Pura Pulaki stands where the hills meet the sea, a few kilometres east of Pemuteran on the coast road at Banyupoh. It is one of the most important temples of north-west Bali, associated with Dang Hyang Nirartha, the 16th-century Javanese priest who shaped Balinese Hinduism and founded many of the island’s sea temples.
The temple is famous for its long-tailed macaques, which live in large numbers on the cliffs and around the courtyards and are regarded as its guardians. Nearby are a group of related temples, including Pura Melanting, dedicated to prosperity and popular with traders, whose ornate gateways are among the most photographed in the region.
Top things to do at Pura Pulaki
Visit the temple and its monkeys
Walk up to the courtyards against the cliff, with the sea behind you. The macaques are everywhere — enjoy them from a respectful distance.
See Pura Melanting
A short drive inland, Pura Melanting has grand carved gates and a dragon-lined stairway. It is busy with pilgrims on ceremony days.
Join a temple tour with a blessing
A private temple tour covers Pulaki and other temples of the north-west, with an optional melukat water purification.
How to get to Pura Pulaki
- From Pemuteran: about 5 km east along the main coast road — ten minutes by car or scooter.
- From Lovina: around 45 km west, roughly an hour.
- Guided: included in some temple and North Bali tours.
Insider tips
- Wear a sarong and sash, usually lent or rented at the entrance, and cover your shoulders.
- Do not carry food, drinks, sunglasses or loose items openly — the monkeys grab them.
- Do not feed or tease the macaques, and keep children close.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, and be discreet during ceremonies; some inner courtyards are for worshippers only.
Best tours & tickets for Pura Pulaki
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Pura Pulaki from Pemuteran:
Culture from $98 per group Pemuteran: West Bali Private Temple Tour with Melukat Ritual
A private day with a guide and driver visiting the sea and forest temples around Pemuteran, with the chance to take part in a melukat blessing. A new listing without reviews yet; sarongs and offerings are explained on the day.
- Four temples of the north-west, including Pura Pulaki
- Pura Teluk Terima inside the national park
- Optional melukat water-purification ritual
Private tour from $31 Bali: Full-Day North Bali Private Customized Tour
The flexible option: a private car and driver for the day with an itinerary you choose from recommended packages. Ideal for families and groups, or for turning the transfer between the south and Pemuteran into a sightseeing day.
- Your own car and English-speaking driver
- Choose waterfalls, temples, lakes or hot springs
- More than 1,800 reviews at 4.9
