8 Temples You’ve Gotta See in Bali
You can’t go to Bali and not see its legendary ancient temples. With more than 10,000 puras (temples) on the island, you’ll find them everywhere, by the sea, in villages and cities, and on mountains. Their stunning historic architecture surrounded by the raw, lush beauty of Bali makes for exotic photos ops. No wonder tourists are so drawn to them. Since you can’t possibly visit all of them we’ve put together a list of eight temples that are absolutely worth visiting. Remember to dress modestly when visiting Balinese temples; no short and sleeveless clothes!
Pura Besakih
Popularly known as ‘Mother Temple’, Pura Besakih is the holiest of all temples in Bali. It is also the mother of all Balinese temples in that it is the largest temple on the island comprising of 23 temples sitting on parallel ridges. Like all Balinese temples, a series of stairs lead to the Meru (main spire) through stepped terraces and courtyards. This 1000-year-old temple is perched high on the western slopes of the volcanic Mount Agung. In 1963, a series of volcanic eruptions of Mount Agung killed over 1,700 people but miraculous missed the temple by a few meters. To the Balinese, it’s a proof of the temple’s divine powers.
Entry: Paid
Timing: 8am to 5pm
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Precariously perched atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, lies one of Bali’s sad kahyangan (six of the holiest temples in Bali), Pura Luhur Ulu Watu. Large statues of Lord Ganesha welcome you at the temple’s arched gateway. As you make your way to the temple, you’ll bump into cheeky little monkeys, the temple’s inhabitants. But be careful, they’re known to snatch your belongings, which they will return back in exchange for food! Inside the temple, you’ll find beautiful carvings depicting Balinese mythology. However, the main inner temple can only be visited by Hindus. While the temple is stunning, its biggest draw is its fabulous location. Make sure to visit at dusk to experience one of the most spirituals sunsets of your life, and later watch the wonderful Kecak dance performance, an ancient Ramayana monkey chant performed as ritual by Balinese men.
Pura Taman Ayun
Built around 1634 by the ruler of the Mengwi Kingdom, Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan, Pura Taman Ayun was the main temple of the Mengwi Kingdom. This UNESCO World Heritage listed temple, literally translates to ‘Garden Temple in the Water’ and it is just so, considering it is surrounded by a moat and its beautiful courtyards with manicured gardens are decked with lotus and fish ponds. In its inner courtyard, you’ll find numerous spectacular meru (multi-tiered shrines), the temple’s main Chinese inspired attraction.
Bramhavihara Arama
Built over a series of terraces in the hills of Banjar, Bramhavihara Arama is Bali’s only Buddhist Monastery. You’ll enter the monastery through a beautiful Balinese style courtyard with a lotus pond in its center. Climb up the stairway where each step is marked with lessons from the Buddhist eight-fold path, to visit the meditation room. From there, head up the stairs (again) to the monastery’s most photographed part — the giant Nepalese style golden bell-shaped pagodas and a three-tiered Chinese-style pagoda home to a golden Buddha statue. Once you finish clicking ‘Instagramable’ photos, take a pause to soak in the mesmerizing views of the surrounding countryside. Trudge further up through the gardens to explore the mini replica of the UNESCO World Heritage listed and the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur. In the white stone hall below this structure, you can learn about Buddha’s life through a series of sculptures. Make sure to dress modestly.
Pura Tanah Lot
Although Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most revered sea temples, for tourists the temple’s significance lies in its spectacular location more than spirituality. This tiny temple sits majestically on a large rock jutting off the shore. It is believed that the temple was built in the 15th century under the instructions of priest Nirartha who spent a night on this rocky outcrop. Try to visit at sun down; watching the sun set behind the temple is a splendid sight. To reach the temple, you can take the walkways or if you’re visiting during low tide, walk over to the temple directly.
Timing: 7am to 7pm
Pura Luhur Batukaru
One of the nine directional temples that protect Bali from evil spirits, Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of the island’s most sacred and beautiful temples. Thanks to its remote location on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, Bali’s second-highest volcano, few tourists visit this temple. The unmissable 7-tiered meru (multi-tiered shrine) dedicated to Mahadewa, the guardian of Mount Batukaru, is the temple’s most important shrine. In fact, before ascending the summit of Mount Batukaru, it is customary to take blessings of Mahadewa. Do take a walk in the forest surrounding the temple’s compound; it’s tranquility gets a spiritual touch with the distant chanting of priests.
Entry: Paid
Timing: 8am to 6.30pm
Pura Kehen
The state temple of Bangli, Pura Kehen is one of the most intricately beautiful temples in eastern Bali and is often described as the miniature version of Pura Besakih, the most important temple on the island. Just like Pura Besakih, it has 8 terraces built on the slope of a hill. A flight of stairs will take you up to the main temple surrounded by palm tree plantations, stunningly blending nature with spirituality. While the main 11-tiered meru (multi-tiered shrine) is dedicated to the fire god, you’ll also find shrines dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Pura Taman Saraswati
Pura Taman Saraswati is a beautiful water temple in Ubud dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and the arts, Saraswati. The water bodies in the temple complex adorned with pretty lotus blossoms add to the temple’s beauty. Notice the intricate carvings honoring the goddess. In the evening, live folk dance performances are held at 7.30pm in the amphitheater behind the temple.
