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Besakih Temple, Bali

Jalan Pasar Hewan Besakih, Besakih, Bali

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!

Meta review

The temple is advertised as a must see for those interested in the Hindu Balinese culture and aesthetically it doesn't disappoint. The problem, and it is highlighted by the majority of reviewers, is that this religious sight has been turn into a massive tourist scam where, from the moment you enter, you are being enticed in a very pushy fashion to tip the guide, the scooter driver, donation for encense, etc. This makes the experience an unpleasant one for many, unfortunately.

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

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Open 24/7 for worshippers

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

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

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
IDR 150,000
Adult
12 - 64
IDR 150,000
Child
3 - 11
IDR 75,000
Infant
0 - 2
IDR 0
It is unclear what the child age threshold is. Price for Indonesian nationals is lower

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