There are 9 main temples in Bali that are considered today to be protectors of the island, maintaining the balance between good and evil, and granting people good lives and prosperity.
As a visitor, you should take this opportunity to start your own spiritual journey or learn more about Balinese Hinduism. But Bali has more than 20,000 temples and shrines, which are worth visiting?
To make the itinerary easier for you, here are the 6 holiest Bali temples and a few others that can’t be missed.
Nine Directional Temples: What Are They?
These nine temples are all Hindu temples and are considered directional temples or guardian temples of the island. In Indonesian they are called Puras Kahyangan Jagad, or “palaces of the gods”.
What Is A Directional Temple?
Directional temples in Bali were built in nine cardinal directions in specific places that Balinese priests calculated based on the stars and planets to protect the island.
Nine directional temples should not be confused with the 6 sanctuaries of Bali (that keep the balance of the spiritual realm) even though most of the temples on this list are both holiest and directional.
The 6 holiest sites are Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Goa Lawah, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pura Luhur Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Rambut Siwi.
The 9 directional temples in Bali are: Pura Pucakmangu, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Goa Lawah, Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Pura Luhur Batukaru, Pura Pusering Jagat, and Pura Andakasa.
How Is It Different From Other Temples?
Usually, a temple complex is built for a family, a specific village, or sacred sites and the visitors are not allowed in, only the families and priests.
But the Nine holiest temples in Bali are open to pilgrims and tourists from all over the island and the rest of the world.
Nine Holiest Directional Temples In Bali You Should Visit
Pura Pucak Mangu – Northwest
Pura Pucak Mangu is one of the oldest temples in Bali, nested on top of Mount Mangu, 2000+ meters above sea level. Balinese kings used it for meditation, and today it protects the Northwest of the island.
The site is worshipping the Gods guardians of the holy lakes Batur, Buyan, and Tamblingan – Hyang Danawa, Hyang Manikumayang, and Hyang Sangkara.
To reach the temple, it is a 6-km easy trek through the rainforest.
Where Is It? Pelaga Village, Petang
Entrance Fee: donation.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – North
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a beautiful temple sitting on the lake Beratan in North Bali surrounded by hills and gardens and it is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of the lake and rivers – Dewi Danu. It is the guardian temple of the North.
Before the 20th century, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan was actually situated on Mount Batur, but after an eruption in 1917, it was moved to a safer spot.
Where Is It? Kalanganyar village, Bedugul, Kintamani
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR (7.5 AUD) for foreigners
Mother Temple Complex (Pura Besakih Temple) – Northeast
Bali’s holiest temple for many Balinese – Pura Besakih, is the largest 8th-century temple complex in Bali with 23 temples. It is also believed to be the oldest, probably more than 2000 years old.
The temple is hiding at the bottom of the active volcano – Mount Agung and its main temple – Pura Penataran Agung, is dedicated to the holy mountain.
On the compound, you will find statues of the Hindu Trinity: Brahma – God of Creator, Vishnu – God of Preserver, Shiva – God of reincarnation.
It is surrounded by rice paddies and has stunning views of the hills, volcanoes, and jungles.
Where Is It? Besakih, Karangasem
Entrance Fee: 150,000 IDR (15 AUD).
Pura Luhur Batukaru – West
A hidden gem in the Tabanan regency of Bali built in the 11th century, this Bali temple protects the West coast of the island from the slopes of Mount Batukaru.
It is a popular and important temple in Balinese culture and daily life as it worships Dewa Mahadewa -the God of the plants. Farmers come here to ask for good crops and abundant harvests.
Where Is It? Penebel village, Tabanan
Entrance Fee: 40,000 IDR (4 AUD) for adults
Pura Pusering Jagat – Center
Pura Pusering Jagat is located inland, right in the centre of the island, and this sacred place aims to guard against any evil spirits.
The central position in Hinduism has a spiritual meaning too. It is believed to be the centre of the universe and home of Lord Shiva, whose statue you can find in the temple, alongside the statues of Ganesha (son of Shiva), Durga, and Bhairawa gods.
Where Is It? Pejeng village, Gianyar
Entrance Fee: donation.
Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple – East
You probably saw stunning images of Heaven gates with Mount Agungon as the backdrop. These are taken at Pura Lempuyang Luhur sitting high on top of Mount Lempuyang, on Bali’s East coast, which it is meant to protect.
Great temple grounds with multiple stairs, gardens and temple towers are dedicated to the protector of the East- Sang Hyang Iswara and the Hindu goddess of sunshine – Dewi Savita.
Prepare to climb over 1700 steps to reach the main area or you can use the shuttle.
Where Is It? Mount Lempuyang, Karangasem
Entrance Fee: donation.
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)- Southwest
Pura Uluwatu is located on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, where the waves are crashing onto the limestone.
