Best Bali Temples

Tanah Lot is one of the most famous temples in Bali Indonesia. It sits on a rock in the sea, and during high tide, it looks like it’s floating. People come here to watch the sunset - it’s truly beautiful. 

You can also take great photos from the nearby cliffs. There are many small shops where you can buy souvenirs and snacks. Try to visit in the early morning or before sunset for fewer crowds. 

The entrance fee is around IDR 60,000. It’s located about 20 km from Denpasar. Opening hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM. Don’t forget to wear respectful clothing. Many tour packages include Tanah Lot in their sunset routes - it’s a must-see spot in Bali.

Uluwatu Temple sits high on a cliff, looking over the blue ocean. It is one of Bali’s most beautiful temples, especially during sunset. Many people come here to see the famous Kecak dance, which happens every evening at sunset. 

The dance tells a story from an old Hindu tale and is performed with fire and singing. The temple is also home to many monkeys, so keep your things safe! 

The entrance fee is about IDR 50,000. It’s around 25 km from Kuta. Opening hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM. Wear a sarong, which you can borrow at the entrance. Many Bali tour packages include Uluwatu Temple with the Kecak dance show—highly recommended!

Gunung Kawi is a peaceful temple with huge shrines carved into cliffs near a river. It’s one of Bali’s oldest and beautiful temples in Bali. You have to walk down many steps to reach it, so wear good shoes. 

The walk is beautiful with rice fields all around. The temple honors a king from the Udayana dynasty and his family. It’s near Tirta Empul, so many people visit both in one trip. The entrance fee is about IDR 50,000. 

It’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You’ll feel calm here, surrounded by nature. A guide can help explain the history better. It’s a great stop for people who love nature, history, and quiet places.

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Besakih is the biggest and most important Hindu temple in Bali. It sits high on Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest volcano. It has many shrines and temples in one large complex. Locals call it the “Mother Temple.” It’s a holy place where big ceremonies are held. You’ll need a sarong and sash to enter. 

The entry fee is around IDR 60,000. It’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The weather can be cooler up here, so bring a light jacket. Some people compare it to Lempuyang Temple, but Besakih is more traditional. 

Avoid “fake guides” at the gate, use trusted tour guides. This temple is best for people who want to learn about Bali’s religion and culture.

Lempuyang Temple is famous for its “Gates of Heaven,” where you can take a photo that looks like you're floating. It’s a very old and sacred temple high on a mountain. 

You need to climb many stairs, so wear comfy shoes and be ready for a workout. Some Instagram photos use mirrors to fake a water reflection - don’t expect real water there. 

Entrance is donation-based, but camera tickets may cost IDR 30,000. It’s open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Morning visits are best for fewer crowds. Many tours include Lempuyang along with Tirta Gangga and other East Bali sites. This temple is great for pictures and spiritual travelers.

Taman Saraswati Temple is in the heart of Ubud and is one of the best temples in Bali. It’s easy to visit if you’re shopping at the Ubud Art Market. 

This temple is known for its beautiful lotus ponds and carvings. At night, you can watch traditional Balinese dance shows in front of the temple. It’s free to enter, but you need to wear a sarong. 

The temple is open every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s named after Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and art. You don’t need a guide, but one can help explain the temple's meaning. This place is great for relaxing and taking photos. Don’t forget to be quiet and respectful - people still come here to pray.

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Taman Ayun Temple is a peaceful place with big gardens, ponds, and tall pagoda-style towers. It was built by a king in the 1600s and is still a beautiful example of royal Balinese architecture. The temple is located in Mengwi, about 30 minutes from Ubud and 45 minutes from Seminyak. 

It’s open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the entry fee is around IDR 30,000. This is a great place to visit if you want to see a less crowded temple. 

Walk slowly and enjoy the peaceful garden views. You don’t need a guide here, but audio guides are available. It’s a perfect stop on a half-day tour from central Bali

Ubud Royal Palace is a small but important place in the center of Ubud. It used to be the home of Ubud’s royal family. The building has lovely Balinese carvings and is still used for ceremonies. 

It’s right across from the Ubud Art Market, so you can easily visit both. Entry is free, and the palace is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. It’s not a big place, so you can see it in 15–30 minutes. 

At night, you can watch traditional Balinese dance performances here. It’s a good idea to buy your show ticket in advance. This stop is great for a quick visit while walking around Ubud.

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Tirta Empul is among the sacred Bali temples, famous for its holy spring water pools. People come here to join a cleansing ritual where they bathe under stone fountains. It’s a peaceful place surrounded by greenery. 

You need to wear a sarong, which you can borrow at the entrance. The entrance fee is around IDR 50,000. It’s open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Bring a towel and a change of clothes if you plan to join the ritual. 

It’s located near Gunung Kawi, so many people visit both on the same day. This temple is perfect for those seeking a spiritual experience in Bali.

Goa Gajah is a small but unique Bali temple known for its carved cave entrance that looks like a demon’s mouth. Inside the cave, you’ll find a statue of Ganesha and small worship areas. Outside, there are gardens, fountains, and ancient ruins. 

The entrance fee is around IDR 50,000. It’s open every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s located just 10 minutes from central Ubud, making it easy to visit. 

You must wear a sarong, which is provided at the gate. This temple is great for quick visits and taking photos of old carvings and peaceful surroundings.