guarded by a temple believed to be
founded by a sage nine centuries ago.The road continuing east parallels lovely
seascapes with a full view of Nusa Penida, inviting sunbathing, picnics and
refreshing swims. One passes close to the sinister Goa Lawah, the Bat Cave,
whose walls literally vibrate with thousands of bats-their bodies packed so
close together that the upper surface of the cave resembles undulating mud.
The sight would be more eerie if it weren't that whenever the creatures
venture out of the cave into daylight, their radar sense directs them back
into their murky dwelling place. Being an extraordinary phenomenon, Goa Lawah
is considered holy. Atemple with shrines protects the entrance. The cave is
said to extend all the way back to Besakih, and may,contain an underground
river, which comes uiX it is said, at Pura Goa (Cave Temple) within the
Besakih complex-a temple associated with the mythological naga or serpent
Basuki which is also honored at Pura Goa Lawah, where 'a snake is said to
live, feeding on bats.
Bali Aga Village
At one time the island was populated by pure Indonesians, an ancient
people who filed and blackened their teeth. They lived in small communities,
family clans ruled by a council of Elders who acted as the priests of their
religion. Their cult centered in the worship of the powerful spirits of
nature, and especially those of their ancestors, with whom they continued to
live, a great family of both the dead and the living. The pure descendants of
these people, calling themselves Bali Aga or Bali Mula, the " original "
Balinese, still live, isolated and independent, in the mountains where they
found refuge from imperialistic strangers. Hidden in the bills of East Bali,
near Karangasem, lies the village of Tenganan, where the most conservative of
the Bali Aga preserve the old traditions with the greatest zeal.
Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga is just north of Karangasem on the slopes of Mount Agung. It is
water playground designed by a prince in the Royal Family of Karangasem as a
resting place. The exotic pools and water fountains sustained some damage
during the eruptions of Mount Agung, but the water gardens remain as serene
and tempting as ever.
Puri Agung Karangasem
he first king of Karangasem, Anak Agung Gede Jelantik built this palace at the
end of the 19th century. The main attraction of this palace is the building
architecture, which is the combination between Balinese, Chinese, and European
architecture. The Balinese architecture can be seen in the splitting gate, the
statue and wayang relief on the wall. The European influence is reflected in
the shape of the main building and its wide verandah called Maskerdam. The
carving motifs on the door, windows and the building ornament reflect the
influence of the Chinese architecture. In the courtyard of the palace stands
an old lychee tree. Another attraction of this palace is the 25 meter candi
made from bricks and decorated with wayang motifs. In front of the candi there
are two lion statues, a pair of guard statues and two security posts. |
