Entrance Fees

As of 2024, the entrance fee for Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is IDR 30,000 per person for international visitors (around USD 2). This fee helps support the upkeep of the temple, ensuring that it remains a peaceful and well-maintained site for both worshippers and tourists. The cost also includes the rental of a sarong and sash, which are required to be worn by all visitors as a mark of respect when entering the temple grounds.

For those arriving by vehicle, there is also a small parking fee: IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars. This fee ensures that your vehicle is securely parked while you enjoy the tranquility of the temple.

Address & Accessibility

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is located in the lush village of Sebatu, just north of Ubud in central Bali. The full address is: Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Sebatu Village, Tegallalang District, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia.

The temple is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient destination for visitors staying in popular areas like Ubud, which is about a 30-minute drive away. If you're coming from Kuta or Seminyak, the drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. For the most scenic and stress-free experience, hiring a car with a driver is recommended, especially if you're unfamiliar with Bali's narrow, winding roads.

How to Get There?

Reaching Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is fairly straightforward, and you have a few transportation options depending on your location and preference:

Recommendations: For a stress-free experience, you may want to consider booking a guided tour to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu. Many tour operators offer packages that include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and visits to nearby attractions. Below are two popular tours to consider:

Ubud Highlights Tour: Explore Bali's Cultural Heart

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (745 Reviews)

From US$ 50

Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Bali with the Ubud Highlights Tour. This full-day adventure takes you to some of Bali’s most iconic sites, including Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Palace, and the Sacred Monkey Forest. You’ll experience Bali’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, making for an unforgettable journey. See Details

Private Day Tour: Kintamani Volcano and Ubud

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (757 Reviews)

From US$ 45

Experience the best of Bali with this private day tour that takes you to the majestic Kintamani Volcano, Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, and other highlights such as the Tegenungan Waterfall and Tegallalang Rice Terraces. This tour combines nature, culture, and adventure, offering a perfect snapshot of Bali’s beauty and heritage. See Details

Opening Hours

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is open to visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These hours allow ample time for tourists to explore the peaceful temple complex, stroll through the serene water gardens, and take in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.

While the temple is primarily open for sightseeing during these hours, certain sacred areas may be accessible for prayer outside of regular hours, particularly for local worshippers. If you're visiting as a tourist, it's best to plan your visit during the standard operating hours to ensure you can explore all areas of the temple.

If you visit during religious ceremonies or festivals, keep in mind that parts of the temple may be reserved for devotees participating in spiritual rituals. These are fascinating times to visit if you want to witness traditional Balinese worship, though it may also mean the temple is more crowded than usual.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is during Bali's dry season, which runs from April to October. During these months, you can expect pleasant, predictable weather—perfect for exploring the temple and its lush surroundings without the inconvenience of heavy rain or slippery paths.

For a more peaceful experience, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal. Early morning visits allow you to experience the temple in a serene atmosphere, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it easier to reflect and enjoy the beauty of the place. Late afternoons offer similarly quiet conditions, with soft natural light that enhances the tranquility of the temple’s gardens and water features.

If you’re interested in photography or simply prefer a quieter, more reflective visit, these times are perfect to avoid peak tourist hours and truly immerse yourself in the spiritual and natural beauty of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu.

What To See and Do

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu offers a peaceful and spiritual experience surrounded by nature. Here’s what you can do during your visit:

• Explore the Temple Grounds: Walk through the serene temple complex, where water ponds filled with lotus flowers and koi fish add to the tranquil ambiance. The temple’s water features and lush gardens provide a soothing escape from the more crowded tourist spots in Bali.
• Photography: Capture the beauty of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu’s intricate stone carvings and peaceful water gardens. The temple’s natural surroundings and traditional architecture offer excellent photo opportunities, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
• Meditate and Reflect: The calm and quiet environment makes this temple an ideal spot for meditation or quiet reflection. The gentle sound of water flowing from the temple’s springs creates a perfect backdrop for relaxation and spiritual contemplation.
• Enjoy the Natural Beauty: Take in the lush surroundings of Sebatu Village, with its green hills, tropical plants, and pristine water features. The peaceful scenery provides a tranquil atmosphere for those looking to escape the busier areas of Bali.
• Engage with Locals: Interact with the temple’s caretakers or local worshippers to learn more about the significance of the temple in Balinese culture and religion. A respectful conversation can enhance your understanding of the temple’s spiritual role in the community.

