Bali is a small island in Indonesia and a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. It is also known as “The Land of Gods” and whenever there are gods, there are temples and Bali has a lot of them. Apart from rice paddies, beaches, and luxurious hotels and resorts, temples in Bali are a huge attraction, and temple hopping is one of the best things to do in Bali. They are an important part of life for people in Bali and they are called Pura which means “Balinese Temple“. Balinese temples are unique, beautiful, and tell about the history and culture of Bali. No visit to Bali is complete without seeing at least a few of them.
There are over 20,000 temples in Bali and it’s impossible to see them all. It’s even hard to decide which ones to see when your time is limited here. No matter whether you are visiting Bali for the first time or if you have been here countless times, if you haven’t seen these beautiful temples then it’s time to include them in your Bali Itinerary to understand Bali, it’s people, and its culture better.
Well, temple hopping can be really fun but if done overly then the fatigue is real too so in order to appreciate the beauty of these temples in Bali make sure to have a change of scenery by visiting the mountain region Munduk in Bali and exploring a few waterfalls.
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Bali Temple Dress Code and Etiquette
Temples are holy places and it is very important to know the dress code and have some basic etiquette before visiting any of the temples in Bali. Balinese Hindu Temples have mostly the same rule as Hindu Temples elsewhere in the world but it is still better to know and learn everything in advance so that no one’s religious sentiments are hurt.
1. Take a scarf and sarong with you when you visit the temple. Both men and women have to wear a sarong even if you are wearing long skirts or trousers as most of the temples have a rule of wearing a sarong. If you don’t have one then you can rent from the temple. Some temples have the facility of renting a sarong for minimal charges or else you will have to buy one from the shops that are around the temple.
2. Take off your shoes before entering the temple. You will have to leave your footwear outside the temple to a dedicated area that you may find or else just leave them where others have left. If you are wearing shoes, make sure to take off your socks as well.
3. Dress Modestly. You should avoid wearing thin-strap dresses or tops and instead wear something that covers your shoulders. You can use a scarf to cover your shoulders and upper body too. Do not wear shorts or above-knee dresses.
4. Don’t point your feet towards the shrine or holy objects. It is considered disrespectful to point your feet towards worship statues, shrines, and holy objects as feet are considered dirty. So make sure to remember this point.
5. Don’t enter the temple when menstruating. A lot of temples have a signboard outside that says women who are menstruating shouldn’t enter. Though not sure how can this be checked so it’s on you to decide whether you want to enter or not.
6. Abide by the rules and pay due respect. Do not try to get past people if there is a huge crowd or a festival going on. Respect the rules of the temple and let the people worship in peace.
Tips for Visiting the Temples in Bali
1. Plan to visit the temples early in the morning as it is the best time to see the beauty of the temple with peace. Also since some of the temples are surrounded by sea, it is an amazing sight to behold if you visit at sunrise.
2. If you are visiting Bali during religious festivals and ceremonies then check which ceremonies are happening at the temple and note their timings. You might be in luck with some performances too.
3. Keep cash handy as the temples in Bali that have entrance fee mostly accepts cash or a small donation that goes towards the maintenance of the temple. If you are driving then the parking fee has to be paid in cash too.
4. Some of the temples in Bali are set in the hilly region and a few others have a lot of stairs so be prepared for a walk.
The Best Temples in Bali to See
Now that the basic information is covered, let’s dive into the list of the best temples in Bali that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
1. Pura Besakih: The Holiest Temple
Located in Besakih village in East Bali and on the southern slopes of Mount Agung, Pura Besakih is a temple complex that is made up of 83 temples and is also referred to as “The Mother Temple in Bali”. It is the most sacred, important, largest, and holiest of all Hindu temples in Bali. Pura Besakih has 3 main temples dedicated to the Hindu Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Pura Penataran Agung lies in the center and has white banners for Shiva, the destroyer; Pura Kiduling Kreteg to the right has red banners for Brahma, the creator; and Pura Batu Madeg to the left has black banners for Vishnu, the preserver. The rest of the temples are small and a few of them are only reserved for pilgrims so entry inside the main courtyard may not be allowed.
