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Bali is home to some of Indonesia's most spiritual and visually stunning temples, perched on cliffs, rising from lakes, and nestled in lush rice terraces. These sites remain active places of Balinese Hindu worship and offer a deep look into the island's culture.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu, Bali, IndonesiaPerched on a sheer limestone cliff above the Indian Ocean, this 11th-century sea temple is one of Bali's most dramatic sites. Visitors come for the sunset and the nightly Kecak fire dance performed at the cliffside amphitheater.
Tanah Lot Temple
Beraban, Tabanan, Bali, IndonesiaThis iconic temple sits on a rock formation just offshore, reachable on foot at low tide. It is one of Bali's most photographed landmarks and is dedicated to the sea guardian spirits of the island.
Besakih Temple
Karangasem, Bali, IndonesiaKnown as the Mother Temple, Besakih is the largest and holiest temple complex in Bali, built along the slopes of Mount Agung. It consists of more than 80 structures arranged across several terraces.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Bedugul, Tabanan, Bali, IndonesiaThis picturesque temple floats on the shores of Lake Beratan in the highlands. Its multi-tiered pagoda-style shrine is frequently featured on Balinese imagery and currency.
Tirta Empul Temple
Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, IndonesiaFamous for its sacred holy spring water, Tirta Empul is a place of purification where Balinese Hindus bathe in the pools. Visitors can join in the ritual purification bath.
Goa Lawah Temple
Klungkung, Bali, IndonesiaKnown as the Bat Cave Temple, this sacred site is built into a cave that is home to thousands of bats. It is considered one of the important directional temples on the island.
Pura Taman Ayun
Mengwi, Badung, Bali, IndonesiaThis royal temple complex surrounded by a moat and gardens was built in the 17th century by the Mengwi kingdom. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Cultural Landscape of Bali.
Pura Luhur Batukaru
Tabanan, Bali, IndonesiaSet high on the slopes of Mount Batukaru amid misty forest, this temple is one of Bali's six key directional temples. Its tiered shrines are surrounded by lush jungle and cool mountain air.
Gunung Kawi Temple
Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali, IndonesiaCarved into sheer cliff faces along the Pakerisan River, these 11th-century rock-cut shrines are reached by a long staircase through rice fields. They are dedicated to the royal family of the Udayana dynasty.
Pura Lempuyang
Karangasem, Bali, IndonesiaFamous for its iconic gate framing Mount Agung, this temple sits high on a hillside and is a popular spot for photographs. Its main temple complex offers sweeping views over the surrounding landscape.