Bali Temples

BALI TEMPLES

Your visit Bali wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of Bali’s temples. Highlands and coasts on Bali are home to many thousands ancient temples. Many people claim that there are more temples than homes. In Bali every vilage has several temples, and every house has at least one simple house temple. Orientation of these temples are mountains-sea.

Some of these temples have become the island’s most iconic landmarks, with magnificent centuries-old architecture. During temple anniversaries there are lovely processions with ornate decorations.

Because there are so many temples you don’t have to make an effort to see all of them, but you must see few of these temples, each temple is unique. Some of the most beautiful and the holiest temples are: Pura Besakih, Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul, Pura Luhur Lempuyang, Goa Gajah, Pura Tanah Lot, Pura Taman Ayun, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan…

Pura Besakih

Pura Besakih is the holiest and greatest of all Balinese sanctuaries. Pura Besakih is called the ‘’Mother Temple’’. It is over 900 meters up the slopes of Gunung Agung. This temple complex consolidates 22 temples built separately in such a distance of more than one kilometer. It presents the harmonious combination of nature and religion. Some of these temles dating back to the 10th century.

In 1963. Pura Besakih narrowly escaped destruction from lava, which was flow from Gunung Agung and missed the temple by mere yards.

Visit to the temple sanctuaries at Besakih is to the Balinese a special pilgrimage. During March or April is festival Bharata Turun Kabeh which mean ‘’Gods descend together’’, this festival lasts for one month long, and thousands of people from any place of island gather around the temple and pray to the Gods.  

Keep on mind, when you visit these temple you should wear a proper top, sarong and a sash, they are available for rent or purshase at the many stalls outside.

Pura Tanah Lot

Temple Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most important Bali’s landmarks, it is also the most visited and the most photographed temple in Bali. It is standing on the rock towering over the sea, waves are constantly crashing on that rock. Because of these large waves which persistenly crashing at its rock base, temple is faced with the constant threat of erosion. At 1990s a multimillion-dolar restoration effort saved Tanah Lot from falling into the sea, today a third of the rock is artifical rock.

To the temple you can walk only at low tide, when a tide is high waves flood the causeways making it impossible to cross. At the rock base you can see the legendary ‘guardian’ sea snakes. They dwell in crevices around the Tirta Pabersihan fountain, this fountain is the source of holly water for all the temples in the area.

Non-Balinese people are not allowed to enter in this temple, but although you cannot enter the temple grounds there is panoramic view and cultural offerings for enjoy. Tanah Lot is surrounded by vendors, there are lot of art shops selling souvenirs, peddlers selling traditional snacks.

Because of his sunset backdrops Pura Tanah Lot is is simply among Bali’s not-to missed icons.