Temples of Indonesia: Top 12 Unique Structures

Religion plays a vital role in the lives of Indonesians. Numerous Hindu, Buddhist, and even Catholic shrines can be found throughout the country. Bali, in particular, is known as the "island of a thousand temples" due to its vast number of "pura," which connect the past and present and are an integral part of local life. Despite their superficial similarities, no two temples are exactly alike, and each one has its own unique characteristics.

Situated on mountain slopes, on the water, or in rural hinterlands, Indonesian temples attract many travelers.

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1. Borobudur

The temple complex, rising above the lush green plains of Central Java, is a majestic testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Javanese and the strength of the Buddhist faith. Borobudur is not just a magnificent Buddhist temple complex, but the world's largest pilgrimage site.

Built in the 8th-9th centuries, Borobudur consists of nine stacked platforms topped by a central dome surrounded by 72 Buddha statues. The temple embodies Mahayana Buddhist teachings, which emphasize the concept of achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. The architecture reflects this philosophy, guiding pilgrims on a symbolic journey to enlightenment. The walls of this colossal structure are adorned with over 2,600 relief panels depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures and Javanese folklore.

Over the centuries, Borobudur faced numerous challenges, including eruptions from Mount Merapi. In the early 19th century, the temple's restoration began under the initiative of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British governor of Java. Large-scale restoration work then began.

Today, the Borobudur Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a source of national pride for Indonesia. It is depicted on the coat of arms of the Central Java province, and many museums in the country possess an exact replica.

Visiting Borobudur

Sunrise at the summit of Borobudur is the main must-do on the island of Java . It's a unique ritual of renewal. A self-guided tour costs $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 3 to 10.

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2. Prambanan

Located approximately 17 kilometers from Yogyakarta , Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in all of Indonesia . Built in the 9th century, the complex originally comprised a series of 240 structures, including three majestic main temples dedicated to the Trimurti-the three principal Hindu deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The central tower, reaching over 47 meters in height, is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

As you explore Prambanan, you'll discover captivating myths. Each intricately carved panel on the temple walls tells its own story. Visitors can see scenes from the Ramayana, the foundational Hindu scripture, and other mythological images.

Despite natural disasters and periods of neglect, the temple survived, was restored, and serves as a living testimony to Indonesia's cultural heritage. Today, Prambanan remains an important Hindu pilgrimage site.

The Prambanan Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It boasts exquisite architecture, intricate stone carvings, and a fascinating history that continues to captivate tourists from around the world.

Visiting Prambanan

The entrance fee is $25 for adults and $15 for children aged 3 to 10. To save money on visits, you can purchase a combined ticket for Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, which costs $45 for adults and $27 for children aged 3 to 10. It's valid for 48 hours.

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3. Uluwatu

The temple is located atop a steep cliff overlooking the ocean in the resort area of Uluwatu . This site is one of the six key temples of Bali (or the six sacred places of the world). Besides stunning ocean views, it is famous for its massive Kecak dance parades at sunset, offering a captivating insight into Balinese culture.

The best time to visit Uluwatu Temple is from 4:00 PM to enjoy the sunset, take beautiful photos, and enjoy the dance show, which usually starts at 6:00 PM.

Visiting Uluwatu

Entrance fees are IDR 20,000 for children and IDR 30,000 for adults. Tickets for the dance performance are IDR 100,000 per person. Parking is an additional fee.

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4. Tanakh Lot

One of Bali's iconic coastal temples, renowned for its unique seascape. The name Tanah Lot translates as "Land in the Sea" and perfectly captures the temple's unique character. Situated atop a cliff, the waves constantly crash against it, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene. Accessible at low tide, this temple is dedicated to the sea gods and offers breathtaking sunset views against the raging sea. The structure itself is a classic example of Balinese temple architecture, with multi-tiered pagodas and intricate carvings.

Visiting Tanah Lot

The entrance fee for foreign tourists is 40,000 Indonesian rupiah for children and 75,000 Indonesian rupiah for adults. Parking is an additional charge.

