Jukut Paku Cliff Temple

The Forgotten Hermitage of Jukut Paku

Candi Tebing Jukut Paku rises from the steep cliffs above the winding and powerful Wos River, south of Mas, carved directly into the rock as if the stone itself were shaped for devotion. Archaeological evidence places its origins in the Bedahulu Kingdom around the 10th century, a period before the Majapahit Empire, a powerful Hindu-Buddhist Javanese kingdom that would later dominate much of the Indonesian archipelago. This temple belongs to an older tradition of cliff sanctuaries used for worship, offering isolation for reflection and spiritual practice while connecting visitors to the natural world. It is a living illustration of the Balinese Hindu philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the harmony between humans, nature and the Gods.

The temple’s cliff walls are adorned with reliefs rich in Hindu symbolism, depicting cosmological concepts of the universe, including geometric patterns and narrative scenes. These carvings reflect the relationship between Bhurloka, Bhuvarloka and Swarloka, demonstrating the ancient Balinese understanding of the spiritual cosmos. Each relief is a lesson in both art and philosophy, a medium for conveying spiritual teachings that connected worshippers with the sacred and with their ancestors.

What sets Jukut Paku apart is its seamless integration with natural elements. The niches, shrines and stone platforms are carved to follow the cliff’s contours, incorporating trees, vines and the flow of spring water as part of the sacred space. This approach exemplifies how the Balinese have long used the natural environment not merely as a backdrop but as an active component of their spiritual practice, creating spaces where devotion and the earth itself are inseparable.

A cool, clear spring emerges from the cliffside, its waters used for purification rituals, linking body, mind and spirit. Devotees draw from it in the practice of melukat, a Balinese Hindu ritual of spiritual cleansing intended to purify negative energy and restore inner balance and the constant flow of water imbues the temple with a sense of quiet vitality. The river below, combined with the cliff’s shadowed alcoves, enhances the feeling that the temple itself watches over those who come with respect, providing both sanctuary and a reminder of the spiritual presence of the ancestors.

The temple is also tied to the spiritual journey of Maharesi Markandheya, a famous Hindu sage from India who travelled across the archipelago spreading dharma. His journey brought him to the Ubud area, where he founded the nearby Penataran Agung Temple and the presence of Jukut Paku along this path reinforces its role as a place for honouring ancestors and spiritual figures. The site’s continued use demonstrates how heritage sites are not merely relics of the past but living spiritual centres that continue to inspire and educate.

Today, Jukut Paku Cliff Temple is a window into Bali’s ancient religious life and artistry. Its stone carvings, water rituals and cliffside architecture reveal a society deeply attuned to the spiritual cosmos, while the temple’s quiet presence allows visitors to reflect on human connection with ancestors, nature and divinity. Though modest and remote, the temple embodies the enduring power of devotion, offering a profound experience that lingers long after one leaves the riverbank below.

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🗺️ Location

Banjar Jukut Paku, Singakerta Village, Ubud District, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

🚆 How to get there

To reach Jukut Paku Cliff Temple from downtown Ubud or the Monkey Forest, the temple is approximately 8 km's away and the drive typically takes around 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Private car or taxi costs around 70,000 IDR, or by ride-hailing apps like Go-Jek or Grab, where a motorbike ride costs approximately 30,000 IDR. For those using a rental scooter, the journey is slightly faster and allows more flexibility, with fuel costing under 15,000 IDR for a round trip. The route follows Jalan Raya Ubud, then turns onto smaller village roads toward Banjar Jukut Paku, with occasional signage pointing to the temple. It’s recommended to leave in the morning to avoid traffic, enjoy the peaceful cliffside setting and experience the temple at its most serene.

⭐ Attraction Info

Jukut Paku Cliff Temple is open daily between 8am – 6pm, with free entrance, though voluntary donations to the local community are welcomed. Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering the temple grounds. There is a steep set of large, uneven stone stairs down towards river, so take your time coming back up. Those wishing to participate in melukat purification rituals can do so, with ceremonies typically lasting 60 - 90 minutes and involving basic offerings provided to the local priest. This can be organised by your hotel or through a local. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the cliffside air is cool, the spring water is clear and the atmosphere is calm for meditation and reflection. Visitors not participating in rituals can explore the niches, alcoves and sacred spring in 30 minutes MAX, it is a small place. Jukut Paku remains relatively hidden and rarely explored by foreigners, with no restrooms, food stalls or modern facilities nearby. Travellers must bring their own provisions, especially drinking water. Far from a crowded tourist site, it offers a chance to experience a sacred space where the rhythm of river, stone and jungle creates a timeless atmosphere that connects human devotion directly with nature. This simplicity enhances the temple’s authenticity.