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Not without a reason Bali is called the “Island of a Thousand Temples”. It is said that there are over 20,000 of them, which is just unbelievable. For this reason, no visit to Bali would be complete without a trip to see at least one of Bali’s temples.
Before visiting the temples, make sure you wear appropriate clothes. If you wear long pants or a long skirt you will need a sash tied around the waist. Locals are very sensitive about the way tourist dress, so please respect the local customs.
Top 5 Bali temples you can’t miss
#1 Tanah Lot Temple.
Tanah Lot is one of the most picturesque spots in Bali and the best place to watch the sunset. It is placed at very scenic location- on a rock just offshore. It is said to be the work of revered 15th century Hindu priest Nirartha and forms an important element of Balinese spirtualism and mythology.
There are lots of stalls here where you can buy souvenirs, and the sellers are not pushy and they are a fair price. If you enjoy photography, you mustn’t miss the view. Even with all the tourists, it’s a serene, beautiful place to visit.
Entrance fee: 30000 rupiah ($2.63), free after 6 pm.
#2 Goa Lawah Temple.
It’s an interesting little temple, with the bats the main drawcard. You can clearly see the bats in the cave flying around, though you aren’t able to go into the cave itself (that is reserved for the priests).
Entrance fee: 6000 rupiah per person ($0.53).
#3 Ulun Danu.
After Tanah Lot, this is perhaps the most photographed temple on the island and is certainly one of the iconic images of Bali. It was built on the lake, nice scenery and unique. Locals will pray from the temple on shore and go all the way out to the temple on the lake by crossing two bridges.
Make sure to visit it in the morning, when the view is clear and the air is so fresh. Allow yourself a good 1 hour in this temple and enjoy it by walking alongside the beautiful lake. Contemplate the scenery. It’s one of the most beautiful serene places in Bali.
Entrance fee: 30,000 rupiah ($2.63).
#4 Besakih Temple (Mother Temple).
The Mother Temple of Besakih is the biggest Hindu temple in Bali located in East of Bali Region of Karangasem. t is a huge complex with multiple temples and is situated in a beautiful location. Mount Agung forms the background of this temple and the top of the mountain is mostly covered in mist. You get an awesome view of Bali from this temple.
Entrance fee: 10,000 rupiah ($0.88). Besakih Temple is open to visitors all year round during the official opening hours between 8 a.m. up to 5 p.m.
#5 Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) Temple.
This is the most spectacular temple on the island of Bali. The inner sanctum of the temple is perched majestically on the edge of a steep cliff that towers above the legendary surf breaks of southern Bali. If you are around Bali don’t miss the chance to visit Uluwatu: the ocean, the cliff, the Kecak dance the sunset – a magnificent way to spend a couple of hours in Bali.
Entrance fee: 20,000 rupiah ($1.35).
Which one these 5 temples would you like you visit when in Bali?
27 thoughts on “Top 5 Temples Not To Miss In Bali”
The temples in Bali are just so stunning. Tanah Lot was insanely crowded when I was there. Still beautiful, but just so many people! I loved the small, local temples. Maybe not as breathtaking of a view, though, haha! It’s impossible to see all of them in Bali, soooo many temples.
I loved Tanah Lot a lot!! <3
I was at Ulun Danu and Uluwatu. Ulun Danu is very old and appears on one of the larger local currency notes. It’s a sweet place to hang around and has no monkeys (very common around temples on Bali).
Uluwatu was absolutely amazing! Standing on “the edge of the world” as shown in the picture brings up very humbling emotions. Also at Uluwatu, there is a show around sunset starting with a thrilling calling and processing of an evil spirit and transistioning to a more fun entertainment show (the religious part stops when the alter in the middle of the munks is removed). If seeing the show, go against the stream and get a seat at the furthest back/top. This gives you a spectacular view of the sunset over the temple and also allows for a slight breeze to interrupt the sizzling heat.
Agree, thanks for sharing!!
I didn’t see nearly enough of Bali during my visit, and this post proves that! These temples are absolutely beautiful. I did get to see Uluwatu and was blown away!
Hope you will have fun, Leah!!
To be honest I didn’t enjoy much Tanah Lot. I mean, the temple was unbelievable, and the views, and the sunset, agree on all! But the park was very very touristic and very commercial. Flocks of kids were going around trying to sell any kind of stuff that could remind a souvenir. It was so pitiful. I didn’t feel at all any spirituality, it was like being in a mall .. :(
You didn’t? I loved there!
Gorgeous list! I love such architectural wonders. I think Bali is a mix of natural beauty and heritage.
Thank you! x
That is a great selection of temples Agness and it seems I have been to all of them. Actually by the time I left Bali, it felt I had visited all 20,000 temples, but it was still great because they all seemed so different and really unique. I would love to go back though at some point and double-check if I missed out on any temple somewhere… ;)
Thank you, Dennis!
I would pick #5, I would LOVE to see that sunset!!:-)
One of my favourite!
Bali’s temples are so magical! I’ve expected a bit more of Tanah Lot…but it’s still worth the visit!
I absolutely agree!!
Great round up – would love to see all of these temples!
You should, one day!
Only a month to go until I am there!! Can’t wait to see all of these!
I think my favorite would be number 3. Hope to get to Bali soon :)
Great list, Agness. Checking out temples is one of my favorite things to do when exploring a new place. Thanks for the inspiration to get my butt to Bali! If you’re ever in Cambodia, make sure to check out Angkor Wat.
Thank you, Rebekah!
Wow! never even heard of Ulun Danu. Thanks for the tip! One of my top picks would be Pura Tirta Empul. There’s a pool of water there with multiple spouts. To make a prayer/ wish you have to go into the pool, provide an offering to the gods, and cleanse yourself at the spout. Repeat at every single spout. And make sure to start from the left. Its quite something to see the locals do it.
It’s an amazing place. Don’t miss it out when in Bali!
I would want to visit all of them! They all look special in their own way :)
You should make it there soon!
I think one of the more romantic place to visit is Bali. I personally went there on my honeymoon and my husband and I loved the food and the people there! I would strongly suggest Bali, Indonesia. Although it can get very touristy, especially in the summer, they are very beautiful places.To break free from the tourist crowd, I would suggest you to try some home-dining options. We went to dine with one of the local hosts on BonAppetour( http://www.bonappetour.com)., and were treated to a fancy meal at their homes on the rooftop!