Pura Blanjong and the Blanjong Pillar, Sanur: History and respectful visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Pura Blanjong and the Blanjong Pillar

The Blanjong pillar is a stone column about 1.77 metres tall whose inscriptions, dated to the ninth century, are written in Sanskrit and an early form of Balinese. A Wikipedia article on Sanur calls it the oldest known human-made object in Bali. It stands near Pura Blanjong in south Sanur. Details of the king named and the exact date are best checked with specialist sources or a local guide.

Useful facts

Pura Blanjong and the Blanjong Pillar facts at a glance

Location

Jalan Danau Poso, south Sanur

Faith

Balinese Hinduism

Visitor note

Temple dress required; ask before entering inner areas

Known for

Ninth-century inscribed pillar

Pillar height

About 1.77 m

Why it matters

Why Pura Blanjong and the Blanjong Pillar is worth your time

Most of Sanur's story starts in the 1930s or later. The Blanjong pillar pushes it back more than a thousand years, to the ninth century, and gives historians written evidence from an early Balinese kingdom. That makes it one of the few places on the south coast where you can stand beside genuinely ancient writing.

It also shows how living worship and archaeology overlap in Bali. The pillar is protected, but it is kept inside a temple that local families still use, so it is a good example of how heritage here is respected rather than fenced off.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The oldest object

   The inscribed pillar is described as the oldest known human-made object in Bali.

2. 02

   Two scripts

   The text uses Sanskrit and an early Balinese script, a rare pairing to see.

3. 03

   A temple still in use

   The pillar sits inside a working temple, so you see worship and archaeology together.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

The pillar sits under a roof at the end of a narrow blind alley off Jalan Danau Poso, so give your driver the temple name and the street. Walk in quietly, leave your shoes where others do and ask a caretaker if any area is closed that day.

The column is only about 1.77 metres high, so it is easy to miss. Look at the inscription carved in two writing systems: Sanskrit and an old form of Balinese. You will not be able to read it, but you can see how closely the characters are cut and that the column has been weather-worn into a dark grey. Photographs of the pillar are best taken from the front, avoiding flash.

The temple is still an active place of worship, so keep your voice low and do not step into prayer areas. It is a short stop that pairs with Le Mayeur Museum and a walk by the beach.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Jalan Danau Poso, south Sanur

Time needed

20 to 40 minutes

Best time

Morning, outside ceremony days

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

A very short visit with a level approach, though the lane is narrow and a few steps lead into the temple area. Shade is limited, so go early or late and keep water with you.

Tickets and access

Temple dress applies: cover shoulders and knees and wear a sash if asked. There may be a donation box rather than a fixed fee. Do not climb on structures, and stay out of any area closed for prayers or a ceremony.

Plan it with

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