Bali's Ancient Rocky Temple
Gunug Kawi is an ancient rocky temple situated in Pakerisan River, near Tampaksiring village, Gianyar Regency in Bali. This archaeological complex is carved out of the living rock, dating back to 11th century. The countryside where the complex is located offers beautiful view of lush and footpath down to reach the temple, passing through spectacular rice terraces.
The first temple is located west of the river, facing east, which amounted to four fruit. While the second temple is located on the east side of the river, facing west, which amounted to five pieces. In the temple complex on the west, also features a swimming bath and shower water. Watching two of this temple complex, you'll be amazed by the views of the rock walls are neatly carved arches create spaces in which there is a temple. The temples are intentionally made in the basin to protect it from the threat of erosion.
To reach the complex, visitors must walk about 600 meters from the parking lot to the ticket counter then walked down on approximately 315 stone steps. Before taking a cross on the bridge at the bottom of the valley, you can see the first stone monument. Another group of stone monument is carved on the left side of the main temple across the river. The monuments are shaped in relief on a solid rock hill, commonly called "candi". There are shaped like burial towers, telling identity of the royal personages honored here. Those are mostly found all over Central and East Java.
In the right of the main ensemble of temples is a cloister with five cells carved out of rock. The cloister inmates most likely were caretakers of the 'candi'. There's a second hermitage near the main cloister, consisting of niches around a central courtyard, which might have served as sleeping quarters for visiting pilgrims. To get into this part of the temple visitors must take off their shoes.
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