Stunning Temples in Bali That You Absolutely Shouldn’t Miss
Check out these amazing temples in Bali for some spiritual enlightenment
Want to see some of the best temples in Bali? You’ve come to the right place! On an island already blessed with abundant natural beauty and some of the best sightseeing on the planet, the gorgeous temples still stand out. Take a tour round these wonderful buildings and appreciate Bali at its most glorious.
Tanah Lot
Our first pick is famous, and rightly so. It’s a temple on a promontory in the ocean, so a visit to the shrine here comes with a backdrop of crashing waves and because it’s in the west coast it catches some amazing sunsets. Visit the onshore complex to make the most of a whole host of tourist facilities like restaurants, shops and cultural performances.
Tanah Lot is located 45 minutes north of Kuta, and makes a great day trip from the beaches. Hire a scooter to make the most of your day.
Elephant Cave, or Goa Gajah
Our next choice is a spiritual oasis just outside Ubud. Elephant Cave is not just a cave, it’s a whole meditation complex! There are meeting halls, prayer rooms and religious artefact vendors here as well as the cave itself. Expect to see Hindu influences stretching back a whole millennia along with some beautiful carved stone idols.
Elephant Cave is 3km east of Ubud, just outside Bedulu village.
Pura Besakih
Often described as the holiest temple in Bali, Pura Besakih perches on the slopes of Gunung Agung to the north east of the island. You won’t always get the same sunshine as you do on the beaches here- you are 3,000 feet up on the side of a volcano after all- but you will get the most amazing, spiritual atmosphere. The main temple buildings are aligned with the peak of Mount Agung, and there are several shrines and pagodas to explore.
Pura Besakih is a little way away from the main Balinese settlements so you’ll either have to hire a scooter and drive yourself, join a day trip that makes a visit or get up very early and jump on a public bus! Just make sure you check the return times to avoid getting stuck here overnight.
Ulun Danu Beratan
Sometimes called the ‘Floating Temple’ because of its location on the banks of lake Beratan, Ulun Danu Beratan is a beautiful place to spend a few hours. You’ll be heading up into the uplands here, so the scenery is lush and green and the mountains provide a very photogenic backdrop for this 17th century gem. The temple buildings are well-preserved and there are some beautiful flower gardens spread out between the pagodas.
Ulun Danu Beratan is most easily accessed from the beaches to the north around Singaraja. Hire a scooter or take an overnight trip to enjoy the uplands while you’re in the area
Visiting the best temples in Bali is a laid-back affair
Like most things in Bali, the atmosphere at the temples is relaxed and enjoyable. Just remember all the usual pieces of etiquette, like wearing clothes that cover the knees and shoulders and being respectful of the monks that make these places their home. Sarongs are available for hire pretty much everywhere if you’re dressed a bit ‘beachy’ to go in.
With a line-up of temples as good as this, you’re in for a treat. Charge up your camera and head out to explore! It’s a travel bloggers’ dream destination, so make sure to gear up and get to editing at one of Bali’s best coworking spaces when you’re done temple hopping.
