Best Temples in Bali: Sacred Sites You Must Visit

Bali, the dream destination for many, is not just a place to be visited, but to be felt and lived deeply. The mornings, afternoons, and evenings bring in diverse scenes for the tourists, turning every part of the day into a purely dreamlike adventure. Apart from its mist-soaked scenery, cloud-kissed beaches, pulsating nightlife spots, and buzzing markets, tourists are also blessed with Bali’s iconic temple scenes. In fact, Bali’s true magic lives in its spiritual rhythm. The temple’s architecture, atmosphere, and vistas are simply wow-imposing! 

Below is your comprehensive, perfectly crafted list of all the famous temples in Bali that you simply can’t miss. Be ready to step into Bali’s soul and understand what shapes this destination’s identity.

List of 12 Most Iconic Temples in Bali: An Incredible Journey Through the Soul of Bali 

Did you know that Balinese Temples, besides being massive spiritual places, also play a significant role in guiding the island’s community life, festivals, and spiritual traditions? That’s why the list below goes beyond just names; it beautifully reveals what makes each temple truly significant and deeply connected to Bali’s cultural soul. 

Tanah Lot Temple 

This is one of the famous Bali Temples, which is most visited by tourists. It stands beautifully in a rocky outcrop with stunning sea views. The temple provides a place for deep reflection, creating a sense of openness and calm. The temple is small, with simple interiors, but the spiritual vibe is indescribable. Regarded as Bali’s most cherished temple, Tanah Lot offers tourists an excellent feeling of spiritual connection to nature that feels gently alive, steady, and enduring.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon through sunset for iconic ocean views and photography. The dry season (Apr-Oct) has clearer skies.

Entry Fees: ~IDR 75,000 (~₹375) per person.

Nearby Attractions:

• Batu Bolong Temple (ocean viewpoint)
• Canggu beaches & rice fields
• Taman Ayun Temple (royal temple with gardens)

Please note: The inner sanctum of the temple, regarded as the most sacred part where ceremonies and worship take place, is not accessible to tourists directly. It's reserved for the Hindu worshippers or practitioners only. 

Uluwatu Temple

Located high above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most famous temples, where the vastness of the horizon creates a quiet, reflective mood. This oldest and most sacred temple was founded in the 11th century by the revered Javanese priest Mpu Kuturan and later expanded by Dang Hyang Nirartha, who is said to have attained spiritual enlightenment here. Uluwatu Temple is also an important part of the directional temples that are known to safeguard Bali. The temple’s main highlight is its coral stone walls, which feel timeless and reflect its harmony with nature. 

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to sunset, ideal for ocean views and Kecak Fire Dance performances at dusk.

Entry Fees:  ~IDR 50,000 (~₹250) per person.

Nearby Attractions:

• Uluwatu beaches (Padang Padang, Suluban)
• Jimbaran seafood dining
• Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Besakih Temple 

Besakih Temple is one of the famous temples in Bali, also known as the Mother Temple of Bali, and holds immense spiritual significance. It was established in the 10th to 11th centuries and was dedicated solely to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, serving as the main place of worship for Balinese Hindus. Talking about the architecture, Besakih is a vast complex of more than 80 temples arranged across stepped terraces that rise toward the mountain. The highlight of the temple is the main sanctuary, Pura Penataran Agung, which stands gracefully in the centre, connected by stone stairways and split gates that symbolize the path between the human and divine worlds. 

Best Time to Visit: Mornings (approx. 7-10 AM) for cooler weather & clearer views; dry season preferred.

Entry Fees: ~IDR 150,000 (~₹750) per person (often includes guide & sarong). 

Nearby Attractions:

• Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Sidemen Valley (scenic landscapes)
• Pura Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven)

Goa Gajah 

Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is one of the most visited and revered Balinese temples, reflecting a rare blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. This temple dates back to the 11th century and was built as a place of deep meditation, spiritual reset, and retreat. The entrance of the Goa Gajah temple is simply soul-stirring, carved with a dramatic stone face whose wide mouth forms the doorway. As you slowly enter, you will find ancient bathing pools, stone stairways, and shrines, all set within a lush, forested landscape. The temple’s timeless character will win your heart and make you circle back on your next trip to Bali. 

Best Time to Visit: Early morning before 10 AM (cooler, fewer crowds); dry season, mid-March to October recommended.

Entry Fees: ~IDR 50,000 (~₹250) per person.

