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  sacred temple in Bali. In fact that has unique and extraordinary charm. It is in Klungkung Regency, this temple is place of Hindu worship. As well as popular spiritual tourism destination. Moreover, with  historical background and mystical nuances, Goa Lawah Temple has memorable experience for visitor.

As a amtter of fact, the temple is one of most historic shrine as place for worship of Lord Maheswara. Then also famous temple in Bali area. In addition to being  sacred area, or place of worship for Hindu. Surely this temple also has  thick history, and interesting legends that you could know. Surely, this temple can be included in list of Klungkung Interesting Places to Visit to complete your spiritual journey.

Furthermore, in this place, there is a temple called Candi Gelung, which serves to separate middle jaba (middle courtyard) and jeroan (innermost courtyard). In addition, this temple has close attachment with Besakih Temple. Where Goa Lawah temple as head of Naga Basuki. Then Goa Raja temple which is in Besakih Temple complex as tail of Naga Basuki.

Location and Access to Goa Lawah Temple

Goa Lawah Temple, it is in Pesinggahan Village. Within Dawan Subdistrict of Klungkung Regency. This temple is strategically at the edge of main road that connect Denpasar with Karangasem. The distance is about 1.5 hour drive from Denpasar using private vehicle. In fact, access to temple is very easy. With large parking area, for two and four wheeled vehicle.

Access guide:

• Private Vehicle: If visitor use private vehicle to get to Goa Lawah Temple, you can take Denpasar-Gilimanuk Highway. After passing Semarapura Market, you will find direction along the way to get  this temple.
• Public Transportation: You can also use public transportation, such as bus from Ubud Terminal. You can take bus with  Ubud-Klungkung route. After arrive at Klungkung Terminal, you can continue your journey using ojek or becak.

History and Myth of Goa Lawah Temple

Goa Lawah Temple built in 11 th century by Mpu Kuturan. He was Hindu priest who had important role spread Hinduism in Bali. This temple is known as one of Sad Kahyangan temple, which are the six main temple in Bali, that considered as guardian of spiritual balance on the island.

In fact, the name Goa Lawah come from the word “goa” which mean cave. Then “lawah” which mean bat inside the cave in temple ground. Thousand of bats live hang at ceiling. However, this create unique and mystical atmosphere. In addition, it is said that the cave has secret tunnel, connecting Besakih Temple at foot of Mount Agung.

Uniqueness of Goa Lawah Temple

• Sacred Bats: The presence of thousand bats in this cave is considere sacred by local community. They believed to be part of the temple spiritual ecosystem, that bring good luck and balance.
• Beautiful Ocean View: Goa Lawah Temple is not far from  beach.So visitor can also enjoy stunning sea view, while has spiritual tour. The proximity to beach also make this temple perfect place to watch sunset.
• Ngaben Ceremony: Goa Lawah Temple is often used for ngaben, or cremation ceremony by Balinese Hindu. This temple is considered good place to carry out procession due to the high spiritual value.

Activities at Goa Lawah Temple

• Praying and Meditation: Hindu visitor can perform prayer at this temple,to seek blessing and inner peace. Certainly, the serene atmosphere around temple is perfect for meditation.
• Exploring the Cave: Although visitor are not allowed to go too deep into the cave. But seeing thousand of bats that live inside is  interesting experience. Clearly, the echoing sound of bats create unique atmosphere, that cannot be found anywhere else.
• Cultural Tourism: Goa Lawah Temple provide in-depth insight into Balinese culture and tradition. Therefore, visitor can witness traditional ceremony, or chat with local resident to learn more about the temple history.

Unique Architecture of Goa Lawah Temple

Goa Lawah Temple has stunning Balinese architecture. Then rich in artistic detail, and exudes deep spiritual impression. Some of uniqueness that make this temple special:

• The Magnificent Gate: Adorned with traditional carving depicting Hindu mythological stories. It provide large and majestic welcome.
• Natural Stone Temple Buildings: Built with natural rocks that symbolize harmony between man, and the universe.
• Beautifully Landscaped Gardens: Add to atmosphere of tranquility, with green trees and well-tended flower.

Flora and Fauna Around Goa Lawah

Not only apart from being spiritual place. But also area around Goa Lawah also offers extraordinary natural beauty. Here are some of  natural attractions:

• Unique Bats: Thousandbats inhabiting the cave create distinctive atmosphere, and become major attraction for tourist.
• Tropical Vegetation: Shady trees, flowering shrub,and various tropical plant, provide fresh air and cool atmosphere.
• Fluttering Sea Birds: The sight of seabird flying around the beach. Also add to natural and peaceful feel.

The Role of Goa Lawah in the Spiritual Life of Hindus

Goa Lawah has very deep spiritual meaning for Balinese people. The temple is often 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 toward divinity
• Symbol of Natural Balance: Symbolizes harmony between the ocean and mountain element. Which is an important part of Balinese Hindu philosophy.
• A Place of Meditation and Prayer: These location makes this temple ideal place for reflection, and getting closer to Sang Hyang Widhi.

Ticket Price and Opening Hours

If you want to carry out tourist visit to this temple. There are operating hour set for visit by Hindu and tourist, starting at 08.00 – 18.00 WITA. These opening hour can change any time, according to religious activity held in this temple area. The best time to visit this temple is in morning and afternoon, where the sun does not sting your body too much. However, at that time, it will usually be more crowd with tourist visit.

For ticket price of this tourist attraction is quite affordable. The following are the price set for domestic tourist, foreign tourist, and vehicle parking fee.

• Adult Indonesian citizen: IDR 20,000/person
• ChildIndonesian citizen: IDR 10,000/person 5-12 years old
• Adult foreigner: IDR 30,000/person
• Childforeigner: IDR 15,000/person
• Motorcycle: IDR 2,000
• Car: IDR 5,000
• Bus: IDR 10,000

Tips for Visiting Goa Lawah Temple

• Wear modest cloth, such as sarong and scarf, when entertemple area. Sarong can be rented at entrance.
• Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter temple area.
• Avoid coming on Hindu holiday. Unless you want to witness  religious ceremony.
• Bring camera to capture beauty of temple. But still respect the rule that apply in holy place.
• Make sure to maintain cleanliness, and not disturb bats in the cave.

Tourist Destination Near Goa Lawah Temple

Goa Lawah Temple not only has spiritual experience. But also easy access to various interesting tourist destination in vicinity:

• Kusamba Beach: Famous for  unique traditional process of making sea salt. It has mesmerizing view of the beach.
• Tenganan Village: One of Bali Aga villages rich in ancient tradition, such as the Gringsing cloth craft.
• Lepang Beach: Perfect for enjoy tranquil atmosphere of Bali less crowd beach.
• Bukit Jambul: A destination with beautiful view of terraced rice field, ideal for relax and enjoying nature.

To complete your spiritual journey, Bali Touristic recommend visit to Goa Lawah Temple. This temple is perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and spirituality. Surely that can only be found in Bali.

Don’t forget to visit Tripadvisor, and read feedback from other family, who have enjoyed their Bali holiday with Bali Touristic. Positive review highlight their professionalism and safety. Then excellent customer service.

As both  sacred place and tourist destination, this temple has immersive experience for anyone who visit it. If you are look for place full of tranquility and cultural value, Goa Lawah Temple is great choice to put on your travel list. (YL)