Balinese Hinduism & Temples
Last updated on : November 4, 2025
Balinese Hinduism and Tri Hita Karana
In Bali, Hinduism is lived every day. The island is often called “The Island of 10,000 Temples” because of the omnipresence of its places of worship. But more than a religion, it is a philosophy of life, deeply woven into the fabric of Balinese culture.
Balinese Hinduism differs from that of India through its unique perspective, based on the principle of Tri Hita Karana, meaning “the three causes of well-being.” This wisdom rests upon three essential pillars:
- Parahyangan: harmony with the Gods (rituals, offerings, temples);
- Pawongan: harmony among people (cooperation, strong family ties, ceremonies);
- Palemahan: harmony with nature (subak irrigating systems for rice fields, respect for the environment).
In Bali, temples, rituals, offerings, and celebrations all reflect this constant quest for balance. Each prayer, each smile, and each gesture of respect towards the Earth becomes a form of devotion – a simple, gentle spirituality rooted in the beauty of life itself.
Despite these differences, Balinese Hinduism still honnors the same divine trinity as in India: Brahma the creator; Vishnu the protector; and Shiva the destroyer.
In the same spirit, every Balinese village in Bali has at least three main temples:
- Pura Puseh, dedicated to Brahma, usually located toward Mount Agung (the holiest of volcanoes);
- Pura Desa, dedicated to Vishnu, at the heart of the village;
- Pura Dalem, a sanctuary of the dead and demons, dedicated to Shiva, often built near the cemetery and/or facing the sea.
Balinese Temple Architecture
The temples of Bali are built according to a precise symbolic organization. Each temple is divided into three successive courtyards, separated by ornately decorated gateways:
- Nista Mandala, the outer courtyard: a welcoming and transitional space between the secular and the sacred worlds. Markets or processions are sometimes held here before ceremonies begin. This is also where the Bale Kulkul (the sacred drum tower) stands – a suspended wooden drum used to call worshippers and mark important moments in temple life;
- Madya Mandala, the middle courtyard: dedicated to ritual activities and the preparation of offerings, this is a lively, animated space where devotees gather before ceremonies;
- Utama Mandala, the inner courtyard: the sacred heart of the temple, reserved for priests and the main ceremonies. Here stand the altars and merus, the elegant multi-roofed towers symbolizing the sacred mountains where the gods reside.
This three-tiered structure represents not only humanity’s spiritual ascent toward the divine, but also the balance between the worlds of humans, spirits, and gods.
Although certain architectural elements are repeated from one temple to another, each has its own identity, atmosphere, and energy. It’s this diversity that makes every visit unique, and for me, deeply inspiring.
Offerings (Canang Sari)
During a stay in Bali, it’s impossible not to notice the small woven baskets filled with colorful flower petals and accompanied by the gentle scent of incense. Called “Canang Sari,” these offerings embody the soul of Bali. Symbols of daily gratitude, they reflect the harmony that the Balinese nurture with the divine, with nature, and with life itself.
Made every morning by Balinese women, these offerings are placed daily, often several times a day, in front of their homes, on altars, in temples, in shops, on sidewalks, and even on car windshields. They are set high to honor the gods, and on the ground to appease wandering spirits. Be careful not to stepping on them, as this would be perceived as disrespectful.
Each Canang Sari is a silent prayer: a thank you, a wish, or simply an expresion of love for life.
Crafted from woven coconut leaves, each basket combines colorful flowers and petals (each color symbolizing a different deity), along with rice grains, incense sticks, and other sacred elements. Togheter, they represent a delicate balance between the forces of the universe – perfectly echoing the Tri Hita Karana philosophy.
By their ephemeral nature—they fade, scatter, and are sometimes carried away by the wind or trampled by passersby. Yet, in their fragility lies their true beauty, and a profound lesson in impermanence and letting go. Tomorrow, a new offering will take its place. Nothing is lost, everything is renewed.
This humble ritual, repeated day after day, reminds me that gratitude is a prayer in motion. I was deeply touched by this simple and joyful faith, where each offering becomes a way of saying thank you to life. From now on, the scent of incense will forever bring me back to that inner peace and this silent gratitude for life itself.
Balinese Prayer
Prayer is an integral part of daily life in Bali. Each prayer is an act of offering, gratitude, and connection to the divine. It involves flowers, incense, and food offerigs to the gods, as well as symbolic gestures, purifications with water, and prayers recited in Sanskrit or ancient Balinese.
