Goa Lawah Temple: A Must See on Your Bali Trip!
Goa Lawah Temple: A Must See on Your Bali Trip! Hello, fellow travelers! Bali Trip is full of amazing places. Surely, it has beautiful beaches. Also green rice fields. Then quiet waterfalls. But have you ever seen a temple that is also a bat cave? Then, let’s go to Goa Lawah Temple! So, let me introduce you to Goa Lawah Temple. As the matter of fact, it is one of the oldest and most special temples in Bali. The name means “Bat Cave Temple.” And yes, it is exactly what it sounds like! Earlier, I recently visited this temple. It was a unique experience. Also here is I want to share everything with you. Specifically, what to see, what to do, and what you need to know before you go. Let’s get started! What is Goa Lawah Temple? In fact, Goa Lawah Temple is a very important Hindu temple. It is over 1,000 years old! Can you imagine that? It was built in the 11th century. However, the temple is built right at the mouth of a cave. And inside that cave, live thousands and thousands of bats. For the local people, this is not just a tourist spot. It is a sacred place. Usually, they come here to pray and ask for blessings. Meanwhile, they believe the cave is a holy tunnel. The tunnel goes all the way to another important temple, the Besakih Temple, miles away! Alongside that, the bats are seen as guardians of the temple. They are protectors of the sacred cave. Where is it? Goa Lawah Temple is on the east coast of Bali. It is about a 90-minute drive from the busy areas like Seminyak or Canggu. Not only the drive is very pretty. But you will also see the ocean on one side and small villages on the other. Clearly, it is a great stop on a Bali Trip to other east Bali sights. At the same time you can visit the temple and then go to the beach club at Bias Tugel or see the palace at Klungkung. The Main Attraction: The Bat Cave! Furthermore, the heart of the temple is the cave. However, you can’t go inside the cave. Because, it is closed to the public to protect it. Yet you can stand very close to the entrance. The first thing you will notice is the sound. Then, a constant, high pitched chirping. Next, it comes from deep inside the cave. Finally, it is the sound of all the bats talking to each other! The second thing you will notice is the smell. It is a strong, earthy smell. This comes from the bat droppings, called guano, that have built up over hundreds of years. Although it is a bit strong, but you get used to it. Meanwhile, try to look up at the ceiling near the cave entrance. If you are lucky, you will see the bats! They hang upside down, sleeping during the day. Also they are much bigger than you might think! In addition, at sunset, something magical happens. The bats wake up and fly out of the cave. They fly out in a long, black stream. They are going out to find food for the night. To sum up, seeing this on your Bali Trip is a truly amazing sight. The Temple Grounds The temple itself is beautiful. It has the classic Balinese architecture. You will see tall, black stone gates. You will see many small shrines, called *merus*, with their tall roofs. The main courtyard is where you can see the cave entrance. Priests and locals will be there, praying and making offerings. It is a very peaceful and spiritual place. Please remember to be quiet and respectful. This is a place of worship. What to Do at Goa Lawah Temple 1. Take Photos The temple is very photogenic. The black stone against the blue sky looks great. You can take pictures from the parking area. You get a wonderful view of the whole temple with the ocean behind it. 2. Observe the Ceremonies If you are lucky, you might see a ceremony. The locals dress in beautiful white clothes. They carry colorful offerings of fruit and flowers on their heads. It is a beautiful cultural experience. 3. Feel the Atmosphere Just stand quietly for a moment. Listen to the sounds. The chirping bats. The soft prayers. The ringing of a small bell. It is a feeling you won’t get anywhere else. 4. Talk to a Local Guide There are friendly guides at the entrance. They can tell you the stories and legends of the temple. They know so much. It makes the visit much more interesting. What You MUST Know Before You Go (Very Important!) Visiting a Balinese temple on your Bali Trip has rules. You must follow them. It shows respect. Firstly, Sarong and Sash You must wear a sarong. A sarong is a piece of cloth you tie around your waist. You must also wear a sash around your waist. This is the rule for everyone, men and women. Good news! The ticket price includes the rental of a sarong and sash. You don’t need to bring your own. They will give you one at the entrance. Second, Dress Modestly Even with the sarong, your shoulders should be covered. Please wear a t-shirt or a top that covers your shoulders. Avoid short shorts or skirts. Wearing the sarong over your pants is perfectly okay! Then, Respect the Sacred Areas You will see signs that say “Do Not Enter.” These areas are only for people who are praying. Please do not go into these restricted areas. Next, Menstruating Women According to Balinese custom, women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple. This is a very old rule. It is important to respect this tradition. Lastly, Behaviors Be quiet. Don’t point your feet at the shrines or offerings. It is considered rude. My Personal Experience I visited in the late afternoon. The sun was not too hot. I paid
