A short trip across the Badung strait from Bali, the island of Nusa Penida is a world apart. Though separated from the larger island by strong currents half of the year, Nusa Penida has long played an integral role in the spiritual life of the Balinese people. Traditionally seen as having strong ties to the underworld, the steep cliffs and mountainous terrain of this limestone island are closer to the dry rocky terrain of Lombok and eastern Indonesia than to that of Bali. Now famous for its vibrant seaweed farming culture, as the home of a bird and wildlife sanctuary, and as a spiritual pilgrimage destination, most Balinese will visit Nusa Penida at least one time every ten years.

Join one of our Fivelements guides as we board a speedboat in Kusamba for the journey across the strait with the majestic Mount Agung an ever-watchful custodian our crossing. Meet resident assistant of the honourable high priest, Ida Rsi Bhagawan Darma Cadhu Sakti at his home, a distinguished high priest and leader of the spiritual community in Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, three Balinese islands off the east coast of Bali. He is also guardian of the sacred cave temple, Goa Giri Putri, in Nusa Penida, which is considered among the most sacred pilgrimages in Bali. Ida Rsi Bhagawan Darma Cadhu Sakti or his assistant will then be our guide on a ritual walk through the Goa Giri Putri, the cave temple, said to be a womb from which spiritual pilgrims are re-born. We will stop at sacred sites along the way for blessings, ritual cleansing and a short meditation at the heart of the cave.