Although the ritual may vary slightly depending on the temple or the worshipper’s intention, the Balinese prayer generally follows a beautiful structure sequence:
- Purification: hands are clasped and passed through the smoke of incense, purifying the self and inviting the presence of the gods;
- Connection with the Divine: the hands then raised – first toward the ground (to honor creatures and the body), then to the heart (to honor human beings and the spirit), and finally above the head (to purify the soul);
- Homage to the gods: with flowers held between the palm, the hands are lifted toward the sky, then to the heart, and finally toward the ground – honoring the different aspects of the universe and the divine;
- Blessing: Holy water, often drawn from sacred springs, is sprinkled over the devotees, symbolizing purity and the blessing of the gods. Some also drink it as a sign of inner purification;
- Rice grains: a few grains of wet rice are gently placed on the forehead, and sometimes at the throat or behind the ears, as a symbol of blessing and divine protection.
Attending a Balinese prayer is to witness the beauty of the sacred expressed through simplicity. Nothing is left to chance: every gesture, every flower, every wisp of incense reflects the profound faith of the Balinese and their timeless quest for harmony.
🙏 What an honor it was for me to take part in these prayers during my temple visits. Each time, I felt that unique inner peace that arises when you connect with something greater than yourself.
Blessing Ritual
During our temple visits, I was fortunate enough, on several occasions, to receive a blessing from a Balinese priest, in exchange for a small monetary offering. This simple yet deeply symbolic ritual is meant to bring protection, balance, and spiritual harmony.
The priest first sprinkles a few drops of sacred water, then places a few grains of blessed rice on the forehead and crown of the head, before tying a Tridatu bracelet around the wrist. Braided in three colors – white for Shiva, red for Brahma, and black for Vishnu – this bracelet symbolizes the balance between the forces of creation, preservation, and transformation.
Wearing the Tridatu is said to be a sign of faith and a sacred talisman, offering protection from negative energies while fostering inner peace.
For me, each blessing was a moment of humility and deep gratitude. As I write these lines, seven months have passed, and I still wear my bracelets with immense appreciation for the light and protection they continue to bring me.
Melukat Purification Ceremony
Melukat is not just a “trendy” practice, but an ancestral Balinese Hindu purification ritual meant to cleanse the soul of its impurities and protect one’s being from negative energies. Passed down from generation to generation, it is regarded as a powerful form of spiritual renewal.
The ritual is usually performed in specific locations: temples, sacred baths, mountain springs, and sometimes even in the sea, under the gentle guidance of a Balinese priest (pemangku).
Once there, offerings and incense are first presented to honor the gods. Then, guided by the priest, participants are invited to release invisible burdens and emotional or karmic traces, whether from this life or past lives. Finally, the priest gives holy water to drink and sprinkles it several times over the head and body, purifying the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of the self.
No matter whether you consider yourself religious, spiritual, or atheist: melukat is open to everyone – as long as you come with respect and an open mind.
In Balinese tradition, melukat aims to neutralize the klesa, the mental and emotional states that disturb the soul:
- Avidya: ignorance or lack of inner clarity;
- Asmita: selfishness;
- Raga: desires and attachment;
- Dvesha: aversion, hatred, anger, and rejection
- Abhinivesha: fear of death, the resulting over-attachment to life, and anxiety.
When these energies take over, we drift away from our inner thruth. Melukat helps dissolve these veils so that clarity, kindness, and peace can return.
Here are some locations in the Ubud area, commonly recommended for the melukat ritual:
- Tirta Empul: the most famous and visited site (you can book your ritual here);
- Gunung Kawi Sebatu: a quieter and less touristy alternative;
- Pura Mengening (our choice): a more intimate experience in a deeply serene setting (you can book your ritual here).
The ritual can also be performed in other sacred springs, especially where rivers meet or in the mountains.
For our part, we chose Pura Mengening, and I am deeply satisfied with that choice. The place is peaceful, in a natural and beautiful setting. The ritual was explained to us with great respect by our guide, who also took care to explain each step and adapt some to make us feel comfortable – like drinking the spring water.
During and after the purification – which I entered with the intention of releasing emotional wounds – I felt a profound inner peace. My mind was clearer and calmer. And, months later, I can still feel the gentle echoes of that release.
I truly recommend this ceremony if the intention is sincere. Go with a humble, open heart, and with respect for the place and the culture.
If it’s only for a picture, this probably isn’t the right experience. But if you feel an inner calling… then let yourself be carried.
Things to Know Before Visiting a Temple
It’s important to remember that Balinese temples are not just tourist attractions – they are living places of worship, deeply sacred to the Balinese people. As such, visitors are expected to observe a few simple rules out of respect:
- Dress respectfully: a Sarong (a piece of fabric wrapped around the waist) is required to cover the legs below the knees (for both men and women). Sarongs are often provided at the entrance, either free of charge or for a small rental fee. It’s also customary to ensure that shoulders are covered.
- Be quiet and respectful: Silence is especially important during ceremonies and prayers. It’s perfectly fine to speak softly with your guide to better understand the rituals, but avoid loud conversation, so as not to disturb the devotees.
- Respect local customs: Women on their menstrual period are asked not to enter temple grounds. Although there are no strict checks or enforcement, it remains a matter of respect toward Balinese tradition and spirituality.
My Temple Visits in Bali
Generally speaking, village temples are rarely open to tourists unless the localsgrant permission. However, the larger, majestic and iconic temples are accessible to tourists, for a small entrance fee – and those were the ones that quicly made their way onto my must-see list!
My guide was actually surprised to see so many temples on my list, as travelers are generally happy to visit only three or four. Personally, I think I even had to remove a few from my first draft! But the again… wasn’t I on the Island of the Gods?
In total, we visited 13 temples (and one monastery*), each carrying its own distinct vibration. Discovering them was an unforgettable experience, etched in my memory like a sacred souvenir I’ll cherish forever.
Although each temple touched me in its own way, a few stood out more deeply. Here are my five favorites:
- Pura Mengening: for the beauty of the place and the power of the Melukat purification ritual, an unforgettable spiritual experience;
- Pura Taman Ayun: the first major temple I visited – I’ll always remember the feeling of deep peace that filled me as I gazed at its indescribably graceful architecture;
- Goa Gajah: for its extraordinarily lush gardens;
- Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu: the temple gardens, composed of pools, ponds, and fountains, are truly breathtaking;
- Brahma Vihara Arama: the serene atmosphere of this Buddhist monastery, different from Hindu temples, and its majestic hilltop view – it felt like the standing at the gateway to heaven.
And a special mention for Pura Kehen: for the energy that emanates from here and what it made me feel.
So, to help you form your own impression, here’s an overview of each temple we visited – presented in alphabetical order, so you can explore them at your own pace.
Goa Gajah
Located west of the village of Bedulu, just a few minutes from Ubud, Goa Gajah Temple, also known as “Elephant Cave”, is one of Bali’s oldest and most mysterious sanctuaries. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, it fascinates visitors with its spiritual atmosphere and its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences.
Goa Gajah is best known for its famous cave, whose entrance is guarded by a demon head carved into the rock. According to locals, this intimidating figure, known as “Boma”, isn’t meant to frighten worshippers, but rather to ward off evil spirits from entering the site.
Inside, the cave is narrow and T-shaped:
- On the left stands a statue of Ganesh, the deity of wisdom, success, education, intelligence, and prudence;
- On the right, a small altar displays phallic stones (lingams), representing Shiva, symbols creative power and fertility.
Outside the cave, you’ll find pools and fountains, including the Patirtaan pool, where six statues of women hold water jars symbolizing purification.
But for me, the true charm of Goa Gajah lies in its calm and picturesque surroundings, enhanced by a lush tropical vegetation, stone pathways, and a small waterfall. Strolling through this sacred site walking inside aliving prayer – both a peaceful and vibrant at once.
It was here, beneath the great sacred tree, that I received my first blessing from a Balinese priest – along with my first Tridatu bracelet. I don’t have words to describe what I felt in that moment, but it touched me deeply.
🕒 The Goa Gajah site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee is IDR 50,000 per person. There is on-site parking at a cost of IDR 5,000 for a car or IDR 2,000 for a scooter. It took us about 30-45 minutes to visit.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
Located on the island of Nusa Penida, the Goa Giri Putri temple is hidden inside a vast cave, accessible through an astonishingly narrow opening in the rock. You literally have to slide inside sideways, as if crossing a treshold into another world. Even its name reflects this perfectly: Goa Giri Putri means “cave in the hill dedicated to the goddess Shiva.“
Before entering, a short purification ritual is performed by a Balinese priest. In our case, the priest even had to show us the entrance – it’s so discreet that we would never have guessed it was there!
Once we squeezed our way through, the immensity of the cave revealed itself. The atmosphere was both mystical and vibrant: temples, statues, and altars emerged one after another in the dim light, creating a sense of wonder and reverence.
We followed a path that led us to deep into the cave, where a priest offered us a blessing with rice and a Tridatu bracelet. It was my last blessing of the trip.
Afterwards, we retraced our steps to exit through the same narrow opening. It’s worth noting that the inside of the cave is hot and humid, yet despite the discomfort, this place is absolutely worth the detour simply to feel its unique energy, both powerful and soothing at once.
