Pura Luhur Muncak Sari in Banjar Anyar, Sangketan village, Penebel, is known around Tabanan as the place to nunas (ask) for a life partner and for prosperity. From Tabanan town the drive takes about an hour on village roads climbing the southern slope of Mount Batukaru.
Why People Come Here
Muncak Sari is one of the satellite temples of Pura Luhur Batukaru, together with Tamba Waras, Besi Kalung and Petali. According to the priest interviewed by NusaBali, each has its role: Tamba Waras for healing, Besi Kalung for strength, Muncak Sari for prosperity. Bali Express notes that farmers and subak members traditionally pray here before planting.
Worshippers go home with pica, a small bundle of rice, coins and seeds to keep at home or in a shop. Prayers for a partner are offered at Saren Loji, the shrine for Ida Ayu Mas Alit. detikBali (October 2025) reports that the site was once a group of sacred stones called Pura Bedugul Gumi before it took the name Muncak Sari.
Visiting as a Tourist
Muncak Sari is not a ticketed attraction. No source records a ticket booth, official guides or English signage. Come as a guest: wear a sarong and sash and bring small notes for a donation. The Sarinbuana Eco Lodge website says a priest is at the temple most days and can give visitors a holy-water blessing.
The easiest way in if you don't know the customs is the temple walk from Sarinbuana Eco Lodge: 3 hours (9am-noon) through cacao and coffee gardens, Rp350,000 for one person or Rp550,000 for 2-5 people, children under 12 free (per its official site, checked October 2026).
Honest Verdict
Worth it if you want to see a mountain temple still in everyday use, with no souvenir stalls or tour buses. Not for you if you want a photo backdrop like Ulun Danu Beratan. There are no visitor facilities, the road is narrow and winding, and fog or rain often rolls in after midday. During the temple festival the inner courtyards fill with worshippers and visitors should watch from outside. The festival falls on Buda Umanis Medangsia; by the pawukon calendar the next one is 3 February 2027 (confirm with the temple community).
Location and Etiquette
- Location: View on Google Maps
- Sarong and sash are required. Menstruating women and people in a period of ritual mourning do not enter, as at temples across Bali (see temple etiquette).
- Pura Luhur Tamba Waras is in the same village, so both fit into one morning.
- Recent photos: search on Instagram
Go around 8-10am, when the Batukaru slopes are usually still clear and the village road isn't yet slick with rain.
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