Goa Lawah Festival

Goa Lawah Festival — a religious and cultural ceremony held at Goa Lawah Temple (Pura Goa Lawah), one of Bali’s nine directional temples. Located on the southeastern coast of Klungkung, the temple is built around a cave inhabited by thousands of bats, giving it the name “Bat Cave Temple.”

The festival features traditional Balinese dance performances, temple purification ceremonies, and community offerings. Devotees gather to pay respects at this highly sacred site, which is believed to protect the island from evil spirits. The cave itself — dark, mysterious, and filled with the sound of fluttering bats — adds a uniquely atmospheric backdrop to the proceedings.

Visitor tips: Sarong and sash are mandatory — they can be rented at the entrance. The bats are harmless but the cave has a strong odour; bring a scarf if you’re sensitive. Best visited in the morning before the crowds arrive. Goa Lawah is located approximately 45 minutes from Sanur on the main road to Candidasa. Nearby attractions include the Bukit Jambul rice terraces and Tenganan traditional village.