The 10 Most Impressive Must-Visit Temples in Bali

One of the best places that is known for amazing temples is Bali. Bali is a great place where travelers feel very safe and can experience a lot of things if visited at the right time. The heartbreaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and deep spiritual roots make Bali one of the best places for a travel vacation.

But at the heart of many sceneries, the temples of Bali are the main thing that visitors love to see or go there to see.

10 Best Must-Visit Temples in Bali

Full of temples where travelers can experience the sacred and spiritual heritage of the Balinese people, it is amazing. These places are not only seen as a place for worship but rather as a window to the rich and great history, the art, and the architecture of the island of Bali.

Now, to our readers of Place Adventure, if you are planning to visit Bali, you should visit these 10 most impressive must-visit temples that will leave you amazed.

Pura Tanah Lot

One of the best and most impressive must-visit temples in Bali is the Pura Tanah Lot temple, which majestically stands on a rock that is formed by the great sea. This amazing must-visit temple of Bali is dedicated to the worship of the sea gods of Bali and is a very important temple for Bali and its people.

Travelers who go to Bali to see temples always get amazed by this temple’s beauty. With its illumination of its golden hue and breathtaking architectural design, visitors consider this temple one of the best temples in Bali.

Best time to visit: Sunset, for breathtaking views of the temple against the horizon.

Highlights:

• Stunning ocean views and a prime location for sunset photography.
• Its spiritual connection to Bali’s sea gods.

Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)

One of the best must-visit temples in Bali is a beautiful temple that sits on Mount Agung. Its name is Pura Besakih, known as the Mother Temple. This amazing temple in Bali comprises 23 separate temples, with the largest and most important temple being Pura Penataran Agung.

For more than a millennium, worshippers have found immense comfort at this must-see temple in Bali, to which the locals have developed strong emotional ties.

Pro tip: Make sure to visit during one of the temple’s many ceremonies to witness traditional Balinese rituals.

Highlights:

• The temple’s location on the volcanic slopes provides panoramic views.
• It is a central point for religious ceremonies, bringing worshippers from all over Bali.

Also check: Must-visit places in Ella, Sri Lanka

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan a must-visit temple in Bali sits by Lake Bratan, which is why we often call it the “Floating Temple” because it’s right on the water. It’s a temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers.

It helps Bali’s water system, making sure farms get enough water. The calm surroundings, with mountains and mist, make it feel almost magical. When the lake is still, you can see the temple’s reflection, and it’s honestly one of the most beautiful spots in Bali.

The best time to visit this Impressive Must-Visit Temples in Bali is early morning for a tranquil and misty atmosphere.

Highlights:

• A tranquil location with the temple’s reflection beautifully mirrored on the lake.
• Lush mountain surroundings enhancing the temple’s peaceful atmosphere.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the other must-visit temples in Bali and it sits high on a cliff, looking out over the Indian Ocean.

This temple honors the sea spirits, and stands right at the cliff’s edge, with waves crashing below. If you visit this temple in Bali, you will be able to see wide and amazing views, especially at sunset, and you can also watch the traditional Kecak dance that happens every day.

Don’t miss: The Kecak dance at sunset for a cultural and scenic treat.

Highlights:

• The breathtaking cliffside views overlooking the Indian Ocean.
• Kecak fire dance performances at sunset.

Tirta Empul Temple

Now to the 5th temple that you must visit if you go to Bali for traveling, and it is named Tirta Empul. Tirta Empul is one of the best temples in Bali, very famous for its holy water springs. Here, people from around the area come to wash away bad energy.

The water is said to heal, and taking a dip in the pools feels deeply personal and spiritual. The temple’s name means “holy water spring,” and for a long time, people have come here to cleanse their spirits.

Tip: Wear traditional Balinese clothing if you wish to participate in the purification process.

Highlights:

• Sacred pools where worshippers perform ritual purification.
• The opportunity to participate in a unique cultural and spiritual experience.

Pura Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

One of the oldest temples in Bali and a must-visit place in Bali is the Pura Goa Gajah Elephant Cave Tempel. Several tourists and cavern explorers consider this 9th-century Bali Temple to be one of their favorite locations.

Inside this amazing temple you can explore a small space for meditation, look at old relics, and see a tiny pool where people used to bathe.

Fun fact: Despite the name, this temple has no actual elephants.

Pura Taman Ayun

Pura Taman Ayun, located in the Mengwi area, is a royal temple surrounded by a moat, making it look like it’s floating on water. Built in the 17th century, it was once the main temple for the Mengwi Kingdom.

So, the Pura Taman Ayun is very famous and a must-visit place in Bali for many reasons, one of them being its beautiful gardens and tall, multi-level temples called Meru. As this is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bali, many travelers come here just to see and experience Bali’s history.

What to see in Balis Must-Visit Temples: The lush, well-manicured gardens and traditional Balinese architectural details.

Highlights:

• Gorgeous, well-maintained gardens.
• Multi-tiered shrines that makes for great photos.

Visitor Tips:
Perfect for a leisurely stroll and for photography enthusiasts. Visit in the late afternoon for the best lighting.

Pura Lempuyang Luhur

One of Bali’s oldest and most respected temples, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is famous for its “Gates of Heaven,” where you get an amazing view of Mount Agung framed by the temple’s split gates.

So, if you want to go there, remember you have to walk up over 1,700 steps to reach the peak or the top.

But if you can climb there, you won’t be disappointed after seeing the sunset because the scenery makes everything worth it. This amazing must-visit temple in Bali is a famous place where locals come to pray for safety and good things in life.

Popular activity: Take a photo at the “Gates of Heaven” with Mount Agung in the background.

Pura Gunung Kawi

One of the best temples in Bali is in Ubud, and it’s called Pura Gunung Kawi. This Bali temple has a group of shrines carved into rock walls. I’ve been there myself, and trust me, it’s one of the most special temple spots in Bali. These shrines, known as candi, were built to honor the old kings and queens of Bali. 

When you visit, you get to learn some very interesting and different things about Bali’s history. The quiet rice fields that surround the temple make it feel like an environment that would be perfect for visiting and exploring because of the mix of history and nature.

Highlights:

• Ancient rock-carved shrines, which date back to the 11th century.
• Peaceful surroundings perfect for a quiet exploration of Bali’s spiritual heritage.

Visitor Tips for Bali Temple:
The temple requires a short hike, so wear comfortable shoes. Arriving early in the morning ensures a more serene experience.

Pura Kehen

The last temple that is one of my personal favorite temples in Bali is a hidden gem in the Bangli region named Pura Kehen Temple, Bali. This Bali temple is well known among travelers and Bangli people. Because it is a famous place, many travelers come to Bali just to experience this temple’s beauty.

You know the caves in Thailand? This temple is kind of like that but has a unique appearance. Because this temple has such an incredible architectural design, it makes this temple one of the best must-visit temples in Bali.

Why visit: To experience a lesser-known but equally beautiful temple without the tourist crowds.

Conclusion

As a traveler, we see Bali not only as a natural haven but we appreciate the history Bali shows us with its amazing temples. A traveler who loves to explore the unknown and loves to know about unique history should must visit this amazing temple in Bali.

But there are so many temples, and according to klook.com, Bali has over 10,000 temples that travelers can visit. So which are the best ones? This list shows that. So, if you went to Bali and want to visit Bali’s temples and don’t know which temples hold the best treasures, this is it.

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