17 Temples in Bali You Must See

Bali, the pearl of the Indonesian archipelago, is known as the Island of a Thousand Temples. These sacred sites amaze with their architecture, where every detail speaks to the richness and diversity of Indonesian culture. In Bali, spiritual rituals intertwine with traditions, creating a unique atmosphere that will amaze and inspire.

The temples of Bali, known locally as Pura, are of great cultural and spiritual significance. They are truly unique—you won't find such architecture anywhere else! Some of these temples are part of the so-called Hayangan Garden - the six largest temples of Bali are considered protectors of the island.

Temples are often unused, and in these cases, they are left open to visitors. Odalan, a temple anniversary celebration, is held from time to time. Prayers are offered and traditional instruments are played. Sometimes, visitors to Bali are even invited to join these celebrations.

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Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most iconic landmarks. The temple's name means "Land in the Sea." The ancient Hindu temple was built on a rocky islet approximately 30 meters off the coast in Tabanan. It is believed that the temple was built in the 16th century as a place of worship for sea gods.

The temple complex, with its multi-tiered shrines, intricately carved stone structures, and ornate pagodas, is stunning! Nearby are restaurants, shops, a cultural park, and an information center. It's best to arrive early to see the sunset, as the riverside restaurants get crowded during golden hour. Keep in mind that this temple is one of the most popular and gets crowded during peak hours.

• Location: Pura Tanah Lot is located just 30 minutes from Canggu.
• Visit: On the way to Tanah Lot, you'll walk along a winding path lined with bustling market stalls selling a variety of Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs. To access the grounds, you'll need to cross the sea in the morning at low tide. Since access to the main temple is reserved for worshiping pilgrims, visitors can stroll around the grounds without wearing a sarong.

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Goa Gajah

A stairway of over 1,700 steps leads to the ancient temple, located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. As you ascend, breathtaking panoramas unfold before you. At the top, the Gateway to Heaven awaits you, offering a magnificent view of Mount Agung. The temple complex, with its rich stone carvings, intricate architecture, and sacred shrines, attracts tourists.

The name Elephant Cave derives from a nearby bathing pool where a stone elephant statue once stood. The temple's name itself comes from the river, once known as the Elephant River.

• Location: This unusual hillside temple is located half an hour's drive from the center of Ubud.
• Visit: The entrance fee to Goa Gajah is IDR 50,000 per person and includes sarong rental.

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Luhur Batukau, Tabanan

One of Bali's most revered temples, on the slopes of Gunung Batukau (elevation 2,276 meters). The western Batukau highlands are renowned for their magnificent scenery, and the view from the village of Jatiluwih encompasses the entire landscape of southern Bali. Near the riverbank, the Ye Panas hot spring gushes, adorned with a small temple for prayers and offerings. The springs are part of a resort and are accessible for an additional fee.

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Taman Ayun, Sobangan

Pura Taman Ayun, built in the 18th century, is surrounded by a moat, creating the impression of a garden sanctuary. One of the six royal temples, it was the family sanctuary of the Mengwi Empire, and at that time, only members of the royal family had access to it.

Visit: Combine a visit to the temple with nearby attractions such as the Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, the Nasional Marga Rana historical site, and Tanah Lot Temple. Entrance fees are IDR 30,000 for adults and IDR 15,000 for children .

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Temple of Volos-Sivi, Mendoyo

Pura Rambut Siwi (Temple of the Hair Lock) was founded by the high priest Dangyang Nirartha in the 16th century. The pavilions to the west of the temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, offer incredible panoramic views of the rice fields and the ocean.

It is said that Nirartha's stop here saved the village from a devastating epidemic, and before moving on, he gave the people a lock of his hair. His hair and some personal belongings are kept in the courtyard of the main temple.

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Luhur Uluwatu Temple

The temple rises 70 meters above the ocean and is considered one of Bali's most important spiritual sites. It is one of the six temples of peace revered by all Balinese. The holy Javanese priest Dangyang Nirartha founded this temple and is said to have attained enlightenment here. The innermost sanctuary, the jeroan, is closed to non-believers but can be viewed from the outside.

The visit is combined with the daily Kecak dance, which takes place in the nearby amphitheater. Consider visiting the temple early in the morning to avoid crowds. Be careful with your belongings: the monkeys living in the temple love "souvenirs."

Visiting: Tickets are best purchased in advance online or at the box office. They cost IDR 150,000 for adults and IDR 75,000 for children (4-9 years old).

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Besakih Temple, Uluwatu

The complex, or Mother Temple, located in eastern Bali on the slopes of the sacred Mount Agung, consists of 23 temples surrounded by mountain scenery and beautiful gardens at an altitude of 100 meters. Besakih began in the 8th century as a terraced sanctuary dedicated to the gods of Gunung Agung. It expanded over more than a thousand years. The temple houses ancestral relics for all Hindu Balinese.

Non-believers are not allowed into the inner temple unless they wish to pray, but the layout is quite easy to see through the open gates. Do not enter the premises without an invitation, and be sure to wear a sarong and temple belt.

• Location: The temple is easily accessible from Besakih village.
• Visit: We recommend spending about two hours here, arriving early in the morning or late in the evening when there are fewer crowds. A sarong and a local guide are included in the ticket price (60,000 Indonesian rupiah).