🕒 The Goa Giri Putri site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 for adults, a mandatory donation. Sarongs are required: we rented ours in the parking lot for IDR 10,000 each. The visit took us about 30-45 minutes.
Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring
To reach the temple of Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, you have to walk down a long staircase that winds through the rice fields. The walk itself is part of the experience: you gradually leave behind the noise, the road, the rhythm… to enter something calmer, more ancient.
At the bottom, the site opens onto a striking landscape: high carved stone cliffs, massive and impressive. These are candi, funerary sanctuaries dating back to the 11th century, carved directly into the rock. They are believed to be dedicated to King Anak Wungsu and members of his royal family. When you take the time to really look, you can feel the work, the patience and the devotion that this must have required. It is impressive. It commands respect.
The temple itself follows the traditional Balinese structure that you’ll see in many temples across the island, but what truly makes this place unique are the carved rock walls and the atmosphere of the site. You can even enter a small meditation chamber carved into the stone. Here, shoes are removed before entering: it’s a sign of respect, both for the place and for the intention of the space. In Bali, this is something very natural and present everywhere, even in villas.
During our visit, it was raining, and despite the rain, there was something soft and enveloping about the experience. However, this is not the temple I would recommend first if you only have a limited amount of time around Ubud. It is an interesting site to visit if you are already in the area, but if you have to make choices, I would personally prioritize Gunung Kawi Sebatu or Pura Mengening, which in my opinion offer an even gentler, more vibrant and contemplative atmosphere.
🕒 The Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 75,000 per person. Sarongs are required: ours were provided by our guide The visit took us about 30-45 minutes.
Pura Agung Besakih
Pura Agung Besakih is Bali’s Mother Temple: the largest Hindu temple complex on the island, built on the slopes of Mount Agung. We’re talking about dozens of temples connected to one another, monumental gates, symbolic stairways, flags, offerings… It is a place that, in theory, carries immense spiritual power.
Before going, our guide, Made, had already mentioned that Besakih was a more touristy site than most of the temples we had visited. So I was expecting less intimacy and a more “organized” atmosphere. And that was fine with me: this is the Mother Temple. I wanted to see it, to feel what it represents in Balinese tradition.
But even though we were prepared for a more touristy visit, the experience was still disappointing for us.
Upon arrival, we paid the entrance fee, and we were assigned a local site guide – because it is mandatory to visit with a local guide here, even if you are already traveling with an independent guide.
At first, everything seemed to be going smoothly… and then the rain started. Instead of continuing gently under the rain (which didn’t bother us at all), the guide refused to continue, because he didn’t have a poncho. We ended up waiting about thirty minutes under a shelter, without explanation and without much attention to our experience. The visit could have begun in presence and calm, but instead, we were already in waiting and constraint.
He then offered us a quick purification in one of the temples. On paper, it sounds beautiful. In reality, everything happened very quickly, almost without any explanation of the meaning behind the ritual. We were even pressured to drink the holy water, which we were not comfortable with. The energy felt more commercial than sacred, and I felt that very strongly.
The rest of the visit was done at a fast pace, as if the goal was simply to finish quickly to move on to the next group. And at the end, when it was time to give a tip, there was insistence and guilt-tripping, which really ended the experience on a heavy note.
Is the site beautiful? Yes, absolutely. The architecture, the symbolism, the mountain in the background… it’s all there.
But the experience, as we lived it, lacked presence, respect for rhythm, and meaning.
Would I recommend Besakih? Personally, not as a priority. I believe there are warmer, calmer temples, where you can experience something real and felt – even if they are smaller and less spectacular on paper.
For me, Besakih ended up being a missed encounter. And I think it’s okay to say that.
🕒 The Pura Agung Besakih complex is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is 150,000 IDR per person, and includes the required sarong, a local guide, and transportation up to the temple area. We spent about 90 minutes visiting, although we waited around 30 minutes for the rain to stop.
Pura Goa Lawah
Pura Goa Lawah means “the Temple of the Bat Cave.” It is one of the oldest temples in Bali, and is part of the Six Sacred Directional Temples (Sad Kahyangan) that are believed to spiritually protect the island.
The cave is symbolically and energetically connected to Mount Agung, the sacred mountain of Bali.
Pura Goa Lawah was a temple that intrigued me even before I arrived in Bali. I had seen a few photos and mentions here and there, and the idea of a temple built around a cave inhabited by bats fascinated me. There was something mysterious and unique about it that called to me.
At the entrance, we put on the sarong, covered our shoulders, and stepped into a temple made of black volcanic stone, with a natural presence – almost solemn. The architecture is beautiful: simple, traditional, but with the delicate carved details that give Balinese temples their elegance.
