Ancient Bali temples dot the highlands and coasts. Boasting magnificent centuries-old architecture. Several have become some of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Great for photos, they’re usually set against exotic backdrops. Hindu temples of bali Uluwatu Temple garuda wisnu kencana bali tanah lot temple hindu temples in bali. They’re most colourful during festive temple anniversaries. Garuda wisnu kencana Such events occur twice a Gregorian year since dates are based on a local 210-day calendar.

On any other day, Hindu temples in Bali these temples are great places to visit at least once during your visit. Hindu temples in Bali Each temple is unique. Try Besakih, ‘Bali’s mother temple’, set against majestic Mount Agung, for instance. Or, the mysterious ruins of Goa Gajah near Ubud. Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot against golden sunsets can be truly magical. Garuda wisnu kencana Proper attire – a sarong and sash – are mandatory for Bali temple visits.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu is one of Bali’s picture postcard temples. Whose cliff base is also know among surfers as an exotic surf spot. The temple sits on a clifftop in Bali’s southwest, Hindu temples in Bali about 70 metres above the crashing waves. ‘Pura Luhur Uluwatu’ as the locals call it, similarly shares the splendid sunset backdrops of the Tanah Lot sea temple in West Uluwatu Temple Even so, Uluwatu Temple more elevated perch provides broader and more breathtaking seascapes.

Pathways throughout the site allow you to witness the ancient architecture and sculptures from up close. A dense forest inhabited by grey long-tailed macaques surrounds the temple. An open-air amphitheatre nearby regularly shows the Ramayana ballet or Kecak dance during the golden sunset hours – perfect for memorable pictures.

 

Brief history of Uluwatu Temple

Inscriptions mention that Uluwatu Temple was instigated by Mpu Kuturan, a Majapahit monk who’s also credited for the establishment of several other key temples in Bali. A holy priest from eastern Java, Hindu temples in Bali Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, then chose Uluwatu Temple to be the endpoint of his spiritual journey. Devotees believe that he reached the highest point of ‘spiritual oneness’ by a strike of lightning and vanished.

Legend says that Dhang Hyang Dwijendra (also frequently referred to by name as Danghyang Nirartha) was the architect of Uluwatu Temple and several other temples in Bali, Lombok, as well as Sumbawa. Hindu temples in Bali Until 1983, Pura Uluwatu was hardly accessible and a lightning strike in 1999 set some parts of the temple on fire. The temple had undergone a series of restoration efforts since.

Spectacular setting of Uluwatu Temple

Without a doubt, what makes Uluwatu Temple spectacular is its high setting at the edge of a cliff and overlooking the waves of the Indian Ocean. Ulu means the ‘top’ or the ‘tip’ and watu is ‘stone’ or ‘rock’ in Balinese. Several archaeological remains found here prove the temple dates back to around the 10th century. There are 2 entrances to Uluwatu Temple, one from the south and the other from the north.

A small forest surrounds the temple where hundreds of monkeys dwell. They are believed to be the loyal guardians the temple. The serpentine pathway to the temple is fortified by concrete walls on the cliff side. It usually takes about an hour to get from one end to another as there are several fenced Hindu temples in Bali points along the way where you’re surely to take a pause. The views from the bottom of the water surging up against rocks and the ocean horizon are breathtaking.

The Balinese Hindus believe that the powers of the Hindu Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva, merge here. That belief results in making Uluwatu Temple a place of worship of Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a picturesque landmark temple in Bali’s central highlands. The temple sits on the western side of Beratan Lake. The smooth reflective surface of Beratan surrounds most of the temple’s base, creating a unique floating illusion. The mountain range provides the temple with its hazy, dreamy backdrop.

The striking scenery and cool atmosphere of these uplands have made the temple a favourite sightseeing spot. The large flowering lakeside gardens offer an enjoyable time with many photographic moments. Recreational activities include short boat trips on the lake. You can also enjoy leisurely rides on 2-seater duck paddle boats as well as a host of other water sport activities.

Highlights and features of Ulun Danu Beratan

Ulun Danu Beratan was built in the 17th century to worship the Hindu trinity (Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva) and the lake goddess, Dewi Danu. The sight and cool atmosphere of the Bali uplands have made the lake and this temple a favourite sightseeing and recreational spot. Naturally, it is a frequently photographed site.

The ‘floating’ temple complex comprises 4 groups of shrines, including the prominent Lingga Petak shrine to its east. There are 4 gates facing each of the cardinal points. The second group is in the west and pays homage to another temple in the hill of Puncak Mangu, which symbolises fertility. The ‘puncak’ or hilltop of Mangu Hill lies northeast of Lake Beratan.

