Batukaru Temple in Bali, popularly known as Pura Luhur Batukaru is among the nine directional temples on the island, called Khayangan Jagat. It is known for protecting the island and its inhabitants from evil spirits and negativity. Get your Bali trip packages booked to know about Batukaru Temple deeply! It is located on Mount Batukaru’s southern slope, at a height of 1300 metres above sea level. Why not visit this beauty surrounded by all the greenery, and providing a pleasant atmosphere for nature lovers to have a great time?
It is a sacred temple with a 7-tiered meru. If you are unaware, meru is a multi-roofed shrine that is common in Hindu temple construction and was built in honour of the God of Batukaru mountain, known as Mahadeva. It is definitely among one of the best places to visit in Bali for exploring the divine energy of the place. Explore the Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple history, significance, architecture, and more below!
Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple History
There is no hidden or historical fact about the Batukaru Temple history, but you must know about the manuscripts called Kusuma Dewa and the manuscript about the Buleleng Kingdom in the 17th century. It was believed that Mpu Kuturan, who was a priest from Java and was in Bali around the 11th century, ordered the construction of the Batukaru Temple, making it one of six main temples that each faced different directions. This one was special because it honoured Sad Khayangan, the god of the west direction.
An interesting part of Batukaru Temple history tells us about a time when soldiers from Buleleng (now called Singaraja) tried to attack the temple while it was being built. According to the Batukaru Temple history, the attack didn’t work because a bunch of bees showed up and chased the soldiers away. Explore the significance of Batukaru Temple below!
Significance Of Batukaru Temple In Bali
The significance of Batukaru Temple can be seen in its role as one of Bali’s most important sacred places. It’s not just a beautiful building; it’s one of nine special temples that the Balinese believe protect their island from harm.What makes the significance of Batukaru Temple even more special is its location on Mount Batukaru, a holy volcano where the Balinese believe their gods live. People come here to pray to Mahadewa, who they see as the mountain’s guardian.
The significance of Batukaru Temple is closely tied to farming and growing food. Locals hold special ceremonies here to ask for good harvests and healthy crops. This shows how important the temple is for both spiritual and practical reasons in Balinese life.
Not only the historical but there is also the architectural significance of Batukaru Temple, which captivates visitors widely.
Suggested Read: Foods in Bali
Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple In Bali Architecture
Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple in Bali is beautiful to look at, with its traditional design fitting perfectly into the forest around it. It has many different buildings, including special towers with multiple roofs, and everything is decorated with detailed carvings that tell stories.At the heart of Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple in Bali, you will find the main shrine for the god Mahadewa. It’s easy to spot because of its special black roofs made from palm trees. The way the buildings are arranged isn’t random; it follows ancient Balinese beliefs.
What makes Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple in Bali special is how it’s built using natural materials like stone and wood. The temple feels peaceful because it’s surrounded by forest and has a sacred lake nearby.
When you visit Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple in Bali, you will see big statues of guards at the entrance. These statues look fierce and are believed to keep bad spirits away from this holy place.
Things To Expect At Batukaru Temple In Bali
Enjoy the serene and surreal beauty of the Batukaru Temple, consisting of 3 courtyards, and every yard is connected with a split gate or closed gate. The main structure of the Batukaru temple comes with a multitude of shrines with tiered roofs and the complex is filled with ancient structures heavily covered with green moss. This is among the best Bali temples that you must not miss on your getaway.You would be mesmerised by the divine beauty, the big “MERU” towers, and “BALE” pavilions with the most beautiful carvings as well. You would find that the inner courtyard is a bit smaller but neat with Meru of three, five, and seven tiers, made in honour of the defied King of Tabanan.
Do you know? The Batukaru temple has a seven-roofed Meru to Maha Dewa, the mountain’s guardian spirit, as well as shrines for the three mountain lakes, Lake Tamblingan, Lake Buyan, and Lake Beratan.
You would also witness a freshwater spring that is known as the holy water source for prayers and ceremonies taking place at the Pura Luhur Batukaru temple.
