Pura Batu Bolong is the sea temple that gives its name to Canggu’s most popular beach, set on a low rocky point where the surf breaks against black volcanic stone. It is modest by Bali’s standards and earns its status from position alone: dead centre of the Canggu beachfront, ringed by warungs, surf schools and cafes. Batu Bolong means hollow rock, after the pierced formations along this stretch of coast, and the temple faces the ocean in the manner of Bali’s chain of guardian sea temples.
The temple
The compound sits on a spur of rock reached by a short causeway from the beach, its split gateways, small shrines and stone figures arranged toward the water. This is an active place of worship tied to the surrounding community, and offerings of flowers and woven palm are laid at the shrines each day. Visitors are welcome in the outer areas with a sarong on, though the inner sanctuary is kept for prayer. On ceremonial days the temple fills with worshippers in white, and the beach beside it takes on a festival air.
Surf and beach
Directly in front of the temple lies one of Canggu’s main surf breaks, a beach break that suits improving surfers and draws a steady crowd of boards through the day. The sand is dark volcanic grey, wide at low tide, lined with beach bars that set out beanbags and umbrellas. Swimmers should watch for rips and the shore break, as along all of Canggu’s coast. Surfers, temple-goers and cafe crowds together give the beach its particular character.
Sunset
Facing west, the temple is a favoured sunset spot, its shrines cutting a dark outline against the colouring sky. Cafes and warungs along the sand fill through the late afternoon, and the whole strip turns toward the horizon as the light fades. Come early. The good places on the sand and at the beach bars go before the evening crowd builds.
How to visit
The temple stands at the seaward end of Jalan Batu Bolong, the main road down to the Canggu beachfront, easy to reach by scooter or Grab with parking near the beach. It works best in the late afternoon, combining the temple, the surf and the sunset in one stop. For a longer excursion up the coast, see the offshore sea temple at Tanah Lot. For more of the area, read our guide to Canggu and the full list of things to do in Canggu.
