Bali has more than 10,000 temples, from tiny village puras to huge mother temples. You cannot and should not see them all. The five or six listed here are the ones foreign visitors consistently rate as worth the effort, with advice on when and how to visit without wasting half a day in queues.
Tanah Lot
The sea temple on a rock west of Canggu. Most iconic at sunset, most crowded at sunset too. Arrive by 16:30 to walk around before the rush, stay for the sun going down behind the silhouette. Rp 75.000 entry. Can be combined with Batu Bolong temple and a Canggu afternoon.
Uluwatu Temple + Kecak Dance
Dramatic clifftop temple above Uluwatu. The 18:00 Kecak fire dance performance is the iconic experience: 60+ men chanting, fire, sunset behind the cliff. Rp 150.000 temple entry + Rp 150.000 Kecak ticket.
Watch your sunglasses - the monkeys here are organised thieves. They specifically target loose glasses and phones, and a local will often help you recover your item in exchange for a small tip.
Tirta Empul (Holy Springs)
Near Ubud. You can participate in the purification ritual through the spouts of holy water - bring a sarong, and expect a respectful but wet experience. Rp 75.000 entry, locker available for valuables. Morning is best, by afternoon it gets busy.
Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven)
The famous reflection shot is a staged photo op (the pond is a piece of glass held up by a photographer) but the temple itself, high on the slopes of Mt Lempuyang, is genuinely beautiful and less touristed above the first gate. 2.5 hours drive from Ubud.
Only worth the trip if you are already on an east-Bali route (Tirta Gangga, Sidemen). Otherwise skip.
Besakih Mother Temple
Bali’s most important temple complex on the slopes of Mt Agung. Vast, impressive, but historically had an aggressive scam culture around guides and donations. The recent renovation has cleaned it up a lot (2024+). Combine with an east-Bali day trip.
Ulun Danu Beratan
The temple floating on Lake Beratan, featured on the Rp 50.000 banknote. Cool mountain air, often misty, great photo location. Usually included in north Bali day trips with Jatiluwih rice terraces and Gitgit waterfall.
Temple etiquette
Cover knees and shoulders. Sarong + sash are usually provided at the entrance for a small rental fee or included in the ticket. Do not stand higher than priests during ceremonies. Do not point feet at offerings. Take photos respectfully and never during prayer.
