Bukit Batu Kursi Temple: A Place to Seek Blessings and Positions

Bali, known as the Island of the Gods, is knowned for its rich culture and deep spirituality. The island is filled with sacred temples that serve as the spiritual centers for the Hindu community. Each temple plays a vital role in the religious, social, and cultural life of the local community, and they are often built in places of exceptional natural beauty. One such unique temple is Bukit Batu Kursi Temple.

Bukit Batu Kursi Temple is located in Pemuteran Village, Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency. It is about 123 km north of Denpasar and 46 km west of Lovina Beach. The temple is also close to Pulaki Temple, Pemuteran Temple, and Menjangan Island.

This temple has its own charm, both in terms of spirituality and natural beauty. Situated atop a high hill, visitors can experience a sense of spiritual tranquility that merges with the stunning scenery of Pemuteran Village. Tourists often choose Bukit Batu Kursi Temple as a trekking destination because of its breathtaking views.

To reach Bukit Batu Kursi Temple, visitors have to climb the stairs up to Batu Kursi Hill, which is about 700 meters high. The journey typically takes around 30-45 minutes. Although the climb to the top is quite tiring, the effort is well worth it for the beautiful views of Pemuteran Village.

The Stairs Leading to the Peak of Bukit Batu Kursi Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

There is a story behind the naming of this temple. The name "Batu Kursi" (Stone Chair) comes from a large 20-meter diameter stone resembling a chair at the hill's peak where the temple is situated. It is believed that this stone is a place where the ancestors or gods sit to watch over and protect the people of Pemuteran Village.

In 1984, the local community had not yet realized that the stone on Bukit Batu Kursi had a unique chair-like shape. They only regarded it as part of the usual hill formation. One day, a paranormal named Jro Nyoman Cara had a trance during meditation on the hill. In his trance, he revealed that the stone was a dwelling place for the ancestors and gods who guarded the Pemuteran area.

The Stone Chair Found in Bukit Batu Kursi Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

An Anak Agung (Balinese noble) from Pamecutan Palace also once received a divine message that around the hill, there was a stone shaped like a chair, also known as Batu Makorsi. Upon hearing this, Anak Agung and the community finally discovered the stone at the hill's peak. This discovery was considered a sign of blessing and guidance for the villagers to preserve and honor the site as a sacred place.

News of the discovery of Batu Makorsi quickly spread among the people of Pemuteran Village and the surrounding area. They began to understand that Bukit Batu Kursi was not just an ordinary hill but a sacred place worthy of respect and protection. This realization prompted the community to value the existence of the temple and the hill more and to make it a center of spiritual activities and worship.

Bukit Batu Kursi Temple is unique. It is believed by the community to be a place to seek guidance related to positions. For those aspiring to a certain position or career, this temple is often used as a place to pray and seek blessings. Hence, during legislative elections, the temple is crowded with people hoping for blessings in the form of positions or titles.

The View of Pemuteran Village (Source: Personal Collection)

Bukit Batu Kursi Temple not only offers stunning natural views but also holds sacred spiritual and cultural significance for the people of Bali, especially in Pemuteran Village. The stories behind the temple's existence, such as the discovery of Batu Makorsi and the belief in its spiritual power, highlight how important this place is as a center for worship and contemplation. For those who come with sincere intentions, it is believed that guidance and blessings can be received, both for personal life and career. With its historical background, natural beauty, and strong spiritual aura, this temple is a special destination for anyone wishing to experience inner peace and the profound spiritual traditions of Bali.