Most Sacred Hindu Temples To Visit In The Land Of Gods, Bali

The Hindu community has been living in Indonesia for 1500 years. Indonesia being a Muslim majority country and also having the most number of Muslims globally, Bali is still the place with a Hindu majority. Here you will see various ancient Hindu temples with the majority of them being the worshipers of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. 

Though there are some cultural differences between Hinduism of Bali and Hinduism in India, the festivals they celebrate and the caste system are similar. Make Sure before visiting any of the temples in Bali, you are well aware of rules and regulations. 

Read along to explore some of the most sacred temples to visit in Bali. 

Also Read: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions In Bali, Indonesia For First-Timers

5 Most Sacred Hindu Temples To Visit In Bali 

1. Uluwatu Temple 

One of the top tourist attractions in Uluwatu as well as one of the most popular temples in Bali. The Uluwatu Temple is situated in a beautiful landscape and picturesque location, 70m above sea level. Some archeological remains are surrounding the temple which proves that the temple has existed since the 10th century. One of the most sacred temples to visit in Bali.   

Best Time To Visit: June to August 

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Timing for Worshipers: 24 hours 

Entry Fee: 

• Adult: 50,000 IDR
• Child: 30,000 IDR   

Major Tourist Attractions:

• Monkeys
• Landscape views
• Archeological remains
• Kecak Dance

How To Reach: Reach here within 45 minutes via cab from JL Raya Uluwatu Pecatu. The cab will cost around 300,000 IDR. Another option is grabbing a Perama bus.  

2. Pura Lempuyang

Also referred to as the “Penataran Lempuyang” which means Gates of Heaven Bali, The Pura Lempuyang Temple is situated at Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem. It is one of the most picturesque locations among all the other temples. In order to reach here, you will be required to climb 1700 steps which may take up to 2 hours.  

Visiting Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Timing for Worshipers: 24 hours

Entry Fee: 100,000 IDR  

Major Tourist Attractions:

• Sang Ananta Bhoga Mountain that honors Lord Brahma
• Sant Naga Basuki Mountain that honors Lord Vishnu
• Sant Naga Taksaka Mountain that honors Lord Shiva 

How To Reach: Reach here by hiring a car or a scooter. The scooter is available for rent in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud. 

Another option is to hire a private car with a driver which will include services like pick up & drop from the hotel, mineral water, and petrol.  

3. Pura Besakih 

Referred to as the Mother Temple of Bali, the Pura Besakih temple is a 1000 years old Hindu temple situated at Mount Agung. It is one of the holiest and largest Hindu temples in Bali. The location where the temple stands are quite beautiful and surrounded by breathtaking scenic views, and magnificent mountains. 

Visiting Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM 

Timing for Worshipers: 24 hours

Entry Fee: 

• Adult: 30,000 IDR  

Things To Keep in Mind:

• Cover your legs before entering the temple 
• Drones are prohibited 

How To Reach: Easily accessible from Ngurah Rai International airport which is 68 km away from Pura Besakih Temple. You can reach via private car within 2 hours. 

Another option is via private car within 1.5 hours from Ubud which is much closer and 50 km away from the temple. 

4. Batuan Temple

Founded in 944, the architecture of Batuan Temple is influenced by the structure of Indian temples. The place also features Desa temple, Puseh temple, and Dalem temple. The Desa temple is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the Puseh temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the Dalem temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 

Dress Code: Sarong or Scarf tied around the waist. 

Things To Keep in Mind: 

• Photography is prohibited in front of worshipers 
• Women having menstruation or women who gave birth in the last 6 weeks are prohibited to enter the temple. 
• A person having any injury or open wound is not allowed to enter the temple.

How To Reach: Reach here within 1 hour via car from the Seminyak area which is 24 km away from the Batuan temple. Another option is, to reach here via car in just 40 minutes from Sanur. 

In case you are coming from Ubud then it would hardly take 20-22 minutes via car as Ubud is just 9.8 km away from Batuan temple. 

5. Goa Gajah Temple

Situated in Bedulu Village of Ubud in the Blahbatuh district, the Goa Gajah Temple is another ancient temple in Bali. It is one of the most beautiful temples to visit in Bali. The temple is a major tourist attraction among foreigners, especially European tourists.

Visiting Hours: 8:00 Am to 5:00 PM 

Ideal Duration: 20 minutes to 1 hour 

Entry Fee: 

• Adult: 50,000 IDR 
• Child: 30,000 IDR  

Dress Code: Tie Sarong and Sash on your waist 

Major Tourist Attractions:

• Stone Statue Waterfall
• Statue of Lord Ganesh in West allay
• Holy Water Figure 

How To Reach: Easily accessible via taxi Ubud, Kuta, or Nusa Dua. Though taxi charges from Kuta and Nusa Dua are quite expensive.

Another option is grabbing a private vehicle such car or bike. Hiring a car to reach the Goa Gajah temple will cost you around 500,000 IDR for 10 hours. 

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Bali- Mini Paradise of Indonesia

Things To Keep In Mind Before Visiting Hindu Temples In Bali

• As Hindu temples are holy and sacred places of worship for the Hindu community, you must follow several guidelines such as wearing decent clothes that must not be revealing.
• Also, avoid doing anything which may hurt the sentiments of the local Hindu community such as misbehavior, destroying the temple's property, or kissing on the premises of the temple
• In case a person is bleeding or has open injuries, he should avoid entering the temple in that condition.
• Pregnant women having menstruation or women who gave birth within the last 6 weeks should also avoid entering the temples as this is against the beliefs of the Hindu community. 
• Also, avoid taking pictures near the place of worship or in front of worshipers.