So, I’ll just say it upfront—Batukaru Temple is not one of those flashy Bali temples that get plastered all over Instagram. It’s not right off the highway, there’s no beach club nearby, and honestly, the roads getting there might make you question your life choices. But stick with me, ‘cause if you’re into real-deal spirituality, jungle vibes, misty mountains, and escaping the Insta-crowds, then this temple is gonna feel like a breath of fresh, sacred air.
I visited Batukaru Temple during a week-long road trip through central and western Bali. We’d already hit the more famous spots—Tirta Empul, Uluwatu, Tanah Lot—and while they were gorgeous, they were also intense. Crowds. Selfie sticks. Drone noises. You get the picture.
So when a local friend in Tabanan told me about Batukaru, I wasn’t expecting much. He said, “It’s quiet. Very green. Not many go.” I figured, why not? I needed a break from the heat and traffic anyway. What I didn’t expect was how much the place would stick with me.
Where Exactly is Batukaru Temple and Why Is It So Peaceful?
Okay, so Batukaru Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Batukaru, sits on the lush slopes of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest volcano. It’s about 1,300 meters above sea level, and that altitude makes a huge difference—you’ll actually want a light jacket. You won’t get that sticky Bali sweat up here.
It’s tucked deep into the rainforest in the Tabanan region, about two hours from Seminyak if you’re lucky with traffic. And yes, I know what you’re thinking—two hours sounds like a slog, but trust me, the ride is part of the experience. You’ll pass rice paddies, sleepy villages, and that raw, rugged Bali that folks always say they want to see but rarely do.
The temple isn’t flashy, and that’s kind of the point. It’s built to blend in with the forest around it. Moss-covered stones. Bubbling springs. Monkeys lurking in the trees. There’s a stillness here that hits different. Unlike other temples that feel more like tourist spots, Batukaru feels…alive. Like it’s breathing.
Oh, and the best part? Hardly anyone’s there. When we visited, there were maybe six other people wandering around, and most of them were locals doing offerings. You can actually hear the wind move through the bamboo. You feel like you’re part of something, not just watching it.
Batukaru Temple Location:
What’s the Story Behind Batukaru Temple? (And Why Locals Take It Seriously)
So here’s where it gets really interesting. Batukaru Temple dates back to the 11th century and is one of Bali’s six directional temples, which are considered the island’s spiritual compass points. Each one is positioned to protect Bali from evil spirits from a certain direction, and Batukaru watches over the west.
It’s dedicated to Mahadewa, the god of Mount Batukaru. In Balinese Hinduism, mountains are considered sacred—they’re where the gods chill out. So this isn’t just a “nice place with trees”; it’s seen as one of Bali’s most sacred spaces.
Here’s something most blogs don’t mention: even though tourists are allowed in, the inner sanctum is strictly for those praying. I mean, fair. This isn’t a zoo exhibit; it’s a real-deal spiritual site. When we got there, we were given sarongs and sashes by a gentle older man who smiled more with his eyes than his mouth. He didn’t speak much English, but we understood enough: “Respect. Quiet. No photos inside.”
And you feel that, you know? Like, you don’t want to whip out your phone when someone is lighting incense and bowing at a shrine. The whole energy kind of shuts you up in the best way.
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What to Expect When Visiting Batukaru Temple (Stuff Nobody Tells You)
So, practical stuff. Let’s get into the weeds for a sec.
First off—there’s no entry fee, but they do accept donations. You’ll be asked to wear a sarong and sash, which they’ll lend you at the gate. Some people try to bring their own, which is fine, but trust me, just use the ones they give. It’s part of the experience, and you’ll blend in better.
Now, this is where it gets real: the drive up to Batukaru Temple can be…well, “bumpy” is putting it kindly. The roads get super narrow and twisty as you head up the mountain. We had to reverse down a slope once to let a truck pass. If you’re renting a scooter, make sure you’re confident on steep terrain. It’s not the place to learn.
Also, it rains. A lot. Being in the jungle at that altitude means clouds roll in fast, and the place turns into a foggy dreamland. It’s kind of magical, unless you’re wearing flip-flops and sliding around like Bambi on ice. Bring solid shoes. I wore sandals and instantly regretted it.
Inside the temple complex, there’s a path that winds through small shrines and little water channels. Everything’s mossy and wet, and you feel like you’re walking through something ancient. We came across a family doing a ceremony, and they just nodded at us—no drama, no awkwardness. It felt good to just be there quietly.
There’s also a sacred spring nearby, where people cleanse before prayer. Don’t go wading in there like it’s a pool. Just observe. Respect. And maybe just sit down for a bit. Let the stillness do its thing.
Is It Worth Making the Trip? Yes—If You’re the Right Kind of Traveler
Okay, so let’s keep it real. Batukaru Temple is not for everyone.
If you’re looking for drone shots, dramatic ocean cliffs, or temple dancers in golden crowns, this ain’t it. There’s no big sign with “Bali” spelled out in lights. No one selling coconuts or sunglasses at the gate. No Wi-Fi. Honestly, we didn’t have signal most of the way.
But if you’re the kind of person who likes the feeling of a place more than the checklist? You’ll probably love it here. It’s not about ticking a box. It’s about slowing down. Breathing. Listening.
