Pura Dalem Sakenan, Serangan Island

Pura Dalem Sakenan is a temple on Serangan Island, reached from Jl. Pulau Serangan in the Denpasar Selatan district of Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Serangan was historically a small island off the south coast, separated from the mainland by a shallow strait, and the temple has long been regarded as one of the sacred sea temples of southern Bali. Local tradition connects it with the arrival of Hindu priests from Java during the post-Majapahit period and with the wandering priest Danghyang Nirartha, who is credited by tradition with founding or consecrating several coastal temples in the 16th century. The temple is part of the network of sacred sites visited by worshippers from the region at the major festival days. Its main ceremony, the Hari Raya Sakenan, follows the Balinese calendar around the Kuningan holiday. On that day worshippers dressed in white and ceremonial attire cross to the island, formerly by boat across the shallow strait, bringing offerings to the temple. In the 1990s large land reclamation changed the shape of Serangan and joined it to the main island by a causeway and road, altering the setting of the temple and the way pilgrims arrive, though the ceremony has continued. The temple compound follows the standard layout of outer and inner courtyards with split gates, shrines, meru towers and pavilions, set among old trees close to the shore. The architecture is largely of carved volcanic stone and thatch, rebuilt and maintained by the community. It is an active temple rather than a museum, so access to inner areas may be restricted during rites. Visitors should wear a sarong and sash, make a small donation, and behave respectfully. The island also has turtle conservation and fishing communities, and the temple makes a good short stop in a visit to south Denpasar.