Praying With The Bats in Goa Lawah Temple

It is not a secret anymore that Bali has thousands of temples, but not so many people know that some of the temples are special. One of them is Goa Lawah Temple in Klungkung regency. Goa Lawah or literally means “Bats Cave” Temple, from the word “Lawah” means “bat(s)” and “goa” means “cave”. Goa Lawah Temple is one of si special temples in Bali, called Sad Khayangan was built by the idea if the influencer of Hinduism in Bali, Mpu Kuturan in around 11th century. Goa Lawah Temple is located in Pesinggahan Village, Dawan district, Klungkung regency. It is around 40 km or one hour from Denpasar.

Goa Lawah Temple is famous because of its uniqueness. Inside of the Goa Lawah Temple, you will find a cave with thousands of bats hanging there, and in front of the cave, you will find the praying area for the Hindu people. Goa Lawah Temple usually holds a big ceremony every six months, according to the Balinese calendar. Even so, does not mean Goa Lawah Temple will be empty on a normal day. Goa Lawah Temple is one of most visited temple both for praying and as a tourist destination. Goa Lawah Temple is believed was built to praise Baruna, the God of the sea according to Balinese Hinduism.

Since Goa Lawah Temple is a special temple, it has more strict rules to be followed. First, like the other's temple, you have to wear sarong and Selendang (the fabric that you wrap around your waist like a belt). If you do not have or forget your Sarong and Selendang, you can rent them in Goa Lawah Temple or around it. Second, it is forbidden for women who are in the period to enter Goa Lawah Temple. Then, you are not allowed to walk down the stairs in the praying area and do not walk in front of the people who are praying. You are also not allowed to smoke inside of Goa Lawah Temple.

Even though Goa Lawah Temple is usually visited by many people, you do not need to worry about the parking. Goa Lawah Temple has a wide parking lot across the street, facing the beach, so you will see the view of the beach when you park your car or motorbike. You will also see many of seafood and coconut water sellers near Goa Lawah Temple, so it will not be hard for you to enjoy the seafood, before or after visiting Goa Lawah. If you plan to visit Goa Lawah Temple, you can also visit some places that near Goa Lawah, like Candi Dasa which is 19 km to the east from Goa Lawah, or Kerta Gosa which is located in the center of Klungkung Regency. So you can set your own itinerary.