Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple Place guide

Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is a beautiful water temple built along a natural spring, tucked away in the midst of verdant hills in Tegallalang, not to be confused with Gunung Kawi temple and funerary complex in Tampaksiring. Away from the crowds, exploring travelers can wander around the tranquil temple grounds and take in the sights at their own pace.

Built as a shrine to the water deity Vishnu, with the Balinese believing that water is one of the most important forces of life. A natural spring feeds into the water features, crystal clear pools and ponds surrounded by gorgeous lush gardens.

Entering the temple complex requires an entrance fee of IDR30,000/15,000 for adults/children, and tourists can borrow a sash and sarong from the ticket booth at no extra charge.

The temple houses several features, such as the Taman Suci holy water shrine which sits in the middle of a intricately decorated pond, where holy water springs naturally and schools of carp reside. Two ritual bathing sections, where photography is forbidden, are available for devotees to cleanse and purify themselves of karma. From the entrance of the temple, travelers can spot an open air pavilion next to a wide lake, where a statue of Sarasvati overlooks floating lotus and swimming fish. The temple is also home to small packs of fowl, juvenile deer, and chickens, which are often found roaming free around the grounds.

Head to the temple on Purnama Sasih Kasa, every first full moon of the Balinese calendar, when they celebrate their piodalan anniversary, and pilgrims and colorful rituals abound.

GETTING THERE

Sebatu village is only 12 km away from Ubud, and the entire Gunung Kawi Sebatu Templecomplex is viewable from the winding Jl Raya Tegallalang Road that heads down to the complex water gardens. Drive carefully with your rental car or motorbike as the roads are rough and can be steep. Coming from Ubud, drive along Jl Raya Andong, past Tegallalang Rice Terraces, onto Jl Raya Pujung until you see directional signs to the temple.