Goa Lawah Temple - Bali visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Goa Lawah Temple' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Lesser Sunda Islands.

Panorama of Goa Lawah Temple in Bali. This temple is also known as the Pura Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple) due to the cave containing fruit bats around which the temple developed. This panoramic image was taken from the inner courtyard at the temple. The fruit bat cave is in the cliffs on the north side of the courtyard. To get here you must first pass through the middle courtyard of the temple.

Pura Goa Lawah temple is thought to be over 1000 years old. There is a legend that surrounds the temple. It is said that when Klungkung was ruled from Kusamba, a prince of Mengwi hid in the cave colonised by fruit bats for protection. He is said to have followed a tunnel system and emerged 30km to the north at Pura Besakih (Besakih Temple) found on the slopes of Mt. Agung Vocano. It is also said that a gaint dragon-like snake lives in the caves and feeds on the bats, which may explain why no-one has since been tempted to repeat the feat.

Thus the cave was venerated and a temple grew up around the site. Goa Lawah temple is the most important temple in Bali for matters to do with the afterlife. On holy days thousands of people gather here for ceremonies and will cast offerings and other artifacts into the sea of the shore of Goa Lawah Beach.

Goa Lawah temple is one of six Sad-Kahyangan, or State Temples, in Bali. These ancient historical sites are important to the Balinese as they are said to protect the whole island. The other Sad Kahyagan temples on Bali are Pura Besakih, Pura Uluwatu, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Batukau, and Pura Pulaki.

Those interested in visiting temples should also consider Pura Watu Klotok, found at Watu Klotok Beach a few miles south of here.

Goa Lawah is about 9km from Klungkung on the east coast of Bali.