The high position of the temple offers stunning views of rice terraces, hills, and mountains. There are several stairs that lead to different temples. Being the most sacred temple in Bali for all the devotees, Pura Besakih holds numerous festivals and events every year whose numbers can rise up to 70 or more. It gets very crowded during the day so make sure to arrive here as soon as it opens.
Besakih Temple Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for Besakih temple is IDR 60,000 per person and 5,000 IDR for the parking fee.
Location: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia
Besakih Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
2. Pura Luhur Lempuyang: Stairway to Heaven
Lempuyang Temple or Pura Lempuyang Luhur is one of the oldest and most highly regarded temples in Bali. It is located in Karangasem which is the eastern part of Bali on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang sitting at 1,775 m above sea level. Also, known as Stairway to Heaven, this temple is remarkable and an active worship place but also serves as a major tourist attraction for people who like to take pictures.
You must have seen countless pictures of a Bali gate with the mountain in the background and water around with great reflection. Well, Lempuyang temple is the place for taking that picture. There is no water in the compound though, it’s a man holding a mirror that gives the reflection and he charges for it. You can take your shot as well.
For people planning to go to the top of the main temple, you have to climb 1700 steps. Along the stairway, to the peak, Seven temples are built in total and it will take about an hour and a half to reach the top. The best time of day to conquer this challenge is early morning; not only because it’s the coolest and quietest part of the day, but also because the morning views from the summit are truly spectacular.
3. Pura Tirta Empul: Holy Water Temple
Located in the village of Manukaya in central Bali around 30 min from North of Ubud, Tirta Empul is a major water temple complex famous for its holy water spring. The complex is believed to be more than a thousand years old, making it one of the most historically significant Hindu temples in Bali. Tirta Empul literally translates to holy water spring and is actually the name of the water source inside the temple which fills the purification baths and fish ponds.
Tirta Empul temple is divided into 3 sections: The front, secondary and inner courtyard and it would take around 1 hr to explore the entire site. The most famous and crowded part of the temple is the Jaba Tengah section that contains 2 purification pools where the water in the pool is believed to have powers. If you are following the purification ritual then please bring an extra set of clothes and a towel of your own as it won’t be provided here.
Bathers have to start in the pool on the left and dip themselves under the first water spout. Once they have cleansed themselves under the first spout they join the next queue continuing this process until they have been cleansed under each of the 30 waterspouts that fill the two purification pools. Make sure to make an offering before you take a dip. If you are unsure of the ritual and how to do it, it’s better to take a guided tour of this temple.
Tirta Empul Temple Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for Tirta Empul temple is IDR 50,000 for adults and IDR 25,000 for children.
Location: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Tirta Empul Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
4. Pura Tanah Lot: Temple by the Sea
Tanah Lot is a Balinese word that means land on the sea and comes from the word Tanah means land and Lot intend for the sea. Tanah Lot Temple Bali is very popular as a tourist spot and one of the best Bali attractions this island can offer. Built on a large rock this temple can be only accessed when the tides are low so for those who love a stunning dramatic landscape, this is one of the best Bali temples to see.
Because of its popularity, it’s included in most of the sunset tours, meaning the best time to visit the Tanah Lot temple is in the afternoon just before sunset. Early morning visits are also very popular among photographers but since the temple is a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods, visitors are not allowed to enter the main temple where offerings are made.
Tanah Lot Temple Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for the Tanah Lot temple is IDR 60,000 for adults and IDR 30,000 for children.
Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Tanah Lot Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
5. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan: The Floating Temple
Set on the shores of Lake Bratan, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a temple complex located in the mountains near Bedugul. Often termed as the floating temple of Bali, Ulun Danu Bratan temple is one of the most beautiful temples because of its setting and is one of the best things to see in Munduk.
