5 Gorgeous Temples in Bali You Absolutely Need to Check Out

PUBLISHED September 28th, 2015 04:00 am | UPDATED June 4th, 2020 12:33 pm

You might have noticed little shrines scattered all around Bali. As opposed to the rest of Indonesia, 90% of the Balinese identify themselves as Hindu and practice Hindu Dharma, a form of Hinduism that incorporates local animism and ancestor worship. With more than 10,000 temples in Bali, you don’t have to walk far to find one of the temples, which ranges from tiny shrines to major complexes, all with different traits and history to them.

We’ve narrowed the list down to five that we think are worth checking out; places where you can soak up the serenity whilst appreciating the architectural beauty of the temples at the same time.

Pura Luhur Tanah Lot – Tanah Lot Temple

One of the best known temples in Bali, Tanah Lot is located on a small island off the coast of West Bali and is only accessible during low tides. Sunsets at the temple is postcard perfect, so expect it to get crowded (and get jostled), especially during peak holiday periods. If you prefer to see Tanah Lot without the crowds, try to get there before noon.

Pura Besakih – Mother Temple of Besakih

Besakih Temple is Bali’s largest and most important temple complex. Comprising of 22 temples in total, it’s located on the slopes of Mt. Agung, Bali’s largest active volcano. Every single temple in Pura Besakih serves a different purpose and adds to the impressive structure of the whole site. The Pura Penataran Agung has six levels and is the largest, most impressive and most important building in the cluster. Tip: there will be vendors trying to sell their guided tours and they tend to be rather pushy, so early mornings or late evenings would be a better time to head there as there’ll be lesser touts. Pura Besakih has a few sets of stairs to climb, so good walking shoes are recommended.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu – Uluwatu Temple

Situated on the edge of Uluwatu’s towering cliffs at the Bukit Peninsula’s most southwestern point, Pura Luhur provides visitors with dramatic and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. At dawn, the view is even more spectacular with the  Kecak dance (a form of Balinese dance and music drama) performances held at the temple. Do note that while everyone can enter the temple gounds, only Hindus are allowed into the small inner temple. Be sure to hold onto your belongings as the monkeys around the temples tend to have a liking to sunglasses and loose items.

Pura Tirta Empul – Temple of Holy Water

At Pura Tirta Empul, you’d find worshippers purifying themselves in the temples holy water. Located 20 kilometres northeast of Ubud, the temple’s name derives from the sacred spring that flows through the temple. Pura Tirtal Empul has shrines to honor Shiva, Vishnu, and Mt. Batur, amongst other gods. The main attraction, however, is the large rectangular pool carved of stone where twelve fountains pour holy spring water into the koi filled pool. Worshippers from all over the island visit the temple to pray and cleanse themselves in the pool. Avoid visiting during religious holidays if you hate crowds.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

When it comes to picturesque temple settings, it doesn’t get better than Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Not too far from Bedugul, the temple is built between mountains on the shore of Lake Bratan, making it look like a movie set. Dedicated to the water goddess, Devi Danu, ceremonies to ensure a steady water supply for the local farmers are held in premises from time to time. If you are lucky, you might get a glimpse of it so remember your cameras. Right next to the temple, there’s a little sanctuary where you can pay a minimal fee to hold a snake or a bat for a photo too, if you’re interested.

What are your favourite temples in Bali? Let us know in the comments.

Top Image Credit: yeowatzup