Pura Goa Lawah, the "Bat Cave Temple", is a Balinese Hindu temple in Pesinggahan village, Klungkung Regency. The large complex stands on the north side of the Jalan Raya Goa Lawah main road. It was established in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, one of the early priests who introduced Hinduism on Bali. Several smaller shrines are nested into a cave where hordes of nectar bats rest.
Goa Lawah is often included among the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, the "six sanctuaries of the world" — the six holiest places of worship on Bali — and is one of Bali's nine directional temples, built to protect the island from evil spirits. Many believe the cave connects underground to Mount Agung, although no one has ever proven that.
The cave and the bats
The cave itself can't be entered, but you can get very close to its entrance from the side of the temple. Thousands of bats cling to the ceiling inside, and locals consider them sacred. For the full effect, come around sunset, when they start flying out in waves.
Hours and tickets
- Bali Holiday Secrets gives the visiting hours for foreign visitors as 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily, although Google Maps shows 24 hours; other guides list different hours, so check before you go. Ceremonies may temporarily limit access to some areas.
- Entrance for foreign adults, according to Bali Holiday Secrets: IDR 25,000 plus IDR 5,000 for sarong rental; other guides give different prices. Fees are paid in cash at a small ticket booth just after the parking area, where you also get a sarong and sash.
- Parking: IDR 2,000 for a scooter, IDR 5,000 for a car.
- A visit takes about 45 minutes.
