5 Beautiful Temples to visit in Bali (Indonesia)

Bali is well-known among tourists for its lovely landscape views of its mountains, turquoise islands, and emerald green fields. Here you will also get to see some picturesque sunrise and sunsets.

Apart from that, Bali has been flourishing with its rich spiritual cultures and rituals for decades. Therefore there are many pilgrimage shrines with Hindu deities that are scattered throughout the place.

ADVERTISEMENT

For thousands of years, daily devotion has been a significant part of indigenous life, as witnessed by the 20,000 Hindu Puras (temples) that dot the island.

In this article, you will get to know about the following temples in Bali,

1. Pura Luhur Lempuyang
2. Pura Tanah Lot
3. Uluwatu Temple
4. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
5. Pura Tirta Empul

Let’s see a little bit more about each of these temples.

1. Pura Luhur Lempuyang

Situated in Kaeangasem, on the slope of Mount Lempuyang, this temple in East Bali is one of the most notable temples. Locally called Pura Luhur, this is the highest (1175 meters above sea level) of all the temples in the Lempuyang temple complex.

Pura Lempuyang Luhur is the seventh temple in the nexus. It is a Hindu Temple and is one of the nine directional temples in Bali. The shrine is dedicated to the guardian of the east, Ida Betara Hyang Iswara. The charm is outstanding and maybe this is the reason; it is the most photographed one.

It is also known as the ‘Gateway to Heaven’.

ADVERTISEMENT

To reach this temple, you will have to beat 1440 steps in total. This can be a really hard workout, but in the end, it is all worth it. The ambiance there is extraordinary. Being in there on a beautiful clear sunny day while looking at Mount Agung is like a treat to the vision. Lay your eyes on the Balinese architecture adorning the temple. The designs along with the appealing backdrop of nature look like magic.

You can reach this exotic location from Ubud City Center. It is around 75 kilometers away and can easily be reached by car. Explore and get spellbound with this part of Bali. This is also one of the most spectacular Instagram-able spots in the entire world.

2. Pura Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is a rock formation on the sea and is the habitat of the ancient Hindu Temple of Pura Tanah Lot. Dedicated to the Sea God or Bhatara Segara, the Pura Tanah Lot is located off the shore of Bali.

The meaning of the name is “Land in the sea”; hence it is justified perfectly due to its unique location. It is believed that the temple was built in the 16th century by Dang Hyung Nirartha. He is also said to have created three temple systems in the villages in Bali. Dang Hyung Hyang was a venerated religious figure who moved the whole rock to the sea and constructed the Pura Tanah Lot. A few sagas are there that wind around the temple.

This pilgrimage looks mystical at sunset. The bright golden orange and red hues at the backdrop with the silhouette of the Pura in the front create an incredible vista. The crushing waves on the massive rock together with the dark azure turquoise waters and greenery add a more spiritual and tranquil charm to the place.

Travelers have to pass through various restaurants, charming storefronts, markets, and parks to reach the temple. The appearance of the setting changes as the sun moves from the east towards the west. Photograph every moment while admiring the temple while you are there.

If you want to experience the real Tanah Lot, then visit during the festival of Odalan. The rituals are performed close to the Galungan and Kuningan festivities on the auspicious day of Buddha Cemeng Langkir. You will get to see something very beautiful and holy.

3. Uluwatu Temple

Located on the southwestern extremity of the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, Badung Regency is the captivating Uluwatu Temple. It is a Balinese Hindu temple and the only sea temple in Bali that is nine-directional.

Ulu means the edge and Watu translates to rock or cliff. The name of the temple comes from its location. Established during the 11th century, the pura is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his Rudra form.

ADVERTISEMENT

The temple is locally called Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Elevated at an altitude of 70 meters, the temple showcases pure Balinese culture and a rich history. The site adds to the charm of the sacred shrine. The sky-blue waters of the ocean, lush greenery, and the rocky cliff make the place look whimsical. It displays one of the best vistas of the area with the temple being the main element.

There are two entrances to the temple, one towards the south and the other in the north. Two figurines of elephant-headed men guard the entrance and the front side of the gate is sculpted beautifully with flowery patterns. Way more is there that will leave you wondering about this ancient site.

Traverse the surrounding wilderness while looking at the native monkeys. It is believed that they guard the holy place from negative influence. Also, watch the dramatic Kecak fire dance at the clifftop stage.

4. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Temple is a picturesque landmark in Bali that has an appealing charm. The revered temple appears to be floating in the Beratan Lake in Bedugul which looks no less than paradise.

This iconic water temple is spiritually gifted with history and beauty. It is honored to the Hindu Trinity “Brahma -Vishnu and Shiva” and especially Dewi Danu, the lake goddess.

The temple embraces a cool atmosphere and the bordering mountains make the place an important hotspot for photography lovers. A curtain of mystical air rolls down around the time when the water fog mingles with the fog in the air.

You can feel a positive vibe when you are around the temple and it will rejuvenate your mind and soul. This lake temple is considered to be one of the most quaint temples in Bali as well as Indonesia.

You can visit here during the Piodalan, the temple’s anniversary ceremony.

5. Pura Tirta Empul

This Balinese Hindu Temple is situated in the Manukaya village close to the town of Tampaksiring. Pura Tirta Empul is a water temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The name Tirta Empul translates to water gushing from the earth. This is the reason why the site is regarded as a holy spring.

Inside, there are also shrines of Lord Shiva, Brahma, and Indra, as well as Mount Batur. There are several holy springs in the temple complex that are said to have been created by God Indra. Hence it is believed to be blessed water. This Pura is considered to be one of the most sacred sources of water in Bali.

ADVERTISEMENT

The temple was established in 926 A.D. Setting your feet inside the temple, you will have to cross Candi Bentar or huge stone Balinese gates. These will lead you to the outer courtyard of the shrine. After another Cabdi Bentar, you will reach the central courtyard. The interiors are incredible. There are two huge statues of Dwarapala brushed with golden hues.

The main attraction of the temple is the ‘Petirtaan’ or bathing structure. The holy springs form a large clear pool that surges out through 30 water sprouts forming two sacred pools. These are the purification pools where Hindu worshippers wait in lines to dip their heads under the water sprouts.

The view around the temple is extremely positive. Much more is there. To find out, visit the Pura Tirta Empul and go through an entire experience.

Holidaying amidst the beautiful islands, mountains, and lakes of Bali is incomplete without the divine ambiance of the sprawling and eye-soothing temples, rituals, and serenity.

Make sure to include these wonderful temples in your ‘must-see’ list while you visit Bali.