Nearby Attractions:

• Tegenungan Waterfall
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Ubud centre (markets, cafés)

Pura Lempuyang

This is another one of the sacred, oldest, and most famous temples in Bali, dedicated to Lord Iswara, making it a key pilgrimage site. The Pura Lempuyang beautifully reflects the spiritual balance between the mountains and the sea and is believed to predate most Hindu temples on the island. This is not a single built temple; rather, it is a complex of seven shrines that slowly ascends the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. Pura Lempuyang Temple’s main highlight is its iconic split gate, part of the lower temple complex, which strikingly frames Mount Agung in the distance.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6-9 AM) to avoid crowds, capture sunrise, and clear views; the dry season is best for clear skies. 

Entry Fees: ~IDR 70,000 (~₹350) per person (plus shuttle cost ~IDR 50,000).

Nearby Attractions:

• Mount Agung viewpoints
• Tirta Gangga Water Palace
• Candidasa beaches

Tirta Empul Temple 

Another famous temple in Bali is the Tirta Empul Temple, founded in 962 AD during the Warmadewa dynasty. This temple is deeply revered as a sacred water temple, believed to have been built around a natural spring created by God Indra to restore life and purity. Tirta Empul Temple in Bali has been a significant site for Balinese Hindus, who come here to participate in ritual cleansing, making it a living center of spiritual healing and renewal. Talking about the temple’s architecture, its traditional split gates, moss-covered walls, and wide open pavilions strikingly reflect what classic Balinese design looks like. More than just a spiritual and historical site, the Tirta Empul Temple is a strong symbol of  Bali’s devotion to balance, purity, and spiritual life.

Best Time to Visit: Mornings to join or observe purification rituals; avoid midday heat. 

Entry Fees: ~IDR 50,000 (~₹250) per person.

Nearby Attractions:

• Gunung Kawi Temple
• Ubud arts & crafts areas
• Tegenungan Waterfall

Taman Ayun Temple

The Taman Ayun Temple is another of the most revered Bali temples, built in 1634 by the king of the Mengwi Kingdom and serving as the royal family’s main temple. It broadly symbolized the kingdom’s spiritual centre and remained a crucial site for honoring ancestors and deities. Taman Ayun Temple gives visitors the impression of floating above the water because of the wide moat that encircles the entire temple complex. The temples’ architectural highlights include split gates, brick walls, and systematically arranged courtyards, all in keeping with traditional Balinese temple designs. The temple is even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit for those who admire architectural perfection and spiritual depth. 

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for tranquil gardens and softer light. 

Entry Fees: ~IDR 50,000 (~₹250) per person. 

Nearby Attractions:

• Tanah Lot (20-30 min drive)
• Local markets & cafés in Mengwi
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (UNESCO-listed landscapes)

Pura Tirta Gangga

Pura Tirta Gangga is one of the most sacred Bali Temples, built in 1946 by the last king of Karangasem as a royal water palace and place of spiritual retreat. The temple was named after the beautiful River Ganges, powerfully symbolizing the purity, balance, and life-giving power of water. Pura Tirta Temple in Bali is renowned for its carved statues, lotus ponds, and symmetrical water features that reflect a blend of Balinese and European influences. Those curious about witnessing Bali’s spiritual and royal heritage must add this temple to their bucket list. 

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for cooler weather & best photos on reflective pools.

Entry Fees:  ~IDR 70,000 (~₹350) per person.

Nearby Attractions:

• Amlapura town
• Pura Lempuyang
• Virgin Beach & Candidasa.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple 

This 17th-century temple in Bali is one of the island’s real treasures and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Bali. The temple was built gracefully to honour the goddess of lakes and rivers, Dewi Danu, making it a sacred place dedicated to the waters that sustain Bali’s rice fields and sustain the island’s agricultural life. The temple’s bespoke setting is right on the calm waters of Lake Beratan in the centre of the island’s highlands. This location adds an extra layer of meaning to the temple, making it a perfect symbol of how nature & devotion go hand in hand. The moment you set foot in here, the temple will feel as if it is just floating there on the lake, the water lapping gently against the shore & the tiered meru shrines reflecting back at you like a mirage.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning during the dry season, when the mist over the lake makes for magical photos.

Entry Fees: ~IDR 75,000 (~₹375) per person.

Nearby Attractions:

• Handara Gate Photo Spot
• Bedugul Botanical Garden
• Lake Bratan cruises & local markets.

