Besakih Temple, Bali
1 / 6
Besakih Temple - by Zoltan Bagosi on Google
Description
Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih) is referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali, it is the island's largest and most sacred. It lies at 900m on the southern slope of Mount Agung; the volcano is the highest mountain in Bali (3,031m) and locally believed to be the abode of the gods. First references of the temple date from the early 11th century and it has been the central temple of Hinduism on the island for at least 5 centuries. The complex includes 23 temples built on 6 terraced levels with Pura Penataran Agung (the “Great Temple of State”) being the main place of worship.
Access & Transport
The temple is part of the village of Besakih and is quite well signposted. Besakih is 30km northwest of Candidasa on Bali's eastern coastline, 40km/1h30 northeast of Ubud, 50km from Sanur and 65km from Kuta-Seminyak (2h15). There are some bemos going there but renting a car+driver or scooter is far more time efficient.
Instructions & Recommendations
You will need to put on a sarong before you can enter the temple; if you do not have your own, some can be rented at the entrance. If you are fit, this activity can be combined with a climb of Gunung Agung!
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. It is not obvious what the fees are used for and there is a clear case of behaviours being corrupted by the smell of money.
Conclusion
Pura Besakih is without a doubt one of the most appealing temple complexes on the whole island, if only because of Mount Agung in the background. It is a shame then that a place of worship is being turned into a show of greed targeting foreign visitors. Considering the rather remote location we would therefore only recommend it for those planning other activities in north-eastern Bali and who can easily stomach and handle pushy guides & co.
Key positive
Scenic setting
Visually impressive complex
Key negative
Turned into a tourist scam and admission fee has become very expensive
Time consuming to get to
Suitability
No religious denomination restrictions. Wheelchair users will not be able to access the entire complex because of the flights of stairs.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00