Petitenget Temple is one of the few cultural landmarks to have survived Seminyak’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village to a major tourist hub.
It’s an ancient temple and very much worth a visit. Our guide will explain what you can expect at this awesome temple.
Where Is Petitenget Temple?
Petitenget Temple is right next to the edge of Petitenget Beach, Seminyak and it’s a short walk from the sand to the temple.
Address: 8592+8XR, Jalan Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Petitenget Temple?
This area is connected to Ngurah Rai International Airport by Jalan Raya Kerobokan and Sunset Road and it’s an easy taxi drive.
It’s only a half-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and about the same from the other beach towns of Canggu, Kuta and Legian.
If you’re coming from any of those places or from Ubud, you will probably be best off using Grab or Gojek (the local Uber equivalents) and if you’re coming from further afield, you might want to look at hiring a private car for the day.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Petitenget Temple?
You can visit Petitenget Temple at any time of year and have a fascinating time of things.
We’d aim to get there early in the morning though if you want the best images of the Grand Bale Agung Pavilion, the temple’s vast courtyard and small pavilions draped in typical Balinese chequered cloths during anniversary celebrations, dragon stairs (made of red bricks), etc. as it can get a bit busy during the peak of the day.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Petitenget Temple?
The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR per person (that’s about $3.33 USD or $5 AUD). This is a bit expensive given that Petitenget Temple isn’t the biggest complex on the island.
The grounds are open 24 hours a day but tourists are generally only admitted during daylight hours.
A Brief History Of Petitenget Temple
The name Petitenget Temple comes from a compound of Petit or “Crate” and Tenget “Haunted”. Thus it’s a place that is meant to store or trap evil spirits and protect the islanders from them.
It’s not known exactly when the temple was built but this centuries-old temple was constructed sometime in the 16th century by a priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra.
It was built to ward off a plague in the local area which was caused by a local giant who had been asked to protect some treasure in the area. Once Petitenget Temple was constructed. The plague was over.
What To Expect At Petitenget Temple
Petitenget Temple or Pura Petitenget (Pura means “temple” in Indonesian is an attractive temple and one of the very few cultural landmarks in this area.
To reach the temple’s vast courtyard, you must climb stairs made of red bricks and adorned with dragons.
It’s best seen when the piodolan anniversary celebrations (which take place every 210 days in the local calendar) are in full flow and you can see the small pavilions draped with typical Balinese chequered cloths.
The temple’s architecture is unique thanks to the blend of brick and sandstone and you can get a great view of the ocean and the golden grey sand below the temple from here too.
Where To Stay Near Petitenget Temple
You won’t be pushed to find somewhere to stay near Petitenget Temple but be warned, there’s not much for a tight budget in this area:
The Samaya Seminyak Bali – this is a gorgeous 5-star sanctuary on the beach and it’s right next to the ancient temple.
Rumi Villas – a very nice villa complex offering spacious family villas with a private pool and top-notch security.
Villa Sembilan – a luxury twin villa property that is within walking distance of the beach.
The Legian Seminyak – the name, The Legian, is synonymous locally with upscale treatment and luxury. You can’t go wrong here.
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa – an oceanfront resort with an amazing onsite spa, one of our favourites.
Where To Eat Near Petitenget Temple
You won’t have to go far from Petitenget Temple to find some delicious (if pricey) dining options including:Â
Motel Mexicola – a bright and colourful Mexican restaurant which alos has one of the best tequila selections in Asia.
The Restaurant @ The Legian Seminyak – our go-to spot for breakfast on the beach whenever we’re in Seminyak, the buffet is excellent.
La Lucciola – this beachside Italian restaurant is beautiful to look at and does some really tasty food.
Sisterfields – is one of the most famous cafes in Bali and with an emphasis on fresh, health food.
Revolver Seminyak – the most famous local brand name for coffee and their espresso is excellent and the food is very good too.
