10 Best Places to Get Hindu Spiritual Experiences in Bali
Pura is the name of the place of worship for the Hindu people.
With a predominantly Hindu population, it is not surprising that Bali is also known as a thousand Pura Island.
You can easily find this place of prayer in the corners of Bali.
Below are some beautiful Pura ( temples ) that are highly recommended for your visit.
1. Pura Ulun Danu
Pura Ulun Danu is the most frequent temple view and becomes an icon of Bali.
Even if you have never heard of the name, you must have seen the picture of Pura Ulun Danu on the back of paper money Rp50.000,00, behind the image of hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai.
True, Pura Ulun Danu is located in Bedugul, a highland area on the island of Bali.
With a view of a calm lake and a cool climate, this temple has a charm that is different from the others.
Ulun Danu Temple itself is a complex consisting of five temples and a Buddhist stupa. The temple we often see in the fifty thousand shards is Lingga Petak Temple.
Normally you can visit Ulun Danu Temple at 08.00-18.00 WITA with ticket price only Rp10.000,00 for domestic and Rp30.000,00 for mancangera.
But if the atmosphere is foggy, the manager will close faster. To arrive at this location from Kuta, it takes you about two hours.
2. Pura Besakih
Besakih Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Bali. This temple is a temple complex, located in Besakih Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency.
The complex consists of a central temple, namely Pura Penataran Agung Besakih, and 18 temples companion consisting of one Pura Basukian and 17 other temples. In general, Pura Besakih becomes the center of all temples in Bali.
Standing majestically at the foot of Mount Agung, the existence of Pura Besakih itself can not be separated from its association with this highest mountain in Bali.
Mount Agung is trusted by the community as a place to live the spirits of the ancestors and the messengers of Sang Hyang Widhi.
For this reason, the community established a sacred building right at the foot of Mount Agung as a place to worship the gods. This temple has been around since 1007 AD and recorded as UNESCO cultural heritage in 1995.
Make sure you dress modestly when visiting this shrine. Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter. This temple is open to the public every day at 09.00-17.00 WITA. Visitors are only charged Rp15.000,00 for admission and Rp2.000,00-Rp3.000,00 for parking.
3. Pura Gunung Kawi
Tourist attractions in Bali this one is an archaeological site that is protected and located in Gianyar regency.
What's interesting about this temple is the rocks made as the base material of the temple. If the temple is usually made using intact rocks, then not so with Pura Gunung Kawi. This temple is made of carvings on the wall of the Pakerisan River cliff.
This temple is a place of worship for the king of Bali named Anak Wungsu, son of King Udayana. In addition, Pura Gunung Kawi is also used as a spiritual and religious training center.
Hindu society also makes this place as a place of purification because in the south of the temple there is a meeting of the flow of the Moon River and Pakerisan River.
You can visit this Pura Gunung Kawi every day with tickets for Rp10.000,00. From Denpasar direction, look for route to Gianyar through Batubulan area. Follow the path until you find your way to Mas Village.
You can see a guide or ask the community around (or take advantage of GPS technology).
From Mas village, turn to meet the intersection of Bedulu Village, then turn left. Follow the road until approximately 5 km to find Pasar Tampaksiring.
About a hundred meters on the right path, you will arrive at Pura Gunung Kawi.
4. Pura Uluwatu
Located in Pecatu Village, the southern part of Bali, this temple is never empty of visitors. Uluwatu temple stands majestically at an altitude of 97 meters and presents stunning views.
The exoticism of the worship place on the cliff overlooking the expanse of the ocean off the Indian Ocean is too dear to miss.
Uluwatu temple is open from 09:00 to 19:00 WITA, but the best time to witness the perfection of the panorama is when the sun sets. The price of admission is not expensive.
Adult local tourists are charged Rp15.000,00 and foreign Rp20.000,00. For children, it costs half of adult ticketing fees (Rp7,500.00 for local and Rp10.000,00 for foreigners).
If you also want to enjoy the famous kecak dance show, you just pay Rp85.000,00 for two hours duration (from 17:00 to 19:00 WITA).
5. Pura Taman Ayun
One of the temple attraction in Mengwi is a large pond that surrounds the temple area. With a width of about 15-20 meters and a depth of 4 meters, this pond makes the temple as if floating on the water.
The scenery around this temple is very soothing eye, with a wide lawn and trees that surround the temple area.
The temple that became this tourist attraction is the inheritance of the Kingdom of Mengwi.
This temple was built by I Gusti Agung Ngurah Made Agung, king of Mengwi Kingdom. This area was once only established as a resting place of kings.
As you enter the temple complex, you will pass a small bridge over the lake and greeted by Candi Bentar as the main door of the temple courtyard.
Local tourists are charged only Rp10.000,00 and parking around Rp2.000,00 for motorcycles. You can visit Taman Ayun Temple every day at 08.00-18.00 WITA.
6. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
If you are in Ubud, do not miss to visit Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal. The location is in the southwest of Monkey Forest tourist area. This temple is functioned as a place of worship for Lord Shiva and is often known as "Temple of the Dead".
Entrance to the Monkey Forest area as well as this temple is Rp30.000,00. You can be content to take a walk and take photos or videos here from 08.00-18.00 WITA. But be careful of luggage, because there are so many monkeys in this area.
7. Pura Pulaki
Pura Pulaki is a sacred area located on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea.
The perfection of its panoramic view shines with the back of a steep rocky hill, which will only occasionally look green during the rainy season.
Entering the Temple area, you will be greeted with a blend of exotic nature and a very strong religious aura.
Not only the sea views are presented and the attraction of the Temple Pulaku, a small cluster of hills in the west of the form of headland was no less interesting.
The existence of wild monkeys living in the temple area is increasingly adding to the uniqueness of the atmosphere.
Overall, this temple looks firm, majestic, and authoritative.
This temple is easy to reach, especially if you depart from Gilimanuk.
The location is exactly on the edge of the highway Gilimanuk-Singaraja.
8. Pura Taman Saraswati
Ubud offers interesting sights and pity to miss.
Pura Taman Saraswati is a place of worship of Goddess Saraswati who is none other than Goddess of Knowledge.
What is interesting from Pura Tamansaraswatu in Ubud is the existence of a pond in the middle of the temple area filled with lotus flowers. In addition, almost in every detail of the temple building there is a distinctive carving of the artists of Ubud.
At this tourist spot you can also enjoy kecak dance performances.
Kecak dance is held on a stage surrounded by the lotus pond.
To be able to watch this Balinese dance art, you need to prepare money of Rp75.000,00 per person. But the show is not held every day, but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 pm.
Ubud area is very suitable if dilejajahi by walking or cycling.
From Monkey Forest tour, it takes about 20 minutes on foot to Taman Saraswati Temple via Jalan Bisma. After about 1.4 km, turn left onto Jalan Raya Ubud as far as 110 meters, then turn right to Jalan Kajeng.
Walk 90 meters and to the left of the road, Taman Saraswati Temple is waiting for you.
9. Pura Luhur Batukaru
Temple on the slopes of Mount Batukaru this one is used as a place to worship God as God Mega God.
Batukaru own name is most likely taken from the name of Mount Batukaru.
Apart from being a holy place to pray, Pura Luhur Batukaru is also opened as a public tourist spot from morning until afternoon with tickets Rp10.000,00.
Not a few foreign and domestic tourists who visit Pura Luhur Batukaru.
This place offers a calm, peaceful atmosphere, and the coolness and freshness of the mountain air around the temple. There are no souvenir shops, art shops, stalls, and the like here.
Batukaru Temple is located in District Penebel, Tabanan regency. From the tourist attraction, follow the road to Jalan Pantai Kedungu.
After that, take the direction to Jalan Kalanganyar Sudimara to Jalan Rajawali, Tabanan. Follow the road to Jalan Batukaru, continue with Jalan Batukaru Cepag in Jegu and Penatahan Road. From there, your destination is only 10 km away.
10. Pura Tirta Empul
The attraction of Pura Tirta Empul is a bath that is considered sacred to Hindus. The rectangular pool with 30 showers lined up from east to west is what attracts many tourists.
You may enter the pool and purify yourself here, but on condition that you have to wear kamen. Kamen is the designation for a cloth tied at the waist.
This temple is open every day from 08.00-17.00 WITA. Visitors are charged Rp15.000,00 for adults and Rp7,500.00 for children.
In addition to the pool with a spring that is considered sacred, the other attraction of this temple is the existence of Tampak Siring Palace which is none other than the palace of the President of Indonesia.
This temple is located in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar Regency. The journey from Denpasar to this location takes approximately one hour.
You do not need to be afraid of getting lost because there are many signposts leading you to it.
With a predominantly Hindu population, it is not surprising that Bali is also known as a thousand Pura Island.
