Imagine you’re in Bali, fresh from a morning yoga session, and ready to explore. The island is calling you with its ancient temples and stunning views. Honestly, Bali has over 10,000 temples scattered across the island. Each one tells its own story. Whether you’re here for yoga or just soaking up the culture, these five temples are absolute must-visits. They’ll take your breath away and maybe even change how you see spirituality. Let’s dive into the magic that makes Bali so special.

 

Most Famous Bali Temples

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot is that postcard-perfect temple you’ve probably seen a million times. It sits on a giant rock in the middle of the ocean. The waves crash around it constantly. A priest built this beauty back in the 1500s. He felt something powerful about this exact spot. And you know what? You can feel it too when you visit.

This is the fun part about visiting Tanah Lot. When the tide is at its high point, the rock is totally covered by water. The temple resembles that it is floating in the ocean. It’s absolutely magical. But in times of low tide you are able to walk a lot nearer. You cannot really enter the temple though. The sacred areas are only accessible to Balinese people when they are performing prayers.

Sunset here is unreal. Well, it is truly one of the best sunsets you will ever have. The sky becomes orange, pink and purple simultaneously. These mad colors stand out in contrast to the temple which becomes a dark shadow. Thus, tourists come hours in advance to take the best place. Pro tip: the cafes on the top of cliffs nearby will give the best views without the crowd.

There is more than just the main attraction in the temple area. Vernacular dance shows can be found in the evenings. There are local artists who sell beautiful hand manufactured crafts and sarongs. At the bottom there is also a holy spring. Balinese people believe that this water possesses some healing powers.

You must dress in a respectable way while visiting. Don’t fear though they lend sarongs at the entrance. You can escape the largest crowds in this manner. Also, the entry charges preserve this prehistoric location. The serene atmosphere in this temple will be appropriate after your yoga.

Uluwatu Temple

Consider that you are on a cliff that is 70 meters above the ocean. That’s Uluwatu Temple for you. This site served to safeguard Bali in the 11th century. It was constructed on this dramatic cliff by people in order to protect against evil spirits. The scenery itself will make your head spin.

Now we will speak of the monkeys. They are found everywhere around the temple. These naughty little creatures are extremely naughty and cunning. They will take your sun glasses straight off your face. Ensure to keep your cell phone in your pocket and to hold onto your jewelry tight. Locals believe that they are sacred temple guardians although they are troublemakers.

The Kecak fire dance in this area is mythical. This performance is done in an outdoor theater every evening at sunset. There are over 50 men who are sitting in circles and singing. This hypnotic rhythm is made by their voices. They narrate ancient tales by dancing and making noises. It is all pure magic with the sunset in the background. You can not miss this at all.

It is an adventure to walk down the temple path. The road cuts across the cliff side. There will be ideal photo locations all over the place. The sea crashes its water on the rocks down here, and this sound is very relaxing to your ears.

Wearing a sarong is mandatory to everyone. They will lend you one in case you do not have it. Entrance fee also includes the sarong rent. In addition to this, hiring a guide is actually valuable in appreciating the rich history of the temple.

The Uluwatu environment has grown very popular in recent times. There are beautiful beaches such as Padang Padang. These places are favorite with many surfers. There are a number of cliff top restaurants which offer fresh seafood and cold beverages. Hence, it is easy to spend a day here. The energy at Uluwatu is spiritual and it goes hand in hand with your yoga adventure. It is something that makes you meditate further and think more.

Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is the site where Balinese have a spiritual purification. This temple started as early as 962 AD. That was over one thousand years ago. The temple has a running natural spring passing through it. This, according to the belief of the local people, is a water that removes bad energy. It is therefore not uncommon to find Balinese families carrying out purification rituals here.

The central feature is a large pool with numerous fountains. The meanings of each fountain are different. All the fountains are passed by people on their way. Before submerging in the water, they pray at every point. This ceremony purifies you and makes you feel fresher.

