Being one of the most stunning examples of traditional Balinese architecture, Batuan Temple and Batuan village are hugely overlooked by tourists exploring Ubud and the surrounding areas.
If you’re curious about one of the major Balinese artistic styles, Balinese culture, and ancient religion, you definitely should visit this temple complex!
To make planning easier, here is your complete visitor guide for Batuan Temple in Bali with practical tips.
Summary: All You Need To Know About Batuan Temple (Pura Puseh Batuan)
- The best time to visit Batuan temple is early morning and you will be better prepared if you hire a private driver or rent a bike.
- There are both parking and entrance fees (about 5 AUD).
- The highlight of the temple is the number of ancient and unique statues and amazing ancient relics. You can find animalistic statues, Batuan genre art, Dwarapala statue (Guardian) and many more from prehistoric times.
What Is Batuan Temple In Bali?
Batuan Temple, called in Indonesian Pura Puseh Desa Batuan is a local Balinese Hindu temple worshiping Hindu god Brahma.
The name Batuan quite literally means stone in Indonesian, and many connect the name of the temple with an ancient megalithic tradition when standing stones were markers for meeting halls and ceremonial grounds dedicated to ancestral spirits.
Where Is Batuan Temple?
Batuan Temple, also known as Pura Puseh Batuan is located in Batuan Village, Sukawati Gianyar. It is right along the main road between South Bali and Ubud.
Thanks to its convenient location, many visitors often stop here while visiting nearby places like Tegenungan Waterfalls, Goa Gajah, the surrounding art villages or other cultural sites around Gianyar and Ubud.
Address: C79G+37, Jl. Raya Batuan, Batuan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Quick Note On Batuan Village
Batuan village, home to Batuan temple, is one of the oldest traditional villages in Gianyar regency, on the East coast of Bali.
It became famous among locals and tourists thanks to a few factors: a giant sculpture of a Fat Buddha, an original art style created by Batuan artists, and the traditional Balinese costumes and lifestyle that the villagers still preserve.
Local people have old legends saying that the Batuan Temple got its name from the tough villagers, who are so tough that they could “eat rocks”.
How To Get To Batuan Temple?
One of the easiest ways is to rent a motorbike or hire a private car with a driver.
Motorbike rental usually costs around 80,000 IDR to 200,000 IDR (8-20 AUD) per day, while a private car with a driver typically costs around 500,000 IDR to 700,000 IDR (50-70 AUD) for a full day which is a good option if you are travelling in a group and want to visit several places along the way.
Motorbikes and cars can easily be rented through hotels, local rental shops or online services. Most of the providers will deliver the vehicles to your accommodations. Make sure to check the paperwork and have a proper driver’s license and travel insurance before driving in Bali.
While ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek are very popular, they are more reliable in South and tourist areas and it will be challenging to get to the temple, and especially back.
Batuan Temple is very easy to reach when you are exploring central Bali. If you are staying in Ubud, getting to this place only takes 20-30 minutes by scooter or car.
From Canggu, the trip usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. And if you want to go straight to the place from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it is roughly 2-2.5 hours depending on the traffic situation.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Visit Batuan Village Temple
Yes, you will need to pay a small entrance fee before entering the Batuan temple site.
The fee is usually around 50,000 IDR/person (5 AUD) and it usually includes a sarong and sash which are required to wear when you visit Balinese temples.
Bring cash as payment is typically done at the entrance counter and rare sites accept cards (and it can add up to 3% in transaction fees).
If you arrive by motorbike or car, there is a designated parking area near the entrance. Motorbike parking usually costs around 2,000 IDR-5,000 IDR (under 1 AUD) while car parking may cost slightly more.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Batuan Temple?
The temple is generally open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and it is an active temple for the Balinese Hindu community.
The best time to visit, though, is early in the morning around 9 am to 10 am when it is quieter, with fewer crowds, and more comfortable for you to explore without the tropical heat.
Visiting near sunset time is also a nice option as the softer light creates a beautiful backdrop for taking pictures but it is best for you to arrive at least one hour before closing time and have your transport back arranged in advance.
It is easier to plan your visit during the dry season (April-October), when the weather is sunnier and you get sunshine pretty much every day.
History Of Batuan Temple Complex
Batuan Temple or Pura Batuan Puseh is believed to have been discovered around the 11th century, which makes it one of the oldest temples in Bali alongside Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples in South Bali. Locals say it was founded in 1020 AD (or 944 according to the Balinese Saka calendar).
The temple was established as a part of the traditional Balinese village temple system following the concept of Tri Kahyangan (Tri Murti), three temples each worshipping one of the main gods in Hindu culture (Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma) united within one community.
