If you want to ditch the beaches of Bali for a while then we suggest you visit the iconic Bali temples instead. Sounds cliché? But, it’s not. Everyone knows that Bali is a romantic and fun place but what you don’t know is that the temples of Bali hold great significance.
Forget about the routine beach check and opt for temple hopping. Trust the words; this could be the best activity that you can ever experience on this beautiful island. There are more than 10,000 temples to visit but we have curated some of the major ones that you should not miss out on your Bali trip.
Always remember! You do not have to be truly religious by heart to visit them.
Iconic Temples In Bali
Here are some of the well-known temples of Bali, Indonesia that you would love to visit in order to seek blessings and witness the beautiful views around.
1. Uluwatu Temple
Seated about 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is surely a delight for the nature lovers. The cliff-top location offers a panoramic view to the beholder, which is simply breathtaking. Being one of the best and popular Balinese temples, you should definitely add this on your Bali’s must-visit temples list.
What’s Exciting In here?
You would witness and experience gorgeous views of the ocean, archaeological remains, and a peaceful ambience.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 30,000 for adults, and IDR 20,000 for children
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Must See: Kecak dance performance that is performed at the adjacent cliff-top stage every day from 6:00 Pm to 7:00 PM.
2. Tanah Lot Temple
Beautifully nestled on a rock at a distance from the shore above the sea, Tanah Lot is a must-visit Bali temple that is bestowed with a picturesque scenic beauty that deserves utmost admiration of the beholder. Being one of the most directional temples of Bali, Tanah Lot has a huge number of visitors every year. Enjoy a great sunset view from this place.
What’s Exciting In here?
One should definitely see the Heirloom pilgrimage parade that takes place five days prior to the anniversary of the temple.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 30,000 for adults, and IDR 15,000 for children
Location: Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Beraban Village, Kediri, Tabanan, Bali
Must See: You must witness the gorgeous sunset, panoramic views, and other cultural offerings of this place.
3. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Located on the shores of Lake Bratan, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is definitely a must-visit one. Known as the floating temple, this one is famous for its picturesque landmark and also it is known as a recreational spot. This temple is dedicated to the worship of the goddess of lakes and rivers, Dewi Batari Ulun Danu. The cool atmosphere of this place will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 7,500 for domestic tourists, and IDR 10,000 for foreigners
Location: Jl. Bedugul – Singaraja, Candikuning, Baturiti, Candikuning, Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali
Must See: The anniversary ceremony of the temple or Piodalan, and the serene views around.
4. Taman Ayun Temple
One of the most beautiful temples in Bali is the Taman Ayun Temple. The very name “Taman Ayun” means “Beautiful Garden” and this temple is wrapped with greenery and serenity, which is worth witnessing. Moreover, the marvelous architecture of this place along with a hint of expansive landscapes makes it a perfect place to adore by every visitor.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 15,000 per person
Location: Jalan Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Must See: The traditional Balinese architectural features that are best reflected via thatched multi-roofed shrines.
5. Besakih Temple
If you are visiting Bali temples then you just cannot miss out on Pura Besakih. This one is the biggest and holiest of all the Hindu temples in Bali. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the entrance of this temple feels like a ladder to paradise. This famous temple of Bali is a major draw for tourists and devout across the globe.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 35,000 per person (approx)
Location: Desa Besakih, Rendang, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali
Must See: The breathtaking view of the mountains and the streams around this temple is a must-watch.
6. Gunung Kawi
This temple is one of the oldest and best ones in Bali that is widely visited by travelers. It is located near the Tirta Empul Temple and bestowed with scenic views all around. You would love to experience the thrill of reaching the temple as it takes you to descend some 370 stone steps.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 15,000 for adults, and IDR 7,500 for children
Location: Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Must See: The tall carved shrines and the local women preparing & then walking with the offerings on their heads.
7. Tirta Empul
Widely known for its holy water, Tirta Empul is believed to be visited for purification rituals. This temple is one of the largest water temples in Bali located amid the lush green gardens and tropical plants. You would definitely love the beautiful scenery where this temple is located.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 15,000 per person
Location: Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Must Witness: The ritual baths in the holy water of the temple.
8. Goa Gajah
Also known as the “Elephant Cave”, Goa Gajah strangely has no elephants around rather it took its name from the nearby Elephant River. Make sure to put this temple in your Bali’s must-visit temples list. This temple is one of the popular attractions in Ubud as it is centuries old and built on a hillside. Moreover, the noticeable thing of this temple is the entrance to the cave as its surrounding rock is intricately carved into a face, mouth agape. Inside the temple, there is a statue of the Hindu god, Ganesha and a worship area that is devoted to the Hindu god, Shiva.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 20,000 per person
Location: Bedulu Village, Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Blahbatuh, Gianyar
Must See: You would witness the rock-wall carvings, central meditation cave, relic-filled courtyard, and the bathing pools around.
9. Goa Lawah Temple
Your Bali Temple tour is incomplete without visiting Goa Lawah. Located on the southeast coast of Bali, this temple is beautifully built around a cave having a lot of bats. It features amazing motifs of the dragons along with shrines in the center and large banyan trees at the entrance. All of these make this temple a perfect piece of art that lends a mesmerizing effect on the beholders.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 15,000 per person
Location: Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Klunkung, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali
Must See: Do not skip visiting the beautiful coast of Nusa Penida on the horizon.
10. Pura Luhur Lempuyang
The temple of Pura Luhur Lempuyang is known to be Bali’s one of the most important religious places. It is one of the six sad kahyangan that is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. Also, it is believed that this temple protects the native Balinese from the evil spirits as it is one of the island’s nine directional temples. You would enjoy a thrilling experience of reaching the top if you could climb the 1,700 steps.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: IDR 10,000 – 30,000 per person
Location: East Bali, accessible via Candidasa
Must See: Witness the awesome views of Gunung Agung. Try to visit on Thursday after Galungan, to see Lempuyang during its odalan.
So, take a look at the best temples in Bali and keep the above things in mind to gain a lifetime of experience.