You can easily find this place of prayer in the corners of Bali.
Below are some beautiful Pura ( temples ) that are highly recommended for your visit.
1. Pura Ulun Danu
 |
| via @aran_insun_ndink |
Pura Ulun Danu is the most frequent temple view and becomes an icon of Bali.
Even if you have never heard of the name, you must have seen the picture of Pura Ulun Danu on the back of paper money Rp50.000,00, behind the image of hero I Gusti Ngurah Rai.
True, Pura Ulun Danu is located in Bedugul, a highland area on the island of Bali.
With a view of a calm lake and a cool climate, this temple has a charm that is different from the others.
Ulun Danu Temple itself is a complex consisting of five temples and a Buddhist stupa. The temple we often see in the fifty thousand shards is Lingga Petak Temple.
Normally you can visit Ulun Danu Temple at 08.00-18.00 WITA with ticket price only Rp10.000,00 for domestic and Rp30.000,00 for mancangera.
But if the atmosphere is foggy, the manager will close faster. To arrive at this location from Kuta, it takes you about two hours.
2. Pura Besakih
 |
| Pura Besakih via @infobuswisata |
Besakih Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Bali. This temple is a temple complex, located in Besakih Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency.
The complex consists of a central temple, namely Pura Penataran Agung Besakih, and 18 temples companion consisting of one Pura Basukian and 17 other temples. In general, Pura Besakih becomes the center of all temples in Bali.
Standing majestically at the foot of Mount Agung, the existence of Pura Besakih itself can not be separated from its association with this highest mountain in Bali.
Mount Agung is trusted by the community as a place to live the spirits of the ancestors and the messengers of Sang Hyang Widhi.
For this reason, the community established a sacred building right at the foot of Mount Agung as a place to worship the gods. This temple has been around since 1007 AD and recorded as UNESCO cultural heritage in 1995.
Make sure you dress modestly when visiting this shrine. Women who are menstruating are not allowed to enter. This temple is open to the public every day at 09.00-17.00 WITA. Visitors are only charged Rp15.000,00 for admission and Rp2.000,00-Rp3.000,00 for parking.
3. Pura Gunung Kawi
 |
| Pura Gunung Kawi | @infobuswisata |
Tourist attractions in Bali this one is an archaeological site that is protected and located in Gianyar regency.
What's interesting about this temple is the rocks made as the base material of the temple. If the temple is usually made using intact rocks, then not so with Pura Gunung Kawi. This temple is made of carvings on the wall of the Pakerisan River cliff.
This temple is a place of worship for the king of Bali named Anak Wungsu, son of King Udayana. In addition, Pura Gunung Kawi is also used as a spiritual and religious training center.
Hindu society also makes this place as a place of purification because in the south of the temple there is a meeting of the flow of the Moon River and Pakerisan River.
You can visit this Pura Gunung Kawi every day with tickets for Rp10.000,00. From Denpasar direction, look for route to Gianyar through Batubulan area. Follow the path until you find your way to Mas Village.
You can see a guide or ask the community around (or take advantage of GPS technology).
From Mas village, turn to meet the intersection of Bedulu Village, then turn left. Follow the road until approximately 5 km to find Pasar Tampaksiring.
About a hundred meters on the right path, you will arrive at Pura Gunung Kawi.
4. Pura Uluwatu
 |
| Pura Uluwatu | @aran_insun_ndink |
Located in Pecatu Village, the southern part of Bali, this temple is never empty of visitors. Uluwatu temple stands majestically at an altitude of 97 meters and presents stunning views.
The exoticism of the worship place on the cliff overlooking the expanse of the ocean off the Indian Ocean is too dear to miss.
Uluwatu temple is open from 09:00 to 19:00 WITA, but the best time to witness the perfection of the panorama is when the sun sets. The price of admission is not expensive.
Adult local tourists are charged Rp15.000,00 and foreign Rp20.000,00. For children, it costs half of adult ticketing fees (Rp7,500.00 for local and Rp10.000,00 for foreigners).
If you also want to enjoy the famous kecak dance show, you just pay Rp85.000,00 for two hours duration (from 17:00 to 19:00 WITA).
5. Pura Taman Ayun
One of the temple attraction in Mengwi is a large pond that surrounds the temple area. With a width of about 15-20 meters and a depth of 4 meters, this pond makes the temple as if floating on the water.
The scenery around this temple is very soothing eye, with a wide lawn and trees that surround the temple area.
