Tabanan • Bali

Luhur Batukaru Temple

At a Glance

Original name: Pura Luhur Batukaru
Where: Slope of Mount Batukaru, Tabanan Regency, Central Bali
Built: Founded in the 11th century
Altitude: 700 meters above sea level
Time needed: 1 hour
Getting there: About 1.5 hours by car from Ubud or Canggu

Hindu temple Luhur Batukaru (Pura Luhur Batukaru) is one of Bali’s most peaceful, authentic, and mysterious temples. It sits on the southe slopes of Mount Batukaru (Batukau), an extinct volcano that is Bali's second highest peak (2,276 meters). In contrast to the busy coastal temples like Uluwatu or Tanah Lot, Batukaru offers a quiet, deeply spiritual atmosphere, surrounded by a mist-shrouded nature reserve.

Why Visit

Luhur Batukaru is one of Bali's nine directional temples (Sad Kahyangan) built to protect the island and its people from dark forces. The temple is dedicated to Mahadeva, the god of Mount Batukaru. It is known as a "garden temple" because of its lush greenery, ancient stone walls covered in moss and fe s, and quiet forest pathways.

History of the Temple

The temple's origins date back to the 11th century, when it was founded as the ancestral shrine of the Tabanan royal family.

In 1604, the temple was completely destroyed during a war between the kingdoms of Tabanan and Mengwi. The structures were bu ed down and remained in ruins, swallowed by the jungle, for over 350 years. Even so, local worshippers continued to visit the ruins to pray. In 1959, a major restoration project was launched to rebuild the shrines and pagodas to their original form.

Key Features

Seven-Tiered Pagoda (Meru): The primary shrine of the complex, dedicated to the deity Mahadeva.
Sacred Lake: A pristine spring-fed pond in the center of the grounds, containing a small altar. The i

er island is accessible only to Hindu worshippers during ceremonies.

Forest Path and Waterfall: A trail on the left side of the complex leads through the jungle to a clean mountain stream and a small waterfall.

Rules for Visitors

Dress Code: A sarong and sash are strictly required to enter the grounds. You can rent them at the entrance if you don't have your own.
Respect the Sanctuary: Entering the i

er courtyards (jeroan) during prayers is restricted to worshippers. Women during menstruation are traditionally asked not to enter the temple grounds.

Best Time to Visit

Visit in the mo ing (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) during the dry season (May to September) for the clearest views and fresh mountain air. In the rainy season (October to March), heavy downpours are common, and the stone steps can be slippery.

Combine Your Trip

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (a UNESCO World Heritage site) are only 20 minutes away by car.
Lakes Bratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan lie just north of the mountain peak.

Frequently asked questions

Your shoulders and knees must be covered, and a sarong (a length of cloth) is tied around the waist over your clothes with a sash — this is required at every Balinese temple. The sarong and sash are usually handed out at the entrance or included in the tour, so you don't need to buy them separately. Light, breathable clothing works best: a short-sleeved top with long shorts or trousers. By local custom, women who are menstruating are asked not to enter the temple grounds.

Beyond the sarong and sash, conduct matters too. Don't stand higher than the priest or the offerings, don't block people praying or walk straight in front of them. Use no flash and keep quiet during ceremonies; don't touch sacred objects or cross barriers into closed areas. By Balinese tradition, women are asked not to enter a temple during menstruation. In short — be quiet and respectful, as you would in any active place of worship.

Excursions visiting Luhur Batukaru

No excursions currently visit this location directly.