During the 1930’s there was an up swell of religious conversions in West Bali led by Chinese and Dutch missionaries representing both Catholic and Protestant faiths.  Because of rising religious tension between Hindus and Christians in the villages, the Dutch relocated the Balinese Protestants to the highland village of Blimbingsari where they created their own community that still stands today with a large church in the middle of the village that features a number of modified architectural and motif elements from Balinese temples, such as the candi bentar (split gate) and kori agung (stone capped gate).  To the southeast of Blimbingsari is the Catholic village of Palasari that is the site of the largest Catholic Church in Eastern Indonesia with a congregation numbering in the hundreds.  Especially if visited on a Sunday or Christian holiday, both churches offer a very unique glimpse into the integration of Balinese and Christian culture with hymns sung to gamelan accompaniment, classical Balinese music and dance performances presented with biblical stories and characters rather than those of the Hindu epics, and even congregants presenting offerings and wearing traditional Balinese temple dress as their Sunday best.  The Palasari Dam is also worth a visit if in the area.  Located in the cool mountain village of Palarejo, it is a good location for fishing, paddle boating, and hiking via a number of scenic trails.

From the moment you enter the grand stone arch of Blimbingsari, you notice manicured grass verges, concrete flower pots every 50m and every driveway to every house concreted — everything looks so orderly and the people obviously take pride in their town. Looking further into the properties lining the road you notice beautifully maintained buildings with lush tropical gardens, crosses above the front door. The centre point of Blimbingsari is the stunning Protestant church, which could easily be mistaken for a Balinese Hindu temple if not for the sign out the front and a few crosses on the roof.

Palasari - the main reason to visit is for the Catholic church which would put many a Western church to shame in terms of aesthetic appeal. Built between 1955 and 1958 from white bricks, the church features grey Balinese accents and stone carvings and a massive steeple. Inside it is even more impressive with large wooden beams and picturesque natural lighting.