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Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple
3.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksReligious Sites
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Over a thousand years old, Besakih Temple is known as the "Mother Temple of Bali". Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1000 metres (3000 feet)Pura Besakih is the paramount Hindu temple on Bali. Located high on the slopes of the volcano Mt. Agung, it has developed over more than a thousand years into a great complex of 22 separate temples, the largest and central being Pura Penataran Agung. The annual cycle of more than 70 rituals, which symbolically link the temples into a whole, culminates in the centenary ceremony called Ekadasa Rudra, last held in 1979. The temple complex, state-supported since the 15th century, has undergone a series of architectural and ritual changes.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Peter WS
    12 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive temple but become too focussed on tourism (and trying to part tourists from their money)
    Large and impressive temple complex but has become overly focused on mass tourism to the extent there is now a shuttle to take visitors from the ticket office up to the maon part of the temple complex and a lot of shops within the temple complex. Furthermore, the various sellers (drinks, postcards, souvenirs, etc) are probably the pushiest of any temple I have been to in Bali and and do not not seem to understand "no thank you" (even when my (private) guide repeated it in Bahasa, they still persisted). As with many temples in Bali nowadays, the main part of the various temples (including the main temple, Pura Penataran Agung) is closed to visitors (you can only go in if you are there to worship) so there is actually a lot of the complex you cannot see. There was one temple (Pura Gelap), towards the top of the complex, that was open to visitors (but I sense unofficially) and there you were met by the temple priests who showed you how the Hindus who come to the temple pray but then try get you to give an IDR 200,000 (approx. £22/US$30) "donation to the temple" and are quite insistent about it and weren't happy when I gave IDR 60,000 (which my guide felt was far more appropriate).
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 14, 2023
  • A_C_2024
    Sydney, Australia438 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mother temple is a must-see site
    This is the big one, the mother temple of Bali. As it's the largest and holiest temple on the island it can get very busy so plan to get there in the morning. There is a large carpark onsite and tickets are 90k IDR per adult (foreign). Admission includes a sarong to wear as well as a guide for the duration of your visit. We took the complimentary shuttle from the entrance up to the start of the temple complex - Besakih comprises 23 temples. We gradually made our way up the slope navigating through various courtyards and stairs with the help of our guide who was very pleasant and took many short breaks to help us with photos. Visitors and non-Hindus can take an offering, or make a donation and visit or pray in the center of the main sanctuary (the lotus throne). It's a very interesting and historically rich place. Only drawback is that it is reasonably commercialised and amongst the cultural and religious significance expect to walk through many stalls and vendors selling refreshments, arts and crafts and offerings. Overall, we enjoyed our visit
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 3, 2023
  • travelonline
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place
    Very nice place to be. Nice views and photos. You feel calm and happy. Beware thou of the price, for tourists. The guide mentioned price lot less then what they charged us at the entrance. I think good for first time view. Not sure if others want to spend that much.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 4, 2023
  • Dirk W
    Antwerp, Belgium221 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Puri Besakih temple
    The Puri Besakih temple is still very beautiful. In 2008 the temple stood here all alone. Now in 2023, a village with souvenir shops, etc. has been built around it, which gives us a lesser character for us. A whole series of bus parks and car parks have been constructed. You used to be here alone. They take you up the mountain to the temple in an electric van (entrance fee included). You have to pay again, otherwise you have to walk to the hundreds of souvenir shops
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 12, 2023
  • Kaes A
    21 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting place
    For sure it is a massive temple located on the slopes of mount Agung in Bali. After a 90min drive we found out that the main sections of the temple are not open to non locals, a priest showed us around through a side way and his focus was on donations. While this was an educational trip, it’s not a must see. Reality is far away from promotional videos.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written January 2, 2024
  • Sirisha
    318 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful place of worship
    I went to this temple along with family. An English speaking guide was provided after we paid the entrance fee. We took a small bus to the main entrance along with the guide. When we arrived, vendors tried to push the offering into our hands and I rejected it. However as we started walking up the steps to the main temple, the guide told me we could not see the shiva temple since we did not buy the offering. So, I decided to buy the offering and do prayers there. The guide was a complete waste of time. He did not know much about the temple or the place. He spent all his time telling us how expensive our camera and phone was. He also kept telling us that we should visit his house which was a kilometer away. He told us that he was poor and that he is not paid by the temple and we should give him a hefty tip. It was very annoying. He was asking us where we were staying , how long, who our guide was etc. I was very uneasy with this guide and something just did not feel right, so I did not give him accurate information about our accommodations. As we reached the shiva temple, we decided to buy offering there. I paid 50,000 IDR for 5 worship plates. We then went up to the shiva temple, prayers for 5 minutes. Guide then says to us that we should donate at least 100,000 IDR each to the temple. We donated 10,000 each. He then took the cash and said he was depositing it in the temple box but there is no way to tell if he actually did that. We then walked around the place and took some photos. All through the walk, the guide kept insisting that we should visit his home and that it is not too far. Anyway, when we reached at the end, we tipped him and left. Temple was beautiful and my family enjoyed the prayer there. We however did not feel comfortable with the guide. Tip: do not share your personal information and do not go to anyone’s house especially if you are carrying expensive electronics.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 12, 2024
  • mrc282
    World9,483 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    the mother temple
    besakih temple to balinese people is probably what angkor wat is to cambodians. it is the mother temple with 3 separate temples dedicated to the hindu trinity: Brahma as creator, Vishnu as preserver, and Shiva as destroyer there is a huge multistory parking lot on site, and a seemingly new paved road leading to besakih temple these days. there is even starlink satellite wifi connection available onsite the temple is not crowded at all on the day i visit. but i can imagine the patronage it receives to warrant the construction of multistory parking lot. beware, guides for the temple can be aggressive for tips. it appears mandatory, or at least, you cant waive the fee for them
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 23, 2024
  • Judy M
    Sydney, Australia635 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    An important and busy temple
