Summary: For many Indian travellers, visiting a temple is a must-do in Bali. This blog covers the most sacred temples in Bali – why each one matters, what it costs to enter in 2026-27, when to go, and practical travel tips to help you plan better. Temple visits are special, but a little planning helps. Whether you are with your partner, family, or travelling solo, here is everything you need for a smooth visit.
When most people think of Bali, beaches and cafés come to mind first. But the island has another, quieter side beyond its beaches. Bali is often called the Island of Gods – and once you see it, you understand why. One filled with centuries-old temples, traditions, and daily rituals that are still followed today. Hindu temples in Bali are known as Pura.
You may be surprised to know that even though Indonesia has one of the largest Muslim-majority populations in the world, Bali has thousands of Hindu Temples. For Indian travellers, visiting these sacred places often feels both familiar and fascinating. The flowers, incense, Sanskrit prayers, and idols of Ganesha and Vishnu all feel like a little piece of home in a new land.
Read on to discover the seven most sacred temples in Bali that you should visit while exploring this country with Bali tour packages.
A bit of planning can make your Bali temple visits much easier. Since these are active places of worship, following local customs shows respect and also makes your visit smoother.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Also Read: 7-Day Bali Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Travel Blueprint!
Pura Besakih is the largest and most sacred temple in Bali. It is so important that almost every major Balinese Hindu ceremony is connected to it in some way.
If you have to visit only one temple during your trip to Bali, it should be Pura Besakih.
Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest volcano of Bali, Pura Besakih is not a single temple but a complex of many related temples spread across six terraced levels. The layout of Besakih is interesting to know about. The complex is designed like a lotus flower, known as Padma Buana, with Pura Penataran Agung at the centre, representing the centre of the universe. Pura Penataran Agung is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Standing here, with Agung rising behind you, you really feel small – no photo can show you how it actually feels. The peaceful mountain setting, traditional Balinese architecture, and spiritual atmosphere make this one of the best temples in Bali to experience more than sightseeing.
The approximate entry fee is IDR 150,000 per adult. The ticket generally includes temple access, a sarong, and a sash. Children are charged a lower fee.
The temple is usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Plan your visit before 9:00 AM. You will find cooler weather, thinner crowds, and on a clear day, a stunning view of Mount Agung.
Take your time walking through the different courtyards instead of rushing in through the main entrance. The complex is quite big, so wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle to make your visit easier.
Tanah Lot is the most photographed temple in Bali. It is a 16th-century sea temple built on a natural rock, surrounded by ocean water during high tide.
Set on a rocky cliff surrounded by the sea, Tanah Lot Temple is especially popular for its sunset views and is considered one of the most sacred sea temples of the island.
According to local belief, this 16th-century temple was built by the Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha. Dedicated to Dewa Baruna, the sea god, it appears to float on the water during high tide, making it one of the most beautiful places to see in Bali.
Now, whether you are visiting Bali with your friends or family, Tanah Lot is one of the must-visit temples in Bali and is well worth adding to your itinerary.
The approximate entry fee is IDR 75,000 per adult. Children pay around IDR 50,000.
The temple complex is generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Sunset (4:30–6:30 PM) for the classic view, but arrive by 4:00 PM to get a good spot.
Non-worshippers can’t go inside the temple. The experience here is more about walking the clifftop paths and watching from the shore. Keep aside 1.5–2 hours for this.
Uluwatu is a temple on a cliff, standing 70 metres above the Indian Ocean. Every evening, it hosts one of the most dramatic cultural shows of Bali.
If you enjoy dramatic ocean views, Uluwatu Temple is a must-visit temple in Bali. It combines spirituality with one of the best coastal views in Bali. Uluwatu is one of the six main temples of Bali. People believe it protects Bali from evil spirits and bad energy. It is not just a religious site – it is also famous for the Kecak Fire Dance, held every evening at sunset. Watching it against the backdrop of the ocean is a memory that stays with you long after your Bali tour.
It is one of the best temples in Bali if you want to combine culture, history, and spectacular scenery in a single visit.
The Uluwatu Temple entry fee is approximately IDR 60,000 for adults and IDR 40,000 for children. Kecak dance tickets cost approximately IDR 150,000 for adults and IDR 75,000 for children (ages 2–9). You need to buy a temple entry ticket first, then a separate ticket for the Kecak dance show.
The temple is usually open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Late afternoon (4:00–4:30 PM): Arrive before it gets busy, explore the temple, and stay for the sunset Kecak show.
Keep your sunglasses, mobile phone, and cap secure. The monkeys around the temple are known for snatching loose items from visitors.
Tirta Empul is the most sacred water temple in Bali. Built in the 10th century around a natural spring, it is believed to have holy and healing properties.
Unlike many other temples in Bali, Tirta Empul Temple offers you a chance to witness one of the oldest living traditions of Bali. It is a place where Balinese Hindus follow the traditional Melukat purification ritual. Visitors can also take part by following the temple’s rules.
