BATUKARU TEMPLE

Batukaru Temple referred to by locals as Pura Luhur Batukaru and one of the nine directional temples on the island, called Khayangan Jagat, which protects the island and its inhabitants from evil spirits. The temple sits on Mount Batukaru’s southern slope, at a height of around 1300 metres above sea level, which is surrounded by cool natural forests, providing a pleasant sightseeing stopover for nature lovers. Batukaru Temple is a very sacred place to the Balinese, and one of the reasons for this, along with its age, is the 7-tiered meru that can be found within the temple. This meru, a multi-roofed shrine common in Hindu temple construction, was built in honor of the God of Batukaru Mountain, known as Mehadewa. The shrine is visible from most locations in the temple, and is made more beautiful by the many layers of moss that cover it, and the surrounding temple constructions.

How to Get to Batukaru Temple

Batukaru Temple is located at Wangaya Gede countryside, Penebel District and Tabanan regency, west part of Bali Island. There is no public transport to Batukaru Temple or Pura Luhur Batukaru, so your options are self-drive or an organized Bali Tour. If you drive by yourself, be aware, most routes pass through Tabanan and then follow signage up to Batukaru Mountain. The route to the temple isn’t advertised as it is more of a local destination, but many villagers will be able to help you with directions.

Best Time to Visit Batukaru Temple

The best time to visit Batukaru Temple is during the temple's biannual "Piodalan" temple anniversaries, which coincides each Thursday after the Galungan celebrations. One of the most special days of the year at Batukaru Temple is the day of pilgrimage. On this day, thousands of local Balinese Hindus come to Batukaru Temple to pray and then climb to the peak of Batukaru Mountain. Although some sections of the temple may be off-limits to visitors on this day, the sight of thousands of pilgrims ascending the mountain road is definitely one to see.

What to Expect at Batukaru Temple

​Serene, spiritual, and off the beaten path, Batukaru Temple or Pura Luhur Batukaru was the state temple for the kings of Tabanan. The layout of the temple is the same as other areas of Bali, consisting of 3 courtyards every yard is connected with a split gate or closed gate. The main structure of Batukaru Temple features a multitude of shrines with tiered roofs, and the complex is filled with ancient structures heavily covered in green moss. The walled compounds contain several shrines, as well as high 'MERU' towers and 'BALE' pavilions with unmistakably ancient Balinese features, such as the dark grass roofs and intricate wall carvings.​

The inner courtyard is small and neat, with three Meru of three, five, and seven tiers in honor of the deified king of Tabanan. It has a seven-roofed Meru to Maha Dewa, the mountain’s guardian spirit, as well as shrines for the three mountain lakes such as: Lake Tamblingan, Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan. There are different courtyards inside the complex, sparsely positioned and on different elevations, connected through a series of flowering gardens and statue-lined steps. Within the main temple courtyard there is a freshwater spring that serves as the holy water source for prayers and ceremonies. Another separate spring serves cleansing and purification rituals.

Batukaru Temple History

There is no historical fact to disclose the history of the temple except manuscripts called Kusuma Dewa, and the manuscript about the Buleleng kingdom in the 17th century. In Kusuma Dewa mentioned that Mpu Kuturan, a priest from Java who was in Bali around the 11th century ordered the construction of Sad Kahyangan (6 main temples on each of the directions). Batukaru Temple is mentioned as one of the Sad Kahyangan and is dedicated to the god of west direction. The manuscript of Buleleng kingdom mentions that when the kingdom of Buleleng (now Singaraja) had been very prosperous and peaceful, the king Panji Sakti wanted to extend his empire and looked for possible attack targets.

At last the king with their big number of soldiers arrived at Batukaru temple, and without reason, by the manuscript mentioned that the I Gusti Panji Sakti attacked and damaged the temple. Soon thousands of bees came and hit him and the soldiers chasing all of them took a thousand flee. This story seems that it was created by those who did not have sympathy with Buleleng, and tried to misconstrue the situation. There is another story about a king in Bali who was also mentioned by Usana Bali having the same attitude toward the religion with impact on the society, and was at last defeated by a more religious regime.

The manuscript of Buleleng mentions the date of 1605 AD. There are some stone sculptures with water fountains which are the same as the water fountain stone sculpture at Goa Gajah, Gianyar. Dr. R. Goris in his book said that this ancient sculpture might have originated from the same period that is from the 11th century. In 1959 the temple was rebuilt from the remnants and step by step until 1977 to reach the present architectural condition.

Batukaru Temple Entrance Ticket

Visiting Batukaru Temple there is no entrance ticket required, but a donation is expected especially of foreign visitors. This is often leveraged in the form of sarong rental, and is never more than IDR 20,000. There have been some limited instances of people being overcharged and if you think prices have changed it’s worth asking your guide to assist you. There are toilets on site at the temple, which can be accessed for a small IDR 5,000 donation.

Opening Hours : 08.00 AM - 06.00 PM