Ubud is a popular place to visit some of the Hindu Temples in Bali, but Pura Penataran Sasih or Penataran Sasih Temple sees fewer visitors than most temples in this area, and it’s a bit of a shame as there’s a lot to like about this fascinating spot.
Here’s everything you need to know about Pura Penataran Saish and why you should visit if you’re passing through the area.
Where Is Pura Penataran Sasih Located?
Penataran Sasih Temple is located outside of Ubud in Pejeng Village, the former royal seat of the Pejeng Kingdom.
Where Is It? F7PV+C74, Jalan Raya, Pejeng, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
Online: N/A
How To Get To Penataran Sasih Temple
If you’re in Ubud, then you can just jump into a Grab or Gojek to get to this temple. It’s a short drive from the centre, though it may take a little longer than you’d expect if you’re caught in the Bali traffic.
It’s also accessible by Grab or Gojek from the main beach towns of Sanur, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, etc.
If you’re coming from much further away, we’d recommend staying overnight in Ubud and using the services of a private car to get to the temple and to explore the surrounding area.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Pura Penataran Sasih?
There’s never a bad time to visit a temple in Bali. Pejeng Village is accessible all year round and you can discover this historically interesting place surrounded by the urban conglomeration of Ubud in either the dry season or the wet season.
This place doesn’t see too many tourists, so you should have it pretty much to yourself from the moment you arrive to the moment that you leave.
What Are The Opening Times Of Penataran Sasih Temple?
This temple is open to non-Hindu visitors between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day except for Nyepi.
Is There An Entrance Fee?
Unlike with many temples in Bali, this temple is free to enter. It’s recommended that you make a donation as you enter, and they will provide you with a sarong to wear while you’re inside. A donation of 20,000-50,000 IDR per person is more than adequate.
About Pura Penataran Sasih
This temple is one of the most fascinating in Bali when it comes to its history. There is evidence that this site has been in use since the Bronze Age, and there is a bronze drum displayed on the site, which is linked to a collection of other artefacts in a nearby museum.
The word “Sasih” means moon, and this temple is thus the temple of the moon. Legend says that in ancient Bali, there were 13 moons, and one of them fell from the sky and landed in a coconut tree.
A thief stole the moon, trying to cover its light so he could go about his dishonest business, but then the moon exploded and killed him.
What To Expect At Pura Penataran Sasih
This is a small temple, and you will find yourself quickly inside the temple courtyard at Pura Penataran Sasih, where you can see the famous bronze drum – it had many purposes and would have been a war drum, it would have helped to invoke rain and it would have been used in festivals and rituals.
The craftsmanship is actually found in Vietnam too, which means that the drum maker would have travelled the world until they reached Indonesia and began to make objects of beauty in Bali.
Where To Stay Near Pura Penataran Sasih
This part of Bali has some rich accommodation offerings, and we would recommend:
Gending Sari House – a budget-friendly guesthouse at the end of a fairly bumpy dirt track. It has a great shared kitchen facility and lovely views over the local rice fields. The rooftop terrace brings people together every night for some great sunset views of volcanoes.
Dzen Green Fields Villas – this is a very attractive luxury villa complex in the rice fields. If you want somewhere calm, quiet and upmarket, it should tick every box for you.
Sola Villa Ubud – this villa has an amazing pool area, and it’s very much secluded from the rest of Ubud. The onsite staff are amazing, and everything is always kept impeccably clean. The spaces inside are beautifully designed too.
Sanga Suites Retreat and Villas – a very reasonably priced retreat with a nice pool area and some absolutely fabulous views. It’s well managed, and you can even get scooter rental at the hotel if you want to explore the area.
Nuaja Balinese Guest House – a wonderful family-run guest house where every visitor is treated like the host’s own family. It’s extremely traditionally decorated, and it feels like living inside a temple. Highly recommended.
What To Eat Near Pura Penataran Sasih
This part of Bali is rich with restaurants catering to almost every taste. Why not try:
Layana Warung – if you want amazing value for money, this Balinese warung can’t be beaten with both cheap eats and cheap cocktails. The views from the terrace here are very nice too.
The Tempayan at Tanah Gajah – a stunning open-air establishment with incredible food drawn from all corners of the globe. It is also locally renowned for its floating breakfast menu.
Mayasari Restaurant – an upmarket spot that serves a good mixture of Asian cuisines to a very high standard. The breakfast here is a real treat with a buffet that lets you eat your way around the region for a fixed price.
Citrus Restaurant Ubud – a resort restaurant that provides access to the pool to diners, too. However, the road to this place is very bumpy, and you may not appreciate the journey as much as their excellent food.
Hura Restaurant – a fabulous Balinese restaurant in a pleasant garden setting, they also do a great international breakfast. The service is super friendly and welcoming.
Other Things To Do Near Pura Penataran Sasih
This area of Bali has plenty to offer visitors, and some of the things you can do nearby include:
Gedong Arca Museum – this is a very short walk from the temple, and it gathers together many stone age and bronze age artefacts from excavation sites in Bali. The collection complements the collection at the Pura Penataran Sasih Temple, such as the bronze drum.
Bandung Waterfall – this is one of the less-visited waterfalls around Ubud, and it’s a shame as it’s a lovely spot with a dramatic fall. The staff on the site are very friendly, and the toilet is one of the best-maintained on the island.
Setia Darma House Of Masks and Puppets – this is one of our favourite museums in Bali as it displays a wonderful collection of masks and puppets from around the globe. There are often live performances too.
Agung Rai Museum of Art – this is an enjoyable collection of both traditional and contemporary Balinese art. There are also exhibits from the wider archipelago as well as from visiting artists.
Goa Garba – an interesting cave temple which offers real insight into ancient Bali and the Hindu faith. It’s worth climbing the steep stone stairs outside to look into this place.
FAQs
What Is The Penataran Temple?
The Penataran Temple is a Hindu Temple in the village of Pejeng, Bali, near Ubud. It was built in 1266 AD and would have been the state temple of the now long-defunct Pejeng Kingdom, which reigned from 1293 to 1343 AD.
Who Is Worshipped At The Penataran Temple?
Hindus worship Ida Bhatara Putrajaya at this spot. He is a powerful force in the mythos and is said to have created Mount Agung on the island. Once a year, this demigod is celebrated by the local people who climb the mountain for a ceremony at the top.
What Is The Oldest Temple In Bali?
Lempuyang Temple is believed to be the oldest temple in Bali, as it was constructed back in the 8th century. It sits above sea level at around 1,175 meters and is still one of the highest on the island.
Where Is Lord Brahma Worshipped In Bali?
Lord Brahma is worshipped in the Pura Desa of the village temple of every Balinese Hindu village.
Final Thoughts On Penataran Sasih Temple
There has been a temple of some form on this site since the 3rd Century, before Hinduism had arrived in Pejeng Village, and it’s worth visiting for its Bronze Age history as much as for its modern aesthetics.
If you’re passing through Ubud, we’d recommend checking it out; it’s much less crowded than places like the Tirta Empul Temple, too.
For more Bali temples follow this link.
