Bali
Goa Lawah Temple
Explore Goa Lawah Temple with guidance on the sacred bat cave, entrance fees, dress codes, and its role in Balinese rituals.
Quick Facts
- Location
- Dawan, Klungkung (-8.5367, 115.4746)
- Suggested duration
- 1–1.5 hours
- Opening hours
- 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM — verified 2026-07-23
- Entrance fee
- IDR 25,000 - 50,000 (Foreigners, depending on sarong inclusion)
- Best time
- Morning to avoid crowds, or late afternoon to see the bats become active
- Accessibility
- Contains steps, raised stone thresholds, and uneven paving
Location on Google Maps
Klungkung, Bali
Travel Advisor Score
One of Bali's six holiest places of worship (Sad Kahyangan), playing a vital role in afterlife rituals.
Beautiful ancient architecture against the dramatic backdrop of the squeaking bat cave.
Very safe and well-managed by the local temple committee.
Standard temple facilities: ticket counter, sarong rental, and basic restrooms across the street.
Can get very busy with local worshippers during auspicious days and full moons.
An inexpensive and culturally rich stopover when traveling along the east coast.
Best For
- ✓ Cultural and historical travelers
- ✓ Ancient architecture enthusiasts
- ✓ Short stopover en route to East Bali
Reconsider If
- Phobia or strong dislike of bats (chiroptophobia)
Overview — English
Pura Goa Lawah (literally "Bat Cave Temple") is one of Bali's six holiest places of worship (Sad Kahyangan), believed to be the spiritual pillars of the island. Located directly across from a black-sand beach in the Klungkung Regency, this ancient temple—founded in the 11th century by the revered priest Mpu Kuturan—features a striking uniqueness: its main shrines are built directly at the mouth of a natural cave teeming with thousands of bats.
Spiritually, Goa Lawah plays a crucial role in the Nyegara Gunung (ocean and mountain) rituals, frequently serving as the final destination for post-cremation (Ngaben) ceremonies to purify ancestral spirits. When visiting, you will hear the continuous high-pitched squeaking of the bats hanging from the cave roof, blending with the chanting of priests and the ringing of temple bells. The distinct smell of guano (bat droppings) can be strong near the cave entrance, but it adds to the ancient, mystical atmosphere of the sacred site.
Travel Tips
- 1.Siapkan uang tunai pecahan kecil untuk tiket masuk dan biaya parkir.
- 2.Anda wajib mengenakan sarung dan selendang (sash) untuk masuk. Biasanya ini sudah disediakan di loket tiket.
- 3.Jangan menggunakan lampu kilat (flash) kamera saat memotret ke arah gua agar tidak mengganggu kelelawar dan umat yang sedang bersembahyang.
Accessibility
The main courtyards are relatively flat, but entering the temple requires crossing raised stone thresholds designed to keep out evil spirits.
Getting a wheelchair over the traditional split gates and thresholds is difficult without assistance.
Facilities
- Dress Code ItemsAvailable
Sarongs and sashes are required and typically provided at the entrance.
- ToiletsAvailable
Basic public toilets are available in the parking area outside the temple.
- DiningAvailable
There are local food stalls across the street, famous for their traditional fish satay (Sate Lilit).
Ticket Information
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigner Ticket | IDR 25,000 - 50,000 | Price may fluctuate based on whether sarong rental is bundled. |
| Parking | IDR 2,000 - 5,000 | Standard local fee for scooters and cars. |
Last verified: 2026-07-23
Opening Hours
08:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Open to tourists during these hours. Open 24/7 for worshippers.
Last verified: 2026-07-23
Nearby Destinations
FAQ — English
Are visitors allowed to enter the cave?
No. The cave is a highly sacred space. Visitors and worshippers alike must remain in the courtyards facing the cave entrance.
Can I take photos of the cave?
Yes, provided you stay in the designated public areas, do not use flash, and do not block or disturb the ongoing ceremonies.
Sources
- Google Maps — Goa Lawah Temple
2026-07-23