Exterior of Pura Besakih, the black temple.

©taweesak11/Getty Images

Pura Besakih

Top choice in East Bali


Perched nearly 1000m up the side of Gunung Agung, this is Bali's most important Hindu temple. The site encompasses 23 separate but related temples, with the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung, built on six levels terraced up the slope. It has an imposing candi bentar (split gateway); note that tourists are not allowed inside. The Pura Besakih complex hosts frequent ceremonies, but the recent eruptions of the volcano have kept both worshipper and visitor numbers down.

The precise origins of the temple complex are not totally clear, but it almost certainly dates from prehistoric times. The stone bases of Pura Penataran Agung and several other temples resemble megalithic stepped pyramids and date back at least 2000 years. It was certainly used as a Hindu place of worship from 1284, when the first Javanese conquerors settled in Bali. By the 15th century Besakih had become a state temple of the Gelgel dynasty.

When you reach the site there are two parking areas: Parkir Bawa and Parking Atas. The former is the main parking area and the first you'll encounter coming from the south; all tourists must park here. There is a ticket office close by. Sarongs and sashes are available next to the office, and must be worn; rental is included in your ticket. Many visitors bring their own.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby East Bali attractions

2. Pura Kehen

7.98 MILES

The state temple of the Bangli kingdom, Pura Kehen is a miniature version of Pura Besakih, Bali's most important temple. It's terraced up the hillside,…

3. Batur Geopark Museum

8.57 MILES

The extraordinary geology of the Gunung Batur area is explained in fascinating detail in this museum right near the crater rim. Using interactive displays…

4. Pura Pancering Jagat

8.91 MILES

The village of Trunyan is known for the Pura Pancering Jagat, which is very impressive with its seven-roofed meru. Inside the temple is a 4m-high statue…

5. Pura Dalem Penunggekan

9.19 MILES

The exterior wall of this fascinating temple of the dead features vivid relief carvings of evil-doers getting their just desserts in the afterlife. One…

6. Taman Tirta Gangga

9.59 MILES

This 1.2-hectare water palace serves as a fascinating reminder of the old Bali. Built for the last raja of Karangasem in 1946, it was almost fully…

7. Pura Tirta Empul

9.8 MILES

Discovered in AD 962 and believed to have magical powers, the holy springs at this water temple close to the ancient site of Gunung Kawi bubble up into a…

8. Gunung Kawi

10.1 MILES

One of Bali's oldest and most important monuments, this river-valley complex consists of 10 huge candi (shrines) cut out of rock faces. Each is believed…