R. Doug Wicker's Blog, page 22

Fun Photo Friday — Lombok Favorites 3

Brother, Can You Spare a ‘Nana?

Today finishes up our look at Lombok. Next week we continue on to our next Indonesian destination, Benoa. Until then, enjoy:

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Indonesia — Lombok; The Architectural Details of Pura Lingsar

Pura Lingsar’s Segara Anak Spring

The shrine pictured above sits at one end of the Sagara Anak Spring, with is contained within the enclosure to the right. This spring is considered sacred, and to hold purifying powers. For a closer look:

Segara Anak Spring

Overlooking this spring is this chap:

Segara Anak Spring

Now, as you may have long ago guessed, I’m a sucker for old windows and doors, as well as weathered and worn masonry. So, if you step across to the other side of the spring...

Indonesia — Lombok; Pura Lingsar

Worshippers at Pura Lingsar

After loading up the group tour bus we turned this time west toward a very special religious site. Today and Wednesday I will be showing you Pura Lingsar, the holiest temple site on the entire island of Lombok. But this time there are two religions at work here — Hindu and Wetu Telu, a Muslim sect unique to the Sasak people of Lombok.

Worshippers at Pura Lingsar

Pura Lingsar was built in 1714 during the reign of King Anak Agung Ngurah. And because if this site...

Indonesia — Fun Photo Friday — Lombok Favorites 2

A Splash of Lombok Color

Today is the second of three Lombok Fun Photo Friday favorites:

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Indonesia — Lombok; More on Pura Suranadi

Pura Suranadi

Today we continue our visual tour of Pura Suranadi, a Hindu temple site on Indonesia’s island of Lombok. And since they say a picture is worth a thousand words, I’ll be giving you about eight thousands words’ worth to enjoy. But before I present those final six photos in today’s photo gallery/slide show, I want you to meet our greeter to this religious site:

Indonesian Macaque

Now for today’s visual tour of Pura Suranadi:

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Indonesia — Lombok; Narmada Park and Pura Suranadi

Narmada Park

Our next two tour destinations on Lombok were Narmada Park and Pura Suranadi Temple, both of which we’ll look at today. Narmada Park dates back to 1727. Built by King Anak Agung Ngurah Karangasem, this site was designed as a tranquil royal retreat. The park has a wellspring that is still considered by some to be a “Fountain of Youth”

Narmada Park

The royal family had many comfortable areas from which to enjoy the surrounding views:

Narmada Park

And what views they are,...

Fun Photo Friday — Lombok Favorites 1

Bright and Charming

Today I present the first of three Fun Photo Fridays consisting of Lombok favorites:

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Indonesia — Lombok; Mayura Mataram

Mayura Park

Just minutes east of Mataram lies a marvelous water park and garden. Today I present to you the royal Mayura Park. This is simply a magical place with many items of visual and photographic interest. The grounds are replete with waters, statuary, temples, and shrines. Construction was completed around 1866 under the direction of the crown prince.

Mayura Park

The park surrounds a large rectangular pool at the center of which is:

Mayura Park

Want a taste of what awaits you ...

Indonesia — Lombok; Arrival and Indonesian Textiles

A Ferry Approaches Lombok

Our next stop after Komodo (series begins here) was the island of Lombok in the Indonesian province of West Nusa Tenggara. As with all the destinations we hit in Indonesia, blue water and lush tropical jungles were in evidence as we sailed into port:

Another Ferry Visits Lombok

As you can see, boat travel between the islands of Indonesia thrives here as well:

Indonesia — Land of Freighters and Ferries

Disembarking our vessel, Holland America’s MS Volendam,...

Fun Photo Friday — Komodo Favorites 2

Inviting Beach Where YOU are on the Menu!

Next week it’s time to move on to what was our next Indonesia destination. Until then, here is today’s Fun Photo Friday of Komodo favorites:

Komodo Commuter Parking Lot Mushroom on Komodo Komodo Beauty Komodo Dragon Sneaking Up on Me

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