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A trip to Bali is not really complete without visiting at least one temple. There are over 20,000 temples in Bali (pura in Balinese). Even though it’s impossible to visit them all, a few of them are really worth the time and effort. Plus, many of them are close to each other, so you can visit several in one day. I visited these 5 temples in Bali over two days and managed to see rice terraces, a butterfly farm and other Bali sights, too.
Read next: 20 amazing things to do in Bali
Table of Contents
TIPS FOR VISITING TEMPLES IN BALI
How to dress : Remember to bring a sarong if you visit a temple. Most temple guards will ask that you cover up your shoulders and ankles, but if you’re wearing pants and a T-shirt, there shouldn’t be a problem. If you don’t have a sarong, you can borrow one for free at most temples. At Besakih, it’s included in your entrance fee so don’t let anyone there convince you otherwise. Unfortunately, the place is crammed with people trying to rip you off!
Prices : Visiting a temple in Bali is cheap (cost is between $1-3), but there are different prices for foreigners and locals. You can find the prices below.
Read next: How to avoid the most common Bali scams
HOW TO VISIT THE TEMPLES IN BALI
There are three main ways to see the Balinese temples. You either sign up for a group tour, you rent a driver (what I did) or you rent a scooter. The latter is definitely the cheapest, but sitting on a scooter all day is probably not the most comfortable way to enjoy Bali’s temples. Remember, if you bring a few friends, you can split the costs which makes it a lot cheaper.
The temples are scattered around Bali so it’ll take you a whole day to visit the main ones. I recommend booking a private driver for the day and give him a list of the temples you want to visit. That’s what I did, and it was the perfect solution. I don’t know of any tours that take you to all the main temples in a day, so this is a great way to maximise your time.
Book a private driver: Bali Full-Day Private Customized Tour
You might also love: Mother Temple of Bali and Lempuyang’s Gates of Heaven Tour
Lempuyang’s Gates of Heaven
1. PURA TAMAN AYUN
Entrance fee: 15,000 Rupiah ($1,28)
The Pura Taman Ayun, built in 1634, literally translates to ‘beautiful garden’ and that’s exactly what it is. It is surrounded by green gardens with ponds and trees, and the temple area has those thatched multi-roofed shrines (meru) that signifies Balinese temples. Visitors are not allowed to enter the temple premises, but you can walk around it while taking pictures and enjoying the view.
Taman Ayun is a UNESCO site and truly worth the visit.
2. PURA ULUN DANU
Entrance fee: 30,000 Rupiah ($2,5)
Pura Ulun Danu, built in 1633, is one of the most iconic and photographed temples in Bali. It’s dedicated to the lake goddess Dewi Danu to ensure plentiful water and bountiful crops. Ulun Danu temple is surrounded and reflected by the lake, and its misty mountain backdrop highlights its serene beauty.
Read next: Where to stay in Bali
3. PURA TIRTA EMPUL
Entrance fee: 15,000 Rupiah ($1,28)
Tirta Empul is my favorite of the temples in Bali. It reminded me of the devoted pilgrims at Ganges River in India which is also a place where many people come to pray and bathe in the holy water. A local man told me that the Balinese come here if they have bad dreams or are feeling depressed as it is believed that the water is purifying. It was a beautiful sight to see locals and foreigners move through every water spring to make a prayer.
Book a tour to Tirta Empul here: Bali: Sacred Temples and Sunset Tour
4. PURA BESAKIH
Entrance fee: 15,000 Rupiah ($1,28)
Of all the temples in Bali, Pura Besakih temple, Bali’s Mother Temple, is the largest. It consists of more than 86 temples and is perched 1,000 meters high on the slopes of Mount Ahung. It’s not only the largest but also the most important temple for the Balinese and it’s said to be the only temple where a Hindu of any caste can worship. You will even find a temple of all religions.
Personally, I was not impressed by Besakih temple. Sure, it has a magnificent view and marvelous structures, but the vendors, scammers and overall attitude towards making a profit just ticked me off. It still is a temple of high importance, so if you do visit just stay alert.
5. PURA TANAH LOT
Entrance fee: 30,000 Rupiah ($2,5)
Tanah Lot temple was built in the 16th century and translates to “Land in the Sea”. Many tour companies from Ubud offer a trip to Tanah Lot to see the sunset and this is definitely the most beautiful time of day to visit. I came a few hours before the sun went down and it was perfect to just walk around and exploring. The Tanah Lot temple area is quite big and there are parks where you can sit and enjoy the pretty insane waves.
Book a sunset tour here: UNESCO Sites: Bedugul, Jatiluwih and Tanah Lot Full-Day Tour
First nice post and beautiful photos. Secondly it is scary how exchange rates make things look. You see that 30,000 number and think thats a lot and then you figure exchange rate out to a couple of bucks. No wonder people think travel is expensive they just don’t want to do the math. Anyways great post and I’ll be adding these to my list of places to visit.
