12 Terrific Temples in Bali to bring you closer to culture

As a leading traveller destination, renowned for its sublime beaches, lush jungle rainforests and refreshing tranquil waterfalls, the temples in Bali have equally topped the list of must-see attractions in this popular Indonesian city.

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The must-see temples in Bali are such an important part of Balinese life and culture that a visit to them is a great way of gaining some insight into how the locals live.

There are over 20 000 Pura in Bali plus, some of the very best temples in Bali are just stunning. Suffice to say, no visit to Bali is complete without at least seeing one of the temples on the island.

Thankfully, there are majestic temples speckled all throughout the island.

Besides revelling in architectural beauty, most of the Hindu temples in Bali are located on unusual sites. This makes for incredible photographic opportunities, as there are natural scenic backdrops on the water’s edge, on the edge of a cliff or even surround by thousands of monkeys or a volcano!

Of course, you don’t have to make an effort to see all of them, but you do have to see at least a few of the must-see temples in Bali listed below!

Check out this custom map of all the Bali temples listed in this article

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu is one of the most famous temples in Bali. It is located on the edge of a 280 ft (70 m) cliff and makes for the perfect location to watch the sun setting over the horizon in the evenings.

Uluwatu Bali is one of the nine Balinese temples that defend the island from bad spirits. Constructed approximately 1000 years ago in a traditional Balinese style, Uluwatu is a place of worship to Siva Rudra, the Balinese God of all elements of life and universe.

This Bali Hindu temple attracts hundreds of visitors every single day, some just visiting to admire the beauty of the temple, some are pilgrims and others merely for the jaw-dropping sunset cliff edge landscape.

The Uluwatu temple Bali surrounds are inhabited by a number of monkeys, these mischievously-cute critters are said to be protectors of the temple, but are also equally villainous thieves.

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No visit to Bali would be complete without a trip to see at least one of the temples in Bali. Honestly, there are so many incredible Balinese temples that this needs to be top of your places to visit in Bali.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot is probably the most well known and popular of the must-see temples in Bali given its easily accessible location and awe-inspiring oceanic landscape backdrop.

This water temple in Bali is perched atop a coral rock and is only accessible to close up view during low tide. Once the tide comes in the surrounding rock is covered by the ocean and gives the impression of the sea temple floating on the ocean.

Check out these Tanah Lot tour Bali options

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The upper part of the temple cannot be visited. You can get the best views from a distance and at sunset of the water temple. Bali Ubud Pura like this one is not to be missed!

Get blessed: When the tide is low, you’ll see a cave where the holy priests bless you by placing some grains of rice on your forehead in exchange for a donation.

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Besakih Temple

Perched on the slopes of Bali’s largest volcano, Mount Agung, lies a collection of temples that make up Indonesia’s most prominent temple complex.

Considered to be the holiest of all temples in Bali, Besakih ‘Mother Temple’ is located some 3000 ft (914m) up Gunung Agung in East Bali.

Just like the mountains that defend it, the Besakih temple Bali boasts sensational magnitude that will overwhelm you at first glimpse. It is on 6 levels and comprises 23 temples, with their core being Pura Penataran Agung.

Visitors who visit the temple of Besakih usually only visit the Penataran Agung temple (the Great Temple of the State). Penataran Agung temple is the principal and most significant temple in the area of the Besakih temple complex and intended to worship the gods Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu.

INTERESTING FACT: In 1963, a number of Mount Agung volcanic eruptions took place that killed more than 1600 people. Even with this incredible lava flow so close to the temple, the entire structure remained intact. The event was considered a miracle, therefore the locals strongly believe that the Gods wanted to make a demonstration of their power without destroying the sacred monument.

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Check out this recommended tour of temples and waterfalls Tukad Cepung Waterfall – Tirta Gangga – Lempuyang Private Guided Tour with Free WiFi

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

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With red floral lined gardens, lush grassy shores and a mountainous landscape with skies sprinkled with clouds aplenty, this picturesque water temple makes for a postcard-perfect destination.

Located up in the mountains, approximately 1200m above sea level, this temple complex is truly a natural haven for serene and tranquil vibes. Nestled under the shadow of Mount Batur, this is a surprisingly cool location in comparison to the sweltering humidity of most of the other temples.

Ulun Danu Bratan temple Bali is partly located on the mainland, while a significant section appears to float on Lake Bratan Bali. It’s set on an island just off the mainland temple complex. An 11 tired roof Meru (pagoda) sits on the island section, This is a towering beauty surrounded by a placid lake.

The name of this temple is derived from Dewi Baturi Ulun Danu meaning goddess of lakes and rivers and really is a heavenly spot to visit.

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Because it is in the highlands, the region of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Bali very often shrouded in mist and fresh air. This stunning lake temple Bali hosts is truly postcard perfect.

Some temples can be seen in a single trip (Try a day trip to Tanah lot temple, Ulun Danu Beratan temple, Taman Sari and Taman Ayun or visit Tirta Empul and Pura Gunung Kawi Bali)

Looking for a Bali temple tour to Ulun Danu or some other amazing spots? Check out Get Your Guide

Batuan Temple

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Pura Desa Batuan Temple Bali is one of the most popular and beautiful village temples which forms part of three major temples called Tri Kahyangan. It’s designed with the signature Balinese architecture with split gates, stone guardians, thatched shrines and detailed carvings.

The Batuan Temple, referred to locally as Pura Puseh Batuan is a central landmark in the namesake village of Batuan, well-known for its traditional Balinese arts and paintings. This is one of three village temples dedicated to the gods of the Hindu trinity.