What struck me here as well was the care given to the courtyards and the vegetation. The greenery was a deep, dense, almost velvety green. The plants, the layout, the cleanliness — everything felt harmonious.
You can feel that this place is alive, respected, lived in.
Then, as you walk toward the second courtyard, the cave appears. And this is where the experience shifts.
First, the sound – a continuous, vibrating hum, almost surprising. Then, the movement – hundreds, perhaps thousands of bats, hanging from the stone or circling near the entrance of the cave.
I had never seen so many bats together. I had seen them individually while traveling – for example in Mexico – but here, the energy of the group, of the colony, is something different. It is alive, powerful, a bit wild, and yet the place remains calm. There is nothing threatening about it. It is simply life, in its raw and natural form.
This balance is what stayed with me – the mystery, the nature, the ancient presence, and the sacred, coexisting effortlessly.
A small, very “Bali” moment
Before even entering the temple, we had one of those scenes that, to me, are simply part of the journey.
At the entrance of the parking area, several women approached us to offer items for sale: bracelets, fans, necklaces… They were very warm and smiling, but also quite insistent, I must admit.
At one point, one of them actually placed a necklace around my neck, telling me it was a gift – and of course, then hoped I would buy something else. It was a little disorienting, but also endearing. In the end, I bought a small fan from one of them – and I still use it when traveling in the heat (it was very useful in Greece!). It made us smile, and it became a travel memory that stays.
My husband was also gently “chased down” later by one of the sellers and ended up leaving with a bracelet. Everything is negotiable, the tone remains gentle, and when we stay open and relaxed, it becomes a light and human moment in the trip.
🕒 The Pura Goa Lawah site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 25,000 per person. Sarongs are required: ours were provided by our guide The visit took us about 20-30 minutes.
Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu
Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a temple dedicated to the god Vishnu, associated with water and protection. It is built around natural sacred springs, in a lush environment in the heart of the jungle. It should not be confused with Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, located not far from here, which is known for its large funerary sanctuaries carved into the rock.
Here, the emphasis is on purification, inner peace, and contemplation. It is still a temple mainly frequented by Balinese people, which gives it a more intimate and less touristy atmosphere than, for example, Tirta Empul.
Gunung Kawi Sebatu was one of my greatest favorites in Bali. This temple is not one of the biggest or the most imposing, and yet, it carries something deeply peaceful, gentle, and restorative.
The temple is surrounded by lush gardens, clear-water ponds, water lilies, fish gliding quietly, small fountains, and dense, living vegetation that seems to embrace the site. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down. You breathe. You listen. You look. You feel yourself arrive.
The traditional Balinese architecture is beautiful, but what truly stands out is the calm. There were very few tourists when we were there, which really allowed us to enter the place, to feel it, to walk slowly, to take our time – without pressure, without movement happening all around.
We also observed a purification pool (Melukat). Here, it was mainly Balinese people performing their rituals – not groups of tourists. I found it very beautiful, intimate, and deeply respectful.
The pool is smaller than the one at Tirta Empul, more discreet, and the energy there is more collected, inward, quiet.
This is a place I 100% recommend, especially if you are looking for a calm, real experience, without crowds – where you can feel the sacred rather than simply observe it.
And if you are already in this area, it is definitely a temple not to be missed.
🕒 The Gunung Kawi Sebatu site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 per person. Sarongs are required: ours were provided by our guide. The visit took us about 30 minutes.
Pura Kehen
Pura Kehen is considered one of the oldest temples in Bali, dedicated to Hyang Api, the divinity of sacred fire. It dates back to at least the 11th century, and it was once the state temple of the Kingdom of Bangli.
Pura Kehen moved me deeply. It is a temple I found full of soul, presence, and memory. It is not very frequented by tourists, and perhaps that is what makes it feel even more special. Here, everything seems to exist outside of time, as if the stones themselves carried something to share.
As you arrive from the street, you discover a large stairway that leads up to a monumental gate. Right away, the atmosphere sets in: ancient, sacred, noble. Crossing this gate feels like entering a protected space, honored and respected for generations.
The temple is very old – you can feel it. The stones, the carvings, the structures have that beauty that comes with time: not new, but alive. For me, it is one of those places where you naturally feel the need to be gentle, slow, and respectful.
What particularly struck me was the immense sacred tree (a banyan) that dominates one of the temple courtyards. High up, nestled in its branches, is a wooden tower called a kulkul – a traditional temple drum used to call ceremonies. The kulkul hangs above, and to reach it, Balinese temple caretakers climb a small ladder directly against the tree trunk. It is simple, ancient, and deeply symbolic: the voice of the temple rises from the tree.
