Address

Batukaru Temple is located in the remote Tabanan Regency, on the southern slopes of Mount Batukaru in Wongaya Gede Village, Penebel District, Bali, Indonesia. The journey to this secluded temple takes you through picturesque rice terraces and lush tropical forests. If you're driving from Ubud, it will take around 1.5 hours, while from Seminyak or Kuta, it’s about a 2-hour drive.

The temple's tranquility is unparalleled, providing a peaceful retreat away from the crowded tourist hubs. Here’s the Google Maps link to Batukaru Temple.

Getting There

Getting to Batukaru Temple is an adventure in itself, taking you through some of Bali's most scenic landscapes. While public transportation options are limited, renting a car or scooter gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

If you prefer a more guided experience, consider booking a tour with Bali Cheapest Tours. They offer customized packages that include transportation and a knowledgeable guide, ensuring a hassle-free visit.

Entrance Fees

As of 2024, the entrance fee to Batukaru Temple is IDR 40,000 (around $2.70 USD) for adults. This fee helps maintain the temple and its surrounding grounds. Parking is also available at a small additional fee of IDR 5,000 for scooters and IDR 10,000 for cars.

If you're visiting during a festival or special event, you may also encounter small additional costs for offerings or donations, which go directly towards supporting the temple's religious activities.

Opening Hours

Batukaru Temple is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For the most serene experience, visit early in the morning when the mist still lingers, or in the late afternoon when the temple is bathed in the golden hues of sunset.

It’s important to note that while the temple is open to tourists, it remains an active place of worship. During religious ceremonies, some areas may be restricted to visitors, so it's wise to be respectful and follow any instructions from temple staff.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Batukaru Temple is during Bali's dry season, from April to October. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the temple and its lush surroundings. If you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting on a weekday rather than during the weekend.

Early morning or late afternoon visits are particularly magical, as the temple is often shrouded in mist or illuminated by the warm light of the setting sun, enhancing its mystical atmosphere.

What To See and Do

Batukaru Temple offers much more than just a spiritual retreat. Here’s what you can do during your visit:

• Explore the Temple Complex: Wander through the temple grounds, where you’ll find intricately carved shrines and pavilions dedicated to various deities. The central courtyard, with its towering pagoda, is particularly striking.
• Photography: Capture the serene beauty of Batukaru Temple, especially the iconic shots of the temple surrounded by lush greenery and mist. The morning light adds a magical quality to your photos.
• Connect with Nature: The temple is surrounded by dense forest, offering opportunities for nature walks. The cool mountain air and the sound of birdsong create a tranquil atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation.
• Experience Balinese Culture: If you’re lucky, your visit may coincide with a religious ceremony. Witnessing the rituals and offerings is a unique way to connect with Balinese spiritual traditions.
• Interact with Locals: The temple is not as touristy as others in Bali, so you’ll likely encounter local worshippers. Respectful interaction can offer deeper insights into the temple's significance and Balinese Hinduism.

Where To Stay

If you're planning a visit to Batukaru Temple in Bali, one of the island's most revered spiritual sites, finding the right accommodation nearby can enhance your experience. The area surrounding Batukaru Temple offers a variety of hotels and lodges, each providing a unique blend of tranquility, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a luxurious retreat, a serene escape into nature, or a budget-friendly stay, there's something to suit every traveler's needs. Here are ten hotels near Batukaru Temple that offer comfortable and memorable stays in this beautiful part of Bali.

1. Cempaka Belimbing Villas is a serene retreat surrounded by lush rice terraces in Belimbing, Pupuan, Tabanan. The villas are designed in a traditional Balinese style, offering guests stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's an ideal choice for travelers seeking tranquility and an authentic Balinese experience in a picturesque natural setting.
2. Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, located in Tabanan, is a sustainable, eco-friendly lodge nestled within a rainforest. This lodge is perfect for nature enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of unspoiled surroundings. The accommodations are designed to blend harmoniously with the environment, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
3. Prana Dewi Mountain Resort is situated close to Batukaru Temple in Wongaya Gede, Tabanan. This resort features rustic wooden bungalows set amidst lush rice fields and tropical gardens. Guests can enjoy the serene atmosphere and traditional Balinese architecture, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and proximity to nature.
4. Sanda Butik Villas can be found in Sanda Village, Tabanan, offering spacious villas in a tranquil highland village setting. The boutique hotel's serene environment and beautifully designed villas make it an excellent choice for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Bali's countryside while enjoying comfortable accommodations.
5. Batukaru Eco Retreat is an eco-friendly retreat located very close to Batukaru Temple in Wongaya Gede, Tabanan. The retreat offers accommodations that are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious travelers. Guests can enjoy the peacefulness of the area while being just steps away from the temple.

