The short answer
Pura Lingsar: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you want to see Lombok's mixed religious life. It is a quiet working temple with ponds and shrines, and the festival is the highlight if your dates match. Dress modestly, follow signs, and keep to the visitor areas.
History and context
The story behind Pura Lingsar
The temple is said to have been built in 1714 by Anak Agung Ngurah of Karangasem, according to Wikipedia. The name Lingsar comes from the Sasak language and means a clear revelation from God. The complex once covered about 40,000 square metres, but part of the land was taken over, leaving about half. The festival is held on the sixth full moon of the Balinese Saka calendar and the seventh full moon of the Sasak calendar.
Useful facts
Pura Lingsar facts at a glance
- Location
- Selagalas, near Cakranegara, about 15 km from Mataram
- Faith
- Hindu and Wetu Telu Sasak
- Deity or dedication
- Pura and Kemaliq beside a sacred spring
- Visitor note
- Sash, covered knees and shoulders; follow signs
- Built
- 1714, by Anak Agung Ngurah of Karangasem
Why it matters
Why Pura Lingsar is worth your time
Lingsar is the clearest place to see how Hindus and Muslims share a sacred site in Lombok. A spring here is revered by the Sasak, especially followers of Wetu Telu, a blend of Islam and traditional beliefs, while the Hindu community maintains the temple. Wikimedia Commons describes the Perang Topat as a peace ritual between the two religions, with no anger and a sense of brotherhood.
That makes it more than a sight. For Indian families, which are used to mixed religious traditions, it is a moving example of coexistence, and a good reminder that Lombok is not only Muslim or only Hindu. It also rewards visitors who come with respect for local etiquette.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Pura and Kemaliq
Two shrines stand side by side, one Hindu and one linked to Sasak spring worship.
- 02
The ponds
Three large ponds and a bath surround the shrines.
- 03
Perang Topat
The annual rice-cake festival is a celebrated peace ritual between Hindus and Muslims.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Arrive in the morning and dress for a temple: sash, covered knees and shoulders. The complex has two religious buildings, a Hindu pura and a Kemaliq shrine, along with three large ponds and a public bath. Walk the courtyards slowly and notice how the layout separates but connects the two traditions.
The spring here is sacred to the Sasak, especially followers of Wetu Telu, so you may see local people at the water. Respect people who are praying, ask before photographing them, and do not step into restricted areas.
If your dates match the festival, plan for the Perang Topat. After prayers, Hindus and Muslims throw ketupat, rice cakes wrapped in palm leaf, at each other, and the scattered rice cakes are then buried in rice fields in the belief that they fertilise the land. Dates follow the Balinese and Sasak calendars, so check them locally.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Wear a sash and cover shoulders and knees
- Check the festival date locally
- Ask before photographing worshippers
- Combine with Narmada and Mayura
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Selagalas, near Cakranegara, Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara
- Time needed
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Best time
- Morning; festival day if your dates match
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Mostly level courtyards with a few steps between terraces, and shaded areas near the ponds. Seating is limited, and the grounds can be busy on festival days.
- Tickets and access
- Entry arrangements vary; a donation or small fee may apply. Wear a sash and cover shoulders and knees, and follow instructions about shoes and restricted shrines.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Pura Lingsar
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Mostly level courtyards with a few steps between terraces, and shaded areas near the ponds. Seating is limited, and the grounds can be busy on festival days.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
What is Perang Topat?
It is a festival in which Hindus and Muslims throw ketupat rice cakes at each other after prayers, as a peace ritual.
Who built Lingsar?
It was built in 1714 by Anak Agung Ngurah of Karangasem, according to Wikipedia.
Can visitors enter?
Yes, in appropriate dress and following signs, but do not enter restricted areas or disturb worshippers.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
