15 best temples in Bali

Known as the 'Island of the Gods', Bali is home to an array of stunning temples that offer a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage. These temples serve as spiritual sanctuaries for the Balinese people and attract visitors from all over the world. So, whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply looking to explore Bali's diverse cultural offerings, be sure to include these best temples in Bali in your Bali itinerary.

1. Pura Tanah Lot

Pura Tanah Lot, situated just 30 minutes from Canggu, is a breathtaking temple that embodies the mystique and charm of the island. 

Perched atop a dramatic rock formation, this ancient sea temple is renowned for its stunning sunset vistas, where the fiery orange sun dips into the horizon, casting a magical glow upon the temple and the surrounding ocean. 

As a result, keen photographers wondering what to do in Bali should definitely head here. 

The temple complex is a testament to the ingenuity of Balinese architecture, with its tiered shrines, intricately carved stone structures, and ornate pagodas.

It is believed to have been built in the 16th century as a place of worship dedicated to the sea gods. 

To reach the temple, you must traverse a winding pathway lined with vibrant market stalls, offering a plethora of Balinese handicrafts and souvenirs. As the waves crash against the base of the rock, creating a melodic symphony, the sense of awe and reverence is palpable.

How to get to Pura Tanah Lot

Pura Tanah Lot is located about 20 km from Canggu, and around 1.5 hours from Ubud or Denpasar Airport, depending on traffic.

Either hire a private driver, join a guided tour, or rent a scooter if you're confident navigating Bali’s roads.

When to visit Pura Tanah Lot

The April to October dry season offers the clearest skies and best sunset views.

Want wider context on when to go to Bali? Wise up on the best time to visit Bali.

2. Lempuyang Temple, Karangasem

Nestled in the enchanting landscape of Bali, Lempuyang Temple is a sacred haven that captivates the hearts of visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty and profound spiritual significance. 

Perched on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, this ancient temple offers a pilgrimage-like experience as one ascends a grand stairway consisting of over 1,700 steps. 

As you climb, the vibrant greenery and breathtaking panoramas unfold, revealing a sense of serenity and harmony with nature.

At the top, you are rewarded with the iconic split gate, known as the "Gateway to Heaven," framing a picture-perfect view of Mount Agung. 

The temple complex itself exudes an air of tranquillity, with its ornate stone carvings, intricate architecture, and sacred shrines honouring the deities.

How to get to Lempuyang Temple

Located in East Bali, Lempuyang Temple is about 2.5–3 hours from Ubud, 2 hours from Candidasa, and 2.5 hours from Denpasar or Seminyak by car or scooter.

Most visitors hire a private driver or join a guided tour that also includes nearby sights like Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung.

When to visit Lempuyang Temple

Again, the April to October dry season is best.

In the early stages of planning your trip? Read our Bali travel tips, and make use of our guide to how to plan a trip to Indonesia.

3. Goa Gajah, Gianyar

Also known as the Elephant Cave, is an ancient archaeological site nestled in the lush jungles of Bali. This mystical and enigmatic cave temple holds great historical and spiritual significance.

 Dating back to the 11th century, Goa Gajah features a striking entrance carved into the face of a towering rock, depicting menacing creatures and guardian spirits. 

As you venture inside, they are greeted by a cavernous space adorned with ancient stone carvings, bathing pools, and meditative spaces.

The atmosphere exudes a sense of mystery and reverence, inviting contemplation and introspection. The name "Elephant Cave" stems from the nearby bathing pool, where a stone statue of an elephant once stood. 

The combination of natural beauty, intricate carvings, and spiritual ambiance make Goa Gajah a compelling destination for those seeking to delve into Bali's rich cultural heritage and connect with its ancient traditions. It's also a place that'll please folks visiting Bali with kids. 

How to get to Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah is just 6 km southeast of Ubud, and easily accessible by car or scooter.

You can hire a private driver, take a taxi, or ride a scooter if you’re staying in or around Ubud. Also note that many guided tours include it as a stop.

When to visit Goa Gajah

Visit in April to October for pleasant weather and less slippery paths around the cave and gardens.

The best time of day to visit is morning or late afternoon to avoid tour crowds and the most intense midday heat.

4. Luhur Batukau Temple, Tabanan

Southwest of the Bedugal highlands, along the winding artery skirting the mountains, is one of Bali’s most venerated temples, Pura Luhur Batukau, situated near Batukau on the slopes of Gunung Batukau (2,276 metres/7,467ft high).