The temple is used for offerings and ceremonies dedicated to lake goddess Dewi Danu. The temple is extremely popular as it’s the only temple in that area so the best time to visit here is sunrise or just after sunrise. Though the temple officially opens at 7 am but you can still access it before this time but make sure to pay for the ticket when you leave.
The temple ground is big and can be easily explored on foot. As the temple is surrounded by water so there are options to rent a boat to spend some time on the lake and also to click some pictures for the next Instagram post.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for Ulun Danu Beratan temple is IDR 50,000 per person.
Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
6. Uluwatu Temple: The Cliff temple
Located in Uluwatu and perched on a limestone cliff-top 200 feet above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu temple is one of the six key temples in Bali and a major Balinese Hindu temple. It is locally known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu meaning “Temple of Divine Origin at The End of the Rock” and is famous for watching Kecak dance and fire performance along with beautiful sunsets.
After entering through the main entrance, walk through the forest that leads you to the pathway revealing the cliff and the stunning view of oceans. You will also stumble at the amphitheater where the Kecak performance takes place at 6 pm every evening. The ticket for it costs around IDR 100,000 available from 4:30 pm – 5 pm. Beware of the monkeys in the forest and the walkways.
As you reach the main temple, enter the inner courtyard, explore the temple and stay till sunset. As a visitor, If you aren’t wearing appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and knees then you will be given a sarong at the main entrance.
Uluwatu Temple Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for the Uluwatu temple is IDR 30,000 for adults and IDR 15,000 for children.
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
7. Pura Taman Saraswati
Pura Taman Saraswati or as I like to call it, the Lotus Temple is a typical Balinese-style temple dedicated to goddess Saraswati and located right off the main road of Jalan Raya Ubud. It serves as a great stop if you are having a leisurely walk around Ubud. The outer area of the temple features a water garden and a beautiful pond filled with lotuses.
As you walk past the lotus pond, there is a huge gate with a gold carving door and many statues lined up. It is believed that they keep the evil spirits away from the temple. Upon entering the main temple area (you will have to cover your shoulders and knees) you will see a shrine called Padmasana and at the base of the shrine, there is a turtle-shaped sculpture encircled with two dragons.
The temple also has an open stage, where regular traditional dance performances (Kecak Dance) are held in the evenings from 7:30 pm. There’s also a restaurant here called Lotus Cafe that looks over the pond.
Taman Saraswati Temple Entrance Fee: The temple is free to enter but temple etiquettes have to be followed.
Address: Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Taman Saraswati Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 7 am to 5 pm
8. Pura Taman Ayun
Taman Ayun Temple is a compound of Bali temples and among one of the six royal temples in Bali that is important both spiritually and historically. Literally translating to ‘beautiful garden’, it is one of the most attractive Bali temples situated near the village of Mengwi in the south of Bali at about 8 km southwest of Ubud and 18 km northwest of Denpasar.
Constructed in 1634 by the King of Mengwi, this royal temple boasts courtyards, impressive expansive gardens, fish ponds, and lotus. The temple comprises 4 different divisions, each ranking higher than the other. The first gate takes you to the first division called ‘Jaba’ or the outer division that features the pond, tall fountains, and a large ‘Wantilan’ hall for gatherings. A small temple compound called Pura Luhuring Purnama is also found in the first division.
The second gate takes you to the 2nd and 3rd divisions that are higher than the first one featuring ornamental depictions of the nine Hindu gods who guard the compass points. There is also a small temple known as Pura Dalem Bekak and an 8m high bell tower. If you climb up the tower you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire temple complex.
The fourth and final division of Taman Ayun Royal Family Temple ranks the highest as it is the most sacred. Known as Utama Mandala, the central gate is ornately decorated and home to sacred paraphernalia and heirlooms. This section is only opened during important ceremonies.
