Goa Lawah Temple

Goa Lawah, or Bat Cave Temple, is a Balinese Hindu temple in Pesinggahan, Klungkung Regency, on Bali’s east coast. Its cave opening, where thousands of bats cling to the ceiling, sits at the centre of the temple complex. Look for the golden bat motif above the entrance and the pavilions and courtyards around the cave. The temple remains a place of prayer, so you may encounter a ceremony during your visit. At sunset, bats leave the cave in large numbers. Wear the sarong provided at the entrance.

A temple built around a cave

Goa Lawah is a Balinese Hindu temple in Pesinggahan, in Klungkung Regency on Bali’s eastern coast. Its name means Bat Cave, a reference to the colony living in the cave at the heart of the complex. The opening is visible from the temple grounds, where thousands of bats can be seen hanging inside.

The temple’s setting brings together the cave, the coast and the hills nearby. The complex has several courtyards and pavilions, with a large gathering pavilion near the entrance used by the community during traditional ceremonies. Look above the entrance for the golden bat motif.

Prayer and the bat cave

Goa Lawah is an active place of worship, not only a stop to see the bats. Balinese families and worshippers come here to pray, and ceremonies take place throughout the year. If a prayer is underway, give those taking part space and keep your behaviour respectful. A ceremony can offer a glimpse of the temple’s role in local religious life.

You can view the bats from the cave entrance, but visitors are not allowed beyond it. The smell becomes stronger as you get closer, so you may prefer to watch from farther back. The bats are regarded locally as protective spirits; they are not the focus of worship.