The western Batukau highlands are famed for magnificent landscapes, and the view from Jatiluwih village takes in the whole landscape of southern Bali. 

Nearby, Yeh Panas surges hot water from the riverbank, graced by a small temple for prayers and offerings. The springs are part of a modest resort and are open for a fee.

How to get to Luhur Batukau Temple

Located on the slopes of Mount Batukaru in central-west Bali,  Luhur Batukau Temple is about 2 hours from Ubud, 2.5 hours from Seminyak or Canggu, and 1.5 hours from Tabanan town.

It's best accessed with a private driver or as part of a guided cultural tour.

When to visit Luhur Batukau Temple

Most times of the year are great, expect the full-on rainy season (November–March) — the road is winding and narrow, and conditions can be slippy, which makes accessing the site and exploring it a little trickier.

5. Taman Ayun Temple, Sobangan

Mengwi, principality, 6km (4 miles) north of Kapal, was, until 1891, the centre of a powerful kingdom dating from the Gelgel dynasty.

Pura Taman Ayun, built in the 18th century, has a surrounding moat, giving the impression of a garden sanctuary, explaining the name taman, or garden. From the bustling nearby town of Tabanan a scenic road heads north to Pura Luhur Batukau.

How to get to Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple is located in Mengwi village, which is about 30–40 minutes from Ubud, and 45 minutes from Seminyak or Canggu.

It's easily accessed by private driver, taxi, or as part of a half-day temple tour that may also include Tanah Lot or Sangeh Monkey Forest.

When to visit Taman Ayun Temple

Visit in April to October (dry season) for pleasant weather and lush garden surroundings.

Keen to mix culture with coastal chilling? Discover the best beaches in Bali.

6. Rambut Siwi Temple, Mendoyo

Pura Rambut Siwi (Lock of Hair Temple) was founded by High Priest Danghyang Nirartha in the 16th century. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, the pavilions west of the temple offer panoramic views over rice fields and the ocean.

It is said that Nirartha’s stopover here relieved the village of a devastating epidemic, and before moving on, he presented the people with a lock of his hair, explaining the temple’s name. His hair and some of his personal belongings are enshrined in the inner courtyard of the main temple.

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How to get to Rambut Siwi Temple

Rambut Siwi Temple is  located on the southwest coast of Bali near Negara, about 2.5–3 hours from Denpasar or Seminyak, three hours from Ubud, and 1 hour from Medewi Beach.

It's best accessed with a private driver, perhaps as part of a West Bali road trip or en route to Pemuteran or Gilimanuk (for Java ferry).

When to visit Rambut Siwi Temple

Late afternoons in the dty season are best for , temple walks without rain disruptions, and ocean sunsets behind the cliffside temple. 

7.  Luhur Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu

At the western tip of Bukit Badung, where rocky precipices drop almost 100 metres (330ft) to the ocean, is Pura Luhur Uluwatu, 70 metres (230ft) up on a dramatic promontory. 

Originally dating from around the 16th century, it is one of the Sad Kahyangan, or Six Temples of the World, revered by all Balinese.

The holy Javanese priest Danghyang Nirartha established this temple, and it is said he achieved enlightenment here. The innermost sanctuary, jeroan, is off-limits to non-worshippers but can be viewed from the side.

South of the temple and car park, a panoramic short path leads along the cliff top. Uluwatu is famous among tourists for its spectacularly located nightly performance of the Kecak dance. 

Most visits are on organised excursions, but tickets are also available at the gate.

How to get to Luhur Uluwatu Temple

Luhur Uluwatu Temple is located on a dramatic cliff in southern Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, around one hour from Seminyak and Kuta, 45 minutes from Uluwatu, Jimbaran, and the airport, and 1.5 hours from Ubud.

It's easily reached by private driver, taxi, or scooter. 

When to visit Luhur Uluwatu Temple

Visit in the dry season in the late afternoon before sunset (around 4:30–6:30 pm) for spectacular views and to see the iconic sunset Kecak dance that's held daily in the cliffside amphitheater.

8. Besakih Temple, Uluwatu

On the slopes of Mount Agung lies Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple. Easily accessed from Besakih village, the temple houses ancestral shrines for all Hindu Balinese, who regard the complex as the pinnacle of sanctity.

Besakih originated in the 8th century as a terraced sanctuary honouring Gunung Agung’s gods. Over a period of more than 1,000 years it was enlarged, and today it comprises 30 public temples with hundreds of shrines.

