Batu Bolong Temple Canggu: The Sacred Well of Danghyang Nirartha and the Shrine atop the Coral Rock

Batu Bolong Temple is classified as a Pura Kahyangan Jagat, which is closely connected to the concept of Pangulun Danu or Ulun Siwi, a form of worship dedicated to sacred water sources. The term Batu Bolong is derived from the shape of the coral rock with a hole in its middle, literally meaning “hollow rock.” Legend has it that during his journey from Nyitdah Village to Canggu, Danghyang Nirartha created seven wells in the middle of the sea, which produced holy water (tirta empul). This water was used as a medium for purification as well as spiritual healing. Literally translated, the name Batu Bolong consists of two words: batu, meaning rock, and bolong, meaning hole. Thus, Batu Bolong can be understood as a rock with a hole.

Entrance Gate of the Temple (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The origins of Batu Bolong Temple remain uncertain, as no inscriptions or purana records specifically mention its construction. However, the Lontar Tutur Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh and Lontar Dwijendra Tatwa state that this temple is linked to the sacred journey of Danghyang Nirartha to Bali in 1489 AD.

Shrine Inside the Temple (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Batu Bolong Temple holds the Pujawali or Piodalan ceremony every Buda Umanis Prangbakat according to the Balinese calendar. In addition to the Pujawali or Piodalan, Batu Bolong Temple also serves as the site of the Melasti ceremony for the Hindu community in the Canggu area. The temple is divided into three main sections: Nistaning Madia (outer courtyard), which consists of the shrines of Ratu Byang and Ratu Niang Sakti, along with a pavilion (wantilan) and a gamelan hall (bale gong); Madianing Utama (middle courtyard); and Utamaning Utama (inner sanctum), which is considered the most sacred part. Batu Bolong Temple is located close to the shoreline, about fifty meters from the beach, and faces directly toward the sea.

Shrine Atop the Coral Rock (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Batu Bolong Temple is located on Batu Bolong Beach Street, Canggu Village, North Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali. The temple is about 12.7 km from Denpasar City and approximately 21 km from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Today, Batu Bolong Temple stands in an area known as the tourism center of Canggu. It is frequently visited by both locals and tourists. However, there are rules stating that visitors must wear traditional attire to enter the temple grounds, and women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter.