Cave Lawah/Bat Cave

Goa Lawah is one of Bali’s most important temples. It features a complex built around a cave opening that is inhabited by hordes of bats. Its name simply translates to ‘Bat Cave’. The temple was established in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, one of the early priests who laid the foundations of Hinduism on the island.

It’s a popular stopover for locals journeying to the eastern parts of Bali, who come in with offerings and short prayers before continuing on with their travels. For foreign visitors, it’s often included in many temple excursions and is one of the first stops on tours to Candidasa and regions within the Karangasem regency. You can easily see the outline of Nusa Penida Island on the horizon from Goa Lawah.