Tag: Alila Villas Uluwatu

Visit Goa Gajah ‘Elephant Cave’ in Ubud

For those enthused by the serenity of nature, the ‘Elephant Cave’ in Ubud will prove to be well worth the time and energy. Do visit this place and witness the marvel in this fascinating site.

Goa Gajah Elephant Cave | Image Credit: <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:DerGenaue_Allrounder">DerGenaue Allrounder</a>, <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Goa_Gajah_Front.JPG">Goa Gajah Front</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/legalcode" rel="license">CC BY-SA 3.0</a>
Goa Gajah Elephant Cave | Image Credit: DerGenaue Allrounder, Goa Gajah Front, CC BY-SA 3.0

‘Elephant Cave’?

Built as an ethereal place for meditation, the history of the ‘Elephant Cave’ dates back to the 11th Century. Locally known as Goa Gajah, the site has got its name due to its location in close proximity to the Elephant River. The mysterious cave, bathing pools set amidst lush paddy fields and ancient relics lure tourists from all around the world to immerse in the balmy atmosphere of this historical site.

What to see

As you reach the place, you’ll get an eerie feeling seeing the menacing entrance of a demonic mouth. According to Balinese mythology, it represents the child-eating witch Rangda. The cave itself is quite small, yet you’ll come across three stone idols wrapped individually in black, red and yellow cloth. Those with a keen eye will be able to spot many indentations where monks sat to meditate.

Location

The cave is located just minutes away from Central Ubud. Before commencing your journey in this part of the world, do take note of available accommodation options. Consider staying at one of the top hotels in Ubud close to the attraction, such as Alila Villas Uluwatu, from where visiting the Elephant Cave is not that difficult.

Surroundings

Besides its archaeological importance, the eye-catching view of the surroundings is sure to capture your mind! Lush gardens, rice paddies, stone steps and cascading waterfalls await to immerse you in tranquil seclusion.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Surfing in Uluwatu

When the coast is a glorious sight and the waves differ between fierce and timid, you know that you ought to be in one of the best surfing destinations in the world. Uluwatu is located on the south-western tip of the Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia and is on the bucket list of many experienced surfers. After all, Uluwatu is among the top five surf destinations in the world. While surfing is a major attraction in the area, so are the luxuries afforded by some of the region’s world class accommodation options such as Alila Villas Uluwatu. Waking up in these Uluwatu villas is a privilege in itself. Situated precariously on a cliff top plateau, these villas ensure a delightful view of the sea and also hypnotize visitors to such an extent that they walk to the coast, surfboard in hand!

In case you take baggage on your surfing expeditions, the ideal solution would be to leave them in the safe hands of those in charge of one of the restaurants along the coast. Your belongings will be neatly packed into a basket, while you surf away. Of course, you must consider having a delicious meal in the restaurant of your choice when you return.

Ascertaining if the conditions of the sea suit your skill-level is crucial. If you are an intermediate surfer, on days when there is a low tide and the waves are big, you must certainly reconsider surfing. Instead you can stay on the shore and relax while nibbling a snack. Don’t be disheartened, your day is sure to come soon. Make the tide chart your constant friend, and also talk to those around you about the conditions of the sea. If the chart indicates that the tide is more than a metre, you can joyfully head down to the cave and paddle out to sea. It is sure to be an exciting day for you.

Always aim to reach the cave once you are fatigued, however if you don’t manage to do this, fear not! The currents will take you to safe shores. You will only have to endure an adventurous walk back to the charming villas.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+