And something wonderful here is that you can do the purification yourself. Tourists are free to join completely. You must however treat it with respect. First put on a sarong and temple sash. You will also require sensible swimming attire or the Balinese traditional clothing to the water. The pleasant temple personnel will demonstrate to you what to do.

The temple is exquisite in itself. There are intricately carved stone gates at the entrance. The sacred pools are enclosed by tropical gardens. In addition, there are small shrines scattered all around in different gods. The calm atmosphere here makes it easy to meditate.

Outside the main pools, there is more to be seen. In the back there are ancient royal bathing areas. Kings and queens used these swimming pools. In addition, it has canopied pavilions around the grounds where you can have a shaded area to rest.

The nearby presidential palace is situated on a hill. It does not provide credit to the whole temple complex. The palace is capable of making your visit interesting. A visit to Tirta Empul will give you true spiritual learning. The ritual of cleansing is well associated with yoga lessons. This is a very emotional experience to most yoga enthusiasts. It has its temple that is open daily and the best experience is visiting the temple during the early morning hours.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan is located on a mountain lake. It consists of a water temple located in the cool highlands of Bali. They erected it in 1663 in memory of the goddess of water. It is pretty to the extent that it does not resemble reality.
The temple is similar to the fact that it is floating on the water. It is covered by early morning fog on the mountains. It all seems dreamy and surreal. This means that the sunrise visits provide you with the most amazing photos. The air up here on the mountain is cool in comparison with the beach.

There are a number of shrines on small islands, and on the shore. These tall towers are in the form of pagodas and are found in the main temple. They are facing directly toward the sky. Ideal reflections are seen when the lake is still. Also, the gardens of the temple are full of colorful flowers.

The lake of Beratan is everything to the local farmers. They require this water to irrigate their rice fields. Thus, here, priests carry out special rituals towards good harvests. Nature and spirituality can be tied here really.
There is much to see in the neighborhood. It has a large botanical garden that has fantastic plants. You get to pick your own fruit in the strawberry farms. In the traditional markets, there are fresh vegetables and cool handicrafts that are sold.

The temple property also has smaller Buddhist shrines. This indicates that various religions co-exist in Bali. There are peaceful walking tracks that run around the entire area. Moreover, when visiting, you may find some traditional ceremonies taking place.

Make sure to wear warm clothes here. The temperatures in the mountains are extremely lower as compared to the beaches. Your entrance fee assists in maintaining the temple. You have the opportunity to take pictures anywhere. But be careful enough not to interfere when ceremonies are underway. The atmosphere of this place is ideal to relax and meditate. Numerous yoga instructors take their pupils to this serene mountain location.

Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang is referred to as the Gateway to heaven. This is a temple on Lempuyang top. In order to get there, it requires over 1700 steps, unbelievable, right? However, believe me, it is worth it in the scenery. Agung is positioned in an ideal location behind the main gate.

Those famous split gates are Instagram gold. This photo is visited by people from every part of the world. Odds are that you will need to wait in line. The stone gateway is symmetrical and forms an ideal frame. In the meantime, the largest volcano of Bali towers in the background. Local photographers also are around to assist you in taking the perfect picture.

In fact Lempuyang is not a single temple. The entire complex consists of seven temples. All of them are elevated higher into the mountain. It is therefore very difficult to ascend all the seven. The vast majority of people only visit the lower main temple though. The best temple is the reward to crazy panoramic views by hikers who are dedicated.

There are rigid dress codes in the temple. Sarongs and sashes are to be worn by everyone. Also, women during their menstrual cycle do not enter. These are Balinese superstitious rules. Respect to local culture comes after them.
Early visits are effective in a number of ways. Less people will imply less noise. Moreover, it is possible to make better shots because the sky is clearer. It is also significantly colder to climb.

The scenery of this place is absolutely mystical. There are rice terraces that fall down the hills. Below the valleys are traditional villages. Furthermore, this neighborhood remains quite natural and underdeveloped.

There is a very psychological value behind the renowned gateway of Lempuyang. The dynamic energy in this place resonates well with yoga practice. A lot of visitors note that they experienced something special during their stay with us.