Kertha Gosa Pavilion of Klungkung Palace, Bali

The Klungkung Palace, officially Puri Agung Semarapura, is a historical building complex situated in Semarapura, the capital of the Klungkung Regency (kabupaten) on Bali, Indonesia. The palace (puri) was erected at the end of the 17th century, but largely destroyed during the Dutch colonial conquest in 1908. Today the basic remains of the palace are the court of justice, the Kertha Gosa Pavilion, and the main gate that bears the date Saka 1622 (AD 1700). Within the old palace compound is also a floating pavilion, the Bale Kembang. The descendants of the rajas that once ruled Klungkung today live in Puri Agung, a residence to the west of the old palace, which was built after 1929.

Pics with thanks : Harminder Puri Aunty

The Royal Palace of King Majapahit, Bali

The Royal Palace of King Majapahit The history of Bali’s royal ruling families goes as far back as the 10th century but it wasn’t until the 1300’s that they became historically renown. In 1343, the Majapahit Empire took hold after the Javanese king defeated the Balinese king. Their rule marked the arrival of Javanese Hindu culture, which is still evident today in architecture, the arts, literature, dance and the theatre.

A few Balinese villages remained aloof from this change, however, with the rise of Islam across Indonesia, the Majapahit Empire finally fell and Bali became independent at the end of the 15th century.

Pics with thanks : Harminder Puri Aunty

Ubud Monkey Forest, Bali

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Its official name is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Balinese Mandala Suci Wenara Wana), and its name as written on its welcome sign is the Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction and is often visited by over 10,000 tourists a month.

The Monkey Forest lies within the village of Padangtegal, which owns it. The village's residents view the Monkey Forest as an important spiritual, economic, educational, and conservation center for the village.

Pics with thanks :   Harminder Puri Aunty

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue, Bali

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue Currently, the statue of Vishnu is 23 metres (75.5 ft) high, although the original plan was for a 120-metre (390 ft) gold-plated Vishnu riding Garuda on top of an 11-storey entertainment complex. Garuda wing span will be 64 metres (210.0 ft) across. When it's completed, it will be higher than Liberty statue in USA and become the largest statue in the world. The idea was not without controversy, and religious authorities on the Bali island complained that its massive size might disrupt the spiritual balance of the island, and that its commercial nature was inappropriate, but some groups agree with the project, because it will make new tourist attraction over barren land.

Pics with thanks :   Harminder Puri Aunty