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Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Lempuyang Luhur is one of the most photographed temples in Bali. This social media craze started with the first ‘Gates of Heaven’ shot with Mount Agung in the background.

Pura Lempuyang Bali, dedicated to the God of Peace, is 3200ft (975m) above sea level and presents an interesting challenge to those visiting.

Reaching the top means conquering approximately 1700 steps that are carved into the mountainside jungle. This takes about an hour and a half of serious climbing! This stairway to heaven Bali shot makes for incredible work that is totally worth the reward.

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With the fast-growing tourism in Bali and the rising popularity of the Balinese temples, there are now significant lines to take the infamous photo that has made this Bali Lempuyang temple one of the best temples in Bali.

Tirta Empul

The sacred spring that feeds Pura Tirta Empul Bali provides holy water for priests and a dip here is also believed to bring good fortune and health. It’s also known as Tampaksiring temple

The Balinese visit to purify themselves in the waters of a spring that comes out from twelve pipes.  This water is considered to have healing properties. I suggest seeing the religious rituals performed in this temple.

Having a bath is allowed in only 10 out of the 12 pipes, as the other two are reserved for the deceased and their families.

Indonesia Bali temples like this are not to be missed and definitely should make your Bali Bucket list.

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Bali Tirta Empul is one you absolutely have to make the effort to visit.

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Pura Taman Saraswati Temple

Taman Saraswati is the temple of Bali that honours Saraswati, goddess of knowledge, literature, and art. It is located on the main street of the cultural capital of Bali, Ubud, so visiting this water temple Ubud is, without a doubt, the best thing to do in the area.

The breathtaking Saraswati Temple Ubud is located in the heart of the area and stands out mostly because of its lotus pond and water gardens.

Although the temple is on a busy street, the atmosphere inside of the compound is enigmatically calm. It is an extremely small but beautiful Saraswati temple Bali will not take you more than 10 minutes to visit.

The highlight is its entrance, flanked by the two ponds filled with lotus flowers and water lilies. Truly one of the most tranquil and best temples in Ubud.

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Goa Gajah

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Goa Gajah temple Bali is known as the Elephant Cave or Elephant Temple Bali, and it is one of the most interesting temples to visit in Bali. The interesting part of this temple is in the name itself as it lacks any elephants. Its name is derived from the proximity of the Elephant River which too is free of any elephants.

The Elephant cave Bali is carved from a rock wall face resembles the huge mouth of an intimidating demon. Inside the temple, you’ll find a statue of the Hindu god, Ganesha. This is the true attraction.

Legend says that Goa Gajah Bali sanctuary was created by the nails of a giant, whose name was Kebo Iwa.

Elephant temple Ubud is supposed to date back to the 11th century. This is one of the most unique and interesting temples in Indonesia.

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Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun temple Bali gets its name from the fact that it is a beautiful garden. It also has a moat surrounding the temple and the lush vegetation of the area.

Unfortunately, access to the sacred religious area is forbidden for tourists, so when visiting, you will have to walk around it. Despite the short wall around the area, it still allows very detailed views of the numerous merus that are inside.

Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi is an ancient temple complex and is a unique archaeological site in Bali. The uniqueness is in the reliefs of the temples carved on the rock cliff.

Known for its “Candi”, which are shrines carved into the rock that serve as spiritual representations of the tombs of the royal family (the bodies are buried in a nearby cave).

To be able to reach the location of Gunung Kawi temple from the parking lot, visitors must walk by the footpath and approximately 371 stairs.

As you walk along the route and stairs, you can enjoy the scenery of rice fields and valleys with green trees.

Set in a ravine between rice paddies, this Indonesian gem’s main features are the stone carvings and the river running close to the temple lends to its sacred location in the Valley of Kings. These carvings honour the Kings and Queens of the 11th century.

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Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is one of the most popular temples in Bali Indonesia and again has become so due to some incredible photos making the rounds on social media.

This temple’s name means ‘sacred water of the Ganges’ and it’s known for its exquisite gardens brimming with exotic plants, rock sculptures, stunning ponds and fountains.

The most impressive area is a koi pond! This is the most coveted Instagram shot too! Here you’ll find small platforms over the water which allow you to step through to the majestic fountain of eleven falls.

Although today Tirta Gangga is not a temple but a royal palace it still makes the list of must-see temples in Bali.

Goa Lawah

The temple of Pura Goa Lawah also known as Batcave temple Bali in East Bali is centered around a cave inhabited by thousands of bats.

In front of the Goa Lawah temple Bali, which is across the main road, there is a black sand beach. From the beach shoreline, you can see the island of Nusa Penida.

One mystery that’s yet to be solved is whether the legend that tells of the secret cave passage through to Besakih Temple, some 25 km northeast at the foot of Mount Agung, is true.

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Bali Temple Tour Recommendations

I’ve tried to scattered the reviewed and recommended tours throughout the article, but find a list with your preferred tour provider below

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Viator

Must-see Bali Temples FAQ

Travel Insurance

If anything, this should be a given for any trip you take! But be sure to keep a copy of your insurance details. If Indonesia is not your home country you need to be prepared for anything. All of these experiences have risks.

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Balinese art and culture are manifested in the form of these stunning temples. Temples in Bali have even become an icon of Bali tourism, displaying the beauty and unique Balinese architecture.

I hope this list of must-see Bali temples is enough to tantalize your trip planning to Bali. Although there are plenty of other things to do in Bali like visit the rice terraces, try floating breakfast and tick off that Instagram bucket list, the temples in Bali are equally worth your visit!

Have you visited any of these temples? Would you like to? Are there any temples you think should be added to the list? I look forward to hearing from you!