Balis Mother Temple : Besakih & the Universes Miniature

Nestled on the slopes of the mighty Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred site, Besakih, stands as a testament to the island’s profound spirituality. This expansive temple complex, known as the "Mother Temple," captivates visitors with its intricate architecture, vibrant rituals, and the palpable connection to the divine. As one explores the labyrinth of shrines and pavilions, it becomes clear that Besakih is not merely a place of worship, but a microcosm of the universe itself, where the earthly and celestial realms converge in perfect harmony. Discover the secrets that lie within this spiritual sanctuary and unravel the mysteries that have drawn pilgrims to its hallowed grounds for centuries.

Good To Know

• Besakih Temple, located on the slopes of Mount Agung, is considered Bali’s holiest and most significant Hindu temple complex.
• The temple complex comprises over 20 individual temples and shrines, featuring multitiered architecture and intricate carvings that reflect Bali’s rich spiritual heritage.
• Visiting Besakih Temple offers a unique opportunity to witness the spiritual energy and cultural traditions of Bali, including the Barong dance performance that represents the battle between good and evil.
• Exploring Besakih Temple and the surrounding cultural sites, such as Tirta Gangga and Goa Lawah, provides a comprehensive understanding of Bali’s spiritual and natural landscapes.
• The tour package includes hotel pickup, transportation, and various site visits, allowing visitors to enjoy Bali’s cultural richness and spiritual significance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Bali’s Mother Temple: Besakih tour typically starts at $64.09 per person, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the cultural and spiritual essence of Bali.

This private group experience allows guests to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The full-day tour’s validity and availability depend on the starting times, ensuring a tailored and convenient experience.

Visitors can expect an engaging cultural performance, an exploration of the revered Besakih Temple, and stops at additional sites like Tirta Gangga and Goa Lawah Temple, along with the option to enjoy a local lunch.

Itinerary and Highlights

Visitors begin their cultural experience with a captivating Barong Dance performance, a one-hour depiction of the eternal battle between good and evil. The tour then proceeds to the main attraction, the legendary Besakih Temple, Bali’s holiest site on the slopes of Mount Agung, believed to be the center of the universe. The itinerary also includes visits to Tirta Gangga, a former royal water palace with enchanting gardens and fountains, and Goa Lawah, a unique temple in front of a natural cave housing thousands of bats. An optional lunch break is available for an additional fee.

Highlights	Duration
Barong Dance	1 hour
Besakih Temple	1 hour
Tirta Gangga	40 minutes
Goa Lawah	30 minutes
Lunch (optional)	1 hour

Cultural Experience: Barong Dance

Captivating your’ attention from the outset, the Barong Dance performance transports them into a timeless realm of mythological grandeur.

Clad in vibrant costumes and intricate masks, the dancers bring to life the eternal battle between good and evil, the Barong and the Rangda. Through fluid movements and mesmerizing chants, the legend unfolds, leaving the audience spellbound.

This captivating cultural display sets the stage for the immersive journey ahead, whetting their appetite for the wonders of Bali’s sacred sites.

As the performance concludes, your eagerly anticipate the next chapter of their adventure, ready to delve deeper into the island’s rich tapestry of traditions and beliefs.

Main Attraction: Besakih Temple

Nestled within the majestic embrace of Mount Agung, Besakih Temple rises as Bali’s holiest and most revered sacred site.

Often referred to as the "Mother Temple," this sprawling complex of over 20 individual temples and shrines sits atop a lush, forested hillside.

Visitors are awed by its towering, multitiered architecture and intricate carvings that depict Hindu deities and mythological scenes.

Pilgrims come from across Indonesia to make offerings and seek blessings at the temple’s various shrines, each dedicated to a different manifestation of the divine.

Exploring Besakih’s serene courtyards and meandering pathways, one can feel the palpable spiritual energy that permeates this sacred space, a testament to Bali’s rich cultural heritage.

