Pura Beji Amerta Gangga is something of a hidden gem on the road to West Bali, thanks to its recently renovated status.
It’s home to some incredible statues and is a popular place for sacred water ceremonies and rituals. So, let’s take a look at what you will find if you visit this exciting place for some spiritual tourism.
Where Is Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple?
Pura Beji Amerta Gangga (also known as Pura Kelecung) is in the Tabanan Region between Canggu and Medewi. It’s not very well known among temple goers on the island, and that’s a bit of a shame, as it’s one of the most spectacular places we’ve visited.
However, we would note that if you get lost, you can just follow Google Maps to Pura Kelecung. Kelecung is actually the name of the village, not the temple, but it’s hard to convince Google of that.
Where Is It? F269+3G4, Jl. Kelecung Jl. Bebali, Tegal Mengkeb, Kec. Selemadeg, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82162
Online: N/A
How To Get To Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple
Follow the road from Cangu to Medewi, and it’s about three-quarters of the way down that route. It’s an area of natural beauty in West Bali that is worth visiting.
When you find it on Google Maps, you’ll find that the temple is just off the road (it’s impossible to miss it from the road).
There is a large parking area outside of this temple, which accommodates plenty of scooters and up to 12 cars at a time.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple?
Temples are great to visit at any time of the year in Bali. Whether it’s raining or sunny, you can still appreciate the carvings, statues and other features of this temple.
Just make sure to stick to the opening hours and your journey won’t be in vain.
What Are The Opening Times Of Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple?
This temple is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the year except for Nyepi. You are expected to stop at the entrance, make a donation and put on a sarong before you enter the temple grounds.
Is There An Entrance Fee?
No, while many temples in Bali charge an entrance fee, Pura Beji Amerta Gangga is not among them. However, you are expected to make a donation (20,000-50,000 IDR per person is about right) when you enter the temple grounds.
We feel that this newly restored temple is very much worth a donation just for a glimpse of the nine towering Hindu gods’ statues that dominate the central courtyard. Local temple goers are extremely lucky to enjoy this sight above the sacred pools, providing sacred spring water at this location.
About Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple
This temple is actually an old temple, but you’d never know it when visiting this hidden gem. As with many temples in Southeast Asia, a physical renewal of the buildings and grounds is believed to be a blessing and part of the natural order of things.
So, there’s not much left of the ancient temple here, which is probably something of a relief as it kept polluting the sacred water here. Now, the water is clear and safe for the purification rituals.
There was also a local desire to turn this temple into a tourist destination in its own right. They thought that people might appreciate the chance to pray and receive healing on their journey across Bali.
What To Expect At Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple
In order to enter this spiritual tourist spot, you’ll need to wear a sarong. The nice person at the door who takes the donations will be happy to lend you a sarong if you don’t have one of your own.
They will also be delighted to introduce you to the story of the temple, and it’s worth taking a few minutes to listen to this.
There is a stage at the entrance which is intended to host traditional dance performances once the temple gets a bit busier, but for now, it’s not in regular use.
Once you pass through the Candi Bentar (the ritual gates) you will find yourself facing some seriously magnificent statues that tower about 14 meters above the ground.
These nine towering Hindu gods, representing all the major deities of the local belief system, with Shiva in the centre, are awesome to look at. These magnificent statues double as a fountain, which sprays sacred spring water from its hands into the sacred pools below.
There is a shallow pool here, which local worshippers can enter in order to benefit from the holy water/sacred water, but it’s forbidden to visitors unless they are shown how to speak the right prayer before they dip into the sacred water.
These pools also provide sacred spring water for the melukat ceremony here, in which locals receive purification.
Where To Stay Near Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple
There are a few places to stay in this part of Bali, though they are all a bit of a drive from the temple itself.
- United Colours Of Bali Nature – this is a very nice two-star hotel with a great pool area. We were very impressed with the quality of the hospitality on offer, and the breakfast was much better than we’d have believed possible when we booked.
- Ratih Homestay – this is a lovely family home with some fabulous Balinese hospitality on display. They have their own fruit garden for you to enjoy between meals. The owners will be happy to help you with anything you need during your stay.
- Pondok Taman Sari – this hostel has epic views over the local fields and the garden is a really nice touch for you to explore. The onsite kitchen means you can cook your own meals if you don’t fancy walking to a nearby warung.
What To Eat Near Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple
As with hotels, there are a few eateries in the local area, but you should be aware, they’re not all within walking distance of the temple:
- Adipuspa – this old school Balinese restaurant has a great menu of local favourites and coconut water served fresh from the tree! There’s also a decent vegetarian menu for those who prefer to go plant-based.
- Warung Wisnu – Wayan, the proprietor, is a lovely chap, and you can find some tasty Indonesian food at this lovely spot with a view of the temple complex.
- Mimeuma Art Studio and Warung – this art cafe does a great cup of coffee, and there’s an onsite studio for you to enjoy too.
Other Things To Do Near Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple
There are some interesting places within a short drive of Beji Amerta Gangga Temple too:
- Puri Anyar Royal Palace Kerambitan – this former palace is one of the most famous spots in the local area, and some major celebrities such as Mick Jagger and David Bowie have visited!
- Alas Kedaton – an attractive temple complex and monkey forest that’s much less busy than the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest. You can even feed the monkeys here if there’s a guide on duty.
- Tanah Lot – one of the most famous temples in Bali, and an amazing sight at sunset when the coloured light breaks over the top of it.
FAQs
What Is The Dress Code At Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple?
The dress code at all of Bali’s Hindu temples is the same. You are expected to dress in a conservative and modest fashion and to wear a sarong.
In keeping with most temples, the Beji Amerta Gangga temple will lend you a sarong at the entrance.
Failing to adhere to this dress code can land a visitor to the island in serious trouble; they can be arrested and even deported over this.
It’s best to remember that these temples are not just tourist attractions; they are also sites of worship, and to give them as much respect as possible.
Is Pura Beji Amerta Gangga A New Temple?
No, while Beji Amerta Gangga certainly looks like a new temple, there has been a temple at this site of holy water for generations in the Tabanan Region.
However, it has been recently renovated and there’s very little of the previous structure still present. This is very much the proper way in both Hindu and Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, and it’s seen as a blessing to revitalise a temple every now and again through the centuries.
It’s a way for worshippers to show their appreciation of their faith to the world.
Final Thoughts On Pura Beji Amerta Gangga Temple
This temple is something of a hidden gem, and we’d recommend that you explore a little and visit it before it becomes a popular feature on the tourist trail here.
There’s something lovely about heading out to a temple to meditate and enjoy the peace and harmony that it brings to the local temple goers without huge crowds around you.
