Bali, often referred to as the "Island of the Gods," is a breathtaking destination known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and iconic architecture. As one of Indonesia's 17,000 islands, Bali continues to captivate travellers with its stunning beaches, terraced rice fields, and deeply spiritual atmosphere. In 2024, the island has solidified its position as one of the top travel destinations globally, drawing millions of visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Bali's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage has kept it at the forefront of travel wish lists and 2 years on from Covid 19, it seems to be the hottest spot on the planet. Bali has world-class surf spots, vibrant coral reefs, and picturesque waterfalls. Beyond its natural allure, Bali has Hindu traditions, exemplified by its majestic temples, vibrant ceremonies, and traditional dance performances. Meanwhile, the island’s diverse culinary scene, boutique shopping, and thriving wellness retreats, complete with yoga studios and holistic therapies, add to its broad appeal.

In 2024, Bali’s popularity is also fuelled by its evolving infrastructure, making it more accessible and convenient for global tourists. However, this surge in tourism has brought attention to the importance of preserving its fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage. We are seeing development at frankly a worrying rate as investors pump money into hotel after hotel to keep luring people to this island paradise.

As Bali welcomes a growing number of visitors, travellers are encouraged to adopt eco-conscious habits to help preserve the island's charm and this is going to be imperative for Bali going into the future. The backpacker here needs to be the champion of sustainability and do what they do best. Support local businesses, stay at eco-friendly accommodations or hostels, and participate in community-based tourism initiatives can make a meaningful impact. Activities like visiting sustainable bamboo architecture projects (see the bonus sites at the end of the temples to discover these), learning about Balinese craftsmanship, or volunteering in coral reef restoration programs not only enrich the travel experience but also contribute to the island's sustainability efforts.

Traveling mindfully will ensure that Bali does not become a victim of its own success. On this island paradise you really need to consider what you are travelling with ... environmentally friendly suncream and a purifying water bottle for example.

Anyway lets get to the reason we are all here, to discover 10 Insane Bali Temple Sites to Visit 2024/ 2025. You are in for a treat because this small island has some truly incredible sites to find that will release your inner adventurer and have you feeling like you are the first person to stumble upon these other worldly sites.

10 Insane Bali Temple Sites to

Visit on the Map

The temples we are going to explore today are dotted all around Bali, however if planned out in clusters, it would be easy to fit them all into a visit across a week.

10 Insane Bali Temple Sites to Visit in Bali

No.1 to No.5

No.1. Pura Luhur Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple)

Year of Establishment: 11th Century

Architect: Mpu Kuturan (Hindu sage)

Style: Traditional Balinese Hindu architecture

Purpose: Religious worship and spiritual ceremonies

Why it’s special: Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s six key directional temples, designed to protect the island from evil spirits. Its dramatic perch on a 70-meter cliff edge above the Indian Ocean symbolises the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, a central tenet of Balinese Hinduism. The temple is constructed from black coral rock, believed to blend into its natural surroundings and withstand the ocean's harsh elements. Its distinctive split gates (Candi Bentar) and tiered meru (pagoda-like shrines) are adorned with intricate carvings of mythological figures, demonstrating traditional Balinese craftsmanship.

Uluwatu is not just a place of worship but also an architectural marvel, seamlessly integrating with its rugged, windswept setting. Make sure to head across to here to check out the nightly Kecak Fire Dance performances, which add a cultural dimension to its allure.

What to explore: Attend the Kecak Fire Dance performance held nightly and take in the panoramic ocean views.

No.2. Tirta Empul Temple

Year of Establishment: 960 AD

Architect: Balinese artisans of the Warmadewa Dynasty

Style: Water temple architecture with intricate stone carvings

Purpose: Ritual purification in sacred spring waters

Why it’s special: Tirta Empul, meaning "holy spring" in Balinese, is a unique water temple complex that showcases the island’s relationship with water as a sacred life force. Built around a natural spring, the temple’s architecture revolves around purification rituals. Its courtyards and bathing pools are surrounded by elaborately carved stone walls, featuring guardian statues and dragon motifs that symbolise protection and prosperity.

