Pura Bukit Mentik, Kintamani: The “Lucky Temple” That Survived Mount Batur's Lava

In a field of black lava rock at the foot of Mount Batur stands a temple that came through almost untouched. Pura Bukit Mentik sits in the traditional village of Batur, Kintamani, Bangli, around 1,000 metres above sea level, facing Lake Batur and Mount Abang. Travellers nickname it the Lucky Temple because lava from the 1974 eruption of Mount Batur encircled the compound, yet the main shrines and the sacred banyan tree inside remained whole.

Why It Is Called the “Lucky Temple”

That story is what makes this small temple feel different from Bali's more famous ones. The lava froze right around the temple walls, forming a rolling black stone landscape still clearly visible from the courtyard. For the people of Batur, the temple's survival is read as a blessing rather than coincidence. The major piodalan anniversary is usually held over three days at the full moon of Sasih Kesanga in the Balinese saka calendar.

What You Can Enjoy

• A temple courtyard framed by black lava walls and a broad, shady banyan tree.
• Views over Lake Batur, Mount Abang and the Batur ridge to the east.
• Village onion and chilli fields thriving on the volcanic soil.
• A quiet atmosphere, far calmer than Penelokan or Pura Ulun Danu Batur.

Prepare These Before You Go

• A sarong and sash are required to enter the courtyard; bring your own, as rentals are not always available.
• A jacket or sweater, since Kintamani often sits at 16–20°C, especially in the morning and towards evening.
• Thick-soled shoes; the lava surface is sharp and uneven.
• Small cash notes for donations and parking, as there is no card payment machine.
• Avoid entering during a ceremony unless the pemangku (temple priest) invites you in.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Batur traditional village, Kintamani, Bangli — View on Google Maps.
• Best time: roughly 07:00–10:00 or 15:00–17:30 when the mist is thin and the light is soft; 45–60 minutes is enough for a visit.
• Tickets & donation: visitor reports mention around Rp25,000 (domestic) to Rp35,000 (foreign); often it is simply a voluntary donation of about Rp10,000–Rp20,000 plus roughly Rp5,000 parking. Confirm on site.
• Getting there: about 1.5–2 hours (±55 km) from Ubud, or 15–25 minutes from Penelokan down the road to South Batur towards Songan. Scooter rental runs about Rp80,000–Rp150,000 per day, a car with driver about Rp600,000–Rp800,000 per day.
• Latest info & photos: search on Instagram.

If you want to catch the Batur sunrise the next morning, staying a night in Kintamani is far more comfortable — check AccessiaPass hotel vouchers for stays around Lake Batur.