Best Temples in Bali to Visit 2026: Top 7 Must-See Sacred Sites

Surf, sea, sand, and sunshine—that’s the Bali dream for most visitors, especially the hordes of Australian tourists flocking to the island’s shores. Throw in cheap Bintang beer and those ubiquitous Bintang singlets and shorts from Poppies Lane, and you’ve got the classic Kuta scene. But if you’re craving more depth from your Bali holiday, it’s time to venture beyond the beach parties and dive into the island’s rich spiritual heritage. Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods,” is home to over 10,000 temples, each a testament to the unique blend of Hinduism, animism, and ancestor worship that defines Balinese culture.

Exploring these sacred sites offers a glimpse into Bali’s soul—ancient rituals, stunning architecture, and serene landscapes that contrast the bustling tourist hubs. In this guide, we’ll highlight seven must-visit temples, expanding on their history, providing location details, and noting distances from popular areas like Seminyak (trendy beach vibe), Canggu (surf central), and Sanur (relaxed seaside retreat). Remember to dress modestly (sarong and sash required—often provided or rented on-site), respect ongoing ceremonies, and visit during festivals for an immersive experience. Let’s embark on this cultural adventure!

Dramatic panoramic view from Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) overlooking steep cliffs dropping into the turquoise Indian Ocean waves on the Bukit Peninsula, Bali, Indonesia — Breathtaking vista from Uluwatu Temple perched on sheer cliffs – endless turquoise ocean crashing against the rugged coastline, one of Bali’s most iconic and spiritual sea temple viewpoints.

Group of Balinese men in traditional checkered sarongs performing the hypnotic Kecak fire dance chant at sunset on the cliffside stage of Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia — Breathtaking vista from Uluwatu Temple perched on sheer cliffs – endless turquoise ocean crashing against the rugged coastline, one of Bali’s most iconic and spiritual sea temple viewpoints.

1. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on a 70-meter cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, is one of Bali’s six key directional temples, believed to protect the island from evil spirits. Built in the 11th century during the Majapahit Empire era, it’s dedicated to the sea gods and honors the Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, who expanded Bali’s temple system in the 16th century. Legend says Nirartha achieved spiritual enlightenment here, adding to its mystical allure. The temple complex features intricate stone carvings and is famous for its cheeky resident monkeys—guard your belongings!

Location and Distance: Southern tip of Bali, on the Bukit Peninsula near Pecatu village. From Seminyak: ~27 km, 45-90 minutes drive (traffic-dependent). From Canggu: ~20 km, 30-40 minutes. From Sanur: ~32 km, 45-60 minutes. Best time: Late afternoon for the Kecak fire dance performance at sunset.

2. Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot)

Tanah Lot, meaning “Land in the Sea,” is an iconic sea temple built on a rocky outcrop that becomes an island at high tide. Constructed in the 16th century by the revered priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, who meditated here and instructed fishermen to build a shrine, it’s dedicated to the sea gods for protection against ocean dangers. The temple’s history ties into Bali’s ancient maritime culture, with poisonous sea snakes said to guard it from intruders—a myth rooted in local folklore.

Location and Distance: Western coast, near Tabanan. From Seminyak: ~17 km, 20-45 minutes. From Canggu: ~10 km, 12-20 minutes. From Sanur: ~25 km, 1-1.5 hours.
Best time: Late afternoon for epic sunsets; low tide to walk closer (but avoid entering if not Hindu).

Iconic Tanah Lot Temple in Bali silhouetted against a vibrant orange sunset sky, perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing ocean waves on the western coast, Indonesia — Breathtaking sunset at Tanah Lot Temple – the ancient sea temple dramatically perched on a rock formation

Tanah Lot Temple in Bali at low tide, revealing the rocky outcrop base surrounded by clear turquoise rock pools and shallow water under a bright blue sky — Breathtaking sunset at Tanah Lot Temple – the ancient sea temple dramatically perched on a rock formation

3. Pura Besakih (The Mother Temple)

Pura Besakih, Bali’s largest and holiest temple complex, sits on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island’s sacred volcano. Dating back over 1,000 years to prehistoric times, it evolved during the Gelgel Dynasty (14th-17th centuries) into a sprawling site with 23 temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and ancestral deities. It survived the devastating 1963 eruption of Agung, seen as a divine sign, and remains the epicenter of Balinese Hinduism, hosting major ceremonies.

