Rising majestically on the western slopes of Mount Agung, and referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali, is Pura Besakih, or the Besakih temple, covering a vast area that offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding this beautiful and artistic temple complex.
Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900 meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali. The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the Samudramanthana mythology, the same name “Besuki” in fact refers to the Dragon-God “Naga Besukian”, who inhabited Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali.
This grand temple complex has been revered as a holy place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali.
Pura Penataran Agung, or the “Great Temple of State” is the center of the temple complex and is is Bali’s main place of worship, a complex comprising twenty-two temples on six rising terraces set on parallel ridges.
This complex expresses the essential belief of the Balinese known as Tri Hita Kirana, meaning that life on earth must be lived and kept in balance and harmony between man and God, man and society and his fellow human beings, and man and his natural environment.
During a full moon, Balinese and pilgrims throng to the temple. During the festival of Odalan, the temple is most elaborately decorated. Odalan is celebrated on every 210th day.
Get There
This temple is very easy to find, as most people know it as one of the best tourist destinations in Bali. There are several starting points that you may choose to take:
From Kuta, it takes about 2 hours to get here. Simply head east towards Sanur, then follow the fast coastal route, which is connected to the Kusamba Bypass at Tohpati. Then go north until you find the road sign to Besakih, and after a few kilometers from this point turn north. If you are staying around Klungkung, then Besakih is about 20 kilometers north of the town center. Take the Bemo – the small public buses– that will take you to Besakih from Klungkung. Bemos are most frequent in the morning, and it is recommended to change bemos at Rendang, halfway between Klungkung and Besakih.
If you come from the north of Denpasar, it is about 25 kilometers to reach Besakih by car. However, if you stay in the eastern part of Bali such as at Tirta Gangga, Candidasa, or Amed, you can reach Besakih by taking a smaller inland road from Karangasem. This will lead you to the crossroad between Besakih and Klungkung at Rendang, and then turn right to reach Besakih Temple.During your hour-long drive, you will enjoy beautiful views traveling through forests, villages, and rice fields. If you are willing to make a short stop in one of the villages, you will see how the locals live, and learn a bit about their unique houses.
Amazing Indonesia Destinations: Inspiring Trip Ideas
More
❯
Bali's 15 Cool Co-Working Spaces for Digital Nomads
More
❯
Bali's 15 Cool Co-Working Spaces for Digital Nomads
More
❯
5 Ideas to Celebrate World Tourism Day
More
❯
5 Ideas to Celebrate World Tourism Day
More
❯
3-Day Bali Vacation: Making the Most of Paradise
More
❯
12 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages from Indonesia
More
❯
How to Indulge on a Memorable Experience in Nusa Dua Bali
More
❯
Unveiling Indonesia's Backpacking Gems
More
❯
15 Thrilling Surfing in Indonesia
More
❯
15 Luxurious Hotels near to GWK Cultural Park Bali for You to Indulge
More
❯
12 Chinese New Year’s Inspiring Travel Destination to Match Your Chinese Zodiac
More
❯
3 Things You Need to Know About Indonesia Spice Up The World!
More
❯
Top 15 Ideas to Spend Your Year End in Bali
More
❯
Special Christmas Menu in Indonesia
More
❯
New Year Holiday in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Places to Meet the Monkeys in Bali
More
❯
Memorable Moments of G20 Bali
More
❯
Story of Bomba Batik Worn by Elon Musk in B20 Summit, Bali
More
❯
7 Kids Friendly Destinations in Bali
More
❯
Intangible Cultural Heritages from Bali
More
❯
17 Creative Economy Subsectors in Indonesia
More
❯
World Tourism Day 2022
More
❯
Events to Welcome World Tourism Day 2022
More
❯
5 Fun Destinations to Visit around Ubud, Bali
More
❯
3 Destinations for A Wellness Journey in Indonesia
More
❯
Indonesia's Tourism Achievements & Awards in 2022
More
❯
10 Inspiring Places in Indonesia for Exciting Summer Holiday
More
❯
Indonesia's Charging Station for G20 in Bali
More
❯
5 Important Things About the G20 Summit in Bali
More
❯
G20 2022 Side Events
More
❯
3 Essential Things to Do on Your Visit to Bali
More
❯
2 Million Balinese will Receive COVID-19 Vaccination by July 2021
More
❯
5 Places to Stay in Bali for a Productive Workcation
More
❯
A Guide to Bali’s Nusa Islands
More
❯
Latest News About Bali
More
❯
Sustainable Tourism Ideas to Try in Bali
More
❯
6 Hidden Gems You Can Explore in The Eastern Part of Bali
More
❯
5 Must-Visit Art Markets in Bali
More
❯
How to Use PeduliLindungi App
More
❯
Fun Activities You Can Do as You Arrive in Bali
More
❯
#ItstimeforBali 4 Days Road Trip Adventure Ideas!
