The Mother Temple
Bali's largest and most important.
Flying Pharmacist — CC BY-SA 2.5 · Anandajoti — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anandajoti — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anandajoti — CC BY-SA 4.0
Bali's largest temple and the most important to its people, called the Mother Temple, on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island's highest and, in their belief, holiest mountain, at around a thousand metres. It is not one building but a complex of twenty-three linked temples rising on six terraces up the slope, the largest being the main temple at the centre. The sight is majestic: black multi-tiered shrines, split stone gateways and a broad stairway climbing towards the mountain, which appears behind the temple on clear days. Many ceremonies are held through the year, filling the courtyards with Balinese in white traditional dress bearing colourful offerings. Foreign visitors pay about one hundred and fifty thousand rupiah per person, including a compulsory local guide and a small shuttle to near the main entrance, and a sarong is required. The inner areas are for worship only, and the guide explains where you may walk. Bali's tourist levy is separate. It is about two hours by car from the south, so set off early to see the mountain before the clouds hide it. Visitors usually pair it with the Tirta Gangga water palace in the east of the island.
Bali's largest and most important.
On six terraces up the slope.
The island's highest peak behind it.
Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung, eastern Bali
Yes, the current fee includes a local guide who organises the visit and explains where you may go. Ignore anyone on the road offering extra guides for a fee.