The sharper edge to traveling in Asia

Discovering a lovely spa on Indonesia’s island of Bali

Indonesia is the home of some magnificent spas, and some of the finest are to be found on the islands of Java and Bali. There are, we at WoWasis would guess, approximately 1,000 spas of different types on the island of Bali alone. The Waroeng Djamoe Spa hotel spa at the Tagu Bali Hotel, in […]

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Bali’s Top 7 magnificent temples, in Indonesia

Bali is a destination for WoWasis visitors that enjoy visiting historical temples. Best of all, most of them are easily visited from the city of Ubud. Bali’s temples are known for their exacting architecture, magnificent sculptures, and breathtaking settings. Our personal favorite, froma setting perspective, is the lakeside Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.  WoWasis Top 7 […]

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Ubud, city of art and culture in Bali, Indonesia

Ubud is a leisurely city of beautiful architecture, wonderful restaurants, terrific museums, and magnificent evening dance and culture shows. The city and her people have served as twin muses for several generations of painters, Balinese and expat alike. Walking around the city provides WoWasis visitors a seemingly endless series of interesting moments, and the outlying […]

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Tirta Empul temple and holy springs, outside of Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia

The temple and holy springs of Tirta Empul are located just north of the small town of Tampaksiring, a few km east of Ubud. Here, devotees bathe in the holy waters and receive blessings at the adjacent temple. Above the springs, WoWasis vistors will see Istana Negara, Soekarno’s former home, from where, it is said, […]

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Gunung Kawi temple, outside of Ubud, in Bali, Indonesia

The magnificent temple complex of Gunung Kawi is located near the small town of Tampaksiring, a few km east of Ubud. Here, ten  temples are hewn from the rock hillside and stand in massive stone arcades, two storeys high. There are several other shrines in the immediate area, well-posted by signs. We recommend going early […]

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Pura Tanah Lot temple in Bali, Indonesia

Located 25km southwest of Ubud, on the southern coast of Bali, Pura Tanah Lot is probably the most photographed temple in Bali. Although extensively renovated, it’s in a lovely spot, but best enjoyed in the early morning before the tour buses arrive. We especially enjoyed having a drink at the Sunset Terrace, located a few […]

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Pura Taman Ayun temple in Bali, Indonesia

Located 10km southwest of Ubud, Pura Taman Ayun is a picturesque orange-walled temple surrounded by sculptures and a moat, a wonderful respite from the heat, and a refreshing walk through well-kept gardens. Although originally built in 1634, it was tastefully renovated in 1937. Located at GPS: S08°32.626’  E115°10.329’

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Pura Besakih temple near Bangli, Bali, Indonesia

The 23 temples that make up Pura Besakih comprise Bali’s most important temple complex. The most important temple is Pura Penataran Agung, a six-level temple that is off limits to non-believers. All other temples are accessible. Beware of the touts that continually badger you, and enjoy your walk. You do not need them to guide […]

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Pura Kehen & Pura Dalem temples near Bangli, Bali, Indonesia

  In and near the quiet city of Bangli in east Bali, you’ll find two wonderful temples, worth a visit.  Pura Kehen is considered to be one of the most the nicer temples in east Bali, and serves as the state temple. Located right in Bangli, it rises from a hill has a nicely carved […]

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Kretek clove cigarettes Dji Sam Soe 234 from Indonesia

Wherever you go in Indonesia, you’re going to be feasting on the redolent fragrance of kretek clove cigarettes, and Dji Sam Soe 234 is by far the most popular brand. Blended from Maduro and American tobaccos, kreteks are laced with clove casings, and the tastiest are the unfiltered variety. They are inexpensive and hand-rolled, and […]

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