Good to know about Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan temple’s piodalan or temple anniversary takes place every Kliwon Julungwangi Tuesday on the Pawukon Balinese calendar cycle (occurs every 210 days). Also, a grander Piodalan Agung takes place every 420 days. On any other regular day, though, the serene lake views and cool upland atmosphere are worth the experiencing.

Those who want more than scenery may hire traditional jukung outriggers to tour the lake as well as motorized boats for a quicker ride. The other side of Beratan Lake also offers various water sports such as parasailing and jet-ski rides.

Close to the temple complex, you can hire fishing gear and bait to pass the time away on the lakeside. The Eka Karya Botanical Gardens is also a highlight of the Bedugul region, which you can reach not far from the temple site.

Location: Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm

Taman Ayun Temple

The 17th-century Taman Ayun temple is the main landmark of the Mengwi village in the Badung regency. It showcases great examples of traditional Balinese Hindu temple architecture. The temple has well-maintained courtyards and enclosures. Inside is an expansive tropical garden and water features with lotus and fish ponds.

Towering tiers from the shrines make up most of the profile of Taman Ayun. The temple is the heritage site of the Mengwi kingdom and its late ruler, Tjokorda Sakti Blambangan. You can find hints of Chinese influences throughout the temple’s architecture and reliefs.

Good to know about Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple shares the same anniversary day with the cliff-perched Uluwatu Temple on the island’s southern peninsula. This is celebrated every ‘Kliwon Medangsia’ Tuesday on the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar, when devotees come to pray, day and night.

North of the bell tower is a pavilion called Bale Loji. In old times, this was where priests and ceremonial attendants would make preparations or take a break. Nowadays, you can usually see artists here busy creating their latest works of art, which are mostly available for purchase.

Museum Manusa Yadnya is just across the road from the temple. The museum is a great place to learn about Balinese rituals and rites of passage.

Location: Jalan Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm

 

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot regularly features on Bali tanah lot temple postcards and travel brochures, Bali tanah lot temple thanks to its stunning and unique offshore setting. It comprises an ancient Hindu shrine that sits on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves from the Indian Ocean. Bali tanah lot temple The sea temple is a constant highlight on tours to Bali’s western region – sunsets here are not to be missed.

The temple is about 45 minutes’ drive north from Kuta. Nearby are smaller onshore village temples and visitors’ leisure facilities such as restaurants, Bali tanah lot temple shops and a cultural park where dance performances are shown. Best time to visit Tanah Lot is during the day of Kuningan and on the temple’s anniversary 5 days later Bali tanah lot temple when festive pilgrimages are among the common sights

The legend of Tanah Lot

Bali Tanah lot Temple Dang Hyang Nirartha, a high priest from the Majapahit Kingdom in East Java travelled to Bali in 1489 to spread Hinduism. He arrived at the beautiful area and established a site honouring the sea god, Baruna. Here, he shared his teachings to Beraban villagers, only to face opposition from bali tanah lot temple the village chief who soon gathered his loyal followers to dispel Nirartha.

The priest resisted, incredibly shifting a large rock he meditated upon out to sea while transforming his sashes into sea snakes to guard at its base. Bali Tanah lot temple The rock’s original name, Tengah Lod, means ‘in the sea’. Bali tanah lot temple Acknowledging Nirartha’s powers, the humbled chief vowed allegiance.

Before setting off, Bali tanah lot temple Nirartha gifted him a holy kris dagger, which is now among the sanctified heirlooms of the Kediri royal palace. Bali tanah lot temple Pilgrims bring these relics each Kuningan day by foot on an 11km pilgrimage to the Luhur Pakendungan temple, Bali tanah lot temple the priest’s former meditational site.

Location: Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm

 

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah is an archaeological complex with historical significance that’s great for a brief stopover on tours to the Ubud and the central Bali region. Even though its name translates to ‘Elephant Cave’, you won’t find any pachyderms here. The cave was built as a hermitage back in the 11th century. It’s quite shallow, containing stone idols and meditation spaces.

In front of the mysterious cave, you’ll find a wantilan or meeting hall and a temple courtyard. An open-air gallery of large stone relics lies near an ancient bathing pool that was excavated in 1954. You can enter the pool and see the statues of nymphs holding waterspout vases up close, or explore the legendary Petanu River and its stone artefacts behind the temple grounds.