Nonworshippers are not allowed into the inner temple unless they wish to pray, but the layout can quite easily be seen from the open gates. Do not enter the grounds unless invited, and be sure to be dressed in a sarong and a temple sash.

How to get to  Besakih Temple

Located on the slopes of Mount Agung in East Bali,Besakih Temple is about 2 hours from Ubud, and 2.5–3 hours from Seminyak or Kuta.

It's best accessed  as part of a guided temple and volcano tour.

When to visit  Besakih Temple

Visit in the dry season before 10 am for smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and to soak up the mystical light over the temple complex.

9. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Lake Beratan

Nestled serenely on the shores of Lake Beratan in the highlands of Bali, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a captivating sight that blends natural beauty with spiritual tranquillity. 

Also known as the "Temple of the Lake," it is one of Bali's most iconic and picturesque landmarks. The temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu, the deity of water, and serves as a place of worship for the Balinese Hindu community.

The temple's unique architecture stands out, with its tiered shrines and pagodas seemingly floating on the crystal-clear waters of the lake, creating a harmonious union between the earthly and divine realms. 

Surrounding the temple are meticulously manicured gardens, adorned with colourful blooms and lush foliage, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. 

As mist often gently blankets the lake, creating an ethereal ambience, you are transported to a realm of tranquillity and introspection.

Wondering how to configure your trip? Read up on how many days to spend in Bali.

How to get to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Located on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, central Bali, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is about 1.5–2 hours from Ubud or Seminyak, and one hour from Lovina.

Most visitors hire a private driver or join a full-day tour.

When to visit  Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Visit between April and October for clearer views and less fog around the lake and mountains, with early-morning visits offering a more serene atmosphere, soft light, and minimal crowds.

10. Pura Tirta Empu, Tampaksiring

Pura Tirta Empul, located in the tranquil village of Tampaksiring in Bali, is a sacred water temple renowned for its purifying and healing powers. 

Built in the 10th century, this revered Balinese Hindu temple is dedicated to the god Vishnu and is considered one of the holiest sites on the island. 

The temple's focal point is a series of natural springs that feed into a large bathing pool, where locals and visitors alike come to participate in a cleansing ritual known as "melukat."

Devotees immerse themselves in the crystal-clear water, following a prescribed sequence of rituals to purify their bodies and souls. 

The temple complex itself is a captivating blend of traditional Balinese architecture and intricate stone carvings, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and picturesque rice fields.

Planning to cover a lot of ground? Read our guide to getting around Bali.

How to get to Pura Tirta Empu

Pura Tirta Empul

Located in Tampaksiring, central Bali,  Pura Tirta Empu is about 30–40 minutes from Ubud.

It's easily reached by private driver, guided tour, or scooter, and often paired with visits to nearby sites like the Gunung Kawi temple or Tegallalang rice terraces.

When to visit Pura Tirta Empu

Early morning (7-9 am) in the dry season is best for a peaceful experience before tour groups arrive. 

Also note that weekdays are quieter than weekends.

11. Kehen Temple, Cempaga

The largest and most sacred temple of Bangli is Pura Kehen, an ancient terraced mountain sanctuary and state temple. Below the foot of the stairway is an old temple that houses a collection of bronze plate inscriptions.

Statues of mythological figures line the first terrace to Pura Kehen, from which steps lead to a magnificent gate that the locals call ‘the great exit’.

Above the gate are the frightening face and splayed hands of Bhoma, the demonic son of the earth who prevents harmful spirits from entering the temple. On both sides of the opening are figures of villagers gesturing in welcome.

An enormous banyan with a kulkul (warning drum) nestled in its branches shades the first courtyard, where the upper walls are inlaid with Chinese porcelain plates. An 11-tiered meru (pagoda) dedicated to the god Shiva dominates the inner sanctuary.

How to get to Kehen Temple

Kehen Temple is located in Bangli, East Bali, about one hour from Ubud.

Best reached by private driver or guided tour, visits are often included in East Bali cultural itineraries. 

When to visit Kehen Temple

Again, dry season mornings are best for soft light, cooler air, and fewer visitors. 

12. Puncak Penulisan Temple, Penulisan

Built on the summit of Gunung Penulisan (1745m), 5km north of Kintamani in Sukawana village, Pura Puncak Penulisan is the highest temple on Bali and one of the most ancient; it is named in ninth-century inscriptions.

There are 333 steps to the top temple, Pura Panarajon, which is dedicated to Sanghyang Grinatha, a manifestation of Siwa and the god of the mountains. Up here, bale shelters ancient lingam and statues from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. Needless to say, when the clouds clear the views are spectacular.

