Melo Villareal
While browsing the free tourist map I got from the airport, I was overwhelmed with so much things to do and see in Bali. Yes, I have 8 days to spend but I had no specific plans or itinerary to follow. I just like it this way to spend more time on places that I enjoy most. Instead of buying a package tour, I hired a car for a day and gave the driver the list of places Im targeting to visit.
Batuan Temple
My first stop was at Batuan Temple – a beautiful Hindu temple that is in the middle of Batuan Village in Bali Indonesia. But before that, let’s talk about the history of this Batuan Temple.
Inside Batuan Temple
“Batuan” or “Baturan” means “tough as stone” or “eating rocks” this is what the villagers would make jokes of, for batu means “stone” in Balinese. But actually this refers to an ancient Megalithic tradition in which the standing stones serve as a meeting place and ceremonial site for worshiping to the god for the villagers of Batuan.
Row of brass gong percussion instrument also known as kulintang in Bali
Locals here are very much into preservation of the temple’s architecture and as well as it’s surrounding. The structure and its foundation are tough and strong. The temple has the original Balinese ornament that is craved beautifully on every building at the temple’s area. Some ornaments are reflections of stories and every holy building has different functions to show philosophically. Batuan is noted for its artwork and style of painting that resembled to the temples of Batuan village.
A collection of various stone sculptures
As I said earlier, Batuan Temple is located in the middle of Batuan Village beside the main road from Denpasar to Ubud. It is designed with full Balinese ornaments and for the roof, it is made from the fiber of chromatic black palm tree. The temple has a parking area, there is a place that is used as a meeting hall to practice any kind of Balinese dances as Gambuh dance Pendet dance, and this place is called Wantilan a standing ancient building.
Inside Batuan Hindu Temple
Before entering the temple, locals at Wantilan will lend you a traditional Balinese costume “kamben”. Remember it is a must to wear to show respect and honor. It’s all free and won’t be charged for entrance. But locals expect donations in their donation box but in any amount of money just for the maintenance of the temple. “Medana punia” is what Balinese call to the sincerity of every donation that you give.
A Balinese Lady weaving small baskets to be used for offerings
In the middle part is the long building called the Bale Agung and Bale Kulkul, where there is a high entrance called the Kori Agung. This Kori Agung is where the exit and entry for the gods. Next to the Kori Agung are two doors for the exit and entry of people into the temple’s main yard.
Small Baskets with flowers
In the main yard there some three story that has a symbol of the temple of Besakih, and one more thing there is a building known as the Padmasana for worshiping the only one Bali Hindu’s God.
Stone Sculptures inside Batuan Hindu Temple
Inside the temple, there are also locals weaving square baskets made from coconut leaves which will be used for offerings. Each small basket are filled with either rice, flowers or fruits. These small baskets are being offered to the Hindu Gods twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening.
Batuan temple is not only giving us tourist a spiritual sensation but also giving us a background of their historical values and showing us the beauty of art. While touring around one will enjoy the stunning ancient relics, unique statues and more to see.
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