Penelokan Tourist Attractions

Penelokan is a good base from which to undertake the 4-hour climb to the summit of the volcano of Gunung Abang. At 2153 m (7064 ft), it is fully 400 m (1300 ft) higher than Gunung Batur, on the opposite side of Lake Batur, which can also be climbed from Penelokan.

With an area of about 140 sq. km (54 sq. mi.), the crater of Gunung Batur is one of the largest volcanic craters in the world. It was formed millions of years ago by the collapse of a chamber containing volcanic magma which had been partly emptied by an eruption. In the center of the caldera is Lake Batur, which is now up to 100 m (330 ft) deep.

The ascent of Gunung Batur (also known as Gunung Lebah, the "Mountain in the Depths") is a great scenic experience, and is not too difficult a climb: the summit can be reached, even by less experienced climbers, in about three hours. Stout footwear is essential for walking on the loose lava rubble and scree. Since the hill is frequently shrouded in dense cloud even in the morning, an early start is advisable.Leave Penelokan on the road which runs down to Kedisan, and at the village of Toya Bungkah on the west side of Lake Batur, which is noted for its hot sulphur springs, take a well waymarked path which runs up Gunung Batur through magnificent scenery. It is important not to leave the path, since there may be danger from fumaroles. From the summit there are superb views of the barren landscape with its bizarre lava formations, the valley below and Gunung Abang on the opposite side of the crater.Great care is necessary in walking round Gunung Batur. A good head for heights is essential, since at some points there are arêtes with deep abysses on both sides.Gunung Batur can also be climbed in about three hours from the village of Pura Yati.

6 km (4 mi.) north-west of Penelokan on road No. 35, shortly before the lively market village of Kintamani, which straggles along the road, is the village of Batur, with the temple of Pura Ulun Danu Batur.The temple buildings are grouped round a shrine dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers, in the form of an eleven-tiered meru, which survived the eruptions of 1926 and 1963. There are a number of other merus, which form an impressive backdrop, particularly in the morning and evening.The temple complex, built of black lava, has been constantly extended over the years, and when finally complete will comprise almost 300 buildings. Note particularly the demons round the entrance, guardians and protectors against evil spirits.The village of Batur was threatened by the eruption of 1917, and nine years later was partly destroyed by lava flows. The villagers then abandoned the old village and built a new one higher up, on a site which seemed to them safer. The move proved a wise one, for the village escaped the flow of lava in the 1963 eruption. It now offers reasonably priced accommodation for visitors.

5 km (3 mi.) north of Kintamani, on Mt Penulisan (1745 m (5725 ft)), stands the Pura Tegeh Koripan, the highest temple on Bali. It is reached on a path with over 400 steps - a climb to be undertaken only by visitors in sufficiently fit condition. The climb is best done in the early morning or late afternoon.The temple, from which there are fine views of the surrounding country, dates from the 11th century and is thought to have been a royal temple of the Warmadewa dynasty of Pejeng. It is entered through two split gates. Before the entrance, on the left, is a cube-shaped stone with a lingam preserved only in fragmentary form which is highly revered.Within the temple are a number of bales containing stone figures, some of which are believed to date from the Javanese (Hindu) period on Bali. Particularly notable are figures of Vishnu and Lakshmi holding a four-petalled lotus blossom. There are also fine figures of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha and a four-headed Brahma. In the center of the courtyard is a throne which is occupied by Shiva, lord of the mountains, when he attends ceremonies in the temple.

In the past tourists were recommended not to visit the village of Trunyan, on the east side of Lake Batur, which is still occupied by a few Old Balinese (Bali Aga). The villagers have the reputation of being mistrustful of all strangers and of giving visitors a suspicious and sometimes downright unfriendly reception. More recently they appear to have recognized the (financial) advantages of tourism and to be less hostile to visitors. It is still the tradition in Trunyan, however, that any inhabitant of the village who marries a stranger must leave the village.