(30apr08)
The main road from Seririt to Pemutran is lined with a few temples, wedged between the arid mountains and the black-sand coast. Each holds a different symbolic function related to the life of the region.

    The first from the west, Pura Melanting is also known as the "main market temple" (Pura Pasar Agung) around pemuteran; visitors come here to pray for good fortune in trade. Along the main entrance is a dragon statue with a lotus flower on its back, representing the path of the temples protecting goddess. The black-stone temple looks particularly impressive during the rainy season, with the grassy hill in the background. Ask the pemangku (priests) for permissions before entering the inside gallery, as a short purification is required first.
    Known as the key temple of Pemuteran, Pura Pulaki is built at the foot of a black-stone hill facing the beach. It is devoted to Danghyang Nirartha, the great religious leader of the 16th century. The view is wonderful at dusk when the sun falls gracefully on the front side of the temple, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Oddly, Chinese style ornaments were added to the building during a recent renovation. Just opposite the Pulaki Temple stands Pura Pabean., dedicate to the dearest vwife of Danghyang Niratha The site used to be a port for trading boats needing to refill their provisions. Small boat still stop here to pray for a safe journey. The temple lies on a spacious ground near the ocean, in a cool and serene atmosphere. Below the main temple, the older Pura Segara, a few piles of raw stones with wired human-like shapes, is still guarding the shore.