Best temples in Bali

The culture of Bali is, to a great extent, solidified on the bases of the Balinese Hinduism. This not only marks a break with the religious tradition of Indonesia, which is mostly Muslim, but also bears witness to the rich local past and marks the main features of this destination, in terms of its customs, its lifestyle and even its architecture, which is unlike any other in the country.

Between the best activities that you can make in Bali they are to visit the Temple Mother of Besakih, that is considered the most important of the island, the temple of Tanah Lot, that is in one of the best places to discover the sunset, the imposing temple of Lempuyang, the temple Tirta Empul and the religious buildings of Goa Gajah, Ulun Danu Batur and Luhur Uluwatu.

Located to the feet of the volcano Agung, the Pura Besakih, also known like the Temple Mother, stands like an indispensable spiritual landmark in the island of Bali. This colossal Hindu complex, composed by 22 puras, rises like the most sacred of all, considered the divine matrix that gives life to other temples in the region, reason why it is usually protagonist of the best guided tours of Bali.

In the heart of this sanctuary is the temple Penataran Agung, whose entrance is marked by a long staircase that meanders through seven terraces. These terraces, meticulously designed, symbolize the different layers of the universe, a journey that only the hinduistas are authorized to undertake. The ascent to these heights is more than a physical experience, it is a spiritual journey that connects the visitor with the essence of their existence.

Please note that while you can explore this site on your own, it is ideal that during your visit to Besakih you opt for the assistance of an expert local guide, which will allow you to learn about the local culture, customs and also the codes of conduct to be followed at these sites considered sacred.

The experience of witnessing the sunset over the Temple of Tanah Lot is presented like one of the unmissable activities of the region, especially if you have planned to visit Bali in summer. Strategically located to the south of the island, in a rocky islet near the coast, this Hindu temple pays homage to the God of the Sea and becomes one of the most emblematic pictures of all the zone.

It takes into account that if you want to take the maximum advantage of your visit, the ideal thing is to visit Tanah Lot in two different moments of the day. In the morning, during high tide, the tumultuous waves break against the rocks of the temple, creating a stunning visual spectacle that highlights the majesty of the place. In the afternoon, at low tide, a different perspective is revealed and you will have the opportunity to approach the temple and contemplate it from the beach.

During sunset, which at Uluwatu shows its best side, you will be able to distinguish the temple blended with the warm tones of the horizon, while the retreating sun gives you one of the best frames to take pictures during your trip. This is the culminating moment of Tanah Lot and one of the time slots of the day in which greater amount of visitors receives, especially if you plan to travel Bali in December or during the months of high season.

The Lempuyang Temple, christened with a name that suggests grandeur, does not disappoint its name at all. With 1.700 steps that rise to more than 1.000 meters of height on the level of the sea, this temple offers a challenging adventure for the visitors, who when arriving at the summit will be able to contemplate a horizon plagued with religious buildings of different sizes and crowned by the Pura Lempuyang Luhur.

This temple, dedicated to the God of the Peace, forms part of the nine main temples of Bali and offers, without a doubt, one of the most surprising visits in the island. In the horizon you will not only be able to observe the roofs of the buildings that you were leaving in the way along the ascent, but also the active volcano Agung, that is one of the most famous of the island.

In addition, by its location, the temple Lempuyang is an ideal excuse to discover also other near sites, like Tirta Gangga and Goa Lawah, the indecipherable Cave of the Bats, that is in the same route and very near, also, of some of the best beaches of Bali.

If you want to know one of the most beautiful places of Bali, you cannot stop visiting the temple Luhur Uluwatu, that according to the scriptures was constructed in century X to banish to the bad spirits of the island. Perched on a cliff 75 meters high, where the waves of the Indian Ocean break furiously, this temple is not only a testimony to the rich local history, but also a visual spectacle in itself.

Its strategic position makes it a meeting point for those seeking to witness one of the best sunsets in the world, attracting numerous tourists eager to contemplate the sky tinged with warm tones over the horizon. Nevertheless, also it is an important center of pilgrimage for the Balinese Hinduism, especially during the festive days that coincide with Christmas in Bali.

To about two hours of Ubud and in proximity to some of the best beaches of Bali, the visit to the Temple Luhur Uluwatu becomes an even more gratifying experience when combining it with the exploration of the nearby coasts. However, the affluence of visitors, especially during the afternoon, can complicate the tours, especially during the summer in the island.

Also note that at this site, in the late afternoon, it is necessary to be cautious of the presence of the monkeys that inhabit the temple, which are often very adept at stealing objects from tourists, such as backpacks, glasses and food.

Ulun Danu Bratan, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of the water Dewi Danu, is not only one of the few temples of the island consecrated to a feminine deity, but also one of the most picturesque religious buildings of Bali. Located in the borders of the lake Bratan, surrounded by mountainous landscapes and by the local vegetation, it is constantly wrapped in a mist that offers a mystical atmosphere to him.

The resulting stamp of this atmospheric phenomenon, to which the nearby waterfalls contribute, is one of the most emblematic and representative images of the island, so you can capture the spiritual and natural essence of Bali in a single glance.