We sat under this banyan tree for like 20 minutes, just listening to the forest. And something about that silence—it stays with you. It’s like your brain finally shuts up for a bit.
Plus, the cool mountain air is such a welcome break from the coastal heat. There’s actual shade. Actual breeze. I’d almost forgotten what that felt like.
If you’ve got a partner who’s into nature or a friend who’s maybe a little too into meditation (you know the one), bring them. It’ll hit them right in the soul.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Batukaru Temple? (Spoiler: Not Midday)
I’d recommend going in the morning or late afternoon. Midday gets humid and a little buggy. We showed up around 9:30 AM and had the place pretty much to ourselves. By 11, a couple more folks showed up—mostly local families with offerings, not tour buses or loud groups.
And avoid rainy season if you can (November to March). The path gets really slippery, and clouds can block the views. April to September is drier, and you might catch a glimpse of Mount Batukaru in the distance if the skies are clear. Emphasis on might—she’s shy.
What to Bring with You (And What to Leave Behind)
Look, I’ve learned the hard way. Don’t overpack for temple visits, but also don’t underdo it. Here’s what I wish I’d brought:
- A rain jacket or small umbrella (because the rain shows up outta nowhere)
- Decent walking shoes (slip-resistant if possible)
- A small donation in cash (IDR is fine, no need to overthink the amount)
- A refillable water bottle (plastic bottles = meh)
- A respectful attitude (this ain’t a fashion show)
What not to bring? Loud voices, big cameras with flashes, revealing clothes, or that “let’s get this over with” mindset. The temple deserves more than that.
Pair It With Other Stops Nearby (So You Don’t Feel Like You’re Driving Forever)
Now, if you’re planning a full day out in this part of Bali, it makes sense to bundle a few stops.
On our trip, we hit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces afterward—it’s only about 30 minutes from Batukaru and seriously underrated. Way less crowded than Tegalalang and the views are chef’s kiss. You can actually walk the trails without bumping into 30 influencers and their tripods.
We also stopped at a tiny warung (local eatery) on the way back called Warung Ada Di Sini. It means “It’s Right Here” in Indonesian. Total hole-in-the-wall with views over the jungle and the kind of mie goreng that makes you question your life up until that bite.
So yeah, pair Batukaru with a rice terrace walk, a jungle lunch, maybe a waterfall stop if you’ve got the time. That’ll give you a solid, full day that’s totally different from the beach scenes.
What It Feels Like to Walk Through Batukaru Temple (Yeah, the Vibe Is Different)
It’s kinda hard to describe what walking through Batukaru Temple really feels like, but I’ll give it a shot. Right after you pass through the entrance gate (that classic Balinese split-gate style), there’s this hush. Not silence, exactly — more like a soundscape of leaves rustling, birds calling from way up in the canopy, and trickling water from little stone fountains. It’s calm in a way that gets under your skin, in a good way.
Unlike some of the temples that hit you with a big visual wow right off the bat, Batukaru’s more subtle. The stone shrines are low and moss-covered, almost blending into the forest. Some are cracked with age, but they’re not crumbling — they just look like they belong there, like they’ve always been part of the jungle.
And because the temple grounds are big, you can actually wander a bit. There’s a small network of paths around the complex, and they twist through bamboo groves and past little water channels. We followed one that led to a tiny wooden platform overlooking a stream, and just sat there for a while. Didn’t talk. Just…sat.
It’s that kind of place. You slow down without trying. It’s not about checking off boxes or taking 500 photos. It’s more like your body instinctively knows: hey, let’s not ruin this moment.
A Quick Word About the Monkeys (They’re Chill But Curious)
Now, before you ask — yes, there are monkeys. But they’re not like the ones at Uluwatu or Monkey Forest in Ubud. Those guys are straight-up bandits. At Batukaru, the monkeys are more like curious neighbors peeking out their windows.
They mostly keep to themselves, but they will watch you from the trees. One sat on a stone wall and just stared at me for like five minutes. No aggressive moves, just…observing. Maybe judging my life choices, who knows.
Point is, don’t feed them, don’t wave food around, and keep your stuff zipped up. They’re peaceful, but they’re still wild animals. A friend of mine lost her water bottle to one when she left it sitting on a bench. Not a crisis, but still.
A Place That Feels Older Than Time (And Not in a Cheesy Way)
I know it sounds woo-woo, but something about Batukaru feels…ancient. Not just because it’s physically old, but because the energy is different. You get this strange sense that people have been coming here with their prayers, their fears, their gratitude — for centuries. Like you’re just the latest in a very long line of humans passing through.
It’s not touristy, it’s not commercial, and it’s not trying to impress you. And that’s what makes it powerful.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel anything that day. I thought it’d be a quick stop on our loop around the island. But man, it stuck with me. It’s one of the few places in Bali where I felt like I wasn’t a visitor. I was just…part of it, for a moment.
So yeah, take the time. Drive up the winding road. Get rained on a little. Let the jungle quiet your brain. Batukaru Temple won’t give you fireworks or dramatic cliff views, but it just might give you something even better — a bit of peace that lingers long after you leave.
