3 weeks in Bali, Indonesia- 5/28- 6/15/2024

Day 4- Pura Petitenget Temple-5/30/2024

Today we are leaving Uluwatu and going to our rented villa in Seseh, and along the way we stopped to visit a few temples. Seseh is a quiet coastal village on Bali’s southwest coast, just north of Canggu, known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Balinese charm. Unlike the busier beach towns nearby, Seseh still feels like a real village, surrounded by green rice fields, small temples, narrow village roads, and local homes where daily ceremonies and offerings are part of everyday life.

Uluwatu is all the way at the bottom of the map and we are now going North to Canggu

First stop is Pura Petitenget and Pura Masceti (Ulun Tanjung), which are in the same complex. The temple complex is modest in size, built with red brick and stone, typical of Balinese temple architecture.  It’s quite peaceful here.

We were given a sarong to wear in order to enter the temple.

The entrance to Pura Petitenget feels dramatic and ceremonial right from the approach. A flight of stone steps rises toward the gates, and lining the staircase on each side are two carved guardian figures have the heads of lions or mythic beasts.

The two carved guardians bodies stretch long and serpent-like along the banister. These forms are reminiscent of Balinese protective creatures, combining animal strength with dragon-like, flowing bodies. Their expressions are fierce, with wide eyes and sculpted teeth, meant to guard the sacred space from negative spirits.

We are now inside the temple looking out. The entrance gate is made of stone that weathered, reddish-brown texture typical of older Balinese temples, giving the entrance a feeling of age and reverence.

Once you step through the gate, the temple opens into a series of inner courtyards and shrines rather than one single open space. The inner grounds feel quiet and enclosed, with mossy stone walls and shaded areas that give the temple a calm atmosphere despite being close to a busy beach area.

Stone shrines and altars with carvings of mythological figures and deities, integrated into walls and gate frames. A sense of verticality, structures rise in tiers toward the sky, drawing attention upward.

This Meru shrine is situated in the inner-most courtyard (jero) of the temple, the most sacred part. Meru Tower is a very important shrine in Balinese Hindu temple architecture, representing Mount Meru (also called Mahameru), which in Hindu-Buddhist cosmology is the sacred mountain at the center of the universe. Its layered roof symbolizes the different levels of the cosmos, from the earthly realm up toward the divine

The Meru acts like a “temporary palace” for gods or deified ancestors during ceremonies.  It's also deeply symbolic: according to Balinese tradition, it embodies both ancestral lineage (“mother and father”) and the structure of the universe itself.

Candi Bentar and Paduraksa gate arrangement, a traditional Balinese temple gateway layout that reflects symbolic and spiritual hierarchy.

The height difference symbolizes the center gate’s spiritual primacy, representing entry into a higher spiritual realm.

The center gate is the main ceremonial gate leading into the most sacred inner courtyard (jeroan). Usually only opened during rituals and for priests, offerings, and ceremonial processions.

At many Balinese temples, the central gate stays closed except during ceremonies because it represents passage for divine forces, symbolic pathway for gods and sacred offerings.

Stone shrines and altars decorated with checkered cloth (poleng) and daily offerings of flowers, incense, and woven palm trays.

The temple is really close to the beach, so we decided to walk there and take a quick look.

Petitenget beach is a popular spot and considered one of Seminyak’s main beaches, known for its relatively wide stretch of sand and beautiful sunset views.

The waves are quite big here.

We were so shocked to see so much garbage on the beach.  Apparently, the beach is very close to tourist-heavy areas, and development has grown a lot. Local waste management systems sometimes can’t keep up with the volume of trash, especially plastic.  I found out that there are community clean-up efforts, but they may not always be enough, especially when ocean currents bring in debris.

Pura Batu Mejan

Next we stopped by at Pura Batu Mejan located in Canggu.

Unfortunately, the temple is closed and we were only able to see the exterior of the temple. According to local lontar (ancient manuscripts), the temple was established in the 11th century by Raja Sri Jayasakti, who ruled around the same time as the East Javanese King Sri Jayabhaya.  It’s said to be built on a foundation of "batu permata hijau", or green gemstone rock, which is believed to give the site its spiritual energy.

Colorful offerings are called canang sari with small trays made from palm leaves, filled with flowers, rice, and sometimes incense. These are daily offerings that Balinese Hindus leave to thank the gods, seek protection, and maintain harmony between the spiritual and physical worlds. Even though the temple is closed, these offerings show that it’s still very much alive as a place of devotion.

This gate is called a candi bentar, a split gateway that marks the entrance to the temple grounds. The two statues are guardian figures, often called dvarapala, whose job is to protect the temple from evil spirits.

The black color with gold paint and intricate carvings shows their sacred and powerful role.

We are at the back alley of the temple

From the back alley, I took a quick picture of the inside of the temple.

Across the street is another temple called Banjar uma Buluh

This temple is a banjar (traditional neighborhood community) and is maintained by the local community.

It was also closed, so we just walked around the property.

We are now done with the visit and we are leaving the area.

Our tour guide took us to a famous local Babi Fuling which is a traditional Balinese dish of roast suckling pig, famous across Bali for its flavorful, aromatic preparation. The pig is usually spit-roasted whole over an open fire, with a rich spice mixture called bumbu, which often includes turmeric, garlic, coriander, lemongrass, ginger, and chili.

“Men Lari Canggu” is a well-known spot in Canggu that serves babi guling, and it’s popular for locals and tourists who want an authentic Balinese taste.

A typical serving includes crispy skin, tender meat, and sometimes rice, vegetables, or sambal (chili paste). We all love the crispy skin.

NEXT... Tanah Lot Temple