What you’ll find at Goa Gajah

The roadside and parking area before the site is lined with various art and souvenir shops and refreshment kiosks. Upon reaching the courtyard you’ll come across a large wantilan meeting hall and an assortment of large old stone carvings, some restored to their former glory. The pool, excavated in 1954, features 5 out of supposedly 7 statues depicting Hindu angels holding vases that act as waterspouts.

Various structures reveal Hindu influences dating back to the 10th century, and some relics feature elements of Buddhism dating even earlier to the 8th century. The cave is shallow; inside are 3 stone idols each wrapped in red, yellow and black cloths. Black soot lines the cave’s walls as a result of the present-day incense burning. Several indentations show where meditating priests once sat. The northern side of the complex is dominantly Buddhist while it’s mostly Shivaite south across the river.

At the southern end of the complex are beautiful rice fields and small streams that lead to the Petanu River – another site entwined in local legends. Goa Gajah was built on a hillside and as 2 small streams met here forming a campuhan (river junction), which led to the site being considered sacred and the reason it was built for hermetic meditation and prayers.

Location: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Pejeng Kawan, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm

 

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is a national cultural heritage site. It dates back to 960 AD during the old Balinese kingdom rule of the Warmadewa Dynasty. Its name means ‘holy water spring’ and is actually the name of a water source located within the temple. This spring flows into various purification baths, pools and fish ponds.

The water then flows into the Tukad Pakerisan River nearby. Various sites and archaeological relics throughout the region relate to local myths and legends. Another nearby and prominent site on top of a hill is the presidential palace, Istana Tampaksiring. The palace was built during the years of the nation’s first president, Soekarno.

Tirta Empul temple highlights

The hide-and-seek tactics of Mayadenawa fleeing Indra’s troops took place at various places all over the region, from the rivers Petanu to Pakerisan, and up to the north of Tampaksiring. Hence, the names of the sites and natural features all reflect an episode from the tale, such as Tampaksiring – tampak meaning ‘feet’, and siring meaning ‘sideways’, depicting an episode when the fleeing king left his slanting footprints up the hill.

It was here that, through his magical powers, Mayadenawa created a poisoned spring from which Indra’s exhausted troops drank from and succumbed. Indra noticed the fall of his men and soon thrust his staff into the ground where a holy purifying spring spurted out, to cure the troops and to even bring some of them back to life. This escapade became the legendary background to the holy spring of Tirta Empul, as well as the holy days of Galungan and Kuningan, which are celebrated by Balinese Hindus island-wide.

Location: Jalan Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

 

Taman Saraswati Temple

The Pura Taman Saraswati is a beautiful water temple in central Ubud. You can access the temple from the Jalan Kajeng side street off the main road of Jalan Raya Ubud. The temple is a great stopover along your leisure walks through Ubud town, where you can admire its classical Balinese temple architecture and enjoy photo opportunities.

Its beautiful foyer features ponds filled with blooming pink lotuses. Most regular visitors drop into Café Lotus for a minimum dinner cover charge, which gets you the best view over the lotuses and to the temple’s open stage. Regular traditional dance performances are held in the evenings here from 7.30pm.

Entry into Taman Saraswati is free but, as with any temple visit in Bali, a sash and sarong around the waist are required. You can also drop into Café Lotus for a minimum dinner cover charge, which will get you the best view over the lotuses and to the temple’s open stage. Traditional dance performances are regularly held here in the evenings.

You can enter the temple from behind the amphitheatre at any time of the day. Admire the calming atmosphere, architectural features and sandstone bas reliefs that honour the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts, Saraswati, for which it’s named after.

Location: Jalan Kajeng, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple is often referred to as Bali’s ‘mother temple’ – a grand complex of different clan temples and shrines on the south-western slopes of Mount Agung. At least 70 celebrations are held at Besakih yearly, as each shrine has its own anniversary. Exploring the whole site can take a day. Even so, most visits cover only the largest central complex, Pura Penataran Agung.

Another temple, Pura Pesimpangan, lies east of Pura Penataran Agung. On the higher slopes is Pura Pengubengan, offering great vistas from 1,000 metres above sea level. Sarongs and sashes are compulsory attire when visiting the temple, available usually for a ‘donation fee’ at the main entrance. You can also buy some colourful souvenir textiles from the many kiosks that dot the parking area.

