Bali — Shrines in Bali, Indonesia

So many shrines

September 2015

As you travel around Bali looking at the grand and formal temples, you should also take some time to look at the small shrines by the roadside and in peoples’ gardens and houses.

For example, take the shrine below, which was at the entrance to my hotel.

It is a shrine still much loved, looked after, and still in active use.

The shrines at the back of the hotel were even more impressive as they had umbrellas.

Religion in Bali is still very much a part of everyday life. Everywhere I went, I saw little trays of offerings being placed around buildings and shrines.

And these offerings were sometimes given at least a couple of times per day.

The offerings were incredibly ornate.

I was struck by how religious the Balinese were in their everyday lives. Not only did I see extensive use of temples and shrines (although admittedly, some temples were more used than others), but I also sensed what appeared to be a genuine love of the religion and that the worshippers weren’t just going through the motions.