The best temples in Bali

Perched on the slopes of the majestic Mount Agung, Pura Besakih, or the Mother Temple of Bali, is the island’s most revered and ancient spiritual site. This sprawling complex of over 80 temples dates back to 1007 A.D., making it one of the island’s oldest temples. Terraces and stairs ascend to spacious courtyards that lead up to the main spire, symbolising the worshippers’ climb up Mount Meru, an important mountain in Hindu cosmology. This also allows them to ascend closer to the sacred Mount Agung. 

At the heart of Besakih Great Temple lies Pura Penataran Agung, Bali's primary place of worship, featuring 22 intricately designed temples. The panoramic mountain views add to the temple's mystique, making it not only a spiritual destination but also a visual spectacle that captures the essence of Bali’s sacred landscape.

If Bali had a poster child, Ulun Danu Bratan would probably be it. This stunning 11-tier pagoda appears to float on the serene waters of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, creating a picture-perfect reflection when water levels rise.

Dating back to 1633, the temple is a key site for ceremonies and offerings to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, in honour of Lake Bratan’s vital role as a water source for central Bali’s irrigation.

The temple’s architecture, designed in the traditional Balinese Hindu style, features multi-tiered pagodas that rise against a backdrop of vibrant flower beds and towering mountains. The standout is the 11-storey Meru tower, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati.

Tanah Lot, which literally means "Land in the Sea," is home to one of Bali’s most iconic temples. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop with waves crashing below, it’s the stuff postcard dreams are made of - especially at sunset when the temple is silhouetted against a golden sky.

Built in the 16th century by Hindu priest Danghyang Niratha, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s seven sea temples, said to protect the island from evil spirits. If you’re lucky enough to visit during Odalan (takes place every 210 days), you’ll catch the temple at its liveliest, with rituals coinciding with the Galungan and Kuningan celebrations.

And for the superstitious: rumour has it that Tanah Lot is the site of the infamous "Bali curse." If you're thinking of visiting with your significant other, you might want to weigh up the risks… or at least keep the romance on hold. Eat, pray, and proceed with caution!

In the heart of Ubud, Pura Taman Saraswati is a stunning tribute to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, wisdom, and arts. The temple's vibrant orange walls are adorned with intricate golden carvings that shimmer in the tropical sun, making it one of the most photogenic spots around. 

A lotus pond surrounds the temple, adding to the serenity as you stroll down the path leading to its grand entrance. In fact, this is probably the first thing you’d see when you look up “Ubud” using Instagram’s Geotag function. Besides its photogenic nature, the temple is also an architectural masterpiece. It was built in 1952 under the royal patronage of Prince Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati and designed by the legendary Balinese artist Gusti Nyoman Lempad, whose works can be seen all around Ubud. 

If you’re up for some culture, Pura Taman Saraswati also hosts nightly Balinese dance performances (except on Fridays) featuring iconic dances like the Legong and Barong.

Tucked away just north of Ubud, Pura Tirta Empul is Bali’s answer to a sacred spa day. This ancient Hindu water temple, built in 962 AD, is dedicated to Vishnu, the god of water - so you know it’s got some serious spiritual street cred. The main attraction here is a natural spring, said to be the “elixir of life,” bubbling up into crystal-clear pools, where 30 waterspouts feed two sacred purification pools.

Join the locals in the melukat ritual, where a dip under the spouts is believed to cleanse the mind, body, and soul. And don’t miss the inner courtyard (jeroan), often overlooked by tourists. It’s a peaceful spot where people come to pray, surrounded by the temple’s large water spring, green algae, and little fish darting through the reeds. Oh, and did we mention it’s right below the Presidential Palace of Tampaksiring?

Tucked away on the outskirts of Ubud, this tranquil water temple feels like stepping into a secret garden, enveloped by dense foliage and vibrant tropical plants.

Pura Mengening dates back to the 11th century during the reign of King Anak Wungsu and is one of Bali’s most important temples, dedicated to Dewa Tirta Empul, the god of water. Locals come here to pray and collect holy water from its springs, believed to possess healing properties.

Within the temple grounds, two purification pools - one for men and one for women - offer a space for the melukat ritual, a traditional cleansing ceremony. We think this is the perfect retreat for those seeking both purification and calm amidst Bali’s natural beauty.

Perched dramatically atop a 70-metre cliff overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple offers one of the most spectacular sunset views in Bali. It’s also the stage for nightly Kecak and fire dance performances, where the flames grow brighter as the sun dips below the horizon, adding a dramatic touch to the ancient ritual.

Uluwatu was founded by Mpu Kuturan, a revered Majapahit monk responsible for many of Bali’s key temples, and dates back to the 10th century. Explore its grand entrances, each guarded by elephant-headed figures and adorned with intricate carvings, leading you into a serene inner courtyard with hanging trees.

Beware of the cheeky monkeys that roam the temple grounds, though - local legend says they protect the site from bad spirits, but they’ve also been known to snag a tourist’s sunglasses or two!

Just 15 minutes from Ubud lies Goa Gajah, or the Elephant Cave. This ancient site, which dates back over a millennium, reflects both Hindu and Buddhist elements, and was lost to time until Dutch archaeologists rediscovered it in 1923.

Believed to have been constructed by the Warmadewa Dynasty between the 10th and 14th centuries, the temple features both above-ground and subterranean structures. The most striking feature is the cave's entrance - a giant, gaping mouth of a mythical creature, thought to be a Hindu earth god called Bhoma. 

While the cave itself is compact, the surrounding complex offers much more to explore: tranquil bathing pools, ancient statues, temple ruins, and a lush ravine.