Must See Temples in Bali

Here's a list of Must See Temples in Bali recommended by our experts:

Welcome to the ‘Island of the Gods’! One of the most beautiful places on earth, Bali is surrounded by turquoise seas and golden beaches and is a surfer’s paradise! Bali is known for a lot of things – delicious seafood, surf worthy beaches, lush hillsides, spiritual retreats and endless outdoor activities, among many others. Bali is a tropical paradise and the beautiful beaches and resorts in Bali have adorned the covers of travel magazines for long. Bali is one of the most loved tourist destinations today for the perfect holiday. Aside from being a favourite hangout for beach bums, Bali is known for its huge number of other attractions such as its temples, local flea markets, art and craft, parks, caves, waterfalls and museums. The fourth most populated country in the world, spanning over 17 thousand islands, Indonesia is a cultural phenomenon like no other. The charm of the city is found in its enchanting temples with its distinctive architecture and the emerald landscapes. The temples may either face towards the mountains, the sea or towards sunrise. There are an innumerable amount of temple sites in Bali – with well over 10,000 religious compounds, there are probably more temples than the number of homes on the island. Many of the temples are actually shrines. Far-flung corners of the island – from mountain and hilltops to low-lying coastal areas – are dotted with peaceful and desolate temples and shrines. They transform into scenes of luminescent activity during festivals or occasions such as temple anniversaries. Traditional dance performances (a large part of experiencing local culture in Bali) are showcased proudly. Each temple in Bali has a unique quality. Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of pilgrimage temple, Pura Tanah Lot, and a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast. However, the temple had significant Hindu influence. At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. A giant snake purportedly protects the temple, which was created from Nirartha's scarf when he established the island. Here is a definitive list of the best temples in Bali:

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple

Temple in Bali
BeachHoneymoonPhotographyHistory

Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most iconic sea temples, set on a large rock formation off the Indonesian island’s west coast. Its dramatic position, surrounded by ...

Pura Luhur Ulu Watu

Pura Luhur Ulu Watu

Temple in Bali
For WomenSeniorsWeekendsFirst Timers

Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is renowned for its magnificent location perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 meters above sea level, ...

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple

Temple in Bali
SeniorsMust SeeReligious

Besakih Temple, known as the Mother Temple, is the largest and holiest Hindu temple in Bali. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Agung, it is an intricate complex of...

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah

Temple in Bali
Art And CultureFirst TimersMust See

Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is an archaeological site that was built in the 9th century. It features a mysterious cave entrance adorned with stone ...

Ulun Danu Temple

Ulun Danu Temple

Temple in Bali
Must See

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, located on the shores of Lake Beratan, is one of Bali's most iconic landmarks. This serene temple complex, dedicated to the lake ...

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple

Temple in Bali
Art And CulturePilgrimageMust See

Tirta Empul is a revered Hindu temple in Bali, renowned for its sacred water spring, where Balinese Hindus participate in purification ceremonies. Established ...

Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi

Temple in Bali
YouthPhotographyWeekendsFriends

Gunung Kawi is a unique archaeological site in Tampaksiring, Bali, featuring a series of 11th-century rock-cut shrines. Nestled in a lush valley and surrounded ...

Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple

Temple in Bali
SeniorsArt And CultureTemplesPilgrimage

Pura Taman Ayun, located in Mengwi, Bali, is an architectural marvel constructed in the 17th century. This iconic temple is surrounded by a vast, intricate moat...

Pura Lempuyang

Pura Lempuyang

Temple in Bali
Art And CultureFirst TimersReligiousFor Women

Pura Lempuyang Luhur is a complex of temples that speckles a trail leading to the top of Mount Lempuyang, a holy mountain. A total of seven temples dot the ...