The temple is divided into three sections: Jaba Pura (outer courtyard), Jaba Tengah (central courtyard), and Jeroan (inner sanctuary), each adorned with time-worn carvings that narrate stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana. The highlight of the site is its rectangular purification pools, fed by 30 sculpted spouts, where locals and visitors perform cleansing rituals in crystal-clear waters. The architecture reflects a spiritual focus on balance and harmony, blending human artistry with natural elements.

What to explore: Participate in the cleansing ritual or admire the ornate shrines and lush surroundings, if you are carrying a heavy head or heart then perhaps this is the perfect place to let go of whatever is causing you stress.

No.3. Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)

Year of Establishment: Pre-8th Century

Architect: Unknown (constructed by early Hindu-Balinese settlers)

Style: Balinese tiered meru towers and courtyards

Purpose: Central place of worship for Balinese Hindus

Why it’s special: Known as Bali’s “Mother Temple,” Pura Besakih is the island’s largest and holiest temple complex, resting on the slopes of Mount Agung. Its layered layout includes 23 interlinked temples, with the Pura Penataran Agung serving as the main sanctuary. The design features tiered meru shrines, rising like a staircase toward the heavens, symbolising the Hindu cosmos's vertical structure. Each level represents different realms of existence, from the earthly to the divine.

Besakih’s black lava rock shrines contrast beautifully with Mount Agung’s verdant backdrop, while its open courtyards accommodate elaborate ceremonies attended by Balinese Hindu devotees. Intricate stone reliefs and carved gates depict scenes from ancient Hindu texts, showcasing a blend of artistic expression and religious devotion. Its resilience, surviving volcanic eruptions, underscores its spiritual and cultural significance.

What to explore: Visit during one of the many religious festivals to witness its cultural vibrancy.

No.4. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

Year of Establishment: 9th Century

Architect: Unknown (associated with Buddhist and Hindu monks)

Style: Rock-cut cave with Hindu and Buddhist influences

Purpose: Meditation and spiritual retreat

Why it’s special: Goa Gajah is a fascinating fusion of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reflecting Bali's historical openness to diverse spiritual influences. Its most striking feature is the demonic stone face carved into the cave's entrance, believed to ward off evil spirits.

Inside, the dimly lit chambers house lingam and yoni (symbols of Shiva) alongside Buddhist stupas, indicating the site’s dual religious significance. The surrounding temple complex is equally impressive, with bathing pools flanked by water-spouting statues, remnants of 9th-century rituals.

The architecture combines practicality and spirituality, as the cave provided shelter for monks while the outer gardens served for meditation and rituals. Goa Gajah’s setting amid lush greenery and ancient ruins makes it a serene yet mysterious place to explore.

What to explore: Discover the ancient bathing pools, meditation chambers, and beautiful surroundings.

No.5. Pura Tanah Lot

Year of Establishment: 16th Century

Architect: Dang Hyang Nirartha

Style: Balinese Hindu sea temple architecture

Purpose: Worship of sea deities

Why it’s special: Pura Tanah Lot, a sea temple dedicated to the guardian spirits of the ocean, is one of Bali’s most photographed landmarks. Perched atop a rugged offshore rock, the temple appears to float during high tide, embodying the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, harmony between humans, nature, and the divine.

Its simple yet elegant stone architecture, featuring thatched shrines and steep stairways, harmonises with the dramatic seascape. The temple’s isolation enhances its mystique, and its connection to marine spirits is underscored by the sacred sea snakes believed to guard its base. While its primary function is spiritual, its architectural ingenuity in surviving centuries of waves and weather makes it a beacon of sustainable design and resilience.

What to explore: Walk to the temple at low tide, and shop for souvenirs at nearby markets.

