Mataram – Batu Bolong Temple in Senggigi, Lombok, is recognized not only as a place of worship but also as a spiritual tourism destination that offers meaningful emotional experiences for Hindu Generation Z. This finding was revealed by Joko Prayitno, I Ketut Putu Suardana, Ni Putu Ade Resmayani, and Dwi Harianti from the Cultural and Religious Tourism Study Program at IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram in a study published in 2026 in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR). The research shows that tourism communication combining natural landscapes, religious rituals, and visitor guidelines plays a significant role in shaping spiritual experiences while supporting the sustainable development of cultural tourism.
Batu Bolong Temple has long been one of the most iconic destinations along the Senggigi coastline. Perched on a distinctive hollow rock overlooking the Indian Ocean, the temple attracts both domestic and international visitors. At the same time, it remains an active Hindu place of worship where religious ceremonies are regularly performed. This unique combination of sacred and tourism functions creates both opportunities and challenges in preserving the temple's spiritual values while welcoming an increasing number of visitors.
The researchers adopted a qualitative approach by conducting structured interviews and field observations involving 99 university students born between 2005 and 2007 from Mataram, Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa. These participants represented Hindu Generation Z who had visited and worshipped at Batu Bolong Temple. Their experiences and interpretations were analyzed to understand how tourism communication and sacred messages are perceived by young people living in today's digital era.
The findings reveal that most participants do not separate Batu Bolong Temple's religious and tourism functions. Instead, they naturally perceive the temple as both a sacred place of worship and an attractive tourist destination. Many respondents described a common pattern of praying first before spending time enjoying the coastal scenery, relaxing by the sea, or taking photographs. The temple's dramatic landscape, including the hollow rock formation, ocean waves, sea breeze, and spectacular sunsets, has become an inseparable part of their spiritual journey.
Participants consistently described their experiences using words such as "calm," "comfortable," "peaceful," and "amazed." These emotions were especially strong during prayer rituals or while quietly sitting by the ocean after worship. Several respondents explained that the temple environment helped them temporarily forget daily pressures and provided a sense of emotional relief. The study suggests that nonverbal communication conveyed through natural surroundings can create profound spiritual experiences without relying heavily on spoken explanations.
The research also highlights the symbolic importance of Batu Bolong's famous hollow rock. While many visitors appreciate it as a remarkable natural attraction, others interpret it as a spiritual symbol representing a pathway toward deeper religious reflection. Combined with the sound of ocean waves, the scent of incense, temple architecture, and ongoing worship ceremonies, the surrounding environment creates an atmosphere where nature and spirituality become closely connected. These elements reinforce the perception of Batu Bolong Temple as a place for contemplation, inner peace, and spiritual renewal.
Despite these positive experiences, the study found that many young visitors still receive limited explanations about the philosophical meanings behind the temple's sacred symbols. Most respondents stated that they clearly understood practical visitor regulations, including dress codes and respectful behavior, through information boards and guidance from temple authorities, parents, and religious leaders. However, detailed interpretations of sacred symbols and religious philosophy remain relatively limited, reducing opportunities for deeper cultural learning.
According to Joko Prayitno and colleagues from IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Generation Z's spiritual experiences are shaped through the interaction of visual communication, ritual communication, and visitor guidance. Natural landscapes serve not merely as beautiful backgrounds for photography but also as powerful communication media that inspire feelings of tranquility, reverence, and sacredness. The researchers argue that tourism managers should develop communication strategies that explain symbolic meanings in ways that resonate with digitally connected younger generations.
The study further recommends practical improvements for religious tourism management. More engaging interpretive materials, including informative signage, digital content, QR codes, and short educational videos, could help visitors better understand the temple's cultural and spiritual significance. Clearer zoning between sacred worship areas and tourism spaces would also encourage respectful visitor behavior while maintaining positive tourism experiences for both domestic and international travelers. Such initiatives could strengthen cultural preservation while supporting sustainable tourism development.
Overall, the research demonstrates that Batu Bolong Temple successfully integrates religious devotion, natural beauty, and contemporary tourism experiences for Generation Z. By strengthening tourism communication that clearly explains sacred symbols and cultural values in accessible ways, the temple has the potential to enhance visitors' spiritual experiences while preserving the rich Hindu cultural heritage of Lombok for future generations.
Author Profile
Joko Prayitno – Cultural and Religious Tourism Study Program, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram.
I Ketut Putu Suardana – Cultural and Religious Tourism Study Program, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram.
Ni Putu Ade Resmayani – Cultural and Religious Tourism Study Program, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram.
Dwi Harianti – Cultural and Religious Tourism Study Program, IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram.
Research Source
Article Title: Tourism Communication in Generation Z's Spiritual Tourism Experiences at Batu Bolong Temple, Lombok
Journal: East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5, No. 7, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i7.236
Journal Website: https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr
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