Are you looking for the best temples in Bali? Well, good news! We’ve got 15 temples that are very much worth visiting on your holiday here on the island.
From the most important temple in the nation on the slopes of Mount Agung to exciting sea temples to the valley of the kings replete with stone carvings near Central Ubud, there’s something for everyone here.
There are so many temples in Bali that it can be hard to decide which one to visit, but our list will help you find some of the best temples in Bali and get you started.
Our Top 15 Best Temples In Bali: Must-See Places On Your Holiday
Note: Entrance fees are always quoted as the price for international visitors. Local tourists get a small discount to offset the difference in local wages. These fees do not include parking charges, which are typically less than 15,000 IDR per vehicle (that’s $1 USD or $1.50 AUD). Other exclusions, where applicable, are noted against the individual temples.
Tanah Lot Temple
This gorgeous temple sits on an island off the coast of mainland Bali, and at low tide, you can walk to the island supporting Tanah Lot from the beach.
It’s super popular with visitors because it looks amazing at sunset when the light over the ocean bathes the place in spectacular colour.
During the Odalan festival (held once every 210 days) you will find that Tanah Lot comes to life with locals carrying offerings out to the main temple.
We should note, though, that tourists are not allowed inside the Tanah Lot temple grounds. It’s only open to adherents of Balinese Hinduism.
Where Is It? Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121
Online: Tanah Lot
Our In-Depth Review: Pura Tanah Lot Temple: Your Guide To Meeting The Sea God
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR for adults, 40,000 IDR for children (this fee also includes access to the nearby Batu Bolong Temple)
Besakih Temple (The Mother Temple Of Bali)
Sat on the slopes of the island’s tallest active volcano and highest mountain, Mount Agung, this is one temple everyone should have on their Bali itinerary.
There are over 80 temples in this complex, and it’s the most important spiritual centre on the island, and it’s a vital part of many ceremonies and rituals.
We strongly recommend engaging the services of a local guide if you want to discover the hidden gems of this complex, as it’s too big to navigate by yourself.
Where Is It? Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863
Online: Besakih
Our In-Depth Review: Besakih Temple: Your Guide To The Mother Temple
Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR for adults, 30,000 IDR for children
Uluwatu Temple
If you aren’t going to make it to Ubud’s famous monkey forest, then the next best thing is to visit this temple in Uluwatu.
The grounds are full of roaming monkeys (they’re super cute, but don’t get too close, they steal from tourists, and uniquely, they then ransom back the things they stole).
It’s also home to the world famous Kecak fire dance and at sunset, this temple provides the backdrop to a unique cultural performance.
Where Is It? Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
Online: Uluwatu Temple
Our In-Depth Review: The Complete Guide To Uluwatu Temple
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR for adults, 25,000 IDR for children (Note: Kecak Dance Performances are not included in this entrance fee and are an additional 150,000 IDR per person)
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (The Floating Temple)
Up in the highlands of Bali, you’ll find this incredible floating temple. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple sits on the shores of Lake Beratan, and viewed from the right angle in the rainy season, it looks like it floats on the water itself.
It’s home to four sacred buildings and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Danu. This is a very pleasant temple to walk around as it’s cooler than most of Bali’s temples.
We’d also recommend taking a boat out onto the lake itself and seeing what the area looks like from the water.
Where Is It? Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191
Online: Instagram
Our In-Depth Review: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: The Essential Bedugul Temple
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR for adults, 50,000 IDR for children
Tirta Empul Temple
Pura Tirta Empul temple is known for its sacred springs, which are a key component of the rituals of purification that are carried out here.
It’s one of the few sites where tourists can take part in the purification ritual, and it’s a great way to connect to the spirituality of the island.
Keep an eye out for the two amazing Dwarapala statues by the Candi Bentar (gates) of this place as they look amazing in photos.
Where Is It? Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552
Online: Tirta Empul Ceremony
Our In-Depth Review: Tirta Empul: A Place Of Purification
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR for adults, 25,000 IDR for children. If you want to take part in the purification ritual, then you will need to pay 10,000 IDR for a bathing sarong and 15,000 IDR for the use of a locker. Ordinary sarongs are supplied as part of the standard entrance fee, but cannot be used in the purification pool.
Goa Gajah Temple (The Elephant Cave)
Nobody knows why this place is called the elephant cave, but there are certainly images of Ganesh, the elephant god, around the temple.
The cave mouth is really impressive and often the thing most tourists want to see, but we’d encourage you to go deeper and explore properly.
The underground temple here has a water garden, river, and plenty of historical artefacts to enjoy.
Where Is It? Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: Goa Gajah Temple: The Ultimate Guide To The Elephant Cave Temple
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR per person, which includes the cost of parking at this beautiful temple
Taman Ayun Temple
The architecture at this site is absolutely stunning, and its location in Mengwi Village, to the North of Denpasar, sees fewer visitors than many of the other temples on our list.
