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Places To Visit In Bali

Pura Kehen

Considered the 'Mother Temple' of the former Bangli kingdom, the Pura Kehen or Kehen temple is a majestic structure in eastern Bali, dedicated to the God of Fire. Known for the massive Banyan tree inside the complex, the temple's inner sanctum is intricately carved with various Hindu gods and goddesses. Feasts to honour deities are still held here, making it an important site of religious worship. Pura Kehen was built in the 11th century. Kehen translates to fireplace or household, thus symbolizing the fire god. Visitors are expected to be dressed respectfully, before entering the temple premises. The legs should be fully covered and a temple scarf should be worn around the waist. A flight of steep 38 stairs lead up to the beautifully decorated temple complex. Pura Kehen is regarded as one of the most beautiful temples in Bali and is surely a must-visit! Read More

The magnificent Batukaru Temple popularly referred to as the Pura Luhur Batukaru by the locals, is situated at the foot of the southern slope of the Mount Batukaru. Visually stunning, this sacred site is encompassed by lush forests, thus offering a fascinating environment to nature lovers. Being one of the nine directional temples that are located on the island, Pura Luhur Batukaru is believed to protect the region by warding off evil spirits. The ancient temple was originally built in the 11th century. However, it was destroyed in 1604, after a siege conducted by the Buleleng Kingdom. Again, in 1959, it was rebuilt, and since then, it stands tall till date. The glorious Pura Luhur Batukaru is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva, a Hindu deity also regarded as the God of the Batukaru Mountain. Frequent drizzles and the surrounding sea have led this place to have a cool, misty atmosphere. In addition to being a place of worship, Batukaru Temple is also categorized as a renowned spot for sightseeing. However, a number of areas in the inner sanctum of this temple are prohibited to those people who visit this place for reasons other than the worship of the idol. Read More

Located in Kubutambahan about 12kms from Bali, Pura Maduwe Karang temple is notable for the floral motifs and epic panels carved on its walls. Dedicated to Batara Madang Karang, the god of fertility, the temple features the traditional three courtyards and a split Candi Bentar gateway. A famous carving depicts a man riding a bicycle. Pura Maduwe Karang is a beautiful temple complex that is dedicated to Gods of Earth and Fertility, which is truly spell bounding with its unique architectural styles, creativity, and originality of its sculptures. The structures present on either side of the entrance steps draw from the ancient Hindu epic Ramayana. The most unique thing about the temple which makes it interesting to visit is the existence of the reliefs. The most popular relief being one of the people riding the motorbike with the wheels shaped like the lotus. Apart from the relief of people cycling, there are also images of tourists visiting this temple. Read More

Built in the 13th century during the arrival of the Majapahit dynasty, Pura Masohpit is a Balinese Hindu Temple located in Denpasar. Notable for its red-brick architecture, the temple is the only one in Bali to adhere to the concept of Panca Mandala where the innermost sanctum is at the centre instead of facing Mount Agung, widely believed to be the spiritual centre of Bali. It is a testimony to Bali's rich religious and cultural legacy. One of the most striking aspects of the temple is the larger-than-life statues of Garuda and the wind-god Batara Bayu. Extensive restoration works have been completed on the temple after an earthquake in 1917 reduced much of the temple to rubble. Read More

Located in Ungasan, near Green Bowl Beach, Pura Mas Suka is one of the least known seaside temples of Bali. One of the seven temples devoted to the Sea Gods, the temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean that provides a spectacular view. Do keep in mind that getting to the temple is a bit of a struggle due to the narrow roads and lack of signage. Pura Mas Suka is one of Bali’s spectacular sea temples which are isolated on a high cliff, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. This location of encirclement of the Indian Ocean coupled with Black Rocks adds as a natural protection to the temple. There is no other temple which is at such a beautiful location in Bali than Pura Mas Suka temple. The temple is considered to be founded in the 16th Century by a Majapahit monk named Nirartha to honour the Hindu sea gods. Read More

One of the least known places located in Gianyar, Bali, Pura Mascet is a beautiful Hindu temple across Masceti beach believed to be guarding the island against evil spirits. The temple is often visited by farmers praying for a healthy harvest free from pests and diseases, the temple‰Ûªs sanctity demands there to be no sunbathing or swimming at Masceti beach. Ideal for those interested in Balinese culture and ritualistic traditions.

Located to the east of Lake Batur in Trunyan village, Pura Pancering Jagat is an ancient Hindu temple famous for the massive 4m tall statue of the village's guardian spirit. Featuring a seven-tiered meru shrine, the temple is believed to have been built from a farmer's discovery of the statue long ago. The fascinating history and Balinese architectural features make this a must-visit. The statue that the temple is built around is guarded by the locals and is fiercely protected and tourists are not even allowed to look at the statue. The statue is only brought out during special religious processions as well. Read More

Situated around four kilometers to the east of the heart of Ubud, the regal Pura Penataran Sasih is a Hindu place of worship that was once the state temple of the Pejeng kingdom. The glorious religious site has been serving as one of the most significant places of worship for several decades. Devotees from places near and far come to this place to offer their prayers throughout the year. In addition to it, the temple draws in people from all over the world with its rich history as well as its fascinating ensemble. However, it is most lively during the ninth month of the Balinese calendar, when a number of festivals are held. The holy sanctuary was founded in as early as 1266 AD and is also popularly known as the Moon Temple owing to the colossal bronze drum that adorns the inner courtyard of the temple. Locally referred to as the Nekara, this drum is said to come from the prehistoric era, and has acquired the name ‘Bulan Pejeng’, which translates to the ‘moon that falls to the earth’. This is the reason why the Pura Penataran Sasih is also known as the Bulan Pejeng or Bulan Temple. In fact, the word ‘sasih’ may be literally translated to ‘moon’ in Indonesian, which only gives the name of the temple a clearer connection to its most dominant feature, that is the drum with an appearance of the moon. Shaped like an hourglass, the drum is around a hundred and eighty-six centimeters long and a hundred and sixty centimeters in diameter. Read More

One of the few ancient religious places in Seminyak, Pura Petitenget is a 16th century Hindu temple constructed of beautiful red brick and sandstone. It is one of the series of sea temples that guard the island and has many small pavilions and shrines in its complex. Ideally visited during its anniversary celebrations, when it is decorated with banners and parasols. The name “Petitenget” loosely translates to “matchbox” and people believe that this temple is meant to protect them from the sea. It was built by the initiative of the Hindu Priest, Dang Hyang Nirartha. Even though this temple is not very impressive, its red-brick walls, sandstone and beachside ceremonies give it an ancient vibe and cause it to be one of the temples worth visiting in Bali. Pura Petitenget is a part of the Puri Seminyak, which is a series of sea temples of the south coast of Bali. The courtyards in this temple are filled with different Balinese shrines and small pavilions draped in authentic Balinese cloth; this is where rehearsals for the anniversary take place. Pura Petitenget is believed to represent the power of good over evil and even though it is overshadowed by the luxurious resorts and hotels in this area, it is one of the few cultural landmarks in upscale Seminyak. All in all, Pura Petitenget is an acting place of worship and till date, holds great significance for the Balinese Hindus in this area. Read More

Pura Ponjok Batu is an ancient Hindu temple located in Buleleng regency of northern Bali. Made of black lava rock, the temple features three beautifully carved shrines where visitors can make offerings. It is famous for the boat shrine that stands on a rock in the waterfront, and is believed to have been built for the worship of the 15th century Hindu priest Niratha.