5 Bali temples, you should not miss | Bali, Indonesia

Yes, you are right; this image represents Bali. One of the most iconic structures in Bali.

It is located on Lake Bratan, the temple dedicated to the worship of the goddess of lakes and rivers, Dewi Batari Ulun Danu. The temples and shrines represent the subak irrigation system in Bali.

Now, why a floating temple? Though part of the temple is on the mainland, a substantial part of the temple floats on the lake. When the water rises, it gives you the feeling that the temple is floating.

If I talk about the structure, it is an 11 roof temple that sits on the island section surrounded by a tranquil lake and mountain. The lake was formed due to volcanic eruption occurred 30000 years ago in Bali.

Location: Tabanan area.

Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Timing: For visitors, the temple is open from 8 am - 5 pm. To avoid fog, try to visit the temple before the afternoon.

Entrance fee: 70,000 IDR /- for adult and 50,000 IDR /- for a child (as on the year 2020)

Note: Payment must be in IDR, so prepare it beforehand.

2. Pura Besakih: Holy temple

The temple is the holiest of all temples in Bali the "Mother Temple" of Pura Besakih is located some 3,000 feet up Gunung Agung in Eastern side of Bali. It is a vast complex comprises of 86 related temples and shrines. You need to walk and climb stairs while you are visiting the temple. But all these efforts are worth it for the divine feeling and the incredible view of Mount Agung.

Please note that exploring the whole temple area may take a day, so plan accordingly.

Location: Rendang, East Bali

Address: Jl. Gunung Mas No.Ds, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia

Timing: For visitors, the temple is open from 8 am - 5 pm. To avoid crowds, try to visit the temple in the morning or later in the evening.

Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR /- for adult and 30,000 IDR /- for a child

An important landmark in Bali, Tanah Lot, is set offshore with a classic sunset as a backdrop.

Tanah Lot is built on an impressive rock, overlooking the sea from a few distances of the shore.

You can access the temple in low tide, though you are not allowed inside the main temple. Still, this temple area is always overcrowded. Consider before you visit this temple if you are a peace-loving person. The crowds may be a little overwhelming, but I must say, do visit this temple during sunset.

There is also a holy water cave inside the temple. People make a queue to collect a few drops of the sacred water distributed by the temple priest at the temple's base.

Location: Tabanan area

Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia

Timing: For visitors, the temple is open from 7 am - 7 pm. Try to visit the temple in the early morning to avoid crowds or later in the evening for the sunset view.

Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR /- for adult and 30,000 IDR /- for a child

4. Pura Luhur Uluwatu: Temple on Cliff

The temple is situated on the edge of a high cliff protruding towards the sea. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed earlier, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan, in the 11th Century. This is also a site for Kecak dance performance, enacting narration from Ramayana with a fire dance.

PS: Beware of monkeys, yes, these innocent monkeys steal sunglasses, flipflops, cameras from the visitors. Be mindful. I have seen one of them doing that.

Location: Tabanan area

Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia

Timing: For visitors, the temple is open from 7 am - 7 pm. Try to visit the temple in the early morning to avoid crowds or later in the evening for the sunset view.

Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR /- for adult and 30,000 IDR /- for a child

5. Pura Taman Ayun : Garden Temple

Taman Ayun temple is the most popular temple in Bali, visited by both locals and foreigners. The temple architecture is very sophisticated as compared to other temples in Bali. Built-in, the 1600s by the King of Mengwi, Pura Taman Ayun, survives today as a beautiful example of a royal public temple. The descendants of the Mengwi royal family still sponsor the temple.The temple's name Taman Ayun translates to the 'Garden Temple in the Water.' A big fish pond surrounds the temple, hence gives the illusion that the temple complex is floating on the water.

Location: Megwi

Address: Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia

Timing: For visitors, the temple is open from 9 am - 5 pm, daily, except on the "Days of Silence," Nyepi Day in Bali.

Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR /-.

Note: Ladies on their periods are forbidden to enter this temple, as mentioned on the temple entrance.

Here are a few things which you should always keep in mind while you visit these temples.

Kindly Note:

1. Payment of entrance fees must be in IDR, so prepare it beforehand.

2. Be respectful while you visit these temples.

3. Make sure bare knees and shoulders are not visible. You can cover them by wearing a sarong or a jacket.

4. Most of the temples are in large complexes. You need to have at least one hour in hand to explore the temples.

To conclude, there are many other temples, but in my opinion, we should not miss the temples as mentioned above.

Feel free to reach me in the comment section.

This blog post was first published on www.littletravelings.com