Temples & Ceremonies

Temples in Bali

A visit to Bali is not complete without visiting a Temple or Two – here are some of our favourites – Wayan and The Bali Buddy Team will assist you with transport and will advise you on what Temples you can see in a one day tour, how long a drive it will take and the daily transport price – we hope you have a memorable day and enjoy your Temple Tour.

Please contact Wayan direct through our enquiry / booking form below.

Things to know

You’ll have to pay at each Temple to get in. Entry price is very low and you’ll get a sarong (to be used for your visit and then returned) included with your entry.

It is forbidden for women to go into the temples if they are menstruating.

If you have a driver there’s usually a parking fee at one of the car parks near the temples.

Although there are a fair few easily accessible temples, some of the temples have lots of stairs so come prepared for a decent walk.

Pura Besakih

Located on the inclines of Bali’s largest volcano – Mount Agung, lies a collection of more than eighty temples that make up the country’s largest and most prominent temple complex.
Besikah’s vantage point in the clouds means that it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, rivers and streams, and picturesque rice paddies.
Lots of stairs to climb.

Pura Tirta Empul

A must See
Visitors to Tirta Empul can cleanse their bodies and spirits by bathing in the natural spring flowing through the temple.

In a inner room, fountains divert water from the spring into a long rectangular pool which is where people go to bath – you will need a different sarong to do this – it’s green and you can hire this at the temple.

During Religious holidays the Balinese people flock to this temple to take part in meditation in the spring. So check with Wayan to make sure it’s not a busy time to visit.

Pura Tanalot

Tanalot it is set on an island-like rock formation offshore. Only during low tide can you actually walk to the entrance and ascend the stairs to explore this picturesque holy place.

Built by fishermen in the 15th century, Tanalot is one of Bali’s most important temples, with crowds clustering on the rock formation to watch the sunset each day.

Fabulous markets with some great buys at Tanalot Temple.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

On a rocky cliff, Luhur Uluwatu is easily one of the best temple spots in Bali if you also love views across the ocean.

With its own spectacular views, you can meditate while watching the waves break against the base of the cliff or take part in the nightly worship activities – these ceremonies include the famous Uluwatu fire-dances.

Goa Gajah

(Goa Gajah means “Elephant Cave”), Goa Gajah temple is most well-known for the intimidating faces carved into the rock wall surrounding the entrance.
Guided tours of the cave are available with no reservation necessary (you don’t have to take them, but expert information is always valuable )
Goa Gajah is just a short walk to the Buddhist ruins nearby.
Set in a beautiful valley location, this temple, has history and holy places from both the Hindu and Buddhist Balinese cultures.

Goa Gajah is one of those temples with some stairs (though it’s one of the easier ones to explore of the temples with stairs).

Pura Luhur Lempuyang

One of Bali’s most important temples and seated atop Mt. Lempuyang is the spectacular Pura Luhur Lempuyang Temple.
The fantastic, high-altitude views that this temple has are at the summit, which of course does mean a hike up the mountain. Most of the walk is on a paved road.

Pura Taman Saraswati

Dotted with lotus ponds Taman Saraswati can be found in the centre of Ubud.

Pura Taman Saraswati was built by the 19th-century by the royal family in dedication to the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge. The architecture resembles more tropically-influenced huts and pathways, while the inside of the temple is decorated with carvings and shrines.
Each evening, you can watch traditional religious dancers.

Taman Ayun

Surrounded with flora and fauna and set in a park, Taman Ayun Temple is easy to access.

There are beautiful shrines, each dedicated to a different Hindu god, and fountains to symbolize the nine main Hindu gods. In the centre of the main pond is a thatched-roofed prayer hut, and many others surround the Temple.
Taman Ayun is one of the easiest Temples to explore.

Pura Dalem Agung – Ubud Monkey Forest

At Pura Dalem Agung Temple you hear the monkeys in the famous Ubud Monkey Forest. Be careful of the monkeys, for as little as 70.000 IDR – $7 get a guide and make sure you have no food on you – no jewellery – no sunglasses – no handbag – no hat – no watch.
The greenery surrounding the “Temple of Death” is anything but dead, as it blooms around sacred prayer buildings and stone carvings of children with fangs. Streams run through the forest.

Once you reach the depths of the Forest it is a beautiful magical experience – well worth a visit.

Pura Gunung Kawi

Pura Gunung Kawi Nestled between rice paddies, this Bali Temple features stone carvings right into the hillside. The river running close to the temple lends to its sacred location in the “Valley of Kings,” and some of the carvings honour kings and queens of the 11th century.

A downhill walk to the temple has allot of steep steps.

You can visit Pura Gunung Kawi and Pura Tirta Empul on the same day.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

This Shaivite water temple is a easy temple to visit in Bali and one of the most impressive.

Its set at a much higher altitude (strawberries are grown in this part of Bali) it’s a much cooler temperature – makes sure you buy some strawberry’s.

Limited stairs to climb and a nice stroll around the Temple markets makes for a fabulous visit.