Discover the Top 15 Must-Visit Temples in Bali

The official name for Bali is ‘Bali: The Island of the Gods,’ and true to its name, it is steeped in god, culture, and dept,h which is personified by its temples. These, called locally “pura,” are a part of Balinese Hinduism and include such features as fine architecture, history, and location. From the sea cliff shrines to the mountaintop temples, each of them is a lesson in devotion and artwork of the island.

This article offers insights into 15 popular temples to visit in Bali, with information on their locations, opening times, event schedules, and more. 

1. Tanah Lot Temple

• Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Events: The odalan ceremony is held every 210 days, and there are vibrant festivities during Kuningan
• How to Reach: Approximately 20 km northwest of Kuta; accessible via car or scooter.
• Official Website: Tanah Lot Temple

Features:

• A rocky stone formation at sea plays host to visitors who discover breathtaking views across the ocean.
• Visitors must wait for low tide to reach the temple, which gives it an otherworldly charm.
• The position on a cliff facing the ocean creates stunning sunset views, which attract photographers from all over.
• Fishermen guard this temple from evil spirits through their presence as venomous sea snakes.

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2. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

• Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Events: Daily Kecak dance performances during sunset.
• How to Reach: About 25 km south of Kuta; reachable by car or scooter
• Instagram page: Uluwatu Temple

Features:

• The temple sits perched at 70 meters above sea level while overlooking the Indian Ocean.
• Offers panoramic sea vistas, especially during sunset
• Due to the high number of resident monkeys, visitors must exercise care when storing their possessions.
• Hosts traditional Kecak dance performances daily at sunset

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3. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

• Address: Lake Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Events: Piodalan ceremony every 210 days; various water-related rituals.
• How to Reach: Approximately 50 km north of Ubud; accessible via car
• Instagram page: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Features:

• This temple rises above Lake Beratan’s surface, most noticeably during early morning mists.
• It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, who is the Balinese water goddess of lakes and rivers.
• It lies among breathtaking landscapes of gardens and mountains, which generate a peaceful environment.
• Hosts significant ceremonies that maintain Bali’s agricultural productivity.

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4. Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)

• Address: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia
• Timings: Opens around 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Events: Frequent ceremonies; major festivals during the Balinese Hindu calendar
• How to Reach: To access this location from Ubud, travelers must drive approximately 60 km northeast, as cars are the best transportation option.

Features:

• Bali houses its holiest and largest temple complex among eighty temples within its grounds.
• Situated on the volcanic slopes of Mount Agung, this destination offers visitors spectacular scenery.
• This is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bali. It holds a central position within Balinese Hindu beliefs, and people routinely call it the “Mother Temple.”
• People can observe numerous historical aspects and cultural importance along with intricate stone artwork throughout these sites.

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5. Tirta Empul Temple

• Address: Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Events: The temple performs purification ceremonies while reaching its peak during moonlight events.
• How to Reach: Approximately 20 km north of Ubud; accessible by car or scooter
• Official site: Tirta Empul Temple

Features:

• Visitors come to this site because it contains holy spring water that people believe can heal them.
• The site provides pools where visitors may perform purification rituals.
• Traditional details from Balinese architecture decorate its structures through elaborate decorative elements.

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6. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

• Address: Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Events: Various religious ceremonies are significant during a full moon.
• How to Reach: About 6 km southeast of Ubud; easily reachable by car or scooter.

Features:

• The menacing carvings in the rock wall lead visitors into this ancient cave.
• The site features Hindu religious artifacts in addition to statues of Hindu deities.
• The Religious place in Bali embraces a lifestyle of gardens and a peaceful environment.
• The site manifests both Hindu and Buddhist spiritual elements.

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7. Lempuyang Temple (Pura Luhur Lempuyang)

• Address: Purwayu, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Events: Regular temple ceremonies; major events during Galungan and Kuningan
• How to Reach: Approximately 90 km east of Ubud; accessible by car
• Official site: Lempuyang Temple (Pura Luhur Lempuyang)

Features:

• Visitors praise this temple due to its “Gates of Heaven,” which provide amazing vistas of Mount Agung.
• The temple visitors have to climb more than 1,700 steps.

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8. Taman Ayun Temple

• Address: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali 80351, Indonesia
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:15 PM
• Events: The odalan ceremony is held every 210 days, and there are various temple festivals.
• How to Reach: Approximately 18 km northwest of Denpasar; reachable by car or scooter.

Features:

• The temple sits among a wide surrounding moat, which creates the illusion of floating on water.
• A multi-level temple complex with separate shrines honoring several divinities exists on the site.
• Lush gardens and traditional Balinese architecture
• The site has received recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its cultural importance.

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9. Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace)

• Address: Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Events: Regular traditional dance performances are held in the evenings, which are significant during Saraswati Day.
• How to Reach: This attraction is in the central area of Ubud, where people can walk or take local transportation.
• Official site: Saraswati Temple (Ubud Water Palace)

Features:

• The Hindu temple honors Saraswati as the goddess who represents knowledge alongside arts.
• Moving toward the temple, visitors experience the magical sight of a beautiful lotus pond.
• Traditional Balinese architecture adorns the temple, and elaborate stone carvings are major design components.
• The cultural appeal of this site is enhanced through night-time dance events.

