There are many Hindu temples in Bali, one of them is Pura Pulaki. This pura is located at Banyupoh, Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia. Pura pulaki is one of Balinese sea temples that is called pura segara. Sea temples are located around the island and create a chain of temples. This chain is supposed to protect the island.
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History of Pura Pulaki
Pura Pulaki is believed to be built to commemorate the arrival of Javanese priest, Nirartha to Bali. When Nirartha came, it is said that he was accompanied by a group of monkeys. The monkeys then settled to guard the temple to show their respect for Nirartha.
Nowadays, the temples is overrun by monkeys. That is why many shrines in this temple are put in cages. The temple guards also carry slingshots to deal with those monkeys.
Pura Pulaki was built in 16th century. It is located near the beach. Before Pura Pulaki, you can find a road that separate the temple from the sea. It has rocky hills as a backdrop.
In 1920, the government of Dutch colonial rented Pura Pulaki and the area around it to Ang Tek What, a trader from China in 1920. In 1950, the area was taken back by Indonesia government. After that, the government restored the temple and proceeded to protect it.
Temples around Pura Pulaki
Pulaki Temple is the main temple of few temples around the area. Those temples are called Pesanakan. There are three temples surround Pulaki Temple. They are Pura Kerta Kawat, Pura Pabean and Pura Pemuteran which is known for its hot springs.
Pulaki Temple is one of sea temples that were founded by Nirartha in 16 century. These sea temples or pura segara were built to honor the sea deities. Traditionally, each of these sea temples is supposed to able to be seen from the next sea temple. These pura segara form a chain that surrounds the island of Bali. This chain was meant to give spiritual protection to Bali island.
Areas of Pura Pulaki
There are three areas in Pulaki Temple. The first area is outer sanctum which is also known as jaba pisan. This part is located on the fringe of the courtyard of the temple. The second area is middle sanctum which is also called jaba tengah. The last area is inner main sanctum or jero. Paduraksa, that looks like a portal, is the mark of entry into the inner sanctum.
Where is Pura Pulaki and How Can You Go there?
Pura Pulaki is located about 1.5 kilometres east of Pemuteran. You need to drive for an hour from Singaraja to get to Pura Pulaki. Facing the sea, Pura Pulaki is at the foothills. It opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm. Thankfully, there are many good inns and hotels near Pura Pulaki, such as Aneka Bagus Pemuteran Resort & Spa, Kinara Resort & Spa and Matahari Beach Resort & Spa.
To go in Pura Pulaki, you need to pay IDR 10.000 as entrance fee at tourist information booth. You will also need to wear a sarong and a sash tied around your waist if you want to enter Pura Pulaki.
