The 8 Most Beautiful Temples in Bali

Bali is home to over 20,000 Hindu temples, known locally as pura. From dramatic sea temples perched on ocean rocks to serene mountain sanctuaries wrapped in mist, these sacred sites are among the island's most captivating attractions. Balinese Hinduism is a unique blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and ancient Javanese and Balinese traditions, and the temples reflect this rich spiritual heritage in their architecture, ceremonies, and daily offerings.

Whether you are drawn to history, architecture, spirituality, or simply breathtaking scenery, visiting Bali's temples is an essential part of any trip to the island. If you are planning your first visit, our complete Bali guide covers all the logistics.

Temple Comparison at a Glance

Temple	Location	Entrance Fee	Best Time to Visit	Main Highlight
Tanah Lot	Tabanan (West)	IDR 60,000	Late afternoon / sunset	Iconic sea temple silhouette
Uluwatu	Uluwatu (South)	IDR 50,000	Late afternoon (Kecak at 6 PM)	Cliff-top views, Kecak dance
Besakih	Mt. Agung slopes (East)	IDR 60,000	Early morning	Largest and holiest temple complex
Tirta Empul	Near Ubud (Central)	IDR 50,000	Early morning	Sacred spring purification ritual
Ulun Danu Beratan	Bedugul (Central highlands)	IDR 75,000	Early morning	Lakeside temple in mist
Goa Gajah	Near Ubud (Central)	IDR 50,000	Morning	9th-century elephant cave
Tirta Gangga	Karangasem (East)	IDR 50,000	Morning / late afternoon	Royal water palace gardens
Taman Ayun	Mengwi (West)	IDR 50,000	Morning	UNESCO site, moat gardens

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1. Tanah Lot -- Bali's Iconic Sea Temple

Perhaps Bali's most photographed temple, Tanah Lot sits on a dramatic rock formation in the sea off the western coast near Tabanan, about 20 km northwest of Seminyak. Built in the 16th century by the Javanese priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, it is one of seven sea temples along the Balinese coast, each positioned within sight of the next to form a chain along the southwestern shore.

At low tide, you can walk across to the base of the rock and receive a blessing from the priests near a freshwater spring that mysteriously flows from beneath the saltwater rock. At high tide, the temple becomes an island, surrounded by crashing waves.

The sunset experience: Tanah Lot is most famous for its sunset views. Arrive by 4:30 PM to secure a good viewing spot. The silhouette of the temple against the orange and purple sky is truly unforgettable. There are cafes and restaurants on the surrounding cliffs where you can watch the sunset with a drink in hand.

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 60,000 for international visitors
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Best time: Late afternoon for sunset (arrive by 4:30 PM)
• Getting there: 45-minute drive from Seminyak or Canggu, 90 minutes from Ubud
• Time needed: 1-2 hours
• Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid the worst crowds. The surrounding area has a large market selling souvenirs and local crafts.

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2. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) -- Cliff-Top Drama

Perched 70 meters above the Indian Ocean on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu Temple offers some of Bali's most dramatic views. One of the six key spiritual pillars of Bali (sad kahyangan), this 11th-century temple is believed to protect the island from evil sea spirits.

The setting is spectacular: towering limestone cliffs, crashing waves far below, and an ancient temple framed by frangipani trees. Walk along the cliff-edge path that connects the main temple areas for panoramic ocean views.

The Kecak fire dance: Stay for the evening Kecak performance, held in an open-air amphitheater on the cliff edge at sunset. Around 60-70 men sit in concentric circles, chanting rhythmically while dancers perform scenes from the Ramayana epic against the backdrop of the setting sun and the vast ocean. It is one of Bali's most mesmerizing cultural experiences.

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 (temple) + IDR 150,000 (Kecak performance)
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Kecak starts at 6:00 PM)
• Best time: Arrive by 4:00-5:00 PM to explore the temple grounds before the Kecak performance
• Getting there: 30-minute drive from Kuta, located in the Uluwatu area
• Time needed: 2-3 hours (including Kecak)
• Tip: Watch out for the macaque monkeys -- they are notorious for snatching sunglasses, hats, and phones. Remove dangling jewelry and secure your belongings. Do not feed or engage with them.

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3. Besakih (Mother Temple) -- Bali's Holiest Site

The largest and holiest temple complex in Bali, Pura Besakih sits on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung at approximately 1,000 meters altitude. Known as the "Mother Temple of Bali," this sprawling complex comprises over 80 individual temples, with the main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, at the center.

Besakih has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years and serves as the central temple for all Balinese Hindu worship. The complex rises in terraced levels up the mountainside, with each level marked by split gates (candi bentar) and multi-tiered shrines (meru) dedicated to different Hindu deities. On clear days, Mount Agung provides a dramatic backdrop, though clouds often obscure the peak by midday.

