Bali is called the island of a thousand temples, and it is not an exaggeration; there are tens of thousands, from tiny family shrines to vast mountain complexes. For a first trip, a handful of the great public temples capture the range, sea temples, clifftop temples, mountain temples and water temples. This guide covers the best temples in Bali worth your time and how to visit respectfully. For the beliefs behind them, read our guide to Bali Hinduism.
The best temples at a glance
| Temple | Type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Uluwatu | Clifftop sea temple | Sunset and the Kecak fire dance |
| Tanah Lot | Offshore sea temple | The iconic Bali sunset photo |
| Besakih | Mother mountain temple | Scale and Mount Agung views |
| Ulun Danu Beratan | Lake temple | Reflections and cool highlands |
| Tirta Empul | Water temple | The holy spring purification ritual |
Uluwatu: clifftop sunsets
Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits on a sheer cliff above the Indian Ocean on the Bukit peninsula, one of Bali's six key directional temples. Come for sunset, when the sky turns gold and the Kecak fire dance is performed on the clifftop. Watch your belongings, since the resident monkeys are notorious for snatching sunglasses and phones.
Tanah Lot: the sea temple
Tanah Lot sits on a rock just offshore, cut off by the tide, and is the single most photographed temple in Bali. It is busy and commercial around the entrance, but the silhouette against the sunset is worth it. You cannot enter the temple itself, but you can walk out to the base at low tide.
Besakih: the mother temple
Besakih is the largest and holiest temple in Bali, a sprawling complex of over twenty temples climbing the slopes of Mount Agung, the island's sacred volcano. Its scale and mountain setting are the draw. Hire a local guide at the entrance and be firm about pricing, as the site has a reputation for pushy touts.
Ulun Danu Beratan: the lake temple
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan appears to float on Lake Bratan in the cool central highlands, its multi tiered meru shrines mirrored in the water. It is the temple on the fifty thousand rupiah note. The higher altitude means cooler air and frequent mist, which only adds to the atmosphere.
Tirta Empul: the water temple
Tirta Empul near Ubud is a holy spring temple where Balinese Hindus and visitors take part in melukat, a purification ritual, moving through a series of water spouts in the bathing pools. If you join in, wear a sarong, follow the correct order of the spouts and treat it as the sacred act it is, not a photo op.
How to visit temples respectfully
- Wear a sarong and sash, usually provided or rented at the entrance, and cover shoulders and knees.
- Stay quiet and keep a respectful distance during ceremonies.
- Do not climb on shrines or stand higher than a priest.
- See our full Bali do's and don'ts for temple etiquette.
Would rather someone else handled the bookings? A Bali tour package covers hotels, transfers and tours in one plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous temple in Bali?
Tanah Lot, the sea temple on a rock offshore, is the most photographed, while Uluwatu is the most popular for sunset and the Kecak fire dance. Besakih is the holiest and largest, on the slopes of Mount Agung.
What should you wear to a Bali temple?
A sarong and sash around the waist, which are usually provided or rented at the entrance, plus covered shoulders and knees. This applies to all visitors at every temple regardless of the weather.
Which Bali temple is best for sunset?
Uluwatu, on its clifftop above the ocean, paired with the evening Kecak fire dance. Tanah Lot is the other classic sunset temple, famous for its silhouette on the offshore rock.
Can tourists enter Bali temples?
Yes, most major temples welcome respectful visitors in a sarong and sash, though inner courtyards may be closed during ceremonies or to those praying. At some, like Tanah Lot, you view the temple from outside rather than entering it.
More Bali travel guides
- Bali Travel Guide: Visas, Money, Getting Around and When to Go
- Bali Hinduism: A Traveller's Guide to Agama Hindu Dharma
- Things to Do in Bali: 15 Experiences Worth Your Time
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