These hotels provide a range of options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly stays, ensuring that every traveler can find a suitable place to stay near Batukaru Temple. And to find out more about these hotels and make a booking, check the link below on Booking.com

Where To Eat

If you're exploring the area around Batukaru Temple and looking for great places to eat, there are several options that offer delicious Balinese cuisine, local specialties, and even international dishes.

1. Warung Dhea, located near the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, is a cozy spot offering traditional Balinese dishes like nasi campur, grilled chicken, and fresh juices. The ambiance is intimate and relaxed, with stunning views of the surrounding rice terraces, making it an ideal stop for a meal after exploring the area.
2. Green Cafe Jatiluwih is an excellent choice for those who prefer organic and vegetarian-friendly options. This cafe focuses on healthy, locally sourced meals, offering a variety of salads, fresh juices, and Balinese specialties. Set against the backdrop of the Jatiluwih rice fields, it provides a peaceful dining experience with a commitment to sustainability.
3. Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant & Lounge offers a blend of Balinese and international cuisine, making it a great option for travelers looking to enjoy a diverse menu. Dishes like crispy duck, grilled seafood, and pasta are prepared with fresh local ingredients. The restaurant’s setting provides panoramic views of the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, adding a touch of luxury to your dining experience.
4. Warung Tepi Sawah, located in Wongaya Gede near Batukaru Temple, is a hidden gem that offers traditional Balinese food in a rustic, open-air setting. The menu includes local favorites like satay, fried rice, and banana pancakes. With views of the surrounding rice paddies, it’s a perfect spot for a quiet and authentic meal.
5. Warung D'Sawah is a charming warung surrounded by rice paddies in Tabanan. It offers a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng, grilled fish, and fresh fruit juices. The laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings make it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the local flavors of Bali.

These restaurants offer a diverse range of dining experiences, from traditional Balinese cuisine to organic, vegetarian-friendly meals, all set in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings near Batukaru Temple.

Nearby Attractions

If you're visiting Batukaru Temple in Bali, there are several nearby attractions that offer a rich cultural and natural experience. Here’s a list of some must-visit places in the vicinity:

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are renowned for their stunning, expansive landscapes. These terraces are an excellent place to take a leisurely walk, enjoy the breathtaking views, and learn about the traditional Balinese subak irrigation system that has been used for centuries.
• Bali Botanic Garden: Located in Bedugul, the Bali Botanical Garden is a vast, lush garden featuring a wide variety of tropical plants, trees, and flowers. The garden also includes a collection of orchids, a medicinal plant garden, and a serene lake, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple This iconic temple is located on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bedugul and is one of Bali’s most photographed landmarks. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers, and its stunning setting against the backdrop of the lake and mountains makes it a must-see attraction.
• Taman Ayun Temple Taman Ayun Temple is a beautiful royal water temple surrounded by a large moat. Located in Mengwi, this temple is known for its impressive architecture, expansive courtyards, and multi-tiered shrines. It’s a tranquil place to explore and learn about Balinese culture and religion.
• Bali Butterfly Park (Taman Kupu-Kupu Bali) Taman Ayun Temple is a beautiful royal water temple surrounded by a large moat. Located in Mengwi, this temple is known for its impressive architecture, expansive courtyards, and multi-tiered shrines. It’s a tranquil place to explore and learn about Balinese culture and religion.
• Tanah Lot Temple Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples, perched on a rock formation in the ocean. It's especially famous for its breathtaking sunsets. Visitors can explore the temple grounds, watch traditional Balinese ceremonies, and enjoy the stunning coastal views. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring the Tabanan area.

