Magical, spiritual and worthy of a top spot on everyone's bucket list. These are the must-visit Hindu temples in Bali for your next island vacay.
There’s a reason Bali is called the “Island of Thousand Temples”. Being a predominantly Hindu island in Indonesia, you can find them in every village from the mountains to the coastlines. And after 10+ years of living here, it’s fair to say that we’ve been to quite a few Hindu temples in Bali.
Temples, or “pura” in Bahasa Indonesia, are more than “just” places of worship. They’re key historical landmarks that showcase Bali’s rich heritage and inspiring architecture, giving the island its unique charm. So from the moment we arrived on the island, we knew we had to see what they’re all about.
We started with our nearby local shrines, then made our way to the most famous temples. We’ve even stumbled upon lesser known temples during our island adventures. In this list, we shortlisted our favourites to give you the must-visit temples in Bali for the ultimate itinerary. But first things first, here’s what you need to know before visiting Bali temples.
Tips for Bali temple visitors before you go
What to wear to temples in Bali:
As temples in Bali are sacred sites, you have to dress accordingly. If you’re wearing shorts or a skirt, you’ll need to bring a sarong to cover the legs. You may need a sash to tie around your waist, if you’re wearing long pants or an ankle-length skirt or a dress. You’ll also want to cover up the shoulders, chest (for those wearing low-cut tops) and torso (in case you’re wearing a crop top) area. You can hire sarongs and sashes, usually at temple entrances for a small donation.
Show respect by sticking to temple etiquettes:
In addition to wearing appropriate clothing, there are rules stated at temple entrances that visitors need to keep an eye on. For example, ladies if it’s that time of the month, you’re not allowed to enter. And for everyone else, refrain from behaving or speaking disrespectfully.
If you’re going to take professional photography, make sure you’re informed of any restrictions on flash photography or flying a drone. This may differ between temples and in certain areas within a temple.
Bring cash (Indonesian Rupiah) for entrance:
Most famous temples in Bali charge a nominal entrance fee that helps with the upkeep and preservation of these sacred sites. This could be a fixed price or on donation basis, and usually only cash payment is accepted. We’ve included the entrance fee to each of the Bali temples below, but it’s important to note that prices may change from time to time. So for the most accurate pricing, check out the signs at the entrance or the latest announcements on official websites and social media accounts. Entrance fees typically do not include parking. FYI – Opening hours of Bali temples may also change, for example during religious ceremonies.
The Best Temples in Bali, Indonesia: An Overview with Map
Popular Temples in Bali, Indonesia
1. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits approximately 97 metres above the sea, offering some of the most breathtaking ocean views in Bali. This clifftop temple was built around the 11th century as a sacred place dedicated to the spirits of the sea. We came here for its famous Kecak Fire Dance performed as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. It’s a mesmerising spectacle that reenacts the story of Ramayana. Uluwatu Temple is that famous Monkey Temple in Bali, so fair warning: there will be monkeys roaming the temple grounds.
Uluwatu Temple is best known for: its iconic cliff-edge location, Kecak Dance Performances at sunset, and monkeys roaming the temple grounds.
Tips from our last visit to Uluwatu Temple: It’s best to avoid wearing any loosely hanging jewellery, accessories or anything else that the monkey can easily snatch. Also, as Kecak Dance performance here is quite popular, you may want to come early so you can buy your tickets before they’re sold out.
Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 per adult, or IDR 150,000 to watch a Kecak Dance Performance in the evening.
Opening Hours: Daily 7am – 7pm
Located in: Pecatu, Uluwatu
Find Pura Luhur Uluwatu on Google Maps Uluwatu Temple Official Instagram
2. Pura Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most famous temples in Bali, perched on a rock out in the sea! Dang Hyang Nirartha, a Hindu priest who brought the religion from Java to Bali, created this sea temple in the 16th century. To this date, it remains an important site for Balinese spiritual ceremonies, reserved only for praying pilgrims. If you’re lucky to be visiting Bali in the week leading up to Nyepi, you may be able to witness thousands of Balinese Hindu holding Melasti ritual at Tanah Lot!
Tanah Lot Temple is best known for: its sunset viewpoint, with its iconic perch and west-facing location that make for a gorgeous postcard-perfect picture from Bali.
Tips from our last visit to Tanah Lot Temple: We went at sunset and we can confirm that it does get busy, so we recommend arriving early if you want to secure a prime spot for the golden hour.
Entrance fee: IDR 75,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily 7am – 8pm
Located in: Tabanan
Find Tanah Lot on Google Maps Tanah Lot Official Website
3. Pura Agung Besakih
The largest temple in Bali dates back to 1284, and it just so happens to be the holiest of them all. Pura Agung Besakih is known as “Mother Temple of Bali” where Balinese Hindus across the island gather for big ceremonies. The complex of Pura Besakih consists of 26 temples. It stands by the foot of Bali’s tallest mountain, Mount Agung, which is considered the most sacred place in Bali. Besakih Temple miraculously survived a massive volcanic eruption in 1963, reinforcing its sacred status among the Balinese.
Besakih Temple is best known for: being the largest temple in Bali, therefore the site where many larger religious ceremonies often take place.
Tips from our last visit to Besakih Temple: There will be a free shuttle which takes you from the parking area to the main temple entrance. From here, prepare a long walk across the temple ground. You’ll find plenty of gorgeous shrines and intricate stone carvings with the view of Mount Agung as the backdrop.
Entrance fee: IDR 150,000 per adult, which includes shuttle ride, a sarong and a sash which you can wear at the temple is you need to.
Opening Hours: Daily 7am – 6pm
Located in: Besakih Village
Find Pura Besakih on Google Maps Pura Agung Besakih Official Website
4. Pura Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul Temple is a sacred water temple in east Bali, founded in 962 AD. This beautiful temple is dedicated to the God of Water, Vishnu. It’s famous for its holy spring water, which is believed to have purifying and healing properties. According to local legend, the water was made holy by the God Indra to heal his wounded soldiers. Since the 1980s, visitors can take part in the purification ritual known as melukat, by bathing in the sacred pools. As such, it’s a must-visit temple for those seeking spiritual healing in Bali.
Tirta Empul Temple is best known for: its holy water spring used for water purification ceremonies.
Tips from our last visit to Tirta Empul: Don’t forget to bring your swimwear if you’re planning to experience melukat ceremony. You can wear it underneath the ceremonial sarong provided at the temple. If you’re visiting for the first time, it may be worth it to hire a guide so you can learn more about the history behind this famous temple.
Entrance fee: IDR 75,000 per adult. Additional fees apply if you want to take part in a melukat ceremony.
Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 6pm
Located in: Tampaksiring
Find Pura Tirta Empul on Google Maps Tirta Empul Temple Official Website
5. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Often called Bali’s floating temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple was built by I Gusti Agung Putu between 1556 to 1634. It’s one of the largest Hindu temples in Bali, home to four complexes of shrines. Each shrine is dedicated to a Hindu God or Goddess and assigned to one of the surrounding villages for maintenance and prayers. With one part of the temple grounds dedicated to the Goddess of Water, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan plays a crucial role in ensuring an abundant water supply for Bali’s agricultural system.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is known for: its reflection on Lake Beratan, which combined with the surrounding misty northern mountains, makes it one of the most photographed temples in Bali.
Tips from our last visit to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: You can make a day trip out of it, as the temple are is quite large with plenty of activities. Think strolling through the vibrant gardens, fish-feeding with the kids, or hiring a traditional Balinese wooden boat and take in the temple views from different angles.
Entrance fee: IDR 75,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily 7am – 7pm
Located in: Bedugul
Find Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on Google Maps Ulun Danu Beratan Official Instagram
6. Pura Lempuyang Luhur
Home of the famous “Gates of Heaven”, Pura Lempuyang Luhur is one of Bali’s oldest temples. It’s estimated to be over 1,000 years old! It’s best known for its location right on top of Mount Lempuyang, and its sky-high gates that perfectly frame Mount Agung beyond. Getting up to the main temple area is a challenging hike of over 1700 steps, but the view and the seven stunning temples in the area make the journey worth it. Note that like Tanah Lot, Lempuyang Temple has become one of the most touristy places in Bali.
Lempuyang Temple is best known for: the Gate of Heaven. On clear days, the gate perfectly frames Mount Agung, which makes for a majestic picture.
Tips from our last visit to Lempuyang Temple: We wanted to take a picture at the gate, so we arrived early to take a number. We had just enough time to explore the temple grounds while we waited.
Entrance fee: IDR 100,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily 7am – 5pm
Located in: Karangasem
Find Pura Lempuyang on Google Maps
7. Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati
Cafe Lotus is our all-time favourite Ubud cafe, but we come here for more than a cuppa. Head out back past the lotus ponds and you’ll find the entrance to Taman Saraswati temple. It’s a part of the famous Ubud Water Palace, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, Dewi Saraswati. Our favourite part of the temple is its serene lotus ponds, which add to the tranquil ambiance.
Saraswati Temple is best known for: its convenient location, right in the heart of central Ubud, as well as the picturesque lotus ponds at the palace entrance.
Tips from our last visit to Ubud Water Palace: We recommend staying back for the Balinese dance performances held regularly (except Fridays) in the temple’s courtyard. Psst – it makes for a stunning photo-op, too! Note that while you enter and explore the palace grounds, entry into the temple itself is prohibited.
Entrance fee: IDR 60,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily from 8am
Located in: Ubud Water Palace
Find Pura Taman Saraswati on Google Maps Ubud Water Palace Official Website
Lesser Known Temples In Bali, Indonesia
8. Pura Ulun Danu Batur
Ulun Danu Batur temple is the second most significant Hindu temple in Bali, after Pura Agung Besakih. It was constructed in the 17th century, dedicated to Vishnu and Dewi Danu, the Goddess of lakes and rivers. Pura Ulun Danu Batur originally stood at the foot of Mount Batur, then was relocated in 1926 following a volcanic eruption. The temple features an impressive 11-tiered meru (AKA “shrine”) and plays a crucial role in Bali’s iconic subak irrigation system. This ensures the prosperity of the island’s soil and agriculture.
Entrance fee: By donation
Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 6pm
Located in: Kintamani
Find Pura Ulun Danu Batur on Google Maps
9. Pura Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah, which translates to “Elephant Cave”, is both a historical and a spiritual landmark in Bali. Archeologists estimated that this cave temple dates back to the 11th century. But it wasn’t until 1923 that a Dutch diplomat, L. C. Heyting, stumbled upon this cave temple during one of his expeditions. Both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims used the temple as a meditation site, making it a symbol of harmony between the two religions. The standout feature here is the ornate carvings of a menacing demon at the cave entrance meant to ward off evil spirits. You’ll find ancient relics inside the cave, which further highlight Bali’s rich spiritual history. FYI – there’s no elephant here, in case you’re expecting to see one.
Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 6pm
Located in: Blahbatu
10. Pura Taman Ayun
Built in 1634 by the Mengwi royal family, Pura Taman Ayun is a stunning example of traditional Balinese temple architecture. Taman Ayun means “Beautiful Garden Temple”, which you’ll understand when you get there. The expansive courtyard and the serene lotus pond greet you when you arrive. You’ll find rows of Taman Ayun Temple’s iconic multi-tiered shrines as you walk further inside. Fun fact: Since 2012, this beauty has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and cultural importance.
Entrance fee: IDR 30,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 5pm
Located in: Mengwi
Find Pura Taman Ayun on Google Maps
11. Pura Goa Giri Putri
Boat trip to Nusa Penida, where you’ll find another one of famous Bali temples. Goa Giri Putri means “Cave of the Princess of the Mountain”, reflecting its spiritual importance amongst Balinese Hindus. You can enter this cave temple through a narrow opening, leading to a vast cavern where multiple shrines are nestled. Pilgrims often undertake purification rituals here, using the cave’s spring water which is said to possess healing properties.
Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Monday 6am – 10pm, Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm
Located in: Nusa Penida
Find Goa Giri Putri on Google Maps
12. Pura Goa Lawah
This mysterious “Bat Cave Temple”, AKA Pura Goa Lawah, was founded in the 11th century. It’s believed to be connected to Mount Agung through an underground tunnel. The temple is built around a cave inhabited by thousands of bats, which are considered sacred in Balinese Hinduism. Goa Lawah Temple is also a key site for the traditional Nyegara Gunung ceremony, dedicated to the mountains and the sea.
Entrance fee: IDR 25,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily 8am – 6pm
Located in: Klungkung
13. Pura Gunung Kawi
Gunung Kawi Temple is one of Bali’s most fascinating archaeological sites, which attracted even the former president of USA, Barack Obama! This iconic temple complex is located near Tegallalang, 35 minutes from Ubud Palace. The ancient temple built in the 11th century features unique shrines carved into rocky cliffs. They were built specially for the Balinese King Anak Wungsu and his family. Gunung Kawi Temple is surrounded by lush rice terraces with Tukad Pakerisan River flowing through, adding to its Balinese jungle charm.
Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 per adult
Opening Hours: Daily 7am – 6pm
Located in: Tampaksiring
Find Pura Gunung Kawi on Google Maps
14. Pura Masceti
Pura Masceti, or more famously known as Petitenget Temple, is a sacred sea temple in Seminyak, known for its tranquil ambiance amidst the bustling streets. “Petitenget” translates to “sacred box”, which stems from a legend involving a magical chest that belongs to a Hindu priest, Buto Ijo. Pura Petitenget is the guardian of Seminyak Beach, and an integral part of Bali’s series of sea temples that protect the island. If you time your visit perfectly, you may catch traditional ceremonies and enjoy serenity in Seminyak.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours
Located in: Seminyak
Find Pura Masceti on Google Maps
Did we miss any? Send us a DM on Instagram or email me on [email protected] to share your favourites!
FAQs on visiting Hindu temples in Bali
What are the most famous temples in Bali?
The most famous temples in Bali include Tanah Lot Temple, Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. These sacred sites are popular amongst visitors for their stunning architecture, surrounding nature and spiritual ambiance, making them must-see cultural attractions in Bali.
What is the significance of Hindu temples in Bali?
Hindu temples in Bali are central to the island’s culture and religious life. They serve as sacred sites for daily offerings, prayers and ceremonies, as well as community gatherings.
Can I take photographs inside Bali temples?
Yes, many temples allow photography in public areas. Keep in mind that some sacred sites restrict flash or indoor photography. Always check local guidelines or signs, and be respectful of worshippers during your visit.
When is the best time to visit Bali temples?
Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for temple visits, as they offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Additionally, witnessing a temple ceremony at dusk can provide a unique cultural experience, but you do have to be mindful as to not disturb the prayers.
Are there famous temples in Ubud?
Ubud is renowned for its cultural and spiritual landmarks, including Hindu temples. Notable temples include Pura Taman Saraswati (above), and Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal (AKA the Great Temple of Death), located in the Sacred Monkey Forest and is known for its vampire statues and of course, the resident monkeys. Alternatively, Pura Gunung Kawi is just a 35-minute drive from downtown Ubud.
Are there temples in Canggu?
Absolutely, Canggu hosts several smaller temples that serve the local villages. One of the larger ones in the area is Batu Mejan Temple, AKA Pura Kahyangan Jagat, located by the beach. Alternatively, Tanah Lot is about a 30-minute drive from Canggu’s Batu Bolong street. These temples provide a glimpse of Balinese culture amidst Canggu’s bustling streets.
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