Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations loved for its lush greenery, volcanic mountains, and scenic beaches. The people are warm, kind, and known for their hospitality. Bali’s famous monuments also reflect the island’s ancient history and culture.
The island is home to many attractive sculptures and monuments depicting the respect and love of the Balinese for their history and culture. Here are 7 of Bali’s famous monuments that will indeed get added to your itinerary:
1. Bajra Sandhi Monument
Amongst the most famous Bali monuments is the Bajra Sandhi, named after the shape of a Bajra or a praying bell of a Hindu priest. The monument was erected within the vast 14.4-hectare grounds of Renon Square amidst green lawns and palms to commemorate the Balinese struggle for independence against the Dutch. Bajra Sandhi Monument is a historic landmark comprising three levels, a built-in Denpasar with a unique design, and a towering grand structure that is hard to miss. The ground level displays Balinese architectural structures and a modern 3D trick-eye museum that’s attractive to the younger generation. You can visit the museum inside that showcases the independence struggle from the Dutch in the form of various historical dioramas. The second level hosts the Balinese historical diagrams and dioramas. When you reach the top level, the aerial views of the garden below greet you, along with the cityscape of Denpasar.
2. Global Harmony Monument
Visit this one-of-a-kind symbol of unity and tolerance in the peaceful setting of Tegal Lantang village in Ubud. Book one of our Bali honeymoon packages with us and take a tour of historical monuments with your partner. The Global Harmony Monument, also known as the World Peace and Alignment Monument, is the place to go if you are looking for reflection and quiet. The monument is based on harmonious and peaceful coexistence amongst people of different religious faiths. You will find that the memorial displays three symbolic groups.
- Ganesha, the elephant god, symbolizes the profound power of wisdom.
- Garuda is the symbolic representation of the act of soaring toward the heavens.
- Naga represents the serpents indicating the earthly realm.
3. Margarita National Monument Park
You will understand the sentiments behind the Balinese people’s resistance in 1946 against Dutch invaders during your visit to the Margarana National Monument Park. As one of the historic monuments in Bali, the 17-meter-tall structure, was set up to commemorate all its fallen soldiers. The monument holds a sculpture of the letter to the Netherlands written by Gusti Ngurah Rai, a hero who led the war and died fighting with his troops. Gusti Ngurah Rai got buried at this place.
4. Ganesha Statue in Menjangan
If you are around the northwest coast of Bali, you will surely notice a giant statue of white Ganesha facing to the west. Make your travel plans with our Bali tour packages and find the exotic statue welcoming you to the Menjangan island. Two temples standing behind the statue are on the rocks at the sea’s edge. The two temples are a form of homage to ancestors who arrived from Java. Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva, is the symbol of intelligence as per the Hindu religion; hence, the island is one of the revered pilgrimage destinations for Balinese people.
5. Bhuana Kerta Buleleng Monument
If you are in Buleleng, you must make the time to stop by one of Bali’s famous monuments, the historical Bhuana Kerta Buleleng. The monument got built in memory of all those who fought for the country’s independence. The memorial will tell you the history of the incident on January 17th, 1948, when the citizens swore that a Republican temple would be built at the spot once they won against the invaders. You will notice that the monument’s design represents Balinese culture through several Balinese symbols on the structure. At the top of the historic monument, you will find the signs of padmasana and fire as symbols from the Creator, who gifted independence to the people of Indonesia. If you look closely, the fire at the top and the eight strands of padmasana represent the month of Indonesian independence.
6. Gunung Kawi
The Gunung Kawi Temple complex in central Bali should be on top of your to-visit list as it’s a historical monument in Bali that dates back to the 11th century. Visit this fantastic complex through one of our Bali travel packages and explore the complex that features a collection of almost a dozen ancient shrines. The leading site overlooks the sacred Pakerisan River, across which lies a temple courtyard featuring old Hindu shrines that seem to have a more contemporary style of architecture. The shrines carved into the face of a rock cliff are believed to be memorials to King Udayana.
7. The Ground Zero Monument
On your historical monument tour in Kuta, you will come across one of Bali’s famous monuments, the Ground Zero Memorial. The monument was built on October 12th, 2004, as a tribute to those killed during the massive bomb explosions in 2002. The bomb explosion claimed 202 lives of people from Bali as well as other nationalities. The memorial allows people all around the world to come and mourn the death of their friends and relatives. You will notice that the monument’s structure exhibits the name of all those who died during the bombing. The 22 flagpoles arrayed near the stone represent the 22 nationalities of people who lost their lives on that fateful day.
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