10 Temple Tours In Bali, Indonesia - Updated 2024

Pala
Pala 
Updated
| 4 min read
Arakita Rimbayana
Endorsed by a Bali Local Expert
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Arakita Rimbayana

The island of Bali is the most preferred holiday destination in Indonesia. It is known for its warm hospitality, exotic palaces, and temples that are set against mesmerizing natural backdrops. The famous nightspots of the island come to life after sunset and offer foot-tapping dance floors and happening clubbing. Pristine woods and towering volcanoes are other favorite tourist spots in Bali. Also, enjoy luxury beach resorts in any famous areas of the island, which are frequented for activities like surfing. If you love visiting religious places, the island offers plenty of choices too. The following are some of the most gorgeous temple tours in Bali that should definitely feature on your travel itinerary.

1. Tanah Lot Temple (from USD 40.0)

One of the most famous religious attractions of Indonesia, Tanah Lot Temple is also known as the “temple of the rock.” Located off the coast of the island of Bali, the temple is situated at a back-stone peninsula. Visitors will experience an instant spiritual connection and easily get attracted to the clear and pure mountain air and fabulous ocean views. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus.

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Arakita

Arakita
Bali

A path to Tanah Lot Temple

Since Tanah Lot Temple is literally located on a rock in a body of water, your visit relies on the weather and time of the year. During the rainy season or when the seawater rises, you can only see the temple from afar as the path towards the temple is completely underwater and it is too dangerous to cross. Please check with your guide prior to booking your trip. I highly recommend you to go when the path is accessible and you can actually see the temple from up close. Because only then you can experience an actual Balinese blessing ritual from a Balinese priest inside a small cave underneath the temple.

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Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple Tour - Bali Full Day Sightseeing Tours

Duration: 10 to 12 hours

26 reviews

2. Uluwatu Temple (from USD 45.0)

Uluwatu Temple is one of the major directional temples in Bali. It is located on the southwestern tip of Bali and it is on the outskirts of Kuta. The statues of Lord Ganesha here greet visitors who will fall in love with the mesmerizing views and enjoy authentic Balinese dance performances at sunset or observe the wild monkeys. The temple features among the most preferred ones out of over a thousand temples on the island. Located on a clifftop, the sunset looks extremely appealing from the site.

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Arakita

Arakita
Bali

One of the viewpoints in Uluwatu Temple The view from Uluwatu Cliff

Whenever my friends and family visit, I would take them to Uluwatu Temple. First and foremost, it is one of Bali's most important temples. Needless to say, the view from the top of the cliff is just breathtaking. Mind the monkeys, though, they can be pretty naughty. Usually, I just walk past and ignore them, and they will not disturb me. If you don't want to risk it, you can hire an on-site guide to clear your path from these little rascals. I suggest you visit around 3 p.m. as the sun starts to go down and the monkeys are usually taking their naps!

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Sunset at Uluwatu Temple and Spa Tour

Duration: 6 hours

13 reviews

3. Mother Temple of Besakih (from USD 105.0)

This beautiful and most important temple of Bali has a rich history that dates back to over 1000 years. The temple complex is made up of 23 shrines. Out of these, Pura Penataran Agung, the most significant one, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. While it is not compulsory for you to hire a guide to explore the temple, they come handy to get a fair understanding of its historical significance. Plus, the entry fees are quite reasonable here.

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Amazing Tours Besakih And Tirta Empul Temple

Duration: 10 hours

4. Goa Gajah (from USD 100.0)

One of the holiest Hindu sites of Bali, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) boasts a history of over 1000 years. The walls of the temple are carved with creatures from the Hindu mythology. After the excavation of the cave was completed, a statue of Lord Ganesha was added here. There is a courtyard right outside the entrance of the cave, which has a number of decorated bathing pools. The cave is a major site for Hindu devotees today, as well as, a key halt for all sightseeing tours on the island of Bali.

