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Batuan Temple is not one of the most visited and Instagrammed Temples in Bali. And to be honest, that was exactly the thing that we said to Agung, our driver, after visiting some of the more popular temples on the island:
“Please, show us a temple which is not overloaded with tourist…”
So did he.
Batuan Temple is a beautiful local Balinese Hindu Temple located near the Batuan Village. You can find the Batuan countryside while travelling on the main road from Denpasar to Ubud. The temple is the main temple of Batuan – the village has been a place of Balinese artists and craftsmen for more than 1000 years. Therefore, you can get a decent price on some amazing painting and traditional Balinese art in the village of Batuan too.
Batuan Temple is a part of the three major village temples based on the concept “Tri Khayangan” or Tri Murti:
Desa (the Village Temple): a place to worship of God Brahma (the Creator)
Puseh Temple: a place to worship of God Vishnu (the Preserver or Caretaker)
Dalem Temple: a place to worship of Lord Shiva (the Destroyer)
What you can find in Batuan Temple is an ancient building from 10th century called Wantilan. Wantilan used to be a special spot for practising Balinese traditional dances like Pendet dance or Gambuh dance. Similar to many other temples in Bali, the temple of Batuan includes also three main temple areas which are the outside area (Nista Mandala), the middle area (Madya Mandala) and the main temple area (Utama Mandala). Unfortunately, not all of the buildings and statues of Batuan’s temple are the originals from the 10th century. Many of these have undergone renovation during the 18th century and a major restoration in 1992.
In Utama Mandala area you will find the symbols of Besakih village and temple which are Meru and Bale Pengiyasan. In the main area is also a place for worshipping the Balinese “All-In-One God” Sanghyang Widi Wasa, which is the supreme God of Bali’s Hinduism.
In the Madya Mandala area is located the Bale Agung building and Kori Agung Gate, called after the Holy Mount Agung. I absolutely adore the ancient design with Hindu ornaments which are to be found here and everywhere inside the temple.
Puseh Batuan Temple: How to Get There
Puseh Batuan Temple is located in Batuan Village near Singapadu, just 10 kilometres south of Ubud (ca 20 min by car). The Temple is also about 17 km from Denpasar (ca 35 min by car), 55 km from Kuta (ca 45 min by car), 35 km from Nusa Dua (ca 1h by car), and 30 km from Padang Bai (ca 45 min by car).
Puseh Batuan Temple: Know Before You Go
Opening Hours: Puseh Batuan Temple Temple is open every day from Monday-Sunday – 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Parking: 5.000 IDR for cars, and 2.000 IDR for motorbikes
Tickets: There is no entry fee but you are expected to donate 10.000 IDR (ca 0,55 €). You are supposed to wear a sarong which you can get after donating the 10.000 IDR.
Enjoy the day!