Nearby Best Hotels

After exploring the wonders of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, extend your stay at one of the nearby accommodations. Here are some handpicked hotels offering a combination of modern comfort and traditional Balinese charm:

• Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: This riverside sanctuary offers luxurious villas, top-notch service, and a peaceful ambiance. Guests can enjoy rejuvenating spa treatments, yoga sessions, and fine dining, all surrounded by Bali’s stunning natural beauty.
• Hanging Gardens of Bali: Famous for its iconic infinity pool overlooking the jungle, this resort offers ultimate privacy and serenity. With luxurious villas, a world-class spa, and fine dining, it’s the perfect escape for relaxation and indulgence.
• The Ubud Village Resort & Spa: Located in serene gardens, this resort offers private Balinese-style villas, a peaceful spa, and a swimming pool. It’s an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and comfort amidst traditional Balinese hospitality.

These hotels offer a variety of experiences, from luxurious indulgence to eco-friendly stays, making them perfect bases for exploring Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu and its surroundings.

Nearby Best Restaurants

After exploring the peaceful and spiritual beauty of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, treat yourself to a delicious meal. The area around Sebatu and Ubud offers a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Balinese flavors to international cuisine. Here are some top restaurant recommendations to satisfy your cravings:

• Bebek Tepi Sawah: Located near picturesque rice fields, this restaurant provides an authentic Balinese dining experience. Their signature crispy duck is a must-try, known for its flavorful, crunchy perfection served with fresh vegetables and sambal.
• Warung Pulau Kelapa: Nestled in Ubud, this charming restaurant serves a wide range of traditional Indonesian dishes in a lush garden setting. Their menu is filled with fresh, local ingredients that capture the essence of authentic Indonesian flavors.
• Locavore: For a fine dining experience in Ubud, Locavore is a top choice. Focusing on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, their innovative dishes combine modern culinary techniques with Indonesian flavors, creating a truly unique dining experience.
• Bridges Bali: Offering stunning views of the Tjampuhan River Valley, Bridges Bali is perfect for a romantic dining experience. The restaurant serves a mix of international and Indonesian-inspired dishes, presented beautifully with rich, bold flavors.
• Sari Organik: Ideal for health-conscious diners, Sari Organik offers fresh, organic meals prepared with locally grown ingredients. Situated in the middle of rice fields, this restaurant provides a serene, eco-friendly setting to enjoy wholesome, farm-to-table dishes.

Whether you're looking to indulge in traditional Balinese cuisine or enjoy a fine dining experience, the area around Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu has something for every palate. Explore these culinary gems and savor the rich flavors of Bali.

Nearby Attractions

While Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a serene and captivating destination, the surrounding area offers numerous other attractions that will enrich your visit to Bali. Here are some must-see sites near the temple that can further enhance your cultural and natural exploration:

• Kintamani: Visit the stunning highland region of Kintamani, offering panoramic views of Mount Batur and its breathtaking crater lake. Kintamani is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, exploring the volcano, and experiencing the refreshing mountain air.
• Tirta Empul Temple: Just a short drive from Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most revered water temples. It’s famous for its sacred spring water where locals and visitors participate in purification rituals, making it a spiritually enriching stop.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Marvel at the beauty of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning stepped fields. These terraces showcase Bali’s traditional irrigation system, *subak*, and offer unforgettable photo opportunities and scenic walks.
• Campuhan Ridge Walk: Immerse yourself in nature along the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a peaceful and scenic trail that takes you through the lush greenery of Ubud's countryside. It’s an ideal escape for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the crowds.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): Explore the ancient site of Goa Gajah, an archaeological treasure that dates back to the 9th century. This unique temple features a stone meditation cave and intricately carved reliefs, offering a fascinating insight into Bali’s early religious history.
• Ubud Art Market: For a taste of Bali’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, visit the Ubud Art Market. Here, you’ll find an array of handmade items, including textiles, wood carvings, paintings, and jewelry, perfect for souvenirs and gifts.
• Ubud Royal Palace: The Ubud Royal Palace, also known as Puri Saren Agung, is a cultural landmark in the heart of Ubud. This historic palace, with its traditional Balinese architecture, is often a venue for nightly cultural performances, providing an authentic glimpse into Bali’s royal heritage.
• Ubud Monkey Forest: A short distance from Ubud’s center, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to hundreds of macaques and ancient temples. Visitors can explore the dense forest, observe the monkeys, and admire the sacred architecture of the temples nestled within.