Location and Distance: Eastern Bali, near Besakih village on Mount Agung’s southwestern flank. From Seminyak: ~62 km, 1.5-2 hours. From Canggu: ~60 km, 2-2.5 hours. From Sanur: ~51 km, 1-2 hours. Best time: Mornings for clear volcano views; avoid afternoons due to clouds.

Panoramic view of Pura Besakih, Bali's Mother Temple, featuring terraced stone temples, intricate walls, and multi-roofed meru towers on the slopes of Mount Agung, Indonesia — Expansive landscape of Pura Besakih, the largest and holiest temple complex in Bali – showcasing ancient terraced stone temples, carved walls, and towering meru shrines nestled against lush green hills and Mount Agung.

Winding road leading up to Pura Besakih, Bali's Mother Temple, with dramatic landscape view of the sacred Mount Agung volcano rising in the background under a clear sky — Expansive landscape of Pura Besakih, the largest and holiest temple complex in Bali – showcasing ancient terraced stone temples, carved walls, and towering meru shrines nestled against lush green hills and Mount Agung.

4. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

This picturesque water temple on Lake Bratan honors Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, crucial for Bali’s irrigation system (subak). Built in 1633 by the King of Mengwi, it blends Hindu and Buddhist influences, with its multi-tiered shrines reflecting in the lake. Historically, it served as a site for agricultural rituals, ensuring fertile rice fields—a nod to Bali’s ancient farming heritage.Location and Distance: Central highlands, Bedugul area. From Seminyak: ~65 km, 2 hours. From Canggu: ~53 km, 1.5-2 hours. From Sanur: ~53 km, 2-2.5 hours. Best time: Early morning for misty lake views; cooler weather year-round.

Classic landscape view of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan water temple on Lake Bratan with multi-tiered meru shrines reflecting in calm waters under misty mountains, Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia — Stunning panoramic view of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali’s famous floating water temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, beautifully reflected in Lake Bratan with misty highlands in the background.

Close-up landscape view of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan's distinctive black multi-tiered meru towers and thatched shrines along the shore of Lake Bratan with lush greenery and distant hills, Bali, Indonesia — Stunning panoramic view of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali’s famous floating water temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, beautifully reflected in Lake Bratan with misty highlands in the background.

5. Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist Temple

Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery, built in 1970 and inspired by Java’s Borobudur, promotes Theravada Buddhism in a predominantly Hindu island. Founded by Bhikkhu Giri Rakitto, it features a mini Borobudur replica and meditation halls, blending Balinese architecture with Buddhist elements. It’s a peaceful retreat for reflection, offering meditation courses and symbolizing religious harmony in Bali.

Location and Distance: Northern Bali close to Lovina, near Banjar village. From Seminyak: ~90 km, 2.5 hours. From Canggu: ~80 km, 2.5 hours. From Sanur: ~85 km, 2.45 hours. Best time: Any time; combine with nearby hot springs.

Panoramic view of Brahmavihara Arama, Bali's largest Buddhist monastery in North Bali near Lovina, featuring golden stupas, Buddha statues, and lush tropical gardens in Banjar — Serene landscape of Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist Temple in North Bali – Bali’s biggest Buddhist monastery with ornate stupas, large Buddha statues, meditation halls, and peaceful tropical gardens overlooking the hills near Lovina Beach.

Impressive multi-level Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist Temple in North Bali viewed from a low angle looking upwards to the golden peak and stupa, surrounded by lush greenery near Lovina, Indonesia — Serene landscape of Brahmavihara Arama Buddhist Temple in North Bali – Bali’s biggest Buddhist monastery with ornate stupas, large Buddha statues, meditation halls, and peaceful tropical gardens overlooking the hills near Lovina Beach.

6. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

Goa Gajah, carved into a rock face in the 9th century, served as a meditation sanctuary for Hindu and Buddhist monks. The cave’s entrance, resembling an elephant’s mouth (hence “Elephant Cave”), dates to the Bedulu Kingdom era, with bathing pools added in the 1950s excavation. It reflects Bali’s ancient spiritual practices, blending mysticism and archaeology.Location and Distance: Near Ubud, Bedulu village. From Seminyak: ~31 km, 1-1.5 hours. From Canggu: ~35 km, 1.5 hours. From Sanur: ~27 km, 45 minutes. Best time: Mornings to avoid crowds; explore nearby rice terraces.

Iconic demon-mouth entrance to Goa Gajah Elephant Cave temple near Ubud Bali Indonesia 2025 — The famous demon-mouth entrance to Goa Gajah – one of Bali’s most atmospheric ancient sites, just 10 minutes from central Ubud.

Traditional cleansing fountain with stone-carved holy water spouts at Goa Gajah Elephant Cave Temple in Bali, where visitors perform purification rituals before entering the cave — The famous demon-mouth entrance to Goa Gajah – one of Bali’s most atmospheric ancient sites, just 10 minutes from central Ubud.

7. Pura Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple)

Founded in the 11th century by Dang Hyang Nirartha, this coastal temple guards a cave inhabited by thousands of bats, symbolizing the underworld in Balinese cosmology. It’s one of Bali’s directional temples, protecting against evil from the southeast, and hosts purification rituals. Read more about Pura Goa Lawah

Location and Distance: Eastern coast, near Klungkung. From Seminyak: ~50 km, 1.5-2 hours. From Canggu: ~55 km, 1.5-2 hours. From Sanur: ~30 km, 45-60 minutes.
Best time: Mornings; witness bats at dusk.

Goa Lawah Bat Cave Temple entrance with thousands of bats and Hindu shrines in Bali 2025 — The surreal Bat Cave Temple – thousands of bats and sacred Hindu shrines in one place.

Temple grounds at Pura Goa Lawah Bat Cave Temple in Bali with ornate multi-level meru pagoda towers, stone carvings, and shrines near the entrance to the sacred bat-filled cave on the eastern coast — The surreal Bat Cave Temple – thousands of bats and sacred Hindu shrines in one place.

Bonus: Skip This One – Pura Blanjong in Sanur

While historically significant for its 10th-century Sanskrit-inscribed pillar marking Buddhism’s arrival, Pura Blanjong is a small, underwhelming shrine in a quiet Sanur lane. It’s not the grand temple you might expect—just a modest stone in a clearing. If you’re nearby, pop in for a quick history lesson, but don’t go out of your way.

Prasasti Blanjong, Bali's oldest known stone inscription on a ancient pillar dated 914 AD, located at Pura Blanjong temple in Sanur, featuring Sanskrit and Old Balinese script — Prasasti Blanjong – the oldest surviving stone inscription in Bali (dated 914 AD), a tall pillar with Sanskrit and Old Balinese text recording the reign of King Sri Kesari Warmadewa, preserved at Pura Blanjong temple in Sanur.

Recommended Remote Hotels with Mount Agung Views

After exploring Pura Besakih, unwind at these serene, remote hotels offering breathtaking vistas of Mount Agung. They’re ideal for escaping crowds, with eco-friendly vibes and volcano panoramas:

Tapa Agung View (Besakih area): A boutique resort with infinity pools overlooking Agung. Rustic villas blend with nature; enjoy Balinese spa treatments. ~5-10 minutes from Besakih. ~50 AUD per night
Puri Karang Besakih (Besakih village): Traditional Balinese-style bungalows with direct volcano views. Tranquil gardens and organic dining; perfect for meditation retreats. Right at the temple’s doorstep. ~ 65 AUD per night
Great Mountain Views Villa Resort (near Rendang): Luxurious villas with private pools facing Agung. Hiking trails and cultural workshops; eco-luxury at its best. ~15-20 minutes from Besakih. ~ 130 AUD per night.

These spots emphasize sustainability and immersion—book early for peak season. Bali’s temples aren’t just sights; they’re living cultural treasures. Venture out, respect the traditions, and discover the island’s spiritual heart. Safe travels!

Best Temples to Visit in Bali Indonesia