Bali has over 700 official temples and thousands more unofficial. Temples are at the heart of the Balinese Hindu religion and a must to visit one or two on your holiday list.
Discover the best Balinese Temples which are called Pura in Bali.......
A Balinese pura can be categorized several ways and also have differing levels of significance to Balinese people.
The holiest temple in Bali is the "mother temple" of Pura Besakih located 3000 ft up Gunung Agung. Gunung Agung also forms part of the 6 Sad Kahyangan. The word “Sad” was derived from Sanskrit word means “six” and “Kahyangan” means “place of Gods.” Hence, “Sad Kahyangan” could be translated into “Six Places of Gods.” Also called the "six sanctuaries of the world" or the six holiest places of worship on Bali.
Theses 6 temples excluding Pura Pusering Jagat are also considered to make up the island's Kahyangan Jagat OR nine directional temples that form a link over Bali's cardinal points to "protect" the Island. These points are all linked by the central mother temple Pura Besakih.
A Balinese pura can be categorized several ways and also have differing levels of significance to Balinese people.
The holiest temple in Bali is the "mother temple" of Pura Besakih located 3000 ft up Gunung Agung. Gunung Agung also forms part of the 6 Sad Kahyangan. The word “Sad” was derived from Sanskrit word means “six” and “Kahyangan” means “place of Gods.” Hence, “Sad Kahyangan” could be translated into “Six Places of Gods.” Also called the "six sanctuaries of the world" or the six holiest places of worship on Bali.
- Pura Besakih in Karangasem, the "mother temple" of Bali and almost always included
- Pura Lempuyang Luhur in Karangasem
- Pura Goa Lawah in Klungkung
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu in Badung
- Pura Luhur Batukaru in Tabanan
- Pura Pusering Jagat (Pura Puser Tasik) in Gianyar
Theses 6 temples excluding Pura Pusering Jagat are also considered to make up the island's Kahyangan Jagat OR nine directional temples that form a link over Bali's cardinal points to "protect" the Island. These points are all linked by the central mother temple Pura Besakih.
- Purah Besakih (Mother Temple), located on the western slopes of Gunung Agung in East Bali CENTRAL
- Pura Ulun Danu Batur (Batur Temple), located at Kintamani in the Eastern Highlands NORTH
- Pura Pasar Agung (Pasar Agung Temple), located on the slopes of Mount Agung, close to Karangasem. NORTH EAST
- Pura Lempuyang (Lempuyang Temple), located on the slopes of Gunung Lempuyang, near Amlapura in East Bali EAST
- Pura Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple), located on the main road near Padangbai in East Bali SOUTH EAST
- Pura Andakasa (Andakasa Temple), located on the summit of Mount Andakasa SOUTH
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple), located on the western end of the Bukit Peninsula SOUTH WEST
- Pura Luhur Batukaru (Batukaru Temple), located on the southern slopes of Gunung Batukaru in Central Bali WEST
- Pura Puncak Mangu (Puncak Mangu Temple), located on the top of Mount Catur, 2096 meter above the sea level NORTH WEST
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Pura Besakih (Besakih Temple / Mother Temple) (Central Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Jl. Gunung Mas, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali Referred to as the ‘Mother Temple’, Besakih is the centre of the nine Pura Kahyangan Jagat temples and the most important of all temples in Bali. It sits on the southern slopes of sacred Mount Agung, and is known as one of the temples surrounded by natural views. Please note if visiting here there are many tourist traps.
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Pura Ulun Danu Batur (Ulun Danu Batur Temple) (North Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Jl. Raya Kintamani, Batur Sel., Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali The temple is believed to be the palace of Goddess Batari Ulun Danu, ruler of the lakes. Ulun Danu translates as “head of the lake”, which reflects not only the location of the temple but also its importance and main purpose. The compound of Batur temple consists of nine different smaller temples, with hundreds of shrines.
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Pura Pasar Agung Sebudi (Pasar Agung Temple) (North East Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Selat, Sebudi, Selat, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali The palace of God Sambhu, located on the southern slope of Mount Agung, at an altitude of approximately 1,500 metres above sea level. The compound consists of two main temples, with Pura Pasar Agung being the biggest one and Pura Melanting. Prayers are offered first at Pura Melanting before continuing to Pura Pasar Agung.