Every part of this temple seems to be made with intention. The sculptures, the small altars, the ponds, the stones – everything is delicate, precise, meaningful. And above all: the calm.
When we were there, there were very few visitors. We walked, we observed, we breathed – at our own pace. No pressure, no movement, no loud voices. Just the presence of the place.
This is not a temple that seeks to impress through size, but through depth. For me, it is a huge favorite, a place I recommend without hesitation, especially for those who want to feel ancient, authentic, spiritual Bali.
🕒 The Pura Kehen site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 50,000 per person. Sarongs are required and laoned on site. The visit took us about 30 minutes.
Pura Mengening
Its name literally means “to cleanse the mind.” Pura Mengening is often considered more intimate and authentic than Tirta Empul, even though both temples are part of the same sacred water region.
This is where I experienced my melukat purification ritual. I won’t go into the full details here, since I describe the ceremony earlier in this article, but this place held deep meaning for me.
The approach to the temple is already an experience: a long staircase leading down into nature. And then, the greenery. A deep, lush, vibrant green. Pools with fish, tall trees, moss-covered stone. You feel that this is a place that is old, alive, breathing.
Even in the rain – our memorable rainy morning – everything felt soft and peaceful, as if nature itself were involved.
On site, you pay for the ritual and are given access to a locker and small changing rooms. You wear a specific sarong for the purification – tied differently for men and women. Note: you have to bring a swimsuit to wear under the sarong.
Before entering the water, we were guided through a prayer, both in words and gestures. Then came the tridatu bracelet – the sacred red, black and white thread, symbolizing protection, balance, and grounding.
And then, the ritual in the water. Inner silence. Presence.
This place did something good for me. Not only because of the ritual itself, but because the temple carries an energy of peace, simplicity, and truth.
Compared to Tirta Empul (which we visited later), Pura Mengening felt more intimate, more natural, more aligned with what I was seeking. It is a place to feel, not just to see.
I recommend it wholeheartedly, especially to those looking for a gentle, conscious, inner experience.
🕒 The Pura Mengening site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 30,000 per person. The Melukat ritual fee is IDR 25,000 per person. Sarongs are required and laoned on site. The visit took us about 60 minutes, inclued time of the ritual.
Pura Pusering Jagat, Bedulu
Pura Pusering Jagat means “the center (or the navel) of the world.” It is one of the primary temples in the Balinese religious system, linked to the origin of life and the balance of the world.
It is a village temple (Pura Puseh) located in the heart of Bedulu, near Goa Gajah. It is closely tied to ancient Balinese kingdoms and to creation mythology.
I discovered Pura Pusering Jagat somewhat by chance, simply by reading comments and impressions online before my trip. People often talk about the major temples, but this one drew me in for a reason I can only describe as an inner call. I’m very grateful I kept it on my list.
On the morning we visited, my guide thought we might not be able to enter because preparations were underway for a ceremony. But in the end, we were able to go in – and it felt like a real gift.
The temple was in the process of dressing itself for the celebration to come. Yellow parasols, fabrics, decorations, offerings already set in place… We could hear gamelan music, voices, the gentle movement of people arriving. Balinese families came to place their offering baskets, naturally, as part of their daily life.
What I felt here was the life of the temple, not the visit. The community soul. The living, breathing aspect of Balinese spirituality.
We were not alone, but we were not just observers either. We were simply there – present, witnessing something real, soft, and deeply authentic.
This was the only temple where we were able to see the preparation for a ceremony in progress.
And that was magical. It made me want to sit down, stay, participate, and be part of the rhythm of the village – even just for a moment.
I am deeply grateful to have lived that moment, in its simplicity and sincerity.
🕒 There was no fixed entrance fee; it was offered in the form of a donation (we gave 25,000 IDR per person, as recommended by our guide). Sarongs are required: ours were provided by our guide. The visit took us about 20-30 minutes.
Pura Taman Ayun
Pura Taman Ayun is a royal temple, once belonging to the kingdom of Mengwi. Its name means “the beautiful garden”, and that is exactly the impression it gives as soon as you step in.
This was our first temple in Bali. The first we visited with our guide. And the moment we crossed the threshold, I felt something settle – as if we were finally entering the true essence of Bali.
The outer courtyard is wide and open, surrounded by carefully tended gardens. Tree-lined paths, flowering greenery, reflective ponds, and gentle fountains – everything feels calm, balanced, and intentionally harmonious. It is a place that breathes quiet beauty and thoughtful care.
As we moved further inward, we began to see the meru, the sacred pagoda-like towers with their layered, thatched roofs. They rise in tiers, up to eleven levels for the most sacred ones – creating a sense of spiritual ascent, visible to the eye as well as in the body.