History of Besakih Temple

Pura Batu Madeg contains a central stone indicating. That the area of Pura Besakih was already regard as a holy place since ancient times. In the 8th century, a Hindustani monk had revelations to build homes for people during his isolation. Throughout the process, many of his followers died due to illness and accidents. Upon completion, it was called ‘Basuki’, referring to the dragon deity ‘Naga Besukian’. Believed to inhabit Mount Agung. The name eventually evolved into ‘Besakih’.

Other shrines were gradually built and Pura Besakih was made the main temple during the conquering of Bali by the Majapahit Empire in 1343. Since then, Pura Besakih has had several restorations as earthquakes in 1917 and Mount Agung’s series of eruptions in 1963 damaged the complex. The lava flow evaded Pura Besaki – locals believe that he deities wanted to demonstrate their power without completely destroying the holy complex.

Good to Know about Besakih Temple

Pura Basukian, Pura Penataran Agung, and Pura Dalem Puri are the mother of all village’ temples, namely Pura Puseh, Pura Desa, and Pura Dalem. Their shrines contain religious literature referring to how a temple must be built.

During the day, Besakih becomes a crowded tourist trap, with self-professed ‘temple guards’, touts, hawkers, and more. Bear in mind that you should wear a proper top, a sarong, and a sash. The best visiting times of the day are in the early morning and the evening as the complex is much quieter during these hours.

 

Location: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia

Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm

Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang Temple is one of Bali’s oldest and most venerated temples. It’s on par with Besakih Temple. This temple is also believe to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island. It’s a great addition to any travel plans to East Bali, especially for the fit and adventurous.

The main temple is at 1,175m above sea level, on the peak of the namesake Mount Lempuyang. The grander Penataran Agung temple at the slope of the mountain is very popular for Instagram shots. If you wish to reach the temple at the peak, it’s a steep climb up over 1,700 steps. At the top, the prize view is a sweeping panorama over East Bali’s lush topography.

Highlights of Lempuyang Temple

While avid hikers will love the blend of mountain scenery and cultural highlights that Bali’s eastern region has to offer, those unwilling to take on the ascent up to the peak at Lempuyang can still enjoy the splendid views at the grand Pura Penataran Agung temple at the foot of the mountain. It’s the first to come into view on the pilgrimage and offers an impressive sight with its towering dragon staircases – perfect for photos.

The best views are higher up the stairs, where you can see all across the green forested slopes and to neighbouring Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak and home of Besakih Temple.

Location: Jalan Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Abang, Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Gunung Kawi Temple

The Gunung Kawi Temple complex is one of Bali’s most unique archaeological sites. For instance, The temple comprises a collection of ancient shrine reliefs carved into the face of a rock cliff. The main site overlooks the sacred Pakerisan River. This is the same river that flows by the Tirta Empul Temple, a kilometre north.

A temple courtyard featuring old Hindu shrines is across the river from the ancient reliefs. Hindu temples in Bali You can reach the temple on foot down a paved walkway, passing art shops and small local warungs food kiosks. Lush paddy terraces and a gorgeous green valley accompany you down the 300 steps leading to the river. The whole view transports you back in time and away from modernity.

Location: Banjar Penaka, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia

Ling Gwan Kiong

Ling Gwan Kiong is an old Chinese temple in North Bali. It dates to 1873 with connections to the Ching Dynasty. Hindu temples in Bali Be sure to take off your shoes and keep calm when entering the inner sections, where devotees come, light incenses and conduct prayers before a beautiful altar.

Ling Gwan Kiong is a 15-minute drive east from Lovina Beach and features mini gardens with colourful and detailed murals.

Location: Jalan Erlangga No.65, Bugis, Buleleng, Bali 81114, Indonesia

Petitenget Temple

Petitenget Temple is Seminyak’s central cultural landmark. Known as Pura Petitenget in the local tongue, the centuries-old temple is a must-see and really comes to life during its festive 210-day anniversaries. The name of the street that runs parallel to the beach is actually take from the temple.

The namesake Petitenget Beach is only a few steps away from the temple, Thirdly where visitors and locals enjoy the best spots to share in the gorgeous sunset moments.

Location: Jalan Petitenget, Kerobokan, Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Gunung Lebah Temple

Gunung Lebah Temple is one of Ubud’s central landmarks, positioned at the western end of the Jalan Raya Ubud main road.  Hindu temples in Bali  The temple’s name loosely translates to ‘mountain valley temple’ in archaic Balinese. It dates back to the 8th century, and has close spiritual ties to Batur Temple.