Take a stroll through the ornate gardens filled with lotus ponds and intricate statues, and then see how this former Royal Palace has grown into its temple status.
Where Is It? Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: Pura Taman Ayun Temple: The Guide To The Mother Temple Of Mengwi
Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR for adults, 15,000 IDR for children
Lempuyang Temple
If there’s one temple that nearly every visitor to the island recognises immediately, it’s Lempuyang Temple. This mountainside temple is famous not so much because of its connection to the Hindu trinity but because of its photogenic nature.
We would note that the famous photo is actually a camera trick using a mirror, but that doesn’t seem to put off the hordes of visitors who queue for hours at this Balinese temple to get the shot anyway.
Where Is It? Tri Buana, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali
Online: Lempuyang Temple
Our In-Depth Review: Lempuyang Temple: The Guide To The Gates Of Heaven
Entrance Fee: 100,000 IDR per person, which includes the use of a photographer to get that iconic temple shot that everyone comes to this temple for
Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati – Ubud Water Palace)
Saraswati Temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of learning. It’s also a water palace where you can enjoy some lovely grounds and a huge lotus pond.
One interesting thing about the Saraswati Temple is that the compulsory sarong here is a bright purple item, which really stands out from those used at other Balinese Hindu temples.
Where Is It? F7V6+JHX, Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: Saraswati Temple: The Ultimate Guide To The Ubud Water Palace
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at this temple. However, if you want to watch the traditional Balinese dance performance at this temple, you will need to pay a ticket price for that and if you want to sit at the Lotus Cafe (which offers the best view) you will need to agree to a minimum spend on food and drinks in addition to the ticket price for the dancing.
Pura Melanting
Pura Melanting is unlikely to be mentioned in the same breath as Taman Ayun Temple or Goa Gajah, but this lesser-known spot dedicated to the Goddess of Prosperity, Melanting, is absolutely lovely.
It’s got some of the best eye-catching architecture on the island, and the bright colours used here are a real contrast to most temples. Check out the dragon carvings and you’ll be super glad you made the trip to this place.
Where Is It? Seririt, Jl. Raya Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Kec. Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: A Brightly Coloured Temple By The Blue Java Sea
Entrance Fee: There is no set entrance fee to this family temple complex, but as with many touristy temples, you are expected to make a donation. 20-50,000 IDR per person is more than enough.
Goa Lawah Temple (The Bat Cave)
This temple is one of the six sanctuaries of the world, and like with Goa Gajah, the “Goa” here means cave.
The cave in question is not only home to the temple but also to a species of nectar bar that gives it the nickname “Bat Cave”.
It’s one of the oldest temples on the island and home to the Basuki Dragon, the head of the Naga.
Where Is It? CFX9+9GG, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: Pura Goa Lawah: The Ultimate Guide To The Bali Bat Cave Temple
Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR for adults, 15,000 IDR for children, those under 5 have free entry
Pura Tirta Dawa Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple (Bali’s Valley Of The Kings)
Gunung Kawi Temple is best known for its ornate carvings that line the “Valley of the Kings” which are all tributes to ancient kings.
It’s an unusual spot too, as it is a temple used by both Buddhists and Hindus, whereas most temples here tend to ensure each religion sticks to its own shrines.
Where Is It? Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80511
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: Gunung Kawi Temple Complex: The Ultimate Guide To Bali’s Valley Of The Kings
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR for adults, and 25,000 IDR for children
Penataran Sasih Temple
This interesting village temple was founded back in 1266 AD, and it was once the state temple of the long-defunct Pegeng Kingdom.
The temple also contains an interesting display of drums called “Pejeng” which are used as war drums, to call rain, to symbolise the ancestor spirits of the island and to protect the community.
Where Is It? F7PV+C74, Jalan Raya, Pejeng, Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: A Former State Temple In Ubud
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at this temple complex, but you are expected to make a donation. 20-50,000 IDR per person is more than enough.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur
This peaceful floating temple on the edge of Lake Batur is far less well-known than the other floating temple on their island.
Its place near both Mount Batur and the lake ensures you get some amazing photographs here , particularly at sunrise and sunset.
Where Is It? P9JP+9F4, Jl. Pendakian Gn. Batur, Batur Tengah, Kec. Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80652
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: The Other Floating Temple Complex In Bali
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR per adult, 50,000 per child
Pura Beji Amerta Gangga
This water temple has only recently been restored and is home to 9 incredible statues of Hindu Gods, which look incredible in your photos.
They also act as direction for a fountain design that sees the Lord Shiva projecting sacred spring water through his hands into a pool used for purification rituals.
Where Is It? F269+3G4, Jl. Kelecung Jl. Bebali, Tegal Mengkeb, Kec. Selemadeg, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82162
Online: N/A
Our In-Depth Review: A Spiritual Spot With Magnificent Statues
Entrance Fee: There is no entrance fee at this temple complex, but you are expected to make a donation. 20-50,000 IDR per person is more than enough.
