Mountain view in Silanguin. The cove is not only perfect for swimming but also for hiking. Trek and rediscover the hidden falls. November 2017
We first encountered Pundaquit in November 2016 when I was looking for a quick getaway close to Manila. We were bound to Nagsasa that time and while waiting for the bus departure in Pasay terminal, I had a chance to converse with a couple who also manages tours in Pundaquit. They mentioned about the farthest cove in the area which usually takes an hour and a half by boat, less crowded and more mesmerizing! My fascination of Silanguin has ignited that day, and just last week, in time for the US thanksgiving, that very wanderlust became a reality.
The cove’s long stretch flaunts its powdery gray sands. November 2017
How to get to Silanguin Cove?
The best way to get to Silanguin is by private car for the land travel. You need to head to San Antonio, Zambales (destination before reaching Iba, Zambales) then take a route to Pundaquit. Once you reached the Pundaquit beach, rent a boat and tell the boatman that you are headed to Silanguin Cove.
The tourism signage of San Antonio Zambales. November 2017The crowdy Pundaquit Beach with its equally stunning mountain views. November 2017
Alternatively, you may take a bus bound for Iba, Zambales or Santa Cruz, Zambales. In our case, we took a Victory Liner Bus in Pasay Terminal and departed around 4AM. I suggest to buy tickets for San Antonio in the booth to secure a designated seat. You will not want a scene where you are comfortably seated and an irate passenger who just came in would tell you that you are on his seat.
Travel time will take around 4 hours until you reach the town proper of San Antonio. Do not worry if you are not familiar with the place as the bus conductor will get everyone’s attention once the bus reaches the destination.
From San Antonio Municipal Hall, you will need to hire a tricycle going to Pundaquit. It will take around 15 minutes until you reach the beach where you can rent a boat for Silanguin. Travel time from Pundaquit beach will take around 2 hours to the cove.
The main landmark for San Antonio is its municipal hall. November 2017
Cost Breakdown to Silanguin Cove
Victory Liner Bus to San Antonio – PHP 550.00 round trip (PHP 275.00 one way)
Tricycle from San Antonio to Pundaquit Beach – PHP 60.00 per head round trip (PHP 30.00 one way)
Beautiful sceneries are usual in clean San Antonio. November 2017
Environmental Fee – PHP 40.00 per head
Boat good for 4 persons (Standard) – PHP 2,500.00 to PHP 3,500.00 round trip and inclusive of island hopping.
For Boat services, you may contact kuya Johnny Oligario at 09202224687. His rates for 4-passenger boats are as follows:
4 passengers : PHP 3,000.00
2 passengers : PHP 2,500.00
5 passengers or more : PHP 2,500.00 per boat
On top of the round trip travel, service may include, tents, cooking utensils, drinking water, firewood, ice and cooler depending on the arrangement. (Make sure to mention these add-ons when you contact him)
TIP : NEVER PAY THE COMPLETE BOAT RATE RIGHT AWAY. I was advised by kuya Johnny to pay only half on our way to Silanguin and pay the other half on the way to Pundaquit to avoid getting scammed.
Entrance Fee: PHP 150.00 per head (We checked in to Mang Rading’s (Rodrigo Ogario) resort.
Cottage: PHP 500.00 per day for open cottages and PHP 800.00 per day for cottages with a super basic room/space for sleeping.
Activities to do in Silanguin
Aside from swimming, I would recommend walking along its long stretch. Its powdery sand makes walking on bare feet comfortable. Just make sure to do the walking on the late afternoon as the sands could get really hot at noon!
Who says gray sand and clear waters are not beautiful? Silanguin cove proves that you can never judge a beach by its sands. November 2017
The left portion of the cove when facing the sea is more amusing than the right. It has a river and a sandbar which separates freshwater with the saltwater.
A closer look to the river with its curves and natural soil carving. November 2017My sister and I having fun in the sandbar. The water in the foreground is freshwater while the one beyond the sandbar is saltwater. November 2017
You can have a quick plunge to the waist-level water of the river. Its fresh, clear and cool water is very ideal for those who are not good swimmers but still want to have a splash! This spot of the cove equates to fun! Truly a stunning scenery and a natural playground where you can spend a day without getting bored! If not for the rain and the dusk coming in, we could have spent more time to the place. Definitely a good justification to revisit soon!
If you want a more challenging activity, you may opt to do hiking to chase the Silanguin waterfalls. In our case, we coordinated with the owner of the resort that we checked in and he recommended someone who could assist us to the falls. We started the trek around 6:30 AM for a rate of PHP 100.00 per head.
