Bali’s most sacred temples will take your breath away with their stunning locations and rich spiritual heritage. You’ll find Tanah Lot perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, while Uluwatu Temple offers spectacular sunset views from its clifftop position. The ancient Besakih Temple sprawls majestically across Mount Agung’s slopes, and Tirta Empul welcomes you with its purifying spring waters. Don’t miss Goa Gajah’s mysterious cave entrance, Lempuyang’s iconic “Gates of Heaven,” or Taman Ayun’s peaceful gardens. Each temple requires modest dress and respectful behavior, but their architectural beauty and cultural significance make them unmissable stops. Let’s explore these seven spiritual wonders in detail.
Tanah Lot Temple
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll find this stunning temple about 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta, where it stands guard over the Indian Ocean waves that crash against its base.
The temple draws thousands of visitors during the famous Tanah Lot sunset, when the sky transforms into brilliant shades of orange and pink. You’ll want to arrive at least an hour before sunset to find a good viewing spot and beat the crowds.
Tanah Lot mythology tells of a traveling priest who built the temple in the 16th century. According to legend, he faced opposition from a local ruler but proved his spiritual power by moving the massive rock formation with meditation alone. The temple is also said to be protected by sea snakes that guard its base.
You can’t enter the main temple (it’s reserved for worshippers), but you can walk to the rock base during low tide. Don’t forget to check the tide schedules before your visit.
The surrounding area offers plenty of spots to relax, shop at local markets, and enjoy traditional Balinese snacks.
Uluwatu Temple
While Tanah Lot faces west, Uluwatu Temple sits majestically on Bali’s southern cliffs facing the sunset. You’ll find yourself standing 70 meters above crashing waves, surrounded by ancient stone walls and mischievous monkeys that call this sacred place home.
To make the most of your visit, you’ll want to arrive late afternoon. That’s when you can catch the famous Uluwatu sunset, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks behind the temple’s striking silhouette.
Don’t forget to secure your belongings – the resident monkeys are known to snatch cameras and sunglasses from unsuspecting visitors.
As darkness falls, you can watch the mesmerizing Kecak Dance performance. Over 100 bare-chested men create haunting chants while telling the Ramayana epic through traditional dance movements. They’ll perform around a blazing fire with the temple and ocean as their backdrop.
You’ll need to wear a sarong to enter (they’re available for rent at the entrance).
The temple’s walking paths offer stunning viewpoints, and you can explore the ancient architecture dating back to the 11th century.
Besakih Temple
From the coastal cliffs, we head inland to Bali’s most sacred temple complex – Besakih Temple.
You’ll find this spiritual powerhouse on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano, where it’s stood for over 1,000 years. The temple’s history significance dates back to prehistoric times when ancient Balinese considered this spot the dwelling place of their gods.
As you climb the dramatic steps, you’ll notice the temple’s unique architectural features – 23 separate temples spread across six terraced levels.
The main sanctuary, Pura Penataran Agung, rises majestically with its iconic multi-tiered meru towers against the mountain backdrop. Each level represents different aspects of Hindu cosmology, and you’re free to explore most areas with proper temple attire.
Dark gray stone walls and ancient gateways frame your path through courtyards filled with shrines and pavilions.
Prayer ceremonies happen daily here, with locals bringing colorful offerings. You’ll want to visit early morning to avoid crowds and catch the best mountain views.
Remember to respect local customs – you’ll need a sarong and sash, which you can rent at the entrance.
Tirta Empul Water Temple
Beyond the mountain temples lies Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple dating back to 962 AD. You’ll find this spiritual sanctuary in the village of Tampaksiring, where locals and visitors come to experience the power of its holy spring waters.
The temple’s main attraction is its purification ritual pools, where crystal-clear water flows from ancient stone spouts. You’ll see devotees immersing themselves in the sacred waters, following a specific sequence from fountain to fountain. Each spring holds its own spiritual significance and healing properties.
Before entering the bathing area, you’ll need to rent a sarong and sash if you haven’t brought your own. Don’t forget to dress modestly – it’s still an active temple. If you want to join the purification ritual, you can follow the locals’ lead or ask a temple guide for proper instruction.
The temple complex also features beautiful courtyards, shrines, and meditation areas. You can explore the ancient structures while incense smoke drifts through the air.
For the best experience, arrive early in the morning when the temple is less crowded and the atmosphere is most serene.
Goa Gajah Temple
Another ancient wonder awaits at Goa Gajah Temple, also known as the Elephant Cave. Dating back to the 11th century, this archaeological site showcases both Hindu and Buddhist influences in its unique architecture.
You’ll find the temple nestled in Bedulu Village, just a short drive from Ubud. The cave’s entrance features an intricately carved demon face, which you’ll walk through to explore the temple’s inner sanctum.
The Goa Gajah history reveals a fascinating blend of two religions, making it a significant cultural landmark. Inside, you’ll discover ancient relics, meditation caves, and bathing pools that were uncovered during excavations in 1954.
The temple’s architecture combines natural rock walls with man-made structures, creating an atmospheric space for reflection.
- Demon-faced entrance carved directly into the rock face
- Ancient bathing pools with six female figures holding water spouts
- Buddhist stupas and Hindu lingam symbols inside the cave
- Meditation spaces used by religious practitioners
- Lush garden surroundings with traditional Balinese landscaping
You’re free to explore the grounds at your own pace, but remember to wear a sarong out of respect for local customs.
The site’s mysterious atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit destination.
Lempuyang Temple
Climbing to Lempuyang Temple rewards you with one of Bali’s most iconic views. You’ll find this sacred temple, also known as Lempuyang Luhur, perched high on Mount Lempuyang at 1,775 meters above sea level. The famous “Gates of Heaven” create a perfect frame for Mount Agung in the distance, making it a photographer’s dream spot.
The temple architecture follows traditional Balinese design, with split gates and intricate stone carvings. You’ll need to climb 1,700 steps to reach the topmost temple, but you’re free to take breaks at the six temples along the way. Each level brings you closer to what locals consider the most spiritual temple complex in eastern Bali.
Remember to wear proper temple attire – you’ll need a sarong and sash, which you can rent at the entrance. The best time to visit is early morning before crowds arrive and when the sky is clear.
You’re not allowed to take photos directly between the gates, but the temple guardians will help you create the illusion using mirrors and clever angles. It’s all part of the temple’s mystique.
Taman Ayun Temple
Inside the peaceful town of Mengwi sits Taman Ayun Temple, one of Bali’s most elegant royal temples. Built in 1634 by the King of Mengwi, this temple’s history showcases the power of the Mengwi dynasty.
You’ll notice its distinctive architecture features traditional multi-tiered meru roofs and expansive courtyard gardens surrounded by wide moats.
When you visit, you’ll see why UNESCO recognized Taman Ayun as a World Heritage site. The temple’s name means “Beautiful Garden,” and it lives up to this promise with its serene landscapes and sacred atmosphere.
- Main gates showcase classic Balinese temple architecture with ornate carvings
- Four courtyards rise in elevation, symbolizing the Hindu cosmos
- Forty-five different shrine structures honor various deities
- Ancient moat system still functions perfectly, creating a floating effect
- Traditional meru towers reach up to eleven tiers high
You’re free to explore the outer courtyards and take photos of the striking architecture.
While the innermost courtyard remains reserved for prayers, you’ll still get excellent views of the entire complex from the surrounding paths.
The best time to visit is early morning when the light creates magical reflections on the water.