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Private Tour Gunung Kawi Temple & Tegenungan Waterfall

Duration: 10 hours

Bali Tour Guide

toni kenpachi

Toni Kenpachi

Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland t... Read more

Tours by Toni

Bali Tour Guide

Dori Januhari

Dori Januhari

I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science ph... Read more

Tours by Dori

5. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (from USD 65.0)

The temple is a popular picturesque landmark on the island as well as an important temple complex situated near Beratan Lake in central Bali. Set in Bedugul, the locality is a preferred holiday retreat and a popular weekend getaway, attracting locals and visitors from urban and southern areas. A royal water temple, its prime location makes it a must-visit site for the tourists. The site is ideal for watching the sunset, which is truly spellbinding.

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Bali Full-Day Tour Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Tanah Lot Sunset

Duration: 10 hours

19 reviews

6. Tirta Empul Temple (from USD 97.0)

Tirta Empul Temple is the most famous sacred spring temple in Bali and it is more than 1000 years old. Visitors from all over the world come to bathe in its holy waters and seek blessings from shamans, priests, and healers. Located not quite far off from Gunung Kawi, the temple is set northeast of Ubud. It is convenient to visit this temple independently and it is a very famous halt for Bali tours of all sizes. The bathing pools here make it a hot destination for photographers and people who are enthusiastic about Balinese spirituality.

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Private Full Day Tour Tirta Empul Temple And Batur Volcano

Duration: 10 hours

7. Taman Ayun Temple (from USD 110.0)

Approximately 8 km (5 mi) from Tabanan., Taman Ayun Temple is located on the outskirts of Mengwi, a bustling town. This royal water temple is also referred to as Mengwi Temple and Pura Taman Ayun Temple and it was constructed for the rulers of Mengwi. The temple has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it constitutes some 50 edifices. These include tiered shrines, a park, a moat, gardens, streams, and a river. While hiring a guide is not compulsory, having one can lead to a better touring experience. Visitors can rent sarongs here, as these are compulsory for a majority of temples in Bali.

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Private Trip to Jatiluwih Rice Terrace UNESCO World Temples

Duration: 12 hours

8. Lempuyang Temple (from USD 85.0)

Locally known as Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Lempuyang Temple happens to be one of the most revered and ancient temples on the island of Bali. Many also believe that it is older than most of the Hindu temples in Bali. The main temple is on the summit of Mount Lempuyang, its namesake in East Bali. Visitors have to climb more than 1,700 steps to reach the main temple. However, there are several attractions while climbing up the temple including macaques and other temples.

Tip from Content Creator

Lempuyang Temple Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang Temple has gorgeous sights all around, but be prepared to wait in line at the best photo spots. We queued 2.5 hours for pictures like this, but I think they’re just about worth it!

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Bali Instagram: Gate of Heaven Temple Tour

Duration: 10 hours

371 reviews

9. Gunung Kawi (from USD 50.0)

This temple complex in Bali is also known as Pura Gunung Kawi and it is regarded as one of the most distinct archaeological sites of Bali. It features a group of ancient shrine reliefs. The main site of Gunung Kawi Temple overlooks the holy Pakerisan River. Its main complex comprises of 10 unique shrines. This large and ancient temple complex lies on the northeast of Ubud at the feet of a mesmerizing river valley.

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Full-Day Kintamani Gunung Kawi Private Chartered Car Tour from Bali

Duration: 8 to 10 hours

10. Saraswati Temple (from USD 43.0)

saraswati temple
Source: www.viator.com

Ubud’s Saraswati Temple is dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of art, music, and wisdom. It is undoubtedly a lovely spot for both visitors and worshippers. There are beautiful lotus ponds and water gardens that accentuate the charm of the site. Known for its ornate carvings, you will love the magical Balinese dance performances in this temple. The dance performances here are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The temple is set centrally in Ubud and can be visited independently. A few Ubud tours also halt here for short photo ops. You can take the help of a private guide to explain the significance of the elaborate carvings of this temple.

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Ubud Village Bali Swing Tirta Empul Saraswati Temple Volcano Private Day Tour

Discover the best temples in Bali

While Bali is famous for a number of tourist attractions, no holiday is complete without touring its ancient, majestic and charming temples. So, fasten your seat belts and get set to visit these wonderful temple tours in Bali.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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This article has been endorsed by Bali local expert Arakita Rimbayana (curator)

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Pala Sen is an avid follower of travel and health updates, current affairs and entertainment news from all across the world and writing is a passion for her. She had been previously associated...Read more

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