Luhur Batukaru Temple - Bali

Pura Luhur Batukaru (Batukaru Temple) is located at Wongayagede village, Penebel District and Tabanan regency, west part of Bali Island. One of Bali's key directional temples and a site of pilgrimage for Hindu Balinese. Majestically situated on the slopes of Mount Batukaru since the 11th century, this is an especially sacred site, even by Balinese standards and all visitors must carefully read and abide by the temple rules posted clearly at the entrance. The temple is high on the slopes of the mountain and the often misty, drizzly micro-climate here just adds to its undoubtedly mystical atmosphere.

The Temple of Luhur Batukaru sits on the forested slope of Bali's second highest volcanoes, just out of Tabanan.  Because of the temple's green surrounds it's often referred to as the Garden Temple.  This temple was built to protect Bali from evil spirits coming from the west, but there are 8 other temples to protect from other directions as well.  The first temple on this site was built in the 11th Century, but the pagoda-esque structure standing today was built in 1959.  

Many of Bali's temples have become slightly overrun with visitors, but this one is harder to get to and much quieter – less people trying to sell you something on the approach etc.  It's also very peaceful up here in the fresh air.

The three elements temple area of Batukaru is equal to other temples in Bali generally which is consisted of outside area (Nista Mandala), Middle area (Madya mandala) and Center area (Utama Mandala). After refurbishing three temples are of this temple in some years ago, the element conception and structure of these three temple areas are progressively become everlasting and conceptual. This is especially in outside area where we can meet the existence of Wantilan building (Meeting Hall) which can be used for multifunction and it is located on the right of the entrance gate. The refurbishment at the parking area has made easy for the Hindu society or all tourists who pay a visit to this temple. It is also other public facilities like toilet which is located at outside temple area or the left side of entrance gate is in good condition and cleans enough.

Sources: http://wikitravel.org/en/Tabanan,

  http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Batukaru-Temple.htm

Images: http://wikitravel.org/en/Tabanan, http://picasaweb.google.com/