Religious, Spiritual sights in Indonesia
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Christian Paraphernalia
You'll see more Christian paraphernalia in Toba than you will in the American Bible Belt. In Batak communities, homes are typically decorated with tapestries of a long-haired Jesus and gold cross necklaces adorn cleavage. The rice paddies and villages are cultivated around sober Protestant-style churches and tombs merging traditional Batak architecture and Christian crosses.
This was once the 'heart of darkness' from the perspective of the European and American missionaries and the first evangelists met their makers by the tips of spears. Good timing brought survival and fame to a German missionary named Nommenson. His arrival preceded a bumper crop and in return the Bata…
reviewed
-
Pura Lingsar
This large temple complex, built in 1714, is the holiest place on Lombok. The temple combines the Balinese Hindu and Wektu Telu religions in one complex. The Hindu temple in the northern section is higher than the Wektu Telu temple in the southern section. It's an especially fascinating place for those interested in Wektu Telu, Lombok's indigenous religion.
The Wektu Telu temple is noted for its small enclosed pond devoted to Lord Vishnu, and the holy eels which can be enticed from their hiding places with hard-boiled eggs (available at stalls outside). You will be expected to rent a sash and/or sarong (or bring your own) to enter the temple, but not to enter the outer bu…
reviewed
-
Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman
With its brilliant white walls and liquorice-black domes, the Mesjid Raya Baiturrahman is a dazzling sight on a sunny day. The first section of the mosque was built by the Dutch in 1879 as a conciliatory gesture towards the Acehnese after the original one had been burnt down.
Two more domes - one on either side of the first - were added by the Dutch in 1936 and another two by the Indonesian government in 1957. The mosque survived intact after the 2004 earthquake and tsunami, a sign interpreted by many residents as direct intervention from the divine. The best time to catch the mosque is during Friday afternoon prayers, when the entire building and yard are filled with peo…
reviewed
-
Pura Batu Bolong
The small pagodas of the modest Balinese temple Pura Batu Bolong cling to a rocky volcanic outcrop that juts into the sea about 2km south of central Senggigi. Crabs scuttle over statues and families come here to snack and cool off at the beach directly below. The temple is orientated towards Gunung Agung, Bali's holiest mountain, and is a favoured spot to watch the sunset. The rock underneath the temple has a natural hole that gives it its name - batu bolong (literally, 'rock with hole').
reviewed
-
Grand Mosque
Just around the corner from the palace is the unusual black-domed Grand Mosque, which was commissioned by the sultan in 1906. The Moroccan-style building has ornate carvings, Italian marble and stained glass from China.
Dress modestly when visiting the mosque - women are asked to cover their heads with the scarves provided.
reviewed
-
Taman Narmada
Laid out as a miniature replica of the summit of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake, Taman Narmada takes its name from a sacred Indian river. Its temple, Pura Kalasa, is still used and the Balinese Pujawali celebration is held here annually. This is a beautiful place to spend a few hours, but it tends to get crowded on weekends.
reviewed
-
Pura Silayukti
On a headland at the northeast corner of the bay, a path leads uphill to three temples, including Pura Silayukti, where Empu Kuturan - who introduced the caste system to Bali in the 11th century - is said to have lived.
reviewed
-
A
Pura Dalem
Padangbai is interesting for a little walk. Towards the middle of town, there are two temples, Pura Dalem and Pura Segara and a new market that is home to numerous stalls and various vendors displaced from the beach.
reviewed
-
B
Mesjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin
This massive mosque resembles a landed spaceship. During Ramadan, the famous Pasar Wadai (cake fair) runs along the adjacent riverfront.
reviewed
-
C
Pura Desa
At the west end of town near the post office there's a small mosque and a temple, Pura Desa.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
D
Pura Segara
Towards the middle of town, there are two temples, Pura Dalem and Pura Segara.
reviewed
-
-
E
Mosque
At the west end of town near the post office there's a small mosque.
reviewed
-
Grand Mosque
Just around the corner from the palace is the unusual black-domed Grand Mosque, which was commissioned by the sultan in 1906. The Moroccan-style building has ornate carvings, Italian marble and stained glass from China.
Dress modestly when visiting the mosque - women are asked to cover their heads with the scarves provided.
reviewed