More
❯
5 Amazing Gastronomy Restaurants in Indonesia You Should Check Out
More
❯
Romantic Honeymoon Guide in Bali
More
❯
4 Ways of Luxury Travelling in Bali
More
❯
Stunning Churches in Bali
More
❯
Outdoor Adventures in and around Ubud | Indonesia.Travel
More
❯
9 Wonderful New Year Ideas for #ItstimeforBali
More
❯
5 Ideas to Do During Quarantine in Bali
More
❯
7 Trip Ideas in North Bali
More
❯
6 Soothing Spa Destinations in Bali
More
❯
5 Incredible Wedding Chapels to Tie The Knot in Bali
More
❯
Unique Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Bali
More
❯
5 Romantic Ideas for Adventurous Couple in Bali
More
❯
Celebrate A Colourful and Festive Lunar New Year in Indonesia: Where to Go and What to Do
More
❯
9 Inspiring Romantic Moments to Experience this Valentine in Bali
More
❯
Imagine Having Your Romantic Couple Trip in These 5 Destinations!
More
❯
Have a Blast at These 5 Getaway Destinations in Bali
More
❯
5 Getaway Destinations in Bali
More
❯
Christmas Traditions in Indonesia | Indonesia.Travel
More
❯
8 Top Destinations in Bali From The Winners of #ItstimeforBaliTop3
More
❯
5 Fitcation Ideas in 5 Most Favorite Destinations in Indonesia
More
❯
10 Most Favorite Destinations in Wonderful Indonesia
More
❯
6 Best Family-Bonding Activities to Make Your Bali Trip Memorable
More
❯
9 Five-Star Hotels & Resorts Recommendation in Bali
More
❯
17 Luxurious Hotels to Stay in Nusa Dua
More
❯
5 Fun New Year’s Eve Idea
More
❯
Missing the Delicious Flavors of Indonesia? Check Out These Places
More
❯
5 Christmas Postcards from Indonesia
More
❯
Planning Your Year-End Holiday? Here Are Some Ideas!
More
❯
5 Indonesia’s De-Stressing White Sand Beaches
More
❯
15 Instagrammable Destinations You Must Visit in Bali
More
❯
The Best Backpacking Itinerary Guide for you to Explore Indonesia
More
❯
Indonesia’s Best Destinations for 2020
More
❯
Experience Unforgettable Cultural Tourism in Bali
More
❯
6 Luxury Travel Ideas You Can Experience in Bali
More
❯
4 Resorts with Infinity Pools in Uluwatu, Bali
More
❯
10 Iconic Cuisines That You Must Try on Your Next Visit to Bali
More
❯
15 Best Hotel for Staycation With Family in Indonesia
More
❯
10 Stylish Award Winning Hotels for Your Next Holiday in Bali
More
❯
5 Exciting Travel Ideas to Explore around Sanur, Bali
More
❯
4 Instagenic Waterfalls in Tabanan, Bali
More
❯
Have A Plan to Spend Your Weekend in Bali? Make Sure You Visit These Places
More
❯
Biggest 2019 Sports Event in Indonesia That You Have to Follow
More
❯
Bali's Great Spa and Wellness Retreats You Must Visit Right Away!
More
❯
6 Highlighted Destinations in Asian Games 2018’s Billboard Series
More
❯
10 Unique Ways to Explore the Majestic GWK Cultural Park
More
❯
5 Eye-soothing Rice Fields You Should Visit in Bali
More
❯
A New-Normal Trip to Nusa Dua, Bali
More
❯
9 Iconic Traditional Houses to Explore in Indonesia
More
❯
Searching for Bali Souvenirs? Check Out These 5 Places!
