Bali Temple Tours Temple Tours

Bali is home to over 20,000 Hindu temples, known locally as pura. These range from tiny family shrines found in every Balinese household compound to grand directional temples that protect the island from malevolent forces. Temple architecture follows strict cosmological principles, with multi-tiered meru towers representing Mount Meru, the Hindu cosmic mountain, and split gates (candi bentar) symbolising the division of the material and spiritual worlds.

Tanah Lot, perched on a rocky outcrop off the southwest coast, is Bali's most iconic temple and a must-see at sunset. Built in the 16th century by the priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, the temple is accessible on foot at low tide. The surrounding cliffs have been developed with viewing platforms, gardens, and a cultural park. Nearby Taman Ayun in Mengwi is a serene royal water temple with beautiful gardens and moat, often visited on the same half-day tour.

Uluwatu Temple sits dramatically on a 70-metre limestone cliff on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. The temple itself dates to the 11th century, but the main draw for visitors is the nightly Kecak fire dance performed at the amphitheatre on the cliff edge as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. The performance tells the story of the Ramayana through rhythmic chanting by a chorus of over 50 men. Tickets cost around $10 and performances begin at 6 PM.

Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Bali, is the island's most important and largest temple complex, comprising 23 separate temples spread across the slopes of Mount Agung at 1,000 metres elevation. Tirta Empul near Tampaksiring is a water temple where Balinese Hindus come for melukat, a purification ritual involving bathing in sacred spring water that flows through a series of fountains. Visitors are welcome to participate in the ritual with proper attire and respectful behaviour.