Pura Luhur Batukaru 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Bali’s Hidden Garden Temple

Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of the most stunning garden temples in Bali. A step towards the temple will teleport you to a serene and peaceful environment with a beautiful grassed courtyard and flowering shrubs. 

The Sacred History: This temple is an 11th century old temple. Dedicated to the ancestors of the Rajas of Tbanan, this temple was rebuilt in 1959 after being destroyed in 1604. The seven-tiered meru honouring Mahadewa, the God of Mount Batukaru, is the temple's most significant shrine.

The Guardian of the West: Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of Bali’s nine sacred directional temples (Khayangan Jagat). It is considered as the island’s spiritual protector from the west. However, numerous ceremonies and events keep a large portion of the complex's grounds off-limits to visitors throughout the year.

Note for Climbers: It is a mandatory ritual for climbers who summit Mount Batukaru, to pay their respect by visiting the temple first.

Exploring the architectural grandeur of the Pura Luhur Batukaru temple is one of the best things to add to your Bali tour packages. 

Stone Carvings & Fierce Guardians: When you visit Batukaru Temple, you will see big statues of guards at the entrance. These statues look fierce and are believed to keep bad spirits away from this holy place.

The 7-Tiered Meru: A Sky-High Tribute: It is a multi-roofed shrine dedicated to the God of Batukaru Mountain and is built with a dark, fibrous palm-leaf roof (ijuk) that darkens in color and gives it a mystical appearance when it rains.

The Batukaru temple is perched on the slopes of Mount Gunung Batukaru, the second-highest peak in Bali after Mount Agung. Surrounded by refreshing natural forests, it is a pleasant place to stop for sightseeing for nature lovers. Tucked amidst the lush forest, this temple is far away from crowds, unlike the tourist attractions in Bali and offers a serene and peaceful experience to its visitors. 

While it is roughly a two hour drive from Seminyak or Kuta, the journey itself is a highlight. You will pass through some of Bali's most authentic traditional villages and mountain viewpoints that haven't changed in decades.

• Address: Jl. Penatahan - Wongayagede, Wongaya Gede, Kec. Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 85125, Indonesia
• Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free (rental fee for sarong and sash IDR 20,000 to IDR 40,000 (~INR 110 to INR 220).
• Respectful Conduct: Respect the rules by not visiting the restricted areas and have a local guide, If you are unsure about the rules and regulations of the temple.
• Dress Code: Modest, covering your knees and shoulders and even if you are wearing long pants, you are required to wear a selendang (Traditional sash) and often a sarong as a mark of respect.
• 2026 Payment Tip: Have small IDR bills ready for the donation box.
• The Weather Factor: It is often more rainy here than in Kuta and carrying a light rain coat is recommended.

Pura Luhur Batukaru temple is 45 - 55 km away from Ubud, Denpasar and Seminyak. Depending on your starting point, the journey takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

• Private Car & Driver: One of the most comfortable ways to reach Pura Luhur Batukaru is by driving a private car or by hiring a driver. The cost for drivers varies in Bali, but generally, it will typically cost around IDR 700,000 -  800,000 (~INR 3,800 - 4,300) .
• Scooter/Motorbike: Rent a scooter or motorbike from Ubud or Seminyak to reach this temple which would cost  IDR 80,000 - 150,000/day (Approx. INR ~480 - INR ~825) that offers total freedom. The roads leading to Mount Batukaru are steep and can be slippery due to mountain mist. Only choose this option if you are an experienced rider with a valid international permit.
• Ride-Hailing (Grab/Gojek): You can also reach the place by using ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek. However, do not rely on apps for your return journey. Pura Batukaru is in a "dead zone" for ride-hailing pickups. It is much safer to book a "return trip" wait-time with your driver or stick to a private car hire.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit Bali's Pura Luhur Batukaru temple. With mist covering the surroundings, early mornings are best for cultural immersion. This is when you can witness the traditional rituals and customs of Bali.  Additionally, the afternoon light transforms the place into an Instagram-worthy environment, which is ideal for taking pictures. Visiting on weekdays offers a more tranquil experience compared to weekends.  

For lush green scenery, plan your visit during the wet season, which runs from November to April. The dry season (May to October) is the ideal time to explore nearby rice fields and to trek to Mount Batukaru. To witness the cultural richness of the place, visit during the Piodalan Temple Anniversary, which occurs each Thursday after the Galungan celebrations. It is when you can witness thousands of local Balinese people come to pray and climb Mount Batukaru.

Read more: Bali Travel Guide

The Pura Luhur has three grassed courtyards which are connected by traditional split gates and the ancient moss-covered structures create a mystical atmosphere. As you walk from the outer garden (Nista Mandala) to the middle courtyard (Madya Mandala), you will notice the air getting cooler and the sound of the forest intensifies.

Witness the grandeur of the stunning sky-touched multi-tiered where you will find smaller 3 and 5-tiered towers, representing the smaller peaks of the Batukaru range.

The temple’s pavilions feature distinctive dark grass roofs and intricate wall carvings that narrate stories of ancient mythology. Look for the recently restored relic that showcases the story of how a swarm of wasps protected the temple from an invasion in 1604.

This temple has special shrines that are dedicated to three sacred mountain lakes, Tamblingan, Buyan and Beratan. The temple is exquisitely linked to Bali's significant water resources and natural spirituality through these shrines.

The main courtyard of the temple features sacred freshwater springs that are used for purification by worshippers before prayers. While the inner spring is reserved for priests to gather Tirtha (holy water). The sacred water is also collected  by nearby farmers for use in agricultural rites.

Experience the lush green surroundings, often covered in mist, creates a serene atmosphere far away from the tourist crowds of popular places. No other place can replace the peacefulness of this place.

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (15-20 mins away)
• Penatahan Hot Springs (20 mins away)
• Sangeh Monkey Forest (40-45 mins away) 
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (50-60 mins away)
• Tanah Lot Temple (1.5 hours away)

Pura Luhur Batukaru is not only a temple to worship in. It is a place where spirituality meets tranquillity. If you are looking for a hidden gem far from crowds, this temple is a must-add to your Bali itinerary for a calm and authentic experience. By visiting the temple, you can connect with Bali’s traditions, natural beauty and spiritual heritage. Whether you are seeking serenity or deeper insights into the island’s culture, Pura Luhur is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Bali in 2026.