Goa Lawah Temple in Pesinggahan Village
Spiritual Travel to a Temple as a Sacred Place that has been Guarded by Thousands of Bats
Spiritual Harmony and Natural Beauty in Klungkung, Bali
Goa Lawah Temple, is one of the sacred temples in Bali that has a unique and extraordinary charm. Located in Klungkung Regency, this temple is a place of Hindu worship as well as a popular spiritual tourism destination. With a historical background and mystical nuances, Goa Lawah Temple offers a memorable experience for visitors.
The temple is one of the most historic shrines as a place for the worship of Lord Maheswara and a famous temple in the Bali area. In addition to being a sacred area or place of worship for Hindus, this temple also has a thick history and interesting legends that you can know. This temple can be included in the list of Klungkung Interesting Places to Visit to complete your spiritual journey.
In this temple there is a temple called Candi Gelung which serves to separate the middle jaba (middle courtyard) and jeroan (innermost courtyard). This temple has a close attachment with Besakih Temple, where Goa Lawah temple as the head of the Naga Basuki and Goa Raja temple which is in the Besakih Temple complex as the tail of the Naga Basuki.
Location and Access to Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah Temple, located in Pesinggahan Village within the Dawan Subdistrict of Klungkung Regency. This temple is strategically located on the edge of the main road that connects Denpasar with Karangasem. The distance is about 1.5 hours drive from Denpasar using a private vehicle. Access to the temple is very easy, with a large parking area for two and four-wheeled vehicles.
Access guide:
- Private Vehicle: If visitors use private vehicles to get to Goa Lawah Temple, you can take the Denpasar-Gilimanuk Highway. After passing Semarapura Market, you will find directions along the way to get to this temple.
- Public Transportation: You can also use public transportation such as buses from Ubud Terminal. You can take a bus with the Ubud-Klungkung route. After arriving at Klungkung Terminal, you can continue your journey using ojek or becak.
History and Myth of Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah Temple was built in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, a Hindu priest who played an important role in the spread of Hinduism in Bali. This temple is known as one of the Sad Kahyangan temples, which are the six main temples in Bali that are considered as the guardians of spiritual balance on the island.
The name Goa Lawah comes from the word “goa” which means cave, and “lawah” which means bat. Inside the cave in the temple grounds, thousands of bats live hanging from the ceiling, creating a unique and mystical atmosphere. It is said that the cave has a secret tunnel connecting Besakih Temple at the foot of Mount Agung.
Uniqueness of Goa Lawah Temple
- Sacred Bats: The presence of thousands of bats in this cave is considered sacred by the local community. They are believed to be part of the temple’s spiritual ecosystem that brings good luck and balance.
- Beautiful Ocean View: Goa Lawah Temple is located not far from the beach, so visitors can enjoy the stunning sea view while having a spiritual tour. Its proximity to the beach also makes the temple a perfect place to watch the sunset.
- Ngaben Ceremony: Goa Lawah Temple is often used for ngaben or cremation ceremonies by Balinese Hindus. This temple is considered a good place to carry out the procession due to its high spiritual value.
Activities at Goa Lawah Temple
- Praying and Meditation: Hindu visitors can perform prayers at this temple to seek blessings and inner peace. The serene atmosphere around the temple is perfect for meditation.
- Exploring the Cave: Although visitors are not allowed to go too deep into the cave, seeing the thousands of bats that live inside is an interesting experience. The echoing sounds of the bats create a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else.
- Cultural Tourism: Goa Lawah Temple provides an in-depth insight into Balinese culture and traditions. Visitors can witness traditional ceremonies or chat with local residents to learn more about the temple’s history.
Unique Architecture of Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah Temple has stunning Balinese architecture, rich in artistic details, and exudes a deep spiritual impression. Some of the uniqueness that makes this temple special:
- The Magnificent Gate: Adorned with traditional carvings depicting Hindu mythological stories, it provides an ea la and majestic welcome.
- Natural Stone Temple Buildings: Built with natural rocks that symbolize the harmony between man and the universe.
- Beautifully Landscaped Gardens: Adds to the atmosphere of tranquility, with green trees and well-tended flowers.
Flora and Fauna Around Goa Lawah
Apart from being a spiritual place, the area around Goa Lawah also offers extraordinary natural beauty. Here are some of its natural attractions:
- Unique Bats: Thousands of bats inhabiting the cave create a distinctive atmosphere and are a major attraction for tourists.
- Tropical Vegetation: Shady trees, flowering shrubs and various tropical plants provide fresh air and a cool atmosphere.
- Fluttering Sea Birds: The sight of seabirds flying around the beach adds to the natural and peaceful feel.
The Role of Goa Lawah in the Spiritual Life of Hindus
Goa Lawah has a very deep spiritual meaning for the Balinese people. The temple is often an important location for various Hindu rituals, such as:
- Nyegara Gunung Ritual: A large ceremony that aims to purify the spirits of ancestors before continuing the journey of ea lam kedewaan.
- Symbol of Natural Balance: Symbolizes the harmony between the ocean and mountain elements, which is an important part of Balinese Hindu philosophy.
- A Place of Meditation and Prayer: Its serene location makes this temple an ideal place for reflection and getting closer to Sang Hyang Widhi.
Ticket Price and Opening Hours
If you want to carry out a tourist visit to this temple, there are operating hours set for visits by Hindus and tourists, starting at 08.00 – 18.00 WITA. These opening hours can change at any time according to religious activities held in this temple area. The best time to visit this temple is in the morning and afternoon where the sun does not sting your body too much. However, at that time it will usually be more crowded with tourist visits.
For the ticket price of this tourist attraction is quite affordable. The following are the prices set for domestic tourists, foreign tourists, and vehicle parking fees.
- Adult (Indonesian citizen): IDR 20,000/person
- Child (Indonesian citizen): IDR 10,000/person (5-12 years old)
- Adult (foreigner): IDR 30,000/person
- Child (foreigner): IDR 15,000/person
- Motorcycle: IDR 2,000
- Car: IDR 5,000
- Bus: IDR 10,000
Tips for Visiting Goa Lawah Temple
- Wear modest clothing, such as sarongs and scarves, when entering the temple area. Sarongs can be rented at the entrance.
- Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple area.
- Avoid coming during Hindu holidays unless you want to witness a religious ceremony.
- Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the temple, but still respect the rules that apply in holy places.
- Make sure to maintain cleanliness and not disturb the bats in the cave.
Tourist Destinations Near Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah Temple not only offers a spiritual experience, but also easy access to various interesting tourist destinations in the vicinity:
- Kusamba Beach: Famous for its unique traditional process of making sea salt, it offers mesmerizing views of the beach.
- Tenganan Village: One of the Bali Aga villages rich in ancient traditions, such as the Gringsing cloth craft.
- Lepang Beach: Perfect for enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of Bali’s less crowded beaches.
- Bukit Jambul: A destination with beautiful views of terraced rice fields, ideal for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Conclusion
To complete your spiritual journey, Bali Touristic recommends a visit to Goa Lawah Temple. This temple is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and spirituality that can only be found in Bali. As both a sacred place and a tourist destination, this temple offers an immersive experience for anyone who visits it. If you are looking for a place full of tranquility and cultural value, Goa Lawah Temple is a great choice to put on your travel list.