The ceremonial courtyard is located on a central island, surrounded by a wide moat. Visitors cannot enter this inner space – it is reserved for Balinese people who come to pray and for ceremonial rituals. But by walking around the island, it is possible to observe the heart of the temple from different angles – quietly, respectfully, and without interrupting the life of the place.
That day, we saw a priest blessing the faithful. The gestures were slow, precise, deliberate. It was a quiet, powerful moment – a pause in time, held in stillness. As a first temple experience, it felt gentle, profound, and exactly right.
One of the unique aspects of Taman Ayun is its connection to the Subak irrigation system, the ancient community-based water system now recognized by UNESCO. Here, water circulates, nourishes, and connects. It symbolizes the balance between people, land, and the divine.
At the exit, there is a small exhibition pavilion where traditional ceremonial costumes can be seen.
But what stays in memory are the gardens, the light, and the silhouette of the meru rising into the sky.
🕒 The Pura Taman Ayun site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 30,000 per person. Sarongs are required: ours were provided by our guide. The visit took us about 30-45 minutes.
Pura Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot means “land in the sea.” It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Dewa Baruna, the god of the ocean. Built in the 16th century by the priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, it is one of the Six Sacred Directional Temples that spiritually protect Bali. Set on a rocky islet constantly shaped by the waves, Tanah Lot is a place where you can feel the strength of the ocean, the power of the elements, and the eternal dialogue between earth and water.
We visited Pura Taman Ayun and then Tanah Lot on our first day of excursions in Bali. It’s safe to say our temple journey started with impact.
At the entrance, you pass between tall black volcanic stone gates, watched over by guardian statues. The gardens are beautifully maintained, the walkways are clean, and everything is designed to welcome visitors. You understand immediately that you are entering a major site – one meant to receive people from all over the world.
Yes, Tanah Lot is touristy. We knew it, we expected it, and still… it was impossible not to go. It is a strong image of Bali. An icon. One of those places you feel you should see at least once in your life.
When we arrived, we waited a little for the famous entrance photo, in front of the large gates with the sea in the background. It makes you smile: the photos, the waiting, the guides turning into photographers. It’s all part of the Balinese travel experience, even if it’s not exactly what I look for in a place.
As we walked through the site, we discovered smaller temples, pavilions, and viewpoints overlooking the coastline. And then, suddenly, Tanah Lot itself comes into view.
The temple standing alone on its rock, surrounded by crashing waves. When we visited, the tide was high, making access impossible – but even at low tide, only a portion is accessible; the inner area remains reserved for Hindu worshippers.
From a distance, the scene is magnificent. The rock, the foam, the constant movement of water. It is strong, raw, alive.
And this is where the ambivalence of Tanah Lot reveals itself:
- visually, it is grand and unforgettable
- spiritually, the energy is more dispersed, softened by the flow of visitors.
It is not the temple that moved me the most internally, but I am deeply grateful to have experienced it, because it is something to see.
Do I recommend Tanah Lot? Yes – at least once. For the beauty of the place, for the power of the ocean, for the iconic image of Bali it represents.
It’s not a temple where one lingers to meditate, but it’s a place you carry with you afterward.
🕒 The Pura Tanah Lot site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 75,000 per person. Sarongs are required only in prayer areas. The visit took us about 45 minutes.
Pura Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul means “holy spring.” The temple is dedicated to Vishnu and is known for its natural spring pools where purification rituals (melukat) take place. It is one of the most emblematic spiritual sites in Bali – and also one of the most visited.
We arrived at Tirta Empul after experiencing our purification ceremony at Pura Mengening – a moment that was deeply intimate, quiet, and transformative. And I think that experience influenced how I received what came next.
At Tirta Empul, the setting is beautiful. The stone basins, the aligned fountains, the traditional Balinese architecture, the surrounding hills – the sacredness of the place is undeniable. You can feel that this is a site of history, devotion, and significance.
But the first thing you notice is the crowd. The lines. The movement. The cameras. The energy that never really pauses.
The melukat ritual is performed here as well, but most of the time it unfolds among many visitors. For some, it is a sincere spiritual act, done with intention and reverence. For others, it seems more about having done it – a moment to capture, to share, to check off the list.
And that is where the nuance lives.
I don’t judge. Everyone believes, or does not believe, in their own way. Every person travel with their own story and their own truth.
But for me, having just experienced a purification that was quiet, guided, internal, and profoundly personal, the atmosphere here felt more external, lively, and busy.
The place itself remains beautiful. It holds strength. It holds history. It holds meaning.
What seems to shift is not the temple, but the experience, shaped by the flow of tourism that surrounds it.
