As the island of a thousand temples, Bali literally has thousands of temples as the roots for Balinese local spirituality, in which each of them has its own meaning and purposes. Spread throughout the island, there are some temples in Bali you must visit in this island due to its appeal and uniqueness.
However, please note some basic practices of common decency during your visits to temples in Bali, such as, you should need to wear something modest to cover your bare legs and shoulders, or you can rent ‘sarong’ which is usually available at the entrance gate; women in their period are not allowed to enter the temple; etc. Failure to act accordingly in holy sites can result in cultural punishment according to the local law.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Well-known for its location on the top of the Uluwatu cliff facing the west when the sun sets down, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the temples in Bali you must visit. After exploring around the temple, you can watch Kecak Dance (the Balinese traditional dance) performance with the background of the sunset over the Indian Ocean, starting at 6-7 PM. However, be aware of the monkeys and avoid wearing shining jewelry or kinds of stuff. Pura Luhur Uluwatu can be reached within 35 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali, and definitely is one of the temples in Bali you must visit.
Tanah Lot Temple Bali
Tanah Lot Temple, meaning ‘the land in the sea,’ uniquely sits high on the enormous offshore rock, facing the wide-open Indian ocean with the beautiful sunset. This temple is one of the most iconic temples in Bali you can find, can be reached around 1 hour from the airport or 30 minutes from Seminyak. It opens from 7 AM to 8 PM, and you can buy the entry tickets on the spot or book a tour to see around the temple.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Bali
This floating temple complex is located on the Beratan Lake, Bedugul, Bali. Located 1200 m (3937 ft.) above sea level with cold air temperature, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple will look like floating when the Bratan lake water rises, making it one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. Besides enjoying the view, you can also do other available activities in the temple complex, such as fishing, riding speed boat or pedal boat, playing in the playground in the park, etc.
Tirta Empul Temple Bali
With 30 minutes drive to the north of Ubud, you can reach the entire complex of Pura Tirta Empul or Holy Water Temple, consisting of several bathing structures for purification by holy water spring. On a hill overlooking the temple, the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno, built a presidential palace in 1954, which is now used to host important guests. Visitors can also take a holy bath here by following the advice from the local guide or the officials.
Gunung Kawi Temple Bali
Gunung Kawi Temple, located near Tirta Empul or around 20 km (12.42 miles) northeast of Ubud, is an impressive temple complex consisting of 10 shrines carved on the 7-meter-high (23-ft.) rock cliff, making it an archeologically unique temple to visit. You should step into 371 stone steps among the beautiful rice field scenery along 1 km but will soon find the efforts worth it.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
Goa Giri Putri Temple is located on Nusa Penida Island, a smaller island located southeast of Bali, which can be reached within 45 minutes ride by speed boat from Sanur. This is one of the most surprising temples in Bali you can find, located 20 minutes away from Sampalan harbor, Nusa Penida. To get into the temple complex, you should step carefully through a narrow cave gate, where will take you to a huge hall inside, with many altars, priests, religious rituals, including some Buddha statues, which show the acculturation in harmony in this unique temple.