1. Introduction: A guide to the best temples in Bali, Indonesia, highlighting their unique features and significance.
2. Where To Stay: Recommended accommodations in the Ubud area to complement your temple visits.
3. What To Wear: Dress appropriately for temple visits in Bali.
4. Entrance Fees: Information about entrance costs for various temples.
5. Map of Bali Temples: A helpful map for navigating temple locations.
6. Conclusion: Further resources for exploring Bali’s cultural sites.
Thanks for looking! I put together this Bali temple guide and map after touring many of the Hindu temples in Bali over the course of the last few years.
In contrast to most of Indonesia, which is generally Muslim, Bali is a Hindu-majority island, and most of the temples in Bali are open to tourists who may be interested in sightseeing or taking pictures.
Bali has dozens of old Hindu temples to explore. Many of the best ones are in Ubud and north Bali, although you can also find some interesting Balinese temples in places like Uluwatu and Nusa Penida.
The architecture and history behind some of these is pretty neat, so it’s a good idea to see at least a couple of them on your trip to Bali.
Here’s my complete list of the best temples in Bali, Indonesia!
Table of Contents show
Where To Stay
What To Wear To Temples In Bali
To enter most of these temples in Bali, you’ll need to wear a sarong, which is a traditional skirt you tie around your waist.
Sarongs can usually be rented on the spot for a small fee like 5,000 Rupiah (less than one US Dollar), and the temple staff in Bali always have plenty of these to hand out.
Alternatively, if you plan to visit a lot of temples, it may be worthwhile to purchase a sarong of your own, as they’re very affordable!
Bali Temple Entrance Fees
Most of the temples in Bali that are popular among tourists charge a small entrance fee. The fees can range from as low as 10,000 Rupiah (less than one US Dollar) for lesser-known sites, to 75,000 Rupiah (~$5 USD) for well-known destinations like Uluwatu or Ulun Danu Bratan.
You can pay the entrance fee in cash, and often, this ticket price includes a complimentary sarong rental to wear around the temple grounds, as previously mentioned.
Bali Temples Map
Here’s a map you can use to find some of the best temples in Bali. You can click the icons to get more info and directions for each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate.
For more detailed information on how to get to each of the Bali temples on this map, you can check out individual travel guides for each location.
Best Central Bali / Ubud Temples
1. Saraswati Temple
The Saraswati water temple, located in central Ubud, features some of the most stunning wall patterns and carvings you’ll see in Bali. The doors are intricately designed with flowers, dragons, demon figures, and more.
Read More: Saraswati Temple
2. Pura Dalem Temple
This temple in central Ubud is known for its bizarre and intricate statues, featuring creepy demon goddesses, lions, and other creatures staring back at you.
3. Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest
Famous for the wild monkeys inhabiting the area, the Ubud Monkey Forest also includes ancient temples and dragon statues nestled in the jungle. The main temple, Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, is believed to have been constructed around 1350 AD.
Read More: Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
4. Puri Saren Agung
The Ubud Royal Palace, built in the 1800s, is the most well-known temple in Ubud, located right in the town center, making it easy to visit.
Read More: Ubud Royal Palace
5. Goa Gajah Temple
This ancient temple is one of the oldest I’ve visited in Ubud, featuring a cave entrance that appears oddly fascinating, resembling a walking into the belly of a mythical creature.
Read More: Goa Gajah Temple
6. Samuan Tiga Temple
This tranquil temple, dating back to the 10th century, is located between Ubud and Gianyar, a short drive from the renowned Goa Gajah temple.
7. Goa Garba Ruins
This ancient cave temple and archaeological site, from the 12th century, served as a school and place of study for Balinese royalty. It’s a serene hidden spot in the jungle.
Read More: Goa Garba
8. Gunung Kawi Ruins
A unique underground temple carved into a cliff dating back to the 11th century, showcasing impressive ancient architecture.
Read More: Gunung Kawi Temple
9. Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
Located near Gunung Kawi, this water temple is set in a beautiful jungle environment.
