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Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
The circular route around the Silver Pavilion begins in a dry sand garden, named the “Sea of Silver Sand,” where a cone-like representation of Mt. Fuji has been dubbed the “Moon Viewing Platform.” The grounds open up to a moss garden featuring ponds with islands and short bridges, streams, and a variety of foliage. The path snakes up a hill leading to a viewing point of the entire temple grounds and the city beyond. The path comes full circle with up-close views of the Silver Pavilion itself. Unlike some of Kyoto’s famous temples, none of the buildings at the Silver Pavilion can be viewed from the inside.
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Gitgit Waterfall
A popular stop between Singaraja and Denpasar, Gigit Waterfall is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the island. Easy to reach from the road, the falls have a drop of 131 feet (40-meter) into a picturesque pool where visitors can swim. There are actually three falls in the area—the other falls being smaller twin waterfalls. All are signposted from the road and reached by a short hike.
The Basics
Most travelers visit Gitgit Waterfall en route to somewhere else on the island, including Sekumpul Waterfall. Many tours to the dolphins at Lovina or the attractions at Bedugul, including Ulun Danu Bratan, stop at Gitgit Waterfall en route to south Bali. Gitgit Waterfall tours typically include a short hike, a photo stop, and a swim or splash in the pool below.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You can swim, or at least splash, in all three Gitgit falls just about year-round. Bring your bathing suit: There are simple changing rooms.
- Local myth claims that couples who visit Gitgit together will ultimately split up.
- Souvenir vendors can be persistent. A raised hand and a polite “no thank you” will often do the trick.
- The hike to the main falls is well made but includes stairs.
How to Get There
The Gitgit falls sit on the main road between Denpasar (and south Bali) and Singaraja, on the north coast. Unless you speak enough Indonesian to negotiate the “bemo” minibus system, they are not accessible by public transport. It’s possible to self-drive, but most visitors prefer to join a tour or arrange a private driver/guide, and combine the trip to the falls with visits to Bedugul, Lovina, or north Bali.
When to Get There
As with most Bali waterfalls, the Gitgit falls are at their most impressive during the rainy season (roughly October to May), or after rain during the dry season. The falls can get very busy so it’s best to arrive in the morning, before 10am, to avoid the crowd.
Bali’s Best Waterfalls
Lush landscapes and stark black rock make Bali’s waterfalls stand out, despite their relatively small scale. Besides Gitgit, Sekumpul Waterfall, near Singaraja, is a popular attraction; Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud offers a theatrical cascade; and Melanting Waterfall is the tallest and most impressive of the three falls around Munduk.
Du Fu Cottage
- Du Fu Cottage is a must-visit for history lovers and those interested in classical Chinese literature.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside exhibition rooms.
- Free umbrellas are available with a refundable deposit.
- Plan for enough time to stroll through the extensive grounds.
Ghum Monastery
- Ghum Monastery is a must-see for those with an interest in architecture and spirituality.
- Bring a jacket—it can be chilly here, especially in the early morning.
- The monastery is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- The grounds are vast, so plan for several hours at the site and wear comfortable shoes.
- You can rent English audio guides for a fee.
- A full day tour of Dujiangyan Irrigation System and Mount Qingcheng can take upwards of 10 hours.
Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha)
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Durbar Square
- Durbar Square, or palace square, is the UNESCO-listed heart of Kathmandu’s Old City.
- Keep an eye out for the Kumari (living goddess); she appears periodically from her 18th-century palace home.
- Shoulders covered: Remember to dress modestly when entering religious sites.
- Ask permission before photographing locals, especially the holy men known as sadhus.
- Admission tickets are required for entering the square, which has multiple entrance points.
Dule Temple (Temple of Solitary)
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Dusit Palace
Over 100 years later the complex is still the seat of power today, and there are many residences, organizations and political buildings spread around the grounds. The main highlight for visitors is the Vimanmek Mansion: King Rama V's former home and the largest teakwood residence in the world. There are also over a dozen museums on the grounds including several photography museums, a pottery-salvaged-from-shipwrecks museum and an ancient clock museum.
Dutch Cemetery
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Drum Tower Square
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Duolun Road
- Duolun Road isn’t a top tourist attraction, but it will appeal to those with an interest in Chinese architecture, art, and literature.
- Duolun Road itself is free to visit, but some of the attractions, including museums, charge an entrance fee.
- This is a great place to pick up antiques, books, art, and Mao-related memorabilia.
Dujiangyan Panda Base
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Giac Lam Pagoda
Giac Lam Pagoda is widely recognized as an important and historic pagoda, the oldest temple in the city. Built in 1744 on an undeveloped area of jungle, it has since been consumed into the west of the city.
Originally thatched, the buildings have undergone significant remodeling at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Historically significant, it is now protected as an official cultural heritage site.
In the main garden stands a famous bodhi tree donated by Sri Lanka to the temple in 1953, in its shade stands a statue of bodhisattva Aralokiteshvara. In the grounds also stands a 32 meter (100 foot) high seven story hexagonal stupa; in total there are over 100 statues to admire.
There is also an eerie and worth seeing funerary chamber with photos and shrines dedicated to former monks of the temple. At the main altar, Buddhists pray for peace and good health. By writing their names and their relatives' names on paper and sticking it into the grand bell they believe their wishes will be carried when the bell is struck and echoes into heaven.
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Located on Lac Long Quan, to the north of District 5, (not in Cholon area). May be combined with a visit to Cholon but a cyclo or taxi trip would be necessary to reach it.
Usual temple rules apply - respectful clothing, no hats, no smoking - but here shoes are permitted.
Geylang Serai Market
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Drum Tower (Gulou)
After marveling at the Drum Tower's impressive Chinese architecture, you can step inside and climb to its top level for views across the city. The tower features a museum, as well as regular drumming performances throughout the day. In addition, a small drum is available for visitors to beat three times a day for good luck in exchange for a fee.
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Gion Corner
- Performances last 50 minutes.
- Gion Corner offers tourist season discounts to encourage foreign visitors to experience Japan’s traditional arts. Check out the website for current details.
- Gion Corner has its own app for visitors to learn more about traditional arts before their visit. It can be downloaded from the Gion Corner website.
Dudhsagar Falls
- If you plan to hike up to the top of the falls, be sure to wear solid footwear—the trail can be slippery.
- The falls gets a lot of domestic visitors, and women should consider wearing covering their swimsuits out of respect for local modesty customs.
- The falls isn’t suitable for people for wheelchairs or others with limited mobility.
Ginza Shopping District
- Ginza is a must-visit for those with an interest in contemporary Japanese culture.
- The neighborhood is also a great destination for entertainment. The Kabuki-za Theater presents traditional Kabuki theater daily.
- The side streets of Ginza are home to many art galleries.
- The department store food halls generously hand out samples, making it easy to fill up cost-free.
Dudh Kosi River
The Basics
- Tours in this area are only recommended for those who are physically fit.
- Pack high-performance gear; ask for a packing list from your tour provider.
- Arrive a few days prior to your excursion to adjust to the altitude.
When to Get There