Photo of the Day: Pura Batu Bolong, Lombok

by Barrie | July 23rd, 2011   Tweet

As most of you know I have visited just about every temple on the island of Bali and during my recent visit to Lombok, I was interested to note the comparison between the temples of Bali and that of Lombok. The one temple I found fascinating was Pura Batu Bolong, located just south of Senggigi Beach in West Lombok.

It is necessary to wear a temple sash before entering the temple and these are available at the entrance and a small donation is welcome. Pura Batu Bolong is a great temple to visit during the Hindu festival times and also on the nights of the full and dark moons when colourful ceremonies are held.

This quaint and peaceful temple is perched on a rocky outcrop facing Bali. It was quite interesting to note that the temple structure in Lombok is somewhat different to those of Bali. The striking feature of this temple is the natural carved hole near the bottom of the temple; thus the name Batu Bolong – Hole in the rock.

It is believed that virgins were once sacrificed to the sea from the highest point of the temple’s outcrop. As you approach the ‘hole in the rock’, the surging sea lunges through and the path does get quite slippy. Once you reach the base of the temple it is a 16 step climb to the highest point. Here, spectacular views are afforded across the Lombok Straits to Bali.