Bali’s holiest temples will leave you in awe with their stunning architecture and spiritual energy. You’ll find ancient wonders like Tanah Lot perched on ocean rocks and Tirta Empul’s sacred purification pools. Don’t miss Pura Besakih, Bali’s largest temple complex on Mount Agung, or the floating pavilions of Ulun Danu Beratan on Lake Beratan. The mysterious Goa Gajah cave temple, clifftop Uluwatu, and lotus-filled Saraswati Temple offer unique experiences. You can explore the royal Taman Ayun Temple and bat-filled Goa Lawah too. Each temple holds fascinating stories and secrets waiting to be discovered.
Tanah Lot Temple
When it comes to iconic Balinese temples, none can match the dramatic setting of Tanah Lot. Perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves, this sacred temple seems to float above the Indian Ocean during high tide.
You’ll want to arrive before sunset to experience the temple’s most magical moments. The Tanah Lot sunset draws crowds of visitors who gather to watch the sky transform into brilliant shades of orange and pink behind the temple’s silhouette. It’s a photographer’s dream and a spiritual seeker’s paradise.
Local Tanah Lot legends tell of a traveling priest who built the shrine in the 16th century. When faced with opposition from the village chief, the priest moved a massive rock into the sea using his supernatural powers and created venomous sea snakes to guard the temple.
Today, you can still spot these black and white snakes in the rocky caves below.
You can’t enter the main temple shrine unless you’re Hindu, but you can explore the surrounding grounds, browse local market stalls, and receive blessings from temple priests at the outer courtyard.
Tirta Empul Water Temple
While Tanah Lot captivates with its ocean views, Tirta Empul offers a different kind of water-based spirituality. You’ll find this ancient temple complex in the village of Manukaya, where sacred waters have flowed from natural springs for over a thousand years. It’s a place where you can experience Balinese Hindu traditions up close and personal.
The heart of Tirta Empul lies in its purification rituals, which take place in the temple’s famous bathing pools. You’ll see rows of waterspouts where locals and visitors line up to immerse themselves in the holy spring water. Each spout has its own purpose – some for cleansing the spirit, others for good fortune or healing.
Before you join in, you’ll need to rent a sarong and sash at the entrance. Don’t forget to bring a change of clothes if you plan to participate in the water ritual.
The best time to visit is early morning when fewer people are around, and you can take your time exploring the temple grounds, including the peaceful meditation areas and ancient shrines that surround the springs.
Pura Besakih
Known as the “Mother Temple,” Pura Besakih stands as Bali’s largest and most sacred Hindu complex. You’ll find it nestled on the slopes of Mount Agung, where it’s been a spiritual center since the 11th century. The temple’s history spans over 1,000 years, with legends telling of ancient kings who first established this holy site.
As you explore, you’ll discover 23 separate temples spread across six levels. The architecture features the iconic multi-tiered roofs typical of Balinese temples, with the central Pura Penataran Agung rising majestically through the clouds. Throughout the year, more than 70 festivals take place here, filling the complex with vibrant ceremonies and rituals.
You can reach Pura Besakih by car or motorbike, though the mountain roads require careful navigation. When visiting, you’ll need to wear proper temple attire – a sarong and sash are mandatory.
While conservation efforts protect this ancient site, you’re still free to explore most areas with respect. Local guides can share fascinating stories about the temple’s significance and survival of multiple volcanic eruptions. The best time to visit is early morning when fewer tourists are around.
Ulun Danu Beratan
Moving from the slopes of Mount Agung to the cool highlands of Bedugul, the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple offers a different kind of sacred beauty. You’ll find this iconic sanctuary floating on Lake Beratan, where it’s been standing since the 17th century.
The temple’s cultural significance runs deep, as it honors Dewi Danu, the water goddess who local legends say brings prosperity to Bali’s farmers.
The temple’s architectural features include classic multi-tiered roofs that seem to float on the lake’s surface. You’ll discover perfect photography spots along the shoreline, where the temple’s reflection mirrors in the calm waters during sunrise.
The scenic beauty peaks when morning mist wraps around the towers, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.
You can watch spiritual rituals performed daily by local devotees or join visitors exploring the well-maintained gardens.
The temple’s historical context as a crucial water temple remains relevant today, with ongoing conservation efforts protecting both the structure and surrounding ecosystem.
While you’re here, check out nearby attractions like the Bedugul traditional market or the Jatiluwih rice terraces – they’re just a short drive away.
Goa Gajah Temple
Located just outside Ubud, the Goa Gajah Temple draws visitors to its mysterious cave entrance carved with demonic faces.
You’ll find this 11th-century cave, also known as the Elephant Cave, nestled within lush gardens and ancient stone carvings. The Goa Gajah history reveals its use as a meditation site for both Buddhist and Hindu priests, making it a unique symbol of religious harmony.
As you step through the cave’s menacing mouth, you’ll enter a T-shaped chamber where priests once performed their rituals. Inside, you can spot religious artifacts and lingam-yoni symbols representing divine energy.
Outside the cave, you’ll discover ancient bathing pools with six female figures holding water spouts, restored in 1954 during excavations.
The temple grounds feature Buddhist and Hindu elements, including Goa Gajah artifacts like fragmentary stone carvings and a small shrine.
