Pura Dalem Sidan, Gianyar: Reading the Hell Reliefs of a 17th-Century Temple of the Dead

Beside the Gianyar–Bangli road, about 4 km from central Gianyar town, stands Pura Dalem Sidan — the temple of the dead belonging to Sidan village, home to some of the most detailed paras-stone reliefs in Bali. It was founded around the 17th century by I Dewa Gede Pindi of Puri Sidan and restored in 1948. What sets it apart: the walls depict the punishments of hell quite literally, complete with Sang Suratma, the divine scribe who records every human deed.

What You Will See

• An intricately carved candi bentar (split gate) and kori agung, with a statue of the goddess Durga guarding the entrance.
• Relief panels of hell's punishments: scenes of torment for sinners, chiselled into soft paras stone in remarkable detail.
• The Prajapati shrine, guardian of departed souls, in its own dedicated area.
• Rice fields as a backdrop, plus the Barong Sidan performance stage just west of the temple.

Temple Etiquette

• A kamen (sarong) and sash are compulsory; bring your own, as rentals are not always available.
• Do not enter while cuntaka — mourning a death in the family, or menstruating.
• Never climb, sit on or lean against sacred structures, and do not touch the reliefs or statues.
• Never stand higher than worshippers at prayer, and ground your drone during ceremonies.

Hours, Donation and Access

• General visiting hours run from morning to late afternoon, roughly 8am–5pm.
• There is no official ticket; bring a voluntary donation of around Rp10,000–Rp25,000 in small notes.
• About 1–1.5 hours from Denpasar, roughly 30 minutes from Ubud. You need your own transport, as public transport is practically non-existent.
• Come early: raking morning light sharpens the carvings and the courtyard is still quiet.

A One-Day Route

• Start the morning at Pura Dalem Sidan, then head to Pura Kehen in Bangli, about 20–30 minutes north.
• Drop back down to Bukit Jati in Samplangan village on the eastern edge of Gianyar town, for a light trek or the water park if you have children.
• Close the day at Kanto Lampo Waterfall and dinner at the Gianyar Night Market.

Practical Info & Booking

• Location: View on Google Maps — Sidan village, Gianyar district, about 4 km from Gianyar town towards Bangli, roughly 1–1.5 hours from Denpasar.
• Hours & tickets: general visits around 8am–5pm; no official ticket, voluntary donation of about Rp10,000–Rp25,000. Sarong and sash required.
• Visiting/Booking: just turn up, no reservation needed. Easiest by scooter or rental car with driver from Ubud or Denpasar, or ask a tour operator to add it to a Gianyar–Bangli route. For accommodation, book your hotel voucher at AccessiaPass.
• Social media: search on Instagram

Staying in Ubud or Gianyar town puts this temple around 30 minutes from your room — compare prices and book your stay voucher at AccessiaPass.