Beyond its stunning beaches, Bali is also well known for its rich and deeply rooted culture, one of which is reflected in the beauty of the magnificent temples spread across the Island of the Gods.
Each temple in Bali has its own unique character and charm. Not only can you admire their breathtaking architecture, but you can also experience the sacred atmosphere of Balinese traditions and culture, as well as learn about historical stories passed down through generations.
If you want to discover Bali’s cultural side, exploring the best temples in Bali can be a truly perfect experience. So, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful, sacred, and historically rich temples in Bali that deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
Here are some of the most famous temples in Bali that deserve a spot on your holiday list.
Agung Besakih is the largest temple complex in Bali. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the scenery surrounding this temple is truly breathtaking.
The complex consists of one main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, and 18 supporting temples spread across the slopes of Mount Agung.
To fully enjoy the grandeur of Pura Penataran Agung, visitors need to climb a long series of stairs. While it can be a bit tiring, rest assured, the effort is completely worth it once you reach the top.
For this reason, it’s best to allocate extra time so you can explore and appreciate every corner of the main temple and the entire complex.
To make the view even more dramatic, it’s highly recommended to visit Pura Agung Bekasih in the morning, when the air is still breezy, and the sunlight hasn’t fully emerged.
Location: Jl. Gunung Mas No. Ds, Besakih, Karangasem Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 80,000–150,000.
Uluwatu Temple is one of the best temples in Bali, famous not only for its spiritual significance but also for its dramatic location. The temple is situated at the southwestern tip of Bali, standing on a cliff approximately 70 meters high overlooking the Indian Ocean.
From the temple area, visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the open sea, accompanied by the soothing sound of waves crashing against the cliffs below.
To witness a breathtaking sunset with golden skies and dramatic cliff silhouettes, it’s best to visit this iconic Bali temple in the late afternoon, just before sunset.
After sunset, you can continue your experience by watching the Ramayana Ballet or the famous Kecak Dance performance, truly a complete cultural and travel experience.
Location: Pecatu Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 30,000–60,000.
One of the most beautiful and iconic temples in Bali is Tanah Lot Temple. Built in the 15th century, this sacred site remains a well-preserved spiritual heritage to this day.
One of Tanah Lot’s most distinctive features is its location on a large offshore rock formation. To reach the temple area, visitors must walk across a rocky path connecting the mainland to the temple. This path is only accessible during low tide, as it becomes completely submerged when the sea level rises.
Many travelers include Tanah Lot Temple in their Bali temple itinerary because, at sunset, the silhouette of the temple standing in the middle of the sea against an orange-hued sky creates an incredibly photogenic view.
Location: Beraban Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 30,000–75,000.
Tirta Empul Temple is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali. Literally translated, “Tirta Empul” means “holy spring that emerges from the ground.”
For this reason, Tirta Empul is widely known as a sacred water temple used for purification rituals (melukat) by Balinese Hindus, as well as by visitors seeking an authentic spiritual experience in Bali.
According to legend, the holy spring was created by Lord Indra to neutralize poison used by King Mayadenawa. As a result, the water is believed to possess healing properties and spiritual cleansing power.
Location: Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 50,000–75,000.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is one of the best temples in Bali, renowned for its unique location on the shores of Lake Bratan. When the water level rises, the temple often appears to “float” gracefully on the lake.
Built in the 17th century by the King of Mengwi (around 1634 AD), this temple is dedicated to Ida Batara Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers in Balinese Hindu belief.
Ulun Danu Bratan is part of the Kahyangan Jagat temple system (world temples) and plays an important role in ceremonial worship, particularly in rituals seeking blessings for water supply, fertile land, and community prosperity.
With its serene lake scenery, the rolling hills of Bedugul in the background, and cool mountain air, this temple has become a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.
Location: Candikuning Village, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency, Bali
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 25,000–75,000
As its name suggests, Goa Lawah Temple is a Balinese temple built around a natural cave inhabited by hundreds of bats. This unique feature sets it apart from other temples in Bali.
Although it may sound intimidating, there’s no need to worry when visiting this famous temple. The bats are known to be docile and do not disturb visitors.
Goa Lawah Temple also holds strong spiritual significance, as it is part of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, the six main temples believed to maintain the spiritual balance of the island of Bali.
Location: Pesinggahan Village, Dawan District, Klungkung Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 15,000–30,000.
Taman Ayun Temple is one of Bali’s historic temples, dating back more than four centuries. Built in 1634 by the King of the Mengwi Kingdom, it remains an active religious center for the local community.
One of the temple’s most distinctive features is the lotus ponds and water canals surrounding the complex, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere that’s perfect for photography.
Architecturally, Taman Ayun Temple showcases symmetrical rows of meru (multi-tiered shrines). Its beauty and historical value have also earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Mengwi District, Badung Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: IDR 15,000–30,000.
With a charm similar to the previous temple, Saraswati Temple—often referred to as the Ubud Water Palace—features a large lotus pond filled with thousands of blooming flowers in front of the complex.
In addition, the temple’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings crafted by skilled Balinese artisans. Overall, this temple offers a peaceful, highly photogenic setting, making it ideal for photography and quiet reflection while exploring Ubud.
Location: Jalan Kajeng, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 35,000–60,000.
Elephant Cave temple, also known as “Goa Gajah” is a unique sacred site that blends both Hindu and Buddhist elements within a single complex. The temple is believed to date back to between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Its main attraction is a stone cave entrance carved with the face of a giant, giving it a mystical appearance as if guarding the doorway. This carving is believed to symbolize protection from negative energy.
Near the cave entrance, you’ll also find a holy bathing pool with beautifully sculpted water spouts, an area you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
Location: Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 25,000–50,000.
Lempuyang Luhur Temple is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali. It is located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in eastern Bali, at an altitude of approximately 1,060–1,175 meters above sea level.
This temple is internationally famous for its iconic split gate, often featured in viral photos known as the “Gates of Heaven.” The open gate appears to perfectly frame Mount Agung in the distance, creating a breathtaking visual.
Location: Purwa Ayu Village, Abang District, Karangasem Regency, Bali.
Entrance fee: Starting from IDR 50,000–150,000.
That concludes the recommendations for the most beautiful, sacred, and historically rich temples in Bali that are well worth visiting during your holiday.
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You can choose to ride solo (Single Ride) or share the experience with a friend or partner (Tandem Ride). So, what are you waiting for? Contact our team now and book your adventure today!
Author is part of the Gosek Adventure Bali team, dedicated to sharing practical tips, travel inspiration, and insider insights to help you enjoy the best experiences in Bali.
