Last Updated on January 12, 2020 by Soumya
The temples of Bali are truly unmissable if you happen to visit this beautiful Indonesian island. They are aesthetically designed, have beautiful backdrops, and are mesmerizing to the common human eye. Every home in Bali has a pretty little pura, the Balinese word for a temple and the Sanskrit word for a walled city or fortress. The temples are pretty and attract thousands of visitors every year.
Let’s find out which are the 5 Most Beautiful Temples of Bali that you should never miss.
Balinese temples are Hindu but they do not look anything like the Hindu temples of India. The architecture is distinct and knowing about a couple of features can really help you appreciate it. Meru and Candi Bentar are two important features of any Balinese pura.
Meru is the distinct multitiered pagoda that stands in the middle of a Balinese temple. The meru symbolizes Mt. Meru of the Hindu mythology (the abode of Gods) and is dedicated to the principal deity of any shrine. Sometimes there can be more than one meru in a temple. For example, some of puras have 3 merus dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva.
Candi Bentar is a Balinese split gateway and stands at the entrance of any Balinese pura. It is believed that a split gateway prevents the entry of evil spirits into the temple; if an evil spirit enters it is crushed into pulp by the two halves of the gate coming together.
So, if you have decided to set sail for Bali but are still wondering which temples you should pick, here is a list that can help. These are the 5 most beautiful temples of Bali that you should not miss at all. If this is your first time on this beautiful island, here’s a list of things you can expect. And if you are looking to stay 2-3 weeks in Bali, do not forget to check out this curated itinerary.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – Floating Temple
This was my favorite temple in Bali. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is located almost 1200 meters above sea level on the shores of Lake Bratan in Bedugul and is pretty as a picture. The temple was built in the late 17th century and is dedicated to the Hindu trinity as well as to lake and river goddess Dewi Danu. The main shrine where Shiva is worshipped consists of 11 tiers.
Shiny, clear waters of the lake and a picturesque mountain range in the backdrop give the temple a mystical feel. The effect is accentuated on foggy days. Often called the Floating Temple of Bali, Pura Ulun Danu is also home to a sarcophagus and a stone tablet. This just reinforces the fact that the site was an important religious spot even before the puras were built here.
Pura Tanah Lot – Most Photographed Temple of Bali
The Temple of Tanah Lot is an iconic landmark of Bali. You will find this temple listed on every Bali-goer’s itinerary. According to Lonely Planet, Tanah Lot is the most visited and photographed temple in Bali. It is perfect for your Bali Instagram pictures.
What makes Pura Tanah Lot extremely popular is its proximity to the sea. The temple is perched atop a small hill facing the ocean and you can see some beautiful sunsets here. Additionally, this place is great for Bali diving adventures.
The sound of waves crashing below the hill, hues of orange and yellow lighting up the sky, and a strong breeze ruffling your tresses can make Tanah Lot very romantic. If you are looking for more romantic inspirations in Bali, click here for the Bali Honeymoon Guide.
That said, the temple also holds great religious value for the Balinese. It is one of the most venerated sea temples of Bali and is dedicated to Dewa Baruna or The Sea God. Sea snakes are believed to dwell in the crevices below the rock and guard the temple against evil. I don’t think you will see any snakes though. We did not.
Pura Besakih – Mother Temple of Bali
Pura Besakih is the largest and the holiest of all temples of Bali. It is located on the southern slopes of Mount Agung and is often known as the Mother Temple of Bali. Important festivals are celebrated here and it is not unusual to witness some ongoing religious ceremonies. A picture below will tell you what I mean.
Pura Besakih is unique and the most important. Therefore, it is huge and consists of 23 individual shrines. The temple probably dates back 2000 years ago but was used as a Hindu temple only around the 13th century. I am a big fan of the meru towers and there were plenty to be found here.
Pura Taman Ayun – Water Temple of Bali
Taman Ayun means “beautiful garden” in Balinese. The Temple of Taman Ayun comprises a Balinese pura, a garden, and a large surrounding moat. Because of its beautiful water features, Pura Taman Ayun is often referred to as the Water Temple of Bali. It is one of the most picturesque Balinese temples. Sometimes the temple almost seems afloat on a lake of lotuses because of the position of the moat and the garden. A traditional Balinese split gate adorns the entrance to the temple.
Pura Taman Ayun is located in Mengwi, Badung regency and is a good place to go to if you are seeking some respite from the overwhelming crowds of Ulun Danu or Besakih.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu – Best Sunset Point
The Temple of Uluwatu is another popular temple facing the sea. It is one of the best things to do in Uluwatu. The beauty of the temple stems from the fact that it is perched atop a steep cliff almost 70 meters above sea level. The sea is far below which makes it very different from Tanah Lot. The location is magnificent and offers great sunset viewing opportunities. Additionally, the temple organizes a Kecak performance every evening that you can enjoy alongside the sunset.
Pura Uluwatu is believed to protect Bali from evil spirits of the sea. The chief deity worshipped here is Shiva. Legend has it that Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva become one here. Steeped in history and beauty, this is one of the temples of Bali that should not be missed.
Bali was a cultural extravaganza for me: beautiful temples, amazing dance and music, and attractive puppet shows. There was so much to see, learn, and feast on. Click here to check out my other posts on Bali.
Do you love the temples of Bali? How many of these have you been to? Is there a prettier temple that I missed? Drop me a line below and we can get the conversation started.
