Balinese Temples

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Kecak Dance Arena @ Uluwatu

Uluwatu temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali - located on top a cliff at 250ft above sea level facing the spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. The famous Uluwatu temple is also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu by the locals and is regarded as one of the six most important temples in Bali. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, its location on the south westernmost of this magical island guards the Balinese from the evil spirit of the ocean. This is a must visit temple in Bali.

Uluwatu temple from far

Warning! When visiting this temple, please make sure to keep all your belongings inside the bag or leave it in the vehicle. As I mentioned in my earlier post, monkeys can be rather aggressive and may bite or scratch. So be cautious as the last thing that you would want to endure is a Rabies infection during your holiday. My cousin had a bad experience here with these monkeys and ended up spending the rest of her holidays in a local clinic. Additionally, she had to fork out over a thousand ringgit for 4 tetanus jabs.

View from Uluwatu

Pura Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot

About 20km from Denpasar, sits a beautiful temple on a huge offshore rock surrounded by the sea known as Pura Tanah Lot. Built in the 16th century, Tanah Lot is also regarded as another important sea temple where poisonous sea snakes are believed to be guardians of the temple, standing virgil against evil spirits and intruders. This is also a must visit temple in Bali.

Clear view from far

Tips! Visit this temple in the late afternoon to enjoy the magnificent sunset view of Tanah Lot.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Entrance to Ulun Danu

If you happen to be in Bedugul, be sure not to miss the beautiful temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. Standing at more than 1200m above sea level, this temple is probably one of the most photographed temples in Bali. Built in 1633 by the King of Mengwi - I Gusti Agung Putu, this temple is dedicated to the lake goddess "Dewi Danu" and is constructed on small islands of Lake Bratan. Both pilgrimages and ceremonies are held at here to ensure that there is a supply of water for farmers for irrigation all over Bali. This is another must visit temple in Bali.

11-tier meru @ Ulun Danu

Main temple "Pura Teratai Bang"

Pura Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul temple

Built around a sacred spring in Tampak Siring. An inscription dates the founding of a temple at the site to 926 AD. The name "Tirta Empul" signifies a crystal clear stream which is used as the holy water for various religious ceremony even until today. This temple has two bathing areas which are famous among the Balinese worshipers for thousand over years for healing and spiritual merit. Worshipers first make an offering at the temple, then climb into the main pool to bathe and pray. Many collect the holy water in bottles to take home. 

Main pool - Holy Spring

Market outside Pura Tirta Empul

Tips! Please take note that the way out is not the same as the way in. Remember to have your tour guide or taxi driver meet you at the entrance of the exit which is also the market area where the locals sell their handicrafts, clothes and souvenirs.


Pura Taman Ayun

Merus in Pura Taman Ayun

The name Pura Taman Ayun means the "Temple of the Beautiful Gardens". It was built by I Gusti Agung Anom, the founder of the Mengwi kingdom, a powerful kingdom in the district of Mengwi, in central Bali, until 1891. The temple is surrounded by a moat with lotuses, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Beyond the moat, the temple lies on a slightly raised ground.

Entrance to Pura Taman Ayun

Moat surrounding the temple

Verdict :

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 6.5/10 (too much time wasted on traveling from one place to another)

• Value for $$$ - 7/10 (ok for first timer)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (only choose a few temples to visit)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 5.5/10 (lousy tour guide who lacked historical knowledge of the temples)

• Value for $$$ - 7/10 (worth it if you like historical and archaeological buildings)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (pick the top 3 and skip the rest)