Bali is often referred to as the “Island of a Thousand Temples,” and for good reason. From coastal cliffs to misty volcanic highlands, these sacred sites are the beating heart of Balinese culture and spirituality.
Planning your visits to these landmarks is easy when you use SatuSatu and SatuSatu.com to organize your private transport and local guides.
The temples of Bali, or Pura, are not just historical relics; they are active places of worship where vibrant ceremonies take place daily.
Each site offers a unique window into the island’s soul, blending intricate stone carvings with breathtaking natural backdrops. Whether you are looking for a sunset view or a deep cultural connection, these sites are essential for any itinerary.
- Pura Tanah Lot
📍Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency (approx. 45 mins from Canggu)
💰 IDR 75,000 for adults; IDR 40,000 for children
👥 Best For: Photographers, sunset seekers, and first-time visitors
✨ What Makes It Special: The dramatic offshore setting and the chance to receive a blessing at the freshwater spring located at the base of the temple rock.
This iconic sea temple is perhaps the most photographed landmark on the island. Perched on a jagged offshore rock, it appears to float on the tide during high water, creating a silhouette that has become synonymous with Bali.
It is dedicated to the sea gods and is a vital part of the island’s spiritual defense chain along the coast.
The area surrounding the temple is well-developed with a cultural park and art market. While it gets crowded during sunset, the atmosphere as the waves crash against the rocks is truly unparalleled.
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu
📍Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency (Southern tip of Bali)
💰IDR 50,000 for adults; IDR 30,000 for children
👥 Best For: Culture enthusiasts, sunset lovers, and panoramic views
✨ What Makes It Special: The nightly Kecak Fire Dance performance held at an open-air amphitheater with the sunset as a backdrop.
Situated on a sheer limestone cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple offers a sense of immense scale. It is one of Bali’s six key spiritual pillars, believed to protect the island from evil sea spirits. The temple is famous not just for its architecture, but for the wild monkeys that guard its forested pathways.
Visitors must be mindful of the resident macaques, who are notorious for snatching sunglasses and hats. Walking along the cliffside path provides some of the most spectacular coastal views available anywhere in Indonesia.
- Pura Tirta Empul
📍 Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency (near Ubud)
💰 IDR 50,000 per person
👥 Best For: Spiritual seekers, history buffs, and those wanting a ritual experience
✨ What Makes It Special: The ancient holy spring pool where you can physically participate in a Balinese Hindu cleansing ceremony.
For those seeking a more hands-on spiritual experience, Tirta Empul is the most significant water temple in Bali. Founded in 962 AD, it is built around a bubbling holy spring. Both locals and tourists come here to participate in a purification ritual called Melukat, where you bathe under a series of stone waterspouts.
The temple is divided into three courtyards, with the central courtyard being the focus of the bathing ritual. It is a deeply moving place that feels much more interactive than other strictly observational sites.
- Pura Besakih (The Mother Temple)
📍 Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency (East Bali)
💰 IDR 60,000 per person (includes local guide and shuttle)
👥 Best For: History enthusiasts and those interested in grand architecture
✨ What Makes It Special: Its sheer size and its miraculous survival during the 1963 volcanic eruption of Mount Agung.
No list of Bali’s best temples is complete without Besakih, the largest and holiest site on the island. It is a sprawling complex of over 80 individual temples located high on the slopes of Mount Agung. Because of its elevation, the temple is often shrouded in mist, giving it an ethereal and powerful energy.
Being the “Mother Temple,” it is the site of the most important annual festivals. The climb up the main stairs provides a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and the towering volcanic peak above.
- Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
📍 Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency (Central Highlands)
💰 IDR 75,000 for adults; IDR 50,000 for children
👥 Best For: Families, nature lovers, and those wanting cooler weather
✨ What Makes It Special: The picturesque “floating” appearance on the lake, surrounded by manicured gardens and foggy mountains.
Located on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands, this temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers. Part of the temple is built on small islands, making it look as though it is drifting on the surface of the lake. The cooler mountain air here provides a refreshing break from the coastal heat.
This temple is often featured on the IDR 50,000 banknote, signifying its cultural importance. The surrounding lake also offers boat rentals for those who want to see the temple from the water.
Important Etiquette for Visiting Bali Temples
Visiting a temple in Bali requires a level of respect for local customs. Both men and women are required to wear a sarong and a sash around the waist before entering the inner courtyards. Most major temples provide these for rent at the entrance, but having your own is a great way to be prepared.
It is also important to remember that these are places of prayer. Avoid walking directly in front of people who are kneeling or praying. If you are taking photos, do not use a flash inside the shrines and never sit on the temple walls or statues.
Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked to refrain from entering the temple grounds out of respect for the sanctity of the space.
Furthermore, many temples in rural areas may not have staff at the gate during off-hours. In these cases, it is polite to leave a small donation in the box if one is provided.
Always follow the instructions of the local temple guardians, known as Pemangku, who ensure the rules and traditions are upheld for all visitors.
Explore the Best Temples of Bali Further with SatuSatu
To truly appreciate the history and spirituality of these sites, having a reliable way to get around the island is essential.
SatuSatu Airport Transfer is the perfect starting point for your trip. We offer a stress-free transition from Ngurah Rai Airport to your hotel with fixed, transparent pricing, so you can start your spiritual journey without any logistical headaches.
Once you are ready to visit these landmarks, the SatuSatu Exclusive Car Charter is the most practical choice. Since temples like Besakih or Ulun Danu Beratan are located far from the main tourist centers, having a private car and a dedicated local driver for 10 or 12 hours gives you total flexibility.
You can set your own pace, avoid the crowds, and even stop at hidden viewpoints along the way. For a curated experience, we highly recommend booking the Uluwatu Sunset and Kecak Dance Tour through our platform.
This tour is specifically designed to give you the best of the southern coast, combining the majesty of the temple with a traditional performance.
You can book all these services and more on SatuSatu.com We support various local payment methods including BCA, Mandiri, OVO, DANA, and major credit cards to make your booking experience as smooth as possible.
FAQ about the Best Temples in Bali
What is the best temple in Bali to see for the first time?
While “best” is subjective, Pura Tanah Lot and Pura Luhur Uluwatu are generally considered the top choices for first-time visitors due to their stunning coastal locations and accessibility. Tirta Empul is the best choice if you want to experience a traditional ritual.
Do I need to wear specific clothes to visit a temple?
Yes, everyone must wear a sarong and a waist sash. Even if your legs are covered by long pants or a skirt, the sash is a symbolic requirement for entering sacred ground. Most temples have rentals available at the ticket office for a small fee.
When is the best time of day to visit Bali temples?
Early morning (around 8:00 AM) is best for temples like Tirta Empul or Besakih to avoid the heat and the largest crowds. For coastal temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, late afternoon (around 5:00 PM) is preferred for the sunset views, though these times are much busier.
Are children allowed inside the temples?
Children are more than welcome to visit Balinese temples. It is a great educational experience for them to see the architecture and ceremonies. However, parents should ensure that children remain respectful and do not climb on the ancient stone structures.
How many temples are there in Bali?
There are over 20,000 temples across the island. Every village has at least three main temples, and every Balinese household has its own family shrine. This high density of sacred sites is what gives Bali its unique spiritual atmosphere.
Can I enter the inner prayer area if I am not Hindu?
In most temples, the inner-most sanctum (Jeroan) is reserved strictly for those who are there to pray and present offerings. Tourists are typically welcome in the outer and middle courtyards, which still offer incredible views of the shrines and carvings.