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5. Ulun Danu Beratan

A majestic Hindu temple complex in Bali, located on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul Mountains, offers stunning views. This 400-year-old structure is primarily dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Balinese goddess of water, lakes, and rivers. The temple complex includes several shrines, and its architectural style embodies the concept of Trimurti. Ulun Danu Beratan is the site of Melasti, a Hindu religious purification ceremony. It is a ceremonial procession attended by thousands of Hindus.

When the lake's water level rises, the temple appears to float, creating a captivating scene. It is one of the most photographed temples in Bali and a popular tourist destination. Amenities nearby include a coffee shop, a restaurant, a well-kept garden, a pond where you can feed the fish, and a souvenir shop.

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6. Candy Plaosan

Built in the 9th century, Candi Plaosan is a Buddhist temple complex located approximately one kilometer from the famous Prambanan on the island of Java . The complex comprises two temples-Candi Plaosan Lor and Candi Plaosan Kidul-separated by a road and rice fields. Each of the two main temples is surrounded by numerous smaller structures and domed stupas.

Candi Plaosan isn't as grand as Borobudur and Prambanan, but it offers a serene atmosphere and will captivate travelers interested in exploring Indonesia's historical sites. Combine a visit to Candi Plaosan and Prambanan for a more complete understanding of the islands' religious monuments.

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7. Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is an archaeological site located near Ubud . Built around the mid-9th century, it served as a sanctuary and retreat for Buddhist monks.

According to one theory, the name "Elephant Cave" derives from a time when the main entrance was believed to resemble an elephant's head. Another theory suggests the name originates from the statue of Ganesha, a Hindu deity with an elephant head, located in the temple.

The cave entrance is decorated with eerie stone faces, meant to protect the area from evil. Behind them lies a small cave temple with statues and religious objects. The area also contains sacred pools used for purification rituals.

Entry fee : IDR 50,000. Parking is available at an additional cost.

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8. Pura Besakih

Besakih Temple, also known as the Mother Temple, is the largest and most sacred temple complex of Balinese Hinduism. Situated on the slopes of the active volcano Mount Agung in eastern Bali, it consists of 23 individual temples that rise gradually over several tiers. Besakih features stepped terraces and staircases leading to several courtyards and to the gate at the main spire-Pura Penataran Agung. Each of the individual temples within the Besakih complex is dedicated to a specific deity or sacred purpose.

Entry fee : about IDR 150,000 per person.

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9. Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul Temple is a significant Hindu water temple located in Bali . It is named after the underground spring of the same name and features two pools fed by its waters. Locals and tourists often visit the pools for ritual purification ceremonies. The temple showcases Balinese architecture with multi-tiered gates, symbolically rich carvings, and serene lotus ponds.

Entry fee : IDR 50,000. Parking is available at an additional cost.

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10. Lempuyang Luhur

Pura Lempuyang Luhur is one of the oldest temple structures in Bali. Situated on a hill in the village of Tista in Karangasem District, it is listed as one of the six holiest places of worship on the island.

The temple is famous for its "Heaven's Gate"-a forked gateway towering against the backdrop of Mount Agung. To reach the top, one must climb over 1,700 steps!

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11. Goa Lawah

Pura Goa Lawah is a unique and fascinating Hindu temple built near the Bali beach of the same name. It was founded in the 11th century by the priest Mpu Kuturan, one of the founders of Hinduism in Bali, and, along with Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is considered one of the island's most sacred shrines.

The name translates as "Bat Cave," as the complex was built around a cave inhabited by hundreds of these animals. This feature distinguishes Pura Goa Lawah from other temples.

Entry fee : IDR 15,000 for children aged 5 to 12 years and IDR 30,000 for adults.

Anandajoti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12. Temple of Sevu

Sewu Temple, also known as Candi Sewu, is a grand 8th-century Buddhist temple complex located in Central Java. It is located approximately 800 meters from the Prambanan temple complex and is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, after Borobudur. The complex consists of 249 temples and has an entrance on each of the four cardinal directions. However, the main entrance is located on the east side.

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Visiting temples in Indonesia

Temples are not only places of prayer and ritual but also a national treasure. They host colorful festivals, dance performances, and various ceremonies.

You can visit religious sites either independently or join a tour.  Appropriate clothing covering your knees and shoulders is required. A sarong and scarf are required for most holy sites, and can be rented at the entrance or purchased in advance.

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