In Bali, temples are literally built in every corner. To visit all of them would take a long time—like really long. But it’s up to you though to visit all of them. If you are to visit only a few of them, these 9 legendary temples must be on your top list:
Pura Tirta Empul, Tampak Siring
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The Balinese purify themselves with holy water streaming from 13 spouts—the last 2 of which are only for funerary rites—of Tirta Empul. Built more than a millennium ago. Only God knows how many people have washed the evil specks of dirt from their body with the fresh relaxing water.
It’s quite easy to get to Pura Tirta Empul. All you have to do is following the main road connecting Ubud and Kintamani. When you find a road sign to Pura Tirta Empul, follow it and you’ll arrive in no time.
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Gianyar
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Carved on a cliff, this temple would leave you speechless. At a glance, it would remind you of Petra ruins in Jordan. But instead of arid dunes, it is surrounded by humid tropical forests.
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu is in Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, several kilometers north of the legendary terraced paddy field and only about 4 minutes drive (1.3 km) from Tirta Empul.
Pura Dalem Balingkang, Kintamani
Unless you have already used to the cold weather, make sure you wear a sweater when going to this temple since it perches in the mountainous Kintamani.
What makes Pura Dalem Balingkang interesting is the Chinese ornaments installed around one of its offering altars (pelinggih). You’ll probably wonder: “What are they doing here?” Well, the legend says there was a Chinese princess who got married to a local ruler of Bali, and the ornaments are there to commemorate her.
Pura Luhur Batukaru, Tabanan
Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of the temples regarded as the six pillars suspending the spiritual foundation of Bali (Sad Kahyangan Jagad). is its location. Built at the foot of Mount Batukaru, the second highest volcano in Bali, you’ll fall in love at the first sight with the scenic views around the temple.
It is only around 46 kilometers away from Denpasar, in the subdistrict of Penebel, Tabanan Regency. Since it is rather unpopular among the tourists, Pura Luhur Batukaru is rather quiet and taciturn.
Pura Goa Giri Putri, Nusa Penida
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It is perhaps the most Instagrammable temple in Bali. Unlike any other temples which are situated on Earth surface, Pura Goa Giri Putri is underneath the Earth, in a cave. (That’s why the name is Pura Goa Giri Putri. Goa means the cave.)
However, you have to do some adventures to reach this temple. Since it is on the neighboring island, you must take a boat or ferry to Nusa Penida. Thereon, you must continue your journey to Suana Village to find Pura Goa Giri Putri.
Pura Goa Lawah, Klungkung
Hundreds of bats living in Pura Goa Lawah or Bat Cave temple has nothing to do with Bruce Wayne and Alfred. But the legend says that there’s a giant snake king living in the mysterious chasm of Pura Goa Lawah.
This temple—another sacred Sad Kahyangan Jagad—is estimated to be constructed around the 11th century and has been renovated through times to cater the needs of worshippers. Decorated with two large banyan trees, Pura Goa Lawah is easy to spot from Jalan Raya Goa Lawah, Klungkung Regency.
Pura Goa Raja, Besakih
Pura Goa Raja in the district of Rendang, Besakih, Karangasem Regency, is a perfect place to find your inner peace.
The legend says that there’s a tunnel connecting this temple to Pura Goa Lawah. There’s a story of a cockfighting rooster running through the tunnel and somehow appearing in Pura Goa Lawah, around 60 kilometers away from Goa Raja. (The chicken must’ve endured a hell of a journey.)
Pura Besakih
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As one of the largest temple complex in Bali, Pura Besakih is always crowded with the locals who want to worship their gods, but also the tourists who want to see how the locals worship their gods. No wonder the temple is always huddled with people.
Around 1.5-2 hours drive from Denpasar, it is advisable to visit Pura Besakih in the dry season since you can encounter one of the best sceneries you’ll ever see in Bali. On clear weather, Pura Besakih would seem to be taking sanctuary at the foot of Mount Agung. The view is so magical.
Pura Melanting, Singaraja
The main attraction of Pura Melanting in Banyupoh Village, Singaraja, is the beautiful gate with typical Balinese ornaments. Before reaching the gate, you’ll walk along a paved road guarded by beautiful plants.
Interestingly some experts believe this temple has already existed since the prehistoric time, proven by some artifacts excavated around the area.
So which temple do you want to visit first?