    Besakih is the mother temple for Bali, and somewhere that all Balinese Hindus should visit at certain times for ceremony. It's at the base of Mount Agung and a couple of hours' drive to the east from Kuta, Seminyak etc. Besakih isn't as photogenic as some of the Balinese temples but it's important and in constant use by locals. Your entry fee includes a sarong and sash, and your individual guide. You don't need to pay extra for these, or for offerings, and your guide has been paid. Tipping is optional. Over several visits, my experience has been that some guides are a bit pushy about getting tips and will tell you you haven't given them enough (when none is required), others are much more pleasant. There's an electric bus to take you up the road to the base of the temple, then there are still a lot of stairs once you start the visit. If you want to return back down the hill by electric bus, you have to pay for the return ticket as the same time as the entry. Otherwise, there are usually local woman waiting by the top bus stop offering lifts down the hill on their motorbikes for an extra fee. The temple is in 3 parts, for Brahma (red, creation, fire), Shiva (white & yellow, destroyer, wind) and Vishnu (black, protection, holy water) but the majority of your visit will be in the busier central section belonging to Shiva. If you want to make an offering, non-Hindus usually do this is Vishnu's section. Shiva's section is the busiest. with lots of interesting buildings and courtyards. This is a temple that I feel all visitors to Bali should visit at some point in order to help better understand the culture of this beautiful island we have the privilege to visit. Carry water, and make sure you have a decent hat pr an umbrella as there are a lot of steps and limited shade.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 24, 2024
  • Glyn J
    7 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Strange experience
    This is the "Mother Temple" of Bali and I was expecting something spectacular. It is from a distance but I was escorted around the perimeter of the buildings by a "guide" and not allowed anywhere near the interiors. I was also chaperoned when I reached the courtyard of one of the main temples and was told I could walk a few yards into it to take photos but no further. So, after spending hours travelling to get there it was a quick tour around and out. Balinese government are cracking down on behaviour of rogue tourist which spoils the experience for the law abiding and respectful people. Sad!!
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 14, 2024
  • P V
    Pinner, United Kingdom337 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful located on the foothills of Mt. Agung. This is regarded as the most holiest of all temples in Bali initially built by
    Beautiful located on the foothills of Mt. Agung. This is regarded as the most holiest of all temples in Bali initially built by Sage Markandeya, a famous Shiva devotee who defeated Lord of death through intense prayer and chanting. Make time to visit and feel the peace here. Best to visit early to late morning. If possible visit on a sunny day to see the mountain in the background. The guide is "Free" however they do expect a good tip.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Alan R
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The ticket price includes the entrance fee, a motor scooter ride up the to the temple itself and a guide. We have our own sarong (essential kit if you want to visit several temples in Bali and show respect for local culture). At the entrance you will probably be surrounded by offers to buy offerings to make on your visit. We happily bartered a price and headed off with our guide. What an interesting and informative visit we had. Our guide explained the myriad stories of Hindu gods, spirits, rituals, legends and the significance of various architectural styles. He guided us through the ritual offering. Sure, he asked us for a tip, one which we were very happy to give, considering the value he had added to our experience of the temple complex. Many people here have complained about the so-called 'greed' of the local people. Please people, give it up. Take a chill pill and relax. These people earn their mega living this way. Smile, be polite, respect the customs and you too will have a wonderful experience at this the "mother temple' of Bali.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shreya Saha
Phitsanulok, Thailand923 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
Besakih Temple, locally known as Pura Besakih. The temple is situated 1,000 m high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung for over 1,000 years. It is the largest and the holiest temple in all of Bali, and is the primal center for all ceremonial activities. The entrance fee is Rp 60,000 per person. It includes a sarong for rent and a guide. Our guide told us that the statues to the right of the staircase represents good and the left side of the staircase represents evil. Highly recommended by me.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ethan P
World20 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
This was the most unfortunate experience I've had in Bali. When my girlfriend and I arrived we were swarmed by a group of women who immediately began tying belts onto us without our consent (we arrived in traditional temple garb, dressed beyond appropriately for tourists), and they lied to us saying we needed more clothing because of a special ceremony that was taking place. We struggled to decline as they would not take no for an answer, and after following us for several hundred meters, yelling at us to pay them, we gave them money so they would leave us alone. We later went back trying to get the money back and they were hostile and would not refund us. When we got to the entrance, the fee per person was 60,000 IDR, but we had to pay 130,000 total, overcharged by 10,000 IDR. After we got our tickets a man was very rude to us as he explained that we needed to follow a guide. Our "tour guide" was deeply unmotivated, did not care about us at all, and only spoke to us when it involved money or donations. He did not answer our questions, and did not educate us on the culture, religion, or practices. He insisted we donate, otherwise, "the gods would not hear your prayers". During the time we prayed at the only shrine we made it to, he interrupted us several times and only let us pray for about 70 seconds before making us move on. Overall, we gained nothing except disappointment and a feeling of being unsafe. On the way to the temple gates from the entrance we were constantly being harassed by vendors who would follow us trying to make us buy things as well. VENDORS, IN THE TEMPLE. I cannot stress enough that they do not care about the gods they worship, or the people going there to try and get a better understanding of their religion; they only care about money. My girlfriend and I won't let this impact our view on Bali or the people who live here, but as the "mother temple", this was an awful example and I am heavily put off from going to another temple, if this is the standard.
The temple itself is breathtakingly beautiful however, and we tipped a man who took somw wonderful pictures of us on the steps. Sadly, only go here to impress your Instagram followers; you won't learn anything or feel any closer to god(s) here.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travis h
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Couples
One star is too much credit for this place.
After being bombarded by sellers where we couldn’t even open our door to get out, we were demanded that we must rent a sarong for the temple. 9 ladies swarmed my wife and I putting sarongs on us and demanding payment. About $20(usd) each.
One of them told me aggressively, I have to purchase offerings and I politely yet overwhelmed declined, and she got in my face saying IT IS FOR GOD!! I said no thank you, and tried to walk by yet she was still in my face and would not let me pass until I paid.
Finally walking out of the parking lot, both of us tried shaking this negative experience and not let it ruin our time.
We got our so called tour guide. We got a dull, most unenthusiastic/uneducated tour. Listening to all the trash blow around was more interesting than this guy. After doing our offerings, we were told to give what we can but the typical minimum is about $20(usd) each and of course more is better “for god to answer our prayers”
As we ended our tour, our guide asked for $40. We told him we already paid for the tour and he then said yes, the $40 is a tip. When we told him absolutely not he became very irritable and rude.
The best part of this experience was leaving and not looking back.
Written September 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rudranil
Visakhapatnam, India17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
I had heard of a lot of harassment faced by tourists by the locals of this area. However, things are not the same anymore. The ticket price now includes a guide and therefore, no one harassed us for money.

