Besakih: the Mother Temple on the slopes of Agung
Bali's most important temple complex, rising in terraces up the side of the island's sacred volcano.
- Area
- East
- Start from
- Sidemen or Ubud
- Distance
- about 1.5 hours from Ubud
- Time needed
- half a day
- Best season
- Clear mornings in the dry season
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Transport
- Car; shuttle from the car park
- Tickets & rules
- Ticket; sarong required; guide optional
Why go
Pura Besakih is the largest and holiest temple in Bali, a complex of over twenty temples climbing the slopes of Mount Agung at around 1,000 metres. It's the 'Mother Temple' of Balinese Hinduism, and major ceremonies here draw tens of thousands of worshippers.
Walking up through the courtyards, with the multi-roofed shrines and the volcano behind, is unforgettable. On ceremony days, the whole hillside fills with people in white and gold.
The site has been reorganised in recent years with a new visitor area and shuttles.
The story
Besakih's origins go back many centuries, and it has been the main temple of Bali's royal families and people for a very long time.
In 1963, Mount Agung erupted while a huge purification ceremony was being prepared. Lava flows came close to the temple but passed by, which many Balinese saw as a miraculous sign.
The complex is organised around the main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, with temples for different clans, castes and gods around it.
Getting there
Drive from Sidemen or Ubud. Park at the visitor centre and take the shuttle up.
A suggested plan
- 08:00Arrive early for clearer views of Agung.
- VisitWalk up through the main temples.
- AfterReturn via Sidemen.
Where to stay
Sidemen.
Good to know
- Check whether a major ceremony is taking place; it's spectacular but busier.
- Dress modestly; sarong and sash required.
- Some visitors report pushy unofficial guides; official information is available at the entrance.
- Inner areas are for worshippers only.