Pura-Besakih temple complex

Far away in Bali is the famous Pura-Besakih temple complex. It is interesting for several reasons at once. For starters, here you can experience traditional Balinese culture and see and even try on local outfits. Naturally, the temple itself is beautiful, which has ancient architecture. In addition, do not forget that the temple complex is located on the slope of the large Agung volcano, which itself is of interest to tourists. We will try to tell you about everything that is connected with visiting the temple – from the road to local customs.

You can get to the main temple complex in Bali, or as it is also called “the mother of all temples”, from any hotel. Another thing is that the price of such an excursion is quite high, and bargaining is almost impossible. In addition, on the way and at the entrance to the temple, you will be charged a few dollars as a fee. So be prepared to shell out about $ 50 for the trip as a whole, excluding souvenir purchases. The trip is quite far – about a hundred kilometers from the center, which is aggravated by the mountain road and traffic jams, so the journey lasts three hours. Upon arrival, you will be offered to buy a local skirt for a penny, without which you are supposedly not allowed to enter the temple. It is better not to argue and spend the extra dollar, otherwise the seller will not lag behind until the very end.

The Pura-Besakih temple complex is not only a cultural monument and a picturesque place, but also poses some danger, according to many tourists. The fact is that local guides have developed a peculiar way of earning money. As if by chance they get to know you, start a conversation, start talking about the temple and take you through its nooks and crannies. A joyful tourist usually doesn't think about why an outsider is so interested in him. And on the way out, the good Samaritan suddenly begins to demand money. The rest of the guides and taxi drivers help him, so the tourist has no choice but to pay.

Be careful and do not hesitate in expressions, refusing obsessive lovers of easy money. It is better to take an official guide, asking initially how much he asks for his services. Before visiting the temple, it is better to have a good meal at the hotel, since it is almost impossible to do this on the mountain near the complex, especially in the evening – only a few cheap dirty cafes work.

When visiting the Pura-Besakih temple complex, you should remember that you can walk around its territory, take pictures and inspect any buildings for free, after purchasing entrance tickets. But in the main shrines – the temples themselves you have no right to enter, this is not a Shantadurga temple for you. The problem is that local residents are trying to deceive tourists and demand money for visits and walks. If you are required to pay money for the passage through the territory, feel free to refuse, but you can look into the temples by paying a small bribe. However, do not forget that this is not entirely legal and you may be punished. A visit to the complex along with the road will take almost the whole day, so you need to plan it for the morning hours.

The temples themselves, staircases and the way the territory of the complex is decorated are admirable. The ancient traditional motif in architecture manifested itself here in all its glory, and if you come to Bali, be sure to take the day to visit the Pura Besakih temple complex. Among other things, there is an excellent view of the island‘s surroundings from there, which can often be found on postcards. Take your own picture in memory of these places, so that later all your friends will be happy for you.