Besakih Great Temple (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Besakih Great Temple?
What makes it 80% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can freely explore 23 temples, ask many questions to the compulsory guide, photograph carvings, and manage steep steps without help, though touts demand firmness.
![A Must-See Pura Besakih | Balinese Largest Temple | Bali | Бали | Indonesia [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lVTirUarSvw/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Complimentary guide: Your ticket includes an official guide who stays with you through the main area.
- Scenic backdrop: Mount Agung looms above, giving every photo a dramatic frame.
Challenges:
- Uneven terrain: Many paths and stairs are old stone and can be steep or slippery.
- Sun exposure: Most areas have little shade—bring sunscreen and a hat.
What is Besakih Great Temple?
- A large Hindu temple complex on the slopes of Mount Agung, comprising 23 interrelated temples
- A sacred site founded in the 11th century and regarded as the principal place of worship for Balinese Hindus
- An architectural ensemble featuring multi-tiered meru towers, intricately carved gateways, and layered courtyards reflecting Balinese cosmology
What is so special about Besakih Great Temple for solo trip?
- Official guide included with ticket
- Panoramic views of Mount Agung
- Diverse temple architecture across 23 shrines
- Photo opportunities at sunrise and meru shrines
- Ceremonies reveal local Hindu traditions
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Gives you time to ride up, tour Pura Penataran Agung, explore side shrines, and soak in Mount Agung views without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Besakih Great Temple
Ride the electric shuttle:
Catch the one-way buggy from the parking lot to the temple entrance.
Tip: Show your ticket at boarding and save energy for walking inside.
Explore Pura Penataran Agung:
Walk through the main courtyard and admire its tiered shrines.
Tip: Ask your official guide to explain the seven universe levels represented here.
Climb to Pura Pangubengan:
Follow the uphill path to the higher temple for panoramic views.
Tip: Take the 30-minute route from the main complex; wear sturdy shoes for uneven steps.
Photograph Meru Tumpang Sebelas:
Capture the eleven-roofed shrine at Pura Batu Madeg.
Tip: Frame Mount Agung behind the meru at sunrise for dramatic shots.
Join a ceremony:
Witness offerings and Balinese Hindu rituals.
Tip: Check the temple calendar or ask your guide for today’s festival schedule.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Besakih Great Temple
- Arrive early: Get there by 8 AM to beat crowds and midday heat.
- Dress respectfully: Wear a sarong (provided) and cover shoulders to avoid delays at the gate.
Reviews of Besakih Great Temple
Luke L'sk
I came here the day after the Bali's slience day. The place was not busy at all, there was barely any people around, i supposed not many tourist were around and the temple isn't the place to visit after the island holiday. I had a comfortable time taking at stroll at the temple. You simply purchase a ticket at the front desk and that includes getting a guide to come along, rental for temple visit ...
Ila Farshad
The mother of all temples is here in the middle of nowhere. Imagine the past where all the people had to walk from far to visit this temple which is actually a big complex of multiple temples each with their own function in the ceremonial events. It is understandable that the location wants to give local people work/income acting as mandatory guide, but the added value of ours was close to zero a...
Chris F
Temple was very nice and interesting. It's considered the most important temple in Bali and rightly so. Plan at least 1 hour here. That said, I disliked my experience there due to all the money grabbing. I was happy to pay the entrance fee, however I really disliked the guide who rushed the whole experience. He brought us to buy offerings saying they were mandatory, then he kept asking us to buy ...
Babs Murphy
This large temple is definitely worth a visit when in Bali. It is beautiful and very large. You buy your entrance tickets right after you park your car in the very large Carpark. Then you will get a guide assigned to you who will guide you through the grounds of the temple and explain the temples history. You might even have the chance to take part in a blessing. Allocate enough time for visiting ...
Fredi G
One of the best things I've done in Bali! We got an amazing guide who gave us insight into temple life & the history of the temple, he took millions of brilliant photos and invited us to his house for dinner! We got on so well we exchanged numbers and stayed in touch. We came just for sunset so had the temple to ourselves, learned a lot about the Hindu religion and got some of the best views of B...
When is the best time to visit Besakih Great Temple (Bali, Indonesia)?
Dry season (April–October) brings clearer skies and cooler mornings. In the rainy season (November–March), wear non-slip shoes and a light poncho for slippery steps.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entrance ticket | IDR 150,000 |
| Water bottle | IDR 10,000 |
| Snack | IDR 15,000 |
| Guide tip (optional) | IDR 20,000 |
| Total Estimated | IDR 200,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Besakih Great Temple
Address: Besakih, Kec. Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia
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About Besakih Great Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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