Want to understand the history of Petitenget beach and learn about the tale behind its eery temple? Read on...
Bali is famous for its beaches, and the Seminyak coastline remains a true classic. Sure, Kuta may have been the OG surf spot, and Canggu’s black sand shores are all the rage these days, but snug between the two is Seminyak, which still holds some of Bali’s most lively and intriguing beaches. But there’s one Seminyak area that’s particularly noteworthy, and that is Kerobokan Kelod village, home to Batu Belig and Petitenget beach.
Pantai Petitenget: the beach of the creepy chest
Seminyak is where you’ll find some of Bali’s most fabulous beachfront resorts, including Alila Seminyak, W Bali – Seminyak and the iconic Potato Head Beach Club. Think sunset cocktails and Instagrammable views. But the real treasure lies just down the road at Petitenget Beach. ‘Pantai’ means beach in Bahasa Indonesia, and ‘Peti’ means chest (as in treasure chest), while ‘Tenget’ is Balinese for eerie or mysterious – together, they create the “Beach of the Creepy Chest.”
The legend of Petitenget
Most of Bali’s coastal temples aren’t as ancient as they seem, and Petitenget is no exception. Most of them, including Tanah Lot, Uluwatu and Petitenget temple, date back to the Javanese sage, Danghyang Nirartha, who visited Bali in 1498. As the story goes, on his journey south, Nirartha passed through the forests of Kerobokan, where he met a giant green ogre who fiercely guarded the land. The sage left a small chest – filled with his betel nut – with the ogre for safekeeping. Much like how people smoke cigarettes, betel is chewed in many parts of Asia. The ogre guarded the chest so well that anyone who got too close would fall ill with fear. To honour the sage and the ogre, the villagers built the Masceti Temple (also known as Petitenget Temple) by the shore, and ever since, the area has been known as Petitenget – the Beach of the Eerie Chest.
What to see at Petitenget’s Masceti Temple
Today, you can still visit the Masceti Temple at Petitenget and see the shrine where the legendary chest is said to be kept, along with an altar dedicated to the giant green ogre, Bhūta Ijo. Conveniently located next to a parking lot for both beach-goers and pilgrims, this temple offers a mix of mysticism and beach vibes.
Climb a set of red-brick stairs (guarded by dragons!) to reach the courtyard. The temple’s unique blend of brick and sandstone architecture is stunning, and the views are just as impressive. From up here, you’ll get a panoramic look at the ocean and the golden sand stretching below. After visiting the temple, relax on Petitenget Beach, enjoy the sunset, and sip on something refreshing as the waves roll in. Just don’t mess with the magical chest, and you’ll be good!
How much does it cost to visit Petitenget Temple?
The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 per person. The temple grounds are open 24 hours a day, but tourists are usually only admitted during daylight hours.
What should you wear to Petitenget Temple?
Like all Balinese temples, you’ll need a sarong, shawl, and sash to enter Petitenget’s courtyard, which you can rent or buy them at the entrance. You should always dress appropriately and respect local traditions when visiting Bali’s sacred sites.
What is the best time to visit Petitenget Temple?
If you really want to catch Petitenget Temple in all its glory, time your visit for the piodolan anniversary celebrations, which happen every 210 days in the local calendar. The temple’s small pavilions are draped in iconic Balinese chequered cloths, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s a great way to experience Bali’s culture up close – and grab some epic photos while you’re at it.
Love this article on the legend of Petitenget?
Read more from Dr. Ravinjay Kuckreja here – a Religious Studies lecturer and expert in ancient Balinese and Indian scriptures. Dr. Ravinjay is also the host of the Being Bali podcast, which is dedicated to explaining all about Balinese culture, history and religion.
