Ubud is the ideal basis to explore some interesting landmarks and sights of Central Bali and enjoy the enthralling Balinese landscapes. Venture north up to the Gunung Kawi. These famous rock shrines are fascinating marks of kings long gone by. Gunung Kawi refers to a series of 11th century tombs. To reach them, you have to walk down a steep flight of some three hundred steps, through a massive rock-hewn archway, all the way to the sacred Pakrisan River. It’s an impressive location, completely enshrined in a lush valley. There are lots of theories about the origins and function of these tombs or candi, as they are also considered as sacred temples. Most probably they were memorials to rulers from a long lost era. Then it is onwards to Bayad. After lunch, you’re in for a refreshing hike. A track of 6 km leads through tropical rain forest, gardens with more than 150 different fruits, spices & herbs, ancient religious caves and breathtaking views over the Petanu River. End the day at Petulu, where every evening thousands of white herons fly in from kilometers around to roost in certain trees, quite an astonishing spectacle. No one knows why these birds have chosen to make Petulu their home. A local story claims that the birds are reincarnations of thousands of men and women who died in the civil war that raged through Bali in 1966. Many of the victims were buried near here, and the birds are said to have started coming here only after a big ceremony was held in memory of the dead.