Are you planning to explore the island of Gods in Indonesia soon? Discover the 11 most beautiful temples to see in Bali!
Bali is the only island in Western Indonesia, mostly Hindu. Indeed, the sacred is everywhere on the one that is surnamed “the island of the Gods”! The temples count by thousands, nestled at the top of the mountains, perched at the edge of the cliffs, buried in the rice fields or erected in the heart of the villages. In Bali, spiritual sites are based in the landscapes of the island and are an integral part of the daily life of the Baliese. So, ready to fall under the charm of this enchanting island? Majestic and unmissable, here are the 11 most beautiful temples to see in Bali!
1. Temple Tanah Lot
Photo credit: Unsplash – Nick Fewings
The Tanah Lot, or The land in the sea in Balinese, is no other than the most visited temple on the island. It must be said that the spectacle of sunset on this temple and its islet is worth a visit! For the little story, the legend tells that fishermen would have built this sanctuary dedicated to the deities of the sea at the request of Nirartha a Javan priest from the 16th century.
Located on the edge of the Indian Ocean, in the southwest of Bali, Pura ( temple Indonesia) Tanah Lot is accessible by foot to low tide, or by high tide boat.
2. Temple Ulun Danu Bratan
Photo credit: Unsplash – Kharl Anthony Paica
Built in the centre of Bali, Ulun Danu or Pura Batran is one of the 9 directional temples that protect the island from demons and evil spirits. Bordered by Lake Bratan and surrounded by mountains, Ulun Danu is considered one of the most emblematic and beautiful temples in Bali. In fact, he ornates the Indonesian notes of 50,000 rupees. Architecture, Ulun Danu (literally the beginning of the lake ) is composed of a meru with 11 roofs - the maximum height - majesticly erect on the lake.
The Balinese travels to Ulun Danu Bratan to worship Dewi Danu, the Goddess of Water. It is also here that they honour the spirit of the sacred volcano, Agung. There is a mystical atmosphere, hence its place in our ranking of the temples to be seen in Bali!
3. Besakih Temples
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Besakih, the Mother Temple, is a complex of 86 temples dedicated to the great Hindu Trinity. In addition, it is one of the most important in Bali. The temples of Besakih rise at the foot of Mount Agung, in the west of the island. So yes, you will have to climb a number of steps on the hillside to discover it. But promised, the view of the valley once at the top is a pretty reward!
As for spirituality, Besakih is not only the largest temple in Bali, but also the most sacred. Because of this, the complex regularly hosts large traditional ceremonies. Therefore, it is recommended to get up early to visit it without the crowd.
4. Temple Tirta Empul
Photo credit: Unsplash – Florian GIORGIO
Among the temples to be seen in Bali, Tirta Empul ( Eau Sainte ) attracts pilgrims from all over the world who have come to bathe in its sacred waters with purifying virtues. Here, the Baliese follow the same ritual once a year: to give an offering to the main temple, to purify the body and the spirit in the basin and pray under one of its 13 fountains. The site also has two other basins and several temples surrounded by a lush and green nature. You will feel like being out of time!
Would you like to go there? Tirta Empul is located in the village of Tampaksiring, close to the city of Ubud In the centre of Bali.
5. Temple Luhur Uluwatu
Photo credit: Shutterstock – R.M. Nunes
Direction the south end of the Bukit peninsula to discover another of the 9 directional temples of Bali, built in the 11th century: the Pura Luhur Uluwatu! His three-storey meru honors the Gods of the Sea, to whom the temple is dedicated. This must-see of the island is perched on the heights of a cliff, facing the Indian Ocean. In other words, the view is simply exceptional, especially at sunset.
Attention : a colony of very wicked monkeys rodent in the temple Luhur Uluwatu. Therefore, vigilance should be exercised and the business and food should be kept to the fullest extent during his visit.
6. Gunung Kawi Temple
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Adwo
Are you wondering what the most beautiful temples to see in Bali? The Gunung Kawi, one of the oldest in the island (XI century), is part of it. This beautiful temple is also full of history as it houses tombs of the royal family, including King Udayana. More than a temple, it is a true archaeological site !
Thus, Gunung Kawi stands out and fascinates with his ten mausoleums directly carved in the rock. Impressive! Lost in the middle of the rice fields of Tampaksiring and crossed by the river Pakerisan, the way to go is as pleasant as the visit of the temple in itself.
7. Temple Goa Gajah
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Vladimir Dolgov
Goa Gajah is a Balinese World Heritage Site of UNESCO. This temple of the ninth century is also known as the Cave of the Elephant. One can admire a statue of Ganesh, the God of Wisdom, Intelligence, Education and Prudence. But what impressed most is the sculpted entrance of this cave that represents a head of demon opening the mouth.
The temple of Goa Gajah reveals itself in an exceptional green setting. Don't miss!
8. Kehen Temple
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Em Campos
Dedicated to death, Pura Kehen was built in terraces on the slope of a hill in the heart of Bali. To get there, you will have to take three stairs that will lead you to the top. So, what is waiting for you in Kehen Temple? Well, a large door, a magnificent 11-roofed meru and a hundred statues representing the characters of the Indian epic of Ramayana!
Some compare Pura Kehen to the imposing Pura Besakih, smaller and much less frequented. Like other temples to see in Bali, the visit of this one is relatively fast.
9. Temple Goa Lawah
Photo credit: Shutterstock – nvelichko
In the list of the most beautiful temples to be seen in Bali, we find the Goa Lawah in the Klungkung region east of the island. Part of the nine directional temples of the island, this site is considered a high place of Balinese Hinduism. In addition, the Goa Lawah temple is divided into three sanctuaries: exterior, central and main.
Found at the foot of a mountain, Goa Lawah gathers a temple and a cave that houses thousands of bats. We can find a statue of bats inlaid with gold on its central door!
10. Taman Saraswati Temple
Photo credit: Shutterstock – mama_mia
If it is more known as Ubud Palace ( Ubud Palace ), the official name of this impressive complex is actually Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati. This major Balinese Hindu temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of Art and Learning who watches over Ubud. So how not to be seduced by her pond covered with lotus flowers and her sumptuous sculptures?
Good to know. Traditional dance shows are regularly organized. In fact, we can recommend that you try!
11. Temple Taman Ayun
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Konstantin Aksenov
Taman Ayun means Beautiful garden in Balinese, and it must be said that this temple carries its name very well! Surrounded by ponds, trees and some tropical plants, Taman Ayun is truly one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Bali. You will discover two courses connected by a decorated bridge, and temples with traditional Balinese architecture, including a meru with 11 roofs.
To go to this family temple, head to Mengwi, about 15 km west of the town of Ubud.
The editorial board
As in most spiritual places, certain rules should be followed to visit a temple in Bali. In particular, you will need to wear a sarong, a colorful drap that the Baliese swim around their waist. If you don’t have one on you, you can always buy one or rent one at the entrance of each temple.
You now know the most beautiful temples to see in Bali. Good trip to the world of Hinduism!
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