Pura Saraswati

This is one of the most revered Bali spiritual places, located in the heart of Ubud and cherished by locals and tourists alike. The temple was built in the 1950s and beautifully showcases the connection between artistic excellence and Balinese spirituality. The Pura Saraswati temple is more than a place of worship; it is a living part of Ubud’s artistic heritage, where traditional dance performances are often held, bringing its courtyards to life. The split gates, open pavilions, and wide courtyards all create the perfect sense of balance and serenity. 

Best Time to Visit: Morning for peaceful garden views or evening for traditional dance performances.

Entry Fees: (dance shows ~IDR 100,000/~₹500).

Nearby Attractions:

• Ubud Art Market
• Ubud Royal Palace
• Campuhan Ridge Walk

Pura Gunung Lebah

This is one of Bali’s oldest temples, tucked away in a peaceful little valley where two rivers meet, making it a place for quiet reflection for ages. Pura Gunung Temple is an excellent place for Bali sightseeing and offers visitors a serene glimpse into Bali’s spiritual traditions, with moss-wrapped stone shrines, a timeless atmosphere, and shaded pathways. Its quiet and peaceful setting lets visitors really get a feel for the island’s spiritual heritage, unlike other grand or flashy spiritual sites. This hidden gem in Ubud is an excellent place for meditation or reflection. 

Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon; combine with Ubud walking routes. 

Entry Fees: Typically free or a minimal donation. 

Nearby Attractions:

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Ubud Palace & market
• Campuhan Ridge Walk

Gunung Kawi Temple 

This is another one of the most striking and must-visit Bali spiritual places for those who genuinely want to witness a marvellous piece of Bali’s ancient spiritual heritage. The temple dates back to the 11th century and beautifully honors the royal family from the Warmadewa dynasty. The temple is carved into the cliffs along the Pakerisan River, serving as a sacred memorial complex and a significant place of worship and meditation. The temple’s architectural highlights include its shrines, carved directly into massive rock faces, which attract history buffs and those who appreciate careful craftsmanship. All in all, the fusion of natural rock, flowing water, and sacred design makes Gunung Kawi a powerful symbol of Bali’s ancient spiritual heritage.

Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon (cooler, fewer crowds).

Entry Fees:  ~IDR 50,000 (~₹250) per person.

Nearby Attractions:

• Tirta Empul Temple (~10-15 min)
• Ubud artisan villages.
• Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Useful Tips for Visiting Bali Temples 

The temples are excellent for peering into the island’s spiritual soul, for exploring their role in deeply rooted traditions, for perfect Bali sightseeing, and for experiencing the local way of life. Let’s get eyes on some useful tips for visiting these temples. These spiritual places have a certain order and rules to follow, both for locals and tourists. Following these will ensure a seamless, hassle-free experience: 

• Come dressed modestly, with clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. This tip is especially for tourists: ensure proper clothing before entering the temple and carry a scarf (for added safety). 
• A sarong and sash are essentially required at most temples. Tourists can simply rent it at the entrance. Tourists must carry some extra cash for this. 
• Be vigilant while walking, as several palm-leaf baskets with flowers and incense are placed on the ground daily. Avoid stepping on them; it will be considered deeply disrespectful. Take the side route instead. 
• Plan to visit the Bali temples either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and tourist crowds. Moreover, the atmosphere before 10 AM or after 4 PM is excellent for photography opportunities. 
• Keep your voices low, talk slowly, and avoid playing any kind of music inside the temple premises. Temples are living places of worship, not just attractions. Your silent and respectful behaviour is a must! 
• While taking photos in and around the temple, never climb on shrines, block pathways, or pose disrespectfully. 
• Do not, in any case, try to touch the priests or worshippers during prayer. If you happen to visit the temple during an ongoing prayer or ritual, just watch from a distance and never walk in front of someone praying.
• IMPORTANT: At places like Uluwatu, there are lots and lots of monkeys, known for grabbing sunglasses, phones, and hats. It’s best to stay vigilant and keep valuables secure to avoid any loss. 

Suggested Read: Bali Packing List: What to Carry for Beaches, Temples & Adventures

All of these sacred, most revered temples in Bali offer tourists a glimpse of the island’s strong spiritual heritage, where devotion, nature, and culture come together. 

Don’t wait, book your customized Bali Tour Package today! Your unforgettable journey starts with JustWravel.

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