![10 Must-Visit Temples in Bali: Famous, Unesco-Listed & More [+Tickets]](https://bali-tourist-information.com/wp-content/uploads/10-Must-Visit-Temples-in-Bali_-Famous-Unesco-Listed-More-Tickets.jpg)
Welcome to Bali! not just a tropical paradise of surf and sunsets, but a sacred island where gods are honored daily, offerings decorate every doorway, and temples rise like whispers of devotion from mountains, lakes, and sea cliffs.
With over 20,000 temples across the island, it’s fair to say that spirituality is not just part of Bali; it is Bali. But why so many temples? And how do you, as a visitor, respectfully experience them?
In this guide, we’ll take you far beyond Instagram shots and into the heart of Bali’s Balinese Hinduism, a unique spiritual tradition found nowhere else on earth. You’ll learn about the role of temples in local life, explore the most famous, hidden, and sacred temples, and get essential temple etiquette tips to help you connect deeply and respectfully with this side of Bali.
Let’s begin the journey!
Types of Temples in Bali
Discover the many faces of Balinese temples — from photogenic sea shrines to hidden spiritual retreats:
1. Famous & Photogenic Temples (The Icons of Bali): Get your cameras ready — these are the postcard temples that have become Bali legends.
2. UNESCO-Listed & Historically Significant Temples: Step into Bali’s past and explore its architectural and spiritual heritage.
3. Hidden Gems & Nature-Infused Sanctuaries: Off-the-beaten-path temples that blend perfectly with rice fields, cliffs, and forests.
4. Ritual & Festival Temples (Still Beating with Prayer): Where Balinese Hinduism comes to life with ceremonies, offerings, and community devotion.
✨ While exploring Bali’s rich temple culture, DON'T FORGET to dive into the island’s other experiences: from surfing and beach clubs in Canggu, to best activities & places to visit in Ubud, and countless other unforgettable 14 things to do in Bali. ✨
🕉️ Religion in Bali & The Role of Temples
Bali is the only island in Indonesia where the majority of the population practices Hinduism, but not the kind you might find in India. Instead, Bali follows its own unique branch known as Balinese Hinduism, a blend of ancient animist traditions, Mahayana Buddhism, and classical Hindu beliefs.
At its heart lies a simple yet profound philosophy:
Tri Hita Karana — the "Three Causes of Wellbeing":
- Harmony with God (Parahyangan)
- Harmony among humans (Pawongan)
- Harmony with nature (Palemahan)
Temples, or pura, play a key role in maintaining this balance. They’re not just places to pray; they’re where ceremonies unfold, where offerings are made daily, and where the community gathers to connect with the spiritual world.
Every village in Bali is home to at least three temples:
- One for the village founders or ancestors,
- One for the spirits that protect daily life,
- And one for larger deities like Shiva or Vishnu.
But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll find temples tucked into rice fields, cliff sides, forests, even lakes, each dedicated to different spirits or elements of nature. Some are hundreds of years old, others simple shrines placed outside homes or shops.
In Bali, the sacred lives everywhere.
As a visitor, understanding this deep connection between daily life and divinity adds an extra layer of meaning to every temple you step into.
[Source: Religion in Bali]
🧐 So, Why Are There So Many Temples in Bali?
Because in Bali, the divine is everywhere and so is devotion. Every village is required to have multiple temples, every family has its own household shrine, and sacred spaces are dedicated to mountains, rivers, rice fields, and even crossroads. With over 20,000 registered temples, spirituality here isn’t reserved for special days, it’s woven into everyday life.
In Bali, temples aren’t rare landmarks; they’re living, breathing parts of the island’s rhythm.
🌅 1. Famous & Photogenic Temples (The Icons of Bali)
These are the temples you’ve probably already seen: on calendars, Instagram feeds, or travel posters. But standing before them is something else. They're beautiful, yes, but more than that, they hold centuries of worship, crashing waves, setting suns, and the quiet patience of time.
Tanah Lot Temple
Perhaps the most photographed temple in Bali, Tanah Lot is dramatically perched on a rocky islet just offshore in the village of Beraban, Tabanan. This temple is dedicated to Dewa Baruna, the sea god, and it’s one of Bali’s seven sea temples strategically placed around the island to spiritually guard its shores. What makes Tanah Lot special isn’t just its setting; it’s the way it transforms. At high tide, it becomes unreachable, floating serenely in the ocean. At low tide, visitors can walk across the sand to the base of the temple (though entry inside is restricted to worshippers).
- 📍 Location: Beraban village, Tabanan (West Bali)
- 🌊 Dedicated to: Dewa Baruna, god of the sea
- 🕒 Best time to visit: Sunset (go early for a spot)
- 🧭 How long to spend: 1.5–2 hours
✨ Highlights:
- Walk to the base of the temple during low tide
- Cliffside paths and oceanfront cafés
- Ceremony days draw local worshippers in full traditional dress
🙏 Note: Entry to the inner temple is only for Balinese Hindus.
🐒 Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)
Located on the southwestern tip of Bali, Uluwatu Temple sits atop a sheer cliff towering 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. It’s one of Bali’s six key directional temples meant to protect the island from evil spirits; this one guarding the southwest. The temple’s setting is absolutely dramatic, but what draws most visitors (apart from the epic sunsets) is the daily Kecak fire dance performance held at dusk in an open-air arena with the sea as backdrop.
- 📍 Location: South Bali, Pecatu
- 🕯️ Spiritual Role: Guardian of Bali’s southwest
- 🕒 Best time to visit: Late afternoon + stay for sunset
🎭 Don’t miss:
- The iconic Kecak fire dance at 6 PM
- Cliffside walking trails with panoramic views
- 🧭 How long to spend: 2–3 hours
- 🙈 Watch out: Clever monkeys roam free — hang on to your stuff!
💧 Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
In the cool highlands of central Bali, by the shores of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, sits the ethereal Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. Often wrapped in mist, this water temple seems to float on the lake, a vision that feels more like a painting than reality. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, it plays a crucial role in the region’s irrigation system, which supports the surrounding farms and rice terraces. The temple complex is spacious, peaceful, and beautifully maintained, making it ideal for a slow stroll.
- 📍 Location: Lake Beratan, Bedugul (Central Highlands)
- 💦 Dedicated to: Dewi Danu, goddess of lakes and irrigation
- 📷 Best time to visit: Early morning (mist + no crowds)
- 🧭 How long to spend: 1–1.5 hours
🌿 Nearby spots:
Bali Botanical Gardens: Local markets & strawberry farms
✨ Highlights:
- “Floating temple” illusion when water levels are high
- Peaceful garden walks and lake reflections
- Perfect for families or a slow day trip
2. UNESCO-Listed & Historically Significant Temples
These aren’t just temples; they’re stories carved in stone. Step into centuries-old sanctuaries where ancient kings once prayed, where architecture meets mythology, and where Bali’s layered spiritual history comes vividly to life. If you want to feel the weight of time in silence and stone, this is where to go.
🕌 Taman Ayun Temple
Built in the 17th century by the royal Mengwi dynasty, Taman Ayun means "Beautiful Garden" and it lives up to its name. The temple complex is surrounded by a large moat, giving it the appearance of floating on water. With its multi-tiered shrines (meru towers), elegant gates, and tranquil courtyards, this temple reflects the height of traditional Balinese architecture and landscaping. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list as part of Bali’s cultural landscape, specifically for its significance in the island's ancient irrigation system known as subak.
- 📍 Location: Mengwi, Badung Regency (Central Bali)
- 🗓️ Built in: 1634 by King of Mengwi
- 🌿 Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for soft light
- 🧭 How long to spend: 1–1.5 hours
✨ Highlights:
- Iconic meru towers rising against the sky
- Beautifully landscaped gardens and water features
- A peaceful, less-crowded alternative to coastal temples
- 📸 Photo Tip: Shoot from across the moat for the full “floating” effect
🐘 Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Mysterious, moody, and filled with symbolism, Goa Gajah is one of Bali’s oldest temples, dating back to the 9th century. Its name, “Elephant Cave,” comes not from any elephants but possibly from the nearby Elephant River or the elephant-headed god Ganesha, who’s enshrined inside. The cave’s demonic mouth-shaped entrance is one of Bali’s most iconic visuals. This temple is thought to have been a site of meditation for both Hindu and Buddhist monks, making it a rare example of spiritual fusion in Bali.
- 📍 Location: Near Ubud, Gianyar Regency
- 🕯️ Spiritual Blend: Hindu and early Buddhist influences
- 🧭 How long to spend: 45 mins – 1 hour
🗿 What to see:
- The demon-face entrance carved into stone
- Inside: lingam, yoni, and a statue of Ganesha
- Outside: bathing pools and ancient fountains
📷 Tip: Come early morning to feel the eerie calm before tour buses arrive
[Source: Unesco]
3. Hidden Gems & Nature-Infused Sanctuaries
Not all temples in Bali announce themselves. Some whisper from within dense forests, rest quietly beside sacred springs, or wait for you at the end of a hundred stone steps. These are the places where nature and spirit meet, where Bali's energy flows most freely, far from the crowds.
Gunung Kawi Temple
Tucked deep in a lush river valley near Ubud, Gunung Kawi feels like a temple lost in time. After descending nearly 300 stone steps through vibrant rice terraces, visitors are greeted by towering shrines carved directly into the rock face — believed to honor Balinese royalty from the 11th century. The temple complex exudes stillness, with the gentle sound of the Pakerisan River flowing nearby and moss-covered stones underfoot. It’s not just a temple — it’s a full-body experience of nature, history, and sacred energy.