The guide was a good person who took us around the temple, however, he could not say much about the place.

This temple is easily the biggest temple complex in Bali. There are temples dedicated to brahma, vishnu and Shiva and they are built on the steps of the Mount Agung.

In fact, Mount Agung is just on the backdrop of the temple, way higher though. We could not see Agung tip due to cloud and smoke.

It will take you a lot of steps to reach the topmost temple of Vishnu. But the sight of the temple and Besakih village from the top is unforgettable. You see numerous pagodas amidst the green of the village, while behind the temple, Mount Agung stands tall showing its might. The temple premises are extremely clean.

Also, like I said, it is no more a place where tourists will have any difficulty. Please visit and enjoy the place.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tracearoo27
Columbia, CT138 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
Biggest scam of Bali. “Mandated” tour guide wanted a tip on top of parking and entrance fee and scamming us into praying and forcing us to donate. Do not visit. Better temples in Bali that are FAR less expensive.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sophie S
90 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
This is such a beautiful temple. It’s really big, and there’s such a peaceful atmosphere to walking around. We were there during a ceremony, which was so special to see too.

It’s a ton of walking, but it’s so beautiful. Be careful of all the tourist traps. People try to insist you need a guide here — you don’t. Some guy tried to trick us by insisting he was a “guardian of the temple” not a guide and wanted payment. You don’t need it. Enjoy the beauty of this temple, stay covered, and drink water.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jack
Charlestown, Australia8 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
We were very excited to visit this amazing temple but unfortunately all of the bad reviews are in fact true. We found an entry price online which said 60,000 per person but ended up paying 90,000. We were told this included transport and our guide.

