Caleb Falcon
With numerous glorious temples to its name it is no surprise Bali is the "Island of a Thousand Temples" in Indonesia. Here are some of its must-visit points of religious interest for first timers.
Tipped to be one of the most ideally situated temples in all of Bali Island Pura Tanah Lot is a must-visit temple highlight for visitors exploring the island's cultural and religious heritage. Vaulted at a cloud piercing height with ocean vistas all around the temple's name denotes "Land in the Middle of the Sea" in the local tongue indicating the promontory on which the edifice is located. The best time to visit Pura Tanah Lot is during the late afternoon or evening hours as a glorious sunset is visible from its unique vantage point. Frequently featured in Balinese mythology and local folklore Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali's seven "sea temples" that occupy coastal locations along the island's shoreline.
As a holy Hindu temple the Tirta Empul Temple is perhaps best known for the sacred tanks that occupies its confines. The tanks are the focal point for local devotees who flock to the popular Hindu temple to perform many sacred rituals including purification rites. Bathing in the holy waters of Tirta Empul Temple is also known to cure many ailments and cleanse one's spirit of sin as the water contained within the tanks is credited with curing the sick since time immemorial.
Renowned as one of Bali's most visited religious epicenters Pura Ulun Danu is a stunning temple compound located on the shores of a scenic lake. Having served the faithful since it first opened its doors to the public in the mid 1920's the temple which is also identified as Pura Bratan is devoted to the worship of Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, or the patron goddess of lakes and rivers in Bali. Popular among shutterbugs the temple's breathtaking location makes it one of the most popular temple complexes on the island.
Believed to have been constructed during the 11th century Pura Luhur Uluwatu holds the distinct honor of being the island's most ancient structure. Perched atop a towering hill overlooking the ocean Pura Luhur Uluwatu provides panoramic views of Uluwatu at large and its golden beachfronts for miles around. As the host venue for many a local religious festival and celebration the temple is the centerpiece of many religious holidays and prominent events throughout the year. One of the key local festivals conducted at the venues includes the annual Galungan Day when locals from all across Bali visit the holy landmark to celebrate the red letter day.
Tucked away within the leafy environs of Mengwi Village in Bali Pura Taman Ayun is one of the last remaining edifices constructed during the Mengwi Kingdom. A holy temple of truly grand proportions the venue is in fact a royal temple occupying one of Bali's most breathtaking landscapes. With its name denoting its glorious location in a "beautiful garden" the temple remains one of the best preserved religious edifices in Bali.
Dubbed the Mother Temple of Bali a visit to Pura Besakih is one of the top things to do in Seminyak for those based in the W Retreat & Spa Bali Seminyak and other hotels in the area. Situated in Besakih Village the locale is deemed to be the holiest religious institution in Bali.
