The 9 Key Directional Temples (Water and Mountain Temples), the Must See Temples, and the most popular, Undiscovered Temples and Hidden Beauties, and general explanations about Balinese Mentality and Caste Division. The direction toward the mountains, called Kaja the most significant direction. The direction toward the sea is Kelod. The direction toward the sunrise, Kangin, is found in most secondary shrines

Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples That Face A Variety Of Mountains, Lakes or Oceans are:
- Pura Besakih (Mother Temple), located on the western slopes of Gunung Agung in East Bali
- Pura Lempuyang (Lempuyang Temple), located on the slopes of Gunung Lempuyang, near Amlapura in East Bali
- Pura Luhur Batukaru (Batukaru Temple), located on the southern slopes of Gunung Batukaru in Central Bali
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple), located on the western end of the Bukit Peninsula
- Pura Ulun Danu Batur (Batur Temple), located at Kintamani in the Eastern Highlands
- Pura Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple), located on the main road near Padangbai in East Bali
- Pura Andakasa (Andakasa Temple), located on the summit of Mount Andakasa
- Pura Puncak Mangu (Puncak Mangu Temple), located on the top of Mount Catur, 2096 meters above sea level
- Pura Pusering Jagat (Pusering Jagat Temple), is located in the center of Bali, close to Gianyar city.
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 1 – The Bat Cave Temple in Bali (Pura Goa Lawah Bali) – A Legendary Temple
The Bat Cave Temple (Pura Goa Lawah), is very unique, its location is in the southeast of Bali, directly on the coastline, 8 kilometers east of Semarapura, in the Klungkung regency, about a 2 hours drive from Kuta.

According to legends, the temple was built by Mpu Kuturan, a popular Javanese priest who spread Hinduism on Bali, when he came to the “Island of the Gods” in the 11th century. The Balinese Lontar, Bali´s Palm Leaf Bible, tells the story of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a travelling priest who arrived in Bali in the 15th century to build a large number of temples including Pura Goa Lawah (Uluwatu Temple is also attributed to Dang Hyang Nirartha).
By the way, legend also says that the cave is inhabited by a giant snake that eats the bats that are populating it! However don´t worry, no one is allowed to enter anyway!
The main shrine at Goah Lawah has something magical about it, but compared to the other major temples such as Uluwatu Temple or Tanah Lot, Pura Goa Lawah is only worth a side trip. Kusamba Beach, located across the road, is completely different from the ones in the south of Bali as it is a black sand beach (remember: Bali is a volcanic island). Hundreds of swarming bats will make a memorable moment for every tourist that visits and their nose too.
Tip 1: Get a tour guide at the temple entrance, they have vast amounts of knowledge on the history and customs of the temple. Their ‘salary’ is negotiable! Everything above 5 USD is overpaid.
Warning 1: Don’t accept the free necklaces, it is a vendor’s trick. If anyone accepts they won’t let them leave until they have bought something. If visitors decide to buy one, the price should not be any higher than 3 – 4 USD.
Warning 2: Do not enter the cave! As mentioned before, inside a giant snake is waiting for lunch.
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 2 – Batukaru Temple Bali (Pura Luhur Batukaru Bali) – The second highest temple in Bali
Batukaru Temple (Pura Luhur Batukaru) is located at the foot of Mount Batukaru, the second-highest mountain in Bali, in the middle of the jungle, close to Wongayagede Village in the Tabanan Regency, about a 1 ½ hour drive from Kuta.

