Bali is world-famous for its temples and Balinese Hinduism, but Christianity has carved out a meaningful space here too. Despite being a religious minority, Bali’s Christian community continues to grow quietly, respectfully, and in harmony with the island’s cultural identity.
You’ll find Protestant Christian churches and Catholic congregations scattered across the island, from urban centres like Denpasar and Kuta to quiet Balinese villages where worship and community go hand in hand. Some churches cater to local Indonesian families, while others welcome expats and global visitors with English-language services.
These churches are more than just places to worship; they’re hubs of community, connection, and shared faith.
The Christian Presence in Bali
Christianity is a minority religion in Bali, where over 80% of the population follows Balinese Hinduism. Yet churches here are not hidden away, they’re visible, open, and often active in the heart of the community. Unlike in some parts of the world, the relationship between Christians and Hindus in Bali tends to be cooperative.
That’s partly due to the Balinese concept of desa kala patra, acting appropriately for the place, time, and situation. In this spirit, many Christian churches in Bali adapt to the cultural setting, participating respectfully in village life.
Protestant Christian Churches
Protestant Christian churches form the majority of Christian congregations in Bali, and are mostly affiliated with the GKPB (Gereja Kristen Protestan di Bali). Known for lively, community-focused services, gospel music, dancing, and storytelling are often part of Sunday worship.
Some GKPB churches hold services entirely in Bahasa Indonesia, while others offer bilingual or English services, especially in areas popular with expats and tourists. Regardless of language, the heart of the message remains the same: worship God, follow Jesus Christ, and serve your community with love.
Other Christian Denominations
While Protestant churches form the majority of Christian congregations, it’s certainly not limited to them. It’s home to Catholic churches, independent evangelical groups, international Christian communities, and even Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches (in fact, there’s even a small Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in Kuta).
The Catholic Church in Bali has a significant presence, with vibrant congregations and services often held in Indonesian, English, or even other languages, depending on the community. Independent evangelical churches and international Christian fellowships, especially around tourist hubs, cater to expats and visitors with contemporary worship styles.
Church Architecture With A Balinese Twist
Many of Bali’s churches stand out for blending traditional Balinese design with modern church layouts. Imagine red-brick buildings with carved wooden beams, open-air sanctuaries, and bale-style pavilions.
This fusion respects the island’s visual language while signalling unity and cultural consent. Some churches even resemble temples to harmonise with their surroundings, helping to keep harmony in villages where different religions live side by side.
Many churches, however, are just set up inside regular buildings and even homes, where the focus is simply on worship.
Worship In Traditional Balinese Attire
On major occasions like Easter or Christmas, congregations often wear traditional Balinese attire. Women dress in lace and colourful sarongs, while men wear batik shirts or ceremonial kamen with headscarves (udeng). This custom expresses both faith and cultural belonging.
During festivals or Sunday school events, children may perform Balinese dance routines that tell Biblical stories, blending local artistry with the gospel message.
Notable Churches To Visit In Bali
If you’re visiting Bali and want to attend a service, experience the island’s Christian community, witness a congregation, or you’re simply interested in the architecture, there are some churches you might consider
While most are located around the Denpasar area, there are churches scattered all around the island.
There are too many to list, but here are a few that stand out.
Protestant Bataknese Christian Church (HKBP) Denpasar
This Lutheran church, located in the heart of Denpasar, is renowned for its uplifting services, music and positive atmosphere.
The building itself is also rather beautiful, both inside and out.
Where Is It? Jl. Pulau Belitung No.6, Pedungan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80114, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
Catholic Cathedral Of Holy Spirit
This Catholic church, also in the heart of Denpasar, is famous for its beautiful building, where Catholic tradition meets with local style. The church itself is built in a Balinese style, using the same red earth bricks used to build many of the region’s iconic temples.
If you’re into religious architecture, this one is a must-see.
Where Is It? Jl. Tukad Musi No.1, Sumerta Kelod, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80234, Indonesia
Online: Katedral Denpasar
Sacred Heart Of Jesus Catholic Church
High up in the northwesternmost region of Bali, in the village of Palasari, sits the grand Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ Church. This one, again, is stunningly built, the stark white facade with the statue of Mary, to the Balinese-inspired walls around the church itself.
Where Is It? PGVQ+8G6, Jl. Dusun Palasari, Ekasari, Kec. Melaya, Kabupaten Jembrana, Bali 82252, Indonesia
Online: n/a
Protestant Church In Western Indonesia Ekklesia
Another aesthetically pleasing church, built in a typical Western wooden fashion, but surrounded by Balinese red brick walls. This one is also popular for worshippers, with its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant services.
It’s worth noting that this church is on the same land as a mosque, which also has a Hindu temple next door, further displaying the religious diversity and tolerance of the Balinese people.
Where Is It? Jl. Airport Ngurah Rai, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Instagram
FAQs
What Happens on Christmas Day in Bali?
While most Balinese celebrate festivals such as Galungan or Nyepi, Christmas Day is a thing, of course, amongst the Balinese Christians and some expat communities.
Churches hold Christmas services filled with carols, nativity plays, and candlelit joy, and decorate with lights, tinsel, and sometimes traditional penjor (decorative bamboo poles) adapted for the occasion.
For tourists, many celebrate Christmas, either as a religious or simply cultural event, in their own personal way, outside of the churches. Bars and restaurants may hold special Christmas Day meals or parties.
What Religion Is Most Common In Bali?
The most common religion in Bali is, by far, Balinese Hinduism. About 87% of the island’s population adheres to this unique form of Hinduism. Islam (the largest religion in Indonesia) makes up the next largest religion in Bali, at about 20%, while Christianity makes up for only about 2.5%.
Less than 1% of the population practices other religions such as Buddhism and Confucianism.
Final Thoughts On Churches In Bali
Whether you’re a practising Christian who wants to attend a service or pray alone, there are plenty of churches to attend in Bali.
But, you don’t have to be a believer in God to visit a church, maybe you’re just interested in culture, religion and diversity, in which case it’s still worth checking out the small yet significant Christian scene.
Some of the churches have some fantastic architecture also, so if you’re into cool, quirky and beautiful buildings which stand out from the crowd, then they’re also worth checking out.
