Miss World 2013 contestants from (L to R) Sweden, Slovenia, Hungary, Peru and Chinese Taipei pose before their tour of Mother Temple of Besakih in eastern Bali. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World 2013 contestants from (L to R) Sweden, Slovenia, Hungary, Peru and Chinese Taipei pose before their tour of Mother Temple of Besakih in eastern Bali. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook) Miss World/Facebook

Contestants at Miss World 2013 have been exploring Indonesia as they prepare for the pageant's final to be held in Jakarta on 28 September.

On one of several expeditions to discover Balinese culture, the contestants visited Pura Besakih, or the Mother Temple of Besakih, which is located in eastern Bali on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest volcano (3140m) on Bali Island.

Pura Besakih, a pyramidal temple, is the most important shrine of Hindu religion in Bali. The exact date when the temple was built is not known since it existed before the spread of Hinduism in Bali in the fifth century.

The Miss World 2013 contestants took part in religious rituals at the temple on the morning of 11 September. They also visited a fine art museum, the Rudana Gallery, located within the temple.

"The visit to the temple was wonderful, and I had a great sensation of peace and tranquility," contestant Elena Ibarbia of Spain said, according to the official website of the Miss World Organisation.

The contestants had a chance to study the ancient architecture and significance of the temple as they embarked on a guided tour.

Another contestant from El Salvador, Paola Vanessa, who is an architecture student, called the temple "a wonderful piece of architecture" and described seeing it as "once in a lifetime experience."

Have a look at some of the photos from Miss World 2013 contestants' religious tour in Bali:

Miss World 2013 contestants head to Mother Temple of Besakih in eastern Bali. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World 2013 contestants were led to a courtyard, and began their visit with a blessing by a priest in a ritual to show respect for the surroundings. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World 2013 contestants do Namaste, Indonesian style of greet, as they prepare for visiting Mother Temple of Besakih in eastern Bali. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World 2013 contestants do Namaste, an Indonesian style of greeting, as they prepare to visit Mother Temple of Besakih in eastern Bali. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
All the contestants wore similar wraparound skirt during their visit to temple. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
All the contestants wore similar wraparound skirts during their visit to temple. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
The Mother Temple of Besakih, which is located in eastern Bali on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest volcano (3140m) on Bali Island. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
The Mother Temple of Besakih, which is located in eastern Bali on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest volcano (3140m) on Bali Island. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World 2013 contestant from Hungary pose in front of the Mother Temple of Besakih. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World 2013 contestant from Hungary poses in front of the Mother Temple of Besakih. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World Hong Kong China (L) and Miss World Denmark (R) along with all 130 contestants of Miss World 2013 pageant took part in various religious rituals at the temple. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World Hong Kong China (L) and Miss World Denmark (R) along with all 130 contestants from the Miss World 2013 pageant took part in various religious rituals at the temple. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
The contestants prayed and performed rituals as told.  (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
The contestants prayed and performed rituals (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World Gibraltar receives holy water from a priestess at the temple.  (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World Gibraltar receives holy water from a priestess at the temple. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
(L to R)  Miss World Philippines, Miss World El Salvador, Miss World Denmark and Miss World Bolivia pose during their visit to the temple in eastern Bali. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
(L to R) Miss World Philippines, Miss World El Salvador, Miss World Denmark and Miss World Bolivia pose during their visit to the temple in eastern Bali. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World India (in green) listen to temple's proceedings along with other Miss World 2013 contestants. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Miss World India (in green) listens to proceedings along with other Miss World 2013 contestants. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
Post temple visit, the contestants were treated to some cultural extravaganza. Miss World Haiti poses with traditional Balinese dancers. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)
After the temple visit, contestants were treated to some cultural extravaganza. Miss World Haiti poses with traditional Balinese dancers. (Photo: Miss World/Facebook)

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