Gunung Kawi: The Rocky Temple

This ancient temple is one of Bali's oldest and largest monuments. Our guide, Gusti Badra, led us down nearly 300 steps to bottom of the river valley and the entrance of the temple.

The temple complex spans both sides of the river and is truly awe-inspiring. Each side has giant (30 ft-ish) shrines cut out of the rock face, with pools, paths, and bridges scattered around the grounds. We felt that we were both inside a beautiful man-made structure AND outside, in Nature's temple, at the same time.

Best of all (I thought) this temple is still in use today!