BESAKIH TEMPLE

Karangasem's Besakih Temple is the largest Hindu temple in the entire island of Bali. Known to the locals as Pura Besakih, the temple has an amazing view from the roof of the full panorama of the paradisiacal natural landscape surrounding it. The Besakih Temple is surrounded by typical East Balinese scenery without and development and completely undisturbed of scenes of rice paddies stretching across the hills with mountains in the background and streams that run the full way down. It is likely that the area of Besakih has been sacred since long before recorded Balinese history due to the presence of Pura Batu Madeg, a stone temple that has been long standing in the area. The Besakih Temple became even more important in 1343 when it became he administrative center for the Klungkung regency during the conquering of Bali by the Majapahit dynasty. The Besakih Temple was later damaged by earthquakes of 1917 and then rebuilt by the Dutch in 1932 during their influence upon Bali as one of the more positive effects. The Dutch also built the road that leads to the temple although the volcanic eruptions of 1963 also damaged the temple. The result of this heavy handed history is a temple that is of mixed ages, there are still some of the most ancient parts in tact and repairs and rebuilding from the various eras mentioned above. There are still projects and restorations happening to this day to finish the Besakih Temple which is one of the most important and holy temple on Bali with one of the most incredible histories and historical importance.

The Besakih Temple is also intertwined in mythology including the dragon that has been present in the area long before Hindu influence and other tales and strange happening that have become entangled in the Balinese Hindu beliefs that the locals live by to this day. There have been past reports of problems upon visiting the Besakih Temple in terms of illegitimate and phony guides who have been known o attach themselves to groups of tourists and then later demand a completely unreasonable fee for their ‘services' there are official guides that can be employed for around IDR20,000 to IDR40,000 (although prices always change) who are easily identifiable by there symmetrically patterned traditional Batik shirts, these guides can be seen hanging around the office. It is not necessary to use a guide at all when going into the Besakih Temple although if you do then agree a price and if the service has been good then tip a little extra if you wish. However all you need to do is wear a sarong and stick to the paths you will not cause any religious offence. If you are invited into the buildings for a blessing then it is likely you will be expected to make a ‘donation' to the priest. Do not let this paint a bad picture of the Besakih Temple as officials have been clearing this up in the interest of maintaining tourist relations but there may be a few ruminants lurking around.

Bali Surfing - Bali Beaches - Things to do in Bali - Bali Night Life - Bali Restaurants - Bali Shopping - Bali Transport - Bali History - Bali Geography - Balinese People -

Travel destination and regencies
Badung - Bangli - Buleleng -  Denpasar - Gianyar - Jembrana - Karangasem - Klungkung - 

Places of interest
Alas Kedaton - Badung Market, Batubulan,  Beratan Lake - Besakih Temple - Celuk - Goa Gajah, Jatiluwih - Kintamani - Mas Village - Penglipuran Village - Sangeh - Tanjung Benoa - Tirta Empul - Ubud Monkey Forest - Uluwatu - Bali Eco Tourism - Rambut Siwi Temple - Kertha Gosa - Puri Saren - Batukaru Temple - Banjar - 

More Information
Bali Eco Tourism - Balinese Culture - What To Do in Bali -