Temples in Bali to Visit On Your Next Trip

Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most popular temples in Bali, located in the Beraban village of Tabanan. It is one of the seven sea temples of Bali. An amalgamation of Balinese and Hindu mythology, the temple's base is carved with sea snakes and offers a natural source of holy water. Foreigners are not allowed inside the temple but you can walk across to the main temple and watch the sunset. Tanah Lot is considered a photographer's paradise.

Uluwatu is an important Balinese temple and a popular tourist destination. The locals believe that the divine trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva becomes one at Uluwatu. So the temple is a place of worship of Rudra, the Balinese Hindu god of all elements and protector against evil sea spirits. Uluwatu temple lies 70 meters above a cliff, with a breathtaking backdrop of the Indian Ocean. In addition, there is also a small amphitheater in the temple complex where local Balinese people perform the Kecak fire dance in the evenings. It is one of nine directional temples in Bali.

Situated west of Lake Bratan in Bedugul, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a 17th-century Balinese temple dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Surrounded by the lake, which gives it a 'floating' appearance, the temple is constructed in the traditional Balinese style with tiered shrines to honor the Hindu gods. The backdrop of the Bedugul mountains makes this a picturesque site of religious worship.

Tirta Empul is a beautiful water temple in Bali located in Tampaksiring. It's built around a spring that devotees consider sacred. The famous holy water springs, baths, pools, and fish ponds comprise the outer perimeter, while the main temple complex is divided into the traditional three courtyards. The inner and most sacred sanctum is forbidden to non-devotees. The outer area has beautiful sculptures and relics. There are gift shops and hawkers outside the compound.

Pura Lempuyang Luhur is a Hindu temple in Bali on Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem. Lying 1175m above sea level, reaching the temple requires a steep climb of over 1700 steps. However, one can stop to take some beautiful pictures of the panoramic Mount Agung and the Candi Bentar gate. There are motorcycle taxis till the end of the road and a 2-hour climb. It is one of the most instagrammable temples in Bali.

Built-in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi dynasty, Pura Taman Ayun is an ancient temple in Bali. The ornamented gateway of the temple leads to a fountain spouting water through nine jets to represent the nine gods of Hinduism. There is amuseum, an auditorium, and a garden around the temple for walking. The relics and sculptures around the temple are also popular attractions. There is an entrance fee of THB 12000 for foreigners.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:15 PM

Goa Gajah is a temple in Bali that is a spiritual compound meant for meditation and prayer. Located in Bedulu village, about six kilometers from Ubud, the compound comprises relics, intricate carvings, fountains, bathing pools, and the namesake cave. The northern side of the complex exhibits Buddhist influences, and the southern side has more Hindu elements, with a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh and Hindu angels pouring water from waterspouts. There is a small market outside the temple complex.

Located 1,000 meters high on the slopes of Mount Agung, Pura Besakih is a massive complex with over 80 temples. Referred to as the 'Mother Temple' of Bali, the main shrine is Pura Agung Penataran. There are detailed carvings on the walls made of lava rock and concrete and multi-tiered structures known as Meru. The main temple is closed to tourists, and a traditional skirt (sarong) is given with the ticket to enter the temple.

Located in Kintamani, central Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Batur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lake Goddess Dewi Danu. Comprising nine temples, the majestic compound features 285 shrines and is one of the most important temples in Bali. The temple was damaged by volcanic eruptions before being rebuilt in 1926, and with its traditional Balinese architecture, it continues to be visually delightful.

Located in central Ubud, Pura Taman Saraswati, also known as Ubud Water Palace, is a sandstone-carved temple dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts. Notable for the beautiful lotus pond and water garden surrounding the main temple area, it also features a cafe for snacks and a traditional dance performance.

An ancient rock temple in Bali, Gunung Kawi is famous for its ten rock-cut shrines that tower at 23 feet. Situated across the Pakerisan River, a stone archway leads you to the massive carvings made into the cliff niches. These ten structures are memorials to the 11th-century Udayana dynasty. Small caves are situated next to the shrines, serving as meditation centers. There are gift shops and warungs outside the temple complex.

At the foot of Mount Batukaru, 2270 m above sea level, lies the Pura Luhur Batukaru temple, an ancient 11th-century Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. The lush forestry and drizzly climate have led to a mossy, misty atmosphere lingering around the area. Although several parts of the temple are forbidden to non-pilgrims, it provides a quiet and calm spot for meditation.

Goa Lawah, or the 'Bat Cave' Temple, is a cave filled with hundreds of bats. Located east of Klungkung Regency, this sea-facing temple houses Shaivite shrines and dragon motifs on the pavilions within its compound. Hundreds of bats chirp and circle shrines in the central courtyard, giving a frenzied atmosphere to the place. It is believed, paradoxically, that this was a site for deep meditation as the continuous high-pitched chirping helped priests focus. Religious ceremonies occur here, and watching the pilgrims offer prayers can be pretty interesting.

Pura Puseh Batuan is a beautiful 11th-century Hindu temple located in the namesake village of Batuan. Its five-tiered Candi Bentar gateway leads into multiple thatched-roof shrines featuring floral motifs and statues of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Local artists display their works in a hall opposite the temple, and the best time to visit is during its Piodalan anniversary celebrations.

A short boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida leads you to Pura Dalem Penataran Ped, an ancient temple revered by Balinese Hindus. Here, God is worshipped for the balance of Purusa-Pradana, or the spiritual and physical source, so that it may bring peace and prosperity. Two statues carved on the limestone structure represent this, adding to the charm of this divine temple.