As a travel destination, Nusa Penida’s main perks are the beaches. However, other than the beautiful scenery of the sea, do you know that there are other stunning attractions you can visit on the island?
Just like any other part in Bali, most locals in Nusa Penida adhere to Hindu. They perform the religious ritual on temples around the island and some of the temples are part of historical heritage. Those heritages are unique and have a charm that can attract tourists. A visit to a historical heritage attraction in Nusa Penida can be your alternative itinerary.
If you are interested in taking a look inside historical heritages in Nusa Penida, here are some list of ancient temples you can visit for you trip.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
Goa Giri Putri is a cave hidden from the outside world. It is first found in 1990 and located in Klungkung Regency, Nusa Penida, Bali. The main attraction inside the cave is the temple called Pura Goa Giri Putri or Goa Giri Putri Temple.
The temple is located inside the cave. You will have to walk through the narrow entrance of the cave before you reach the temple. Once you get inside, you will be mesmerized by the stunning view and the grand wall that is very different from the entrance. You will feel like you are praying in a big hall of a temple.
Even though the temple is supposed to use by locals to do their ritual, Goa Giri Putri Temple is open for public. Tourists can participate in the ritual to learn and understand more about Hindu and the locals. The course to the cave is easy, but the entrance can be a problem. Visitors have to climb down long stairs that can get slippery after rain in darkness. Make sure you are ready to take on this journey and that your body is fit enough.
Dalem Ped Temple
Locals of Bali consider Dalem Ped Temple or Pura Dalem Ped as their number one place of religious in Nusa Penida. The temple was built in the 14th Century and has an interesting history. Most Hindus in Bali do their annual pilgrimage to pray for protection at this temple.
A long time ago, there was a man named I Gede Macaling with magic ability to lead humans and ghosts. He was given a title as the ruler of the sea because of his power. He had authority to take humans life if humans commit a deadly crime. Therefore, a lot of locals in Nusa Penida believe that Dalem Ped Temple is the play to ask for forgiveness and pray for prosperity.
Every Wednesday, Hindus in Nusa Penida will gather at the temple to do a weekly ritual. The ritual symbolizes security and prosperity of the people of Bali. There are two sculptures inside the storage of the temple that spiritual god called Purusa and physical god called Pradana. This temple is considered a very sacred place, there are many things you are not allowed to do inside the temple, including taking urination while standing.
These two temples are the most popular historical attraction in Nusa Penida. There are still many temples spread around the island. We can conclude that those temples are historical heritage by the interior of the building. However, not many temples have been developed as a tourist attraction. If you really want to know more about historical heritage in Nusa Penida, you can always ask direction from locals to guide you to explore heritages in Nusa Penida.
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