How To Reach Batukaru Temple
If you are wondering about how to reach Batukaru Temple, you should know that the only option is to self-drive or have an organised Bali tour.There is not much public transportation available for the people who want to travel to Batukaru Temple. These Bali day trips would allow you to explore such divine temples, without having to negotiate Balinese traffic.
If you are going by yourself, you should know that most routes pass through Tabanan and then follow the signage up to Batukaru Mountain. You must know about the best Bali travel tips for your vacation to spend time with ease.
Batukaru Temple Entrance Fee
You don’t need to pay any type of entry fee for the Batukaru Temple, but you can go for a donation that is expected especially from foreign tourists coming to the temple. This is often leveraged in the form of sarong rental and is not more than 20,000 IDR OF USD$2. So, this is how you can provide small donations for the temple.
- Batukaru Temple Entrance Fee: Free
Batukaru Temple Opening Hours
The Batukaru Temple is open for visitors daily from 8 AM to 6 PM. However, for worship purposes, it is open for 24 hours daily. So, you need to come on time if you want to visit the Batukaru Temple for exploration purposes. Also, whenever you visit the Batukaru Temple in Bali, there is a proper dress code to enter. You must wear a sash around your waist, and women during their periods are restricted from entering the temple.
Batukaru Temple Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
Best Time To Visit Batukaru Temple
Best Time According To Weather:The best time to visit Batukaru Temple is between April and October when there’s less rain.
The weather is perfect during these months ideal for exploring the temple and its beautiful gardens.
Best Time Based On Ceremonies:
Have you ever heard of the temple’s biannual “Piodalan” temple anniversaries, which coincide each Thursday after the Galungan celebrations?
It is one of the most special days of the year at Batukaru Temple when it is the day of pilgrimage. You should definitely attend this day as it would be one of the most unique things to do in Bali.
This day witnesses thousands of local Balinese Hindus coming to Batukaru Temple to pray and climb Mount Batukaru in Bali.
Best Time In A Day:
- Early in the morning: When misty clouds make the temple look magical.
- Late afternoon: When the sunset makes everything glow golden.
Batukaru Temple Dress Code
When you visit, you must follow the Batukaru Temple dress code strictly. You need to wear a sarong (like a long skirt wrapped around you), a sash (tied around your waist), and a shawl (to cover your shoulders). If you don’t have these items, don’t worry, you can usually rent them at the temple entrance.Travel Tips For Batukaru Temple
Explore the travel tips for Batukaru Temple in Bali, to make the most of your trip. - Temple Rules & Photography: You need to remove your shoes before entering. Photos are okay, but be careful during prayers and some areas might be restricted. It’s nice to leave a small donation to help keep the temple running.
- Guided Tour: Batukaru Temple in Bali is better explored with a local guide who can explain all the interesting details. They can help you understand what different parts of the temple mean.
- Weather Consideration: Batukaru Temple history tells us it is an ancient sacred place in a highland area. Hence weather can change quickly. It is always safe to carry a light jacket.
- Polite Bargain: If you’re buying souvenirs nearby, feel free to negotiate prices as it is normal here!
- Conduct: It is a sacred place for Balinese people. Keep your voice down to respect people praying and maintain decency.
Suggested Read: Bali Honeymoon Guide
Top Attractions Near Batukaru Temple In Bali
Here are the nearby places to visit around Batukaru Temple:This special UNESCO site has beautiful green rice terraces as far as you can see. Take a nice walk here to see how local farmers use their traditional water system to grow rice.
A big garden full of tropical plants, including pretty orchids and healing plants. There’s also a peaceful lake here. Perfect if you love nature!
One of Bali’s most famous temples is situated right on Lake Beratan. It looks like it’s floating on water! The temple honours the water goddess, and the mountain backdrop makes great photos.
A peaceful temple surrounded by water in Mengwi. It has beautiful gardens, courtyards, and tall temple towers. Great place to learn about Bali’s culture.
A lovely garden where you can see lots of colourful butterflies flying around. Nice place for both kids and adults.
This famous temple sits on a rock in the ocean! Most people come here to watch the sunset. It’s stunning. You can walk around, watch ceremonies, and enjoy ocean views.
