Pura Taman Tanjung

A Temple Rooted in a Tree

Centuries later, that tree remains the heart of Pura Taman Tanjung. Standing approximately eight metres tall, the tanjung tree is considered the living proof of Danghyang Astapaka's miraculous arrival and a sacred anchor of the temple's identity. Visitors to the temple grounds can see this remarkable specimen, a direct botanical link to the 15th-century founder whose name the village itself carries — Budakeling derives from 'Buda' (Buddhist priest) and 'Keling' (the priest's origin region in Central Java).↗↗

The temple complex follows the traditional Balinese Hindu layout with multiple shrines (palinggih), including a Padmasana — the empty lotus throne representing the supreme divine. The shrines hold the spirit seats (linggih) of Ida Bhatara Danghyang Astapaka and Bhatara Buddha, reflecting the unique Siwa-Buddha syncretic tradition that the priest brought to Bali. The temple is maintained collectively by the Brahmana Buddha clan (sameton), descendants who still live in and around Budakeling.↗↗

The 30-Year Ceremony

What makes Pura Taman Tanjung especially notable among Bali's many village temples is its rare major ceremony, the Karya Mamungkah lan Nubung Daging, held only once every thirty years. During this event, sacred panca datu — five precious substances symbolizing the elements — are ritually buried at the base of each shrine to renew and consecrate the temple's spiritual power. The most recent ceremony took place in July and August 2023, preceded by the last one in 1993.↗↗

The ceremony involves multiple high priests (sulinggih) from the Brahmana Buddha lineage, traditional dances including the sacred Rejang Dewa performed by young temple virgins, topeng (mask dance), and wayang kulit shadow puppet performances. The entire clan gathers, and the festivities run for approximately twelve days. For a traveler fortunate enough to be in eastern Bali during such a ceremony, witnessing it would be an extraordinary experience — a living connection to half a millennium of spiritual continuity.↗

Visiting the Temple

Pura Taman Tanjung sits on Jalan Triwangsa in the Banjar Triwangsa hamlet of Budakeling village, Bebandem district, Karangasem Regency. The village lies at roughly 400 metres elevation on the southern slopes of Mount Agung, giving it a cooler, mistier climate than the coastal lowlands. The temple is a quiet, locally-focused sacred site rather than a major tourist attraction — visitors who find their way here typically do so out of genuine curiosity about Bali's temple culture and history.↗↗

About 500 metres to the north stands its sister temple, Pura Taman Sari, which marks the spot where the mystical orb of light descended and where Danghyang Astapaka is said to have attained moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). Together, these two temples form the spiritual twin heart of Budakeling village, and a visit to both gives a complete picture of the founding legend. The village itself is known for remarkable religious harmony — a Muslim community lives alongside the Hindu population in neighboring Kampung Saren Jawa, a rare and touching example of Bali's pluralistic traditions.↗↗

Getting There

Budakeling lies approximately 10 km inland from the coastal town of Amlapura (the Karangasem regency capital) and about 50 km northeast of Ubud. The road from the main coastal highway heading south into Bebandem district is straightforward but narrow in places. From Amlapura, head south toward Sidemen and turn left toward Bebandem; Budakeling sits among the foothills beyond. A hired scooter or car with driver is the most practical way to visit, as public transport is limited in this inland area.↗

As with all active Hindu temples in Bali, visitors should dress respectfully — a sarong and sash (often available to borrow at temple gates) are required. The temple has restroom facilities for visitors. Since it operates as a family/clan temple rather than a public institution, there is no formal ticket or fixed visiting hours; approach quietly and expect that ceremonies may temporarily restrict access.↗

Why This Temple Matters

Pura Taman Tanjung offers something that few of Bali's more famous tourist temples can — an authentic, unbroken thread of living history stretching back to the Gelgel-era migrations that shaped Balinese Hinduism. The tanjung tree still growing from a priest's staff is a tangible relic of that story. For anyone interested in how Balinese spiritual identity was formed through the interplay of Javanese Hindu-Buddhist traditions, local communities, and sacred geography, this quiet hillside temple is a genuine treasure.↗↗