Most Famous Temples in Bali

Bali, which is a favourite place in most of the bucket list of travellers, a famous island which has an endless coastline, salty winds, white sand and a galore of tradition and culture. One must be thinking to visit Bali for relaxing on the beaches and enjoy the mesmerising views of sunsets, but Bali has a lot more to offer. The enchanting temples in Bali are the reason why you should ditch the beaches for a while and have a visit to this awestruck temples. With some brilliant architecture and scenic atmosphere, Bali tourism is incomplete without visiting these temples which are around more than 10,000 here. So let’s explore some of the famous temples which are worth visiting.

Most Famous Temples in Bali

Uluwatu Temple

Located 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean, this temple is one of the famous temples in Bali for its cliff-top location which some breathtaking and stunning views of the ocean and the sun. Having unique architecture, and one among the six directional temples of Bali. A perfect place of nature lovers and photographers, this temple is believed to be built 1000 ago and its famous Balinese Kecak dance which is offered here in the evening with sunset background makes it more attractive to be visited by tourists from all over the world.

• Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: The nearest airport is Denpasar airport which is 45 mins drive from the temple. One can reach the temple by taxi or cab as there is no availability of public transportation here.
• Timings:  9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Best Time To Visit: Afternoon, throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: Kecak dance performances at the cliff-top stage, scenic view, architecture.

Tanah Lot Temple

Considered to be one of the most visited temples in Bali for its mind-blowing location where one can see the mesmerizing sunset along with lots of restaurants and cultural parks to visit. Built-in the honor of the Sea God, Varuna by a High Hindu priest and the name of the temple translates to ‘Land in the sea’.Sitting on a large offshore rock on the beach gives it alluring views that are worth capturing.

• Address: Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia
• How To Reach: Its a 50 min drive from the airport. You will have to climb up a hill and cross some dry land to reach the temple.
• Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: panoramic views of the sunset, Heirloom pilgrimage parade.

 Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Dedicated to the goddess of the lake- Ida Batari Dewi, this temple is known for floating on lake Beratan which is just a unique floating impression created by the Lake in reality. With impressive scenic views, this temple enjoys a cool climate throughout the year and thus sightseeing and a recreational spot for tourists.

• Address: Jl. Bedugul, Singaraja, Baturiti, Candikuning, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: It is 45 km from Ubud Bali, and 1.5 hr drive from the airport whereas taxis can be taken for Lake Baretan.
• Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Best Time To Visit: THroughout the year.
• Top Attractions: The scenic views.

Besakih Temple

Known as the Monther temple, It is the largest temple in Bali located on the slopes of the Agung volcano and the temple complex is composed of 86 temples. With 7 different levels of stairs which represents the 7 levels of the Hindu universe and thus only Hindus are allowed to climb these staircases but the temple is opened to all the devotees belonging to other caste groups. Sitting at an elevation of 1000 meters, the temple has many beautiful views.

• Address: Desa Besakih, Rendang, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: A 2 hours drive from Kuta, by hiring a cab or taxi and 2.5-hour drive Sanur.
• Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: The stunning view of the flowing streams and mountains.

Taman Ayun Temple

One of the six royal temples in Bali, which makes it an important destination to visit, these temples can be witnesses with splendid architectural designs throughout its courtyards and enclosures. It is wrapped in greenery and serenity, magnificent and expansive landscapes with fish and lotus ponds in between, thus considered as one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. A tall fountain and the museum in the temple complex are the cherries on the top.

• Address: Jalan Ayodya No.10, Kabupaten Badung, Mengwi, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: Its a 31 minutes drive from the airport and lies on the main road which is easily accessible by cab.
• Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: traditional Balinese architectural designs.

Goa Gajah Temple

A popular attraction in Ubud for spiritual meditation, an old cave built on a hillside where you can experience unique sights and significant history. It is also a world heritage site that is recognized by the United Nations organizations, constructed in the 19th century and also called Elephant Cave Temple because of the real Sumatran elephants which can be easily found here. Lord Ganesha is the deity of this temple who is regarded as the symbol of wisdom and a danger repellent.

• Address: Bedulu Village, Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Gianyar, Blahbatuh, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: It is located in the east of Ubud Bali and 3 mins drive from Ubud.
• Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
• Best Time To Visit: In the months of July to November.
• Top Attractions: The central meditation cave, rock-wall carvings, and the bathing pools.

Tirta Empul Temple

Popular for its holy water which is believed to be used for purification rituals and thus for over a thousand years, Hindus from all over the world worship here and bathe in its refreshing blessed water which purifies the soul and washes the sins as believed. There are shrines of Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, and Indra. Tourists can experience some most amazing and mesmerizing views from the temple and the Kala carvings at the entrance are the icing on the cake.

• Address: Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Kabupaten Gianyar, Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: Its 1.2-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International airport.
• Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: Ritual bath in the sacred water of the temple.

Gunung Kawi Temple

One of the essential and oldest temples of Bali, this temple houses 370 stone steps and is also considered the most important monument. It is the most stunning and unique archaeological site in Bali which also comprises 10 massive shrines in the temple complex and the surroundings also consist of lush paddy terraces ad green valleys which takes you back in time.

• Address: Banjar Penaka, Kabupaten Gianyar, Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: Its a 1.5 hours drive down from the airport.
• Timings:  7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: The tall carved shrines.

Underwater Temple of Pemuteran

Just as the name, this temple is located underwater which can be reached via diving or snorkeling and you will experience the most unique temple tour ever which is packed with serenity and adventure perfect for those who love non-cliche holiday ideas. It is located 90feet beneath the ocean’s surface and is 5000 years old and perhaps the most unusual temple in the world.

• Address: Pemuteran, Bali, Indonesia
• How To Reach: Pemuteran bio rock area via diving or snorkeling. The nearest airport to Pemuteran village is Ngurah Rail International airport which is 87 km away.
• Timings: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: The statues are surrounded by the beautiful corals which are tucked under the water.

Goa Lawah Temple

Located on the southeast coast of Bali, this temple is a must included a place in the bucket list. Home to a lot of Bats, this temple is built around a cave that has large banyan trees at the entrance which looks pretty mesmerizing. It is one of the essential temples for Balinese Hindus. The black sand beach which is across the main road adds to its beauty.

• Address: Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761
• How To Reach: Located in the east part of Bali and about 1.5 hours drive from Denpasar Town and 4 miles from the centre of Semarapura which is the district capital Klungkung.
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.
• Top Attractions: Beautiful coast of Nusa Penida on the horizon.

Explore this majestic spiritual haven which has its own amazing way and each temple here has something which is unmissable. There is more temple than the above mentioned which you can visit according to your itinerary. So, why to stop ourselves from exploring some glorious centuries-old architecture which is alluring and a great place for photography lovers. Pack your bags and Fly!