Batukaru Temple (Pura Luhur Batukaru)
Jalan Penatahan - Wongayagede, Kecamatan Penebel, Wongaya Gede, Bali
Serene, spiritual, and off the beaten path, Pura Luhur Batukaru was the state temple for the kings of Tabanan. Batukaru Temple nestles high above sea level in the jungled foothills of west Bali. A series of tiered shrines, including a striking 7-roofed shrine, help create a mystic air, as does the general absence of tourists.
As the setting of Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple is reasonably remote, many visitors prefer the convenience of a tour or a private driver over self-drive. Many Pura Luhur Batukaru Temple tours include a trip to the Jatiluwih rice terrace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Tanah Lot, the sea temple sacred to the Indonesians, not far from Tabanan.
Entrance tickets are affordable and include the rental of a sarong so that men and women can meet temple standards of decency.
As always at Balinese temples, a sarong (included in the entrance fee) is a must for both men and women at Batukaru Temple.
As at other Balinese temples, menstruating women are forbidden from entering the site.
The scenic setting and absence of tourists makes Pura Luhur Batukaru a must for aspiring photographers.
There is no public transport to Pura Luhur Batukaru, so your options are self-drive to Penebel, a private driver, or an organized Bali tour. With patchy signposting and unreliable traffic signals adding to Bali’s roadway hassles, many will prefer to leave the driving to the professionals and opt for a Tabanan day tour with round-trip transport, which might also visit Tanah Lot and Jatiluwih.
Open year-round, Pura Luhur Batukaru, like other temples, is particularly appealing during the key Balinese festivals, when worshippers come to bring offerings and the grounds are alive with colored cloth and bamboo decorations. When visiting during the rainy season, weather is generally more clement in the mornings.
It’s important to show respect at Balinese Hindu temples, such as Pura Luhur Batukaru: Both men and women should wear sarongs. The Balinese welcome visitors to the main sections of their temples, but areas they consider most sacred are typically reserved for worshippers.
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