At the south-western tip of the island,
exactly on the beach is a holy structure known as Pura
Sakenan. This temple is estimated to have been
established in the 16th century and is connected with
the journey of Dang' Hyang Nirartha, a great priest who
purified the Hindu religion in Bali.
In the western part of the Sakenan Temple
grounds is a holy structure called Pura Dalem Sakenan which holds an ancient heritage called 'persada or
candi' meaning monument made of coral stone with very attractive motifs for ifs relief. The motifs are quite
different than those found in the existing buildings. The temple is exactly at the edge of the coastline and
surrounded by sea. In the eastern part of Serangan island is another ancient temple called Pura Cemara. The
temple grounds holds another holy structure called Gedong Cemara with a strange architecture and quite
different from those found in Bali.
Apart from the magnificent sea view,
there is something unique to be noted in that there are two groups of inhabitants of a different faith. One is
of the Hindu faith and the other is Moslems. Never the less, they live peacefully and harmoniously, helping one
another in the traditional 'gotong royong' spirit, meaning assisting one another without any intention of
receiving a reward. The monuments or candi has a multi-tiered roofing and towers into the sky.
Denpasar to the south via Sesetan village to Pegok village. Turn
to the right until you find 'Suwung Batan Kendal' village. It is accessible by car.
From there you can continue your journey either on foot at low tide walking on a The monument or 'candi' reminds
us to an assimilation of standard monuments and those found In East Java, which are multi-tiered from the
pre-historic era. The gate is made of coral stone alike the one found in the Uluwatu Temple. Outside the walls
there is a statue of a giant and there is also a Ganeca type statue, a symbol of Dewa Kala as the guardian of the temple.
The island of Serangan is about 10 km from bed of coral stones, or by proa at high tide to cover a distance of about 1 km to the
Sakenan Temple. Have a nice trip !