Taman Ayun Temple Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for Taman Ayun is 10,000 IDR for domestic tourists and 20,000 IDR for foreigners. Temple etiquettes have to be followed.
Address: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Taman Ayun Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6:15 pm
9. Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave Temple is one of the quirkiest Bali attractions near Ubud. Its mysterious entrance that leads to a small cave looks like a demon with an open mouth and it has several claims from Balinese mythology. The exact origin of the cave is uncertain but it is said that it dates back to the 11th century.
As you enter into the demon’s mouth, the narrow dark path leads you to a small Ganesha statue and three stone idols wrapped individually in yellow, red, and black cloth. Though there is nothing much to see and do inside the cave, the outside of the main grounds can be explored. There are ponds where water drains through women’s rock sculptures and other smaller religious buildings.
Goa Gajah Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to the temple of Goa Gajah is IDR 15,000.
Address: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Goa Gajah Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
10. Pura Gunung kawi
Gunung Kawi Temple (The Temple of the Kings) is one of Bali’s remote and unique temple complexes located northeast of Ubud in the town of Tampaksiring. It contains a collection of ancient shrines carved into the rock that serve as spiritual representations of the tombs of the royal family. The shrines are 8m long and overlook Pakerisan River valley.
It’s not strictly a holy temple, instead, the entire complex is believed to be the burial place of the Udayana dynasty’s King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. The temple is surrounded by beautiful rice fields and green valleys that are worth visiting. the vegetation and rice fields will be an intense green color, creating one of the most beautiful postcard-worthy pictures you will find on the island.
Gunung Kawi Temple Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for international tourists is IDR 50,000 and for domestic tourists, it’s IDR 30,000.
Address: Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Gunung Kawi Temple Opening Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
11. Goa Lawah: Bat Cave Temple
Another of the nine directional temples in Bali constructed to protect the island from evil spirits, Goa Lawah literally means Bat Cave. The temple complex is built around a cave opening where thousands of Bats reside. There are large Banyan trees at the entrance of the main temple and thousands of years old shrines that have withstood the test of time. Goa Lawah was once a place for deep meditations but now it turns into a beautiful sight during temple anniversaries and important festivities.
The best time to visit here is early mornings when most of the locals living in the nearby villages come for their daily prayers. The temple is open 24hrs a day and is worth visiting despite the Bats putting you off as it’s the most unique experience you will get while visiting the temples in Bali.
Goa Lawah Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is IDR 10,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 20,000 for foreigners.
Address: Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761, Indonesia
Interested in knowing more about Bali? Don’t miss these posts.
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Where to Stay in North Bali – Munduk Moding Plantation Resort
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Nice post. I remember wearing shorts while entering a temple in Bali. I had to then buy a Saron from a nearby store as the temple staff did not have any. It is so so important to respect a country’s culture and traditions.
Absolutely! This is the way we learn about different cultures by respecting them first.
Amazing! I can’t wait to visit Bali again and visit these temples. I already visited 6 of them but really want to visit the others too. Such a magical island!
It sure is an amazing place and 6 is good. I hope you visit them all.
I’ve been to a lot of these, but not all…I think this means I need to return to Bali once it’s possible again 😉
Absolutely stunning! Bali has been on my short list for ages but now I’m more determined than ever to visit. These temples are amazing.
Wow, the Stairway to Heaven is absolutely breathtaking! I also appreciated how you included a section on dress code & etiquette, that’s super helpful for people who might be unfamiliar with the culture. Thanks for sharing this awesome post! 🙂
Oh wow, I had no idea there were SO many temples in Bali! Bali has been on my bucket list for so long. When I go I will certainly refer to this post!
Bali is one place I just love. That’s a great list ,refreshed my memories. I couldn’t visit few places ..probably next time
This is such a helpful guide!! One of my favorite places in the world — so many amazing temples to visit.