Basakih Temple

Frommer's Review

Called the "Mother Temple," Basakih is Bali's premier Hindu site. Even if you come with your own guide, you'll have to hire a local to take you around the temple site; meet one out in front (he'll find you). The compound is a collection of 22 multi-tiered temples that look like Chinese pagodas. They're more interesting for their significance to Balinese culture than for their architectural qualities. The temples were destroyed in eruptions in 1917, and damaged in another incident in 1963. This is a working temple complex, with each compound attended by families. There are no signs for tourists, and ceremonies are often in progress -- but the compulsory guides help prevent visitors from treading where they're not welcome. Be respectful and certainly ask before taking pictures, though usually foreign visitors are made welcome. This is a possible day trip from Ubud or Kuta; most visitors include a detour to the nearby volcanoes.

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