By combining your visit to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu with these nearby attractions, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Bali’s cultural, spiritual, and natural beauty. From ancient temples to scenic landscapes, each of these destinations offers a unique and enriching experience that adds to the magic of your Bali adventure.

Temple History

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, founded in the 11th century, is one of Bali’s most revered temples, nestled in the village of Sebatu, Gianyar. It forms part of Bali's ancient temple complex and is renowned for its serene and lush surroundings. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver in Hindu tradition, and was constructed as a tribute to Bali’s water deities, symbolizing the island’s close ties with natural elements, especially water.

The temple complex is intricately designed, featuring tranquil ponds, flowing springs, and elaborate stone carvings, all of which emphasize the sacredness of water in Balinese spirituality. Water, viewed as a life-giving force, plays a central role in rituals held here, with ceremonies focusing on purification, blessings, and offerings to the gods. Pilgrims often visit the temple to engage in these rituals, seeking spiritual cleansing and blessings for health and prosperity.

For over a millennium, Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu has stood as a site of continuous worship and pilgrimage, with its traditions and practices passed down through generations. Despite the passage of time, the temple has retained its significance in Balinese Hinduism and continues to be an important location for spiritual devotion, particularly during ceremonies dedicated to water purification.

Architecture and Layout

As you step into Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu through the traditional *candi bentar*, the iconic Balinese split gate, you are greeted by a harmonious blend of nature and sacred architecture. The temple’s design is deeply rooted in the *Tri Mandala* concept, which divides the temple grounds into three distinct areas, each with its own spiritual purpose:

1. Nista Mandala (Outer Courtyard): The outer courtyard serves as the transition between the secular world and the sacred space of the temple. Here, you’ll encounter serene ponds filled with lotus flowers and sacred fish, symbolizing purity and balance. Shrines dedicated to village ancestors and protective spirits are also located in this section, alongside tranquil gardens and open spaces for reflection.
2. Madya Mandala (Middle Courtyard): Moving through the ornate *kori agung* gate, you enter the middle courtyard, a more spiritually elevated area. This courtyard is home to several pavilions and altars used for offerings and rituals. The *Bale Gong*, a pavilion where the traditional gamelan orchestra is played during ceremonies, adds to the mystical atmosphere. The architecture here emphasizes connection with the divine and the elements, with flowing water features and detailed stone carvings adorning the area.
3. Utama Mandala (Inner Courtyard): The most sacred section of the temple, the inner courtyard, is reserved for the most important spiritual ceremonies. It is here that you will find the grand *Padmasana* shrine, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, surrounded by intricately carved stone figures and statues of deities. The area is peaceful, with the sound of water from nearby springs enhancing the sense of divine presence. This part of the temple is used for rituals that honor Bali’s water deities, focusing on purification and blessings.

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu’s architecture is a stunning example of Balinese craftsmanship, where the natural beauty of the surroundings blends seamlessly with the temple’s design. Intricate stone carvings of deities, mythological creatures, and floral patterns cover every surface, while the presence of natural water features emphasizes the temple’s connection with Bali’s sacred water sources. The overall layout reflects a deep spiritual balance between humans, nature, and the gods.