This pure, however, is not only a testimony of the spiritual wealth of the island, but also a pilgrimage destination for devotees. If you have planned to visit Bali in October or during the religious dates of the spring, you will be able to contemplate the procession of peasants who load offerings and implore by water for their rice cultivations, in an ingrained tradition that will allow you to approach the local culture.

One of the best temples that you will be able to visit in Bali is Tirta Empul, a building constructed on a spring of waters that, according to the Hindu tradition, possess curative properties. This sacred place has attracted visitors from all over the world that look for to submerge in its ritual pool and to make offerings in search of purification and healing, but it is, mainly, one of the pilgrimage sites of the Balinese.

Keep in mind that this site congregates, every day, thousands of locals who profess Hinduism, reason why it is one of the temples in which you will have to have special care but to respect the customs of the Balinese. As a general rule, it is not allowed to take photographs and, although they will not ask you any verification, it is considered that only the hinduistas can bathe in the waters that surround Tirta Empul.

Located in the center of the island, it is an ideal place to visit during the night in Bali, when the affluence of Balinese diminishes substantially and the temple illuminated by the nocturnal lights, during the clear days, gives one of the best postcards of this place.

The Pura Taman Ayun, known as the Temple of the Beautiful Garden, figures among the most beautiful temples of Bali, mainly because it is one of the only ones that is surrounded by the exuberant vegetation that characterizes to the island. Although the entrance to the interior paths of the garden is restricted, this limitation does not diminish the experience, since the surrounding wall offers views of the pagodas and the flowerbeds that surround it.

The combination of an intricate architecture and the serene surroundings offers to this place a unique atmosphere that invites to the contemplation and to soak in the spirituality that emanates of its grounds. Taman Ayun is one of the royal temples, meaning that it is not dedicated to a deity but to the local monarchy that ruled the island in the 17th century.

Located in the route toward Tanah Lot, Taman Ayun is presented like an ideal option to visit in the morning, especially if you want to enjoy the best beaches of Bali and the sunset in some point of the peninsula of Bukit.

The proximity to Tanah Lot, therefore, allows travelers to make the most of their day, exploring the serenity and beauty of Taman Ayun before heading to the coastal area to visit nearby beaches and sites.

If you want to know one of the less well-known temples of Bali, you cannot stop visiting Pura Kehen. Located in the region of Bangli, this building respects an architecture very similar to that of the Temple Mother, although it is distinguished to have a more modest scale, which contributes to an intimate experience and far from the great multitudes of visitors.

Enveloped by extensive palm tree plantations, this Hindu temple pays homage to the God of Fire and serves as the setting for numerous offering ceremonies, and is notable for its deep connection to the island's traditional spiritual practices and rituals. There you will be able to find from pilgrims who come to the temple to pay tributes to locals dancing traditional dances like the Legong, one of the best kept secrets of Bali.

As it happens with the Mother Temple, the access to the building is emphasized by an entrance stairway that leads the visitors toward the sacred heart of the place. However, the real highlight of this site are the detailed stone sculptures, which were carved with artistic mastery to contribute to a narrative rich in symbolism, offering visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate the skill of Balinese artisans.

Goa Gajah, known as the Cave of the Elephant, is an architectural jewel that goes back to century XI, and that is located to about five kilometers of the bustling Ubud, the epicenter of Bali. This building is known by the monumental entrance sculpted in elephant form that gives access to a cave that houses a sculpture of Ganesha, the Hindu god with elephant head. This detail makes it one of the most visited and photographed temples on the island.

Exploring the exterior of Goa Gajah you will find several pools used in purification rituals, a tree that was planted in the same year that construction of the temple began, and a garden adorned with multiple fountains. This green oasis, plagued with exuberant vegetation, provides shade in the hottest days of the summer in Bali and creates a calm environment that combines with the natural beauty of the region.

As the majority of the temples of the island, the entrance Goa Gajah has a cost that is usually very low, although it is important that you load with cash, because many times it is the only accepted means of payment. In addition, to visit this religious building also you will be able to opt for a guided excursion, that usually is included in the list of the best tours of Bali, due to the historical importance that Goa Gajah revises.

If you have planned to know the Batur Mount, one of the most famous attractions of the island, you will be able to combine your tour with a visit to the temple Ulun Danu Batur. Located in Kintamani, this building stands out like one of the nine directional temples of Bali. These temples, strategically located in places like cliffs, caves and mountains, fulfill the function to protect the island of bad spirits and are aligned with the cardinal points.

Ulun Danu Batur, often confused with the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, does not allow access to the area considered sacred in the temple, but your visit will allow you to tour a very famous site in the offerings of Hindus, so whatever time of year you plan to make your trip, you will find yourself at this site with floral arrangements and other donations made by the faithful.

Note that many of these temples require as a dress code to wear a sarong, which is an Indonesian sarong used to show respect and reverence for local customs. During your trip, you can buy a sarong at any street stall or at the entrances of religious buildings.