More
❯
Rekindle Your Relationship with Nature at Pemuteran Village, Bali
More
❯
Experience a Traditional Living Atmosphere at Penglipuran Village, Bali
More
❯
6 Amazing Temples You Must Visit in Bali
More
❯
9 Trip Ideas for Your Future Trip to Bali
More
❯
9 Splendid Villages in Indonesia That You Should Put on Your Trip List
More
❯
Top 9 Most Favourite Places for Your 2021 Travel Bucket List in Indonesia
More
❯
8 Eco-Friendly Ideas for a Sustainable Holiday in Indonesia - Indonesia.Travel
More
❯
11 Remarkable International-Class Airports in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Resorts to Do Yoga in Bali
More
❯
5 Traditional Indonesian Fabrics and the Stories behind Them
More
❯
Experience These Safari Adventures on Your Next Visit to Indonesia
More
❯
Get Your Summer Joy in These Indonesia’s Water Villas
More
❯
18 Colorful Hangout Spots to Chill Out with Your Friends This Summer in Bali
More
❯
18 Favourite Places for Your Summer Afternoon and Evening Lingers in Bali
More
❯
13 Gorgeous Instagrammable Beaches in Indonesia
More
❯
16 Instagenic Spots around Bali for You to Wind Down this Summer!
More
❯
Find Your Perfect Destination in Bali According to Your Zodiac
More
❯
15 Beautiful Hotels for Your Private Getaway in Bali
More
❯
Fun Ways to Be Healthier in Ubud, Bali
More
❯
5 Backpacking Trip Ideas that You must Experience in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Awakening Spiritual Trip ideas to Discover in Indonesia
More
❯
5 Feel-Good Sustainable Tourism Ideas to Do in Bali
More
❯
5 Best Indonesia Travel Images
More
❯
Splurge at These 5 Luxurious Private Villas in Nusa Dua
More
❯
9 Things That Makes Nusa Dua Perfect for a Leisure & Business Trip
More
❯
8 Appealing Activities You Must Try in Nusa Dua
More
❯
Spark Your Creativity with These 5 Traveling Ideas
More
❯
5 Luxurious Travel Ideas in Indonesia You Deserve to Experience
More
❯
Experience New Kind of Digital Detox with 6S
More
❯
Planning for Your First Solo Trip? Here’s 5 Destinations to Consider!
More
❯
6 Reasons for You to Explore Quality Tourism
More
❯
6 Beautiful Places to Celebrate Christmas in Indonesia
More
❯
Imagine Visiting Beautiful Beaches That Match Your Chinese Zodiac
More
❯
5 Enchanting Traditional Textiles from Bali
More
❯
5 Leisure Sports Activities You Must Try In Indonesia
More
❯
Learn How to Make Batik Directly from the Craftsmen in these 7 Batik Villages!
More
❯
Missing Bali’s Paradise? Plan a Magical Trip with These Backpacking Ideas!
More
❯
A Fantastic Guide For a First-Timers in Bali
More
❯
7 Workation Activities in Bali to Increase Your Productivity
More
❯
Tying the Knot with a View: Breathtaking Spots to Say I Do in Bali
More
❯
5 Places to Stay in Bali for a Productive Workcation
More
❯
Denpasar Listed as One of the World’s Top 10 Healthiest City
More
❯
Discover 6 Beautiful Botanical Gardens of Indonesia
More
❯
Enjoy the Magnificent View in Bali with These 10 Instagrammable Swings
More
❯
5 Award-Winning Tourist Villages You Should Visit In Your Lifetime
More
❯
7 Tea Garden Sceneries in Indonesia
More
❯
7 Top Places To Go Shopping In Bali
More
❯
The Ultimate Guide to Must-Try Indonesian Food
More
❯
7 Top Green Hotels in Indonesia
More
❯
7 Handicraft Centers You Must Visit When Visiting Indonesia
More
❯
Discover the Art of Hand-Weaving At These Indonesian Villages
More
❯
5 Ways to Travel Responsibly and Support Green Tourism
More
❯
7 Enchanting Stories behind Indonesia’s Famous Batik
More
❯
Discover Indonesian Batik at These 5 Batik Museums
More
❯
Go Green: 5 Eco-Tourism Experiences in Indonesia That Will Reconnect You with Nature
More
❯
7 Top Sports Tourism Destinations in Indonesia
More
❯
7 Amazing National Parks in Java and Bali for Thrill-Seekers
More
❯
8 Heart-Pounding Adventure Sports in Bali
More
❯
Immersive Village Tourism Experiences For You to Enjoy In Indonesia
More
❯
5 Unique Ecotourism Experiences in Indonesia
More
❯
The Bliss of Ramadan Tradition in Bali
More
❯
Spending Too Much Time with Screens? Plan a Digital Detox Amongst Nature!
More
❯
Majalah Bumbu: A Closer Look at the Indonesian Culinary
More
❯
Why Bali Would be The Best Start to Your 2020 Travel Trips
More
❯
Wonderful Indonesia through The Magic of Inspiring Illustrators
More
❯Well, I just love Bali so much, and we fell in love with the culture, people, the food. Everything was just amazing. I feel like in Bali, you can find serenity anywhere, literally. It's our favorite place that we've been to on our entire trip.
