The most remarkable temples in Indonesia

It simply wouldn’t be a list of the best temples in Indonesia without Borobudur. Not only is it the most famous temple in Indonesia, but it’s also the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s up there with other Southeast Asian temples like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Myanmar. Dating back to the 9th century, the temple is built in a pyramid shape with stacked platforms and a central dome at the very top. Each level features Buddha statues and decorative panels, and it’s absolutely worth shelling out a bit more for tickets that give you access to climb the temple. Borobudur is just over an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta. This city is considered Indonesia’s cultural heart and is a great place to spend a few days.

On the outskirts of Yogyakarta is another 9th-century World Heritage Site. Prambanan is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple, renowned for its height and elegance. Each temple cluster features cavernous chambers and intricate reliefs portraying scenes from Hindu epics, but it’s the central temple that’s the most impressive, standing at 47 metres tall. As you explore the  sprawling compound, don’t forget to check out the rest of the temples, such as Candi Bubrah and Candi Sewu. The best time to visit Prambanan is late afternoon when the crowds are smaller. Stay to watch the sun go down before heading to the nearby Ramayana Ballet Prambanan, an outdoor theatre where you catch a traditional Javanese dance performance of the Ramayana legend.

Believed to have been built during the 7th or 8th centuries, Candi Dieng are a group of Hindu temples in the central highlands of Java. The complex features several small but intricate shrines, with Candi Arjuna, Candi Semar, and Candi Srikandi being a few of the more well-preserved temples. If you’ve visited Borobudur and Prambanan, you’ll enjoy the fact that these temples don’t see as many visitors. Located in the scenic Dieng Plateau, which fittingly translates to ‘abode of the Gods’, you can understand why this spot was chosen for the construction of the temples. Combine your visit with a walk through the terraced farmlands, stopping at the multicoloured crater lakes of Telaga Warna and Telaga Pengilon.

There’s no doubt you’ve seen photos of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on postcards or photos of Bali – it’s one of the island’s most iconic views. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, you’ll find the temple sitting gracefully on the peaceful shores of Lake Beratan in north Bali. It gives the illusion of floating on top of the water, and the reflections are particularly enchanting at sunrise. Built in the traditional Balinese architectural style, the temple features tiered pagodas and decorative entrance gates. After visiting the temple, explore the lake on foot or hire a canoe and enjoy a relaxing paddle. There is also the nearby Bali Botanical Garden where you can stroll through lush rainforest and themed gardens.

Another famous temple in Bali is Pura Tanah Lot. Perched dramatically on a rock formation off the island’s west coast, there has been a temple here since the 16th century, built to honour the gods and spirits of the sea. During high tide, the rock formation becomes an island, so the temple is only accessible on foot during low tide (although you can still catch amazing views from land). Late afternoon is the best time to visit, with the setting sun bathing the temple in a golden light and creating some picturesque silhouettes. Every day at 6.30pm, a Kecak dance is held at the Surya Mandala Cultural Park, where the story of the Ramayana is told through a captivating performance of dance, chanting, and a fire show. 

Found on the southwest tip of the Bukit Peninsula, Pura Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most visually stunning temples. Set atop a cliff that soars 70 metres out of the ocean, the magnificent location makes for some beautiful photographs. A pathway meanders along the clifftops and is the ideal spot for a stroll where you can view the temple from different angles. Just watch out for the resident monkeys, as they’re known to snatch phones, bags, and anything they can get their paws on! Like Pura Tanah Lot, there is also an amphitheatre here where you can catch a Kecak performance each evening at 6pm.

A 40-minute drive north from Ubud is Pura Tirta Empul, or the Holy Water temple. Built in the 10th century, the temple is revered for its sacred spring water which is believed to have mystical purifying properties. The temples attract pilgrims from all over the island to bathe in its waters, and visitors are allowed to participate in the purification ritual, known as ‘melukat’ in Balinese. The pools are lined with spouts from which the holy water flows, each one having a specific purpose, whether that’s health, relationships, or other. Worshippers stand under each spout as part of the ritual. This part of north Bali is dotted with spectacular waterfalls such as Ulu Petanu and Manuaba, which make for a fun detour, and several coffee plantations that offer tours and tastings.