- 📍 Location: Tampaksiring, near Ubud
- 🕰️ Best time to visit: Morning for cooler air and soft light
- 🧭 How long to spend: 1.5–2 hours (including descent & return)
✨ Highlights:
- 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into cliff walls
- Peaceful riverside setting ideal for reflection
- Scenic stairway walk through lush rice paddies
🚶♂️ Tip: Wear good shoes — the stairs are long but beautiful
💦 Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul is more than a place to visit, it’s a place to participate. This water temple, centered around a holy spring said to have been created by the god Indra, is famous for its purification pools. Balinese Hindus and international travelers alike line up to move through each fountain in a spiritual cleansing ritual. The atmosphere is a unique blend of devotion and curiosity, with white robes, flower offerings, and flowing water all around. Even if you don’t take part, observing the ritual is moving in itself.
- 📍 Location: Manukaya village, Tampaksiring
- 🌊 Purpose: Ritual purification & water blessing
- 🧭 How long to spend: 1–1.5 hours
✨ Highlights:
- 13 sacred fountains to bathe under (optional ritual)
- Holy spring and koi pond within the temple grounds
- Local market just outside for sarongs and souvenirs
🧴 Tip: Bring a change of clothes if you plan to enter the water
⛰️ Pura Lempuyang (The Gates of Heaven)
Set high on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in East Bali, this temple isn’t just a destination; it’s a pilgrimage. Most visitors know it for the famous photo taken between the split gate with Mount Agung rising behind, but this is only the first of seven temples spread across a long, steep climb. For the Balinese, the journey itself is an offering. For travelers, it’s a chance to slow down, sweat a little, and connect with the island’s deeper pulse.
- 📍 Location: Karangasem, East Bali
- 🧗 Climb: 1,700+ steps if continuing to the upper temples
- 🧭 How long to spend: 1 hour for photo area, 2–3+ hours for full hike
✨ Highlights:
- Iconic “Gates of Heaven” photo spot
- Traditional Balinese architecture with panoramic views
- Pilgrimage trail dotted with smaller sacred shrines
📸 Photo Reality Check: Expect lines & wait times for that Instagram shot
4. Ritual & Festival Temples (Still Beating with Prayer)
In some temples, you come to see. In others, you come to feel. These are the temples where ceremonies fill the air, chants echo through stone, and spiritual rhythm becomes part of your senses. If you’re lucky enough to witness a Balinese festival, these sacred spaces will show you faith in full color.
🏔️ Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih)
Known as the Mother Temple of Bali, Besakih is the island’s largest and most important temple complex. Located 1,000 meters up the slopes of Mount Agung: Bali’s highest and holiest volcano, this sprawling sacred site includes over 80 individual temples, each with a unique function. For centuries, it has served as a central point for major religious ceremonies that involve the entire island. A visit here is both awe-inspiring and humbling, especially during big festivals like Galungan or Odalan, when the temple is alive with music, color, and devotion.
- 📍 Location: Mount Agung, Karangasem
- 🏛️ Size: 80+ temples across 3 square kilometers
- 🧭 How long to spend: 2–3 hours (more during festivals)
✨ Highlights:
- Main temple: Pura Penataran Agung with 7 ascending terraces
- Sweeping views of the valley below
- Opportunity to witness real rituals in action
⚠️ Note: Dress modestly, and avoid pushy guides near the entrance — choose official ones inside
🔱 Pura Samuan Tiga
Often overlooked by tourists, Pura Samuan Tiga holds deep religious and historical importance. Built over 1,000 years ago, its name means "The Meeting of the Three", symbolizing the unity of the three main sects of Balinese Hinduism. It’s also believed to be a sacred space of reconciliation, where past kings sought harmony between realms: spiritual, natural, and human.
- 📍 Location: Bedulu village, near Ubud
- 📜 Historical Role: Unifying site for Balinese spiritual sects
- 🧭 How long to spend: 45 min – 1 hour
✨ Highlights:
- Multi-tiered shrines and ancient gates
- Peaceful, non-touristy atmosphere
- Festival days bring full processions with gamelan music and offerings
🌺 When to go: During Soma Ribek or Pagerwesi for a cultural deep dive.
[Source: Weather in Bali]
[Source of Temples Information: List of Destinations in Bali]
🙏 Temple Etiquette Tips: Respect Is the Real Entry Ticket
Bali’s temples aren’t tourist attractions: they’re living places of worship. While visitors are welcome, there are sacred rules to follow. Showing respect doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being present, mindful, and open to the spirit of the place.
👘 Dress Modestly (Sarong = Must)
- Always wear a sarong and sash when entering a temple — even if you're wearing long pants. [Source: Rules of Bali Temples]
- Most temples offer sarongs at the entrance (sometimes free, often for a small fee or donation).
