Everything you need to know about the Top 10 Temples in Bali

Bali is one of the most unique travel destinations in the world. The island is famous for its alluring beauty thanks to the numerous beaches and a lush green landscape. This makes it a haven for water sports lovers as well as trekking enthusiasts. But Bali’s charm does not end with its beaches. The island is home to a large Balinese Hindu population, and thus, boasts many exquisitely designed ancient temples. Before you book your tickets to Bali, it would be good to know which are the top 10 temples in Bali so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly. Here is a list of all the top 10 temples in Bali:

1. Uluwatu Temple: Located on the edge of a 70-meter-high cliff, the Uluwatu temple is one of the most famous and top temples in Bali. Also called the Pura Lahur Uluwatu, the temple offers visitors a great view of the majestic Indian ocean with the Uluwatu beach spread right below it. This temple is also revered as one of the six important temples in Bali. Visitors can enjoy Kecak dance performances at the temple if they are lucky.

Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM

Location: South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali

2. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Sitting atop Lake Beratan, the Ulan Danu Beratan is a Hindu temple dedicated to the local river goddess Dewi Danu. Also called the floating temple, the Ulan Danu was built in 1633 and is a place of worship for many Hindu gods like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva making it one of the top temples in Bali From the temple, visitors can also view the vast expanse of the Bedugul mountain range and even enjoy some fishing!

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Location: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali

3. Pura Luhur Lempuyang: Anybody who has checked Instagram for pictures of Bali must have seen many pictures that show a person standing at the entrance gates of a temple. The split gates called the Gates of Heaven and they make Pura Luhur Lempuyang one of the best temples to visit in Bali. The gates of heaven are a major attraction of the temple and are seen only after climbing 1500 stairs. Located in Mount Agung, the Pura Luhur Lempuyang is known for being one of the six important and holiest temples in Bali.

Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM

Location: Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem

4. Taman Ayun Temple: Located in Mengwi village, the Taman Ayun temple is known for its exquisite garden full of ponds and trees. Taman Ayun can be literally translated as a beautiful garden and features one of the world’s cultural heritage sites. The temple, built in the 17th century, blends traditional Balinese architecture with a modern lotus-filled garden. The Taman Ayun Temple is a very popular destination for travellers from across the world and is well known as one of the top temples in Bali.

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Location: Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

5. Tanah Lot Temple: One of the top temples in Bali, the Tanah Lot Temple is located in one of the most dramatic and beautiful places in the world. The temple sits on a large rock jutting into the ocean and is known for its exquisite rock formation because of the constant lashes from the ocean waves. The temple is a haven for photographers and is filmed for its unique position in the Indian Ocean. It cost between INR 100-150 to enter the temple.

Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM

Location: Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

6. Besakih Temple: Considered the holiest temple in Bali, the Besakih temple is called the Mother temple by many in Indonesia. The temple is located on the southwest side of Mount Ayung and offers a majestic view of the rice paddy fields of Bali. Visitors flock to the Besakih temple to witness the incredible beauty of the temple. This is another one of the temples in Bali that has a split gate – a major attraction for photo enthusiasts. Visitors are charged around INR 180-200 to enter the temple.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Location: Gunung Mas No.Ds, Besakih, Kec. Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali

7. Tirta Empul Temple: A unique water temple in Bali, Tirta Empul is famous for its holy springs where both locals and tourists go to take a dip alike. The Balinese believe that the holy water in the sacred water temple will purify them. Like many other Balinese temples, the temple, believed to at least 1000 is dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra and Mount Batur making it one of the top temples in Bali. The charge of entering the temple is INR 100.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: Tirta, Manukaya, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali

8. Batukaru Temple: The Batukaru temple sits by the side of the volcanic mountain, Mount Batukaru. The temple, dedicated to God Batukaru, is open to all and at all times of the day and is known for its lush green beauty. Anyone planning to trek Mount Batukaru starts from the Batukaru temple, one of the best temples in Bali. This is another temple that the Balinese believe protects them from evil spirits. There is no entry fee to enter this temple, but visitors may donate whatever they feel like.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: Tirta, Manukaya, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali

9. Goa Gajah: The Goa Gajah temple in Bali is known for its stunning architecture. Close to the Bedulu village, the Goa Gajah temple actually means Elephant Cave because the temple is shaped like a cave. The 11th-century temple honours both Hindu and Buddhist deities. There are fountains and pools inside the temple and a beautiful garden outside of the cave. Visitors are charged around INR 250 to enter the temple.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Location: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali

10. Taman Pura - underwater temple: One of the most unique and majestic places in Bali, the Taman Pura is located under the Indian Ocean. Don’t be fooled because technically, this one is not a temple, but it is just popular among travellers as one of the top temples in Bali. It was only constructed recently as a part of a coral reef protection project. It was constructed by the Sea Rovers dive centre with the help of an Australian agency to support and sustain marine life in Bali.

Timings: Timings would depend on the scuba diving or snorkelling arrangements.

Location: Pemuteran, Bali