Best Bali Temples
Table of Contents
Bali, Indonesia, is known for stunning places, such as breathtaking views from its beaches, waterfalls and rustic villages, and different tourist attractions. Aside from these, it is also a good place for people who love exploring different temples. There are a lot of beautiful Hindu temples that you must visit.
Most local and foreign tourists know that going to Bali means sightseeing the famous Balinese temples. Visiting them will show you how precious local life and culture is, as they are quite important for them.
Most tourists say that their vacation to Bali is not complete without visiting at least one of these shrines.
Each of them has its own unique and striking designs. They showcase how preserved are the culture and the beautiful architecture in this island.
Things to Remember Before Visiting Hindu Temples in Bali
- It would be best to prepare cash with you for the entrance and parking fees. The fees are not expensive, but you still have to prepare cash. These payments are used for the maintenance and renovation of the temples.
- Women are not allowed to go into temples during their menstruation period.
- The mandatory, proper attire in temples is a sarong and sash. Ensure to wear decent clothes. If you don’t have a sarong and sash, you may borrow them from the temple.
- After taking note of these reminders, you are now surely ready to explore different temples in Bali Here is the list of best temples to visit in Bali:
- Pura Besakih
- Pura Tirta Empul
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu
- Goa Gajah
- Pura Luhur Lempuyang
- Taman Saraswati Temple
- Taman Ayun
- Pura Dalem Agung
- Goa Lawah Temple
1. Pura Besakih
It is one of the largest beautiful temple complex in Bali. It is known as Bali’s Mother Temple. It was 1,000 years old and located at the inclines of Mount Agung Volcano. It can be found in Eastern Bali. This temple serves as the Northeast directional temple.
It consists of 80 temples, and the largest amongst them is Pura Penataran Agung. It’s on par with Lempuyang Temple. Different beautiful sceneries surrounded this temple. It was surrounded by mountains, streams and rivers, rice paddies, and hills.
2. Pura Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is also one of the best temples in Bali. It is a Hindu water temple built during the Balinese Warmadewa dynasty.
It attracts too many visitors because Balinese Hindus consider this temple as one of Bali’s most holy temples. The holy water in the said temple makes it more attractive. Also, every corner of the temple grounds are beautiful.
Visitors in Tirta Empul consider bathing in the natural holy spring because it’s a way of cleansing their bodies and spirits. Most of the visitors prefer to meditate on the said Hindu temple. In addition, Tirta Empul is nearby other tourist attractions like Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
3. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most famous temples in the world. It is located at Jalan Raya Tanah Lot. It was built at the top of a big rock formation surrounded by water. It might be the reason why it is called Tanah Lot because Tanah stands for earth and lot for water.
Tanah Lot Temple was worth visiting because of its beautiful scenery. Visitors can only walk to the entrance during low tide. It is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. It’s very peaceful, and it suits your meditation. Its entrance fee is not costly, and it’s around IDR 20,000.
4. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the unique temples to visit in South Kuta. It is located at the top of the cliff. Its height is approximately 70 meters above sea level.
It is trendy not just because of the scenery surrounding the temple but also because of its magnificent architecture.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu was one of the most important temples in Bali. The majestic beauty of this temple amazes lots of tourists. It attracts both local and foreign tourists, mainly because it’s located between the land and the sky. Aside from that, you can see the majestic view of the Indian Ocean.
5. Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah is a well-known temple in Bali. It was also known as Elephant Cave. Maybe it is because this temple is near the Elephant River. Many people visited it because of its mysterious cave and different carvings.
This Balinese temple shows the sacred history of Balinese culture. Also, it was surrounded by rainforests and streams. There are also fountains and ponds. This temple will surely give you a fresh and peaceful vibe.
6. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple can be found in Northern Bali. It is a temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The said temple is a temple complex located at the Beratan Lake.
The temple sits on the western side of Lake Bratan, creating a unique floating illusion that makes it more beautiful. It’s the reason why it is called a floating temple. The entrance fee for the said temple is worth 50,000 IDR or USD 3.5.
7. Taman Saraswati Temple
Pura Taman Saraswati is located in Central Ubud, a small town also known as the cultural capital of Bali. This temple is also called the Water Palace.
It was one of the most famous temples because a pond surrounded it. You may also watch Balinese Dance performances at the temple area.
Taman Saraswati Temple was named after the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswati. She is the Goddess that they worship in the said temple. Moreover, this temple is where the Ubud Royal Palace is located.
8. Taman Ayun Temple
Taman Ayun is a compound or family of beautiful temples in East Bali. It was prevalent because of its fantastic architecture that shows how temples are important to the history and spiritual life of every Balinese. Taman Ayun temple is the prominent landmark of the Mengwi village in the Badung regency.
Big ponds surrounded it. Also, the garden landscape adds majestic beauty to the temple. Taman Ayun was divided into four divisions. The tallest court has the highest rank and is the most sacred.
9. Pura Dalem Agung
Pura Dalem Agung is a Balinese word meaning the Great Temple of Death. This temple is located in a place called Ubud’s Monkey Forest. Expect to see and encounter real and sculpted monkeys around the temple area.
Similar to other temples, it is very important to every Balinese because this is where they meditate and worship their God. It’s a good idea to add this place to your list of temples.
10. Goa Lawah Temple
Goa lawah temple is one of the most famous temples to visit in East Bali. Also, it is one of the tourist attractions where its cave is full of bats. It would be best if you visit this cave temple because of its river of healing waters
Key Takeaways
Indonesia is one of the most visited country in southeast Asia because of its remarkable temples, different cultural park, and ancient Hindu shrine. Most Balinese temples are found in Central Bali.
Visiting Bali temples is a must when travelling to Indonesia. One of the activities that they recommend is temple hopping. You will surely enjoy visiting temples because it will give you a relaxing vacation.