East Bali Exploration Trip
East Bali Exploration Trip Explore the beauty of Bali and especially the East Bali region through a tour with East Bali Exploration Trip. BEST SELLER Karangasem – Bali Highlights: Join the East Bali Exploration Trip that will take you to explore famous and Instagram-worthy tourist spots with breathtaking views. With a fun and mesmerizing experience, you will have unforgettable moments while exploring the beauty of East Bali. You should enjoy your trip to Bali by exploring the best of it, especially the eastern part of the island which is rich in beauty. Join this delightful sightseeing trip to witness first-hand Bali’s mesmerizing natural beauty and culture. Visit the sacred temple of Goa Lawah, which is inhabited by thousands of bats, a spiritual symbol of the region. Witness the beauty of Virgin Beach with beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxing. Lunch is not included in this program, but you will have the opportunity to sample delicious local cuisine. Explore Lempuyang Temple with its breathtaking views of Mount Agung and serene atmosphere. Enjoy the beauty of Tirta Gangga Water Palace with its large koi pond and beautiful garden, ideal for taking pictures. Experienced guide will make your tour even more exciting and informative. Itinerary Goa Lawah Temple Goa Lawah Temple, also known as Bat Cave Temple, is an important place of worship in Bali, located on the east coast. The cave is inhabited by thousands of bats, creating a mystical feel that appeals to visitors. As a place of worship, Goa Lawah Temple offers a unique insight into Balinese culture, making it a must-see destination for tourists and religious devotees alike. Virgin Beach Virgin Beach, or White Sand Beach, is a hidden beach on the east coast of Bali that is famous for its pristine white sand and clear sea water. The beach offers a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for relaxing, swimming and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. Visitors can also sample local food at nearby stall, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere away from the tourist crowds. Lempuyang Temple Lempuyang Temple, or Lempuyang Luhur Temple, is one of Bali’s oldest and most revered temples, located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. The temple is famous for its iconic view of the “Gate to Heaven,” providing an incredible panorama of the neighborhood and Mount Agung. Visitors can take a fascinating journey to explore the various temples within the complex, experiencing the combination of natural beauty and spiritual significance of the shrine. Tirta Gangga Water Palace Tirta Gangga is a stunning water park in East Bali, famous for its beautiful gardens and picturesque water elements. Built by the last king of Karangasem in the 1940s, the complex is adorned with stone carvings and ponds filled with koi fish, creating a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. Visitors can explore the lush green areas, enjoy the tranquility of the water, and take beautiful photographs of the mesmerizing landscape. Includes Insurance covered Mineral Water (1 bottle/person) What to Bring Comfortable clothes and shoes/sandals Sunscreen, Hat, and Sunglasses Personal medication (if needed) Snacks Camera or Smartphone Extra money (if you want to shop) Good to Know Participants are allowed to bring children aged 0-2 years old to join this trip free of charge. This activity is not recommended for individuals with serious medical health issues or disabilities. Participants are advised to wear closed clothing, such as long shirts and long pants, when visiting temples to maintain respect and modesty. A sarong can also be worn in addition. Women who are menstruating are strictly not allowed to visit the temple area, in accordance with local beliefs. Area Covered for Pick Up Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Pecatu, Sanur, Ubud, Canggu, Denpasar, Benoa Harbour, Airport Terms Payment Payment is Cash Payment Payment is on the day itself with our driver Payment with other currency will convert based on daily exchange rate
