We travelled here after an hour or so swimming in the public swimming baths, Holy Hot Springs. It was a mere 20,000 Ruplah and being female was provided with a Sarong, my little boy wanted to wear one too and they allowed him to join in! This was my first temple and it was breathtaking, there looked to be a school trip and the children all smiled politely and said 'Hello' in English. There were English translations readily available on description boards and it's so far removed from a Christian Church that you immediatedly feel a sense of culture. We travelled from Kubutambahan and had a great day out!

Loved this majestic monastery complex, perched high up in the hills. Partly damaged by earthquakes in the mid '70's, it is now part sparkly new and pristine, and part comfortably old and worn. Part of the new additions include a representation of Buddha under a Bodhe tree, and 2 pagodas destroyed by the earthquake. You can stay here and attend classes. A meditation class was in progress the day we visited, which meant the vibe was wonderfully quiet and respectful. Magical place. I loved it.

This is the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali and located in Banjar, a picturesque thirty-minute drive from our hotel in Lovina. It is built on a hilltop with commanding 360 degrees views over the surrounding countryside. IDR25,000 (AUD $2.50) admission fee to view this fabulous temple complex with its awe-inspiring architecture, a combination of Buddhist and Hindu. There are many steps but decidedly worthy of the effort to view the sculpted and landscaped gardens, the Buddhist prayer areas and the many statues of various deities. We learnt that the upper-level temple area features a part replica of the Borobudur Temple and the Gateway to Heaven, the gardens also a highlight. Therre are many great attractions in Northern Bali, this temple complex is foremost.