Things To Do Near Petitenget Temple
There are plenty of things to do in the area around this centuries-old temple too and that includes:
Petitenget Beach
The temple is, of course, right next to Petitenget Beach. This is a grey sand beach that is not far from the upscale beach resort hotels and famous dining streets of Seminyak and yet, still oddly quiet compared to the main beach in Seminyak.
Just be aware that while it’s a nice place for sunbathing, the sea has fierce waves and there are strong undercurrents that can be dangerous too.
Seminyak Village
Seminyak Village is one of the premier shopping destinations near the famous dining streets of Seminyak.
It’s near many of the entertainment venues in the area and if you’re in the market for a new dress to wear at your upscale beach resort, it’s the perfect place to buy it.
Address: Jalan Kayu Jati No.8, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Seminyak Square
The other place to get your new outfit for your upscale beach resort is Seminyak Square which is older and has even more boutique stores to browse through.
Address: Jalan Kayu Aya No.1, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Seminyak Beach
Head south from the temple and you will find the area’s most famous beach and it’s the central landmark for the Seminyak area as a whole.
The golden grey sand is soft underfoot and it’s a pleasant place to spend some time but it’s also one of the busiest beaches in Bali.
Batu Belig Beach
To the north along the coast is Batu Belig Beach this is a long stretch of golden grey sand that goes on almost forever.
It’s a great place for a family day out and one of the most relaxed beaches in this busy part of the island.
You can wander Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Laksmana once you’re done, they’re two famous dining streets in the area.
Pura Masceti
This temple is almost next door to Pura Petitenget and it’s a revered place that was originally built to ward off the dark forest spirits that would have resided in the area’s forests (which are long gone, sadly).
It’s 50,000 IDR to get in and as with all temples in Bali, you will need to dress respectfully while you’re there.
Address: 8592+7X4, Jalan Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
FAQs
What Is The Dress Code For The Petitenget Temple
The dress code when you visit Petitenget Temple is the same as it is in every modern and ancient temple on the island. You must wear a sarong, shawl and a sash to enter the temple’s vast courtyard.
If you don’t have these items, you can rent them or purchase them at the entrance of Pura Petitenget.
However, if you don’t wear them, you can get in a lot of trouble. In recent years, some Balinese have felt that visitors don’t respect their traditions and now, failing to do so can get you arrested, fined, deported and potentially jailed too.
Which Temple Is Worth Visiting In Bali?
All the temples in Bali are worth visiting because they are an insight into another culture and the people of this island. However, if you can only visit one temple, then the “mother temple”, Besakih Temple is the largest and probably oldest temple complex here on the island.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan might be another consideration as it appears to float on the lake during the wet season and is in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Tanah Lot in its position on a small island near the shore of Bali is also spectacular as the sun sets and the light breaks over the ocean.
What Is The Holiest Temple In Bali?
The holiest temple in Bali is the ancient temple known as Besakih Temple. This centuries-old temple is considered to be the mother temple of the island and is thus, connected to all the other temples here on a spiritual basis.
There are very few cultural landmarks even approaching a similar status in Bali than the Besakih Temple.
What Is The Popular Temple In Seminyak?
Seminyak has very few cultural landmarks and the most famous of the few is the Petitenget Temple.
How To Book A Bali Holiday With A Trip To Petitenget Temple
You can book a trip to Seminyak and the Pura Petitenget or, indeed, anywhere else in Bali with our favourite travel agent Bali Res Centre .
The Bali Res Centre is a fully locally owned and operated service that specializes in getting you the best deals on flights, hotels, tours, etc. for Bali.
Final Thoughts On Petitenget Temple
Petitenget Temple is a centuries-old temple in Seminyak and it’s one of the very few cultural landmarks still standing in that modern beach town.
It’s probably not worth making a special trip across the island to visit Petitenget Temple but it’s definitely worth seeing if you’re staying in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta or Legian.
