🇮🇩 Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih, Mother Temple of Bali)
발리 까랑아슴
Location
Overview
Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih), known as the "Mother Temple of Bali," is the largest and holiest Hindu temple complex on the island, set at around 1,000m on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung in Karangasem, East Bali. Over a thousand years old, it comprises more than 80 individual temples spread across dramatic terraced ridges. It remains an active place of pilgrimage and worship for Balinese Hindus, so treat it as a living sacred site as much as a tourist attraction.
Sweeping tiered layout of black-thatched meru (multi-roofed shrines) climbing the hillside against the backdrop of Mount Agung
The iconic split gate (candi bentar) and grand staircase of the central Pura Penataran Agung
Views of Mount Agung, Bali's highest volcano (about 3,031m), rising directly behind the complex on clear days
Chance to witness genuine Balinese worship and pilgrimage, with white-clad devotees carrying offerings during temple anniversaries (odalan)
The electric shuttle and reorganized visitor route linking the lower car park to the temple entrance
Good to know
CautionThe most common problem is pressure over "guides" and "donations." Unrequested guides may attach themselves to you, then produce a fake donation book (identical handwriting, inflated sums) claiming others paid IDR 500,000-1,000,000. Decline firmly.
CautionVendors near the entrance may push sarongs, hats, or offerings as "required for entry," sometimes draping them on you and demanding money. A sarong is already included in the official ticket, so ignore anyone outside the ticket counter.
CautionBeware false claims that "a special ceremony is on today, so a payment is needed." Do not act on unverified on-site demands, and pay only at the official ticket counter.
RulesTourists may enter only the outer and middle courtyards (Nista/Madya Mandala); the innermost sanctum (Utama Mandala) is reserved for worshippers. Never block praying devotees or photograph them from a position higher than the shrines.
MannersModest dress covering shoulders and knees is required, and you must wear the sarong provided at the entrance. By Balinese custom, menstruating women and anyone with an open wound are not permitted inside the grounds.
SafetyAt around 1,000m in the mountains, expect mist and slippery steps in the morning or after rain. Mount Agung is an active volcano, and upper access can be restricted during volcanic alerts, so check current conditions before visiting.
Practical info
Roughly 1.5-2 hours by car from Ubud, in the eastern highlands; morning visits give the clearest mountain views. As of 2026 the foreign entry fee is reported at about IDR 150,000 (including sarong rental, a local guide, and a one-way electric shuttle), but prices and policies have changed recently, so confirm fees, hours, and rules on site. Pay only at the official counter and carry small cash for change.
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