10 Insane Bali Temple Sites to Visit

No.6 to No.10

No.6. Gunung Kawi Temple

Year of Establishment: 11th Century

Architect: Warmadewa Dynasty artisans

Style: Rock-cut shrines within lush valleys

Purpose: Funeral monument honouring royal figures

Why it’s special: Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century royal memorial temple carved into a rocky cliff face, making it one of Bali’s most extraordinary archaeological sites. The ten towering shrines (candi) are believed to honor King Anak Wungsu and his family. Each shrine is intricately chiseled into the volcanic rock, blending human artistry with the natural landscape.

A river flowing through the valley enhances the temple's serene atmosphere, while terraced rice paddies add a picturesque touch. The layout, with pathways leading through tunnels and stone steps, reflects a journey toward spiritual enlightenment. Gunung Kawi’s design combines functionality as a burial site with profound religious symbolism.

What to explore: Take a scenic trek down rice terraces to reach the site and pull out your best impression of Lara Croft or Indiana Jones whilst taking in this temple that looks straight out of fiction.

No.7. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Year of Establishment: 17th Century

Architect: Balinese architects of the Mengwi Kingdom

Style: Floating temple architecture

Purpose: Worship of the lake and river goddess Dewi Danu

Why it’s special: Nestled on the serene shores of Lake Beratan, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is often described as a floating temple because of its location on a small island that appears to drift on water during high tide. Dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, the temple reflects Bali’s dependence on water for agriculture, particularly its iconic subak irrigation system.

Architecturally, it features tiered meru shrines, with the tallest reaching 11 levels, symbolising spiritual ascension. The temple’s black volcanic stone structure contrasts with the lush greenery and misty mountains of Bedugul, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Its surrounding gardens and reflective waters enhance the spiritual tranquility, making it not only a place of worship but also a masterpiece of Balinese landscape integration.

What to explore: Enjoy boat rides on the lake and photography opportunities against the misty mountain backdrop if you get into the architectural features of this one please feel free to add them to the comments below 👇.

8. Puri Saren Agung (Ubud Royal Palace)

Year of Establishment: 1800s

Architect: Ubud royal family artisans

Style: Traditional Balinese palace design with pavilions and gardens

Purpose: Residence of the Ubud royal family

Why it’s special: The Ubud Royal Palace, or Puri Saren Agung, is a historical and cultural heart of Ubud. Built in the 1800s, the palace exemplifies traditional Balinese residential architecture with open courtyards, ornate pavilions (bale), and intricate carvings. The use of natural materials such as teakwood and thatched roofs reflects a deep connection to the environment.

The symmetrical layout adheres to Balinese cosmology, emphasising harmony with nature. The palace also served as the residence of Ubud’s royal family and continues to host traditional dance performances in its courtyard, blending art, culture, and architecture. Check out its detailed stone carvings, majestic gates, and the serene gardens that transport them to Bali’s regal past.

What to explore: Attend a traditional dance show and stroll through the meticulously landscaped courtyards.

9. Bajra Sandhi Monument

Year of Establishment: 1987

Architect: Ida Bagus Gede Yadnya

Style: Contemporary Balinese architecture

Purpose: Commemoration of Bali’s history and struggles

Why it’s special: Bajra Sandhi Monument stands out for its contemporary interpretation of Balinese architecture. Shaped like a traditional bajra (a Hindu priest’s bell), the monument symbolises the reverberation of independence across Bali. It was constructed to commemorate the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history.

The exterior showcases intricate carvings and reliefs narrating scenes from Bali’s past, while the interior features 33 dioramas depicting pivotal moments, including colonial resistance and cultural preservation. Located in the heart of Denpasar, the monument offers a panoramic view of the city from its upper level, highlighting its role as a bridge between tradition and modernity.

What to explore: Visit the museum inside, which features dioramas depicting Bali’s history.