What to expect: Besakih is an active worship site, and you will often encounter ceremonies and processions. The atmosphere is genuinely spiritual and less touristy than Tanah Lot or Uluwatu. The complex is large and spread across multiple levels, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 60,000 for international visitors
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Best time: Early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) for clear views of Mount Agung and fewer crowds
• Getting there: About 60 km from Ubud (approximately 90 minutes by car), best combined with a day trip to East Bali
• Time needed: 2-3 hours
• Tip: You do not need a personal guide, despite what unofficial guides at the entrance may tell you. The official ticket covers entry to the main temple areas. Be polite but firm if approached.

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4. Tirta Empul -- The Sacred Spring Temple

A water temple near Ubud famous for its sacred spring pools, Tirta Empul is where Balinese Hindus come for melukat -- a ritual purification ceremony. The temple was founded in 926 AD around a natural spring believed to have been created by the god Indra when he pierced the earth to create a source of healing water.

The purification ritual: Visitors are welcome to participate in the purification ceremony. You walk through a series of 13 fountain spouts in a specific order, standing under each one while saying a prayer. The water is cold and refreshing, and many visitors describe the experience as deeply moving regardless of their personal beliefs.

How to participate:

1. Purchase a sarong if you do not have one (available at the entrance)
2. Change into appropriate clothing (sarong over your swimwear works well)
3. Make a small offering at the first shrine
4. Enter the purification pools and proceed through the spouts from left to right (skip the two spouts reserved for funeral purification rites -- they are clearly marked)
5. Finish at the final pool and exit through the temple complex

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 for international visitors
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Best time: Early morning (8:00-9:00 AM) before tour buses arrive
• Getting there: 15 km north of Ubud, about 30 minutes by car
• Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
• Tip: Bring a change of clothes and a dry bag for your electronics. The spring water is clean but cold. Underwater cameras are allowed.

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5. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan -- The Floating Lake Temple

This iconic lakeside temple on the shores of Lake Beratan in the central highlands near Bedugul appears to float on the water when the lake level is high. Built in 1633 and dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers, it is one of Bali's most important temples for agricultural irrigation rituals.

Featured on the Indonesian 50,000 Rupiah banknote, Ulun Danu Beratan is one of Bali's most photographed landmarks. The multi-tiered meru shrines reflected in the still lake waters, often framed by morning mist and the surrounding mountains, create an ethereal scene.

The setting: The temple sits within a large botanical garden at 1,200 meters altitude, making it noticeably cooler than the coastal areas (bring a light jacket). The surrounding gardens are beautifully maintained with tropical flowers, towering trees, and well-kept pathways. A small recreational area on the lake offers boat rides.

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 75,000 for international visitors
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Best time: Early morning (7:00-8:00 AM) when mist lingers over the lake and crowds are minimal
• Getting there: About 50 km north of Seminyak (approximately 90 minutes by car), often combined with a visit to Jatiluwih rice terraces or the Bali Botanical Garden
• Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
• Tip: The morning mist usually burns off by 9:00-10:00 AM, so photographers should aim to arrive at opening time. The temperature can drop to 18-20 degrees Celsius, so bring a layer.

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6. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) -- Ancient Mystery

An archaeological site near Ubud dating back to the 9th century, Goa Gajah is one of Bali's most intriguing historical sites. The cave entrance features an elaborately carved demonic face with gaping mouth that serves as the doorway -- visitors literally walk through the mouth of a monster to enter the cave.

Inside the shallow cave, you will find a T-shaped passage with niches carved into the rock walls that once held meditation spaces, along with a lingam-yoni statue (a Hindu symbol of Shiva) and a Ganesha statue. Outside, a set of bathing pools with ornate fountain figures was rediscovered in 1954 after being buried for centuries.

Despite its English name "Elephant Cave," no elephants were ever associated with this site. The name likely derives from the nearby Petanu River (sometimes called Elephant River) or from the Ganesha statue inside the cave.

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 for international visitors
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Best time: Morning, when light enters the cave entrance
• Getting there: 2 km east of central Ubud, about 10 minutes by car or a pleasant 30-minute walk
• Time needed: 45 minutes - 1 hour
• Tip: Combine with a visit to Tirta Empul and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces for a full cultural day trip from Ubud. The stone steps down to the site can be slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.

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7. Tirta Gangga -- The Royal Water Palace

A former royal water palace in East Bali, Tirta Gangga (meaning "water from the Ganges") was built in 1946 by the last Raja of Karangasem as a place of rest and recreation. Badly damaged by the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung, it has been lovingly restored and is one of East Bali's most beautiful attractions.