Trekking in Silanguin. We passed by tall weeds and huge boulders on our way to the falls. November 2017
The trek took us around an hour before we finally reached the falls. We passed by tall weeds, huge boulders and river trails. It was actually an easy trek, but it can tend to be a little slippery along the way. It is advisable to wear jogging pants, long sleeve tops and trekking shoes to avoid getting cuts and bruises along the way.
Trekking in Silanguin means passing by talls weeds and huge boulders in the river trail. November 2017
I was actually wishing that it will all be worth it. I initially had that feeling that they are promoting just anything to have additional offering on their ads, but boy, when we reached the destination, I wanted to plunge right away!
This low tiered falls will totally stun your eyes with its natural beauty. November 2017
The falls is a low-tiered falls, but it left us totally stunned! Its sweet and clear waters made the kid in me mind its usual routine as fun started to unfold.
The kid in me enjoyed the clear waters of the falls. Its black boulders accented mystery to its pool. November 2017
Personal Insights
Silanguin cove is far for sure, but a six-hour total travel is still tolerable enough to satisfy that wanderlust. The scenic view of the cove is so relaxing that it will replenish that zen that your mind is longing for.
Wandering Silanguin is a total interaction with nature. November 2017
The farthest cove of Pundaquit delivers. Its long stretch of gray sands may seem ordinary for many, but if one would saunter around and witness the river, the natural soil carvings and the sandbars, he/she will definitely utter that this place is worthy to be revisited again and again and again.
Its gray sands will never be Silanguin’s debacle. Dark is equally beautiful. November 2017
The mountain range of the cove is ideal for active guests too. Just make sure that you trek with a guide to avoid accidents along the way.
The hidden falls is also something to look forward to. Its untouched beauty is very welcoming and its a total relief for the busy mind. It is total interaction with Mother Nature!
All in all, the enthusiasm in me got retained up to this moment to the extent that I already have plans of visiting it again. I will definitely give this place a 9.8 soloist score!
I am certainly having fun. The rainbow’s end is just above me. I should be lucky. November 2017
Pura Batu Bolong kissed by the sun later in the day. August 2017
Bali Indonesia – an island where culture, arts and religion meet, the Hindu paradise which sets it different from the rest of the Indonesian archipelago and the “Land of Thousand Temples” above anything else. Yes! you read it right! It really is temples everywhere in Bali! So if you have fancy over these structures of faith and arts, then you better take your sarong with you and saunter to your heart’s content! But which temples should you visit first? I guess you better scroll down now!
7. Pura Goa Gajah
Pura Goa Gajah Cave and the carved face mistaken as an elephant.
Pura Goa Gajah is a temple near Ubud. It is named after a carved face on the cave’s entrance which was first thought to be of an elephant, thus the moniker “Elephant Cave”. The eerie face on the cave with a huge mouth which serves as a doorway is said to be depicting a demon to scare evil spirits. Sadly, contrary to its name, there are no elephants roaming around the complex. An elephant statue at the entrance will probably compensate a little.
Temple Information found at the entrance. August 2017The elephant statue at the entrance of the temple. August 2017
The complex is relatively huge. It has the cave, the bathing temples, a Buddhist shrine and covers a little portion of a river.
The river within the complex. August 2017
B. Inside the Cave
The inside structure of the elephant cave is T-shaped, whereas the vertical line of the letter “T” depicts the passageway and the horizontal line the “hallway”. The man-made cave is a little dark inside, it is lit by low voltage bulbs enough to keep the sacred vibe.
The passageway after the mouth entrance. August 2017The Statue of Ganesha. August 2017Lingam and Yoni statues found inside the Goa Gajah cave. August 2017
Perceiving the cave as a little eerie, I still managed to look around and take pictures. You can witness the face of Ganesha, Lingam and Yoni statues inside. For those who are not familiar with Lingam and Yoni, these are divine procreative energies depicted by the penis and the vagina.
C. Personal Insight
8/10 Score
The whole complex is amusing. At first you will have that thinking like elephants are the major attraction of the place, but upon further reading, it is just all in the name! The cave is very artistic and it is the only temple (that we visited) which has this. A little scary inside, but you will not really stay for a while. 5 to 10 minutes is basically alright unless you will pray like a Balinese follower.
