Pura Dalem Balingkang: A Bali–Chinese Love Story at the Foot of the Batur Caldera

On the northern slope of the Batur caldera, tucked far below Pinggan village, stands a temple that rarely makes the day-tour lists: Pura Dalem Balingkang. Here red-and-gold Chinese ornaments sit side by side with black-thatched meru shrines.

The legend of Jayapangus and Kang Cing Wie

The name Balingkang fuses the words Bali and Kang, after Kang Cing Wie, the Chinese princess who married King Sri Haji Jayapangus in the 12th century. Locals believe the couple returns in the form of Barong Landung: the dark-faced Jero Gede and the white-faced Jero Luh, a pair of towering figures paraded during the piodalan.

What makes it different

• Gedong Linggih Ratu Ayu Mas Subandar, a Chinese-styled shrine decorated with kepeng coins and painted red and gold.
• Roughly 15 hectares of grounds, embraced by the caldera wall and bordered by the Melilit River.
• A bridge and a flight of steps lead from the parking area to the outer courtyard; wear comfortable shoes.
• Views of Mount Batur, Abang, and Agung along the whole descent.

Access and temple etiquette

From Penelokan or Pura Puncak Penulisan, head toward Pinggan village, then drop about 2.5 km west of the settlement. The asphalt is narrow, twisting, and steeply downhill, so check your brakes and avoid heavy rain. From Denpasar it is roughly 64 km, about a two-hour drive.

• A sarong and sash are mandatory; rentals are available near the temple.
• No official ticket, only a voluntary donation in the offering box.
• Do not enter while menstruating or in mourning, and never photograph in front of people praying.
• Liveliest during Chinese New Year and the Purnama Kalima piodalan, around October–November.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: Pinggan village, Kintamani, Bangli — View on Google Maps
• Hours: effectively open all day; come between 08.00 and 17.00 WITA, as the area empties out after 18.00.
• How to visit: just turn up, no booking needed; the easiest option is a car with driver from Ubud or Kintamani.
• Costs: voluntary donation, parking around Rp2,000 (motorbike) and Rp5,000 (car), sarong rental about Rp10,000–20,000.
• Latest updates: search on Instagram

If you want to explore the Batur area without rushing, stay a night in Kintamani and compare hotel voucher prices on AccessiaPass first.