Besakih, Kintamani, and Batur Sacred Bali Tour

A 45-minute drive from Nirarta takes us into the wooded hills near Mount Agung, where we arrive at Besakih, the vast mother temple complex at the heart of Balinese spiritual life. Here, we pause for prayer and reflection at the main Penateran Temple, which honors the three fundamental energies of life, as well as at the quiet and mysterious Dark Temple. Time permitting, we also stop at the King Cave Grotto, known for its natural stone arch.

From Besakih, a short 30-minute drive brings us to Kintamani, where sweeping views open across the crater lake below. We then enjoy an excellent buffet lunch on the rim of the caldera crater, with the lake and volcano spread out before us.

After lunch, we continue to Batur Temple, dedicated to the aspect of the Divine connected to Water and to Wishnu, the conserver of life. The temple is also home to a charming and powerful Chinese Buddhist shrine. Our final stop is the once-forbidden sacred temple of Puncak Penulisan, long associated with writing. Set high above a long staircase, it offers a peaceful setting for silence and intention-setting, along with a collection of old Siva lingams and Ganesha statues, before we return to Nirarta.