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Pura Lempuyang Luhur (Lempuyang Temple) (East Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Bunutan, Abang, Seraya Bar., Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali The palace of God Iswara, one of the oldest temples in Bali. The main temple stands at 1,175m above sea level, on the peak of Mount Lempuyang and is reachable via a steep flight of almost 2,000 steps. Along the way you will see other temples and hordes of grey long-tailed macaques that inhabit the surrounding mountain forests.
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Pura Goa Lawah (Bat Cave Temple) (South East Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali The residence of God Maheswara, this is an ancient cave temple built in the 11th century. The cave temple has shrines built around a cave opening and is home to thousands of bats and, if the local legend is true, Naga Basuki is a primordial dragon who is believed to keep the balance of the cosmos.
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Pura Luhur Andakasa (Andakasa Temple) (South Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Antiga, Manggis, Pikat, Karangasem, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali The palace of God Brahma the temple was built in the 11th century the name derived from andabhuwana, loosely translates to the ‘egg of the universe’. The temple is where Pemangku (temple guardian and priest) and Balian healers from across Bali come to ask for blessings from the gods.
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Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple) (South West Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali The palace of God Rudra, the temple is dramatically located on a cliff’s edge with stunning views. Ancient lontars (palm leaf manuscripts) state that the temple was built in the 9th century and is the portal to heaven. If one prays with total focus and concentration here, then he or she can walk through the gate of heaven.
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Pura Lahur Batukaru (Batukaru Temple) (West Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Jl. Penatahan, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali The palace of God Mahadewa, built in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan, a priest from Java, with the aim to encourage the balance between human soul, ocean, forest, lake, and earth. The main compound features shrines with tiered roofs and the complex is filled with ancient structures heavily covered in green moss.
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Pura Pucak Mangu (Pucak Mangu Temple) (North West Kahyangan Jagat)
Location: Pelaga, Petang, Kabupaten Badung, Bali The residence of God Sanskara, the temple is said to have been around since the megalithic era in Bali, based on the big ancient artifact found in the temple site. Located remotely the temple requires a 6 Km trek through the jungle to access it the temple, Pura Pucak Mangu is frequented by those looking to meditate.
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Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (Ulun Danu Beratan Temple)
Location: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali One of the iconic images of Bali Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple sits on the western shore of the volcanic Lake Beratan conveniently located near a parking area. The temple can give the illusion of floating on the water. Built in 1633, the temple is devoted to Ida Batara Dewi Ulun Danu, goddess of the lake.
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Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu (Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple)
Location: Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple originates from the 11th century, built in homage to the God of preserver (Wisnu), who rules over water, and here one finds several natural spring and waterspouts. Balinese believe that water is one of the forces of life. The temple comprises of shrines carved into the rock face and holy baths.
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Pura Tanah Lot (Tanah Lot Temple)
Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali One of the most well-known and photographed temples in Bali constructed in the 16th century when a baratha on his travels rested here and met local people who brought him food who he told of the energy of the sacred site leading to the construction. As a major tourist site, yet it is spectacular particularly at sunset.
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Pura Tirta Empul (Tirta Empul Temple)
Location: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali A Hindu temple in the middle of Bali Island, Indonesia, famous for its holy natural spring water where Hindu Bali people go for purification and to rid disease by bathing in the waters and offering prayer. Tirta Empul Temple was built in 962 A.D. During the Warmadewa dynasty from the 10th to 14th centuries.
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Pura Puseh Desa Batuan (Batuan Temple)
Location: Jl. Raya Batuan, Batuan, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali Batuan Temple was built on 944 çaka year or 1022 AD located in the village of Batuan this is one of 3 temples in the area built in the Tri Kahyangan style. Its famous by the local and international tourist to photograph the Balinese traditional paintings and the incredible stone carvings of the building.
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Pura Goa Giri Putri (Goa Giri Putri Temple)
Location: Suana, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali Located on the North Coast of Nusa Penida the temple is set in the 310 m long cave which has a surprisingly small entrance before opening up into the large space. The temple is both Hindu and Buddhist dedicated to shiva and has 6 temples within the main cave and 1 holy spring inside for spiritual cleansing.
