If you enjoy being outside or a kind of adventurous travellers, you may already familiar with Campuhan Hill in Ubud. It is a pleasurable walk trail in the open nature with incredible opportunity for an Insta-capture moment. More than a relaxing place for morning and afternoon leisure walk, it is also popular as the hill of love (Bukit Cinta) where couples spend a moment together; strolling and having random chat. Now, how about Table Stone Hill (Bukit Batu Kursi)? Doesn’t sound familiar? Well, the hill is located up north in Pemuteran, a few kilometres away from the popular Lovina Beach area. Anytime you are ready to venture, visiting this place gives you a reward of scenic, amazing view from the hilltop.
Table Stone Hill Temple is a good place for those enjoying nature trekking who don’t mind sweating up. The trekking route is originally a path from the bottom top for Balinese Hindu religious practice as there is a temple on top of the hill. The name of Table Stone Hill comes from the fact that there is a huge stone shaped like a chair. The Indonesian name ‘Batu Kursi’ clearly describes it. However, the English translation to ‘The Table’ might sound better.
This less popular natural attraction should be included in the itinerary for visitors staying in Singaraja or Lovina area. Around three hours journey from Kuta is needed when you make it as a one day trip. To reach at the location, you can consider traditional way by asking locals for direction or use the modernity by point Pura Pemuteran (Pemuteran Temple) on your map. Table Stone Hill is situated nearby Pemuteran Temple, in the behind of it, to be precise. Once arriving, you will need to pay a small donation fee. Remember to bring water or buy from the stall near the entrance in case you forget. But, please keep the area clean by throwing trashes into the bin.
Depending on your pace, the trekking from bottom to top will take around 20-30 minutes. In most case, you will meet many Balinese also walks in the same direction to top for praying. The trekking requires some effort and stamina, but you won’t even notice it as the panoramic views along the route are quite interesting. If you visit during a dry season, the surrounding hills become brown savannah, turning refreshing green on wet season. The ocean view and a glimpse of Java Island at another side are before your eyes. There are also several stop points where you can take a rest and snap ready-to-post images. Be it at the couple swing or on top of a standing rock, the backdrop is just perfect. The real reward is the view from the top where you can enjoy a 360-degree angle view of the scenery below.
Tip: Do the trekking early in the morning or a bit late in the afternoon to protect yourself from the midday heat.