And paradoxically, that made me appreciate even more the instinctive choice I had made before coming to Bali: to do my purification at Pura Mengening.
Tirta Empul is still a temple worth seeing. For its beauty. For its sacred spring. For the cultural and spiritual lens, it offers into Balinese life.
But for those seeking a purification that is quiet, inward, and deeply personal: I don’t think this is the right place.
🕒 The Pura Tirta Empul site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 75,000 per person. Sarongs are required: ours were provided by our guide. The visit took us about 30 minutes.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and waters. Built along the shores of Lake Bratan, at the foot of the mountains, it is connected to the traditional Subak irrigation system and plays an important role in the balance of water across Bali. It is also one of the most photographed temples on the island – a true postcard image.
This was a temple I was really looking forward to seeing. The photos I had seen before traveling were stunning – and honestly, mine are too. The site is genuinely beautiful: the temple resting at the edge of the water, the mountains rising behind it, the light reflecting across the lake… And of course, the 11-tiered meru, a symbol of great spiritual importance.
But here, the experience feels different.
The beauty is there – but the atmosphere is clearly touristic. Not just because there are people (in Bali, that is sometimes inevitable), but because the entire space around the temple is arranged like an attraction: broad walkways, kiosks, cafes, souvenir stalls, designated photo points… Everything is designed for the visitor’s path.
Is that “wrong”? No. It’s simply a different kind of experience.
You walk through beautifully maintained gardens. You see the temple on the water – splendid, but inaccessible, reserved for Hindu ceremonies. You find your angle for a photo, you wait, you step in between other visitors, you take the shot, you breathe… and then you move aside for the next person.
We were there during a relatively calm tourist season – and still, it was lively. I can only imagine what it becomes in high season.
So, do I recommend this temple? Yes – at least once. Because it is beautiful, truly. Because it represents one of the great visual icons of Bali. Because if you’re passing through Munduk or the northern region, it fits naturally into the itinerary.
But it’s not a temple where one goes to feel a deep inner moment. It’s not a place of stillness. It’s not a temple that invites you to stay long.
For me, it wasn’t one of my personal favorites. But I am happy to have seen it once — and that was enough.
🕒 The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan site is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 75,000 per person. The visit took us about 45 minutes.
*Brahma Vihara Arama (Buddhist Monastery)
Located in the village of Banjar, in northern Bali, Brahma Vihara Arama is the main Buddhist monastery on the island. It is sometimes referred to as the hidden monastery – not because it is difficult to reach, but because it is far less visited than Bali’s Hindu temples.
And that already holds part of its magic.
I deeply wanted to visit this place. Something in me already knew that it would be part of my journey. And I was right to follow that inner call.
You enter first by climbing a staircase where each step bears a word. My guide explained that these words refer to elements of the Buddha’s teaching – stages of awareness, awakening, or inner presence. So, when you climb the steps, you are not simply moving upward: you rise, both symbolically and physically.
As you continue ascending, you walk through peaceful gardens, Buddha statues, prayer areas, spaces to sit, meditate, or simply breathe. The atmosphere is soft, stable, luminous.
Here, Balinese architecture blends harmoniously with Buddhist symbolism, surrounded by hills, trees, and silence.
Further along the visit, you reach an area inspired by the Borobudur temple (on the island of Java, Indonesia): a circular pavilion where multiple representations of Buddha surround a central shrine. You can walk around it slowly, like following the thread of an inner path.
It is a space that naturally invites silence, listening, stillness.
Then comes one of the most unforgettable moments of the place: you arrive at the upper terrace, where the great gates open toward the sky. From here, the view unfolds wide – mountains, deep green hills, and in the distance, the sea.
And it is down this grand staircase – lined with carved dragons – that you descend. It is only at the end of the visit that this panorama is revealed. The effect is powerful: you walk downward as though leaving something higher, clearer, vaster.
The atmosphere here is very different from that of Bali’s Hindu temples. Where Balinese temples are often grounded and understated, here the visual expression is more expansive – brighter, more symbolic, more radiant. There are vivid colors, gold accents, bold sculptures, more open forms. It is not ostentatious – just another way of honoring the sacred, one that shines outward.
What touched me the most was the balance:
- between visual grandeur and inner simplicity,
- between the beauty of the place and the peace it inspires,
- between what the eyes see and what the heart feels.
And the most beautiful part? We were almost alone. Perhaps five or six visitors in total. Silence was part of the place. And I could truly be there.
This is a place where I felt deep gratitude.
🕒 The Brahma Vihara Arama site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is IDR 25,000 per person. Sarongs are required and laoned on site. The visit took us about 45 minutes.
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