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January 6, 2025Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
Spiritual Travel to the Temple Area in Gianyar that Features Magnificent Temple Architecture with Natural Beauty
Travel to Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is a temple in Bali that presents the beauty of ancient architecture with a history of Hinduism. This temple is located in Gianyar and is still very much preserved for its beautiful natural scenery. If you are planning to do the melukat tradition, you can visit this temple. The name of this temple comes from the word “gunung” which means “mountain” and “kawi” which means “made” and “sebatu” which comes from the name of the village where this temple is located.
The architectural beauty offered in this temple, which blends with the beauty of nature, makes it a special attraction for tourists who visit. The temple is located at an altitude of around 1,175 meters above sea level, thus offering an iconic view of Mount Agung. Many package tour in Bali offer a visit to this temple, providing an opportunity to experience the peace and tranquility offered by this sacred place. This temple is the Gianyar Interesting Places to Visit for those seeking to explore Balinese culture and spirituality.
As a Sacred Temple for the Praise of Holy Water
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple has a rich history, where the temple is dedicated to the worship of Dewi Gangga as a symbol of purity and sanctity of water. The temple was built in the 11th century and is believed to be a place to obtain holy water that is believed to purify the body and soul. This temple is also one of the important religious sites for Balinese Hindus, especially in purification rituals and worship related to water. This temple is also included in the Dhang Kahyangan Temple, which means it can be visited by all Balinese Hindus and used to perform melukat or self-cleansing rituals.
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is located in a very lush and green area, where water from natural springs flowing around the temple is used in various ceremonies and religious rituals. The importance of water in this temple makes it a symbol of fertility and life for the Balinese people, making it one of the most visited places in the package tour in Bali.
Location and Getting to Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
If you want to access Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, you can drive to Banjar Sebatu, Sebatu Village, Tegallalang, Gianyar. This temple has a land area of about 5,000 square meters and is located right on the edge of Pakudui road, Sebatu Village. The location is quite far from Denpasar City, about 56 km from Ngurah Rai Airport or about 1 hour 30 minutes drive. To reach this temple area, you need to go down about 315 steps. The road to the temple is quite accessible, although some of the roads leading to the temple are a bit hilly. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of terraced rice fields and mountains along the way.
The Uniqueness of the Architecture and Environment
- Traditional Balinese Architecture
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple features typical Balinese architecture, with delicate carvings and harmonious structures, blending in with the natural surroundings. The temple is structured into three key sections: Jaba Pura (the outer courtyard), Jaba Tengah (the middle courtyard), and Jeroan (the inner courtyard). One of the main attractions is the large pond filled with clear water, where visitors can witness the purification ritual. The temple environment surrounded by tropical gardens creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for meditation and self-reflection. The beauty and peacefulness of this place make it perfect for travelers seeking tranquility.
- Sacred Pool and Purification Ritual
The main highlight of Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is its holy pool, which is believed to possess the power of spiritual purification. Balinese Hindus often come here to perform self-purification rituals, by washing their faces and bodies with water from the pond which is believed to cleanse the soul and provide inner peace. The pond is adorned with aquatic plants that add to the natural and mystical feel, enriching the spiritual experience that every visitor can feel. The temple is a highly revered and sacred place in Bali, with a profound and meaningful atmosphere.
- Spacious Place
The temple has an area of about 5,000 square meters surrounded by forests, cliffs, and abundant water sources. Visitors will pass 315 steps to reach this temple area.
- Koi Fish Pond
There is a large koi fish pond that is sacred. You are not allowed to take the fish, but can feed the fish with the food available there. This temple is a charming stop on a tour of Bali.
Attractions and Activities at Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
- Spiritual Peace and Soothing Nature
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is the perfect place for visitors seeking tranquility and spiritual peace. Set amidst cool green nature with breathtaking views, the temple offers an ideal setting for meditation or contemplation. Many visitors come to experience the inner peace that comes from the natural surroundings and rituals performed at this temple, which is often included in tour in Bali. The peace that exists between spirituality and nature provides a very profound experience.
- Religious Ceremonies and Balinese Hindu Traditions
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is also an important place for Balinese religious ceremonies, one of which is the annual Tawur Agung ceremony. This ceremony aims to honor the gods and maintain the balance of nature. Many Balinese Hindus attend this ceremony, which involves the offering of flowers, incense, and prayers. Visitors who come during this ceremony can witness firsthand a series of meaningful rituals, giving a deeper insight into Balinese Hindu culture and religion.
Interesting Facts About Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
- A Religious Site Full of History
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is not just a place of worship but also a historical site steeped in cultural significance. Despite its establishment in the 11th century, its beauty has been preserved over time. The temple holds a special place in history, being linked to the ancient Balinese kingdoms, which enhances its historical and cultural importance.
- A Temple Surrounded by Mesmerizing Nature
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is surrounded by stunning nature, with mountains, terraced rice fields, and tropical trees providing a cool and peaceful atmosphere. This makes this temple one of the favorite places for tourists who want to enjoy peace while absorbing the natural beauty of Bali.
Facilities, Ticket Prices, Operating Hours
- Facilities: The facilities available at this temple are quite adequate, including clean toilets, a large and comfortable parking area, food and beverage stalls, and kiosks selling various types of Balinese souvenirs. At the entrance of the temple, visitors can also rent sarongs and scarves.
- Ticket Price: The entrance ticket price to this area is fairly affordable, at around IDR 15,000 for adults and IDR 10,000 for children. This ticket price includes the use of a sarong and shawl which must be worn when entering a sacred area in Bali as a form of respect. Visitors also need to pay parking fees of around IDR 5,000 for cars and IDR 10,000 for motorcycles.
- Operating Hours: Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is open every day from 08.00 – 18.00 WITA. You can come early to avoid the crowd and enjoy the view more quietly. Operating hours can change at any time according to Hindu religious holidays.
Visiting Tips
To make your visit to Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple more enjoyable and memorable, here are some tips for tour in Bali that can be followed:
- Wear Polite Clothes: As this temple is a sacred place, it is very important to wear modest clothing. Make sure to wear the sarong and shawl provided at the entrance.
- Come in the Morning or Evening: To avoid crowds and hot weather, visit in the morning or evening. These times are ideal for enjoying the quieter atmosphere of the temple.
- Bring Drinking Water and a Hat: Despite the abundance of trees, the weather in Bali can be very hot. Bring drinking water and a hat for comfort while walking around.
- Respect Rituals and Ceremonies: If visiting during a religious ceremony, be sure to respect the activity and do not interrupt or take photos without permission.
- Have Cash on Hand: Bring cash to buy entrance tickets, parking, and buy food or souvenirs around the temple area.
Conclusion
Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is a place full of natural beauty and deep spiritual values. The beauty of traditional Balinese architecture, as well as the historical and cultural values contained in it, make this temple one of the must-visit religious tourist destinations on a tour in Bali according to Bali Touristic. With its legendary sacred pool and peaceful atmosphere, Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple offers an unforgettable spiritual experience for every visitor.