Things To Bear In Mind When Visiting Hindu Temples In Bali
We would advise everyone to bear in mind that a visit to a Balinese temple is a visit to a sacred site, and that means you should follow some fairly basic rules when visiting temples here.
This has become more important in recent years as the local government has laid down rules on expected behaviour in a Balinese Hindu temple, and if they are not followed, you can get into real trouble.
So, please:
Dress appropriately – you should be dressed conservatively (no revealing tops, no shorts, etc.) and wear a sarong. The good news is you can almost always rent a sarong at the entrance of a temple complex, if one isn’t automatically included in the entrance fee, as it is at most temples in Bali.
Carry cash for the entrance fee – they don’t take cards at temples in Bali. The small fee to get inside the temple gates is always paid in cash. If you’re driving, you will also need to pay in cash for any parking charges.
Be respectful of others and the location – these are places of worship and temples in Bali should be treated as such. Whether it’s a Buddhist temple or a Hindu temple, you should never interfere with worshippers, don’t use flash photography, keep your voice low, etc. it shouldn’t be rocket science to work out how to visit somewhere like the Goa Lawah Temple without upsetting the people inside it.
FAQs
Which Is The Most Famous Temple In Bali?
The Besakih Temple is the most important temple on the island and the heart of the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Bali, the Subak System.
While there’s no official measure of “most famous temples” for us to use for a completely definitive answer to this question, we think Besakih is the most famous temple in Bali.
However, it certainly has competition from Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple and Lempuyang Temple, all of which are huge tourist draws.
What Is The Most Popular Temple In Bali?
The most popular temple in Bali is probably either Tanah Lot or Uluwatu Temple, both of which are positioned near two of the most popular tourist towns on the island and are world famous for their photographic appeal.
Tanah Lot’s position on an island off the coast of mainland Bali leads it to be one of the most dramatic sunset sights around, and this ancient Hindu shrine is also one of the main guardian temples for the island.
Uluwatu Temple also has an amazing sunset, with the best way to see the Kecak Dance being the amphitheatre there with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop. This beautiful temple complex has much more than traditional Balinese architecture to offer visitors.
What Is The Most Photographed Temple In Bali?
There are a couple of contenders for this award, but we think Tanah Lot Temple sits in pole position for this as it’s easy to get to for most visitors and is a must-see.
The other contender, in this category, however, appears in our next answer instead. It’s Pura Lempuyang.
What Is The Most Instagrammable Temple In Bali?
Pura Lempuyang Temple is without a doubt the most Instagrammable temple in Bali. However, we should point out that this is because of a clever trick with mirrors, and this ancient temple doesn’t, in fact, look like it does in the picture.
We’d also note that if you want that iconic photograph, you’ll need to have the patience of a Hindu Goddess, as it can take up to 4 hours to get to the front of the queue at this temple!
What Is The Most Spiritual Place In Bali?
The most spiritually important place in Bali is the Besakih Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung. It is the absolute heart of the temple network on the island and directs the flow of the Subak agricultural system, which has seen man and nature live in near-perfect harmony here for over 1,000 years.
The temple complex at Besakih is one of the largest and most interesting in all of Southeast Asia, that is in current use. However, it’s worth noting that it’s not the most accessible of our best temples in Bali, and you will need to set aside some serious travel time to visit.
Can I Wear Shorts In Bali’s Temples?
Yes, you can wear shorts in any of Bali’s temples as long as you are wearing a sarong that completely covers them up and leaves your legs hidden.
There is a strict dress code in the temples here, and if you don’t adhere to that dress code, you can get into trouble with the local people and the law.
In extreme cases, it could lead to your arrest and deportation. The good news is you don’t need to carry your own sarong, nearly all of the best temples in Bali have a sarong rental service included in the entrance fee.
So, there’s absolutely no excuse for not wearing a sarong.
Is Any Temple Complex In Bali A UNESCO World Heritage Site?
No. While the Besakih Temple is technically part of the Subak system (which is a UNESCO site), there are no temples in Bali that have been designated world heritage sites.
This is not because many of the best temples in Bali wouldn’t qualify for this status, but because the Balinese government withdrew all potential UNESCO world heritage sites from consideration by UNESCO in an attempt to reduce the level of tourism demand at these sites.
They felt that these sacred places were at serious risk of being overwhelmed by visitors and thus were likely to be damaged irreparably for the nation.
It is debatable as to how much impact this action had, as many of the best temples in Bali still see large crowds, particularly in peak periods of the year.
Final Thoughts On The Best Bali Temples
The best temples in Bali are beautiful places that also help to offer a real insight into Bali’s culture and people.
We would strongly recommend that every visitor to the island spend some time in at least one of the temples above and ideally, in more than one.
As the only Hindu island in the world and a unique place in Indonesia, Bali’s temples are something that you can’t find anywhere else on Earth and they’re awesome.
