People & Culture Archives - The Two Happy Wanderers

The Rich History of the Kings Palace Puri Agung Karangasem

Post author:Andy Harman
Post category:Eastern Bali People & Culture
Post last modified:July 6, 2023

The Karangasem region of Eastern Bali is an area steeped in history. We recently enjoyed a visit to Taman Ujung, the historic water palace that belonged to the last King of Karangasem. Located in a beautiful part of Bali, with stunning grounds and magnificent views across the ocean, it’s easily one of the highlights of our Bali travels. Sparking our interest in local history, we discovered that the King lived in nearby Amlapura and that his former residential palace…

All You Need To Know About Pura Lempuyang Temple, Bali

Post author:Andy Harman
Post category:Eastern Bali People & Culture
Post last modified:June 11, 2022

One of the most iconic and Instagrammed locations in Bali would undoubtedly be Lempuyang temple or Pura Lempuyang. Otherwise known as the Gates Of Heaven, Pura Lempuyang Temple offers visitors to this important Balinese temple more than just a photo opportunity for an Instagram feed. Located in the east of Bali, midway between Candidasa and Amed, and with spectacular views across to the majestic Gunung Agung volcano, Pura Lempuyang Temple is a must-visit destination for visitors to this corner…

The Beautiful Taman Ujung Water Palace, Bali

Post author:Andy Harman
Post category:Eastern Bali People & Culture
Post last modified:June 11, 2022

One of the most interesting and exciting aspects of visiting the different regions of Bali is exploring the attractions the area has to offer. One of our favourite areas is Karangasem, in Bali's east. Perhaps best known for the tourist town of Candidasa, and the seaside villages collectively known as Amed, this is a region primed and ready to go for the intrepid explorer. It seems that at every turn, there is somewhere new to visit that remains somewhat…

The Seaweed Farmers of Nusa Lembongan

Post author:Andy Harman
Post category:People & Culture Southern Bali
Post last modified:June 11, 2022

It's very early in the morning, perhaps 3.30 am. We are staying in a small family-run beachfront hotel on Jungut Batu beach. A perfect location to spend our few days on Nusa Lembongan. I begin to stir due to a constant banging sound coming from outside. Not overly loud, in fact, most people would probably not hear it. But I am a light sleeper. I try to ignore it. But after an hour or so of tossing and turning,…

The Secrets of Taman Festival, Sanur

Post author:Andy Harman
Post category:People & Culture Southern Bali
Post last modified:June 11, 2022

As travellers, we’ve all been there. You're chatting to one of the locals, and conversations start to turn to some of the (secret) spots that you absolutely must visit. Start to throw in a few urban myths, legends or truths (who are we to say?), and your curiosity becomes piqued. One such place that caught our attention was Taman Festival in Sanur. The jungle is slowly laying claim to this old attraction. Taman Festival is an old abandoned theme…

The Balinese Temple of Gunung Kawi

Post author:Andy Harman
Post category:Central Bali People & Culture
Post last modified:June 11, 2022

Situated near the small village of Tampaksiring, at the foot of a lush tropical valley, is the ancient temple of Candi Tebung Gunung Kawi. Built during the 11th century on the banks of the Pakerisan River, Gunung Kawi comprises ten, awe-inspiring Candi's, or shrines, carved into the solid cliff faces. Five Candi's are located on the eastern bank of the Pakerisan River. Four Candi's are located on the western bank, while the final tenth Candi is situated independently of…

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud

Post author:Andy Harman
Post category:Central Bali People & Culture
Post last modified:June 12, 2022

One of the more iconic pictures of Bali would undoubtedly be of the island's famous long-tailed macaques perched on the shoulder of a visitor. Native to Bali, and found throughout the island, there are few places in the world that provide opportunities to interact with these wild monkeys in a natural environment. The best way for visitors to Bali to see these primates is by visiting one of the monkey forests scattered throughout the island. And the most famous…

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