Without much attention, one could easily mistake the place for yet another roadside temple, slightly larger perhaps, and may decide against its visit... for this portion of the road leading to Padang Bay, has little beauty if any.
For the curious however, an intriguing scene awaits behind the serene entrance. Indeed, within the cliff’s side, opens the mouth of a cave of mystical nature. It is believed that it’s gallery links the Pura Besakih, the mother temple, some twenty kilometre away to the Pura Peed on the island of Nusa Penida accross the straight. A legend yet to verify, the inside of the cave being sacred and therefore tabou to all other than its natural inhabitants.
Strolling under the majestic Ficus trees, wondering of the tale’s veracity, one suddenly cannot help but notice a strong and pungent odour. This is quickly followed by a strange and somewhat loud fluttering sound. Finally the temple inner courtyard comes to view, with in distance the entry wall of the cave, seemingly moving. A few more steps in and one realises that it actually is simply and totally lined with thousands of somewhat dormant bats, awaiting darkness to perform their nightly rounds.
Sacred and thus protected by the Balinese mystical beliefs, they rests undisturbed while curious onlookers and temple devotees fret in unison amongst the temple grounds. Danger is present however, granting the awaited thrill that makes this site a favourite amongst children. As it soon comes to be known that cave is not only home to the black winged “mice” and the various spirits roaming its depth, it is also the territory of some impressive and magnificent rock pythons! These children of the giant legendary snake,Naga Basuki protector of the earth's equilibrium that lives in the entrails of the cave, are dully announced by the many shrieks of delighted horror they provoke, slowly appearing out of some previously unnoticed crevasses, to scoop from the rock the feeble unprepared.
Goa Lawah - on the main road from Klungkung to Amlapura,West Padangbai, about 3km East of Kusumba.
- Posted by Stephanie Robert |