For Indian travellers, Tirta Empul is more than just a tourist spot. It feels similar to taking a holy dip in the Ganga or a sacred kund. The fresh spring water stays cool all year round.
The approximate entry fee is IDR 75,000 per adult. For children aged 5 to 12 – IDR 50,000, and free for children below 5 years.
The temple is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Weekday mornings (8:00–10:00 AM) before tour buses arrive.
You do not have to go into the pools. You can watch the ritual from the nearby galleries and courtyards, and it’s still a meaningful experience.
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One of the oldest temples in Bali, Goa Gajah, is a 9th-century cave shrine carved into a rock and a UNESCO heritage monument.
Now, do not be mistaken – Goa Gajah is not famous for elephants. Dating back to the 11th century, it is renowned for its meditation spaces, ancient carvings, and peaceful vibe. The entrance to the cave is carved with a large mythical face believed to protect the temple from evil spirits.
Outside the temple, there are ancient bathing pools, and inside, you will find small shrines dedicated to Hindu deities. Compared to other popular places in Bali, this temple is peaceful, but it is a great choice if you enjoy history.
Approximately IDR 50,000 for adults; IDR 25,000 for children
Usually open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Morning is the best time to explore before the weather gets warmer.
Goa Gajah is 3 km from central Ubud and about 15 minutes from Tirta Empul, so you can visit both in one morning.
Ulun Danu Beratan looks like it is floating on a misty lake. It is one of the most photographed temples in Bali and one of its most important water temples.
Located on the shores of Lake Beratan, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of the most famous places in Bali. Dating back to 1633, this temple honours Dewi Danu, the Balinese goddess of lakes and water.
The lake supplies water to nearby farms, making the temple an important part of Bali’s traditional irrigation system for centuries. The cool climate also makes it a refreshing break from Bali’s coastal areas.
Adult tickets are approximately IDR 75,000 to IDR 100,000, and children’s tickets are from IDR 50,000 to IDR 75,000.
Generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Visit before 8:00 AM for soft light and mist over the lake. Tour groups start arriving around 10:00 AM. Try to get there before 9:00 AM for calmer water and better views.
Carry a light jacket. The weather here is comparatively cooler than Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud.
Pura Lempuyang Luhur is best known for the “Gateway to Heaven” photo with Mount Agung behind it. It is also one of Bali’s most important and sacred temples.
Lempuyang Temple is one of the most photographed spots in Bali. The temple is one of the oldest and most respected temples in Bali. You will need to climb over 1,700 steps to reach the main temple. Most visitors stop right at the first gate – the famous split gate, but the upper levels of the temple are quieter, and just as special.
You will be surprised to know that the reflection seen in many social media photos is created using a mirror by local photographers rather than water on the ground. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bali and a favourite among photographers.
The approximate entry fee for international visitors starts from IDR 75,000 per adult.
Lempuyang Temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Early morning (8:00–9:30 AM) on weekdays. The queue for the gate photo can exceed 2 hours on weekends.
Lempuyang is in East Bali, roughly 1.5–2 hours from Ubud. Pair your visit with Tirta Gangga Water Palace to get the most out of your day.
There is no doubt that the beaches of Bali are lovely. But the temples of Bali make the island truly special. Indians feel right at home with the architecture and rituals. Watching the morning mist over Lake Beratan, walking through the cool waters at Tirta Empul, or standing on the Uluwatu Cliffs, these moments will stay with you forever.
Whether you are planning your first trip to Bali or a second one, do not miss the temples. Our Bali tour packages from India are designed keeping exactly this in mind – the temples, the right timings, smooth transfers, and everything else taken care of.
Talk to the Flamingo Travels team, and we will help you plan a Bali holiday that’s about more than just beaches.
Also Read: Affordable Bali Trip Under ₹30000 – Flamingo Transworld Budget Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
The best time to visit temples in Bali is early in the morning when the weather is cooler, and the temples are less crowded. For Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple, late afternoon is also a great time to enjoy the sunset views.
Yes, Indian visitors are welcome at every temple on this list. During active ceremonies, a few inner areas may be open only to worshippers, but the main temple grounds are open to everyone – just remember to dress respectfully.
Every temple expects you to wear a sarong around your waist and legs, along with a sash tied at the middle. Most temples either provide these or rent them at the entrance.
For first-time visitors, Tanah Lot is a great choice. It is easy to visit, well-maintained, and best known for its stunning sunsets. If you want to watch the traditional Kecak dance, Uluwatu is another excellent option.
Pura Besakih, also known as the Mother Temple of Bali, is considered the holiest Hindu temple on the island.
Tirta Empul Temple is famous for its sacred spring and the traditional Melukat purification ritual. Visitors can take part by following the temple’s guidelines and respecting local customs.
This depends on the package you choose. Some Bali tour packages include temple entry tickets, while others may charge them separately. It is always a good idea to check what is included before booking.
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