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Ulun Danu Beratan, Beratan Lake

Situated on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bali highlands at an altitude of 1,500 meters, the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple combines natural beauty and spiritual tranquility. The Lake Temple is one of Bali's most iconic and picturesque landmarks. Four sacred buildings comprise the Hindu complex, built in honor of the goddess Danu—the queen of water, lakes, and rivers. The temple is surrounded by landscaped gardens.

The temple's unique architecture is captivating: multi-tiered shrines and pagodas seem to float in the crystal-clear waters of the lake. The temple is surrounded by manicured gardens adorned with vibrant flowers and lush foliage.

Location: The temple is less than two hours' drive north of Denpasar.

Visiting: We recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. In the morning, you can often see mountain fog over the clear lake. Cultural ceremonies are held here, and there's a children's play area. Visitors can even take a speedboat ride on Lake Beratan for IDR 175,000. Entrance fee is IDR 75,000/50,000 for adults/children .

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Tirta Empul

The main water temple in the village of Manukaya in central Bali. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the island's holiest sites, renowned for its holy spring water.

The large temple complex is divided into three courtyards, decorated with tropical plants and statues, and takes about an hour to explore. Allow more time if you wish to participate in a purification ritual in the temple's rectangular bath with sculpted spouts.

• Location: a few minutes drive from Ubud.
• Visit: Full coverage is required, sarongs can be rented at the temple entrance.

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Kehen Temple, Chempaga

Bangli's largest and most sacred temple is Pura Kehen, an ancient terraced mountain sanctuary. This 13th-century Hindu temple is nestled in a forest on a hillside in the village of Cempaga, in eastern Bali. Statues of mythical figures adorn Pura Kehen's first terrace, steps leading to a magnificent gate, which locals call the Great Exit. Above the gate is the terrifying face and outstretched arms of Bhoma, the demonic son of the earth, who prevents evil spirits from entering the temple. An 11-tiered pagoda dedicated to the god Shiva dominates the inner sanctum.

Visit: Entry is IDR 50,000 per person and includes a sarong rental. After visiting the temple, explore Krisik Waterfall, a 10-minute drive away.

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Pura Puncak Penulisan

Built atop Gunung Penulisan (1,745 m), 5 km north of Kintamani in the village of Sukawana, Pura Puncak Penulisan is the tallest temple in Bali and one of the oldest, dating back to the 9th century.

333 steps lead to the upper temple of Pura Panarajon, dedicated to Sanghyang Grinatha, a manifestation of Shiva and the god of mountains. Hidden away at the top are ancient lingams and statues dating from the 11th to 13th centuries.

Taman Saraswati Temple, Ubud

The water temple, located in the heart of Ubud, is known for its beautiful lotus ponds. It's a great temple to stop by while exploring Ubud on foot and admire the stunning garden with its lotus pond.

The temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of education, science, and literature. Only visitors in Balinese dress are allowed inside; there's a shop nearby where you can rent traditional clothing.

Immerse yourself in Balinese culture from Ubud and Sidemen. Visits include walks through rice fields, Heaven's Gate, and water temples.

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Lempuyang Temple

One of Bali's oldest and most revered temples, located at an altitude of 1,175 meters above sea level, this mountain temple is famous for its gates, which perfectly complement the view of Mount Agung. Over 1,700 steps lead to the temple's marble gates, which offer views of Mount Agung and the surrounding peaks. While in the area, visit the beautiful Tirta Gangga Garden and take photos by the koi pool.

Those wanting to photograph the famous Gates of Heaven should set their alarm early to get there before the crowds arrive. Be prepared to wait at least two hours to take a photo in Bali's iconic photo frame.

Visit: Entrance fee - IDR 100,000 + IDR 50,000 for transfer to the summit.

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Batuan Temple

The 11th-century Batuan Temple is located 40 minutes south of Ubud. It is best known for its traditional Balinese architecture, paintings, and stone carvings. The main attractions of this small sacred site are its tall red brick gates and sculptures depicting mythical Balinese figures and flowers.

Visit: Entrance fee to Batuan Temple is IDR 30,000 per person.

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Samuan Tiga Temple, Bali

The magnificent Samuan Tiga Temple is located on a small side street in the village of Bedulu, a 20-minute drive from central Ubud. The temple is a great place to admire ancient works of art with ornate carvings, many of which are covered in bright green moss. Unlike many temples on the island, which have three courtyards, Pura Samuan Tiga has seven, separated by walls and gates and connected by staircases.

The great advantage of this temple is that visitors are free to explore the entire area.

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Ling Gwan Kyong

The ancient Chinese temple of Ling Gwan Kyong towers over the coast of Singaraja in northern Bali. Built in 1873, this sacred Taoist site boasts traditional Chinese architecture with bright red roofs, miniature gardens, and red and gold frescoes.

Location: The temple is a short walk from Pura Segara and a 15-minute drive east from Lovina Beach.

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Goa Lava Temple

Goa Lawa, also known as the Bat Cave Temple, is one of the eight holy temples in Bali. Situated on a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, the temple is known for its natural cave, which is home to thousands of bats, lending an air of mystery and wonder to the place.

Tourists are allowed to enter the inner sacred area of worship. However, it is important to be respectful and not disturb those worshipping. A magical visit to Goa Lava is at sunset, when the temple is bathed in a golden glow.

When traveling in Bali, pay attention to which temples are on your route and plan a visit. Bali's temples are a special spiritual experience!

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