Gunung Lebah itself honours the goddess of Batur. Because The temple complex has 3 courtyards, resting pavilions for devotees, and a gamelan pavilion that hosts traditional dances.

Location: Jalan Raya Ubud No.23, Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Batukaru Temple

Batukaru Temple, or Pura Luhur Batukaru, is one of Bali’s key temples. Hindu temples in Bali But The temple is at the foot of Mount Batukaru, the second-highest peak on the island. Surrounded by cool natural forests, it’s a pleasant stopover for sightseeing in the Tabanan regency. Batukaru Temple’s main courtyard has a freshwater spring that serves as the holy water source for prayers and ceremonies

The island’s most impressive expanse of rice paddies, Jatiluwih, is within a 2-km drive from the temple, making both a popular combination for excursions to Bali’s central highlands.

Location: Jalan Penatahan-Wongaya Gede, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali 85125, Indonesia

Features of Batukaru Temple

Batukaru Temple is fill with ancient structures heavily cover in green moss. The wall compounds contain several shrines and high meru towers, Hindu temples in Bali together with bale pavilions with unmistakably ancient Balinese features, such as dark grass roofs and intricate wall carvings.

There are different courtyards inside the complex, sparsely positioned and on different elevations. These courtyards are connect through a series of flowering gardens and statue-lined steps. Firstly Within the main temple courtyard, you’ll find a freshwater spring that serves as a holy water source for prayers and ceremonies. There’s another separate spring reserved for cleansing and purification rituals.

Visiting Batukaru Temple

A sacred site in Bali, Mount Batukaru has misty slopes. From the heavily forested mountain which enhances its overall spiritual vibe. The temple complex is frequent by visitors on any give day. But several parts of the temple’s inner sanctum remain off-limits to non-praying visitors.

The 11th-century Batukaru Temple shares the cool and quiet upland. Hindu temples in Bali Vicinity of the Wongaya Gede farming community in the Penebel Village of Tabanan regency. The best time to visit is during the temple’s biannual piodalan temple anniversaries. Which coincides each Thursday after the Galungan celebrations. Balinese Hindu families from villages in Wongaya Gede and from all over the island make pilgrimages to this mountain temple for blessings

Batuan Temple

Batuan Temple, referred to locally as Pura Puseh Lan Pura Desa Adat Batuan, is a focal landmark in the namesake village of Batuan that’s famous for its traditional Balinese paintings. Its well-preserved sandstone bas motifs and traditional Balinese temple architecture are its main draws.

The 11th-century temple has a grand complex of shrines that face a separate large communal hall from where most visitors start their visit. During major temple ceremonies, towering fruit and flower offerings occupy this space. On other days, local artists and craftsmen display their latest work, from batiks to framed paintings and statuettes.

Visiting Batuan Temple

Up the 5-tiered candi bentar gate of Batuan Temple, you’ll come across various reliefs depicting mythical Balinese figures and floral themes, as well as statues depicting the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, further inside. A series of multi-tiered thatch-roof shrines within the temple’s inner courtyard is arrange in a layout typical of all large temple complexes in Bali. Because The temple pavilion’s wooden beams and ceilings are heavily engrave and gilded.

A visit to any temple in Bali is best during their celebrations. Hindu temples in Bali If your visit to Batuan doesn’t coincide with any piodalan temple anniversary, you may also check out the village’s daily barong dance shows, occasionally featuring other traditional Balinese dance performances at a purpose-built stage nearby.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park is a 240-hectare cultural park complex that boasts the 150-meter high statue of Vishnu. Garuda wisnu kencana And the mythical Bird of Garuda made by Nyoman Nuarta. But It is devote to the Hindu God Vishnu, Garuda wisnu kencana and his mount, Garuda wisnu kencana. Secondly So Hindu temples in Bali The mythical bird who became his companion. Plan to  establish of a landmark or mascot of Bali. Construction of the giant statue of Lord Vishnu who was riding his mount Garuda, as high as 120 meters is currently going on.

Design to be the Indonesia’s tallest statue, Garuda Wisnu Kencana was inspire by Hindu mythology. About the search for Amerta (the elixir of life). According to this myth. Garuda agree to be ridden by Lord Wisnu. In return for the right to use the elixir to liberate his enslave Garuda wisnu kencana mother. Hindu temples in Bali The idea was not without controversy, Garuda wisnu kencana and religious authorities on the island. Moreover, Garuda wisnu kencana Complain that its massive size may disrupt the Garuda wisnu kencana spiritual balance of the island.