Pura Luhur Batukaru is certainly one of the most spectacular and impressive temples in Bali. And the best thing is: it is still a real insider tip today. The mysticism and magic of this unique temple, which is located in the middle of the jungle at an altitude of 817 metres, can be enjoyed to the full away from the crowds of tourists.
Where is Pura Luhur Batukaru located?
The temple complex is located in Central Bali, on the southwestern slope of the second highest volcano on the island, Gunung Batukaru. The area around the temple is extremely scenic and characterised by impressive rice fields and mountains.
From the popular tourist resorts in the south of the island, such as Jimbaran or Kuta, the journey time to the temple of Pura Luhur Batukaru is around one and a half to two hours. From Ubud it takes about an hour. The temple complex is about 50 kilometres from Denpasar. The journey from there is to the village of Wongayagede. From here, you drive along a narrow, three-kilometre mountain road that leads up to the temple.
A visit to the Pura Luhur Batukaru is an excellent opportunity to combine the excursion with a tour to other nearby attractions. The twin lakes Danau Tablingan and Danau Buyan are an ideal option here. The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple or the rice terraces of Jatiluwih are also within easy reach.
The temple is located in the centre of an overgrown park in the middle of the jungle.
The temple of Maha Dewa
The temple Pura Luhur Batukaru is dedicated to the god of the volcano Gunung Batukaru, Maha Dewa. For this reason, unlike the other temples in Bali, it is not oriented towards the east towards the mountain of the gods, Gunung Agung, but towards the west.
The temple complex was built by the priest Empu Kuturan in the 11th century. He introduced the caste system to Bali. Like the mother temple Pura Besakih, which lies at the foot of Gunung Agung, Pura Luhur Batukaru is an ancestral temple. In this special type of temple, the rulers of the original kingdom of Tabanan are honoured. In 1604, troops of the king from Buleleng destroyed the temple. It was only restored in the mid-1950s.
The temple grounds of Pura Luhur Batukaru
A split gate, which is called ‘Candi Bentar’ in Bali, marks the entrance to the temple complex of Pura Luhur Batukaru. This gate symbolises the mountain of the heavens, Mahameru. According to legend, it broke into two halves when it was brought to Bali. The two individual parts of the mountain are said to have become the Gunung Batukaru and the Gunung Agung, the two highest volcanoes on the island.
On both sides of the gate, which is densely covered with plants and moss, there are numerous decorations in the form of stone reliefs.
The first courtyard of the temple houses several shrines, stone temple guardians and a meadow and is freely accessible. The central area of the temple complex, with its up to seven-tiered merus, may only be entered by Hindus. However, non-Hindus are allowed to explore the steps up to the gate. From there, there is already an impressive view of the most sacred area of the temple.
A very special atmosphere
Visitors are guided through the almost mystical garden of Pura Luhur Batukaru via various paths. After climbing a few stairs and isolated steps, you will discover further smaller shrines and temples.
A visit to the stone basin at the back of the complex is highly recommended. Holy water flows from the moss-covered gargoyles. There is also a small lake nearby that is home to koi carp and has an island in the middle with a small temple. This lake is also sacred to Hindus.
An important sanctuary in Bali
For the Balinese, the Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of the most sacred temples on the entire island. It is also part of the extremely important directional temple complex. According to Balinese belief, these temples offer the islanders protection against demonic forces and ominous figures.
Since the temple is relatively secluded, only a comparatively small number of tourists come here. Therefore, you can often experience its special atmosphere almost undisturbed. Ideally, you should visit the temple complex in the morning, as it is often shrouded in dense fog from midday onwards. The Gunung Batukaru region is generally one of the wettest and coolest places on the island. You should also take this into account when choosing what to wear for the excursion.
Conclusion: Is Pura Luhur Batukaru worth visiting?
With an estimated 10,000 temples on the Island of the Gods, the question naturally arises as to which one is most worth visiting. The Pura Luhur Batukaru is definitely one of them. The temple’s special location in the middle of the forest gives the Pura Luhur Batukaru a very extraordinary atmosphere. The whole area seems a bit enchanted and is not overrun by tourists, making the temple a relaxing excursion destination.
