Petitenget Temple is a centuries-old temple and one of few cultural landmarks in the upscale beach resort of Seminyak. The temple remains an important highlight and a must-see while you’re staying in Seminyak, even though modern 5-star resorts are developing in between it every day.
Photo Source: phdi.or.id | The Colony Hotel Seminyak Bali
The temple consists of red bricks and sandstone, giving a fully antique look. Its vast courtyard has several different shrines and pavilions accented by the Balinese cloths with chequered patterns. On festive anniversaries, traditional dances and rehearsals are held there, creating an even livelier atmosphere.
You can also find Masceti Ulun Tanjung Temple, which is a smaller temple where the locals pray for protection (in ancient times, against famine and disease). The best time to visit Petitenget Temple is during its anniversary celebrations on Merakih Wednesday, on the 21st-day Balinese Pawukon calendar, where the temple is beautified with banners and parasols.
Going to Petitenget Temple means getting away from the town’s glamorous designer boutiques and the classy bars and restaurants, but it’s worth it once you get there! Jalan Petitenget is around a half-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport which can be accessed from the north via Jalan Raya Kerobokan and Sunset Road, and also from Kuta and the main road of Jalan Raya Seminyak.
On weekend mornings, the Grand Bale Agung pavilion across from the temple usually features Balinese girls dancing and moving. The temple front is filled with large trees that are as old as the temple itself, making cool shade at the entrance.
The street of Jalan Petitenget itself is lined with fabulous dining and entertainment venues and also connects to other famous dining streets of Batubelig; the south ends of Jalan Laksmana and Jalan Kayu Aya. A few meters from the temple is a stretch of golden-grey sand which offers the island’s most breathtaking sunset beaches.
Tempted to visit the holy place of Seminyak? Make sure you stay at The Colony Hotel! Located in the heart of Seminyak where the Bali fun-time begins.