Discover the spiritual side of Bali with guided temple tours. Plan your visit today!
In Bali, Temples are called 'Pura' the term originated from a sanskrit word meaning ''walled city'' or ''palace''.These temples play an important role in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which emphasizes the harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. The temples in Bali are not just for worship, but are the spritual heart of it's villages. There are atlest three main temples in most villages in Bali;
1.Pura Puseh: Also called the temple of origin, it is located at the highest point of the village to honour the founders. This temple is specially dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
2.Pura Desa: Located in the centre of village, it serve as a community temple for public meetings and prayers. It is a village temple dedicated to Lord Brahma.
3.Pura Dalem: Located near the graveyard to manage the dead. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also known as a temple of dead.
7 Most Beautiful Bali's Temple You Must Visit
Besakih Temple : The name Besakih origanates fom the sanskrit word “Wasuki”, meaning salvation. Besakih Temple is located in Karangasem Regency, East Bali. It is about 900-1000 meteres above sea level. If you plan to visit temples during your next Bali trip start from Besakih Temple because it is one of the Bali's oldest temples and a spritual center for Balinese Hinduism. It is also known as a ''Mother Temple'' of Bali because it is the largest temple, that consists of over 80 small temples, each one which intricate breathtaking mountain views, daily religious rituals and the holiest Hindu temple complex on the island.
Tirta Empul Temple : The Empul Trita temple is a hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia. The temple compound consist of a crystal clear spring water, that plays a vital role in cleansing rituals and healing. Visitors can join the purification ritual, but need to wear a special green sarong, which is available for rent at the temple. Once you enter the temple, you will walk through the large stone Balinese gate locally known as 'Candi Bentar'. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God of water that's why ''The Empul Trita Temple ''also known as the ''Holy Water Spring Temple''.
Pura Lempuyang : Pura Lempuyang temple is famous for it's split gate that perfectly frames Mount Agung, this creates an ethereal backdrop that has made, the temple social media sensation. The temple is a part of a largest seven temple complex with a challenging 1700-steps to climb a journey that takes as a spritual pilgrimage. One can experience a cooler mountain, and a peaceful atmosphere, here. However, expect long queues for photos if you want the iconic mirrored photo. Mirror photos are created by the local operator using a small mirror against the camera lens because it perfectly reflects the ''mirrored'' photos of the split gate and Mount Angung. It is also known as a ''Gates of Heaven'' for its stunning 4-meter high split gate.
Pura Tanah Lot : Tanah Lot temple is an ancient hindu temple dedicated to the gods of the sea. The temple is located just offshore in the south-west of Bali. This 15th century temple is surrounded by the water with high tide that forms near the island. Tanah Lot Temple is believed to have been created by the religious man named ''Dang Hyang Nirartha'' in the 1500s. He followed Hinduism and is said to have stayed there during his travels across Bali. One of the most iconic features, is that during high tides the waves surround the temple, making it unaccessable for pilgrims, and at low tides the temple is accessable. So, it is best to visit during low tide, when the temple looks beautiful against the colourful sky and you can go closer.
The Uluwatu Temple : Uluwatu, is Bali's most famous temple with an incredible view of the Indian Ocean. A 10th-century Hindu temple built on the edge of a 70-meter high cliff. Uluwatu Temple is said to be dedicated to the spritis of the sea. A special 'Kecak' dance performance based on the Ramayana is performed daily in Uluwatu temple every 6pm for 60-minute on the cliff side with sunset background. This temple is inhabited by long-tailed monkeys 'Macaque' believed to be one of the guards of the temple.
Goa Gajah: Goa Gajah is an ancient temple known for its nice atmosphere, and great ambience. The temple's history spans over 1000 years and showcases both Hindu and Buddhist elements. It is located in Bedulu Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia. It is roughly about 2-3 km from the central ubud. It is also known as an elephent cave because of its primary figure and the large statue of Ganesh inside.
Pura Gunung kawi : Pura Gunung Kawi is located in Tampaksiring near Ubud. It has a large popular complex with 10 rock cut shrines in the river valley. It is a holy site where visitors must wear a sarong. It requires you to complete 300 steps to reach the main complex. Early morning is the best time to visit this temple to avoid heat and crowd. If you are someone who want to experience a water purification rituals then this temple is the best for you.
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