10 Must-See Temples in Bali

Bali is home to over 10,000 temples, which means endless options of temples to tour and explore. These temples bring a sense of spirituality to this land and that’s why millions of people all around the world visit. Bali has several temples, ranging from historic sea temples situated on cliffs to secret sanctuaries tucked away in the woods. These temples are must-see treasures that magically combine history, traditions, and the natural world. Whether you're finding peace in the shade of Besakih's towering spires, feeling the spray of the ocean at Uluwatu, or watching the sunset at Tanah Lot, these temples of Bali are always a great choice to find peace from within.

Popular among tourists and currently located near hotels and resorts, Tanah Loh is the most visited temple in Bali. The temple is often hit by massive waves due to its location, but that didn’t stop crowds of people from visiting it. Be aware of the slippery rocks that make it difficult to climb. That’s why the perfect time to explore this temple is after sunset when the tide is low, and the sun is setting making the temple glow in the dark, the view is truly majestic!

Located among some of the best beaches in Bali, Uluwatu Temple can also be seen on traditional postcards of Bali. Due to its scenic location, visitors love to capture the temple's pictures, as the blue sky acts as the backdrop. What makes this one unique is its Balinese architecture, unique gateways, and ancient sculptures. The fun part is from the forest nearby some company might join you to grab some snacks and click some pictures, so go prepared.

Named among the famous temples in Bali, missing this one would be an injustice to its grand beauty and aura. The 'Mother Temple of Bali,' Besakih, consists of a large complex with over 86 temples, including the main Pura Penataran Agung, situated on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung. At an altitude of roughly 1,000 meters, it is surrounded by hills, mountains, streams, and rice terraces, providing a calm and attractive environment. As the most revered temple on the island, Besakih hosts more than 70 festivals and rituals each year for worshippers. Exploring the entire area will take you pretty much an entire day, so for a better and hassle-free experience, visit in the early morning or evening. Visitors are required to wear sarong and sash, which can be rented from the temple.

Goa Gajah translates as “The Elephant Cave” and is a must-see site for history buffs. The temple is filled with old relics, caves, fountains, and carvings, which takes usually 1 to 2 hours to explore fully. The temple was built in the 11th century and was a popular place for meditation. The temple has both Buddhist and Hindu influences, with stone statues standing on guard, one of them being the Hindu God Ganesh.

Located in East Bali, Lempuyang Temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Indonesia, which makes it easily one of the best temples to visit in Bali. In case you love hiking, this temple is going to be your favorite, because to reach up you need to climb 1700 steep steps, at an elevation of 1175m above sea level. The best part is that climbing barely gets boring as you have many attractions and sites to stop by in between.

experience in a lush green valley. It overlooks the sacred Pakerisan River, which flows through Tirta Empul and is surrounded by vibrant wildflowers. The temple features five impressive 8-meter-tall cliff carvings honoring King Udayana and his wives, alongside Hindu shrines and meditation caves. Don’t miss the chance to stroll along the Jalan Raya Tampaksiring path, where you can enjoy beautiful views and discover charming shops and art galleries.

Taman Ayun Temple, located in the small village of Mengwi, features stunning stone structures, expansive gardens, and tranquil ponds adorned with floating lotus flowers and fish. While the temple complex includes several courts, the fourth court, which is the last, is regarded as the most spiritual and holds the highest rank among them.

 The beauty of Bali's temples keeps getting better! The stunning Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located in the central highlands of Bali, surrounded by a lake. The temple looks heavenly when the shadows of the structures are reflected in the sparkling water under the sunlight. This temple exudes a sense of peace and spirituality, especially with the backdrop of green mountains. It tends to get crowded on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the views.

The Pura Taman Saraswati is Ubud's most stunning water temple, this gem is situated in the middle of the town, making it easy to explore around. It has traditional Balinese structures encircled by lush vegetation, beautiful moss-covered stones, and ponds filled with lotuses. While entrance to the temple is free, there is a cover charge of 200,000 IDR (Around $15) for dining at Café Lotus, which offers the greatest views of the temple's open stage.

The historical treasure, Tirta Empul is a national cultural heritage site. It is thought to have originated about in 960 AD, under the rule of the Warmadewa Dynasty. Translating to "Holy Water Spring," the name refers to a feature of the temple where water from the spring runs straight into a variety of fishponds, pools, and purifying baths. Visitors can also explore the temple's art market, souvenir stalls, and food stalls selling local snacks.