The mount batukaru
Much of island southwest Bali lies in the shadow of the massive mount Batukaru, at 2276m the second highest mountain on the island (after mounth Agung) and one of the holiest. All west Bali temples have a shrine dedicated to the spirit of Gunung Batukau, and on the lower slopes of the holy mountain itself stands Luhur Batukaru temple , Balis directional temple ( kayangan jagat ) for the west, and the focus of many pilgrimages. The dense tropical forest that clothes the uppermost slopes of Gunung Batukaru has now been designated as a nature reserve, and is a particularly rewarding area for birdwatching.
From Tabanan, with your own transport, you have a choice of two routes to Batukaru. The most scenic approach starts from Tabanan town centre and takes you through some lovely flower-lined villages, via Penebel and the exceptionally fine rice terrace vistas West of Jatiluwih, the road eventually comes to a junction at the village of Wangayagede, from where it’s just a two-kilometre drive north to the small car park in front of Pura Luhur Batukaru. The slightly more direct route from Tabanan to Wangayagede takes you along a road that’s in far better condition, but is less dramatic. It begins about 7km west of Tabanan, branching north off the main
Tabanan-Gilimanuk road at Miling, from where it passes through Penatahan and on to Wangayagede. It’s currently impossible to get to Luhur Batukaru temple by public bemo, though there is a Tabanan – Penebel – Jatiluwih service, and you may be able to charter the same bemo onto Pura Luhur. These leave from the bemo station atTuwakilang, 2km north of Tabanan’s town centre, departing approximately hourly in the mornings ( less frequently after noon ). Otherwise, any tour operator will be happy to make it the focus of
a tailor-made sightseeing tour, and most places also sell activity tours such as guided mountain – bike trips down the lower slopes of Gunung Batukaru or organized hikes through the Batukau rainforests.
Climbing mount Batukaru
Very few people climb the sacred slopes of Gunung Batukau and, during the rainy season (from Nov-March), not even the most sure-footed Balinese would attempt it. If you do decide to climb, you will definitely need a guide they sometimes hang out at the temple, or can be contacted in the village of Wangayagede, 2km down the road.
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