Pura Besakih is one of the most beautiful temple we have ever visited. Just mind blowing. Before we arrived, we were brief by our tour guide what to do and what to expect.
At the entrance, we were met by two staff asking for our entry tickets. At the same time, they asked for donation. I asked them how much and their reply was it was up to us. When I gave him IDR 100,000 he refused and showed the entry book what most tourist paid and "demanded" IDR 500,000. That already spoilt our day but because we came all the way from Kuta, we just bear it. Our guide told us that we do not have to use their temple guide and if we do just pay him IDR 50,000 would suffice. We flatly refused their guide but they insisted saying there was a ceremony going on which we later found out there was none.
Our temple guide fortunately was a very nice man in his 60s who patiently explained to us the background of the temple. We found out that it was his first day as a guide and we were his first customer. He proudly showed us his identification card. he was a farmer working part time there.
We gave him IDR 100,000 as tip and we told him its for good luck and I think that made his day.
For those who wanted to go there, remember to bring along your scarf to wear when you go to the temple because if not you will be overcharged by the surrounding shop to rent their scarf at ridiculously high price.
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