- Cover shoulders and knees. Avoid overly revealing tops, beachwear, or tight clothes.
🚫 Don’t Enter During Menstruation
- According to Balinese Hindu belief, women on their period are considered ritually impure and should not enter temple grounds.
- It’s not meant to offend — it’s a deeply rooted spiritual custom, and it’s respected even by locals.
📸 Photograph with Sensitivity
- Photos are allowed in most temple exteriors, but avoid pointing cameras at ceremonies, offerings, or praying locals unless you’ve been invited or given permission.
- Never step over or disturb canang sari — the small daily offerings made of flowers and incense. They may look simple, but they carry deep meaning.
🦶 Feet, Hands & Body Language Matter
- Don’t point your feet toward the shrine — it’s considered disrespectful.
- Avoid touching sacred objects unless you are invited.
- Never climb on temple structures for photos or fun — even if others are doing it.
- Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) are a no-go in sacred areas.
🧘 Be Quiet, Present, and Unplugged
- Keep your voice low. Temples are meant for prayer, not for vlogs or speakerphone calls.
- Remove your hat and sunglasses when entering the innermost areas.
- Take a moment to just breathe and observe — it’s the best part of the temple experience.
🧴 Bonus: Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Bring a light sarong in your daypack — it's useful across Bali.
- Watch your step: temple grounds can be uneven or slippery.
- Respect closed gates or signs saying “for worshippers only.”
- If you arrive during a ceremony, don’t push through for a photo — stand back and take it in with your heart.
🌺 Respect unlocks deeper experiences.
When you follow the rhythm of the space, you’re not just visiting a temple. You’re being invited into Bali’s spiritual heartbeat.
[Source: The Island of God]
FAQ About Temples in Bali
Some of the most famous temples in Bali include Tanah Lot Temple, known for its stunning sea view sunsets; Uluwatu Temple, perched on a dramatic cliffside; and Ulun Danu Beratan, which appears to float on a lake in the highlands. Other must-see temples in Bali include Besakih Temple, the island’s largest, and Pura Lempuyang, home to the iconic “Gates of Heaven.”
While shorts are common in Bali’s tropical climate, they are not appropriate for temple visits on their own. If you wear shorts, you will be required to wear a sarong and a sash over them before entering any Balinese temple. Most temples offer sarongs at the entrance, either for rent or donation.
Yes, visitors are welcome to enter temples in Bali, as long as they follow proper etiquette. This includes dressing modestly, showing respect during ceremonies, and not entering restricted sacred areas. Some inner sanctums may be closed to non-Hindus, but most of the outer temple grounds are open to tourists.
At Pura Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven), all visitors must wear a sarong and sash, regardless of their outfit underneath. It’s best to wear light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially if you plan to hike beyond the photo spot. Bring water and good walking shoes if you're doing the full temple trail.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee for Uluwatu Temple, which includes a sarong rental. If you plan to see the famous Kecak Fire Dance at sunset, you'll need to purchase a separate ticket for the performance, which takes place in an open-air arena inside the temple complex.
The most sacred temple in Bali is Besakih Temple, often referred to as the “Mother Temple.” Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, it is the largest and holiest temple complex on the island, hosting major religious ceremonies and attracting worshippers from across Bali.
Bali is the only majority-Hindu island in Indonesia, practicing a unique form called Balinese Hinduism. This belief system blends elements of Indian Hinduism, Buddhism, and local animism, emphasizing harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world.
Many temples in Bali are worth visiting, depending on what you're looking for. For spiritual energy and scale, visit Besakih Temple. For scenic beauty, Tanah Lot and Ulun Danu Beratan are top choices. If you're after cultural performance, Uluwatu Temple offers a must-see fire dance. For hidden serenity, head to Gunung Kawi or Tirta Empul.
“The 8 Wonders of Icon Bali” is a modern cultural and entertainment concept, featuring iconic Balinese elements such as traditional art, architecture, performances, and digital experiences. While not historical temples, they aim to showcase the spirit of Balinese culture in a contemporary format. This attraction is located in the southern part of Bali near Nusa Dua.
The three principal deities in Balinese Hinduism are:
- Brahma – the creator
- Vishnu – the preserver
- Shiva (Siwa) – the destroyer and transformer
These gods form the Trimurti, and many temples across Bali are dedicated to one or more of them, often reflecting the balance of creation, preservation, and destruction in life.
Temples in Bali are more than beautiful landmarks: they are living expressions of devotion, shaped by wind, water, fire, and spirit. Whether you're standing before the crashing waves at Tanah Lot or soaking in the silence at Gunung Kawi, each temple offers a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect not just with the island, but with something deeper within yourself.
So don’t rush.
Bring your curiosity, your respect, and maybe a sarong.
And let the journey unfold; one offering, one prayer, one temple at a time.