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10. Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple)

• Address: Pesinggahan Village, Dawan, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Events: Frequent ceremonies; major events during Nyepi.
• How to Reach: Approximately 50 km east of Denpasar; accessible by car

Features:

• Thousands of bats live inside the cave that surrounds this temple.
• Located in Bali’s traditional temple network, this site serves as a protective barrier against evil entities guarding the island.
• Combines coastal views with a sacred cave setting
• Integral to local religious ceremonies and rituals.

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11. Gunung Kawi Temple

• Address: Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Events: Regular temple ceremonies are significant during Purnama (full moon) and Tilem (new moon)
• How to Reach: Approximately 15 km northeast of Ubud; accessible by car or scooter

Features:

• The site contains ten caves (candi) that were carved into natural cliff walls.
• Rice terraces surround this temple complex, which lies near the Pakerisan River.
• This site contains the ancient burial chambers which belonged to Bali’s royal elite.
• Visitors can experience breathtaking views while following a stairway descent to reach this site.

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12. Pura Luhur Batukaru

• Address: Wangaya Gede, Penebel, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Events: Piodalan anniversary ceremony every 210 days; various temple festivals.
• How to Reach: Approximately 42 km northwest of Ubud; accessible by car.

Features:

• The sacred site stands at the base of Mount Batukaru, which has become Bali’s second-highest volcano.
• Its location within rainforest density creates an enchanting, peaceful setting.
• The sacred site includes seven levels of Mahadewa, which serves as an offering to the mountain deity.
• Less touristy, providing an authentic spiritual experience.

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13. Pura Goa Lawah

• Address: Pesinggahan Village, Dawan, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Events: Regular temple ceremonies are significant during the full moon and new moon.
• How to Reach: Approximately 50 km east of Denpasar; accessible by car.

Features:

• Sacred status is given to this cave, which shelters numerous bats from thousands of individuals.
• Part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, the six sanctuaries of the world in Balinese Hinduism.
• Combines coastal views with a sacred cave setting.
• Integral to local religious ceremonies and rituals.

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14. Pura Puseh Batuan

• Address: Batuan Village, Sukawati District, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Events: The odalann ceremonies are held every 210 days, and there are various temple festivals.
• How to Reach: Approximately 10 km south of Ubud; accessible by car or scooter.

Features:

• The temple has been one of Bali’s oldest religious sites since its establishment in 1022 AD.
• Visitors admire this sanctuary because of its complex stone artwork and traditional Balinese building styles.
• As a component of the Tri Kahyangan complex, this temple honors God Vishnu.
• Serves as a cultural hub in Batuan, a village famed for its artists and painters.

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15. Pura Dalem Penataran Ped

• Address: Ped Village, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Events: Major temple ceremonies during the full moon and new moon; significant festivals attracting pilgrims from across Bali.
• How to Reach: This temple is on Nusa Penida island, where visitors first need to take a boat from Bali to Nusa Penida and then continue by car until they reach Ped Village.

Features:

• Pilgrims from all walks of life visit this temple, which is considered Nusa Penida’s most sacred spiritual site.
• The temple complex in Bali consists of three main places of worship: Pura Segara, Pura Taman, and Pura Penataran Ratu Gede Mecaling.
• These spiritual energies are believed to dwell within this site, and they originated in the worship of the island’s protectors.
• The temple stands out because its limestone walls receive a smooth white coating.

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FAQs

When is the best time to visit temples in Bali?

A visit to temples in Bali becomes most peaceful during the early hours of the day or late afternoon because these times exclude both crowds and intense heat. 

What makes the Hindu temple unique?

Bali’s religious buildings, known as “pura,” display unique meru roof designs combined with Hindu and Hindu cultural elements through their intricate plaster ornamentation.

Does the temple allow photography?

People can take photos in most Balinese temples, but they should practice respect, avoid sacred rituals, and disable their flash.

Do Hindu temples have a dress code?

To demonstrate respect at the temple, visitors need to wear a sarong and sash that cover their shoulders and knees. Although temples offer these items, some visitors prefer to bring their own protective clothing. 

What are some of the famous temples in Bali?

The major temples in Bali encompass Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, together with Besakih (Mother Temple) and Tirta Empul, where visitors can find distinct cultural information.

What are some free things to do near the temples in Bali?

Local markets and walks among rice terraces, alongside time spent on nearby beaches, enable visitors to experience Bali’s culture at no expense.

How many days are enough to explore the famous temples in Bali?

Visiting famous temples in Bali requires a period of 3 to 4 days to view their main spiritual sites while avoiding hurried exploration.

What are some popular temples in Bali that are near transportation hubs? 

Pura Jagatnatha in Denpasar, together with Pura Maospahit, sits right by transportation hubs, which provides easy accessibility.