The history of Pura Luhur Batukaru, also named Watukaru Temple, is not clear but manuscripts from the 17th century about the Buleleng Kingdom and Manuscripts called Kusuma Dewa, state that Mpu (Empu) Kuturan, who also built Uluwatu Temple, the Bat Cave Temple as well as many others in the 11th century, took over this project too. As with many temples, Batu Karu Temple also has a very interesting legend to offer.
A Balinese King named Panji Sakit, who wanted to expand his empire, attacked Batukaru. For some reason Panji Sakit also wanted to damage Batu Karu Temple and as soon as he had started to damage the temple, the King and his soldiers were attacked by thousands and thousands of bees forcing them to retreat.
Since the renovation of the temple which started in 1959, which took about 18 years, Batu Karu Temple is back in its original shape.
Pura Luhur Batukaru lies in a solitary clearing 1,300 meters above sea level, bounded by a lush green tropical rainforest. Next to Batukaru Temple, it’s possible to find a garden with flowering frangipani, hibiscus plants and other vegetation. It is a very natural area, with wild monkeys, and not many tourists visit this place.
The temple itself is not as impressive as some others as it consists of the three regular courtyards, separated by gates. However, the place is simply phenomenal and well worth the visit. It will not only inspire tourist’s spirit of discovery, Batukaru Temple also guarantees any visitor a memorable moment that will last a lifetime.
In case anybody is in Bali one day after Galungan (Balinese Holiday), don’t miss the opportunity to see this temples delightful anniversary. Thousands of pilgrims from all over Bali meet on this special day at Watu Karu Temple.
Tip 1: Make sure a trip to the lavatory is made before visiting Batukaru Temple as the sanitary standard for the provided restrooms is local.
Additional Information 1: The parking area is close to the temple and well-maintained
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 3 – Lempuyang Temple in Bali (Pura Luhur Lempuyang) – The temple of a thousand steps
Lempuyang Temple Bali (Pura Luhur Lempuyang Bali), is also called ‘The Temple of Thousand Steps’ is located at the summit of Belibis Hill (Mount Lempuyang), 1.058 meters above sea level, northeast of Mount Agung, Abang District, Karangasem Regency and about a 2 ¾ hour drive from Kuta.

It is not documented when Lempuyang Temple was exactly built. Legends say that when Mother Earth was only 70 years old, the island of Bali was unstable and earthquakes happened daily. The god Pacupati, who resides in Mount Sumeru saw this condition and asked his three children to stabilize Bali. He sent Hyang Gni Jaya, Hyang Putra Jaya and Dewi Danu to Bali to reside in three different places; Dewi Danu on Mount Batur, Hyang Putra Jaya on Mount Agung, and Hyang Gni Jaya in Lempuyang Luhur Temple. This legend bears a resemblance to the one we know from Mount Batur.
There is one thing which everyone should be aware of if they decide to see Pura Luhur Lempuyang. It is not called ‘The Temple of Thousand Steps’ for no reason. If anyone would like to see the main temple of this complex, they have to climb about 1700 stairs to reach it. Six more temples along the way to Lempuyang Luhur Temple are begging for every traveller’s attention.
Additional Information 1: Lempuyang could be derived from the words Lampu, meaning lamp or light and the word hyang which means god. Finally Lempuyang means “the light of god”.
Others believe that the words come from a seasoning, used as medicine. It also can come from the words emong or empu which both mean guardian.
Additional Information 2: The main reason for the Balinese to make a pilgrimage to Lempuyang Temple is to get sacred holy water. This sacred holy water is obtained by cutting a yellow bamboo plant.
Additional Information 3: If all those stairs seem manageable that a stunning view will be a just reward
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 4 – Besakih Temple in Bali or Mother Temple Bali (Pura Luhur Besakih Bali) – One of Bali’s most important temples
Besakih Temple Bali (also named as Mother Temple Bali or Pura Besakih Bali) is located in the village of Besakih (Rendang Sub-district, Karangasem) right at the foot of Mount Agung, in the eastern domain of Bali.

As its name is already saying, it is the mother of all temples and not just one of Bali’s most important temples; it is the most important one in Bali! Some people might be wondering, what is so special about Besakih Temple, we normally have to go a little bit deeper into the Balinese culture to give a full answer. However, I will try to explain it without making it boring:
Balinese believe, the higher a temple is located, the closer it is to god and the closer a temple is to god, the more sacred it is!
Besakih Temple is located about 1.000 meters above sea level and finally it is the highest substantial public temple complex. Besakih Temple dates back to about the 10th century (the same age as Tirta Empul Temple) and is a complex consisting of about 30 singular temples, with hundreds of shrines, dedicated to the helpers of the gods. When the highest temple of the Mother Temple complex has finally been reached Pura Penataran Agung Besakih, visitors will be rewarded with unimaginable views and a fabulous, spiritual feeling.
The most marvellous things in Bali also have a reverse side to the coin. As the Mother Temple is a very popular tourist place, everybody will be asked for money at every single corner. A guide offering his knowledge here, a seller his products there and the entrance has to be paid for as well. Additionally, vacationers will probably get forced to buy a Sarong for 50 USD which is 3-4 times of the real value. Besakih Temple can easily become annoying at the beginning, especially if one doesn’t think they can handle pushy people. As a fan of this tremendous and imposing complex, it is hard to say: “If any tourists can’t handle these situations, stay away from Pura Besakih and see the other major temples on Bali such as Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple) or Tirta Empul Temple (Pura Tirta Empul) just to name a few. For those who don’t mind at all and make this tour to Bali’s holiest temple will finally get a chance to explore a terrific complex with stunning views from the top level!
Tip 1: Try to smile when negotiating, even if it is annoying. Most Balinese people have a problem to understand about the real value of a product. It can happen where the printed price on the entrance ticket can be different to the asking price and even the entrance fee has to be negotiated.
Tip 2: Ask the driver BEFORE entering Pura Besakih for tips and tricks. He comes here a lot and knows exactly what to do!
Additional Information 1: Mount Agung’s last activity dates back to 1963. A series of eruptions killed about 1700 people. The lava flows missed the Besakih Temple by mere meters. Balinese people believed and still believe that this is a sign that the gods wanted to show their power but did not want to destroy this unique and imposing Balinese structure.
Additional Information 2: Every shrine has its anniversary and many of those “birthdays” are celebrated. The anniversaries follow the Balinese Calendar and the Ceremonies take place every 210 days.
Additional Information 3: Besakih is derived from the Sanskrit word Basuki which means ‘congratulations’.

Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 5 – Batur Temple and Batur Lake in Bali (Pura Ulun Danu Batur Bali) – An important Temple complex of 285 shrines
Batur Temple Bali or Pura Ulun Danu Batur Bali is a voyage of about 2 ½ hours from Kuta, in Kalanganyar Village, Kintamani district, in the eastern highlands.
Pura Ulun Danu Batur is dedicated to the goddess Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu which has as another nice legend behind it.
A long time ago, Shiva (destroyer God) climbed up Mount Mahameru in India and divided it into two parts. She kept two stones and created two mountains out of it in Bali, Mount Agung and Mount Batur. Both of them became a residence for her children. From that time on her son Putranjaya sits enthroned on Mount Agung and her daughter Dewi Ulun Danu lives on Mount Batur.
Batur Temple, at its original location, was on the southwestern slopes of Mount Batur, it was nearly destroyed by Mount Batur’s two heavy eruptions in 1917 and 1926. Batur Village was destroyed, thousands of people died and the entire area was ruined. Apart from the most important shrine, an 11-roofed Meru, nothing else survived. In 1927 Local Villages decided to rebuild the Temple in a higher area. Batur Temple is a temple complex that consists of 9 additional temples with a total of 285 shrines.
1. Pura Penataran Agung Batur, the principal temple
2. Penataran Pura Jati,
3. Pura Tirta Bungkah,
4. Pura Taman Sari,
5. Pura Tirta Mas Mampeh,
6. Pura Sampian Wangi,
7. Pura Gunarali,
8. Pura Padang Sila
9. Pura Tuluk Biyu
Additional Information 1: Batur Lake is a very important water supply for plenty of rice fields in the Gianyar, Klungkung, and Bangli regency.
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 6 – Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) – A majestic Temple on the edge of a cliff
Uluwatu Temple, also named Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali’s southernmost key directional temple, is majestically situated on a 75-meter-high steep cliff in Pecatu Village (Badung District), about a one-hour trip away from the very well-known Kuta area.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu dates back to the 11th century, (Warmadewa Dynasty from the 10th to 14th centuries).
Two legendary, religious characters are connected to Uluwatu Temple.
1. Empu Kuturan – A talented Javanese shrine builder who got the order to add several shrines to Uluwatu Temple.
2. Dangh Hyang Nirartha – A priest, travelling all over the island to build shrines, finally ending up at Pura Luhur Uluwatu to add Padmasana Shrines to the Uluwatu Temple and to carve a special stone as a resting place for the gods.
Even if it is not in the best condition anymore Uluwatu Temple is simply a magnificent place. Below the cliff, the ocean demonstrates nature’s forces and the view is absolutely stunning. Everyone’s kids will love the monkeys as they are willing to interact with passers-by. Around 6 pm there is a chance to watch a spectacular Balinese Dance performance (for an extra charge), the Fire Kecak Dance. Where it is possible to experience an adorable sunset and finally the place is free of pushy sellers, making a visit to Uluwatu Temple extremely relaxing.
Tip 1: Please be aware of thieving monkeys. They especially like sunglasses, cameras and caps.
Tip 2: The area around Uluwatu Temple is very popular with professional surfers as it is the place for a very well-known annual surf competition and it offers nice beaches.
Tip 3: The traffic in the early evening can get really busy, especially on Friday’s. In case the sunset at Pura Luhur Uluwatu doesn’t sound interesting (probably because enjoy a romantic sunset dinner at Jimbaran Beach, which has to be passed on the way back anyway sounds better), make sure to leave in plenty of time.
Additional information 1: Uluwatu consist of two Words.
1. Ulu = beginning
2. Watu = Stone
Uluwatu temple finally means: Cliff Situated Temple
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 7 – Andakasa Temple in Bali (Pura Luhur Andakasa Bali) – A great Temple with real Balinese charm
Andakasa Temple is located close to Angantelu Village, in the Manggis district, of the Karangasem regency, 200 meters above sea level on the summit of Mount Andakasa, a 70 kilometres or a 2-hour voyage from Kuta or Seminyak and not far from Goa Lawah and Bali’s Bat Cave Temple.

