Magical Bali in Indonesia is the island of a thousand temples. Each Balinese temple or pura is unique and beautiful. The different architecture of the temples in Bali easily catches the attention. Sea temples to water temples and village temples all carry the cultural and traditional values of Bali. During my solo trip to Bali, I visited some popular and beautiful temples. The following top 5 beautiful temples in Bali are must-see and significantly worth visiting.
Pura Desa or Village Temple in Kemuenuh
All temples in Bali are Hindu ancient temples and are recognized as ‘Pura’. The colorful and decorative gates of Balinese temples are beautiful and iconic landmarks. There are many types of Balinese Pura. Some became popular among tourists. But the types of Pura Segara (Sea Temple), Pura Tirta (Water Temple), and Pura Kahyangan Jagad (Mountain Temple) are the most beautiful temples in Bali.
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Beautiful Temples In Bali (Top 5)
The best time to visit many temples in Bali is during temple anniversary ceremonies and different festivals or events. Balinese temples are sacred destinations and so remember to be in the proper outfit. Sarong or Sash is available to buy, or you can rent to wear before visiting any temple in Bali. Temples in Bali are not free for visitors like temples in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You must have to collect an entrance ticket to visit.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is the most beautiful water temple in Bali. The sacred water of Beratan Lake has increased the beauty of the temple and the entire area which is 1200 meters above sea level. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple located in Bedugul, North Bali.
This temple is built in the 16th century and to worship three God namely Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. During temple ceremony offerings are given to Dewi Danu or Water Deities for increasing the fertility and prosperity of nature.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
The best part to visit this temple is to enjoy the most picturesque landscape and the peaceful atmosphere. Furthermore, don’t miss to visit early morning to watch the beautiful sunrise. And boating on the Beratan Lake is a must-do to explore the extraordinary beauty of Beratan Water Temple.
Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Tanah Lot is the most beautiful sea temple on the rock surrounded by the Indian Ocean in Bali. Tanah Lot is also a top-rated tourist attraction in Northwest Bali.
Tanah Lot Temple was built in the 16th century and to worship Sea God and Goddess mainly Dewa Baruna. Many also love to worship Nirartha, a Hindu priest who first came up with an idea to build this temple. The best time to visit the temple is during low tide in the afternoon or evening. During high tide, no one is allowed to enter the temple due to safety reasons.
Tanah Lot Temple
The best part to visit this temple is to enjoy the most picturesque landscape of the spectacular Indian Ocean. It is too interesting to see how the seawater waves keep on crashing onto the rock. And also don’t miss watching the beautiful sunset. Balinese Kecak and Fire Dance are also possible to enjoy from Tanah Lot.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is another scenic and popular sea temple in Bali. Uluwatu is a rock cliff (70-meter-high) temple surrounded by the Indian Ocean in South Bali.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu or Pura Uluwatu is one of the ancient temples built in the 10th century. This temple is dedicated to God Rudra for protecting Bali from bad spirits. There are also many monkeys here. And it is believed monkeys work as a guard to keep the temple safe from the evil eye.
During Sunset at Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Sea Temple
The best part to visit this temple is to enjoy the most picturesque landscape of the spectacular Indian Ocean during sunset. And also you should not miss the unique Kecak and Fire Dance performance by Balinese artists at Uluwatu Temple.
Pura Lempuyang Luhur
Pura Lempuyang Luhur is one of the ancient mountain temples in Karangasem, East Bali. The iconic temple gate is popular as Gateway To Heaven. Here the mountains worshipped as God for protecting Bali from bad spirits.
This temple is 1,175 meters above sea level and built on Mount Lempuyang. There are few temples inside Lempuyang Luhur Temple. You have to pass almost 1700 stairs to reach the top of the Lempuyang Temple. To get the extreme scenic views of the mountains you have to hike or trek.
Gateway To Heaven
Lempuyang Luhur Temple
The best part to visit this temple is to enjoy the breathtaking mountainous view while hiking.
Pura Besakih
Pura Besakih is the largest and the most sacred mountain temple in Bali. Besakih is the Mother Temple of Bali Island for 1000 years. The temple is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Karangasem, East Bali.
Besakih Temple is 1000 meters above sea level and built on Mount Agung. There are more than 80 temples inside Pura Besakih. Many festivals and ceremonies are always held at the temple ground.
Pura Besakih (PC: Wikipedia)
Be careful sometimes bother tourists to take tour guides while collecting entrance tickets. And also ask for extra money from the tourists as tips. Therefore, early morning is the best time to visit the temple to avoid such an odd situation and more crowd.
The best part to visit this temple is to enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Agung.
The top 5 beautiful temples in Bali are must-see to explore the Balinese culture and tradition. Will you like to recommend any other Balinese temples to visit?
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So jealous! dying to visit here 🙂 Never been the this part of the world!
I wish one day you’ll visit the magical Bali to explore the rich culture here 🙂
I’ve been seeing so much about Bali lately that it’s made me want to go so bad! Thanks for this post, I’m adding it to my file for when I get the chance to go!! The Gateway to Heaven picture is my favorite. It’s so cool!
Yes, Bali is truly magical. I wish to back again! 🙂
They all look so gorgeous – I hope to visit one day and see them for myself.
I wish you do so 🙂
Everything looks so magical – your photos make me want to go even more!
Thank you Diana
Wow! These temples are beautiful! Never been to Bali, yet, but I’m dying to go.
Definitely, you’ll love Bali 🙂
Wow! Never knew that Bali has such beautiful temples! Now I am tempted! thanks for sharing!
-Stef-
Yes, many beautiful temples really worth to explore 🙂
This post is about Bali temples, not Singapore 😉
You are right! Each temple is unique and, in a way, that is an incentive to visit as many as possible. It is not only the architecture but the surrounding. Some of these places look very peaceful. I didn’t realize there is a charge to visit this places. Good to know!
Yes Ruth, the surrounding is so peaceful. All credit goes to nature and the unique architectural design of Bali puras!
Bali is so on my bucket list!! I love your post and that Ulan Temple looks so amazing! I also love love your outfits in these pics!!
Valerie
Thank you so much for all love, Valerie 🙂 Yes, Ulun Danu is truly amazing. I wish you visit soon.
Wow! Bali is an ultimate travel destination and thee temples are simply remarkable, Nafisa. I fell in love with them just from seeing your pictures. 😉
Very sweet of you Agness. Thank you 🙂
Always wanted to explore Bali and visit the temples there. Your photos are stunning and make me want to go right away. Love it.
I wish you visit and explore those temples one day soon. Thank you Jessica 🙂
Been wanting to go to Bali for the longest time! I know they have wonderful beaches but I didn’t know they have all these beautiful temples. Now I really want to go! Great photos too.
Yes, Jennifer temples are the actual traditional landmarks of Bali. You definitely should explore. Thank you 🙂
Wow, Nafisa your pictures are looking awesome. Every year so many tourist lovers come to Bali and spent their vacation with family and friends. Last year I also had gone to Bali and other famous places in Indonesia through a famous travel agency company. They take care of me at visiting time.
Thank you! Yes, there are many agencies do that so. Good to know you visited Bali and explored also many places in Indonesia.
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