The 9 Must-Visit Temples That Define Bali’s Spiritual Soul

From cliffside shrines overlooking the ocean to mountain sanctuaries shrouded in mist, each temple tells a unique story about the island’s soul. Here’s your guide to nine of Bali’s most revered temples.

Pura Agung Besakih - The Mother Temple

Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, Pura Besakih is Bali’s largest and holiest temple. Often called the “Mother Temple,” it comprises more than 80 shrines and pavilions dedicated to various deities. Its elevated setting offers panoramic views across rice fields and distant coastlines, making it as breathtaking spiritually as it is visually.

Pura Andakasa - The Guardian of Balance

Less visited but deeply significant, Pura Andakasa symbolises the balance between the underworld and the heavens. Hidden amidst quiet landscapes, it embodies Bali’s spiritual philosophy of harmony. This temple is ideal for travellers seeking a more meditative, off-the-beaten-path experience.

Pura Luhur Batukaru - The Jungle Sanctuary

Nestled in dense rainforest on Mount Batukaru’s slopes, this temple feels worlds away from Bali’s bustling tourist paths. Dedicated to the mountain god Mahadewa, Pura Batukaru is a peaceful retreat, often wrapped in mist and surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for travellers in search of serenity and reflection.

Pura Ulun Danu Batur - Keeper of the Lake

One of Bali’s nine directional temples, Pura Batur honours Dewi Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers. Originally located on the slopes of Mount Batur, it was relocated after a volcanic eruption in 1926. Today, it stands as a striking complex adorned with tiered shrines, central to ceremonies ensuring water supply and fertility for Bali’s farmlands.

Pura Goa Lawah - The Bat Cave Temple

One of Bali’s oldest temples, Pura Goa Lawah, literally translates to “Bat Cave Temple.” It’s built around a cave teeming with thousands of bats, believed to connect spiritually with Mount Agung. Located along the southeastern coast, it’s a fascinating blend of myth, nature, and ritual, often included in Balinese purification ceremonies.

Pura Lempuyang Luhur - The Gateway to Heaven

Arguably Bali’s most photogenic temple, Pura Lempuyang Luhur is famed for its “Gateway to Heaven,” a split gateway framing Mount Agung in the distance. As one of Bali’s oldest temples, it’s also among the island’s most sacred. The climb to the top is steep but rewarding, offering both sweeping views and a profound sense of reverence.

Pura Pucak Mangu - The Highland Watcher

Located in the Bedugul highlands, Pura Pucak Mangu is dedicated to Vishnu and sits amid rolling hills and cool mountain air. It’s believed to protect central Bali and is revered for its panoramic vistas and tranquil setting. This temple is less visited, giving it a special air of untouched beauty.

Pura Pusering Jagat - The Navel of the World

As its name suggests, Pura Pusering Jagat is regarded as the symbolic centre of Bali, representing the island’s “navel.” Located in Pejeng near Ubud, it plays a vital role in ceremonies symbolising the universe’s balance. The temple is intricately decorated with carvings depicting Hindu cosmology, making it both spiritually and artistically significant.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu - The Cliffside Guardian

Dramatically perched on a 70-metre cliff above the Indian Ocean, Pura Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most iconic temples. Dedicated to the sea gods, it’s renowned for its nightly Kecak fire dance performances at sunset. A visit here combines cultural immersion with unforgettable natural scenery.

Exploring Bali’s temples is more than sightseeing; it’s a journey into the island’s living traditions and deep spirituality. Whether you’re drawn to iconic landmarks like Besakih and Uluwatu or hidden gems like Andakasa and Pucak Mangu, each temple offers a unique perspective on Bali’s cultural soul.