GOA LAWAH TEMPLE

Goa Lawah Temple is one of Bali most important temples, it features a complex built around a cave opening that is inhabited by hordes of bats and its name translates to Bat Cave. This temple was established in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, one of early priests who laid the foundations of Hinduism on the island. Goa Lawah is located in the village of Pesinggahan, Dawan district, bordering the Klungkung and Karangasem regencies. This landmark is one of the first stops on tours to Candidasa and further eastern regions within the Karangasem regency.

How to Get to Goa Lawah Temple

​The location of Goa Lawah is in Klungkung Regency, Dawan Village, it will take 1 hour drive from Kuta area or about 50 km from Denpasar airport to the east side direction. This landmark is one of the first stops on tours to Candidasa and further eastern regions within the Karangasem regency. Lies in front of the beach with a very beautiful beach with clear water adds to the charm of this lawah cave.​

What to Expect at Goa Lawah Temple

The uniqueness of the Goa Lawah temple is a group of bats that occupy the cave passage here. As for the fact that the bats are in a sacred place and do not disturb them, these bats are protected by local customary rules and are forbidden to be hunted or caught, because they are believed to be sacred creatures that guard the Goa Lawah temple. This makes the noise of this nocturnal animal colony a phenomenon in itself that can be witnessed by visitors.

In addition, the presence of a bat relief at one of the gates/Gelung Temples that separates the middle courtyard (jaba Tengah) from the inner courtyard (jeroan) of the temple is a symbol that this animal has a special position in this temple. A herd of nocturnal animals, active at night every day out of the cave starting in the evening. Waves of bats came out of the temple to find food. But strangely, not all of them came out at the same time, they seemed to take turns. There is some waiting. Imagine if everyone left the cave at once, this area could be like being covered by a cloud of bats.

Goa Lawah Temple History

Pursuant to the papyrus of Dwi Jendra Tattwa, the Goa Lawah's name is Goa Lelawah, the name which is given by Danghyang Nirartha (a priest overspread the Hindu teaching in Bali) when he stop in this place on his Tirtha Yatra trips. He arrives at a cave which a lot of bats hang on and its unbroken voice clamors as a hymn to add to the beauty of the cave. Therefore this cave is named Goa Lawah or Bat Cave. On the above cave is growth by the flower trees with it's smelt fragrance and stimulus the peace mind of Danghyang Nirartha, so that he overnight stay for some nights in this place.

From the cave we also see the beautiful coast with the blue ocean with Nusa Penida Island as a backdrop. In Goa Lawah consists of two syllables of the cave, which means cave and Lawah which means bat cave where the Lawah tail is inhabited by thousands of bats. In the mouth of this Bali attraction there is a temple called Khayangan Jagat status. Goa Lawah Temple is a sacred and beautiful area. There was a blend of sea and mountains (linga-yoni). As the name suggests, this temple is a cave inhabited by thousands of bats. While at the mouth of the cave there are several pelinggih Stana of the Gods.

​In the yard, several Meru and other sthana. Narrated MPU Kuturan came to Bali during the tenth century as the government-led Children's Youngest brother of King Airlangga. Airlangga had its own rule in East Java (1019-1042). When he arrived, mpu Kuturan found many sects in Bali. Seeing the fact that, mpu Kuturan then develop the concept of Tri Murti with the aim of uniting all these sects Kuturan MPU also teaches making heaven Pakraman Three in every village in Bali as well as confirmed the presence of Jagat heaven that one of them is Goa Lawah Temple.​

Goa Lawah Temple Entrance Ticket

Adult : IDR 25,000
Children : IDR 15,000
Sarong and Sash Rental : IDR 5.000
Opening Hours : 08.00 AM - 06.00 PM