Pura Luhur Batukaru: The way to the temple

Bali has tens of thousands of temples and they come in all sizes. Often the larger temples, or pura, feel like a tourist trap with tour buses and drink stalls lined up or hundreds of meters outside the main gate. One of my favourite temples in Pura Luhur Batukaru in Tabanan. This temple is located on the southern slope of the second highest volcano in Bali and sits in a forested area. The tranquility of Pura Luhur Batukaru combined with the forest gives me a peaceful feeling.

My ride from Seminyak took me close to Tanah Lot, through the town of Tabanan and north through Penebel. I was actually exploring some small roads and marking them with my GPS. Needing a constant line of sight to the satellites I started off with the thing hooked to the hook on the front of my bike. Later on I moved it to the strap of my bag.

Back on the road that goes from Penebel to Senganan, I stopped at a tiny roadside shop for a teh panas (hot black tea) and a little snack. The lady who owned the shop couldn’t speak a word of English, but became the local celebrity, as the other locals across the street laughed and shouted to her as she tried to get through our transaction. The location of this little place is (08 26.776S 115 07.972E) for those who just have to know.

My little sweet snack and tea cost 2,000rp. I said goodbye and headed off towards the off for Pura Luhur Batukaru, heading north.