Batukaru Temple or Pura Luhur Batukaru sits on the slopes of Mount Batukaru and it is considered to be one of the most important temples in Bali.
It’s one of the nicest temple grounds to visit in Bali as the temple complex is surrounded by cool natural forests, flowering gardens, and bale pavilions and is spotted with ancient structures heavily covered in decorative carvings.
Where Is Batukaru Temple
Batukaru Temple is in the Tabanan Regency of Bali near the village of Wongaya Gede in the Penebel Sub-District.
The address is Jl. Penatahan – Wongayagede, Wongaya Gede, Kec. Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 85125, Indonesia
How To Get To Batukaru Temple
There is absolutely no public transport to the Batukaru temple grounds and because it’s quite a way away from most of the popular tourist towns, to get there, you’re going to want to hire a private car and driver for the day.
While you could use a ride share to get there, getting back from Batukaru Temple would be very difficult considering that there’s not much else in the area and thus, very few Grab or Gojek drivers around.
The alternative is to visit Batukaru Temple as part of an organized tour. This can be a great way to gain a better understanding of this temple and the natural beauty of the area.
It also means that you can avoid being hassled by the local guides attempting to secure your cash donations.
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Batukaru Temple?
Any time of year is fine to visit Mount Batukaru and the Batukaru Temple.
It’s worth noting that this position on the southern slope of the mountain is a bit cooler than in the beach towns and you might want to bring a light jacket or a zip-up hoodie.
However, if you can time your visit for the Piodolan anniversary of the temple (each Thursday after Galungan celebrations) you will find the temple is very beautifully decorated.
It’s also a day of pilgrimage and you will find thousands of the locals lining the slopes of Mount Batukaru as they head towards Pura Luhur Batukaru. It’s a very moving sight.
One thing to be aware of is that on this sacred day, they will often close certain parts of the temple (such as the different courtyards of the walled compounds) to foreign visitors.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Batukaru Temple?
There is no entrance fee to Batukaru Temple. However, before you charge into the main temple courtyard and start examining the intricate wall carvings…
Entrance to this temple calls for a donation instead, and this means you will usually be required to “rent a sarong” for 20,000 IDR or so. (That’s about $1.50 USD or $2 AUD).
Occasionally, you may be asked for a bigger donation to enter the temple complex, it’s OK to ask your guide to intervene if you think you’re being overcharged.
You should also know that if you want to use the onsite toilets, it’s 5,000 IDR (that’s about $0.30 USD or $0.50 AUD) and there won’t be any toilet paper provider.
If you want to park, the car park is about a kilometre away from the temple and you can see the high Meru towers of the Batukaru temple in the distance from here.
What Are The Opening Hours At Pura Luhur Batukaru?
The temple grounds are open to nature lovers and temple buffs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day except for the Hindu day of silence, Nyepi.
However, they are open to worshippers around the clock.
What Should I Wear To Batukaru Temple?
As with any Balinese temple visit, you must dress appropriately at Batukaru Temple and that means you should wear a sarong, sash and shawl.
The proper attire in Balinese temples is not optional and if you don’t wear these garments, you could get into a lot of trouble if you’re seen beyond the statue-lined steps at the entranceway.
What Is The History Of Batukaru Temple?
Batukaru Temple is undoubtedly ancient and it’s one of the nine directional temples of Bali called the Khayangan Jagat.
These temples are designed to protect the island from evil spirits and the position of this temple on Mount Batukaru is not an accident, Batukaru Temple was placed here because the geography was aligned with its function.
Unfortunately, the history of Batukaru Temple isn’t well understood. The earliest manuscripts that mention the Batukaru Temple date back to the 17th century and they state that this state temple was built in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan (a Javanese priest).
This priest helped to create the 6 main directional temples and this one was dedicated to Sad Khayangan, the god of the West.
It’s said that during the construction of this temple, it was attacked by an army from Buleleng (modern-day Singaraja).
However, the attack was unsuccessful when a swarm of bees arrived to defend the temple and the soldiers fled from the area.
The unmistakably ancient Balinese features of Batukaru Temple are striking from the moment that you enter the main temple courtyard and see the ancient structures heavily covered in decoration and the intricate wall carvings within.
This temple calls to everyone with its high Meru towers, Bale pavilions, and statue-lined steps. Nature lovers will adore the flowering gardens, cool natural forests and dark grass roofs of the buildings here.
There are three courtyards in total. The main courtyards inside are full of shrines to the God Mahadewa (the guardian spirit of Mount Batukaru) and other Hindu divinities.
The buildings are bedecked with dark grass roofs and the carvings on their walls are true works of art, you may find some have an attractive green moss flowing across their surface too.
There is also a freshwater spring which is used for purification rituals and it’s considered to be a holy water source.
Around the outside of the temple complex, you can find local kiosks and warungs offer local cuisine for reasonable prices.
Batukaru Temple is one of the most attractive and interesting places in Bali.
About Mount Batukaru
Mount Batukaru or Gunung Batukaru is the second tallest mountain in Bali and it’s a serious challenge to hike Mount Batukaru.
However, it’s worth the effort, the view from the summit is incredible when you get that high above sea level.
The Batukaru Temple Ceremonies
There are many ceremonies held at this temple including the Wuku Dungulan (which is always held a day after Galungan celebrations).
This ceremony is never officiated by a priest which makes it unique. It’s led, instead, by Jero Kubayan (and this is significant to the locals as they must pray in Pura Jero Taksu temple before praying at Batukaru Temple).
This ceremony involves purification rituals that help to cleanse worshippers before they give thanks to the spirit of the mountain and the God who cultivates plants, Ratu Hyang Tumuwuh.
FAQs
Is A Balinese Temple Visit Worth It?
Yes! In fact, we’d go as far as to say that until you’ve stared at the unmistakably ancient Balinese features of a temple here, you haven’t really had the opportunity to understand Balinese culture at all.
The temples here are inextricably linked with the local way of life.
How Many Temples Are There In Bali?
Nobody knows exactly. This is, at least, in part because new temples are regularly being built and it would be almost impossible to keep track of them all. However, it’s estimated that there are over 20,000 temples in Bali.
What Is The Meaning Of Pura In Bali?
Pura means “temple” in Bali.
Why Does Bali Have So Many Temples?
Many temples in Bali are owned and maintained by local families and will contain several shrines aimed at helping the family and their community thrive in harmony with the land.
Which Temple Is Worth Visiting In Bali?
There are many temples worth visiting including Batukaru Temple, Besakih Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, etc.
What Do You Wear To Bali Temples?
The dress code at Bali’s temples is a sash, sarong and shawl. If you don’t have these garments, they are usually available to rent or buy from the temple.
What Is The Holiest Temple In Bali?
The mother temple, Pura Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung would be considered the holiest temple by most Balinese people.
How To Book A Tour To Batukaru Temple
Our recommendation for a local travel agent is always the Bali Res Centre. They can get you exclusive deals on flights, hotels and tours around the island.
Final Thoughts On Pura Luhu Batukaru
Batukaru Temple is a must-see in Bali and Mount Batukaru is worth exploring too. If you’re looking for an amazing place to visit not too far from the beach towns, this corner of Tabanan Regency has to be on your itinerary.