10. Tirta Empul Temple
Known for its Hindu holy spring, where visitors are permitted to bathe and pray, this temple is highly visited.
Read More: Tirta Empul Temple
11. Beji Griya Waterfall
A unique temple and waterfall opened in 2022, filled with intricate carvings that give an ancient appearance, located a 30-minute drive from Ubud. It charges an entrance fee of 100k Rupiah per person and offers a Balinese Hindu ceremony for an additional cost.
12. Sangeh Monkey Forest
This area features the 17th-century Pura Bukit Sari temple and is surrounded by numerous smaller temples and monkeys.
Read More: Sangeh Monkey Forest
13. Batuan Temple
Ancient temple established in the 10th century, known for its distinctive architecture and carvings unique to Bali.
14. Abiansemal Temple
This temple, characterized by its exotic appearance and nature overgrowth, is conveniently visited on the way to Sangeh Monkey Forest.
15. Taman Ayun Temple
This picturesque temple, away from heavy tourist traffic, is nestled close to Abiansemal and the Sangeh Monkey Forest.
Read More: Taman Ayun Temple
16. Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton
Alas Kedaton is a jungle area that functions as a wild bat and monkey sanctuary, featuring a collection of visitable temples.
Read More: Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
Best North Bali Temples
17. Lake Bratan Temple
This historic temple on a crater lake is among Bali’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its stunning 12-story pagoda.
Read More: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
18. Lake Tamblingan Temple
This ancient temple, a remnant of the 10th-century Tamblingan civilization, is surrounded by lush rainforests and is located within an ancient caldera.
Read More: Ulun Danu Tamblingan Temple
Best East Bali Temples
19. Pura Kehen Temple
A 9th-century temple in Bangli province featuring intricate stone carvings, an 11-story pagoda, and a massive banyan tree, located an hour from Ubud.
Read More: Pura Kehen Temple
20. Pura Segara Temple
Situated on the edge of Lake Batur, this old floating temple offers a serene atmosphere without the usual crowds or entrance fee.
Read More: Pura Segara Temple
21. Besakih Temple
One of the largest temples in Bali, located on the slopes of Mount Agung, with parts thought to be thousands of years old.
22. Lempuyang Temple
The ‘gates of heaven’ at Lempuyang Temple are a popular spot, often accompanied by long queues for photographs.
Read More: Lempuyang Temple
Best South Bali Temples
23. Tanah Lot Temple
This iconic 16th-century shrine is perched on a rock overlooking the Indian Ocean, known for breathtaking sunset views.
Read More: Tanah Lot Temple
24. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)
A cultural park on the Bukit Peninsula famous for its giant statues of Hindu figures, including a 120-meter tall statue of Vishnu riding the mythical Garuda.
25. Uluwatu Temple
Perched on a steep cliff, this temple offers stunning ocean views, although visitors should be cautious of the monkeys notorious for stealing items.
Read More: Uluwatu Temple
26. Gunung Payung Temple
A small and tranquil temple located near a beach, easily explored in just a few minutes.
Best Nusa Penida Temples
27. Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple
This cave temple, located on Nusa Penida island, features an expansive cave system that opens up into a large space.
Read More: Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple
28. Peguyangan Temple
This small waterfall and temple can be reached by descending numerous steps down a vibrant blue pathway, providing stunning views.
Read More: Peguyangan Waterfall
29. Pura Paluang Temple
Known as the ‘car temple’, this unusual site is conveniently near popular attractions like Kelingking Beach.
Read More: Paluang Cliff Point
30. Pura Sekar Kuning
This temple, constructed from bright white stone, is perched on a cliff at Manta Point and is an excellent place to explore.
Read More: Manta Point Overlook
31. Pura Batu Mas Kuning
This newly built temple on Penida’s east coast is open for visitors, but a sarong is required for entry.
Conclusion
Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this list of some of the best temples in Bali, Indonesia. For further exploration and resources, check out the complete Bali Travel Guide for additional tips, information, and captivating photos!
