One of the most popular destinations in Bali is its temples. Many temples in Bali are still used for religious ceremonies, but are still open to tourists. In this article, you will find several beautiful holy sites in Bali that you can visit for a spiritual experience.
What Are the Must-Visit Temples in Bali?
Bali is famous for its temples as centers of Hindu worship and symbols of culture on this island of the gods. Although they are centers of spirituality, Bali’s temples also have their own tourist charm. Many tourists want to know more about the temples.
Each temple has its own story and unique architecture that differs from one another. Some temples are hidden away, such as in the middle of a forest, and there are even some in the middle of the sea. So, which temples should you visit while in Bali?
As a tour guide, I have a list of Bali temples that are worth visiting. Here are some of them:
Bali’s Mother Temple – Besakih Temple
If you want to know which temple is the largest in Bali, Besakih Temple is the one. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung (Karangasem), it is one of the largest Hindu spiritual centers in Bali. Besakih Temple, or the “Mother Temple,” has Penataran Agung as its central temple and a total of 46 temples in the complex.
Because it is located at an altitude of around 1,000 meters above sea level, you can enjoy the cool air upon arrival at the temple area. You can also easily see Mount Agung from here. This temple is active as a place of worship, so it is open 24 hours.
However, visitors can only do activities from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Either morning or afternoon is the best time to come to Besakih Temple. The earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon, the better, as it will be less crowded. You may need a guide to understand everything about this temple, so there are official tour guides that you can hire.
You can buy tickets (IDR 30,000 for children & IDR 60,000 for adults) at the ticket booth near the entrance/parking lot. Make sure you bring cash because that is the only form of payment accepted for tickets. Learn about each of the visitation rules, such as wearing a sarong and a top that does not expose your shoulders.
The Gates of Heaven in Bali – Lempuyang Luhur Temple
Next is the popular Gates of Heaven, Lempuyang Luhur Temple, which is also located in the Karangasem area in eastern Bali. Here, you can also see the view of Mount Agung. Prepare yourself physically because you will need to climb a fairly steep path.
There are at least 7 temples that you can explore in about 4 hours, depending on how fast you are. For the first one, it’s only a 5-minute walk. For a more comfortable exploration, a shuttle is available for IDR 45,000.
The entrance fee is IDR 30,000. You can visit Lempuyang Temple from 6 a.m. and leave before 7 p.m. What should you keep in mind if you want to visit Lempuyang Temple?
Make sure you wear clothing that covers your shoulders because if you don’t, you will not be allowed to enter. You can use a scarf to cover your shoulders if you are wearing sleeveless clothing. In the Lempuyang temple area, you are also not allowed to record with a drone or kiss.
Spiritual Cleansing at Tirta Empul (Tampak Siring) Temple
This temple, famous for its holy water, has 11 showers for soul cleansing ceremonies. Tirta Empul Temple has natural springs that are believed to be able to cure poison in the Warmadewa Dynasty era. Located in Gianyar, this temple is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For only IDR 35,000, you can enter this amazing temple area. Like other temples, Tirta Empul is a sacred temple that is the center of the Hindu community. To enter the area, you must wear a sarong.
If you don’t have a sarong, Tirta Empul temple provides shawls and sarongs. Do not wear revealing clothing that shows your knees and shoulders. Visitors are also not allowed to kiss or engage in other indecent activities in the Tirta Empul area.
You can take photos and videos with a camera, but do not use a drone. Tirta Empul has complete facilities to support visitor comfort, including changing rooms, toilets, lockers, and a parking area. When is the best time to visit Tirta Empul? It depends on your preference, but around 9 a.m. is usually quiet.
Meeting the Sea God at Tanah Lot Temple
This temple is different from other temples in Bali because it is located in the middle of the sea. You can have a spiritual experience, learn about Hindu traditions, and enjoy the beauty of Bali. At high tide, Tanah Lot temple appears to be floating.
This temple is located on large rocks, which makes it look magnificent. At sunset, the view of Tanah Lot Temple is truly breathtaking. You can also visit Goa Ular Suci, where sacred sea snakes are considered the guardians of this temple according to local beliefs.
Tanah Lot temple is so crowded with visitors that many facilities are available. Facilities around this temple include a large parking area, toilets, an information center, a place of worship, restaurants, and souvenir shops. In the art shop, you can buy wood carvings, accessories, paintings, sandals, Balinese sarongs, hats, and T-shirts.
If you want to visit some of these iconic temples, Balitouristic.com offers the best Bali temple-hopping tour packages with complete facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear when visiting a Bali temple?
You must wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. At Bali temples, sarongs, shawls, or similar items are usually available for you to borrow.
What are the famous temples in Bali?
There are many temples in Bali, and some are very popular tourist attractions. Popular temples in Bali include Uluwatu, Besakih, Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot, Tirta Empul, and many more.
Is the Tirta Empul temple worth visiting?
Yes, Tirta Empul is a holy spring temple with beautiful architecture and sacred values. You can participate in a purification ceremony with water flowing in the sacred pool.
Which temple in Bali is the most sacred?
The largest and most sacred temple in Bali is Besakih Temple. Many other temples in Bali are also used for spiritual activities and cultural ceremonies.
