Goa Lawah

This temple is located in the village of Pesinggahan just outside Klungkung close to the coast.

Pura Goa Lawah is sometimes included among the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the “six sanctuaries of the world”, the six holiest places of worship on Bali. According to Balinese beliefs, they are the pivotal points of the island and are meant to provide spiritual balance to Bali. The number of these most sacred sanctuaries always adds up six, but depending on the region, the specific temples that are listed may vary.

According to the Lontar (the holy book, made of palm leaves), the name “Goa Lawah” was given by the Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, when he rested at this place on his spiritual journey through Bali. He came in front of the cave where many bats (Lelawah) were flying back and forth, incessantly making a boisterous noise. It seemed as if they were singing about the beauty of the cave. That is why the cave is called Goa Lawah. Goa means “cave” and Lawah means “bat”. It is quite a beautiful temple and of course the bat cave is the important centre of the temple.

It is estimated that the Pura Goa Lawah was established in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan. Mpu Kuturan was one of the early priests who introduced Hinduism on Bali. The temple complex may start as the center of meditation for priests.

It is an interesting temple with a lot of history and certainly worth the visit.

Please note that you need to wear a sarong to enter this temple and the entrance fee is IDR 30.000 for adults and IDR 15.000 for children, make sure that shoulders and midriffs are covered.
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00 (These opening hours can change at any time according to religious activities held in this temple area).

And visiting close to the closing time can be spectaculair because at that time the bats will fly around.