Bali Temples

One of the ancient and most revered temples in Bali, the Lempuyang Temple is where you'll uncover the famed "Gates of Heaven" as you reach the premises. The temple is also known for pointing to every other Hindu temple in Bali. The main temple is located at an altitude of 1,175 meters on the summit of Mount Lempuyang, hence the name. Since it's located at a peak of a mountain which is also a must-preferred trekking trail, the Lempuyang Temple is termed as one of the most preferred temples to visit in Bali for adventure enthusiasts.

Timings- Everyday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Located in Tabanan Regency, the meaning of Tanah Lot is “Land in the Sea” in Balinese. The distinctive coastal rock formations of Pura Tanah Lot have been continuously carved by the tides of the ocean. The old Hindu sanctuary, which is believed to have been built in the 16th century, is made even more serene by the pounding waves, majorly when seen at dusk. You have to cross a few Balinese street markets on either side of the walkway leading ashore before you can get to the temple.

Timings- Everyday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.

The spectacular Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located in the hills of Bali, an island where you can explore tons of rugged cliffs. You'll get to explore a clean and serene ambiance, created by Lake Beratan, which is nestled beneath the sacred grounds. The Pura Ulun Danu Beratan was constructed in honor of the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers, Danu. Along with exploring this beautiful temple and discovering new facts about its past, you can engage in various water sports as you can take a boat to the temple to enjoy the cool air because it is located on Lake Beratan, Tabanan.

Timings- 7:00 am to 7:00 pm everyday.

Goa Gajah, set in Gianyar, Bali, is a historical location and a prehistoric cave that houses an archeological site with a fine courtyard brimming with artifacts. The expansive wantilan and a conventional Balinese conference room with antique stone carvings are also visible within the courtyard along with a pool that was found in 1954. There are beautiful statues within that supposedly show Hindu angels. While touring the fascinating regions of Goa Gajah, you would discover its holy water, landscape, river, ancient sculptures, and pagodas.

Timings- Open 24 hours

A national cultural heritage in Bali, Pura Tirta Empul was established in 960 AD during the Warmadewa Dynasty's control over the previous Balinese Monarchy, making it one of the oldest Bali Temples. The temple signifies the age-old story of Good versus Evil through its epic tales that you can learn from the locals. The name, Tirta Empul translates to "Holy Water Spring" and it refers to a water source that is already part of the temple. The hot spring releases water into several pools, cleansing baths, and fish pools.

Timings- 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Hailed as the “Mother of Temples in Bali”, the Pura Besakih is one of the must-visit temples in Bali due to it being the oldest and holiest Hindu temple set on the island. For a fair number, Pura Besakih could be more than a thousand years old, making it one of the most preferred temples in Bali. The temple complex is so enormous with 80 temples that only a few are accessible to the general public. The biggest temple in Pura Besakih is Pura Penataran Agung, divided into sections that correspond to the seven strata of the cosmos with its shrine.

Timings- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday.

In the heart of Ubud, there lies a stunning water temple called Pura Taman Saraswati. The residential street of Jalan Kajeng, which is located off of Jalan Raya Ubud's main route, leads you to the temple. You can enjoy photo ops and appreciate the temple's traditional Balinese architecture while taking leisurely strolls through Ubud town. There are beautiful ponds with pink lotuses in bloom in the temple's stunning lobby as well. A lot of tourists pay a visit to the Cafe Lotus to soak in the finest views of the Lotuses and the open stage of the temple. There are regular traditional dance performances here starting at 7.30 p.m.

Timings- 7:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday.

One of the island's oldest and most sacred locations, Pura Lempuyang Luhur is believed to have existed before the majority of the island's Hindu temples. As one of the "six sanctuaries of the universe," the entire complex is regarded as one of the holiest sites, therefore one of the most pristine Bali temples. It is positioned on the mountain's summit, which is deemed to be its holiest location. Those who succeed in reaching the summit are blessed with a serene haven and stunning vistas of the neighboring highlands.

Timings- 7:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday.

One of the most distinctive temples in Bali is the Gunung Kawi Temple complex which is deemed to be an archeological brilliance. The temple is made up of several historic shrine reliefs that have been chiseled into a rocky cliff. The central temple blesses your eyes with a view of the revered Pakerisan River which also continues to flow by the Tirta Empul Temple, which is located one kilometer to the north. The carved relief in the temple is said to represent the graves of King Udayana, his family, and his mistress.

Timings- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm everyday.

This 60-hectare cultural park is devoted to the Hindu deity Vishnu and the Garuda, who serves as his mount. Balinese artist Nyoman Nuarta is famed for creating the sculpture. Once you are here, make sure you explore the Parahyangan Somaka Giri fountain located right next to it. According to the locals, this fountain is reputed to have therapeutic properties. Furthermore, the GWK Amphitheater hosts the Kecak Dance every day at 6:30 pm, which is a must-see activity in Bali.

Timings- 9:00 am to 7:30 pm everyday.

An old Chinese Buddhist temple set in Kuta, the Vihara Dharmayana is one of the most famed temples in Bali leading to its transportation chaos and the excitement it offers due to the "surfer's paradise' buzz". This ancient temple has a distinguished history; the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, Tenzin Gyatso, visited it along with other Buddhist sites in Bali during his global tour in 1982. The temple is set at the intersection of the one-way Jalan Blambangan and it is easily recognizable due to its vivid scarlet walls and artwork.

Timings- Daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Another one of the Hindu Bali Temples nestled in the center of the island, the Batuan temple is significantly taken care of by the residents of the Batuan countryside. This temple is extremely beautiful and features exquisite Balinese craftsmanship. The fiber from the variegated black palm tree is used to shape the roof which is noticeable vividly. This temple dates back to the 11th century and houses an enormous communal hall where you can begin your exploration. You must visit the temple when it's time for festivities if you want to appreciate it to its fullest.

Timings- 9:00 am to 6:00 pm every day.