Temples to Visit in Bali

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Bali is one of the most popular destinations for tourists around the world. You can see scenic landscapes, sample tasty food, enjoy beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife and magnificent old temples. Bali, famous for its hospitality, has something for everyone.

In Bali, you will find temples dating back to the 11th century. These famous temples, such as the Pura Goa Lawah, have been maintained with utmost care and are a complete experience in themselves. Join our Bali tour packages for an enchanting experience.

List of Some of The Best Temples in Bali

1. Taman Ayun Temple
2. Tanah Lot
3. Uluwatu Temple
4. Saraswati Temple
5. Tirta Empul Water Temple
6. Besakih Temple
7. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
8. Goa Gajah Temple

1. Taman Ayun Temple

This 17th-century temple can be found in the Mengwi village of the Badung regency. Taman Ayun temple means ‘beautiful garden’. This famous temple is known for the historical architecture that lines its boundary. Taman Ayun not only has magnificent gardens, but also fish ponds with lotuses. Taman Ayun temple is the best place to appreciate the Balinese way of life and its architecture.

2. Tanah Lot

The Tanah Lot temple is not only one of the best temples in Bali but also a landmark. Located on top of an outcrop, this Hindu temple is situated in the village of Beraban in the Tabanan regency. Tanah Lot is one of the most important cultural sights in western and central Bali. Due to constant erosion and subsequent restoration, one-third of the rock is man-made. Here, the temple priests bless devotees and tourists with freshwater. The temple complex has many small shrines, leisure facilities, restaurants and shops.

3. Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu temple, also known as the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, is among the six most important and famous temples in Bali. Ulu means top, and Watu means stone or rock in Balinese. The temple is located on top of a cliff almost 70 metres above the Indian Ocean. Like other temples in Bali, the Uluwatu temple is adorned with beautiful Balinese architecture and ancient sculptures. This temple also has daily Kecak dance performances that you can enjoy.

4. Saraswati Temple

Pura Taman Saraswati temple, located in central Ubud is perfect for you to visit on your walk through the town of Ubud. Like most Bali temples, this one showcases Balinese architecture and has ponds adorned with lotuses. The temple is named after the Hindu goddess of arts and knowledge, Saraswati. One can drop by Cafe Lotus to have dinner surrounded by lotuses in the pond. Traditional dance performances also take place every evening in the Saraswati temple.

5. Tirta Empul Water Temple

Tirta Temple is one of the most important water temples in Indonesia. It is a national heritage site and one of the most famous temples in Bali. It was built in 960 CE during the time of the Warmadewa dynasty. Pura Tirta Empul translates to ‘holy water spring’ and is the name of the spring located in the temple complex. All the water bodies inside the temple, such as the purification baths, pools and fish ponds, flow into the Tukad Pakerisan River. The temple is also attached to many local legends and myths. Even though it is open to tourists, the purification bathing ritual is only available to devotees and pilgrims. You can find many souvenirs, snacks and refreshment shops in front of the temple complex.

6. Besakih Temple

This Bali temple is also referred to as the mother temple of Bali. It is situated on the southwestern slope of Mount Agung and is a complex of different shrines and clan temples. It is one of the most important temples to visit in Bali. The complex is so big that it can take a whole day to explore the area. The largest complex is the Pura Penataran Agung which is covered by most tours. Other complexes include the Pura Pasimpangan and Pura Pengubengan. The Besakih temples were built for Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Many of the inner courtyards are reserved for pilgrims and devotees. The largest complex represents the seven layers of the universe in different areas. The holy water used for the Karya Agung ceremony at the Pura Besakih is sourced from the Pura Batu Tirtha, which is just east of Pura Pangubengan.

7. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The Ulun Danu Beratan temple is situated on the west of Beratan Lake in central Bali and is a very scenic temple complex. Its name translates to ‘the source temple of Lake Beratan’. It is just as beautiful as the Uluwatu and the Tanah Lot temples. This temple was built in the 17th century to worship the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It also houses some megalithic artefacts, including a stone tablet and a sarcophagus. Locals celebrate the temple’s anniversary every 220 days, while a grander celebration takes place every 420 days.

8. Goa Gajah Temple

The Goa Gajah temple translates to ‘Elephant Cave’ and is situated on the western border of the Bedulu village. The courtyard of the temple is filled with relics and carved rock walls. Even though the name means elephant cave, it has no actual elephants. The temple celebrates its anniversary on every Anggara Kasih Prangbakat Tuesday as per the Balinese calendar. Visit SOTC Bali tour packages for a wonderful adventure.

FAQs

Q: When is the best time to visit Bali?

A: The best time to visit Bali is during the dry months from May to September and during the monsoon from October to April.

Q: What are the requirements for entering the temples?

A: All the temples in Bali require you to wear a sarong and waist sash. You will be able to rent these at the entrance of most temples.

Q: Who is allowed in the temples?

A: Most temples are open to tourists and pilgrims, but some might be exclusive to pilgrims. Menstruating women cannot enter the temples.