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Pura Kehen (Kehen Temple)
Location: Jl. Sriwijaya No.8, Cempaga, Kec. Bangli, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali Set at the foot of Bangli hill just 45 km from Denpasar this temple is often described as the miniature Besakih temple. Built in the 11th Century the temple walls are ornate with porcelain plates and the 38 stairs are decorated with statues of wayang figure of Ramayana story.
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Pura Meduwe Karang (Meduwe Karang Temple)
Location: Kubutambahan, Buleleng Regency, Bali Located 12 kilometers East of Singaraja the temple was built in 1890 dedicated to Batara Meduwe Karang who offers protection and fertility for agriculture, Surya the son god and mother earth all related to agriculture. Entering the temple there are 36 stone figures representing the characters of Ramayana.
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Pura Beji Sangsit (Beji Temple)
Location: Jl. Raya Sangsit, Sangsit, Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali Located 8 km East of Singaraja the temple was built in the 15th century at the time when Brahmins arrived in Bali from the Hindu Majapahit Kingdom in Java. The temple beautifully shows the carving style of North Bali with almost every area of the temple adorned with the vines, motif and flowers.
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Pura Puru Sada (Sada Temple)
Location: Jl. Soka No.8, Kapal, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali This red brick temple was built in the 17th century on Majapahit period. The uniqueness of the temple is the construction was built without mortar but by rubbing the stones each other and added water to it.
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Pura Gunung Lebah (Gunung Lebah Temple)
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali Located in Ubud just a few minutes walk away from the Campuhan Ridge Walk and beautifully set amongst the lush green forest. Built in the 8th century to worship Dewa by a priest from India Rsi Markandeya who believed there was strong spiritual power in the Campuhan Valley. This is the same builder of Besakih
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Pura Samuan Tiga (Samuan Tiga Temple)
Location: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Bali Located in the village of Bedulu in Gianyar and built in the 10th century. This temple is quite unique as most Balinese temples have 3 areas (trimandela) the outer, middle and sacred areas, this temple has 7 courtyards. These are separated by walls and split gates and interconnected by staircases.
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Pura Taman Saraswati (Saraswati Temple)
Location: Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali This temple is also well known as Ubud water Palace and notable for its classical Balinese architectural and pink lotus pond. The temple is dedicated for Saraswati goddess of learning, literature and art. Traditional dance regularly performed every evening at the temple’s open stage.
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Pura Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave Temple)
Location: Ubud, Bali It built on a hillside in between 2 petanu river and pangkung river, as Balinese believe these sites have magical energy. The temple was built in the 10th century and contains both Hindu and Buddhist carvings. The temple has a large bathing area and the cave is believed to have been used for meditation.
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Pura Batu Bolong (Batu Bolong Temple)
Location: Tabanan, Beraban, Kec. Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali Its located close to the Tanah Lot complex area, this temple is situated on a rock / stone (batu) that sticks out into the ocean with a hollow (bolong). It’s a place of worship of Ida Bathara Segara and as one of Jagat temple of heaven in Bali. The temple is closed to public so can only be observed from the outside.
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Taman Air Tirta Gangga (Royal Water Garden / Water Place)
Location: Jalan Raya Abang, Ababi, Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali Tirta Gangga “water from the Ganges” is a site of reverence for the Hindu people. The palace was built here from the late 1940's to the 1950's by Gusti Gede Djelantik, heir to the former Kingdom of Karangasem. Mazes of pools & fountains fed from fresh springs surround by a lush garden and stone carvings on 2.5 acres.
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Puri Gede and Puri Anyar Kerambitan (Royal Palace)
Location: Baturiti, Kerambitan, Tabanan Regency, Bali The Royal Palace Puri Gede and Puri Anyar is located at Baturiti village, it was established at 17th century and still well preserved by the royal family. Tourist can meet and great with the family and see the tektekan dance and legong show. The area maintains a rare insight into the traditional way of castor and royalty in Bali.
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Taman Soekasada Ujung (Ujung Water Palace)
Location: Tumbu, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali Constructed in 1919 by the late King of Karangasem, I Gusti Bagus Jelantik, who reigned from 1909 and 1945, destroyed in 1963 by the eruption of Mount Agung, damaged in the earthquake of 1979 and now restored. From here you can see the ocean, Mt Agung, rice terraces and lush rolling hills making a spectacular view.
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