GOA GAJAH

North of Mount Batur, overlooking the Petanu River, is Goa Gajah, site of an intriguing archaeological mystery. The man-made caves here date from the eight century and feature Buddhist inscriptions and carvings, even though Buddhists are known to never have lived in Bali.

Above the entrance to the cave is a giant head, with floppy ears, thought by many to be an elephant, of which there is also no record in Bali. This is a special place, especially if you can avoid the crowds.