The transport took us up the hill to the start of the temple and we were absolutely mobbed by 20 people wrapping things around all of us and tying things on and then wanting to be paid for it. We said no to them countless times and after we took them off and went to hand them back of course none of them would take them so we basically had to throw everything back at them. They then all walked away saying “no no no” as to mimic what we were repeatedly telling them.

The first comment that came out of my mouth to our group was “for something so sacred they certainly have commercialised it a lot” and boy had we seen nothing yet.

The walk up to the main temple was littered with vendors constantly trying to sell us drinks and food. We were then harassed by a photographer even though our guide was taking photos for us.

We made it to the top and sat down in the main temple to be blessed by the priest. We were told we had to make a donation for our blessing which was fine but when we pulled out 50,000 each we were told that’s not enough and then all ended up paying 100,000 each.

We were walked back down the hill and once again were harassed by the vendors everywhere. We just so happened to be introduced to our guides mother who was a vendor there. Our guide then explained that out ticket didn’t include transport back down to the entry so that would cost another 10,000 each. At this point we were honestly thinking it was included and he was just going to pocket the money himself.

We got to the bottom and our guide then pleaded his case for a tip and told us all about the government not paying them enough so ended up getting not just one tip but insisted on something from everyone so scored another 50,000 each.

This place is undoubtedly beautiful but it not seems like an absolute scam. We had a much better and interesting time visiting a much smaller temple the day before. I would say it’s worth going to because the site is unreal, but you don’t need to agree to a guide. I would expect we would have easily walked into many places we weren’t meant to without one though. And you don’t need to be blessed at the top by the priest which costs the donation.
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JakeC
Worthing, UK87 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Couples
Firstly, beautiful temple. Amazing views and you could easily find yourself lost within its many walls and pathways.

We arrived by scooter and were met by a pleasant-seeming guide going by the name Ketut. He told us we needed a ticket each at 60,000IDR which we happily paid. Then we needed to pay 20,000 each for a sarong. This became 50,000 and then 60,000 before we corrected his ‘terrible’ math. Perhaps this should’ve been a warning sign. Or perhaps his eyes lit up after staring into our bag and seeing our cash.

Ketut showed us around and at one point ‘blessed’ us with holy water and rice, just as the locals had been moments before. We thought it a nice gesture but then he ruined it by demanding an offering of money. He himself gave 200,000 of his own money to the temple - yeah right I thought - but we matched it with 200,000 each and still he demanded more!? We refused and after the 4th or 5th time of me telling him, keep this up and I’m taking the money back, he accepted it. We posted it into the ‘locked’ box and walked away. I turned as we left to see another gentleman open the box…. Again it was obvious but we had hoped the offering was sincere. No doubt Ketut gets his cut…

Although feeling duped, we continued on with Ketut overhearing him speak Balinese to people and catch the word “English” along with a few chuckles and laughter. I ignored it and allowed him to use our phone for photos which he wasn’t half bad at to be fair.

We spent about an hour touring the temple but our time felt cut short after we refused the added offering. Perhaps Ketut wanted to find some other more gullible or generous visitors.

As we left we were fed a story about how he isn’t paid for his work and relies solely on tips. So we tipped 100,000 which he again demanded more. “No sir one more, you must for me more”. I replied with I’ve given far less and been met with far more appreciation and barged past with my Mrs making for a quick exit.

Keep your wits about you. Enjoy the temple. Don’t be afraid to say no. Don’t show all the cash you have, the locals seem to work together to con you.

It was worth the half hour ride for us but maybe I’d skip if you’re father afield.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jordan E
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Friends
Honestly, the only reason why it’s a one star instead of zero is because the temple itself is beautiful. Made the mistake of not reading the reviews and just looking at instagram when we decided to come to this place. When you first arrive they were tell you that you must buy a ticket, and that the motorcycle ride to the top is included. It’s not, and they will ask you for money once you arrive and they will charge you to take you back when you are done. Once you arrive a group of women will aggressively swarm you and tell you that it is mandatory to buy offerings at an insane price. We unfortunately bought into the lie. It is not mandatory, stay firm and decline. When you arrive at the gate they will give you a local guide, we asked if they charged for it and repeatedly said no so we used the guide. When we got back and started to walk away the guide said that it is a requirement that we must tip. Apparently we didn’t tip enough as there is a “100k IDR tip minimum.” And absolutely guilt tripped us. Also, people not in uniforms will ask if you want them to take a picture of you with your phone, say no regardless of how harmless it seems. They will take the picture and charge you for it. Overall, you should just skip this place. We were exhausted after leaving because of how aggressive everybody was in every step of the process.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Besakih Temple, Karangasem

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