BATUAN TEMPLE

Batuan Temple is one of the most popular Bali Places of Interest, local Balinese Hindu temple looked after by the local residents of Batuan countryside. The temple is designed very beautifully with full of Balinese ornaments and the roof of the temple building is made from the fiber of a chromatic black palm tree. For over a thousand years, Batuan has been a village of artists and craftsmen, old legends and mysterious tales.

Batuan Temple were founded in the year 944 isaka (1020 AD). Nearly 1000 years old, the temple is a Puseh Temple category based on the concept of Tri Kahyangan or Tri Murti taught by Mpu Kuturan around the 10th century to the Balinese Hindu community at the time.

Tri Kahyangan or Tri Murti including 3 temples :
1. Desa or Village Temple as a place to worship of God Brahma (the Creator)
2. Puseh Temple to worship of God Vishnu (the Preserver)
3. Dalem Temple to worship of Lord Shiva (the Destroyer)

How to get to Batuan Temple

To get to Batuan Temple or Pura Puseh Batuan has a strategic location which is easily accessible from any area of Bali, and can be reached by bemo minibus from Batubulan, or renting a scooter and car with driver. As we mentioned earlier, Batuan Temple is located in the middle of Batuan Village beside the main road from Denpasar to Ubud. And the site features a grand complex of shrines laid out within its 0.65Ha complex. If you come from the Nusa Dua area, just take the way to Bali Mandara Toll Road. Then follow Jl. Nusa Dua – Bandara Ngurah Rai – Benoa Toll Road/Mandara Toll Road and Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai to Jl. Raya Batubulan and Jl. Celuk Sukawati/Jl. Raya Celuk to Jl. Raya Batuan in Batuan. Within 1 hour drive by car or scooter from Seminyak or 24km away, and 40 minutes from Sanur, but it will be dependent on the road traffic. However if you come from Ubud it only takes 20 minutes to drive by car or scooter within 9,8-kilometer distance.

What to Expect at Batuan Temple

Batuan Temple or Pura Puseh Batuan designed with full Balinese ornaments and for the roof, it is made from the fiber of chromatic black palm tree. The temple also has a parking area facilities, there is a place that is used as a meeting hall to practice any kind of Balinese dances such as Gambuh dance Pendet dance, and this place is called Wantilan, a standing ancient building. Before entering the temple, locals at Wantilan will lend you a traditional Balinese costume "kamben". Remember it is a must to wear to show respect and honor. It’s all free and won’t be charged for entrance. But locals expect donations in their donation box but in any amount of money just for the maintenance of the temple.

"Medana punia" is what Balinese call to the sincerity of every donation that you give. In the central courtyard of the temple there is a long building called Bale Agung and Bale Kulkul (made gong by wood or bamboo). In this courtyard there is also the entrance of the High Gate of Bali called Kori Agung, which is flanked by many statues of giant sculpture guards. Kori Agung's function is the doorway where the entrance and entry of the gods is represented by a small statue called Pratima. Next to Kori Agung are two small doors as a place to exit and enter people into the main courtyard of the temple. Next, in the main courtyard of the temple there are about three stories of Meru and Bale Pengiyasan as a symbol of Besakih temple, there is also a building called Padmasana as a place of worship to Sang Hyang Widhi, the only Balinese Hindu god.

​The Batuan Temple or Pura Puseh Batuan not only exudes high spiritual vibrations, but also represents historical value. You can see there are many amazing ancient relics from prehistoric times. How is the influence of Hindu culture in Bali made of natural stone in this temple into a place of worship, both for their ancestors and worship of the Hindu gods. You will be amazed to find some ancient and unique statues there. Based on a number of statues found in this Pura Puseh, can be grouped into several types. They are Dwarapala Statue, Statue of Embodiment, Animal Statue, Status of Holding Chickens, Phallus, Demons (Time), and many more.​

Batuan Temple History

The name Batuan or Baturan mentioned here prompts villagers to joke about being tough as stone or eating rocks as batu means stone in Balinese. But it likely refers to an ancient megalithic tradition in which standing stones served as meeting places and ceremonial sites for the worship of ancestral spirits. Because Batuan became a center from which Buddhist priests and brahmans spread to the main court centers of south Bali, the village has an unusual preponderance of brahman.

​Local people are very concerned about the care and preservation of the temple architecture and its environment. Not all existing buildings were old buildings here, there are some that have undergone renovation, renewal, and change from 10th century to 13th century and also 18th century AD. The structure and foundation of this temple are very tough and strong. It has the original Balinese ornament that is beautifully carved on every building in this temple area. Some ornaments are reflection of The Ramayana Epic story and every holy building has different function philosophically.​

Batuan Temple Entrance Ticket

There is no entrance fee required when you visit Batuan Temple, however local people expect any tourist visiting this temple can donate the amount of money to support the maintenance of the temple. There is a simple donation box. Every donation you give should be based on a sense of sincerity, where the Balinese know it was called "Medana punia". And please be respectful at all times. Wear a sarong while visiting this temple complex and make sure bare knees and shoulders are not visible.

Opening Hours : 09.00 AM - 06.00 PM