Besakih

Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900 meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali. The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the Samudramanthana mythology, the same name “Besuki” in fact refers to the Dragon-God “Naga Besukian”, who inhabited Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali.

This grand temple complex has been revered as a holy place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Penataran Agung, or the “Great Temple of State” is the center of the temple complex and is is Bali’s main place of worship, a complex comprising twenty-two temples on six rising terraces set on parallel ridges.

This complex expresses the essential belief of the Balinese known as Tri Hita Kirana, meaning that life on earth must be lived and kept in balance and harmony between man and God, man and society and his fellow human beings, and man and his natural environment. During a full moon, Balinese and pilgrims throng to the temple. During the festival of Odalan, the temple is most elaborately decorated. Odalan is celebrated on every 210th day.

Entrance & Parking fees

Best way to arrive and to enter is from the west, where you can buy ticket on a junction (15.000 IDR per person) and also directly pay for parking 5.000 IDR per car (but without ticket, I don't what is price for motorbike - but I think that not more than 2.000 IDR) - see waypoint TICKET. Than continue few hundred meters more to north until parking waipoint PARK1, PARK2, PARK-VIP or if you are brave enought or lucky until PARK-GOD.

Guides

Guides aren't needed at all and also you don't need to pay any donation. If you want guide - the normal price is 50.000 IDR. Guides will tell you that you aren't alowed alone to enter the temple complex. It's wrong - you can walk around all temples without guide. But If you want to enter to some temple you will need some of them to help you to organize hindu worship. But also sometimes also with guide you aren't alowed to enter to some temples (mostly the largest one - Pura Panataran Agung).