If you’re in the mood for a break from the beach and you want to explore the cultural side of Bali, then you might want to visit Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda.
This important temple complex in Bali is not yet on the tourist trail and it means you can enjoy the facilities without being jostled by crowds.
Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is one of the most sacred places in Bali and the temple is a really excellent place for increasing your understanding of the local culture.
Where Is Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda?
Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is in the Tabanan Regency near Selamdeg Bar and it’s nestled deep in the hills of central Bali.
Address: HX24+HV2 Bar, Mundeh Kauh, Kec. Selemadeg Bar., Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82162, Indonesia
How To Get To Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda
If you want to visit Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda then you will find it’s easiest to hire a private car and driver for the day.
Don’t worry, that’s not likely to cost too much, you can get a car, driver and petrol for around 500,000 IDR for 8 hours (that’s about $35 USD or $50 AUD).
This is because Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is quite a remote site and you may not be able to get a Grab or Gojek home from here if you use these services to get there.
The good news is that there’s suitable parking at Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda, so your driver won’t have to leave the area to wait for you.
We should warn you that if you visit Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda on a motorbike, the path leading to the site from the South (and the beach towns) is extremely narrow and quite dangerous.
So, you will need to detour to the North and come in that way.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda?
There’s no best time of year to visit Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda though you may find that it rains a little more in the rainy season, nobody can guarantee that it won’t rain if you visit in the dry season.
And there are 8 hours of sunshine a day, on average, in the rainy season which gives you plenty of time to explore the places you want to see on the island.
We would note that if you want to see the fewest number of people at Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda then you should head there after breakfast in the early morning when there are not likely to be more than a handful of worshippers present.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda?
There is currently no entrance fee at Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda. However, you may be expected to rent a sarong, shawl, etc. to enter the temple if you don’t bring your own.
It is very important to follow the dress code at Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda as failing to do so can lead to serious trouble and potentially even get you deported.
What To Expect At Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda
Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is a hillside temple in the heart of Bali. It’s one of the places a long way from the typical tourist track and you’re unlikely to encounter another foreigner when you visit.
You will be asked to rent or wear local attire when you enter the temple and you will be expected to remain in that attire until you leave.
The view from this temple is absolutely incredible and one of the best reasons to visit.
You should probably avoid this temple at times of very heavy rain, however, as that will destroy the view and worse, it can make getting to and from this place very challenging.
The temple grounds are very attractive and the structures are very good examples of Balinese Hindu architecture.
Do make sure to check out the lotus flowers growing in the well and you can use the water from this well for personal purification if you want too.
It’s important to remember that this is an active place of worship and you shouldn’t interfere with anyone who using the area for prayer or meditation.
Where To Stay Near Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda
We need to stress that there’s very little in the area around Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda and you will need to drive a considerable distance to the closes places to stay including:
Guntur Bali – this is a very basic boarding house that is reasonably close to the temple. It’s clean and cheap with a nice view of the local countryside.
Pondok Pan Agus BLL – this is a local homestay with a welcoming family and again, it’s very good value for money.
Pondok Andi – this is a mountain cabin that is available to rent, but you will need to go and view it and negotiate a price with the owner.
Pondok Herlina – this is a nice family homestay in the mountains where you can enjoy a decent view of the local farming community.
Kadek Awi Homestay – this is a minimalist boarding house near the beach and within walking distance of a few pleasant warungs for breakfast.
Where To Eat Near Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda
There is only one restaurant near Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda and that’s at the top of our list, the others are a substantial drive from the temple. It’s a good idea to bring snacks and a drink with you when you visit the temple before you visit:
Warung Rika Bkt Rangda – a nice place for breakfast with onsite parking a short walk from the temple. The view over the countryside is nice too.
Sunset Point Coffee Shop (KAK OMAN) – the owner, Santa, is a fabulous guide and he will make sure that your coffee with a view is one of the most memorable coffees of your life.
Warung Pantai Beach Restuarant & Rest Area – this is a big Indonesian buffet place and our experience and other reviews are very positive. TIf you want cheap eats by the beach, this is a good option.
Warung Makan Jaya SS/AB Banyuwangi – a set of basic food stalls where you can buy very cheap and tasty local food.
D’Uma – a simple rice restaurant that makes a mean nasi goreng that wil have you going back for more.
Things To Do Near Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda
As with places to stay and places to eat, you will need to travel a bit to get to the places with things to do near Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda:
Sunset Point (Bukit Tumpeng View) – a wonderful spot to chill and take some amazing photographs of a truly stunning view. You won’t spend more than 10 minutes here and yes, you should get there at sunset.
Pantai Yeh Leh – a very attractive beach, but you have to ignore the mess they’ve made of the parking area to get there.
Pangkung Bengkel Waterfall – a very scenic spot and hidden waterfall in the countryside. We’d recommend hiring a local guide if you want to get there and back easily.
Tibu Kentenan Waterfall – this is not the easiest waterfall to find and we’d recommend hiring a guide to get there. Thre are two attractive falls at this site, make sure you see them both.
Tibu Pangseg Malem Waterfall – there are 7 levels of waterfall at this almost unexplored site. It’s also a great place for some rock climbing.
FAQs
Is It Worth Visiting Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda?
Yes! In fact, we’d say that Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is one of the most attractive and interesting temples in Bali and the absence of crowds there makes it a wonderful place.
Check out the online reviews and you’ll see that you don’t have to take our word for it. The view alone is worth the trip out there.
Final Thoughts On Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda
If you’ve grown tired of lounging around on the beach and want to enjoy a few cultural places in Bali, then a trip to Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is well worth your time.
This part of Indonesia sees very few visitors but the temple has excellent facilities and reviews of the area are consistently positive.
We love the view over the local countryside here and wouldn’t want to change anything about this place.
Another very cool temple: Pura Luhur Tamba Waras: The Batukaru Forest Temple