The bathing temple is as deep as the height of two average. August 2017The right side of the bathing temple with reference to the umbrella on the left. August 2017The left side of the bathing temple with reference to the umbrella on the right. August 2017
The bathing temples are other attractions and the pouring water contrasts the eerie vibe of the cave. You may also opt to visit the Buddhist shrine passing along the river but for a separate fee. Just saunter around! The place is instagrammable!
The complex is huge to saunter around. August 2017
The beautifully aligned meru’s of Taman Ayun. August 2017
Taman Ayun is a famous spot located in Mengwi, Badung Regency. The name of the temple translates to “Beautiful Garden” and anyone would find it hard to disagree. With its amusingly aligned tiers, ornate gates and structures, gardens and lotus ponds, you will definitely get to witness a temple in a well-maintained religious park.
The bridge entrance of Taman Ayun, surrounded by a river. August 2018.
Pura Taman Ayun was also built to serve as a mother temple for the Mengwi people so they will not need to travel far to visit a major temple like Pura Besakih.
B. Inside the Complex
The temple has three divisions where one division is a level more important or more significant than the other. Each courtyard is surrounded by canals and can only be entered with a short bridge where very ornate gates called Candid Bentar commonly greet guests who visit the temple. It has to be noted that some of the courtyards which are considered very important are closed to tourists. You can only enter if you are to pray with all the proper religious attire and offering.
The gate to the first division. Ornate and detailed. August 2017
In the first courtyard, you will get to see a well maintained park with a fountain in the middle. It has nine water jets which symbolize the Dewa Nawa Sanga, the nine main gods of Balinese Hinduism.
The fountain in the first division. August 2017
Near the fountain, you will find the wooden bell tower. At first, we were not convinced like it could produce the same sound quality as a metal bell, but boy, we were wrong!!!
The equally ornate wooden bell tower in the first division. August 2017
You can also witness the lifesize cockpit diorama in this division. Just nostalgic because we have the same in the Philippines. It is just that in Bali it is pure amusement and no betting involved.
The second courtyard will not leave you upset with its equally elaborate gates. It encloses the most important courtyard called the Jaba Jero where amusingly aligned Meru’s are located.
Another ornate gate in the second division. August 2017
C. Personal Insight
8.5/10 Score
Taman Ayun is a very attractive temple. Its astonishingly decorated walls, gates and structures are always picture perfect. Its gardens, ponds and bridges add a distinct touch to the temple which makes it more amusing. The alignment of the meru’s (towers) are also very pleasing to the eyes while passing along to the exit. I actually even wished that we were allowed to enter the most important courtyard, but as mentioned above, it is closed for religious reasons.
The most important spot is enclosed and can only be accessed by followers who are paying tributes. August 2017The towering meru’s amusingly aligned in the most important division. August 2017
The whole complex also being surrounded by a river has this very positive vibe. Really a temple of enclosures within enclosures within enclosures.
The river on the side. Located near the wooden bell tower, one has to walk further to the end side of the tower to see it. August 2017
Now, what makes this temple score higher than Goa Gajah? – Taman Ayun’s numerous very detailed gates, well maintained gardens and beautifully aligned towers.
Take the stairway to the mountain top and enjoy the cool breeze. August 2017
The Besakih Temple or most commonly known as the “Mother Temple” is the most important Balinese Temple of all. Standing 1,000 meters high on the bevel of Mount Agung, it is understandable why it is regarded so supremely.
Pura Besakih is the holiest in the island, so to the Balinese, visiting the temple and paying high respects to the place is a special pilgrimage.
The mother temple comprises several temples which according to my guide were owned by families for generations. The family members gather together regularly for special events where they have the chance to get to know even the most distant relatives! They all need to know their roots! A good practice to keep the whole clan bonded together!
The Mother temple is the biggest of all Balinese temples. Being the most important and the holiest as mentioned earlier on this write up, you could expect nothing but the best from this place.
Mount Agung serves as a grandeur background of the complex, so just imagine how majestic it is if it is backed up by ornate gates and bright gardens! The first Candid Bentar will greet you after taking the stairway, but like every important temple, no one is allowed to come in unless you are to pray and pay respect with appropriate attire and offerings.
The way to the temple’s main entrance. Mount Agung standing mightily on the background. August 2017A closer shot with Mount Agung on the background. August 2017The stairs leading to the ornate Candid Bentar (Entrance). You can only take a pose. Only followers with religious causes are allowed to pass by the gates. August 2017
Tourists can however reach the topmost part of the complex by passing the gates located on the sides. These gates just lead to further walkways and will not give access to the main temple.
