A. At a Glance
Bali is known as the 'island of a thousand temples' because on this island there are more than 11,000 building the temple. It seems, in some places in Bali, the number of temples and even exceed the number of people's homes.
One of the largest temples are regarded as the mother temple in Bali (the mother temple) is Besakih Temple.
Besakih Temple is situated at the foot of Mount Agung, the highest mountain on the island of Bali which by local people regarded as holy mountains.
On March 17, 1963 (other versions mention the date March 18) Mount Agung had erupted and killed more than 1,000 people and destroyed villages in the vicinity. But what amazed, Pura Besakih 'untouchable' by the natural disaster, when the distance is only about 1 km from the summit of Mount Agung.


According to the story develops, the location was chosen because the temple is regarded as a sacred area. In the ancient Javanese language, Besakih, wasuki, or Basuki has meaning "congratulations". In addition, the name of Besakih was also associated with Naga Basuki, the figure of a dragon that becomes part of the public confidence on the slopes of Mount Agung in the pre-Hindu. Because the temple is regarded as a sacred place, then the visitors who want to enter the temple complex were required to wear gloves and selempot Balinese.

B. Feature

Pura Besakih is a complex of Hindu temples which consists of 22 buildings temples. According to estimates by experts, Pura Besakih development process took more than 1000 years until reaching its present form. Evidence from the history of megalithic relics found in the vicinity of this temple complex, such as menhirs, stone throne, and the pyramid-shaped core structure to strengthen the estimates.

This temple was built on the concept of Tri Hita Karana, the concept of balance between man, nature and God. Structuring temple building eyes adjusted to the wind direction so that the building structure can be represented as a symbolism of natural balance.

Each cardinal direction is called mandala with deities ruling called "Dewa Catur Lokapala". As the center (axis / center) of the four cardinal directions are upgrading Pura Agung Besakih, the largest temple dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva surrounded by pretending another. In the east there is Pura Pura Agung Dark Upgrading used to adore the god Iswara, in the south there are temples for the worship Kiduling Kereteg Brahma; on the west side is Ulun Kulkul to worship the god Mahadeva, as well as on the north side is intended to Pura Batumadeg worship the god Vishnu.

Pura Besakih complex often held various Hindu religious rituals, culminating in a celebration every hundred years Pura Besakih called Ekadasa Rudra (last done in 1979). Apart from enjoying the historical heritage, unique architecture, religious rituals and celebrations in this temple, tourists can also complete the tour with a visit to climb Mount Agung.

C. Location

Pura Besakih Besakih located in the Village, District of Rendang, Karangasem regency, Bali province, Indonesia.

D. Access

To reach Pura Besakih, tourists can start the journey from Denpasar toward the east, past the City Semarapura (Klungkung) to the Pura Besakih using public transport (bemo). Arriving in the District of Rendang, visitors are advised to alight at the entrance of the temple, not in the village of Besakih located approximately 1 km south Pura Besakih. From the gate of the temple, visitors can walk into the Besakih temple complex.

E. Ticket Prices

Visitors wishing to enter the temple per person subject to import duty. When visitors driving private cars, then charged extra for parking fees.

F. Accommodation and Other Facilities

Travellers who need a Balinese sarong as a condition for entering the temple can be rented locations around the site. If you want to know the ins and outs of Pura Besakih both in terms of both history and architecture, tourists can hire a guide.

Besakih temple complex has a parking area large enough for various kinds of vehicles. In addition, there are parking lots around the stalls which sell handicrafts and other souvenirs. If need lodging or restaurant, around the temple there are also hostels and all kinds of Balinese food stalls.