10. Pura Taman Ayun

Year of Establishment: 1634

Architect: I Gusti Agung Putu

Style: Traditional Balinese temple with gardens

Purpose: Royal family temple for the Mengwi Kingdom

Why it’s special: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pura Taman Ayun is renowned for its harmonious blend of temple architecture and landscaped gardens. Built in 1634 by the Mengwi Kingdom, it served as a royal family temple and a communal prayer site. The temple’s name means "beautiful garden," reflecting its tranquil environment surrounded by a moat, which gives the appearance of the temple floating on water.

Its multi-tiered meru shrines symbolise sacred mountains, while the ornate gates and pavilions reflect meticulous craftsmanship. The site’s symmetrical design and lush greenery emphasise balance, a key element in Balinese Hindu philosophy. The expansive courtyards provide a serene space for meditation, making Taman Ayun a peaceful retreat steeped in spiritual and architectural beauty.

What to explore: Take a peaceful stroll through the serene gardens and admire the unique meru shrines.

Insane Architecture Sites Beyond the Temples

BONUS SITES

Here at Backpacker's Blueprint, we love to go the extra mile and for that reason, I am going to give you two more sites that are not temples but you should definitely check out whilst in Bali.

BONUS 01 Penglipuran Village

Year of Establishment: Pre-14th Century

Architect: Early Balinese villagers

Style: Traditional Balinese village layout

Purpose: Preservation of traditional Balinese culture and architecture

Why it’s special: Penglipuran Village is a shining example of Bali’s dedication to preserving its traditional culture and architecture. Recognised as one of the cleanest villages in the world, Penglipuran offers a glimpse into a simpler, more harmonious way of life (although is now a bit of a tourist hot spot).

Its layout reflects traditional Balinese village planning, with houses aligned symmetrically along a central axis. Each home adheres to traditional architectural principles, using bamboo, wood, and stone to create beautiful compounds that maintain cultural authenticity. The village emphasises the importance of sustainability, evident in its bamboo forest and community-driven tourism practices.

You will be charmed by its peaceful atmosphere, lack of motorised traffic, and opportunities to explore local crafts and traditions. Every detail, from intricately carved doorways to well-maintained gardens, highlights the community’s pride in their heritage.

What to explore: Walk through the village to experience its architecture and interact with locals try to avoid the crowds by heading here early doors.

BONUS 02 Green Village Bali

Year of Establishment: 2010

Architect: John Hardy and team

Style: Sustainable bamboo architecture

Website: https://greenvillagebali.com/

Purpose: Eco-conscious living and education

Why it’s special: Green Village Bali is a modern architectural marvel that showcases the possibilities of sustainable design. Located near Ubud, this eco-friendly community is built entirely from bamboo, a renewable resource celebrated for its strength and flexibility.

Designed by John Hardy and his team, the village is a testament to blending innovation with environmental stewardship. The structures, including homes, schools, and communal spaces, feature open-air layouts and natural ventilation, reducing the need for artificial cooling. The intricate craftsmanship and spiral staircases give the architecture a futuristic yet earthy aesthetic. Here you can take guided tours to learn about bamboo construction techniques and the community’s commitment to zero waste and sustainability. Green Village demonstrates how architecture can harmonise with nature, inspiring eco-conscious living for future generations.

What to explore: If you are an architect, an architecture enthusiast or interesting in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to create spaces then this building is a must visit with a must take tour. All this in a place as beautiful as Bali, who said learning is not fun!

If you want to learn more about the temples of Bali and like me you are an audible learner then check out

'History of Bali: A Captivating Guide to Balinese History and the Impact This Island Has Had on the History of Indonesia and Southeast Asia' its just $0.99 with an audible membership! Yes please!

And thats is folks, a look at some of the very best that Bali has to offer, so make sure to add these sites to your itinerary if you ever head towards Bali. If you have visited Bali and any of these sites, let us know which was your favourite and please share any top tips for fellow explorers in the comments below.

Until the next one take care

Jack x

For the curious explorer