Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus
Pura Batu Ngaus is a stunning 17th-century Hindu fertility temple perched on a cliff along the ocean near the city of Canggu in Bali. The temple is made from black lava rock that has a dark a looming quality about it, especially on an overcast day like the day we visited. The Balinese people come here to seek medicine or fertility blessings from the mangku (priest), and leave offerings. There is also a blowhole here in the rocks that connects to the ocean via an underwater cave. This temple is much less frequented that the more famous Uluwatu. It was nice to have the whole thing to ourselves to explore.
Info
Free to visit, or you can book as part of a tour
Accessible by car or scooter/moped
Rules for visiting this temple include; Dress appropriately (you should wear a kamen wrap (like a sarong) in Balinese Temples), no immoral conduct within the temple grounds, women who are menstruating are not supposed to enter the temple (Hindu culture forbids this), keep the temple grounds clean
The History
Long ago a “powerful wanderer” traveled across Bali until he reached the coast of Semenur. He chanted a mantra, then named the place "Batu Ngaos.” Over time this has changed into Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus. Not a super engaging story, but it was all I could find on the subject.
This temple is a beautiful place to relax and meditate overlooking the ocean. I hope you enjoy exploring it as much as I did!
