Enchantment of the Beauty of Spiritual Tourism in Pujungan

Bali is one of famous tourism destination and usually called as the island of thousand temples or the island of God. This is because in Bali there are many holy places or temples that also may become tourist destinations. One of the unique temple in Bali is Malen Temple with the existence of Shiva Statue in the middle of Malen Temple. Malen Temple located in Batukaru Street, Pujungan Village, Pupuan District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. It is located in the Batukaru Mountain slope.

The History of MalenTemple isMalen Temple actually named as PucakKedatonBatukaru Temple. But, the local community usually called it as Malen Temple. The name of Malen taken from two statues of guard, flanking the pelinggih here, this statue is a very puppet figure named Tualen. Then the local community called it as Malen. In the middle of Malen Temple areas there is Shiva Statue with a height of 10 meters. This statue was built by Mr. WayanSutarjana. Initially he received wangsit, an order and found ShivaArca when he held meditation at Malen Temple. Then he felt a spiritual aura in this place. So, from that issues he dedicated to build Shiva Statue.

Malen Temple is located about 79 km from NgurahRai International Airport. To be able to reach this place it is approximately take 3 hours from NgurahRai International Airport. People can reach this place by using transportation like bus, private car, and motorcycle through Tabanan-Gilimanuk Street. If you bring motorcycle, you have an access until the parking area near to Malen Temple. But, if you using bus or car you need to stop and park your vehicle for about 3 km before Malen Temple. This is because the access to Malen Temple is quite narrow. So, the car or bus can pass at the same time. But, you do not need to be worry because the local people give some pick up services using motorcycle or in Indonesian called Ojek. The price to rent Ojek is IDR 15.000 for one way and IDR 25.000 for return. This is the only one alternative if you don’t want to walk to get the place. 
Malen Temple was located in the Batukaru Mountain slope. It make this place have a shady and green scenery, freshly air, and calm situation. This place very recommended for people who want to move from the crowded situation. In this place there are several statues, such as a shiva statue, a statue of Nandi (the vehicle of Lord Shiva), the statue of the goddess Parvati and Saraswati, Ganesha, and a lingam. There is also a statue of a hermit from Java, who experience Moksha in here. Not only Hindus people that come to this place, but foreign people and others Indonesian people from other religions also visit this place. Mostly people come to this place is to do worshiping, meditation, and melukat (cleaned up the body with the holy water). Beside of that there are several things to do in this beautiful place, such as sightseeing around the area of Malen Temple, take photo of statue, learn about Balinese tradition, and many more.

I have been here for twice, and from my experiences this place is very unique because we can enjoyed the natural tourism and the religious tourism at the same time. This place is very suitable place, either if you going on vacation with your friend or family. However, there is no entrance ticket need to be paid. But, we suggest you to give a little donation called Dana Punia instead. Here, you will get very different situation and sensation to your daily activities. The best time to visit this place is in Hindus feast day because you can see the tradition of Hindus religion   here. So, what do you waiting for? Come to this temple immediately and find your peace here. (Eni Widyastuti-MBP5B-01)