Visiting temples in Bali is always a unique experience, but spiritual seekers who love nature will be mesmerised by the breathtaking views of Lake Beratan and the mountains from Pura Pucak Mangu.
How to get there and what to expect once you get to the temple – in our Pura Pucak Mangu visitors guide.
Where Is Pura Puncak Mangu?
This temple is located in Pelaga village, Badung Regency, east of the Catur mountain and Lake Beratan.
It is the North Bali region, also known for waterfalls, nature, chilly weather, and lakes.
Address: P5VR+V2, Pelaga, Petang, Badung Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
How To Get To Pura Puncak Mangu?
Depending on your driving skills and whether you have an international driver’s license, there are a few ways to reach Pura Puncak Mangu temple:
- Rent a bike. That’s the option most people choose, as it is cheap and accessible. Make sure to have travel insurance, good helmets, and a proper driving license.
- Using transfer. If you book a trekking tour to the Mount Catur summit, it usually includes pick-up and drop-off and a stop by the Pura Pucak Mangu on your way to the top of the mountain.
- We recommend getting a car with a private driver simply because after the hike, the last thing you’d want is to drive back to Canggu or Ubud for 2 hours.
Note that on Google Maps, there are two pins for the temple. One seems to be right on the road, accessible by car; this is not the temple, it is the start of the trek through the jungle.
The actual temple is on the mountain, the added pin is grey and very close to the lake Beratan (on Google Maps – above the lake).
Trekking To Pura Pucak Mangu
Once you arrive at the parking (Parkir Umum Pura Pucak Mangu on Google Maps), your adventure begins.
The 6-km hike starts at the parking lot, and the path goes all the way to the temple; some parts of the trail are even paved or well-maintained, so the adventure is suitable for beginners.
You will be going through the lush greenery of the tropical rainforest, enjoying the panoramic views, aromas, sounds, and peaceful atmosphere of the jungle, as well as fresh air.
Reaching the temple isn’t the same as reaching the summit of Mount Catur (Gunung Catur on Google Maps), but it is close.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Pura Pucak Mangu Temple?
The dry season (May to October) is be best time to visit Pura Pucak Mangu.
You will still find the area misty and cloudy at the altitude, but the path won’t be destroyed by heavy rainfall.
Start the climb early, around 6.30 – 7 AM, as the trekking is moderate to hard and can take the whole day if you are not well prepared or exploring the area with kids.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Pura Pucak Mangu?
No, parking and entrance to the temple are usually completely free for domestic and foreign guests.
Pura Puncak Mangu – A Temple On A Sacred Mountain
Located at the summit of Gunung Catur at 2,096 meters above sea level, this Hindu Temple is where natural beauty meets spiritual mystique.
You probably never heard of this mountain, but it is indeed the second-highest mountain in Bali!
Pura Pucak Mangu is one of the nine directional temples in Bali, protecting the Northwest of Bali from evil spirits, and also one of the four sacred temples (Catur Loka Pala temples) that are protecting the four main cardinal directions, representing the North.
Based on the scarce information you can find about the temple, it is believed to be dedicated to Dewa Sanskara (God Sanskara) – the god of vegetation, and holy lakes surrounding the temple (Batur, Buyan and Tamblingan lakes).
The temple is still a must-visit destination for Balinese Hindus and a site for some religious festivals to worship Sanskara: Purnama Sasih Kapat (around October) and Purnama Sasih Kapitu(around January).
There is also one ritual that only happens at this temple – “Ngebekin” ceremony, when Balinese people pray and bring offerings to celebrate the god giving lush greenery, vegetation, and life in a broader meaning to the land.
What Do We Know About Pura Pucak Mangu’s History
There is no clear date of its construction; scientists think that the stone in the temple’s courtyard dates back to the megalithic era.
The first mention of the temple is related toI Gusti Agung Putu, the founder and king of the Megwi Kingdom, who once hiked Mount Catur to meditate at this serene location and enjoy the stunning views here when a battle was lost.
He found some ruins (of the temple), and that discovery was like an omen to him. He then became a great warrior and led many successful attacks.
As a token of gratitude, he restored the temple.
However, Bali suffered a big earthquake in 1927 (although there are no records of how strong it was), and the temple was severely damaged and unmaintained till mid 30s. Later, at the end of the 1970s, it was again hit by a storm.
