Which temples should i visit in bali
First and foremost, let us make sure you get the right amount of basic culture information about Balinese Temples before deciding visiting any.
Some factual points about temples:
When it comes to temples in Bali, it is important to know certain facts to understand better the place you are visiting. Of course many temples have a different history, and i’ll let you dig into each one of them on your side, but mainly I would like to give you some basic information for you to understand the big picture:
First of all, a temple is not necessary a big infrastructure. It an be a small shrine on the side of the road, in someone’s garden or in a hotel lobby. The idea is too please and honor the Gods so that locals, families, tourists, can enjoy their life without worrying.
Every time there is a ceremony, people will be dressed in white and/or yellow as it represents purity.
The three most important Gods in Balinese Hinduism are Brahma the Creator, Shiva the Destructor and Vishnu the Preserver. They are respectively represented by the color red, white and black.
Some secondary Gods are the Garuda (like the airline 😉) represented as the Eagle. Bhoma, the God with a large face and large open eyes who guards the entrance of all the temple in Bali.
Offerings in Bali are the way people honor the Gods. People put the offerings (otherwise called Canang Sari) in front of each temple in order for the Gods to be nourished and in turn send their protection.
Dresscode and rules:
👉🏼 Legs and shoulders must be covered - In most Temples they will give you a Sarong if you are wearing an above the knee piece of clothing.
👉🏼 Girls, do not go if you are in your menstruation period
👉🏼 Do not scream or spit
👉🏼 Always ask if you can enter a temple. Certain Temples do not allow tourists inside them.
top 3 temples in bali:
Bali temple #1 - Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the six key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars, each dedicated to the protection of the island from evil spirits. Uluwatu Temple is particularly known for its stunning cliff-top location, perched 70 meters (230 feet) above the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu Temple is also famous for its Kecak dance performances that take place at the adjacent amphitheater during sunset.
The temple is surrounded by a lot of nature and offers a walk of approximately 45 minutes if you take your time.
Please be cautious of the resident monkeys, which are known to be mischievous and may snatch your belongings
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR/ adult and 150.000 IDR/ adult if you want to see the show
Bali Temple #2: Besakih temple in Karangasm
Besakih Temple is the holiest Temple in Bali. Hindus as far as from India come to pray in it. It is also the biggest temple in Bali, with a total of 22 temples. You will find 3 major temples surrounded by smaller ones dedicated either for everyone, or for specific people such as the King or the Priests.
There are three major temples for the three major Gods: Pura Penataran Agung which has white banners for Shiva the Destroyer; Pura Kiduling Kreteg has red banners for Brahma the Creator; Pura Batu Madeg has black banners for Vishnu the Preserver.
My opinion: It is quite impressive! The Temples are very big and chances are that you will see ceremonies going on. The only downside I see (and it is often the case unfortunately) is that there are a lot of touristic infrastructure which spoils the experience a bit.
Entrance fee: 90.000 IDR including a guide and a Sarong.
Bali Temple #3: Goa Gajah - Elephant Cave in Ubud
Goa Gajah was constructed in the 9th century and was initially dedicated to the reverence of Buddhist practices before transitioning into a a Hindu shrine.
The represented God here is Bhoma, the God with a large face and large open eyes who guards the entrance of all the temple in Bali. Although a little scary, its main purpose is to repel the evil spirits. When you walk into the Goa Gajah cave you will find a little statue of Ganesh - the Elephant God.
This temple offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Ubud’s nature. You can walk along rivers, meditate by a pond full of koi fish, relax in the shade provided by the ancient trees.
My opinion: Although not as big as others may be, Goa Gajah temple is definitely one of my favorites. You feel surrounded by nature and you are left alone!
*N.B. There are local guides that will offer their services for you to have a deep understanding of the temple’s history*
Entrance fee: 50.000 IDR/adult and 25.000 IDR/child
There are a lot more temples in Bali that are worth the detour, so many i cannot write them all down. I also recommend going to Tirta Empul (Ubud), Pura ulun Danu Beratan (Batur), Lempuyang temple (Karangasem).
👉🏼 It is also worth stopping in a temple you notice while driving. Those temples have little media cover and you might be very impressed by how it has been maintained and actually witness ongoing ceremonies. Also, you will be able to enjoy it without a crowd of tourists.
