Bali, Ubud: Pura Taman Saraswati: the Gem of the Wisdom

Individual travel, independent travellers, interesting places: Indonesia, Bali, Ubud, Temples in Bali, Saraswati Temple in Bali
You are walking by the dusty streets of Ubud, observing its busy life, admiring with its plethora of paintings and crafts. You are breathing the warm air of Balinese Cultural Capital, saturated with the spirit of creativity. You are seeing the gate of some big temple and coming inside. And you are suddenly stopping, amazed.

The blooming lotuses, spreading their aroma all over the place, hundreds, thousands of them are making you literally dissolving in the sensation of heavenly serenity and calmness. You are almost feeling how gradually the pure wisdom of the Universe starts to fill you up...

It is the kingdom of Saraswati, the Goddes of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning. Saraswati Day in Bali is also the Day of Knowledge: the students celebrate the beginning of the study year. But no learning must be done on this particular day - all the books have to be taken to the Goddes to be blessed!

Individual travel, independent travellers, interesting places: Indonesia, Bali, Ubud, Temples in Bali, Saraswati Temple in Bali
At 7:30 PM, the Temple is brightening up with the thousands of lights, and the dance performance - Barong - starts its magic flow. Strictly speaking, Balinese dances are not for pleasure - it is a form of appealing to the gods and spirits, and some of them are so sacral that nobody can be present. This particular show is adapted specially for the spectators, but it doesn't do it less enchanting!


How to get to Saraswati Temple in Ubud:

 You hardly can miss it being in the centre of Ubud; though, if you do, just ask anyone on the street. The proper address is Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud Kaja, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

To get to Ubud from the Airport, you should either rent a motorbike or a car (don't be afraid, the driving is not very difficult there) or use a local taxi. The cost of the taxi is about 12-15 EUR. Some hotels and guest houses provide the airport transfer what might be even cheaper.

The Indonesian visa might be got on arrival and costs around 22 EUR, depending on the current exchange rate or the Indonesian Rupiah (please note that the credit/debit cards are not accepted, but you can pay in any currency).



Individual travel, independent travellers, interesting places: Indonesia, Bali, Ubud, Temples in Bali, Saraswati Temple in BaliWeather and climate in Ubud:

 Bali enjoys an equatorial climate with the all-year-round temperature range from 26°C till 32°ะก. 

 The most humid are the months from October till April.

What is near the Saraswati Temple in Ubud:

 Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali, so you better stay there for at least a couple of days. Spectacular rice fields, the famous Monkey Forest, astonishing Elephant Temple named Goa Gajah are around, and in the city, you can find a countless number of art expositions, craft shops, galleries, and temples.

The rice fields are impressive, especially if you see it for the first time and during the sunset.

Individual travel, independent travellers, interesting places: Indonesia, Bali, Ubud, Temples in Bali, Saraswati Temple in Bali

Travel tips:
    Individual travel, independent travellers, interesting places: Indonesia, Bali, Ubud, Temples in Bali, Saraswati Temple in Bali
  • Everyone can enter the Hindu Temples, but it is necessary to observe the temple etiquette: you should cover your upper body, take off your shoes before entering a temple, don't enter a temple when you have cut yourself or if you are pregnant or menstruating, don't point your feet toward the shrines. You can read more about the temple etiquette by the link below.
  • If you are looking for the budget way to see the dancing performance, instead of buying tickets you can enter into Starbucks cafe facing the scene of the temple. However, the view might be a bit obstructed. Also, you can combine the show with dinner at the Lotus Cafe.
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