This is a short photo essay about a day of sightseeing we did on the north coast of Bali from the home exchange villa at Tejakula.

We made two major stops that day: the first to the temple Ponjok Batu. This is a fairly important temple with special significance in Bali. It’s built of striking black lava and sits by the coast. More information here.

We were outfitted in proper attire for the temple, meaning sarongs and an udeng Balinese hat for me. Then we were purified with holy water and rice was placed on our foreheads and necks.

A “Temple Man” was there to guide us. It was unclear whether he was legitimate or simply a tout, but he had some interesting stories to tell as he followed us around.

The second stop was to the hot spring baths, or permandian air panas (the Indonesian word “air” means water). Specifically we stopped at permandian air panas banjar, the baths at Banjar, near Singaraja. (see here and here)

These were nice natural hot spring baths in an attractive structure. Not really hot enough for my liking though.

Ponjok Batu Marker Stone

The entrance sign for Ponjok Batu temple on the north coast of Bali

The entrance sign for Ponjok Batu temple on the north coast of Bali. Note how many distinct names there are for the place; that caused some confusion in talking about it.

Temple Entrance

Three entrances to the temple. Only one of which we were allowed through.

Three entrances to the temple. Only one of which we were allowed through.

Entrance guardian statues

Demon statues guard the entrance to the temple.

Demon statues guard the entrance to the temple.

Another guardian status.

Another guardian statue.

Another guardian statue.

Five Thousand Year Old Ganesha Statue

The temple man told us the story of this Ganesha statue. During a recent expansion of the temple, it was found in the earth. It dates from 3000 BCE.

The temple man told us the story of this Ganesha statue. During a recent expansion of the temple (circa 1998), it was found in the earth. We were told it dates from 3000 BCE. This conflicts with wikipedia which states that Ganesha only emerged as a distinct deity in 400-500 CE. Maybe this difference is due to the shorter Balinese year? Or Ganesha has some truly ancient precursors?

Pojok Batu Shrines

Shrines for various deities at Ponjok Batu

Shrines for various deities at Ponjok Batu

Temple Courtyard

Side view of the courtyard at Pojok Batu

Side view of the courtyard at Ponjok Batu

Shrine to the Shipwrecked Boat

The temple man told us the legend of the ship which came aground here. The sailors were all unconscious but a holy man revived them. They went on to build the temple.

The temple man told us the legend of the ship which came aground here. The sailors were all unconscious but a holy man revived them. Those sailors stayed and went on to build the temple. Now there’s a carved stone boat to mark the spot.

Fresh Water from the Ocean

You can't see it, but there's apparently a freshwater source here which is uncovered at low tides on new and full moons and is believed to be miraculous.

You can’t see it, but there’s apparently a freshwater source here which is uncovered at low tides on new and full moons and is believed to be miraculous and apparently “no one knows how it’s possible” for a freshwater spring to emerge from the beach.

Air Panas Sign

Sign for the Air Panas holy hot spring baths.

Sign for the holy hot spring baths.

View of the Air Panas Baths

Overview of the hot spring baths.

Overview of the hot spring baths.

Water Spouts at Air Panas

Nicely carved water spouts at Air Panas

Nicely carved water spouts detail: Naga heads.