When you think of beautiful Bali, images of golden beaches, cascading waterfalls, and lush jungle terraces likely come to mind. But did you know that Bali is also a culture rooted in spirituality, with over 20,000 breathtaking Hindu Temples to explore? Daily worship has been an integral part of local life for millennia, and a visit to one of Bali’s many temples is a great way to taste traditional culture. With thousands of temples dotted across the island, it can be hard to choose which temples are worth adding to your itinerary. Bali is home to some truly mesmerising Hindu temples, which can be found across the island. No matter where you choose to stay, there will be at least one Temple within easy reach. To help make that decision easier, here is our guide to Bali’s best temples.
Pura Tirta Empul
Located just 30 minutes from central Ubud, Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most visited temples. Meaning ‘Holy Spring’ in Balinese, this sacred temple is dedicated to the Hindu god of Vishnu, worshipped as the God of Creation. A visit to Tirta Empul offers a fascinating insight into local tradition, as you witness locals cleansing their bodies and purifying their souls from evil by bathing in the natural spring flowing through the temple.
Pura Tanah Lot
If you have time to visit just one temple in Bali, add Tanah Lot to the top of your list. Only 45 minutes north of Kuta, Bali’s most sacred sea temple is one of the most easily accessible. Tanah Lot temple is perched atop an impressive natural rock formation that overlooks the sea, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset in Bali. Although Tanah Lot is best visited at low tide (when you can walk up to the temple), it is just as beautiful during high tide, when it appears to float atop the water.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Another of Bali’s most easy-to-reach temples is Luhur Uluwatu, or as it’s more commonly known, Uluwatu Temple. Located in the coastal town of Uluwatu, this enthralling temple sits on top of a staggering cliff, which makes it an incredible spot to watch as pro surfers ride the crashing waves below. Be sure to stay for sunset, after which you can take part in nightly worship activities, including fire dance performances.
Pura Luhur Lempuyang
Located in East Bali, Luhur Lempuyang is one of Bali’s most photographed attractions – this is where you’ll find the iconic Gates of Heaven, which famously frame Mount Agung, Bali’s most sacred mountain. Lempuyang Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bali, believed to predate most Hindu temples on the island. If your heart is set on snapping that perfect Instagram shot, be sure to set an early alarm, as the Gates of Heaven can attract some very large crowds.
Goa Gajah
Also known as the Elephant Cave, Goa Gajah is a significant Hindu archaeological site, located just 15 minutes outside of Ubud. Dating back as far as the 9th century, this cave is known for its stone carvings of Hindu gods and serves as a sacred site for prayer and meditation. Just keep in mind that, despite its name, you won’t find any elephants roaming the shrine – the temple is named after the nearby Elephant River. If you are staying in Ubud, Goa Gajah is well worth checking out.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Located just one hour north of Ubud in Bali’s central highlands, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of the most picturesque temples on the island. Dedicated to the Hindu God of Water, this temple boasts a dream-like location in the middle of Lake Beratan. If you’re here when the early morning mountain fog creeps through, the temple almost looks like it’s floating! After exploring the temple complex, we recommend hopping into a boat for a leisurely ride around the lake.
Pura Taman Saraswati
If you’re staying in Ubud, a visit to Taman Saraswati is a must – this gorgeous temple is in the very centre of the town! Built by the Balinese Royal Family in the 19th century, Saraswati Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge. This vibrant orange temple is etched with thousands of ornate carvings, all surrounded by lotus ponds and water gardens. We recommend visiting in the evening to catch the nightly traditional dance performance.
Pura Besakih
For those with a serious interest in Bali’s Hindu culture, consider adding Pura Besakih to your temple bucket list. Often referred to as Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’ Besakih Temple is a grand complex of over 80 temples and shrines on the inclines of the sacred Mount Agung. Thanks to its unique vantage point, Besakih Temple offers a surreal view of the mountains, rivers, and rice paddies of East Bali, you’ll be able to capture some magnificent frame-worthy photography here.
Top Tips for Visiting Bali’s Temples
Planning on checking out a Hindu temple during your next Bali holiday? Here are some of our top tips to make your visit seamless.
Carry cash
Most Balinese temples have an entrance fee of around one to three Australian dollars, usually payable in cash only. As such, be sure to have some Indonesian Rupiah at hand if you’re planning on checking out a temple.
Buy or borrow a sarong
Visitors to any Hindu temple must wear a sarong that covers their legs. Most temples include a borrowed sarong in the ticket price, however, if you’d prefer to have one of your own, why not purchase one from a local vendor? They make for a great souvenir!
Hire a private driver
If you’re looking to explore multiple temples in a day (or pair your visit with other popular Bali attractions), we’d suggest booking a private driver to take you around for the day. Plus, if you’re travelling as a group, this often works out to be more cost-effective than booking a tour.
Check the accessibility of each temple
Keep in mind that many of Bali’s temples require a decent amount of walking or have lots of stairs to climb. For those who have mobility limitations, we recommend researching the accessibility of each temple you wish to visit beforehand.
Be respectful of local worshippers
While we head to Bali’s temples to admire the breathtaking architecture and learn more about local life, remember that they are also genuine places of prayer. To avoid disturbing local worshippers, try to avoid making too much noise and be mindful of signs designating areas for praying only.
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