Pura Goa Lawah Bat Temple

Goa Lawah – or the “Bat Cave,” is named for its main residents — you’ll see a ton of them hanging from the entrance to the temple. It’s believed to date all the way back to the 11th century, and it’s still an active site for worshippers today. Besides the richly decorated cave, there are three pavilions that surround the main temple where you might observe locals arranging offerings of fruit.

On this tour, you’ll admire intricate works of art as you learn more about the legends that surround this temple. One is about a snake king that lives deep in this cave’s recesses. Another is that there’s a secret tunnel under the temple that connects to Besakih Temple near the base of Mount Agung, over 15 miles (25 km) away. This mythology comes alive in the Bat Temple’s atmospheric interior, making this a must-see on your cultural exploration of Indonesia.