One of the most iconic things about Bali is the traditional Balinese culture. Balinese Hindu culture has been well preserved across the island. Local customs, and daily rituals are practiced by all ages in homes, on the streets, and inside temple complexes. This includes ceremonies, processions, small and large-scale festivals happening throughout the year. A closer breakdown of the best time to visit Bali will help you decide when to plan your adventure. Once you’ve figured out your next block off work, it’s time to sign up for the Bali Island Hopping tour, and save this article to help you navigate through all the beautiful temples in Bali.
What are Balinese temples called?
Temples in Bali are called ‘pura’. This is a Balinese word. Puras are places of worship for Balinese Hinduism. They are sacred sites which hold the roots of history, art and traditions.
I’ve devised the ultimate cheat sheet for the 10 best places to visit in Indonesia and here I have summarised the best Bali temples to explore:
1. Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)
Besakih Temple is often referred to as the Mother Temple and is one of the best temples in Bali. It is a temple complex older than 1,000 years old which consists of more than 80 temples. Pura Besakih is located in East Bali on the slopes of Mt Agung. The complex is open to everyone, including toursists. However, only Hindus are allowed to enter inside. There are more than 70 recorded celebrations held at Besakih each year.
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2. Pura Lempuyang Luhur (Gates of Heaven)
Pura Lempuyang is one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred Hindu temples. It’s located in East Bali, and known to tourists as Lempuyang Temple – Gates of Heaven. This temple is located 1,175 metres above sea level. Lempuyang is a physically challenging but spiritually rewarding experience. To reach the top you need to climb 1,700 steps. This place is a travel highlight for your itinerary if looking for a spiritual experience.
3. Pura Tanah Lot (Land in the Sea)
Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most famous temples in Bali, and Indonesia. Located on a unique offshore setting on a rock in the ocean, this temple is a significant site for locals as well as a being a popular tourist destination. This temple is located in West Bali and is dedicated to the sea god Bhatara Segara.
This temple is part of the chain of 7 temples which protect the island from the ocean. It’s a site of pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus. The temple symbolises the harmony between humans, nature and the spiritual world. It’s approximately a 1hr drive from Seminyak. Here in the cultural park are restaurants, shops and an area where local dance performances are shown.
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4. Pura Luhur Batukaru
Pura Luhur Batukaru is a Hindu temple originally built in the 11th century. It is dedicated to the ancestors of the rajas (Kings) of Tabanan. Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of Bali’s directional temples that protects the island from evil spirits. This temple is located at the foot of Mt Batukaru around 1,300ms above sea level, surrounded by cool natural forests, it’s a pleasant spot for sightseeing in Tabanan area. In the courtyard of Batukaru Temple lies a freshwater spring that serves as a holy water source used for prayers and ceremonies.
This is one of the most famous Balinese temples with features of traditional Balinese architecture. This being a very traditional and sacred site means women cannot enter the temple grounds when they have their periods, and all visitors must wear a sash around their waists and be dressed in temple-wear (conservative dress).
5. Pura Ulun Danu Batur (The Head Temple of Lake Batur)
Pura Ulun Danu Batur is known as Pura Batur and is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess of the lake – Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu (dewi Danu).The temple is located on Lake Batur which has a beautiful enchanting atmosphere. There are a total of 285 shrines in this temple complex known as merus (pagodas) are dedicated to the lake goddess and the gods of Mt Batur and Mt Agung – the largest volcano in Bali. If you’re interested in hiking to the top of Mt Batur for a once in a lifetime sunrise experience, then checkout this ultimate guide to Bali to find out more.
Dewi Danu is believed to control the water supply and irrigation system of the island. This temple is referred to as the second most important temple in Bali, after the Mother Temple, Pura Besakih. Pura Batur is a temple place of worship, celebrations and festivities. Several ceremonies are held throughout the year especially on full moon and new moon.
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6. Pura Tirta Empul (Holy Water Spring Temple)
Pura Tirta Empul is one of the most significant and spiritual temples in Bali. It is a Hindu temple that was founded in 926 AD and still in use today. Balinese Hindus believe that bathing in holy water will purify them and bring good health and fortune. This temple is a central place for the Melukat purification ritual where participants immerse themselves in holy water to cleanse their mind, body and soul. The ritual begins with bathers starting on the left side of the pool and dipping themselves under the first water spout, and continue the process until they have cleansed under each of the 30 waterspouts.
This temple is dedicated to Vishnu, one of the Hindu gods worshipped as the god of creation or the universe and all things. Pura Tirta Empul is open to everyone to experience the purification and cleansing rituals.
7. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Goa Gajah is known as the Elephant Cave, it is a famous archaeological site and Hindu sanctuary in Ubud, Bali. This iconic temple is a very popular spot for tourists. The famous cave with giant rock carvings of a face with an open mouth can be seen all over TikToks and reels. The temple is open from 8AM ‘til 6PM and local guides can be hired for an extra fee. This site was built in the 9th century for meditation and spiritual practices, it was hidden for some time covered by jungle and then rediscovered by Dutch archaeologists in 1923.
The courtyard is filled with relics, old stone carvings and statues said to depict Hindu angels. There are many different areas of Goa Gajah to explore, and again a good reason to hire a guide to walk you through and explain many aspects of the temple complex to you. Stopping by the pools of holy water, the garden and river where you can see historical statues and stupas (similar to pagodas).
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8. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Uluwatu Temple is a Balinese Hindu temple on a cliff above the Indian Ocean. It is one of the most iconic temples and an amazing spot to catch the sunset. It’s located on Bukit peninsula southwestern tip around 70m above sea level. Uluwatu Temple is a very busy spot as tourists can be captivated and amazed by the local dance performances and Kecak shows. The Kecak dance happens daily at 6PM and 7PM, tickets are required and tourists need to be in temple-wear (conservative dress) to enter the temple grounds.
I would suggest pre–purchasing tickets to avoid lining up for the show. The dance tells the story of Ramayana, a famous Hindu poem, not to be confused with Lord Rama. The performers chant rhythmically known as ‘kecak’ wearing vibrant costumes and walking through embers.
9. Pura Taman Saraswati Temple (Water Palace)
Pura Taman Saraswati is a Hindu temple located in Ubud, Bali. The spot is extremely peaceful surrounded by beautiful gardens, and lotus ponds. The traditional Balinese architecture is decorated with volcanic tuff sculptures and Hindu mythological features. There are sandstone carvings that honour the Hindu goddess Saraswati. Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning, literature, knowledge and arts. Visitors are required to pay for parking, entry is free, and all visitors must wear a sarong and sash around the waist.
Image source:Contiki
10. Bali Taman Ayun
Taman Ayun Temple is a Mother Temple during the Mengwi Kingdom. The temple was built by the Mengwi King in 1634 AD (1556 Javanese year). Initially the temple was built for ancestor worship and then the purpose and objective of establishing these temples by the king is so that he and the people of the Mengwi kingdom can seek blessings for the safety, welfare and fertility of the country.
Taman Ayun means temple in a beautiful garden. This iconic Bali temple is considered to have historical values which made the regional government of Bali suggest its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2002. Taman Ayun is located in Tabanan Village which is the same direction of Tanah Lot making it a popular destination for day trips and half day trips.
Bali is filled with exciting places to visit, with wonderful temples, stunning sunsets, breathtaking viewpoints that overlook luscious rice fields and terraces. If you’re looking for an easy way to see and do it all, the Indonesia Island Hopping trip is a 13–day escape that will show you Mt Batur, Ubud, the beaches surrounding Seminyak and hopping through the islands around Bali known for crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and vibrant coral gardens.
After your cultural experience in Bali, learning about Balinese Hinduism, seeing the temples, appreciating the cuisine through traditional cooking classes, witnessing daily rituals and practices, it’s time to relax and explore the natural wonders of Indonesia. Island hopping around Bali will give you just a taste for the underwater wonderlands you’ll find when adventuring on the Komodo and Flores Sail. This adventure is going to give you a firsthand experience of the infamous pink beach, get to explore the Komodo National Park and see the gentle giants, and take you snorkelling in pristine waters to see tropical fish, coral gardens and even more.
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What is the most famous temple in Bali?
The most famous temple in Bali is Pura Besakih as this is the “Mother Temple”.
Why does Bali have so many temples?
Bali has a large number of Hindu temples. Balinese people are deeply religious and have sites of worship all around the island. Their unique form of Hinduism means families and villages have their own temples dedicated to ancestors and deities. Temples are a central part of the culture and community life. Bali is referred to as ‘The Island of Gods’ and ‘Island of a Thousand Temples’.
Which God is in the temples of Bali?
Many gods are worshipped across the different temples in Bali. The most prominent ones are:
- Brahma: the god of creation
- Vishnu: the preserver of life
- Shiva: the destroyer
- Saraswati: Hindu goddess of art, knowledge and literature
- Baruna: the sea god
- Siva Rudra: the Balinese Hindu deity of all aspects of life in the universe
