Holy Temples to Visit

Often revered as one of the island's most prestigious religious edifices Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a breathtaking temple complex occupying a lakeside location. Also known as Pura Bratan the temple was constructed as far back as 1926. As a venue devoted to the worship of holy bodies of water the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is dedicated to the deity of the rivers and lakes of the island known as Dewi Batari Ulun Danu.

As one of the most picturesquely located temples in Bali the ancient temple commonly known as Pura Tanah Lot is a temple that is perhaps one of the most popular stopovers for holidaymakers vacationing in the island. Famed for its breathtaking location surrounded by the ocean its name literally translates to "Land in the Middle of the Sea". Among the island's most famous religious institutions the Tanah Lot Temple enjoys an imposing location on a rocky promontory overlooking the ocean. Especially breathtaking during the evening hours and sunset the venue has also long been associated with Balinese folklores and mythology. Considered among the island's "sea temples" of which there are seven, the venue is interlinked with the remaining sea temples on the coastline. Visible to one another due to their seaside location the temples which line the southwestern shores of Bali are among the country's holiest spaces. Linked with Hindu affiliations since time immemorial Pura Tanah Lot is a shutterbug's dream come true.

Dating back to the 11th century Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the oldest edifices in Bali. Occupying a picturesque location at the summit of a hill near the ocean Pura Luhur Uluwatu offers visitors breathtaking views across Ulawatu and its sandy beaches. A popular temple among locals in Bali the venue comes alive with colour and pageantry when devotees flock to its ancient confines to celebrate traditional festivals and other red letter days in the religious calendar. The locale is at its busiest during the local celebrations of Galungan Day when devotees from all around Bali travel great distances to reach the holy site to mark the annual event.

Often referred to as the Mother Temple of Bali Pura Besakih is no ordinary sacred shrine in the holiday capital. Located within the pastoral setting of Besakih Village the temple occupies a portion of the Agung Mount. As arguably the holiest temple in all of Bali the venue is believed to date back centuries. Visitors staying in a well situated resort in Bali Kuta such as the Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort will have easy access to the holy site.

Renowned for its holy tanks Tirta Empul Temple is an ancient temple that is revered among Balinese Hindu devotees. As the site in which many a purification ritual is performed the temple and its holy waters are famed throughout Bali and the surrounding islands. Believed to contain properties that heal various ailments a bath in the holy waters of Tirta Empul Temple is believed to cleanse one not only spiritually but also provides health benefits as the spring water is known to have cured common afflictions.

Situated within the captivating confines of Mengwi Village, Pura Taman Ayun is a sacred temple built during the Mengwi Kingdom. Regarded as a Royal Temple of the era the temple's name literally translates to "beautiful garden" as the location of the edifice is one of the most scenic areas in Bali.