The Charm of Batu Kursi Hill: Trekking, Temple, and Pemuteran Bay Panorama

Made Darmini set out from Musi Village towards Batu Kursi Hill in Pemuteran Village, Buleleng, Bali, at 05.30 Wita with two friends. The 29-year-old woman brought two plaques with her: one reading “Batu Kursi Hill 400 MDPL, Quite a Workout for Wobbly Legs” and another reading “Happy Birthday Made Darmini, See You at the Next MDPL.” She posed for photographs carrying the plaques with the Pemuteran Bay as backdrop. “My birthday is tomorrow, so I made a point of taking photos here because I have to work tomorrow,” she told detikBali on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.

Darmini has climbed Batu Kursi Hill several times for prayers during Galungan and Kuningan celebrations. However, the hill, standing approximately 800 metres above sea level, remains an attractive destination for this Denpasar resident. “The view overlooks the sea surrounded by hills,” she remarked.

The correspondent departed from accommodation in Pemuteran Village at 05.50 Wita and arrived at the car park five minutes later. Pemuteran Village was still sleepy, with dim lights from homes visible on the hill’s slopes.

Hundreds of steps are required to ascend Batu Kursi Hill. Visitors need not worry as the stairs are concrete-poured. The stairway width is sufficient for people to pass each other. Lights installed at several points along the trekking route illuminate the ascent in darkness. Railings and iron barriers at certain spots assist visitors when climbing and prevent falls from the trekking path.

The correspondent rested at a gazebo before reaching Pura Batu Kursi (Batu Kursi Temple), the place of worship located atop the hill.

Darkness gradually gave way to light. Green vegetation and grass covered Batu Kursi Hill. The lush plant life adorning the rocky hillsides appears to embrace Pemuteran Bay. The fatigue of the climb was rewarded by the vistas. From the summit, residential houses appeared small. The sea of Pemuteran Bay stretched out, and fishing boats were visible despite overcast weather. The trekking path resembled traversing the hill, flanked by trees and green vegetation.

As dawn broke, more visitors arrived at Batu Kursi Hill. Some exercised whilst others enjoyed the beauty of the hill and photographed it against backdrops of green hills and Pemuteran Bay. Several aesthetic photo spots existed along the trekking route.

Before descending, the correspondent climbed slightly further to reach Pura Batu Kursi. A bentar (traditional gate) serves as the temple entrance. Pelinggih and bale bengong structures are located before the temple. A pair of poleng cloth (black and white patterned fabric) fluttered at the entrance of this place of worship.

I Ketut Wirdika, village chief of Pemuteran, stated that Pura Batu Kursi became renowned and visited by many people following spiritual guidance about Batu Mekorsi (the sacred stone) received by elders from Puri Pemecutan. Afterwards, many spiritual practitioners from various regions, particularly from Bali and Java, visited Pura Batu Kursi. “From there, more people came seeking positions, some of which actually materialised, and that is how Pura Batu Kursi became famous,” Wirdika told Made Wijaya Kusuma from detikBali some time ago.

Wirdika explained that visitors to Pura Batu Kursi do not necessarily seek positions or promotion. Rather, their prayers are aimed at smoothing their current positions or work. “People seek blessings for their livelihoods,” he clarified.

I Ketut Sutrawan Selamet, chairman of Segara Giri Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis), explained that since 2017, the Pokdarwis and local residents have planted Batu Kursi Hill with trees including spathodea, lagerstroemia, and flamboyant trees. The purpose was to prevent the rocky hill from becoming barren. “These trees also provide shade for people who wish to pray at Pura Batu Kursi,” he told detikBali on Friday, 27 February 2026.

Wawan Ode, as Ketut Sutrawan is known, explained that the Pokdarwis also installed water tanks, pipes, and pumps. Water drawn from below is used to irrigate plants on Batu Kursi Hill. “We water them around six in the evening,” said the 44-year-old man.

Ascending Batu Kursi Hill requires only a donation. Visitors may give contributions as they wish. Visitors can also purchase food and drinks at local warungs (food stalls) before climbing. Additionally, toilets are available atop the hill for visitor use.

After climbing and photographing, the correspondent descended to the motorcycle car park, with shirt damp from perspiration. Upon returning to accommodation, turmeric rice with various side dishes satisfied the hunger from the Batu Kursi Hill climb.