Summary
- Holy of Holies: Pura Besakih
- Valley of the Kings: Pura Gunung Kawi
- Healing Waters: Tirta Empul
- Stairway to Heaven: Pura Luhur Lempuyang
- A Cave Agape: Goa Gajah
- Rising from the Sea: Pura Tanah Lot
- Beautiful Garden: Pura Taman Ayun
- Floating Pagoda: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
- Soaring Cliffs: Pura Luhur Uluwatu
- Bats and the Beach: Pura Goa Lawah
No visit to Bali would be complete without exploring its magnificent temples. With over 20,000 Pura (Balinese for temple) scattered throughout the island, there’s no shortage of cultural experiences awaiting travelers. While you can’t see all of them, it’s essential to explore a few of the highlighted temples below to truly savor Bali’s vibrant culture. If your visit coincides with an odalan, or temple festival, you are in for a special treat!
01 of 10: Holy of Holies: Pura Besakih
Address: Besakih, Kec. Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia
Revered as the holiest temple in Bali, Pura Besakih, also known as the “Mother Temple,” is perched 3,000 feet up Gunung Agung. This vast complex includes 23 individual temples, with origins tracing back to the 10th century. Its central alignment with the peak of Gunung Agung signifies its spiritual importance.
Pura Besakih narrowly escaped destruction during the catastrophic eruption of Gunung Agung in 1963. Today, it remains a significant pilgrimage destination for both tourists and local worshippers.
Location: East Bali, accessible via Ubud, Denpasar, or Candidasa.
Odalan of Pura Penataran Agung falls on: July 5 (2019), January 31 and August 28 (2020), March 2 and October 22 (2021)
02 of 10: Valley of the Kings: Pura Gunung Kawi
About a mile south of Tampaksiring, Bali’s “Valley of the Kings” is nestled in a stunning ravine filled with lush rice fields. The Pakerisan river flows through this picturesque landscape, enhancing the area’s spiritual essence.
While not a temple in the traditional sense, the shrines carved into the rocky cliffs commemorate the royal figures from the 11th century. Locals believe that the purity of the Pakerisan river sanctifies the site.
Location: Near Tampaksiring, easily accessible via Ubud, and can be paired with a visit to Tirta Empul.
Odalan falls on: March 24 and October 20 (2019), May 17 and December 13 (2020), July 11 (2021)
03 of 10: Healing Waters: Tirta Empul
Address: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Tirta Empul, renowned for its sacred spring, offers holy water for both priests and devotees. Many believe that bathing in its waters brings health and good fortune. Visitors are required to present offerings before entering the main bathing pool to immerse themselves and meditate.
The spring was allegedly created by the god Indra to counteract a poisonous spring caused by an evil demon king.
Pura Tirta Empul likely dates back to 926 AD, established during the Warmadewa dynasty, and it remains a vital cultural landmark.
Location: Near Tampaksiring, it pairs well with Pura Gunung Kawi.
Odalan falls on: April 22 and November 18 (2019), June 15 (2020), January 11 and August 9 (2021)
04 of 10: Stairway to Heaven: Pura Luhur Lempuyang
Address: JJ5J+7HG, Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Phone +62 363 4301326
Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of Bali’s six sad kahyangan temples, dedicated to Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, the supreme God. This temple holds significant importance in Balinese spiritual beliefs and serves as one of the nine directional temples designed to protect the island from malevolent forces.
The journey to the temple requires climbing 1,700 steps, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Locals often ascend these steps to seek divine guidance or blessings.
At the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of Gunung Agung, especially stunning during the odalan festival.
Location: East Bali, notably reachable from Candidasa.
Odalan falls on: July 25 (2019), February 20 and September 17 (2020), April 15 and November 11 (2021)
05 of 10: A Cave Agape: Goa Gajah
Address: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Known as the “Elephant Cave,” Goa Gajah gets its name from the nearby Elephant River, evoking mystery for its perceived connection to elephants.
