Petitenget Temple in Bali

Petitenget Temple (Pura Petitenget as it’s known by locals) is a centuries-old temple that’s one of the very few cultural landmarks in the upscale beach resort of Seminyak. A bit overshadowed by the modern developments of lavish 5-star resorts in the area, this temple still remains an important highlight and a must-see while in Seminyak.

Red bricks and sandstone make up most of the temple’s architecture which gives it its feel of antiquity. The temple’s vast courtyard has a dozen different shrines and small pavilions draped in typical Balinese chequered cloths which also help create a hallowed sight. It’s livelier during the festive temple anniversaries when traditional dance rehearsals are regularly held in a grand pavilion nearby.

Petitenget Temple in Bali - one of the highlights of 6 Best Things to Do in Kerobokan and 26 Must-See Temples in Bali (Read all about Bali here)

Highlights of Petitenget Temple

Next to the main temple is the smaller Masceti Ulun Tanjung Temple, where local villagers pray for protection (against famine and disease in ancient times). Visit Petitenget Temple during its anniversary celebrations on every Merakih Wednesday on the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar, and you’ll witness the temple colourfully adorned with banners and parasols and with pilgrims thronging for prayers. Such a sight naturally makes for great photo opportunities.

Getting to Petitenget Temple

Despite being in a rather secluded location, hidden away from the rows of Seminyak’s glamorous designer boutiques and fine bars and restaurants, getting to Petitenget Temple is relatively easy. Jalan Petitenget is within a half-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and can be accessed from the north via Sunset Road and Jalan Raya Kerobokan, or from the south via Kuta and the main Jalan Raya Seminyak.

The temple resides at the main junction where Petitenget restaurant bears its name clearly across its white picket fence.

photo by Jpatokal (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

If you come on weekend mornings, the grand Bale Agung pavilion across from the temple usually features dance rehearsals featuring young Balinese girls practicing their moves and articulate gestures. The front of the temple is leafy and well-shaded by large old trees, some perhaps matching the age of the temple itself.

The popular street and namesake of the temple, Jalan Petitenget, is lined with world-class dining and entertainment venues and connects to Seminyak’s other famous dining streets of Jalan Batubelig, Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Laksmana at its southern end. Only several meters from the temple and over a wooden bridge, is the fine stretch of golden-grey sand of one of the island’s most gorgeous sunset beaches.

Location: Jalan Petitenget, Kerobokan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveller

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