Thanks for reading, Josh! Yes, it is scary how exchange rates makes things look. I was practically a millionaire when I was there and everything was still so cheap. You won’t regret visiting Bali – it’s such a wonderful place!
Great pictures! Out of the five you posted, Tirta Empul looks amazing. I will have to go when I head to Bali one day!
Thanks! Tirta Empul was really amazing – if you have limited time, I would go for that one and Tanah Lot. Those two definitely impressed me the most.
During my first trip to Bali I’ve been to Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun, and the latter was definitely my favorite of the two. I had wanted to make it out to Besakih after Padangbai but by that point I was already fed off with everyone trying to take all my money and just wanted to get back to Java.
I’ve never even heard of Tirta Empul but that places looks amazing, will have to check it out next time I find myself in Bali 🙂
I agree, Derek, and in that case you probably wouldn’t have liked Besakih – it’s like ‘scammer central’ or Bali at its worst. If you get the chance I would definitely encourage you to visit Tirta Empul next time! I really loved it there 🙂
There are a couple temples I had not heard of before, so thanks for the tips. Bali is a beautiful place, and its temples are definitely part of that. Ulu-watu is another temple not to miss on Bali.
You’re welcome, Jenna 🙂 And thanks for the tip on Uluwatu! It will definitely be on my list the next time I visit Bali. I have heard that the kecak dance there is astonishing because you have the ocean and sunset in the background.
The world’s so small. I recently wrote the same blog post about my favourite temples in Bali. Ulun Danu brings back such amazing memories. I enjoyed exploring it a lot. Can’t wait to see what other places in Indonesia has to offer in terms of sightseeing soon!
I know and I loved your post! Are you heading back to Indonesia any time soon? I think I am – I only saw a few of its thousands islands, but I’m dying to explore Lombok, Komodo and Java!
Great tips and pictures from Bali. I have never been, so this post will be helpful when I finally visit. I really like the one in the water. I always suffer in Southeast Asian heat, so the chance to cool off and enjoy a temple is really appealing.
Thanks so much, Ted! You should definitely go to Bali if you get the chance. This island has so much to offer in terms of culture, nature, food and adventure. And the weather is really nice too – around 25 degrees during the day and quite chilly in the evening. I think you would like it – it’s not humid like the rest of Southeast Asia.
I’ve never heard about the bad dreams thing at Tirta Empul, thanks for sharing! Super excited to make my first trip out there. Are the temples generally respected or is it a sort of bustling tourist thing? <3 L
Hi Lauren, thanks for commenting! Temples are respected by visitors and locals, but there are many scams here that you should be vary of. Especially at Besakih! You can read all about them here: http://adventurousmiriam.com/common-bali-scams/
Balinese temples look gorgeous. Will be visiting for the first time in a week. Thanks for all the great info!
How great! If you have the time, you could add Uluwatu to the list of temples to visit. I never made it there, but I’ve heard it’s stunning.
Have a great time in Bali.
Wow! Some of these temples really look similar to those in India. Happy to find these structures still alive far off in Indonesia. Bali is definitely beautiful! Hope to visit some time in my life. Thanks for the excellent write up and info Miriam! 🙂
That’s right! Bali has definitely been inspired by Indian hinduism, both in regards to religion and architecture. I think you will like Bali. It’s magical.
I am visiting Bali this month and I will share my experience after I return. I had already planned to visit all these temples and was happy to know that you have included these in your blog.
Hi Arun,
Have a wonderful trip to Bali and enjoy your temple tour!
I’m so impressed with all of your images above, As Balinese, I feel very proud that our sacred temples and culture has been known throughout the world.
Thank you
Thank you so much, Komang! What a nice comment 🙂
inspiring and intresting story to follow other tourist coming to indonesia, espesialy ubud bali…..
Thanks, John. Ubud is definitely a highlight in Bali 🙂
What a great post! So helpful to include the extra tips on what to wear, I myself sometimes am not sure what is respectful so this is great! Nyepi sounds lovely! I would really like to visit Bali during that time to get to experience it, sounds really peaceful
Thanks, Araya, I really appreciate it! And you should go to Bali if you get the chance. It’s amazing!
hello miriam ,
i m visiting bali nxt week, and i want to visit atleast 2 temple in bali, so can u plz suggest me the best 2 temple to visit ?
thnx
hetuk
Hi Hetuk,
Thanks for asking. I would recommend Tirta Empul and Tanah Lot. Ulun Danu is beautiful as well, but the other two were my personal favorites.
Have an amazing trip to Bali!