When we spend a day with a guide in Bali, I ask him to take us to a peaceful temple complex, one where the crowds stay away and we can learn about Balinese traditions and rituals. Our guide takes us to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, a serene temple complex just 5 kilometers from the famous and very crowded Pura Tirta Empul.
Serene temple complex near Ubud
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is located 14 kilometers from Ubud. If traffic is favorable, it takes about 25 minutes to drive from Ubud to the temple. Gunung Kawi Sebatu is one of Bali’s older temples, likely built during the reign of the Warmadewa dynasty, a royal family that was influential on the island during the 10th and 11th centuries. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of protection and water, which plays a crucial role in Balinese life and rice farming.
Entrance to Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu
You can easily park across from the temple. Both men and women must wear a sarong. If you don’t have one, you can borrow one at the ticket counter. The entrance fee is 30,000 IDR.
As soon as you enter the temple, you hear the sound of flowing water; exactly what you’d expect at a water temple! Scattered across the temple complex are clear ponds with koi fish, fountains and beautiful statues. The water in the ponds comes from natural springs nearby and is considered sacred. The ritual performed with this holy water is called melukat. During a melukat ritual, people symbolically cleanse themselves by immersing in the holy water that flows through the temple. This water is regarded as blessed and is believed to wash away negative energy and impurities, leaving individuals feeling spiritually refreshed and protected.
Beautiful wood carvings
At the temple complex, there are several impressive shrines and pavilions decorated with stunning wood carvings and traditional Balinese statues. The wood carvings on the pillars and altars are exceptionally detailed and reflect Bali’s rich cultural history. In one of the pavilions, you’ll find old, authentic palanquins that were once used during ceremonies to carry sacred symbols, offerings and images of Gods in a solemn and respectful manner to the temple.
Giggling students
The complex is very quiet; we’re practically alone and can explore everything in peace and silence. After a while, we suddenly hear singing and a lot of giggling in the distance. It turns out to be students practicing for a performance under a large, beautifully decorated canopy next to the koi pond. It’s lovely to see how much fun they’re having and how excited they are that we’ve come to watch them.
After feeding the koi, as we walk toward the exit of the temple complex, we pass two walled swimming pools. “No rituals here,” our guide tells us, “just a type of pool.” One pool is for women and the other for men.
Looking for a peaceful temple complex in Bali?
I truly find it refreshing to stroll around this temple complex. It’s wonderful to learn more about the Balinese rituals and customs while enjoying the peace and quiet. During our stay, we don’t visit the famous Pura Tirta Empul a bit further up. When we drive past it later and see all the parked cars and buses, I immediately remember why we skipped it. What a crowd! I much prefer this lesser-known, smaller, but much quieter Gunung Kawi Sebatu.