The palace features a series of terraced gardens, ornamental ponds stocked with giant koi fish, decorative fountains, and intricate stone carvings. The highlight is the 11-tiered fountain at the center of the main pool, surrounded by stepping stones that allow visitors to walk across the water amid the fish -- a fantastic photo opportunity.

The surrounding area: Tirta Gangga is set among some of Bali's most spectacular rice terraces. The views of layered green paddies stretching toward the coast are extraordinary. Several short trekking routes start from the palace grounds.

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 for international visitors (additional IDR 10,000 for swimming in the pools)
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Best time: Morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer visitors
• Getting there: About 80 km from Ubud (approximately 2 hours by car), best combined with a visit to Amed or Besakih
• Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
• Tip: You can swim in the lower pools fed by the sacred spring water. Bring a swimsuit and towel. The water is cool and refreshing, especially welcome after the drive through East Bali.

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8. Pura Taman Ayun -- UNESCO Heritage in Mengwi

The royal temple of the former Mengwi Kingdom, Pura Taman Ayun is surrounded by a wide moat and extensive gardens that make it one of Bali's most serene temple sites. Built in 1634, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Subak cultural landscape recognition in 2012.

The temple's multi-tiered shrines (meru) are among the finest examples of traditional Balinese temple architecture, rising in elegant tiers of thatched black fiber roofing. The tallest meru has 11 tiers, representing Mount Meru, the cosmic mountain at the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology.

Unlike many other temples, Taman Ayun's gardens and outer courtyard are beautifully maintained with manicured lawns, lotus ponds, and flowering trees. The inner temple is visible from the outer walls but accessible only to worshippers during ceremonies.

Practical details:

• Entrance fee: IDR 50,000 for international visitors
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Best time: Morning for soft light and a peaceful atmosphere
• Getting there: About 18 km northwest of Denpasar (approximately 40 minutes by car), can be combined with a trip to Tanah Lot (20 minutes further)
• Time needed: 45 minutes - 1 hour
• Tip: Taman Ayun is much less crowded than the more famous temples, making it ideal for a peaceful visit and unhurried photography. Combine it with Tanah Lot for a full western Bali temple day.

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Planning Your Temple Visits

Suggested Temple Itineraries

One-day cultural circuit from Ubud: Morning: Tirta Empul (purification ritual) and Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), then Tegallalang Rice Terraces for lunch. This route keeps everything within 30 minutes of Ubud.

Full-day East Bali temple tour: Depart early for Besakih (Mother Temple), continue to Tirta Gangga (water palace), and optionally add snorkeling in Amed. Hire a private driver for this route as the distances are significant.

Sunset temple experience in the South: Spend the afternoon at Uluwatu Temple in the Uluwatu area, stay for the 6:00 PM Kecak fire dance, then dinner at one of the nearby cliff-top restaurants overlooking the ocean.

Western Bali temple and rice terrace day: Visit Pura Taman Ayun in the morning, continue to Jatiluwih UNESCO rice terraces for lunch, then end at Tanah Lot for sunset. This is an excellent circuit from Seminyak or Canggu.

What to Bring

• Sarong and sash -- Required at every temple. Bring your own for comfort or rent at the entrance.
• Comfortable shoes -- Temple grounds involve stairs, uneven stone paths, and sometimes slippery surfaces.
• Sun protection -- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses (secure them against monkeys at Uluwatu).
• Cash -- For entrance fees, sarong rentals, offerings, and any donations. Most temples do not accept cards.
• Water bottle -- Temple visits can be warm and dehydrating, especially at Besakih.
• Camera -- But always ask before photographing ceremonies or worshippers.

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Temple Etiquette -- Showing Respect

Balinese temples are active places of worship, not tourist attractions. Showing respect is essential:

• Always wear a sarong and sash -- Available for rent at most temples (IDR 10,000-20,000), or bring your own.
• Cover your shoulders and knees -- Even outside temple walls, dress modestly in temple areas.
• Never stand higher than the priests -- If a ceremony is in progress, stay at a lower level or observe from a respectful distance.
• Women who are menstruating are asked not to enter -- This is a deeply held spiritual belief in Balinese Hinduism.
• Do not point your feet at shrines -- Feet are considered the lowest and most impure part of the body.
• Do not touch offerings, sacred objects, or shrine decorations -- Look with your eyes, not your hands.
• Ask before photographing worshippers -- During ceremonies, be especially discreet and respectful. Turn off your flash.
• Stay on designated paths -- Do not climb on structures or enter restricted areas.
• Keep your voice low -- Especially during active ceremonies.
• Make a small offering -- At many temples, you can purchase a small offering (canang) near the entrance. Placing one shows respect and is appreciated by the temple community.

For more practical tips on visiting Bali, including how to get around, where to eat, and what to budget, see our First Time in Bali guide.