In its name, Puseh Temple, “Puseh” means the sacred site for worshipping the Hindu god Vishnu, associated with preservation and life, while when you see the words “Pura Desa” it relates to the Lord Brahma, usually, and Dalem Temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva The Destroyer.
Built by former village leaders as a spiritual centre, the temple became a gathering place where the community prayed for safety, balance and well-being of all the families, and prosperity.
Over a thousand years of history, some parts of the temple have been damaged, restored and expanded, but the temple grounds still keep the original layout, detailed stone carvings, unique statues, Balinese ornaments, and sacred main courtyard.
What To Expect Visiting Batuan Puseh Temple
First, you will notice the split gates marking the entrance to the Batuan temple area, called Candi Bentar, surrounded by intricate old stone carvings.
The walls of the temple buildings are covered with beautiful reliefs, the giant guardian statues stand dramatically at the entrance, and the courtyards are filled with shrines wrapped in black and white cloth.
Shrines have traditional Balinese roofs made of chromatic black palm trees that locals made by hand.
Bale Agung, a long wooden pavilion, marks the big courtyard and leads to the tall gates – Kori Agung, generously adorned with carvings, statues, and traditional elements.
Kori Agung’s function is to serve as a safe entryway and passage for gods. A small statue called Pratima next to the gates is a symbol of the gods passing. The main gates are not to be used by humans.
You can wander around the different sections of the temple, admire the craftsmanship on the gates, the drum pavilion (Bale Kulkul), koi fish ponds, and take photos in allowed areas, however, remember that inner courtyards of active Hindu temples are reserved to the praying locals and priests.
The main courtyard of this grand complex has a few more relics, like a place of worship of the only Bali Hindu’s god – Sang Hyang Widhi (building called Padmasana), Meru Towers (representing sacred for ancient Buddhist priests Meru mountains), and Bale Pengiyasan reminding locals about the main temple of the island – Besakih Temple.
If you’re lucky, you may witness ceremonies and celebrations in the temple or the pavilion next to it where women dressed in colourful traditional Balinese costumes will perform Balinese dances accompanied by gamelan music.
Tips For First Time Visitors To Batuan Temple
- Try to arrive earlier in the day if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and cooler weather
- Dress modestly and the wear a sarong and a sash provided at the entrance before entering the temple site
- Carry small casthe h for entrance and parking fee, as card payment is rarely available
- Walk slowly and carefully, as some temple paths are made of old stones and can be uneven
- Take photos respectfully and avoid stepping on the offerings placed on the ground
- If ceremonies are happening, observe quietly while keeping a respectful distance and follow the instructions from the temple staff. Avoid using a flashlight when taking pictures during ceremonies.
- It is best to take a whole- day trip, including Bali Coffee plantation, Tegalalang rice terrace, some waterfalls, and Batuan Temple to make the most of your day.
FAQs
Is Batuan Temple Worth Visiting?
It depends on what you are after.
If you enjoy traditional architecture, intricate stone carvings and a peaceful cultural atmosphere, Batuan temple is worth visiting.
However, if you are expecting dramatic views or big scenic landscapes, it may feel a little bit simple.
Overall, it is a nice cultural stop especially if you are already exploring Central Bali.
What To Wear To Batuan Temple?
The dress code is very simple. To visit Batuan Temple, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Visitors have toa wear sarong and sash, which are usually provided at the entrance once you pay the fee.
What Is The Famous Temple In Bali?
There are more than 20,000 Hindu temples in Bali but the most famous are probably Besakih Temple aka Mother Temple and Lempuyang Temple.
Besakih is a complex of more than 20 temples sitting on the slope of Mt Agung. It is the main temple and pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindu community.
Lempuyang temple is a stunning holy structure on top of the hills in East Bali, with Mt Agung as a backdrop and a popular location for tourist art photos at the Gates Of Heaven.
What Is Batuan Famous For?
Batuan village is well known for the Batuan painting, which originated here, which is a traditional art style featuring highly detailed scenes of mythology, religious stories (like Ramayana Epic) and Balinese daily life.
Many locals are still painters and craftsmen, making art an important part of the village identity. You will most likely see Batuan paintings all over art galleries in Ubuyou d and can even purchase one!
The Batuan village is also well known for its traditional Balinese house compounds, small local temples, and a roadside landmark often called “Patung Bayi Gemuk” (Fat Baby Statue), an eye-catching Buddha Budha sculpture.
Final Thoughts On Batuan Temple, Bali
Batuan Temple is an amazing and authentic place to see locals worshipping god Vishnu, many amazing ancient relics, and explore a sacred site without crowds typical for major temples in Bali.
Make sure to check out the village itself, too, and marvel at one of the oldest painting traditions that exist in Bali. Who knows, maybe you will take home a little souvenir?
Besides depicting Hindu mythology, many local artists started creating tourist art, too, so you will be able to find something!