You’ll need about an hour to explore the site thoroughly. Don’t forget to wear a sarong (available for rent at the entrance) to respect local customs.
The best time to visit is early morning when you can avoid both crowds and the midday heat.
Pura Lempuyang
Bali’s iconic “Gates of Heaven” await at Pura Lempuyang, one of the island’s oldest and most sacred temples. You’ll find this spiritual marvel perched high on Mount Lempuyang, offering breathtaking views that stretch across the island’s eastern domain.
As you climb the 1,700 steps to reach Lempuyang Temple, you’ll pass through six smaller temples before reaching the main sanctuary. The journey isn’t easy, but you’re free to take breaks and soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Local vendors along the path offer refreshments and traditional snacks to keep your energy up.
The temple’s famous split gates frame Mount Agung perfectly, creating what many consider Bali’s most photographed spot. You’ll often see Hindu worshippers dressed in white, bringing offerings to this sacred site. The temple complex is one of Bali’s six most important sanctuaries, known as the “Sacred Mountains” temples.
Remember to wear appropriate temple attire – you’ll need a sarong and sash, which you can rent at the entrance.
Visit early morning to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. The mists that often shroud the temple create an otherworldly atmosphere you won’t forget.
Uluwatu Temple
Perched dramatically on a steep cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple commands some of the most stunning coastal views in Bali. You’ll find this ancient temple in the Bukit Peninsula, where it’s been standing guard since the 11th century.
As you walk along the cliffside paths, you’ll catch breathtaking views of waves crashing against limestone walls below.
Watch out for the resident monkeys – they’re known for snatching visitors’ belongings, especially anything shiny. You’ll want to secure your sunglasses and jewelry before exploring the temple grounds.
The best time to visit is just before sunset when the sky transforms into brilliant shades of orange and pink.
Don’t miss the nightly Kecak dance performance at the clifftop amphitheater. As the sun sets, dozens of bare-chested men create hypnotic chants while performing this traditional fire dance.
You’ll witness the ancient story of Ramayana brought to life against a backdrop of endless ocean views. The temple requires proper dress – you can rent a sarong at the entrance if needed.
Visit between 7 AM and 7 PM, but expect larger crowds during sunset hours.
Taman Ayun Temple
The royal family‘s most important temple complex, Taman Ayun stands majestically in Mengwi village, just 30 minutes from Ubud. Built in 1634 by the King of Mengwi, this temple showcases some of Bali’s finest traditional architecture across its sprawling gardens and courtyards.
You’ll notice that Taman Ayun’s architecture follows the traditional Balinese split gate design, with each courtyard rising higher than the last. The temple’s name means “Beautiful Garden,” and you’ll see why as you stroll past the lotus-filled moat that surrounds the complex. Multi-tiered pagodas called merus reach toward the sky, representing sacred mountains.
The temple’s history is deeply connected to the Mengwi kingdom’s golden age. You can explore four main courtyards, each more sacred than the last. The outer courtyard welcomes you with its peaceful garden, while the inner sanctums house shrines dedicated to Hindu deities and deified ancestors.
Don’t miss the ancient communal hall where the royal family once gathered for ceremonies. You’re free to wander the grounds and take photos, but remember that the innermost courtyard is reserved for prayers.
Goa Lawah Temple
Moving east from Mengwi’s royal temple, you’ll find one of Bali’s most unique sacred sites: Goa Lawah Temple. Built in the 11th century, this temple’s most striking feature is its natural cave home to thousands of bats – a sight that perfectly showcases nature integration in Balinese spiritual practices.
According to local legends and Bali mythology, the cave extends underground all the way to Besakih Temple on Mount Agung. The temple architecture includes traditional split gates and shrines facing the ocean, emphasizing its cultural significance as a protector against dark forces from the sea.
You’re welcome to explore the outer courtyards, but remember proper tourist etiquette: wear a sarong and sash (available for rent at the entrance). The temple hosts regular sacred rituals and community festivals, especially during full moons. If you’re lucky, you might witness Hindu devotees performing their spiritual practices.
The historical context of Goa Lawah makes it one of Bali’s nine directional temples, protecting the island from evil spirits. Despite its modest size compared to other temples, its unique bat cave and seaside location make it an essential stop on your spiritual journey through Bali.
Saraswati Temple Ubud
Situated in the heart of Ubud’s cultural district, Saraswati Temple stands out with its stunning lotus ponds and classic Balinese architecture. You’ll find this sacred site dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, and wisdom.
The temple’s design features ornate stone carvings and traditional red brick walls that tell stories from Balinese mythology. As you walk along the path to the main shrine, you’ll pass through magnificent lotus ponds filled with pink and white flowers.
These ponds aren’t just beautiful – they’re part of the temple’s spiritual ceremonies and meditation practices. You can join daily traditional offerings or watch cultural performances that showcase Ubud art in the temple’s courtyard.
The best time to visit is early morning when you can observe Saraswati rituals performed by local devotees. Community events often take place here, especially during full moons and Balinese holidays.
Don’t miss the chance to photograph the temple during sunset when the light reflects off the lotus pond’s surface. Remember to wear a sarong and sash (available for rent at the entrance) to show respect for this sacred space.