Hindu temple Luhur Batukaru

General informatio

• Name: Pura Luhur Batukaru

• Working hours: 8 - 17 hours

• Recommended duration of visit: 1 hour

• Size: small temple

• Foundation date: begi

ing of the 11th century (first mention)

• Altitude: 700 meters

• Coordinates: 8°22'19.5"S 115°06'08.9"E

• Address: Jalan Raya Batukaru, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia

The Hindu temple of Luhur Batukaru** is located in the province of Tabanan on Mount Batukau (Batukaru), which is the second highest point of the island. The mountain is located 2276 meters above sea level. The entire surrounding area is recognized as a nature reserve, as many species of birds and animals live here, and plants grow that are extremely rare in other places.

On one of the slopes of Batukau is located the Hindu temple of Luhur Batukaru, one of the nine sacred and most revered temples of Bali. Its name is translated from Indonesian as “coconut shell rock.” Local residents believe that these shrines protect their island from the invasion of evil spirits.

It should be noted that Mount Batukau is an extinct volcano. The diameter of the crater is 12 km, which gives it the right to be considered the largest among all the craters on the island. Since the top of the mountain is shrouded in thick white clouds almost all the time, it looks mysterious and unusual.

Not far from the temple, 40 km to the north, there are three lakes - Tamblingan, Bratan and Buyan. Near them there is another temple - Ulun Danu. A 20-minute drive away are the Jatiluwih rice terraces. These places are no less visited by tourists than Luhur Batukaru.

History of the temple

Luhur Batukaru is an authentic temple immersed in greenery, which is also called “garden”. It, like all places like it, has its own history.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Authentic temple of Luhur Batukar, drowned in greenery[/caption]

It was erected in the 11th century in honor of the ancestors of the Rajahs of Tabanan and dedicated to Maha-Deva, the god who protects Batukau from all sorts of troubles and evil spirits. Surprisingly, since the appearance of the Luhur Batukau temple, there have been no more earthquakes or eruptions here.

In 1604, the temple was destroyed during hostilities that took place between two royal dynasties (according to local residents, it took upon itself "the wrath of the gods"). For more than three centuries it lay in ruins. Despite this, believers continued to come here and worship it as a shrine.

After a long time (in 1959), the temple was finally restored and tourists began to be allowed to visit it. Anyone can come here and see with their own eyes the man-made and natural beauty of these places.

Features of Luhur Batukaru

The majestic seven-tiered pagoda of the temple, glorifying Maha Deva, is the main asset of Luhur Batukaru. The walls are surrounded by jungle, teeming with fauna and flora. In the temple itself, the monks perform religious chants.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Inside the Luhur Batukar Temple[/caption]

On the territory of the attraction, in its very center, there are shrines hidden from the eyes of visitors by metal doors. If you move along the left side of the temple, you will see a stream and a waterfall. Travelers claim that this place is very beautiful and literally mesmerizing.

Nearby there are other temple buildings, tombs, towers. Surrounded by flowers and green moss, they look extremely colorful.

To get to the temple you need to climb a rocky path, so not everyone decides to make such a jou ey. Because of this, there are not many tourists here.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Road to the temple of Luhur Batukaru Luhur Batukaru[/caption]

Some rules must be followed on the temple grounds. We kindly ask you not to enter in shorts. To make this task easier, sarongs are offered for rent at the entrance - clothing that is traditional in Southeast Asia. It looks like a strip of colored cotton fabric that covers the lower part of the body literally up to the ankles.

Those who have already visited Mount Batukaru before climbing recommend wearing comfortable shoes and taking a nutritious snack with you, since the climb can be quite energy-consuming. At the foot of the mountain there are small cafes and kiosks where you can grab something to eat.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Luhur Batukar is from the city of Tabanan. It is located 25 km from the temple. The best option is to take the easte highway from Ubud, located 40 km. You can also consider Denpasar, located 50 km away, as a starting point. In any case, there shouldn't be any problems. You can get here by tourist bus or taxi. You can also use a moped, but keep in mind that the roads are winding and it can be dangerous.

When is the best time to visit the temple?

The temple was opened to tourists relatively recently, and there are always many who want to come here. Those who have already been here claim that this is a delightful place and it is better to visit it from July to August in the mo ing, while the sun is not yet hot.

If you plan to climb Mount Batukaru between October and March, be extremely careful and attentive. Since this is the rainy season, the road may be slippery.

Luhur Batukaru Temple is amazing. It perfectly intertwines the beauty created by nature itself and the beauty created by the hand of man. Sacredness and mystery are literally in the air, so many people note a special aura of this place.