At Floating Leaf, we are committed to creating deeply transformative and meaningful experiences that allow our guests to immerse themselves in Bali’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Josh and his 11-year-old nephew for a personalized healing journey to three sacred temples—Pura Besakih, Pura Gelap, and Pura Pejinengan Tap Sai. Guided by our trusted spiritual leader, Pak Jero, and accompanied by our dedicated hosts, Putu and Pak Wayan, this journey was much more than a simple temple visit. For Josh, it became a life-changing experience, which he graciously shared with us in the letter below.
Here’s Josh’s personal reflection on the journey he took with us:
Today I embarked upon a traditional Balinese healing experience with a visit to 3 different temples of Bersaki, Pura Gelap and Pura Pejinengan with our hosts, Putu and Pak Wayan to meet up with Pak Jero, a Balinese spiritual guide, bringing along my 11year old nephew for the trip. It was an early start (5am!) in order for our hosts to do their morning offerings before leaving and for us to get dressed correctly in the appropriate outfit. The drive there gave time for reflection on the modern versus traditional lifestyle, along often winding roads up the hills we would pass through many villages with bustling morning Pasars (markets). Villagers buy their supplies daily, whether it be to financial constraints, no refrigeration or just tradition, it reminded me of when you interacted with your neighbors on a daily basis. Conversing about each others coming and goings, all smiles and chatter, a simple life brings simple joy, sometimes in our to busy life we find ourselves searching for the joy which is always there in all present moments, clouded by constant striving for achievement, wealth and what we think will be a “better life” is the message that being happy is simple.
My 11 years old nephew with
Around an hour and a halfs drive and we reached our first destination, Pura Bersaki, the oldest temple on the island of Bali, it is commonly known to locals as “The Mother Temple” and is located at the base of Mt Agung, Bali’s most famous volcano. Pak Wayan tells me of the last true eruption of Agung in 1965 when the lava flowed freely down the vast mountain but amazingly passed around Pura Bersaki destroying all but leaving the holy temple unscathed! The temple is held in such esteem by the local Hindu Balinese there is a 100 year pilgrimage with pilgrims carrying offerings by foot for hundreds of miles to attend. There is a sense of calm once we have entered and walk amongst the sprawling gardens feeling the cool mountain air, at once you notice there are many individual temples inside with each representing an individual deity or spirit. My partner and I came specifically to visit Pura Kiara Tengan with the relevance being of the Hindu philosophy of “Rwa Benida” which loosely translates to dualism, the belief the universe works when in balance, good with bad, life and death, male and female.
After this we were lucky enough to go and meet our guide’s brother who was a Mangku, or priest, where we enjoyed tea and a brief philosophical discussion in the beautiful garden at his house with him recommending for us to visit the Pura Gelap temple 5 minutes further up the mountain. And what a recommendation this was as it turned out to be the “Odalan” or temple anniversary which was quite an event! At Pura Gelap the locals and visitors give praise and thanks to the God in his manifestation as Batara Iswarta, Protector of the Eastern direction of the universe. Pura Gelap has a magnificent, slightly daunting, staircase to an extravagant entry which is understandably a very popular photo opportunity. Due to the elevation there are also sweeping views back towards the west where on a clear day you can see all the way to the Garuda monument at Jimbaran. Inside hundreds of locals prayed whilst the Gamalan players played traditional music, the Mangku was ringing the bell and a magnificent chant was coming from loudspeakers, we joined them in prayer/meditation. It was such an intense experience, the whole vibration was akin to that of being at a large concert where you can feel the bass pulsing through your whole body, even to recall it now still gives me goosebumps.
Our hosts organised a spiritual guide sometimes called a Balian or simply Bapak Jero without which this would only have been a sightseeing or tourist experience. Not only will you discuss the guidance you are seeking yourself and for what reasons, you will also learn so much about the rich and ancient history of Balinese Hindus. Bapak Jero will also gently guide you through ceremony, prayer or manifestation, depending on which, a Mangku will chant the prayer and ring his bell while we sit barefoot and cross legged in front of the shrine offering flowers of varying colours in prayer. During this I sit and listen, eyes closed letting the chant take me where it may and the bell physically reverberate through me.
Our final destination, by far for me my favourite and most transformative, was Pura Pejinengan. This was a bit further around Agung and at a higher elevation, it was certainly off the beaten track, deeper in the forest and as such less touristy and quieter, in fact we were the only people there. The temple is set in deep rainforest with all sorts of lush green ferns and trees above and below large rock overhangs into which some of the temple has been carved. You cannot help but feel the awe of nature’s energy washing over you bringing peace and inner calm. I personally visited Pura Pejingan at the direction of my spiritual guide, at the time my 11 year old nephew was visiting and not only tagged along but also joined in, participating in a full Malukat (cleansing) ceremony. I’d thought maybe all the meditation and prayer may be a bit boring for him at such an age, but when he returned home to Australia he told his parents and friends it was the highlight of his visit( even topping Waterbomb park!) The Tap Sai Temple within Pura Pejinengan is the residence of Ida Batara Sri Upasedana, who consists of Dewi Sariswati, the goddess of knowledge, Dewi Sri, a symbol of prosperity and Batara Rambut, the god of money. It was here Pak Jero suggested I manifest or pray for what I wish in my life and as I sat to do so, in the midst of the beautiful forest, with my partner and nephew beside me, in Bali, a realisation came over me that I already had all I want, and gratitude was all I felt.
Josh’s reflection beautifully encapsulates the heart of what we at Floating Leaf strive to offer—authentic, immersive experiences that allow our guests to connect deeply with Bali’s spiritual essence.
We are honored to have been part of Josh’s spiritual journey and welcome anyone seeking a transformative retreat in Bali to connect with us.
