Pura Batu Bolong: West Lombok

One place I enjoyed visiting while in Lombok was Pura Batu Bolong just south of Senggigi Beach. This quaint and peaceful temple is perched on a rocky outcrop facing Bali. It was quite interesting to note that the temple structure in Lombok is somewhat different to those of Bali.

It is necessary to wear a temple sash before entering the temple and these are available at the entrance and a small donation is welcome. Pura Batu Bolong is a great temple to visit during the Hindu festival times and also on the nights of the full and dark moons when colourful ceremonies are held.

After donning our sashes we made our way down the steps to the sea level where a path leads to the main temple. The striking feature of this temple is the natural carved hole near the bottom of the temple; thus the name Batu Bolong – Hole in the rock.

It is believed that virgins were once sacrificed to the sea from the highest point of the temple’s outcrop. As you approach the ‘hole in the rock’, the surging sea lunges through and the path does get quite slippy. Once you reach the base of the temple it is a 16 step climb to the highest point. Here, spectacular views are afforded across the Lombok Straits to Bali.

This is a fabulous place to watch the sunset and is a popular place with fishermen who use the rocky outcrop at the base of the temple to cast their fishing lines.