Additionally, Andakasa Temple also belongs to Bali’s 9 key directional temples, although it is not very popular with tourists and could have been listed in the category of hidden Treasures instead.
Balinese legends inform us, that when god created Bali, he took a large rock from Semeru Mountain in Java and used a small portion to form Andakasa Hill. With the rest of the rock, he created Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali with a total height of 3142 meters.
The date that Andakasa Temple originates from is not 100% clear. A Papyrus called Usana Bali estimates the temple was built in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, who also built Goa Lawah, Bali’s Bat Cave Temple, and added shrines to Uluwatu Temple during the Marakata Dynasty (1024-1028).
On the journey from the car park to the final destination, everyone needs to walk for a few minutes through the rain forest to reach a small altar that is next to a sacred spring where the locals get their holy water. After another 10-minute walk and clambering up plenty of stairs, visitors will finally arrive at Pura Andakasa.
Tip 1: Just go there if the Bat Cave temple is the first destination and there is still some feeling of curiosity to see more holy places.
Additional Information 1: Little Warungs (restaurants) can provide food after every excursion.
Additional Information 2: Pura Andakasa is extremely important to the Balinese people as it is a great place for praying and meditating but in the end, it’s not a “must-see” for tourists coming to Bali.
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 8 – Puncak Mangu Temple in Bali (Pura Luhur Puncak Mangu) – A Temple for those that enjoy physical exercise
Puncak Mangu Temple is not very well known and not very easy to reach as it is located on top of Gunung Catur (Mount Catur), 2096 meters above sea level.

Park the car at Taman Rekreasi Bedugul. The approximate 6-kilometre hike to the top of Mount Catur takes, depending on every visitor’s condition, 2 – 3 hours. The way back will take about 1 hour less as it will all be downhill.
The trip starts with a casual stroll but near to the summit, it becomes a lot more challenging. However, after the hard struggle, everyone is rewarded with an amazing picturesque view.
Puncak Mangu Temple is the perfect place to go if holidaymakers would like to combine sightseeing and hiking. It is not recommended for people who don’t like longer walks or hiking.
Tip 1: Don’t forget to bring water
Tip 2: Ask at the rangers’ station for a guide as this trip isn’t manageable without one.
Tip 3: Don’t to this trip during in the rainy season
Tip 4: See Goa Jepang, a former Japanese Bunker from World War 2.
Bali’s 9 Key Directional Temples – # 9 – Pusering Jagat Temple in Bali (Pura Luhur Pusering Jagat) – Temple in the Navel of the World
The Pusering Jagat Temple is located in the Village of Pejeng, in the Tampaksiring District, about 7 kilometers away from Gianyar city or a 70-minute tour from Bali’s major tourist destinations such as Seminyak.

Pusering Jagat Temple dates back to the 11th century but developed its importance about 300 years later when the Pejeng Village was situated in the exact center of one ancient Balinese empire. The name is also derived from this fact as the literal translation of Pusering Jagat Temple is “Temple in the Navel of the World”. Additionally, legends state that the world’s life and its civilizations were started at Pura Pusering Jagat.
The point of interest here is the meter-high elaborately carved holy water vessel which has a detailed representation that portrays the Hindu myth of “the churning of the sea of milk” sculpted into its exterior. In a nearby pavilion another significant icon can be found, it is a meter-high phallic lingam and its female receptacle, the yoni which is an important shrine for Balinese infertile couples and newlyweds