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Hoping to visit Bali within the next couple of years. So thanks for this list of what I shouldn’t miss.
Of it all, I think Pura Luhur Uluwatu is the most fascinating..
Definitely. Uluwatu is a very interesting place. I am glad that you found this helpful.
I have been to Bali but unfortunately didn’t visit any of the temples. Amazing pictures and very inviting. You gave me a reason to return to Bali.
Thank you! I am glad I could do that. Let me know how your next trip goes. Would love to read about the previous one too.
Hi Soumya!, It is given that I do love your blog. I just want to say that I am always looking forward for you posts.
Thanks Jonathan. Appreciate it. 🙂
Oh my gosh, Bali looks so dreamy. I’ve been wanting to visit for a long time, but just have never made it there yet. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, especially, looks absolutely incredible. Thank you for the amazing inspo!
You are welcome. Let me know you like it when you get there. Much love!
I’ve been to Tana Lot and it’s an amazing place! Bali’s temples are the best. Have you heard that houses and buildings can’t be higher than temples?
No, I had never heard of that. That sounds like an interesting fact. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve been twice to Bali, but I don’t remember seeing Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. It’s stunning, and I can see why it’s your favourite. I have seen Tanah Lot, but then most travellers in Bali have! Nice photos too!
Tanah Lot is a pretty one too. I am glad you saw a nice one. Almost always it is how much you can see in that short time. It is never enough, is it?
Always think of Bali to be a place of beaches but your photographs show there is more to it than that. Thanks for sharing
You are welcome David. I am glad I could do that. Thanks!
I have never been there but indeed the temples are truly magnificent. Would love to visit them all during my visit. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome. Yeah, definitely my top choices when in Bali!
I loved visiting two of these five and never regretted missing the rest until now (there was a bad heatwave when we travelled). I love your photos and the detailed information
Yeah the heatwaves can be really bad. But next time maybe. Which month did you go?
I love visiting temples and these Puras look amazing and beautiful. I am really dying to go to Bali with my family and would for sure take the time to visit some of these temples. Thank you for pointing out the uniqueness of these 5.
You are welcome Alison. I am glad you liked the post.
Wow, these are absolutely stunning! I can’t wait to finally make it to Bali, this really ramped up my wanderlust ??!
Thank you Erica. I am so happy I could do that. 🙂
Excellent post. We have actually been pondering a trip to Bali but never really focused on the not so popular temples before reading this. Have to change our minds now 🙂
I am sure you will change your mind more once you see these. 🙂
Love this! I went to Bali for the first time this year, it was amazing!
It definitely is an amazing place!
Bali definitely is an amazing place!
Great topic for an article! The first one – Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is pretty well-known (at least based on the image). But I’ve never seen the others, very cool!
Thank you so much.
I actually have visited all of these temples! Loved them all, especially Uluwatu. And the cool thing there is also the monkeys 😉
Wow. Arent these the prettiest places on the earth!! Yeah the monkeys too 😉
Great post. Those temples are all beautiful! It makes me want to visit Bali even more 🙂
Thank you!
I was in Bali when I was about 15 years old but I never visited these places! Its always just beaches and beaches. What a beauty this is other than beaches.
That’s true. Sometimes these temples get lost in the beauty of the beaches. But there is so much more to Bali than just beaches.
Those look so unusual for an European eye. I would love to go there with my camera. Never thought it is on Bali, always saw it as a beach resort.
You should definitely go there with your camera, Alexander. The expert that you are, you will click some really amazing pictures. Cant wait to see them.
Wow! Bali definitely has got to go on our bucketlist! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
felt like I was there with you too. Can’t wait to visit Bali soon. great list
Thanks for the compliment!
Amazing temples! I will definitely visit at least one of them when I visit Bali! 🙂
Sure thing. Let me know how it goes.
Thank you for sharing the beauty of Bali. Even though Bali belongs under the “belt of fire” area, it is still one of the gorgeous place in Asia. Heaven sent!
You are absolutely right.
These are stunning! We cannot wait to check out Bali, so many people love it!! Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, Bali is adorable!
Excellent post, makes me want to go back to Bali! We were there earlier this year but spent most of our time scuba diving. Really need to go back and explore the temples!
Absolutely! Would love to hear about the next trip.
Going to Bali early next year. Bookmarked your post for later. Timely post, will help me out atleast covering all the important temples to see. Stunning pictures you got there!
Thats awesome. Would love to read about your trip.
Bali is heavenly and we loved every temple that we visited. This post captures the highlights beautifully. The sunset at Tanah Lot is magical and you are lucky to have witnessed the ceremony at Pura Besakih. Thanks for refreshing my memories.
Thank you so much. I am glad I could do that.
Just actually been in Bali and we fell in love you the beautiful temples! Unfortunately we didn’t get to any of these but we really want to go back, this time we will have a definitive checklist 🙂
https://mcadventureblog.com/
I am sure you will 🙂
One of my favourite things about Bali are the temples and the culture. Too many people think only of beaches and clubbng nowadays which isnt not the essence of Bali at all. Well done for capturing it so well.
That’s so true. I feel the temples, the dances, and the museums also make a very important part of Bali.
I’m planning a trip to Bali next year so this is just perfect! They all sound beautiful, although I can definitely see why Pura Ulun Danu Bratan was your favorite. Floating Temple sounds absolutely otherworldly and I can’t wait to visit!
Thank you Jas. Definitely the floating temple tag holds a very different appeal 🙂