Mythology & Legends

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is steeped in rich mythology and legends that are deeply intertwined with the spiritual heritage of Bali. One of the most famous myths associated with the temple complex involves a powerful giant named Kebo Iwa. According to local lore, this giant possessed immense strength and was said to have carved the nearby cliffs of Gunung Kawi using only his finger, creating the ancient royal tombs that stand to this day. This feat of mythical craftsmanship is believed to demonstrate the divine power that surrounds the area.

In Balinese Hindu tradition, the temple is regarded as a place of protection and spiritual refuge. It is believed that the gods, particularly Lord Vishnu, along with local deities and ancestral spirits, watch over the temple and its surroundings. These deities are said to maintain harmony between the physical and spiritual realms, safeguarding the land, its waters, and the people who live nearby. The presence of water springs within the temple adds to its mystical aura, as water is considered sacred in Bali, symbolizing purity and life.

Another legend associated with Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu speaks of the temple being a sanctuary for local villagers who sought refuge from a violent demon that terrorized the region. The temple’s sacred waters were said to possess healing and protective properties, and through rituals and offerings, the villagers were able to summon the gods to defeat the demon, restoring peace to the area. The tradition of using the temple for purification rituals and blessings continues to this day, with many Balinese people visiting the temple to seek spiritual protection and cleansing.

The legends and myths surrounding Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu not only highlight its significance as a place of worship but also connect the temple to Bali’s broader cultural narrative of gods, spirits, and mystical beings. These stories have been passed down through generations, and they contribute to the temple’s enduring spiritual importance in Balinese society.

Why You Must Visit?

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu offers a unique and serene experience for visitors seeking to explore Bali’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Unlike some of the more well-known and busier temples in Bali, Gunung Kawi Sebatu remains relatively peaceful and untouched, providing an ideal setting for those who wish to connect with the island’s deep spiritual roots in a tranquil environment. Here’s why this temple should be on your must-visit list:

Spiritual Significance: Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is not just a temple; it is a living site of devotion, with daily offerings and ceremonies that honor Bali’s water deities and Lord Vishnu. Visiting this temple allows you to witness the deep spirituality that permeates Balinese culture and experience traditional rituals centered around purification and blessings.

Natural Beauty: Nestled in lush greenery and surrounded by vibrant gardens, the temple complex is a sanctuary of peace. Its ponds filled with sacred lotus flowers, natural springs, and clear flowing streams contribute to a calming and meditative atmosphere. The harmonious integration of natural water elements with the temple’s architecture makes it a breathtaking site for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Stunning Architecture: The intricate stone carvings, shrines, and pavilions throughout the temple complex showcase the finest elements of Balinese architecture. The detailed carvings of mythological figures, water deities, and floral motifs provide insight into the skilled craftsmanship of Bali’s artisans. The layout, following the sacred *Tri Mandala* design, reflects the perfect balance between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Connection to Mythology: The temple is steeped in fascinating myths and legends, such as the story of the giant Kebo Iwa, who carved the surrounding cliffs. By visiting Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, you immerse yourself in these ancient stories, which are an integral part of Bali’s cultural narrative. The blend of myth, history, and religion makes the visit a deeply enriching cultural experience.

Escape the Crowds: Unlike some of Bali’s more popular tourist destinations, Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu remains a hidden gem. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for reflection and meditation, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty and spirituality of the site without large crowds. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a casual traveler, the temple offers a calming and contemplative escape from the hustle and bustle.

Photographic Opportunities: For photography enthusiasts, Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a dream come true. The lush surroundings, reflective ponds, intricate stone carvings, and tranquil ambiance provide countless opportunities for capturing stunning images of Bali’s natural and cultural beauty.

Visiting Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is more than just a tourist experience; it is an opportunity to connect with the spiritual essence of Bali, its people, and its traditions. Whether you are drawn by the temple’s religious significance, natural beauty, or quiet serenity, this sacred place promises an unforgettable journey into Bali’s rich cultural heritage.

Know Before You Go

Visiting Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a profound cultural and spiritual experience. To ensure you have a meaningful visit while respecting the sacredness of the site, here are a few essential travel tips to keep in mind:

By following these travel tips, your visit to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu will be both respectful and enriching, allowing you to fully appreciate the temple's beauty, history, and spiritual significance.