Balinese temples contain wonderful examples of stone carving and if you get the chance, visit a large temple and check out all the gods and animals represented. You might see crocodiles, monkeys, a giant turtle and a variety of mythological characters.
One of the types of stone used in Bali is paras, a grey volcanic stone that can be scratched with a nail. It ends up covered in moss and actually hardened up over time. This is paired with red brick in many newer commercial and temple structures. Often it's the most moss covered part of the temple that is the oldest and contains the most significance.
The hot, humid atmosphere in Bali means that wood carvings and paintings deteriorate fast. Stone lasts a long time and that's why Bali's oldest relics are stone or metal. Balinese stonework has resisted change from the outside because tourists do not want a heavy chunk of stone as a souvenir. If you want to check out a fine selection of stone carvings for sale go to Batubulan, south of Ubud.
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