The location is not random, this 11th-century temple worships the Hindu god of the sea and guards the southwest of the island, and Dewa Rudra – the God of harmony and peace in the whole universe.
Tourists can also enjoy traditional Balinese Kecak dance performances here and fire shows in the open-air theatre.
Locals call Uluwatu temple “Monkey Temple”, so expect to see some naughty monkeys here!
Where Is It? Uluwatu, the Bukit Peninsula.
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR (5 AUD), show tickets are sold separately
Pura Andakasa – South
Founded in the 11th century by the first Hindu priests coming to Bali, it is dedicated to the protector of the South Bali – Dewa Brahma.
The temple’s name comes from the word “andabhuwana” which means the ‘egg of the universe,’ as in Balinese culture the universe is believed to resemble an egg.
Where Is It? Manggis village, Karangasem
Entrance Fee: donation.
Goa Lawah Temple – Southeast
The famous Bat Cave Temple or Pura Goa Lawah is one of the directional temples of Bali located right on the shore to protect the southeast coast of the island.
The temple is not dedicated to any of the gods but commemorates and worships ancestors and Hindu priests like Bhatara Tengahing Segara, Sang Hyang Basuki, and Sang Hyang Tunggal.
The temple is a complex of caves, inhabited by thousands of large bats (who are also protecting the temple from bad spirits) and locals believe that one of the caves leads directly to the Mother Temple.
Where Is It? Pesinggahan, Klungklung.
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR (5 AUD).
Other Temples In Bali That Are Sacred Sites For Balinese
Tanah Lot Temple
Famous picture-worthy floating temple not far from Canggu, surrounded by the Indian Ocean and rice paddies.
It is a complex of temples dedicated to sea gods. Locals believe that the god Varuna with an army of sea snakes protects the temple grounds from evil spirits coming from the ocean. During low tide, you can walk into a small cave to see the sacred snake (not real snake, not to worry!)
Where Is It? Beraban, Tabanan
Entrance Fee: around 75,000 IDR (7.5 AUD) for foreigners.
Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)
This 9th-century temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesha who looks like an elephant, thus the name.
The temple was carved in stone and blended Hindu and Buddhist influences, and the territory itself is very pretty with ponds, a garden and a river.
You can ask a local priest to give you a little tour, he will be more than happy to do that!
Where Is It? Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar
Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR (5 AUD).
Tirta Empul Temple
One the pilgrimage spots for many domestic and foreign tourists, this water temple is well known for its magic powers, holy spring, and the water purification ritual you can have here called Melukat.
It was built somewhere between the 10th and 14th century and is definitely one of the most beautiful temples on the island with all the gardens, ponds, and holy water pools, surrounded by Ubud jungles.
Where Is It? Tampaksiring, Gianyar
Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR (7.5 AUD)
Taman Ayun
This unique temple was built in 1632 seamlessly blending Balinese and Chinese architectural elements. It has the title of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a lesser-known sacred site but it is well worth visiting to walk around beautiful gardens, learn the story of nine Hindu Gods in the Bale Pengubengan or climb the wooden tower Bale Kul Kul to get the best views of the whole temple complex
Where Is It? Tampaksiring
Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR (3 AUD)
FAQs
What Is The Holiest Temple In Bali?
Many Balinese believe that Pura Besakih – The Mother Temple is the holiest temple in Bali as it sits right by the most sacred mountain for the locals – Mount Agung, which according to some legends was inhabited by a dragon.
What Is The Most Spiritual Temple In Bali?
Pura Tirta Empul temple has the most magic and attracts hundreds of pilgrims for the special water purification ritual using holy water from the springs.
Which Temple Is Famous In Bali?
The most famous temples in Bali are Tirta Empul temple for water rituals, Besakih temple – the largest and oldest temple, Lempuyang Temple for popular Heaven’s Gates photos, Uluwatu temple for clifftop views and Kecak fire dance shows and Tanah Lot water temple on the rock.
What Is The 1000-year-old Temple In Bali?
Many temples in Bali were built in the 9th to 11th century like Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Goa Gajah and others. But Besahik Mother Temple is believed to be 2000 years old.
Final Thoughts On The Nine Guardian Temples In Bali
A pilgrimage to the nine directional temples in Bali is an amazing way to get in touch with the huge cultural heritage of the Balinese.
The island has some of the best temples and the most unique ones, as nowhere in the world you will be able to witness first-hand stunning Balinese temple architecture, rituals and offerings.
Read more:
Exploring The Best Bali Temples – The Island of the Gods’ Most Iconic Sites
Best Waterfalls in Bali – Your Guide to the Island’s Hidden Gems
34 Best Rice Terraces, Bali: The Most Beautiful Rice Fields In Bali
