While I spend most of my time in Lovina lounging by the pool with a book, I take one afternoon to visit two nearby sites.

The first is Banjar Hot Springs, about ten minutes away on the back of a motorbike (not that I know that from personal experience, Mom).

There are three pools of various temperatures fed by natural hot springs. Entrance is around $2 per person. There are lockers and bathrooms available for a small fee.

This place is tucked away in a dense pocket of palm trees. Makes for a very nice setting:

There are very few people here today and I easily find a place to layout my towel and bag while I take a dip.

From the looks of it, some people spend all day here, but after about 45 minutes I’ve had enough.

I grab a bite to eat in the restaurant overlooking the hot springs and read for a bit.

Brahma Vihara Arama is a peaceful temple a few minutes away from the hot springs. There’s an elaborate entrance and shrines built along the path to the temple itself. All of it is very picturesque and quiet.

The courtyard is charming, ornate, and full of eye-catching details that will impress any photographer.

We’re not even at the temple yet…! This place is much more elaborate than I expected.

I climb up another staircase and find the actual Brahma temple:

It’s like a mini-Borobudur, the giant temple complex in Java covered with similar stupas.

There’s not much information on this site (either in person or on-line) so I don’t have many details to add. Enjoy these images from a very pretty temple.

I take off my shoes and walk inside. With the exception of one other visitor who wanders in for a minute or two, I’m alone. It’s incredibly peaceful.

If you’re in Lovina, consider checking out Banjar Hot Springs. And definitely check out the Brahma Vihara Arama temple!