bali temples

Bali temples: 5 shrines are better than a thousand

Whether you’re heading to Bali on a surf holiday, backpacking through Southeast Asia or on a little Eat Pray Love-inspired romantic spa retreat, there are certain things you have to see on this “Island of the Gods”. Remember, in contrast to the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim in faith, Bali is at least 85% Hindu — and Balinese Hinduism is a culture of its own. Another nickname for Bali is the “Island of a Thousand Puras” (pura meaning temple), but there are more like 20,000 temples on this island of less than 4.3 million inhabitants.

With circa 20,000 to choose from, perhaps you’ll need a little advice about which temples to visit for the best experience possible. We’ll give you some tips on where to go and what to expect. Among the thousands are five temples on Bali you shouldn’t miss.

Uluwatu Temple: Also known as Pura Luhur, this spectacular 11th-century cliff-top shrine is one of Bali’s nine directional temples meant to protect the island from evil spirits. Home to some cheeky monkeys who will steal your belongings if you’re not careful, it overlooks one of Bali’s (and the world’s) most legendary surf spots, known also as Uluwatu.

bali temples

Pura Luhur, Uluwatu. Pic: Rollan Budi (Flickr CC)

Pura Besakih: Dating from the 10th century, the Mother Temple is actually a compound of 22 temples situated around 3,000feet (900 metres) above sea level on Bali’s tallest mountain, Gunung Agung in East Bali. Pura Besakih is considered the island’s most important temple.

Ulun Danu: Also known as Ulun Danu Bratan or Pura Bratan, this beautiful temple is located on the shores of Lake Bratan near Bedugul in central Bali. Ulun Danu is Bali’s second most important temple behind Pura Besakih and only dates back to 1926.

Goa Lawah: Literally “Bat Cave”, this temple is filled with thousands of bats, so if you’re not into those flying nocturnal mammals, you might want to give it a miss. On the southeast coast of Bali near a black sand beach, Goa Lawah is also one of the island’s nine directional temples and popular for post-cremation rituals.

Pura Tirta Empul: Deep in the island’s interior in the town of Tampaksiring lies this 1,100-year-old temple, which is famous for the supposed healing properties of the spring water in its bathing pool. It is one of Bali’s 6 most important shrines.

bali temples

Pura Tirta Empul. Pic: Meindert van D (Flickr CC)

When visiting temples, remember to respect local customs and behaviour and generally just be decent. Men and women are both expected to cover their legs and upper arms in the temple; easily done with a sarong, which are often available to rent/borrow.

Other notable temples worth visiting include Pura Taman Ayun, the popular seaside Pura Tanah Lot, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), Pura Luhur Lempuyang, Pura Gunung Kawi and Taman Ayun Temple (the royal temple of the Mengwi Empire.

See this article for more advice on Bali temple hopping.

Lead image: Pura Besakih by Deni Saputra (Flickr CC)

Communicate

Spam issue

Experience the beatuy of surfing with Rapturecamps.
You’re weclome to contact us with any questions.
Expect an email reply within 8-12 business hours but usually much faster. If you do not receive an answer from us please check your spam folder.

Find us

Rapturecamps Bali - Padang

Rapture Garden Bungalows, Jalan Labuan Sait, Jalan Buana Sari Pecatu, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Headoffice

+44 (0) 203 6954711

Phone Direct

+62 (0) 81337578261

Rapturecamps Bali - Cliff

Jl. Alas Arum, Nusa Dua, Green Bowls, Bali, Indonesia

Phone Headoffice

+44 (0) 203 6954711

Phone Direct

+62 (0) 81337578261

Rapturecamps Portugal

Foz do Lizandro 6, 2655-133 Ericeira, Mafra, Portugal

Phone Headoffice

+44 (0) 203 6954711

Phone Direct

+351 (0)919 586 722