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How to get to Puncak Penulisan Temple

Puncak Penulisan Temple is located in central–northeast Bali near Penulisan Village, approximately 30–40 minutes from Ubud.

To get here, hire a private driver, book a guided tour, or rent a scooter if you're an adventurous type.

When to visit Puncak Penulisan Temple

Early mornings in the dry season offer tranquil atmosphere, soft morning light, and cooler conditions for walking. 

Avoid midday to escape heat and large tour groups.

13. Gunung Kawi Temple, Ubud

Gunung Kawi Temple, located in the lush landscapes of Bali, is a captivating masterpiece that carries with it a rich history and a spiritual essence. 

Nestled amidst the emerald green rice terraces and surrounded by towering cliffs, this ancient temple stands as a testament to the island's profound cultural heritage.

Carved into the rock face, the temple features impressive stone shrines that pay homage to Bali's kings and queens of the past. As one explores the temple complex, they are transported back in time, awestruck by the intricate details of the carvings and the aura of tranquility that envelops the surroundings. 

The lush gardens and babbling streams add to the serenity of the place, making Gunung Kawi Temple a true sanctuary for the soul.

While planning your trip, be sure to check out the best areas to stay in Bali.

How to get to Gunung Kawi Temple

Gunung Kawi Temple is located in Tampaksiring near Ubud, and easily  reached by private driver, guided tour and scooter. It’s often included in temple circuits that explore central Bali.

When to visit Gunung Kawi Temple

Early morninga in the dry season are best for comfortable weather.

14. Maduwe Karang Temple, Kubutambahan

Given that it is probably the most arresting temple in north Bali, Pura Meduwe Karang is surprisingly little visited. 

It lies 7km east of Singaraja’s Penarukan terminal and is dedicated to Batara Meduwe Karang – the temple ensures divine protection for crops grown on dry land, such as coconuts, maize and groundnuts.

It’s certainly built on a grand scale: the terraces at the front support 34 figures from the Ramayana, including the giant Kumbakarna battling with hordes of monkeys from Sugriwa’s army.

Yet what the temple is best known for are the carvings of Balinese villagers, including elderly people and mothers with babies. In the inner courtyard, and typical of northern temples, a large rectangular base links the three central shrines, called the bebaturan.

How to get to Maduwe Karang Temple

Nestled on a rocky seaside promontory near Candidasa in eastern Bali, Maduwe Karang Temple is approximately 20 km (30 min) from Candidasa.

We suggest hiring a private driver or booking a guided day tour of East Bali that incudes Maduwe Karang Temple and stops at Tenganan Village and Tirta Gangga. 

When to visit Maduwe Karang Temple

Arrive in the late afternoon (4–5 pm) during the dry season for serene golden-hour light, cooler temperatures, and excellent sunset views over the water. 

Morning visits are lovely too — quieter, with soft light.

15. Taman Saraswati Temple, Ubud

Commissioned in the 1950s by Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, Pura Taman Saraswati is the work of the prolific royal architect and stone carver I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, who set the temple complex within a delightful lotus-pond garden.

It’s dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning, science and literature. Access to the temple is via a lane between Café Lotus and Starbucks in Ubud: walk between the lotus ponds to the red-brick kori agung (temple entrance).

The straight route into the temple courtyard is blocked by an unusual aling-aling (the wall device built into nearly every temple to disorient evil spirits), which is, in fact, the back of a rotund statue of a raksasa (demon guardian).

Inside the courtyard, the main lotus-throne shrine is covered with a riot of paras (volcanic tuff) carvings, with the requisite cosmic turtle and naga (a snake/dragon deity) forming the base, while the tower is a swirling mass of curlicues and floral motifs. 

Only visitors in Balinese dress are allowed inside — there’s a stall close by which rents out traditional clothing.

How to get to Taman Saraswati Temple

Taman Saraswati Temple is nestled in the heart of central Ubud, right on Jalan Kajeng, just a 5–10 minute walk from the Ubud Palace, Royal Palace and Ubud Market.

All of which means, it's easily reached by walking if you’re staying in downtown Ubud, or take a short taxi/ojek ride.

When to visit Taman Saraswati Temple

Dry season mornings are best for a peaceful visit, with evenings 6-8 pm offering the chance to see traditional dance performances on the lotus-filled stage.

Visit the Agung Rai Museum of Art or box office beforehand to check schedules and tickets.

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