Bali is a haven of everything glamorous—think beaches, waterfalls, nature reserves, food, culture, and traditions. A holiday destination in Bali is one way to achieve and explore more with less.
In this guide, we have listed the nine best temples to visit in Bali, where you can pose for pictures, learn some Balinese traditions and marvel at the architecture. For history and culture lovers, the ancient temples in Bali are a sight to behold.
1. Tanah Lot Temple – Iconic Sea Temple with Sunset Views
Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
If you have been to Bali or have heard about its temples, you probably are familiar with Tanah Lot. This is one of the oldest Balinese Hindu temples believed to have been constructed in the 16 century. Most travellers visiting the Island will have Tanah Lot at the top of the list of things to do in Bali.
Tanah Lot is perched on a rock formation a few meters from the sea and is one of the most visited ocean temples in Bali. For most visitors, it is an ideal spot to capture the best sunset shots, which has led to its being dubbed the best sunset temple in Bali.
2. Uluwatu Temple – Clifftop Temple with Kecak Dance Performances
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Uluwatu is located in the south-western end of Bali and is home to some of the best surfing spots and beach clubs in Bali. This village is also popular for its rich culture and traditions, with the Uluwatu temple being a key point of interest.
Perched on top of a rock and overlooking the Indian Ocean, this clifftop temple in Bali is one of the nine directional temples. In the evening, you can visit this shrine to enjoy the Uluwatu sunset Kecak dance, an iconic art performance believed to be a form of communicating with the gods.
3. Besakih Temple – The Mother Temple on Mount Agung
Location: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia
Besakih Temple, commonly referred to as the Mother Temple of Bali, is the largest temple on the Island, built on the slopes of Bali’s highest volcano. This temple is best explored as part of the Besakih tours package, which covers most tourist destinations, from coffee plantations in the adjacent villages to Tegenungan Waterfall in the south, ranked among the best waterfalls in Bali.
4. Tirta Empul Temple – Sacred Water Temple with Purification Pools
Location: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Tirta Empul is one of the sacred water temples in Bali, located in the town of Tampaksiring. Locals believe that the water near the temple possesses curative properties. It is dedicated to one of the Hindu gods and features a bathing structure commonly used for purification rituals in Bali.
5. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – Floating Temple at Beratan Lake
Location: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Often referred to as the floating temple of Bali, the Ulun Danu Temple lies on Lake Beratan. It is dedicated to the goddess of lakes, water and rivers and features four sacred buildings. This Beratan Lake temple has fascinating architecture, with each sacred building marked with varying heights. A visit to this temple is an excellent way to learn about the history and heritage of the locals as you take pictures of the lake, the temple and the serene atmosphere.
6. Lempuyang Temple – The Gates of Heaven with Scenic Views
Location: Bukit, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Lempuyang Temple is located in Karangasem Regency and is the highest temple on the Island, 1175 meters above sea level. The temple is known for its stunning views of Mount Agung, right at the gates, hence the nickname, Gates of Heaven. Bali’s most popular town, Ubud, is located about a 3-hour drive from the temple. So, if you want to catch the scenic Lempuyang sunrise views, you need to be up early or choose to spend the night prior in the nearby town of Karangasem.
7. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) – An Ancient Archaeological Site
Location: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
The Goa Gajah in Bali is a historical site believed to have been built in the 11th century. This structure is located in Bedulu village, a short drive from Ubud, and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Bali. Inside the Goa Gojah are a pool, ancient stone carvings, meditation caves, and statues of Hindu god Shiva and goddess Yoni. Both Hindus and Buddhists currently use this site as a place of worship.
8. Gunung Kawi Temple – Rock-Cut Shrines in a River Valley
Location: Jl. Gn. Kawi, Tampaksiring, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
The Gunung Kawa in Bali is an ancient shrine complex that serves as an archeological site and a sacred place of worship. It features a collection of shrine reliefs carved into a rock cliff, hence its nickname, the rock-cut temple of Bali. Ten rock-cut shrines carved into 7-metre-high niches serve as monuments to the ancient Balinese Kings.
9. Pura Taman Saraswati – Water Temple with Lotus Pond in Ubud
Location: Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
The Pura Taman Saraswati temple in Ubud is a Balinese Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Sarasvati, the Hindu deity of literature, learning, and art. Thanks to the lotus pond that marks the outer area of the temple, this temple is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Ubud. It is within walking distance of Ubud town, and entrance is free.
Make Your Visit to Bali Memorable
From cliffside temples with sunset views to the more modern Balinese Hindu shrines with striking architecture, Bali is one place where culture and traditions are inseparable from the people. You can experience the best of Bali traditions by visiting the Island during the main festive season from mid-June to mid-July. Even so, the best time to go to Bali is generally during the dry season, from April to October. Before planning your visit, you should explore the best places to stay in Bali and book your ideal stay early to avoid last-minute rushes.