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Additional Stops: Tirta Gangga and Goa Lawah

After exploring the grandeur of Besakih Temple, the tour continues with a visit to Tirta Gangga, a former royal water palace nestled amidst verdant gardens and shimmering pools. Guests can wander through the serene grounds, admiring the intricate stone carvings and striking water features. The tour then proceeds to Goa Lawah, a unique temple situated in front of a natural cave teeming with thousands of bats. This captivating site offers a glimpse into Bali’s rich spiritual heritage, where the natural and the divine intertwine.

Tirta Gangga	Goa Lawah
Former royal water palace	Unique temple in front of bat cave
Lush gardens and pools	Thousands of bats inhabit the cave
Ornate stone carvings	Sightseeing and cultural experience
Peaceful and serene atmosphere	Spiritual and natural wonder

Lunch Option

The tour offers an optional lunch stop, allowing guests to savor the local flavors of Bali.

After visiting the stunning Besakih Temple, visitors can enjoy a delightful meal at a nearby restaurant. The menu features a range of traditional Balinese dishes, from fragrant rice dishes to flavorful curries.

Theres some good the vibrant spices and aromatic herbs that define the island’s cuisine. The lunch break provides a chance to refuel and take in the culinary culture of Bali, further enhancing the overall experience.

The additional fee for this optional lunch ensures a satisfying midday meal to complement the day’s spiritual and cultural discoveries.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventure. Guests can be picked up directly from their hotel lobby or a location of their choice, such as a restaurant or café. The experienced English-speaking driver will ensure the correct pickup and transport guests to destinations across Karangasem Regency, Kuta, Tabanan Regency, Denpasar City, and Gianyar.

Pickup	Drop-off Locations
Hotel Lobby	Karangasem Regency
Specified Location	Kuta
	Tabanan Regency
	Denpasar City
	Gianyar

The transportation, fuel, and parking fees are all included, allowing guests to focus on the culture without worrying about logistics.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Recommendations

The tour conveniently includes hotel pickup and return, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s cultural exploration.

Entrance fees, donations, and the driver’s meal are all taken care of, with mineral water provided throughout the journey.

However, lunch is an optional extra, allowing guests to sample the local cuisine at their own expense.

When visiting the sacred temples, it’s important to dress modestly and be mindful of local customs to respectfully take in Bali’s rich heritage.

Comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended to fully enjoy the day’s discoveries without distraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Private Tour Guide for the Temple Visits?

Yes, you can request a private tour guide for the temple visits. The private group experience allows for a more personalized and knowledgeable exploration of the cultural sights, led by an English-speaking guide.

Is There an Option to Add a Visit to a Traditional Balinese Home?

The tour doesn’t explicitly include a visit to a traditional Balinese home, but you could likely request this as an add-on. The tour operator may be able to arrange a special cultural experience at an additional cost.

Do You Have Any Recommendations for Local Handicraft Shops in the Area?

The tour doesn’t include stops at local handicraft shops, but the guide can recommend a few hidden gem shops in the area where you can find authentic Balinese handicrafts and support local artisans. These shops offer a perfect chance to bring home unique souvenirs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Include a Visit to a Balinese Cooking Class?

You can certainly customize the itinerary to include a Balinese cooking class. The tour provider is flexible and happy to accommodate special requests, provided they fit within the tour’s time frame and logistics.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include a Visit to a Balinese Water Temple?

Yes, travelers can extend the tour to include a visit to a Balinese water temple. This optional add-on allows guests to explore the serene and sacred sites that dot Bali’s lush landscape, seeing the island’s rich cultural heritage.

The Sum Up

Bali’s mother temple, Besakih, stands as a majestic testament to the island’s profound spiritual heritage. Perched atop Mount Agung, this serene sanctuary invites visitors to experience the harmony between the earthly and celestial realms. From its exquisite multitiered architecture to the captivating Barong dance, Besakih offers a truly immersive cultural journey, leaving a lasting impression on those who seek to connect with Bali’s rich traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: