Home Destinations Asia Top Bali Temples: Six Must-See Sites

Top Bali Temples: Six Must-See Sites

January 6, 2025

Heaven’s Gate at Lempuyang Temple

Bali, Indonesia, a jewel of Southeast Asia, seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty with a rich Hindu culture. Ancient temples, masterpieces of Balinese architecture and seamlessly integrated into the landscape, offer visitors a captivating glimpse into this unique heritage. Exploring Bali’s numerous temples can be time-consuming due to their dispersed locations. While motorcycling offers independence, it can be tiring. Consider booking guided day tours for a more efficient and enjoyable experience, with options available through platforms like Klook, offering varied itineraries including temple tours, coastal excursions, UNESCO site visits, Ubud explorations, Mount Batur sunrise treks, and Nusa Island trips.

Lempuyang Temple

Pura Tirta Empul

Pura Desa Batuan: Stone carvings and sculptures

A 4G SIM card is recommended for convenient communication and internet access throughout your travels.

Unspecified Temple

Tanah Lot Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Ulun Danu): A Lake Temple

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

Featured on Indonesia’s 50,000 rupiah banknote, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple sits majestically on Lake Bratan, a crater lake formed from a dormant volcano at an altitude of 1200 meters. The cool climate and occasional mist create a mystical atmosphere. Visitors can rent rowboats for a unique perspective of the temple and its surroundings.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple at Sunset

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in the Morning Mist

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Hours: 7AM–7PM
Admission: Adult/child 50,000/25,000Rp, parking 5000Rp

Pura Taman Ayun: Royal Temple of Mengwi

Pura Taman Ayun Temple

Pura Taman Ayun, the Mengwi Royal Temple, is renowned for its distinctive multi-tiered atvatya roof architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012), this complex comprises numerous temples surrounding a reflecting pond creating a visually stunning effect.

Entrance to Pura Taman Ayun

Pura Taman Ayun Temple

Address: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Hours: 8am-6.15pm
Admission: Adult/child 20,000/10,000Rp

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple, perched dramatically on a coastal rock formation, provides breathtaking sunset views. Accessible only during low tide, the temple’s isolation at high tide enhances its dramatic beauty; it is also a significant site for Hindu rituals.

Exploring Bali’s Majestic Temples: A Guide to Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Tirta Empul, and Lempuyang

Bali, Indonesia, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. A significant part of this heritage is embodied in its numerous temples, or Pura. This guide highlights four of Bali’s most iconic and captivating temples, offering insights into their unique characteristics and providing practical information for your visit.

Tanah Lot Temple: Dramatically perched on a rock formation in the ocean, Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. Its breathtaking seaside location offers spectacular sunset views. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site and a popular destination for photography. The imposing structure creates a truly unforgettable visual experience.

Spectacular sunset at Tanah Lot. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the temple’s mystical atmosphere.

A high-altitude perspective reveals the temple’s stunning setting and its connection to the surrounding landscape.

Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Hours: 7AM–7PM
Admission: Adult/child 60,000/30,000Rp, parking cars/motorbikes 5000/2000Rp

Uluwatu Temple: Cliffside Majesty and Kecak Dance

Dramatic ocean views are a hallmark of Uluwatu Temple, perched high on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Known for its stunning sunsets and the captivating Kecak dance performances held at its base, the temple offers a captivating blend of spiritual significance and cultural spectacle. Visitors should be mindful of the playful, but sometimes mischievous, monkeys inhabiting the surrounding forest.

Uluwatu’s sunsets are legendary, painting the sky with vibrant colors that complement the temple’s dramatic silhouette.

The Kecak dance, a mesmerizing Balinese performance, is a must-see at Uluwatu. The rhythmic chanting and dramatic storytelling create a truly unique cultural experience.

Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Hours: 7AM–7PM

Pura Tirta Empul: Temple of the Holy Water

Pura Tirta Empul, or the Temple of the Holy Spring Water, is a sacred site where visitors can participate in a ritualistic cleansing ceremony. The temple’s springs are believed to possess healing and purifying powers.

The serene fish ponds add to the temple’s tranquil atmosphere.

Devotees engage in prayers and rituals, seeking spiritual purification.

Address: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Hours: 8AM–6PM

Penataran Lempuyang Temple: The Heavenly Gate

Penataran Lempuyang Temple, famed for its iconic “Heaven’s Gate,” provides stunning views and incredible photo opportunities, especially with the majestic Mount Agung volcano as a backdrop. Reaching the gate involves climbing a significant number of steps, but the panoramic vistas are well worth the effort.

Sunset views from Lempuyang Temple are truly breathtaking.

Address: Bunutan, Abang, Seraya Bar., Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Hours: 7AM–5PM

Sukawati Art Market: A vibrant marketplace offering a wide array of Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs.

Planning a trip to Bali? Don’t miss these six incredible temples – each offering a unique architectural style and spiritual atmosphere. Remember to dress respectfully and be mindful of local customs. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you’ll create unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking beauty of Bali’s sacred sites. For more information on visiting these temples, check out the links below.