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Tag: Holy Sites

Screaming face carved at entrance to Goa Gajah Elephant Cave in Bali, Indonesia
Culture Indonesia

Goa Gajah And Yeh Pulu: Elephants, Demons And A Dreadful Boar

November 22, 2019November 22, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

The tiny faces glared at us, wild eyes popping and teeth bared angrily. The message was clear: stay away. In the centre of the twisted mass was yet another face, much bigger than the rest. With eyebrows raised and mouth gaping wide it looked more surprised, staring at some unknown curiosity in the distance. We […]

Main shrine floating on lake at Ulun Danu Bratan temple in Bali, Indonesia
Culture Indonesia

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Bali’s Postcard-Perfect Pit Stop

September 1, 2019November 21, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

Arriving at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, we expected to see a temple. Instead we walked into immaculately manicured gardens. Wide lawns were broken up by colourful flower beds, a stupa and the occasional garishly painted animal statue. Most bizarre were the carefully sculpted vines adorned with animal’s faces and ferocious claws. Leafy owls and eagles […]

Bathers on the steps of Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar, India
Culture India

Haridwar: Fiery Offerings At The Ganga Aarti And How Not To Get There

April 7, 2019November 21, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

Bright flowers bobbed down the Ganges in leafy baskets, each with a tiny flame flickering in the centre. The incense from the offerings wafted across the water to the crowds seated on the riverbank. The devotees raised their arms as one, chanting along with the preachers. Across the river, holy men crouched on the steps […]

Seated Buddha practising zazen at Tokei Ji temple in Kamakura, Japan
Culture Japan

Zazen In Kamakura: Taking The First Step On The Path To Enlightenment

January 30, 2019September 1, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

As we approach in the pre-dawn gloom, the foreboding metal gates of the temple are chained shut, an unexpectedly tangible barrier on our path to enlightenment. Buchi san guides us to an unlocked side gate and we creep into the tranquil gardens, careful not to disturb the air of calm. Among the shadows, silent shapes […]

Worshippers in white sitting on floor of Cao Dai Holy See in Vietnam
Culture Travel Photos Vietnam

Travel Photos: Hedging Spiritual Bets At Cao Dai Holy See

October 30, 2018February 23, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

Ever heard of a religion formed after somebody spoke to God at a seance?  Around 100 years ago, a Vietnamese civil servant received a message from a spirit during a seance.  Befriending the spirit, they spoke regularly and he finally concluded his new chum, Duc Cao Dai, was God.  He introduced some friends to his […]

Worshippers climbing steps to main temple gates at Pura Besakih in Bali, Indonesia
Culture Indonesia

Pura Besakih: Avoiding Tourist Traps at Bali’s Mother Temple

October 24, 2018November 21, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

A constant stream of worshippers made their way up the stone stairs to the split gate that marked the entrance to the temple. The men wore white headbands. The women sported sashes and carried huge woven baskets on their heads. Everyone had a brightly coloured sarong wrapped around their waist. Even the statues lining the […]

Row of Buddhas at Wat Pho temple in Bangkok, Thailand
Culture Thailand

Bangkok’s Best Buddhas

October 12, 2018November 21, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

At the heart of the Grand Palace in Bangkok lies the most sacred temple in Thai Buddhism. Inside the main hall, Wat Phra Kaew, the translucent green statue known as the Emerald Buddha sits atop a golden pedestal. Each tier of the Buddha’s pedestal is smothered in gold and adorned with glittering statues, silver branches […]

Monkey sitting on a wall with view of Aravalli Hills and Jaipur city behind
Culture India

Jaipur’s Hills Are Alive: Exploring Nahargarh Fort And Galtaji

August 27, 2018November 21, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

As we tramped along the cobbled path, a high pitched squeal caught our attention. The squealing became increasingly frantic and we finally spotted the source. Four young boys were wrestling with a large and very vocal pig. With some effort they managed to hog-tie the pig and manhandle it onto their motorbike. Two boys carefully […]

Baby macaques playing at Ubud Monkey Forest, Bali
Indonesia Nature

Death And Monkeys: Highlights of Ubud Monkey Forest

August 19, 2018November 22, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComment(0)

The eager tourist patiently held the banana above his head. He didn’t have to wait long before one of the hungry monkeys started to climb up his legs and body.  It finally adopted the quintessential photogenic pose on top of his head. As his friend darted around snapping pictures, the monkey suffered a moment of […]

Central temple at Angkor Wat reflected in lake near Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cambodia Culture

The Secret To A Perfect Angkor Wat Experience

July 19, 2018November 21, 2019 Adventure O'ClockComments(2)

The vast temple complex of Angkor Wat is easily the most famous place in Cambodia. Although it is just one of many sites within the Angkor Archaeological Park, it’s the name that everyone knows. Most visitors will have limited time and just one chance to see the best of this unique place. Follow these tips […]

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Chris and Maddy with view from Marble Mountains in Vietnam

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We're Maddy and Chris.  We hope you enjoy our tales of our adventures around the globe.  Find out more about us here.

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