The Best Ancient Temples to See in Bali

Last Updated on June 4, 2017

If you are looking for some unique locations and destinations in Asia, Bali is the place you should visit.  This place offers you a great way to explore the coast and highlands and some of the magnificent old structures and temples that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.  Bali is popular for its temples and therefore you must make sure that you explore these ornately decorated religious places that offer a great way to make your holiday trips better.  Here we explore some of the best ancient temples to see in Bali.

Besakih Temple

Nestled in Karangasem, East Bali, this is the largest and holiest of all the temples you will find in Bali.  Also known as the Mother Temple, Besakih Temple stands 1000 meters above the sea level on the southwest side of Mount Agung.  The temple has a huge area and therefore you need plenty of hours to explore it.  The temple’s largest area is Pura Penataran Agung and is often the most visited area of the temple.  When you are here you must also make sure that you visit the east section of the temple which also is one of the popular segments of the temple.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Located in Bali’s central highlands, this temple is certainly worth capturing on camera.  Ulun Danu Beratan temple is one of the iconic temples of Bali and therefore you must not miss this one if you are looking out for best ancient temples in Bali.  The striking scenery and the landscape only add to the beauty of the ancient temple structure.  When you are done with exploring the temple you can also take pictures and admire the beauty or take short boat trips around the lake.

Tanah Lot

Located in Tabanan, West Bali, Tanah Lot is among the most popular ancient temples in Bali.  This temple has a great landscape and scenery around it making it a postcard-perfect ancient temple that you can find in Bali.  Nestled on the coast of Beraban village this ancient Hindu shrine stands tall amidst the crashing sea waves and it still manages to attract devotees and tourists from all over the world.  If you are here in West Bali you must visit this temple during the holy day of Kuningan and experience the beauty of Tanah Lot in all its might.  If you are on the western coast of Bali, Traveloka can provide you a great stay experience at Alila Seminyak which is only an hour away from Tanah Lot.

Goa Gajah

Known as the Elephant Cave, Goa Gajah certainly has great historical significance and therefore you should not miss it.  Located in the Central Bali in the Ubud region, this temple was built initially for meditation and dates back to the 11th century.  The temple also has the legendary Petanu River that flows within the temple grounds out into rice fields across the country.  The temple has a bathing pool that has a carving of angelic statues holding water spout vases which are very iconic.

Which temple will you visit on your next trip to Bali?

Love this article?  Pin it for later!