What To Do At Pura Puncak Mangu
Your journey to the temple will be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Beratan and the surrounding mountains.
You can marvel at the Pagoda, pray and meditate to ask for a blessing, positive energy, peace of mind, or simply use the views and spiritual atmosphere as a moment to relax and get inspired.
In the forest and at the temple, you can spot monkeys, birds, including forest eagles, wild luwak (civets), and lots of gorgeous butterflies.
Locals even bring tents and set up camp nearby to spend a few hours at the top before the trip back down.
Things To Do Around Pura Puncak Mangu
Bedugul and Munduk areas near Pura Pucak Mangu are amazing places for adventurers!
Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Beautiful temple at the Lake Beratan with the lake itself and lush Mount Catur as a backdrop. Kids will enjoy the playgrounds, and there is also a restaurant and boats to take around the lake.
Where Is It? Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Pick Strawberries
Bedugul is known for the best strawberries on the island, and if you’re travelling to Bali during the end of the dry season (July to October), you can stop by any of the farms; there are dozens of them with signs on the main road.
Take A Photo At Handara Gates
The famous Handara Gates leading to the world-class golf resort are one of the most sought-after Instagram photo spots.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Singaraja-Denpasar, Pancasari, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Botanical Garden
If you love walking and prefer doing so without the heat, visit the Botanical Garden. It is like a big forest leading uphill to a large picnic ground with breathtaking views of the lake.
Where Is It? Jl. Kebun Raya, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Visit The Traditional Market
Here you can find the best veggies and fruit, and some things that are simply not available in the South, like Ice Cream Bean, fresh tamarillo, big strawberries, and more.
Where Is It? Jl. Kebun Raya No.7, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Munduk Waterfalls
If you are staying overnight in the area, the next day after the hike, explore Munduk – the land of waterfalls.
Get a guide to take you to the popular and secret ones; there are so many to see, from the tallest Sekumpul and stunning Banyumala, to smaller hidden ones. Wear proper shoes.
Where To Stay Near Pura Puncak Mangu
Campsites
Locals love to camp around Bedugul, so you will find a few camping sites where you can either rent a fancier tent, almost glamping style, or set up your own.
Taman Denbukit Camping Ground BAFAHO is one of the top choices.
Pondanu Living
One of our favourite places to stay in the area, these cabins and glamping tents are right on the lake.
There is a beautiful deck and a restaurant serving both Indonesian and Western food. You can also book a BBQ pit and grill meats or marshmallows.
Where Is It? Jalan Pura Pucak Sangkur, Candikuning, Kembangmerta, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Bali Eco Village
If you want to stay on the eastern side of the mountain, Bali Eco Village is an affordable and beautiful location within a coffee plantation and greenery.
Where Is It? P6JX+RP6, Belok/Sidan, Petang, Badung Regency, Bali 80353, Indonesia
Bedugul Asri Village
Popular resort on the western side of the lake with magnificent views and green territory, a restaurant, and an educational garden.
Where Is It? Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Where To Eat Near Pura Puncak Mangu
There are not many restaurants around the area; however, plenty of local food. Plus, if you’re staying in one of the bigger hotels/glamping sites around the lake, they usually have food options.
Bali-Jip Bedugul
A surprisingly great Korean restaurant in North Bali with traditional Korean BBQ sets. Perfect for a chilly night to share with friends.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Denpasar singaraja Juwuk mas, Pancasari, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Sate Kambing Sultan, Resto & Cafe
Fantastic spot to try local delicacy – land skewers (satay kambing) or other dishes with lamb, like Indonesian curry, fried rice, or noodles.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Singaraja-Denpasar Jl. Raya Bedugul, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Bli Wayan Cafe & Kitchen
Super affordable prices and a big menu of local staples, including fried rice, noodles, soups, desserts, and a few Western dishes like a club sandwich. You can easily get a coffee and a meal for 5 AUD.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Bedugul, Batunya, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Final Thoughts On Pura Pucak Mangu
Pura Pucak Mangu is a testament to Balinese devotion to their beautiful culture and religion, and visiting this temple will definitely leave a mark!
If you love temples, nature, panoramic views, and less touristy places, come explore North Bali!
