Miss World Visit to the Mother Temple of Besakih

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For most people waking up very early in the morning fills them with dread, but some days it is definitely worth it. Yesterday morning was one of those days.

At 5am the contestants leaped out of their beds and got themselves ready for a trip into East Bali. The destination – The Mother Temple of Besakih, or Pura Besakih. This temple is in the east of Bali, on the slopes of Mount Agung. At 3140m it is the highest volcano on the island. This is the most important Hindu temple on the islands, It has a pyramidal structure, and it is very, very, old. When the Hindu influence arrived in Bali, the temple was already there, so they do not know the exact date that it was built…



Upon arrival, the contestants disembarked from their coach and were greeted by the priests who look after the sacred grounds of Pura Besakih. All of the contestants were given the chance to see this beautiful temple, then the groups were split to spend time at two destinations – The Pura Besakih, and the Rudana Gallery, a museum of beautiful fine art (more on that later!). For those who stayed at the temple, we will continue.



The contestants were led to a courtyard, and began their visit with a blessing by one of the priests, a short ritual to show their respect for their surroundings.

After the blessing they took a tour of the temple grounds, and led by local experts and priests they were taught the history and the significance of the various aspects of the temple. After this, they were then able to explore the temple on their own and find for themselves the beautiful architecture of the complex.



Reflecting upon the visit, Spain said that “The visit to the temple was wonderful, and I had a great sensation of peace and tranquillity.” When asked about how Miss World 2013 was going for her so far, she said that “it is a great experience, and I am getting on well with the other contestants.” She went on to say that she is working hard, and she hopes that this work will help her to win the Miss World Crown. She also said that her mother is coming to see her at the Final.



El Salvador told us that she is a student of architecture, and that she thought that the temple is a wonderful piece of architecture, and to see it was a once in a lifetime experience. She was surprised at how many members of the press and the local public were there to take photographs of them and with them. On the Miss World experience as a whole, she said that she thinks she is doing well, and she has fully adapted to the change in lifestyle and time zone that the competition entails. She says that she is working hard so that she gives a good impression of her country and she said “I am representing all women in El Salvador.”



After saying their goodbyes and thanking the guides for their hospitality, the contestants boarded the coach to go to the town of Ubud, where they re-joined the other half of the group and had a wonderful meal at the Bebek Tepi Sawah. A Balinese dance was performed for the contestants during their meal, to round off another beautiful day in paradise…