These attractions near Batukaru Temple offer a rich variety of cultural, spiritual, and natural experiences, allowing you to explore the diverse beauty and heritage of Bali. Whether you're interested in visiting ancient temples, trekking through lush landscapes, or capturing stunning photos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting region of Bali.

History

Batukaru Temple has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century, making it one of Bali's oldest and most significant temples. It was originally built as a place of worship for the Balinese kings of Tabanan and dedicated to the ancestors of the rajas (kings) of Tabanan. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations, the most recent being in the 1950s.

The temple's significance lies in its dedication to the god Mahadewa, the deity associated with Mount Batukaru, one of Bali's sacred volcanoes. The temple’s location and design are intended to honor the mountain’s spiritual importance, making it a key site for rituals that seek blessings for the island’s fertility and prosperity.

Throughout its history, Batukaru Temple has remained a central part of Balinese spiritual life, particularly for the people of Tabanan. It continues to be an active site of worship, with numerous ceremonies and offerings held here throughout the year.

Architecture and Design

Batukaru Temple is a stunning example of traditional Balinese architecture, harmoniously blending with its natural surroundings. The temple complex is composed of several shrines, pavilions, and meru towers (multi-tiered shrines), each intricately carved and adorned with symbolic motifs.

The central shrine, dedicated to Mahadewa, stands out with its distinctive black palm fiber roofs, a hallmark of Balinese temple architecture. The temple's layout follows the principles of Balinese cosmology, with different structures representing the various realms of the universe.

The use of natural materials like stone, wood, and palm fiber enhances the temple's connection with the environment. The surrounding forest and the nearby sacred lake further add to the temple's spiritual ambiance, creating a sense of serenity and reverence.

Visitors will also notice the presence of guardian statues, known as dvarapalas, at the temple's entrance. These statues, often depicting fierce deities or mythical creatures, are meant to protect the sacred space from evil spirits.

Significance

Batukaru Temple is more than just an architectural marvel; it holds deep spiritual significance for the Balinese people. As one of Bali's nine directional temples, it plays a crucial role in protecting the island from negative forces and ensuring the spiritual balance of the land.

The temple's location on Mount Batukaru, one of Bali's most sacred volcanoes, further underscores its importance. The mountain is believed to be the abode of the gods, and the temple serves as a site for worship and offerings to these deities, particularly Mahadewa, the god of the mountain.

In Balinese culture, Batukaru Temple is also closely associated with the island's agricultural traditions. Ceremonies held here seek blessings for the fertility of the land, the abundance of crops, and the well-being of the local communities. The temple's connection to nature and its role in the island's spiritual ecology make it a key site for understanding Balinese Hinduism.

For visitors, Batukaru Temple offers a unique opportunity to witness the living traditions of Bali. Whether you attend a ceremony or simply explore the temple grounds, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the island's rich spiritual heritage and the profound connection between the Balinese people and their environment.

Know Before You Go

Before you set out to explore Batukaru Temple, here are some helpful tips to ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit:

• Dress Code: As with all Balinese temples, it’s important to dress modestly. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Sarongs and sashes are usually available for rent at the entrance if you don’t have your own.
• Photography: Feel free to take photos, but be mindful during ceremonies and avoid using flash. Remember that certain areas might be off-limits for photography.
• Footwear: Shoes are not allowed inside the temple complex. There are designated areas to leave your footwear before entering.
• Donations: It’s customary to leave a small donation when visiting a temple in Bali. These contributions help maintain the temple and support the local community.
• Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of the temple’s history, architecture, and spiritual significance.
• Weather: The temple is located in a cooler, highland area. Bring a light jacket or raincoat, as the weather can change rapidly, especially in the afternoon.
• Respect: Always be respectful of worshippers and temple staff. Avoid loud conversations, and follow any guidelines provided by the temple caretakers.
• Bargaining: If you plan to shop for souvenirs at nearby markets, be prepared to bargain, as it’s a common practice in Bali.