Nusa Penida, an enchanting island off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, is home to several temples and sacred sites that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. Let’s explore some of the notable temples on Nusa Penida:
Pura Goa Giri Putri (Karangsari Cave Temple)
- Located halfway up a hill on the east side of Nusa Penida, Pura Goa Giri Putri is a unique temple because it’s situated inside a massive natural cave.
- Hindu ceremonies are still performed here, making it a spiritually significant site.
- To reach the temple, you’ll need to climb over 100 steps. At the top, a Hindu priest will perform a purification rite by flicking holy water on your forehead.
- The entrance to the cave is through a small opening in the rock, and once inside, you’ll find a vast room with high ceilings.
- The cave extends almost 300 meters, and if you follow it to the opposite end, you’ll exit into dense green hills inhabited by monkeys.
- Inside the cave, you might encounter bats, spiders, and two species of endangered purplish-orange crabs found nowhere else on Earth.
Pura Puncak Mundi
- Pura Puncak Mundi is another temple worth exploring. It’s perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and its location provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection.
Pura Penataran Ped:
- This temple, located on the coast of Ped Nusa Penida Village, is the largest temple on the island.
- It consists of four khayangan (places of prayer) where Hindus carry out sequential rituals.
- Pura Penataran Ped is an essential part of the island’s cultural tapestry and a place where devotees come to seek blessings and connect with their spirituality.
Remember to dress appropriately when visiting these temples. You’ll need to wear a sarong, which you can usually rent on-site for a small fee. Enjoy your exploration of Nusa Penida’s sacred sites! 🙏🌴🕉️.