The primary attraction here is the carved entrance of the cave, which features a mouth wide open, wielding an intimidating visage. Inside, one can find a statue of the Hindu god Ganesha, along with a worship area dedicated to Shiva. Goa Gajah is estimated to date back to the 11th century, with its historical mention found in a poem from the 1300s.
Location: Central Bali, located about 10 minutes’ drive southeast of Ubud.
Odalan falls on: March 26 and October 22 (2019), May 19 and December 15 (2020), July 13 (2021)
06 of 10: Rising from the Sea: Pura Tanah Lot
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Phone +62 361 880361
Pura Tanah Lot is dramatically situated on a rock formation off the coast, providing stunning views of the ocean, especially during sunset. Access to the temple is restricted to low tide, which contributes to its allure.
The temple’s construction was inspired by the priest Nirartha, who recognized its spiritual significance in the 15th century and recommended building a temple at this location. Today, Tanah Lot is a significant directional temple in Bali.
This temple often draws large crowds; while it may not be ideal for those seeking tranquility, it offers breathtaking sunsets for visitors.
Location: Easily accessible from Ubud or Denpasar; can also be combined with a visit to Pura Taman Ayun.
Odalan falls on: January 9 (2019), March 4 and September 30 (2020), April 28 and November 24 (2021)
07 of 10: Beautiful Garden: Pura Taman Ayun
Address: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Pura Taman Ayun, built in the 1600s by the King of Mengwi, showcases extraordinary royal architectural beauty. This public temple remains active as a place of worship for the Mengwi royal family descendants, who maintain its heritage.
The name “Taman Ayun,” meaning “beautiful garden,” reflects its enchanting ambiance, surrounded by a vast moat that enhances the facility’s floating appearance. Entering through an ornate candi bentar (split gate) adds to the experience of visiting this serene site, featuring multi-tiered meru (pagodas) in its inner courtyard.
Location: Approximately 11 miles northwest of Denpasar and 5 miles southwest of Ubud; an excellent stop to pair with Tanah Lot.
Odalan falls on: January 15-18 and August 13-16 (2019), March 10-13 and October 6-9 (2020), May 4-7 and November 30-December 3 (2021)
08 of 10: Floating Pagoda: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Phone +62 821-4612-9292
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a prominent temple on the shores of Lake Bratan, holds exceptional significance, particularly for rice farmers in Bali. This temple serves as the leading site within the extensive subak irrigation system across the island, dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers.
Part of this iconic temple extends onto the lake, giving the illusion that it floats gracefully on the water. It features a striking 11-roof meru that stands proudly on the island within the temple complex.
Location: Lake Bratan, approximately 1.5 hours from Denpasar.
Odalan falls on: July 9 (2019), February 4 and September 1 (2020), March 30 and October 26 (2021)
09 of 10: Soaring Cliffs: Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Luhur Uluwatu stands majestically atop a 200-foot cliff, recognized as one of the six revered sad kahyangan temples. Besides its spiritual significance, the site offers vibrant cultural events, including the famous nightly kecak performance, which portrays the Ramayana tale through dynamic dance and fire.
Constructed by a Javanese Hindu guru in the 10th century, this temple provides stunning panoramic views of the crashing waves below and is particularly enchanting during sunset.
Location: Approximately 11 miles south of Kuta.
Odalan falls on: August 13-16 (2019), March 10-13 and October 6-9 (2020), May 4-7 and November 30-December 2 (2021)
10 of 10: Bats and the Beach: Pura Goa Lawah
Address: CFX9+9GG, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761, Indonesia
Phone +62 813-3842-6781
Pura Goa Lawah centers around a cave that is home to thousands of bats, adding an intriguing mystical quality to the site. Adjacent to a black-sand beach, this temple is a favored destination for post-cremation purification rituals, particularly among families who can afford such practices.
According to legend, the preeminent Javanese priest Nirartha visited this cave in the 15th century, and it is said that the cave extends over 19 miles underground, emerging at Pura Besakih.
Location: Situated 6 miles west of Candidasa.
Odalan falls on: January 15 and August 13 (2019), March 10 and October 6 (2020), May 4 and November 30 (2021)
