Best Temples in Bali: Top 10 You Must Visit

Perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves, Tanah Lot is arguably the most photographed temple in Bali and one of the island's six key sea temples believed to form a spiritual chain along the southwestern coast. Built in the 16th century by the Javanese priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, Tanah Lot honors the sea gods and is considered one of the most important directional temples in Balinese cosmology. At low tide, visitors can walk across to the base of the rock and receive a blessing from the temple priests at a small freshwater spring that miraculously flows from the sea rock. The temple itself is off-limits to non-worshippers, but the surrounding cliffs offer spectacular vantage points, particularly at sunset when the silhouette of the temple against orange and purple skies creates an unforgettable scene. The temple complex also includes cultural parks, shops, and restaurants. Entry costs IDR 60,000 for international visitors (around USD 4), and the site is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For the best experience, arrive around 4:30 PM to explore the grounds before the sunset crowds peak at 5:30 PM. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends, when domestic visitors flock here in large numbers.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits 70 meters above the Indian Ocean on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, offering some of the most dramatic ocean views of any temple in Bali. This 11th-century temple is one of six key sea temples and is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra, the deity of the wind and the elements. The temple compound stretches along the cliff edge through a forest inhabited by long-tailed macaques, who are considered guardians of the temple. While the inner sanctum is reserved for worshippers, visitors can walk along the cliffside paths and admire the carved split gates (candi bentar) framed by ocean panoramas. The main draw for many visitors is the nightly Kecak fire dance performance held in the amphitheater at sunset. This mesmerizing performance features 50 or more bare-chested male performers chanting 'cak-cak-cak' while enacting scenes from the Ramayana epic, culminating in a dramatic fire dance. Entry to Uluwatu Temple costs IDR 50,000 for adults, and the Kecak performance tickets are an additional IDR 150,000. Shows begin at 6:00 PM daily, and it is strongly recommended to buy tickets by 5:00 PM as they frequently sell out. Watch your belongings around the monkeys, especially sunglasses, hats, and anything dangling.

Pura Besakih, known as the Mother Temple, is the largest and most sacred temple complex in Bali. Situated at 1,000 meters elevation on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and holiest volcano, Besakih comprises 23 separate but related temples spread across a vast complex of terraces, staircases, and courtyards. The central temple, Pura Penataran Agung, is dedicated to Shiva and sits at the highest point, flanked by temples honoring Brahma and Vishnu. Besakih has been a place of worship since prehistoric times, with stone megalithic terraces dating back at least 2,000 years. The current Hindu temples were established in the 8th century and expanded significantly during the Majapahit period. Every Balinese Hindu is expected to make a pilgrimage to Besakih at least once. The temple complex is a 90-minute drive from Ubud and about two hours from the southern tourist areas. Entry costs IDR 60,000, and a sarong and sash are required. Be prepared for local guides who may approach you aggressively at the entrance -- you are not required to hire one, though a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your understanding of the complex. The best time to visit is early morning (before 9:00 AM) when mist often clings to Mount Agung behind the temple, creating an atmospheric scene. Avoid visiting during major ceremonies when the temple may be closed to non-Hindu visitors.

Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring is one of the most unique temple experiences in Bali. This 10th-century water temple is centered around a natural spring considered sacred by Balinese Hindus. Visitors can participate in a melukat purification ritual by wading into the pools and moving through a series of carved stone spouts, each representing different prayers and intentions. The ritual is open to respectful visitors who follow the proper etiquette: wear a sarong, enter from the left side, and move through the spouts from left to right. Entry is IDR 50,000. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, set on the shores of volcanic Lake Bratan at 1,200 meters elevation, is one of Bali's most photographed temples. The multi-tiered meru shrines appear to float on the lake during high water, creating reflections that have graced countless postcards. Dedicated to the lake goddess Dewi Danu, this temple is vital in Balinese water temple irrigation (subak) system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage tradition. Entry costs IDR 75,000, and the grounds are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visit early morning for mirror-like reflections before the wind picks up. Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave, dates to the 9th century and sits just outside Ubud. The cave entrance is carved into a menacing demon face, and inside you will find lingam and ganesa statues. The surrounding bathing pools with carved fountain nymphs were rediscovered in 1954. Entry is IDR 50,000.

Tirta Gangga in East Bali is a former royal water palace built in 1946 by the Raja of Karangasem. While technically a palace rather than a temple, it functions as a sacred water garden with ornamental pools, fountains, and stepping stones surrounded by lush tropical gardens and rice terrace views. The tiered fountain at the center is said to dispense holy spring water, and visitors can swim in the upper pools. Entry is IDR 50,000. It is located about two hours from Ubud and pairs well with visits to Amed or the eastern beaches. Taman Ayun in Mengwi was the main temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, one of Bali's most powerful historical dynasties. This 17th-century royal temple is surrounded by a wide moat and features some of the most elegant multi-tiered meru towers on the island. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of Bali's subak landscape. Unlike many temples, visitors walk along a raised pathway around the outer wall, providing excellent views into the inner courtyard without entering the sacred space. Entry is IDR 50,000. Gunung Kawi near Tampaksiring is an 11th-century archaeological site featuring ten rock-cut candi (shrines) carved into the face of a river valley cliff. Reaching the shrines requires descending approximately 300 steep steps through rice terraces and past a holy spring. The carved monuments, each standing about seven meters tall, are royal memorial shrines believed to honor King Udayana and his queens. Entry is IDR 50,000, and the site opens at 8:00 AM.

Pura Lempuyang Luhur, situated at around 1,175 meters on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in East Bali, is one of Bali's six most sacred directional temples (sad kahyangan). In recent years, it has become globally famous for the split gate (candi bentar) at Pura Penataran Agung, which perfectly frames Mount Agung in the distance. This view, dubbed the 'Gates of Heaven,' went viral on social media, though visitors should be aware that many widely shared photos use a mirror or glass reflection trick to create an artificial water reflection below the gate. The temple complex actually contains seven temples connected by a steep jungle trail requiring a 3-4 hour round trip hike to reach the summit temple. Most visitors only visit the lower temple for the iconic gate photo. To get your photo at the Gates of Heaven, expect to wait in a queue that can stretch to 2-3 hours on busy days, particularly between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The best strategy is to arrive at opening time (7:00 AM) or visit after 3:00 PM when the crowds thin. Entry costs IDR 50,000, and an additional donation is customary. The temple is located about 2.5 hours from southern Bali and 90 minutes from Ubud. A sarong and sash are mandatory, and visitors wearing revealing clothing may be turned away. For a more authentic experience, consider the full hike to the summit temple, where you will find genuine spiritual atmosphere and panoramic views without the queues.