MOUNT BATUKARU
MOUNT BATUKARU
UNESCO DESIGNATION
HIGHEST POINT
2,276 meters
HOME TO
11th-century Luhur Batukaru Temple
MOUNTAIN TYPE
inactive volcano
Mount Batukaru is an inactive volcano with the second highest peak in Bali. It is home to one of the nine pura (temples) on the island believed to protect Bali from evil spirits. Once a year, thousands of Balinese Hindus take a pilgrimage to the peak of of the mountain.
The Pura Luhur Batukaru temple which sits on Mount Batukaru was originally built in the 11th century, dedicated to the ancestors of the Tabanan raja (kings). In 1604 it was attacked and reduced to rubble by the king of Buleleng. Until it was rebuilt in 1959, worshippers continued to visit and carry out ceremonies among the temple ruins.
Batukaru is one of Bali’s less tourist-packed volcanoes with more opportunity to experience local culture and meet local people in an authentic setting.