Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah Temple
One of the "Six Sanctuaries of the World" guarding the sea. A cave where thousands of bats and prayers coexist.
Goa Lawah, meaning 'Bat Cave,' is one of the *Sad Kahyangan* (six sanctuaries of the world) that protect Bali from evil, making it a highly important temple. As its name suggests, a cave at the back of the temple is home to countless bats, which hang there even during the day, their chirps and flapping wings echoing constantly. These bats are considered the sacred guardians of the temple. Legend holds that this cave stretches all the way to Besakih, the mother temple, and is seen as a spiritual tunnel connecting the holy Mount Agung with the underworld of the sea. It is also a place to worship the sea gods, and people from nearby fishing villages come here to pray for safe voyages and bountiful catches. The sight of the bats emerging from the cave in a massive swarm at dusk is truly spectacular.
History and the Legend of Naga Basuki
The founding of Goa Lawah is traced to the 11th century, established by Mpu Kuturan, a high priest who brought Hinduism from Java to Bali. The temple's most important object of worship is the mythical giant serpent king, 'Naga Basuki,' who is believed to reside deep within the cave. This *Naga* (serpent) is believed to possess the power to maintain the world's balance. The bats are considered its messengers, or perhaps even its food. This legend symbolizes the Balinese people's reverence for unseen natural forces and the underworld.
Culture: Rituals for Departed Souls
Goa Lawah Temple plays a crucial role in Balinese funeral rites. Before the final ceremony of scattering ashes into the sea (*Nyekar*), many people visit this temple to pray for the soul of the deceased to journey safely to the realm of the gods. This is because the cave is believed to be a place where ancestral spirits return. If you encounter a ceremonial procession, please be respectful and observe quietly. While it is a tourist destination, it is also a place where people come to pray in times of deep sorrow.
Etiquette and What to Note
Visitors must wear a *sarong* and *selendang* (sash) (available for rent at the entrance). The inside of the cave is an extremely sacred area and cannot be entered. Prayers are conducted from the altars outside. The bats are considered holy creatures, so you must never throw stones or use flash photography to startle them. The beach across from the temple is also a sacred site used for purification ceremonies. Please cooperate in keeping the environment beautiful by not littering.
Highlights (What to See!)
The sheer density of the bat colony covering the cave entrance is a sight unlike any other. Bringing binoculars will allow you to observe their behavior more closely. The temple gates and shrines feature intricate Balinese carvings, with many *Naga* (dragon) motifs. Across the street, a black sand beach stretches out, lined with colorful traditional fishing boats called *Jukung*. After visiting the temple, a walk along the beach in the sea breeze is highly recommended.
Related Places
Tourist SpotTirta Gangga
A garden known as the "Water Palace," famous for its stepping stones.
TempleLempuyang Temple
A mountain temple complex, famous for its iconic "Gates of Heaven."
TempleBesakih Temple
The "Mother Temple" at the foot of Mount Agung. A massive sanctuary of 23 temple complexes aligned on an axis toward the mountain.