In this post, you’ll find details of the most impressive Hindu temples in Bali that are genuinely worth a visit.
The first time I went to Bali I saw many of them, but it cost me far too many hours stuck in a car. To help you plan your trip more efficiently, I’ve put together a list of temples that are an absolute must-see, along with a few others that you can add to your itinerary if you have extra time during your stay.
These are the Hindu temples in Bali you really should visit:
Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak & Fire Dance Show
Perched on a cliff 70 metres above the Indian Ocean, the temple offers breathtaking views. I highly recommend visiting the temple and staying for the dance and fire show, which recounts the tale of the Ramayana and the battle of Prince Rama, representing the triumph of good over evil. It’s a wonderful experience and a great way to learn more about this important Hindu story.
You can organise your visit to Uluwatu Temple with transport and a guide via Get Your Guide.
Tip: favoid the tourist trap that combines the temple visit with a seafood dinner in Jimbaran Bay. The included meal is very limited, and you’ll have to pay extra for a proper seafood experience, so it’s poor value for money. Instead, chose a good restaurant in Uluwatu or near your hotel and you’ll be much better served.
If you’re staying in Ubud, you can watch a Kecak dance performance in smaller villages, avoiding the need to travel all the way to Uluwatu. Take a look at this option.
Avoid sitting in the front row during the show, as small sparks from the fire may reach the audience.
Tanah Lot Temple
This temple sits on a rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and is a very popular place to watch the sunset. Read more about the history of one of Bali’s most visited temples here.
There are stalls selling handicrafts and local food around the temple, and when we visited, there was even a snake on display in the gardens for photos (for a fee, of course).
The temple is a little out of the way, but we combined this visit with other temples listed in the If you have time section. If you’re staying in Seminyak or Canggu, it’s much easier to get there.
Tirta Empul Temple
This is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Bali, as many water purification ceremonies take place here. The water comes from natural springs and is considered to be some of the most sacred in Bali. Many Balinese people come here to perform the purification ritual at least once a month.
The temple’s Hindu architecture alone makes it well worth a visit and you should include it in your Ubud day tour.
These are the temples you can visit if you have time:
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Situated beside Lake Beratan, this is one of Bali’s most beautiful temples, with a dramatic mountain backdrop
It is located further north and can be visited alongside the Jatiluwih rice terraces, which are around 40 minutes away.
It also has the bonus of a playground, that is useful if you’re travelling with children. Check the exact location here.
Tip: bring a light jacket, it’s cooler in this area.
Taman Ayun Temple
You’ve probably seen images of this temple before, with its distinctive meru towers. These tiered black roofs are always built in odd numbers, and are made of fibres from the sugar palm, locally known as ijuk.
The temple is located in the village of Mengwi. You can find more details in the last item of this list of the 6 temples not to miss in Bali.
Pura Besakih (or Besakih temple)
This is considered the Mother Temple of all Hindu temples in Bali and is frequently used by locals for Hindu ceremonies and festivals.
Located at the foot of Mount Agung, it’s quite far from the main tourist areas, and can be visited alongside the village of Sidemen and the surrounding region, known for its rice fields and wild landscapes.
This is the only temple on the list that I haven’t visited yet. You can see images here.
I hope this list has given you a clear idea of the most popular Hindu temples in Bali, and that you can now plan your itinerary to visit the ones that inspire you the most.
Other posts to read about Bali:
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