Best temples in Bali

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

Some of the best things to do in Bali include visiting the Mother Temple of Besakih, which is considered the most important temple on the island, the Tanah Lot Temple, which is located in one of the best places to see the sunset, the imposing Lempuyang Temple, the Tirta Empul Temple and the religious buildings of Goa Gajah, Ulun Danu Batur and Luhur Uluwatu.

Located at the foot of the Agung volcano, the Pura Besakih, also known as the Mother Temple, stands as a spiritual landmark on the island of Bali. This colossal Hindu complex, made up of 22 puras, stands as the most sacred of all, considered the divine womb that gives life to other temples in the region, and is often featured on Bali's best guided tours.

At the heart of this sanctuary is the Penataran Agung temple, whose entrance is marked by a long staircase winding through seven terraces. These meticulously designed terraces symbolise the different layers of the universe, a journey that only Hindus are allowed 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 give you a thorough understanding of the local culture, customs and also the codes of conduct to be followed at these sacred sites.

The experience of watching the sunset over Tanah Lot Temple is one of the region's must-do activities, especially if you plan to visit Bali in summer. Strategically located in the south of the island, on a rocky islet close to the coast, this Hindu temple pays homage to the God of the Sea and is one of the most iconic sights in the area.

Please note that if you want to get the most out of your visit, it is best to visit Tanah Lot at two different times of the day. In the morning, at high tide, the tumultuous waves crash against the rocks of the temple, creating a stunning visual spectacle that highlights the majesty of the site. In the afternoon, at low tide, a different perspective is revealed and you will have the opportunity to approach the temple and view it from the beach.

At sunset, which is at its best in Uluwatu, you will be able to make out the temple blending into the warm tones of the horizon, while the retreating sun gives you one of the best picture frames of your trip. This is the highlight of Tanah Lot and one of the busiest times of day for visitors, especially if you plan to visit Bali in December or during the peak season months.

Named with a name that suggests grandeur, Lempuyang Temple does not disappoint its name at all. With 1,700 steps rising more than 1,000 metres above sea level, this temple offers a challenging adventure for visitors who, upon reaching the top, can look out over a skyline dotted with religious buildings of varying sizes and crowned by the Pura Lempuyang Luhur.

This temple, dedicated to the God of Peace, is one of Bali's nine major temples and is undoubtedly one of the most striking sights on the island. On the horizon you can see not only the roofs of the buildings you left on the way up, but also the active volcano Agung, which is one of the most famous volcanoes on the island.

The location of the Lempuyang Temple also makes it an ideal excuse to discover other nearby sites such as Tirta Gangga and Goa Lawah, the indecipherable Bat Cave, which is on the same route and close to some of Bali's best beaches.

If you want to see one of the most beautiful places in Bali, you can't miss the Luhur Uluwatu temple, which according to the scriptures was built in the 10th century to banish evil spirits from the island. Perched on a 75-metre-high cliff where the waves of the Indian Ocean break furiously, this temple is not only a testament to the rich local history, but also a visual spectacle in itself.

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

About two hours from Ubud and in close proximity to some of Bali's best beaches, a visit to the Luhur Uluwatu Temple becomes an even more rewarding experience when combined with exploring the nearby coastline. However, the influx of visitors, especially during the afternoon, can complicate sightseeing, especially during the summer on the island.

Also, be aware that at this site, after dark, it is necessary to be wary of the monkeys that inhabit the temple, which are often very adept at stealing tourists' items such as backpacks, glasses and food.

Ulun Danu Bratan, a shrine dedicated to the water goddess Dewi Danu, is not only one of the few temples on the island dedicated to a female deity, but also one of Bali's most picturesque religious buildings. Situated on the shores of Lake Bratan, surrounded by mountain scenery and local vegetation, it is constantly shrouded in a mist that lends it a mystical atmosphere.

The resulting atmospheric phenomenon, to which the nearby waterfalls contribute, is one of the most iconic and representative images of the island, allowing you to capture the spiritual and natural essence of Bali at a glance.

This pura, however, is not only a testament to the spiritual richness of the island, but also a pilgrimage destination for the devout. If you plan to visit Bali in October or during the spring religious season, you can watch the procession of farmers carrying offerings and begging for water for their rice crops in a time-honoured tradition that will give you an insight into the local culture.

One of the best temples to visit in Bali is Tirta Empul, a building built over a spring of water that, according to Hindu tradition, has healing properties. This sacred site has attracted visitors from all over the world who seek to immerse themselves in its ritual pool and make offerings for purification and healing, but it is primarily a pilgrimage site for the Balinese.

Bear in mind that this site attracts thousands of locals who profess Hinduism every day, so it's one of the temples where you'll need to take special care but respect the customs of the Balinese. As a general rule, you are not allowed to take photographs and, although you won't be asked to check, it is considered that only Hindus are allowed to bathe in the waters around Tirta Empul.

Located in the centre of the island, it's an ideal place to visit at night in Bali, when the influx of Balinese is substantially reduced and the temple, illuminated by the night lights on clear days, provides one of the best postcards of the place.

Pura Taman Ayun, known as the Temple of the Beautiful Garden, is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali, mainly because it is one of the only ones that is surrounded by the lush vegetation that characterises the island. Although entry to the inner garden paths is restricted, this limitation does not diminish the experience, as the surrounding wall offers views of the surrounding pagodas and flower beds.

The combination of intricate architecture and serene surroundings gives this place a unique atmosphere that invites contemplation and soaking in the spirituality that emanates from 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 on the road to Tanah Lot, Taman Ayun is an ideal choice for a morning visit, especially if you want to enjoy some of Bali's best beaches and a sunset somewhere on the Bukit Peninsula.

The proximity to Tanah Lot, therefore, allows travellers 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 see one of Bali's lesser-known temples, Pura Kehen is a must-see. Located in the Bangli region, this building respects an architecture very similar to that of the Mother Temple, although it is distinguished by a more modest scale, which contributes to an intimate experience away from the large crowds of visitors.

Enveloped by extensive palm 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. From pilgrims coming to pay tribute to the temple to locals dancing traditional dances such as the Legong, one of Bali's best kept secrets.

As with the Mother Temple, access to the building is highlighted by an entrance staircase that leads visitors to the sacred heart of the site. However, the real highlight of this site is the detailed stone sculptures, which are artistically carved 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 Elephant Cave, is an architectural gem dating back to the 11th century, located about five kilometres from bustling Ubud, the epicentre of Bali. The building is known for its monumental entrance sculpted in the shape of an elephant that leads to a cave that houses a sculpture of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god. 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 lush green oasis provides shade on Bali's hottest summer days and creates a tranquil environment that blends in with the natural beauty of the region.

Like most temples on the island, the entrance fee to Goa Gajah is usually very low, although it is important to carry cash, as it is often the only means of payment accepted. You can also opt for a guided tour to visit this religious building, which is usually included in the list of the best tours in Bali, due to the historical importance of Goa Gajah.

If you plan to visit Mount Batur, one of the island's most famous attractions, you can combine your tour with a visit to the Ulun Danu Batur Temple. Located in Kintamani, this building stands out as one of Bali's nine directional temples. These temples, strategically located in places such as cliffs, caves and mountains, serve the function of guarding the island from evil 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 sacred area of the temple, but a visit here will allow you to tour a very famous site for Hindu offerings, so whatever time of year you plan to make your trip, you'll find flower arrangements and other donations made by the faithful at this site.

Note that many of these temples require you to wear a sarong as a dress code, 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 to religious buildings.