Candi Bentar or split gate | L-R CG Hisona , Geff Sagala, the author and Leilani Dusaban
The Iconic Balinese Gate | Candi Bentar: A Personal Reflection on Its Cultural Significance and Ubiquity
While exploring Bali, one architectural feature captivated me more: the stunning Balinese gate, known locally as the Candi Bentar or split gate. These gates are everywhere, dotted across the island, from grand temples and royal palaces to humble family homes, and each one tells a story about Bali’s rich cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and social fabric. Through my research and observations, I’ve come to appreciate why these gates are not just entrances but powerful symbols of Balinese identity.
The Essence of the Balinese Gate | Candi Bentar: More Than Just an Entrance
At first glance, a Balinese gate might seem like a simple architectural element. But the Candi Bentar is much more than that. It is a gateway split perfectly in two, with intricate carvings that tell stories of gods, mythical creatures, and nature. This design traces back to the Hindu Majapahit era of Java in the 13th and 14th centuries, later embraced and refined by Balinese artisans.
What struck me is that these gates mark the passage from the ordinary world into a sacred or special space. Whether it’s the entrance to a temple, a royal palace, or even a private home, passing through a Candi Bentar symbolizes moving from the physical into a spiritual realm. It embodies the Balinese philosophy of harmony and balance between humans and nature and between the earthly and the divine.
Candi Bentar: The Ubiquity and Variation Across Bali
Walking through villages and towns, I noticed that these gates are everywhere. Even small houses often have their own miniature Candi Bentar. This ubiquity reveals how deeply embedded these gates are in daily Balinese life, not just reserved for the grand or sacred, but woven into the fabric of everyday existence.
What fascinated me further was how a gate’s size and ornateness often reflect the homeowner’s economic status. Wealthier families and important sites boast large, elaborately carved gates with detailed stonework, while more modest homes feature simpler, smaller versions. Yet, regardless of scale, every gate carries the same spiritual significance, acting as a protective and reverent threshold.
L-R : CG Hisona , Leilani Dusaban, the author, and Geff Sagala
The Broader Landscape of Balinese Gates | Candi Bentar
Beyond the Candi Bentar, Bali’s architectural tradition includes other gates, such as the Paduraksa or Kori Agung. These roofed gateways mark the entrance to temples and palaces’ most sacred inner sanctums. These layered gates create a spatial hierarchy that guides visitors deeper into spiritual spaces.
Among the most famous gates I encountered are the majestic Handara Gate in northern Bali, which has become an iconic photo spot thanks to its towering stone pillars framed by lush mountains. Then there’s the breathtaking Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple, where the split gate perfectly frames Mount Agung, creating a scene that feels both mystical and profoundly spiritual.
Why These Gates [ Candi Bentar ] Are Iconic: A Reflection
From my observations and research, it’s clear that Balinese gates are iconic because they encapsulate the island’s spiritual worldview, artistic mastery, and social values. They are not mere architectural features but living symbols of transition, protection, and reverence.
They invite anyone who passes through to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the balance between the material and spiritual worlds- a core belief in Balinese Hinduism. At the same time, the gates subtly communicate social standing and economic status, reflecting the layered complexity of Balinese society.
Conclusion
The Balinese Candi Bentar and other traditional gates are more than beautiful stone structures. They are gateways into Bali’s soul-marking sacred spaces, protecting homes, and expressing a worldview that honors harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. Whether standing before the grand gates of a temple or the humble entrance of a family home, these gates tell a story of Bali’s enduring cultural identity, spiritual depth, and artistic brilliance.
For anyone visiting Bali, taking the time to appreciate these gates offers a window into the island’s heart, a reminder that in Bali, every threshold crossed is a journey into something greater.
This article is based on my experiences exploring Bali and researching its rich architectural and cultural traditions.
