Nusa Penida isn’t just about dramatic cliffs and beaches, it’s also deeply spiritual, with ancient temples woven into the wild landscape. These temples hold serious energy—some feel peaceful, some feel intense, and all are part of the island’s unique Balinese-Hindu soul.
Here’s your ultimate list of temples in Nusa Penida, complete with their vibes, legends, and what to expect when you go.
Temples of Nusa Penida: Sacred, Mysterious, and Powerful
1. Pura Goa Giri Putri (The Cave Temple)
📍 Suana Village (East Nusa Penida)
🌀 Vibe: Mystical, otherworldly, sacred AF
This one’s a must-visit. The entrance is literally a hole in the rock—you crawl through a crack in the cliff, and boom—you’re inside a massive underground cave temple that stretches for 300+ meters.
🔮 What’s cool:
- The cave is used for purification rituals, meditation, and big ceremonies
- Each section of the cave is dedicated to different gods and energies
- Locals believe this cave connects to Mount Agung on mainland Bali (spiritually, at least)
⚠️ Pro tip: Wear a sarong (mandatory) and come with respect—this is not a tourist trap, it’s the real deal.
2. Pura Penataran Ped
📍 Ped Village (North Coast)
🌀 Vibe: Protective, powerful, intense energy
This is one of the most spiritually significant temples on the island. Balinese people from all over the region come here to pray for protection against negative forces—especially the influence of Ratu Gede Mas Mecaling, a mythic dark spirit that locals believe originated from Nusa Penida.
🔮 What’s cool:
- Considered a spiritual “guardian” of the island
- You’ll often see offerings and ceremonies happening
- Said to balance the dark and light forces of the island
⚠️ Energy here can feel heavy—some people feel lightheaded or emotional.
3. Pura Dalem Ped (Part of the Penataran Ped Complex)
📍 Same temple complex as above
🌀 Vibe: Deep shadow work, sacred transformation
This is the temple of death and rebirth, often associated with purification of karma and releasing negative energies. Many Balinese believe this is where you go when life gets really hard or when you need a major spiritual shift.
🔮 What’s cool:
- Often visited after life-changing events
- Devotees sometimes go barefoot and sleep in the temple courtyard
- Expect powerful ceremonies and deep symbolism
4. Pura Batu Medawu
📍 East Nusa Penida
🌀 Vibe: Ancient, mysterious, earthy
This lesser-known temple is built near a cave and a sacred spring, surrounded by forest. It’s connected to the agricultural cycle and fertility, and is often used by locals for ceremonies related to land, harvest, and community.
🔮 What’s cool:
- Off the beaten path
- Strong connection to the natural elements—especially earth and water
- Feels very “untouched” by tourism
5. Pura Paluang (The Car Temple)
📍 Karang Dawa, near Kelingking Beach
🌀 Vibe: Curious, quirky, deeply local
This temple is famous for housing two stone shrines in the shape of cars. No, really. It’s weird, but it’s got legit spiritual significance.
🔮 What’s cool:
- The “cars” are actually ancient shrines carved to resemble modern vehicles
- The temple honors ancestral spirits and transportation gods
- Locals believe it’s linked to prosperity and protection on journeys
⚠️ Don’t laugh at the car shrines—it’s sacred. Keep it respectful.
6. Pura Segara Kidul (Temple of the Southern Sea)
📍 Southern coastline cliffs
🌀 Vibe: Oceanic, fierce, elemental
This temple honors Dewa Baruna, the sea god. It’s perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the ocean and is often visited by fishermen and locals asking for safe travels or sea blessings.
🔮 What’s cool:
- Beautiful ocean views
- Strong connection to water spirits
- Quiet, remote, and not often visited by tourists
7. Pura Sebatu
📍 Near Sampalan (northeast Nusa Penida)
🌀 Vibe: Cleanse, balance, and refresh
A water purification temple that’s more local than touristy. It’s used by the Balinese community for melukat (spiritual cleansing) ceremonies involving holy water.
🔮 What’s cool:
- Beautiful traditional layout with flowing water
- Best experienced with a local guide or spiritual practitioner
- You’ll leave feeling lighter and calmer
🌺 Temple Etiquette in Nusa Penida
- Always wear a sarong (can be rented at temple entrances)
- No menstruating visitors – this is a local cultural/spiritual rule
- Respect silence – ceremonies can be powerful, don’t interrupt
- Don’t point your feet at shrines
- Don’t climb on sacred structures for photos
🔮 Final Thoughts:
Nusa Penida is more than cliffs and drone shots—it’s an island pulsing with spiritual power. Visiting these temples isn’t just sightseeing, it’s stepping into a living, breathing energy field that locals have honored for centuries.
You’ll leave with something more than photos… maybe clarity, maybe questions, maybe peace. That’s the magic of Penida.