The temple that became this tourist attraction is the inheritance of the Kingdom of Mengwi.
This temple was built by I Gusti Agung Ngurah Made Agung, king of Mengwi Kingdom. This area was once only established as a resting place of kings.
As you enter the temple complex, you will pass a small bridge over the lake and greeted by Candi Bentar as the main door of the temple courtyard.
Local tourists are charged only Rp10.000,00 and parking around Rp2.000,00 for motorcycles. You can visit Taman Ayun Temple every day at 08.00-18.00 WITA.
6. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal
If you are in Ubud, do not miss to visit Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal. The location is in the southwest of Monkey Forest tourist area. This temple is functioned as a place of worship for Lord Shiva and is often known as "Temple of the Dead".
Entrance to the Monkey Forest area as well as this temple is Rp30.000,00. You can be content to take a walk and take photos or videos here from 08.00-18.00 WITA. But be careful of luggage, because there are so many monkeys in this area.
7. Pura Pulaki
Pura Pulaki is a sacred area located on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea.
The perfection of its panoramic view shines with the back of a steep rocky hill, which will only occasionally look green during the rainy season.
Entering the Temple area, you will be greeted with a blend of exotic nature and a very strong religious aura.
Not only the sea views are presented and the attraction of the Temple Pulaku, a small cluster of hills in the west of the form of headland was no less interesting.
The existence of wild monkeys living in the temple area is increasingly adding to the uniqueness of the atmosphere.
Overall, this temple looks firm, majestic, and authoritative.
This temple is easy to reach, especially if you depart from Gilimanuk.
The location is exactly on the edge of the highway Gilimanuk-Singaraja.
8. Pura Taman Saraswati
Ubud offers interesting sights and pity to miss.
Pura Taman Saraswati is a place of worship of Goddess Saraswati who is none other than Goddess of Knowledge.
What is interesting from Pura Tamansaraswatu in Ubud is the existence of a pond in the middle of the temple area filled with lotus flowers. In addition, almost in every detail of the temple building there is a distinctive carving of the artists of Ubud.
At this tourist spot you can also enjoy kecak dance performances.
Kecak dance is held on a stage surrounded by the lotus pond.
To be able to watch this Balinese dance art, you need to prepare money of Rp75.000,00 per person. But the show is not held every day, but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 pm.
Ubud area is very suitable if dilejajahi by walking or cycling.
From Monkey Forest tour, it takes about 20 minutes on foot to Taman Saraswati Temple via Jalan Bisma. After about 1.4 km, turn left onto Jalan Raya Ubud as far as 110 meters, then turn right to Jalan Kajeng.
Walk 90 meters and to the left of the road, Taman Saraswati Temple is waiting for you.
9. Pura Luhur Batukaru
Temple on the slopes of Mount Batukaru this one is used as a place to worship God as God Mega God.
Batukaru own name is most likely taken from the name of Mount Batukaru.
Apart from being a holy place to pray, Pura Luhur Batukaru is also opened as a public tourist spot from morning until afternoon with tickets Rp10.000,00.
Not a few foreign and domestic tourists who visit Pura Luhur Batukaru.
This place offers a calm, peaceful atmosphere, and the coolness and freshness of the mountain air around the temple. There are no souvenir shops, art shops, stalls, and the like here.
Batukaru Temple is located in District Penebel, Tabanan regency. From the tourist attraction, follow the road to Jalan Pantai Kedungu.
After that, take the direction to Jalan Kalanganyar Sudimara to Jalan Rajawali, Tabanan. Follow the road to Jalan Batukaru, continue with Jalan Batukaru Cepag in Jegu and Penatahan Road. From there, your destination is only 10 km away.
10. Pura Tirta Empul
The attraction of Pura Tirta Empul is a bath that is considered sacred to Hindus. The rectangular pool with 30 showers lined up from east to west is what attracts many tourists.
You may enter the pool and purify yourself here, but on condition that you have to wear kamen. Kamen is the designation for a cloth tied at the waist.
This temple is open every day from 08.00-17.00 WITA. Visitors are charged Rp15.000,00 for adults and Rp7,500.00 for children.
In addition to the pool with a spring that is considered sacred, the other attraction of this temple is the existence of Tampak Siring Palace which is none other than the palace of the President of Indonesia.
This temple is located in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar Regency. The journey from Denpasar to this location takes approximately one hour.
You do not need to be afraid of getting lost because there are many signposts leading you to it.