Artistic temples, handicraft shops, traditional Balinese dances and exotic wildlife make this town a worthwhile side trip when vacationing in Denpasar.
Famous for stone-carving workshops and wildlife parks, Batubulan is an interesting town of artists near Bali’s southern coast. Dozens of craftspeople living here sculpt religious art from a volcanic stone called paras. Browse the shops and studios lining Batubulan’s streets. Visit enchanting temples, watch folkloric dance performances and meet curious bird species.
Pura Puseh Batubulan temple north of town astounds visitors with its collection of handcrafted stonework. Study ornate statues symbolizing Balinese mythology and ancient Buddhist and Hindu rituals. Costumed characters and drummers recreate mythological tales with performances of flamboyant barong, kecak and legong dances at the temple’s pavilions. Attend additional dynamic song and dance events at the Barong Sahadewa studio.
Spend time perusing galleries and workshops filled with statues of Buddha, Hindu deities and fabled creatures. Artists favor the volcanic paras stone because of its fast-aging quality that gives off an ancient appearance. See it on display at other town temples such as Pura Dalem Taak Batubulan and Puri Agung Tegal Tamu.
Bali Bird Park is home to over a thousand birds representing 250 species from around the world. Enjoy flight displays, feed a pelican and have a photo taken with a macaw perched on your wrist. The adjacent Bali Reptile Park features a curious collection of crocodilians, iguanas, lizards and snakes. Time your visit to the complex for the daily Komodo dragon feeding show.
Large swells roll onto the shores of Biaung Beach and Lembeng Beach, about a 20-minute drive south. Enjoy the laid-back surf vibe of these connecting beaches while relaxing on soft black sands glistening in the sunlight. Come in early morning to witness a sunrise over the Bali Sea.
Located in the Gianyar regency of Bali, Batubulan is a 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Kuta. Jump on a rented scooter or arrange a chauffeured car to reach your destination. A short drive to the north is the town of Ubud, set amid a district of lush rainforests and rice terraces.