Tourist may take the gates on either sides to get to the top. On this pic you can see the other stairway on the left. August 2017
Passing by the gates on the side, you will see several temples along the walkways owned by families for generations. You can also have a glimpse of what is inside the main temple.
Taking the stairway on the right, we get to meet people exiting by the same gate. August 2017Merus and shrines inside the walled main temple. August 2017
Taking more steps up, you will get to see the viewing deck. A souvenir shop will greet you at the top and be prepared to hear the enchanting music of the chimes. Cool breeze is a regular visitor, so these chimes will amuse you bigtime like there is no tomorrow.
The scenery at the top. The aligned meru’s in the main temple are visible on this spot. August 2017The shrines and tiers in the main temple are visible at the souvenir shop. August 2017
C. Personal Insight
8.8/10 Score
Being the biggest of all the temples, you got to spare energy to saunter around! The stairways are pretty high so you better sweat your thighs a little. I personally did not get too exhausted but you need to bring bottled water to quench that frequent thirst! It is going to be a little work out!
Pura Besakih has a huge complex. Mount Agung makes the tour more worthwhile. August 2017
Like most of the temples, lots of tourists flock for a visit. You better be early to get good shots and minimize photobombers on your pictures!
Lots of tourists flock this very famous temple. You need to wait for them to come down before you can take a decent picture of this candid bentar. August 2017
There are not much of activities in the area. Picture taking, shopping and really more of sight seeing activities. The most amusing part though are the stairways and the fact that you get to see an overlooking view of the place! It is very cool at the viewing deck and the chimes add an exotic feel to the visit.
So what makes this place stand out over Pura Taman Ayun? The one and the mighty Mount Agung! The natural background is astounding! You will realize right away that the temple was built in front of the mountain on purpose. The scenery at the top is also something that adds up to the score. The cool breeze that touches your face coupled by the sounding chimes is just a perfect match!
Chimes in the foreground and the overlooking view of the main temple. August 2017
Update as of September 23, 2017 – Indonesian authorities raised the alert status, meaning eruption of Mount Agung could be imminent. Thousands of residents have been evacuated from villages near the volcano.
4. Pura Ulun Danu
The meru seemingly floating in the Beratan Lake. August 2017
Pura Ulun Danu which literally means “The source temple of Lake Beratan” is one of the major Balinese temples located in Bedugul. This place in Bali is comparable to the Philippines’ very own Baguio which is very cool and mountainous.
The temple was built in the 17th century to worship the Hindu trinity and the Lake Goddess Dewi Danu.
B. Inside the Complex
The complex like the other Pura’s is relatively huge. It has colorful gardens and it is like a park more than anything else. The cool climate on this upland is certainly a plus and will make you want to stay and chill all day.
The complex has wide pathways and maintained gardens. August 2017Hello there Mister Owl. The complex has modern garden decors and are some sort of amusements for kids and kids at heart. August 2017A monument inside the complex with typical Balinese features. August 2017
The complex has a slight touch of modern gardening decors that differs it from other Pura’s. It is actually a breath of fresh air especially if you have been visiting several temples prior.
The Beratan Lake is also an added attraction. You can actually rent a boat and explore the lake at your hearts content. An activity that will make your visit more worthwhile.
The Beratan Lake reflecting the royal color of the sky. The meru’s shot at a different perspective. August 2018
C. Personal Insight
9/10 Score
I personally like Pura Ulun Danu. Visiting Bali on a summer would make you want to feel a cool breeze. This upland has what it takes to become the summer capital of Bali or even Indonesia. Boating or Kayaking is even allowed but for a fee. The complex somehow has a complete package : cool weather, gardens, mountain view, lake view, Balinese architecture and fun-filled activities!!! It even has a restaurant so no major problem when you get hungry! I could have personally spent more time if we didn’t have so much places to visit that day. I will definitely need to revisit soon!
The meru in Lake Beratan which can only be accessed by devoutees who are offering prayers. August 2017
So what makes this more special than Pura Besakih? – The cool weather and definitely, Lake Beratan. Mount Agung is without a doubt a gorgeous view, but the lake offers more activities like boating and kayaking. Lake Beratan has this impression of positivity and mystery being a lake on an upland.
The other view of Lake Beratan. One can do boating to explore the lake. August 2017Lake Beratan on a closer look. August 2017
So there goes my 7th to 4th favorites! Watch out for the 2nd part of my write up! Balinese Temples are the bests! Terima Kasih Indonesia!
Terima Kasih, Bali, Indonesia! Striking a pose in one of the Candid Bentar in Pura Ulun Danu. August 2018
jiyon the soloist 