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BALI TEMPLES
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GOA LAWAH
The road continuing east
parallels lovely seascapes with a full
view of Nusa Penida, inviting sunbathing,
picnics and refreshing swims. One passes
close to the sinister Goa Lawah, the Bat
Cave, whose walls literally vibrate with
thousands of bats-their bodies packed
so close together that the upper surface
of the cave resembles undulating mud.
The sight would be more eerie if it weren't
that whenever the creatures venture out
of the cave into daylight, their radar
sense directs them back into their murky
dwelling place. Being an extraordinary
phenomenon, Goa Lawah is considered holy.
Atemple with shrines protects the entrance.
The cave is said to extend all the way
back to Besakih, and may,contain an underground
river, which comes uiX it is said, at
Pura Goa (Cave Temple) within the Besakih
complex-a temple associated with the mythological
naga or serpent Basuki which is
also honored at Pura Goa Lawah, where
'a snake is said to live, feeding on bats.

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