Places of worship in Bali
- 01
Pura Besakih
Bali's largest and holiest temple complex, spread across terraces on the slopes of Mount Agung. It rewards visitors who come with a guide, patience for steps and respect for a working holy site.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Morning for clear views of Mount Agung; avoid ceremony days unless you want to see one
- Tickets
- An official entry ticket is charged for visitors, with different rates for foreigners and locals, plus parking. Pay only at the official ticket office; unofficial touts sometimes ask for extra fees. Tourists generally cannot enter the inner courtyards of the main temples, which are for worshippers.
- 02
Pura Lempuyang Luhur
A mountain temple complex in Karangasem, famous for the split gate at its lowest temple that frames Mount Agung. Expect a long queue for the photograph and plan around it.
- Time needed
- 2 to 4 hours including the queue
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Early morning, when queues are shortest and Mount Agung is clearer
- Tickets
- There is no fixed fee; a donation is expected, and it typically covers a sarong. Sarongs are required for both men and women. Opening hours are usually daytime, and there is no public transport, so you need a driver or tour. Drones, kissing and yoga poses are discouraged.
- 03
Pura Taman Ayun
A moated royal temple garden in Mengwi, built in 1634 and part of Bali's UNESCO subak heritage. It is calm, level and easy, which makes it the best temple stop for older visitors.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; any season
- Tickets
- A ticket is charged at the gate and rates change, so check the current fee. Dress modestly with a sarong, usually provided. The inner sanctuary is generally closed to visitors; you can see it from the outer courtyard.
- 04
Tanah Lot
A temple on a rock just off the Tabanan coast, reached across the sand at low tide. It is the island's most photographed sunset stop and a working shrine to the sea.
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon for the light; low tide if you want to walk to the base of the rock
- Tickets
- Entry is ticketed at the gate and rates change, so check the current fee on the day. The inner temple on the rock is for worshippers; visitors can reach the base at low tide. Wear modest clothing and expect to be asked to use a sarong near the shrines.
- 05
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
A water temple on the shore of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul highlands, with tiered shrines that look like they float when the water is high. It is cooler, calmer and easier on the legs than most Bali sights.
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, before mist and afternoon rain; dry season for clear skies
- Tickets
- A ticket is needed at the gate and rates change, so check the current fee. Some inner shrines are for worshippers only and the water-edge pavilions are viewed from outside. A sarong is lent or hired for temple areas, and rain gear is wise in the afternoon.
Landmarks in Bali
- 06
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
A wide landscape of terraced paddies on the slopes of Mount Batukaru, part of Bali's UNESCO-listed subak system. It is a quieter and more extensive alternative to the terraces nearer Ubud.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning to early afternoon; green after the rains, golden before harvest
- Tickets
- The site charges an entry fee that varies by visitor type and changes, so check the current fee. Walking is on public paths between paddies; stay on the paths and do not enter the fields. Cafes overlooking the terraces are the easiest place to rest.
- 07
Mount Batur and Lake Batur
An active volcano inside twin calderas beside a crescent lake in Bangli Regency. The sunrise trek is popular, but the caldera is also easy to enjoy from the rim by car.
- Time needed
- Trek: 3 to 4 hours; rim viewpoints: 1 hour
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Dry season for clear sunrises; trek before dawn, viewpoints in the morning
- Tickets
- Trekking operators in the area require a registered local guide and the local association turns away hikers without one. Fees vary by operator and change, so check the current package. Bring cash for parking, toilets and snacks, a torch or headlamp, and a warm layer.
Experiences in Bali
- 08
Lovina and the Dawn Dolphin Trips
A string of grey-sand villages on Bali's north coast, known for early-morning boat trips to watch dolphins offshore. It suits a quiet overnight rather than a day trip from the south.
- Time needed
- Half a day for the boat trip; one night is ideal
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Dawn boats from about 6 am; dry season for calmer seas
- Tickets
- Dolphin trips are bought from boat operators on the beach or through your hotel, usually in the early morning. Fares are negotiated and change, so agree the price and the number of boats in advance. Choose an operator that keeps a respectful distance from the animals.
Palaces in Bali
- 09
Taman Ujung (Ujung Water Palace)
A coastal royal water palace in Karangasem with three large pools, a Dutch-style pavilion on an island and views of Mount Lempuyang. It is quieter than most East Bali sights.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon; clear days for mountain views
- Tickets
- A modest ticket is charged and fees change, so check on arrival. Some areas may be closed for maintenance. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes.
Neighbourhoods in Bali
- 10
Tenganan Pegringsingan Village
A walled village in Karangasem where the Bali Aga community keeps pre-Majapahit customs, a distinct village layout and the rare geringsing double-ikat cloth.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning; festival days for the Pandan War
- Tickets
- A small donation or entry fee is usual at the entrance and may change. The village is private living space, so ask before photographing residents, do not enter closed compounds and follow any posted rules.
Gardens and parks in Bali
- 11
Tirta Gangga Water Palace
A former royal water garden near Amlapura with stone-framed pools, fountains and stepping-stone paths, set against rice terraces and Mount Agung.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon; weekdays are quieter
- Tickets
- A modest entry ticket is charged at the gate and rates change, so check on arrival. Swimming rules for the pools vary, so ask at the gate. Wear non-slip shoes.
Day trips in Bali
- 12
West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island
Bali's only large national park, in the island's far west, known for the Bali starling and the coral reefs around Menjangan Island. A long day trip best made from the north coast.
- Time needed
- Full day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Dry season; early morning for boats and wildlife
- Tickets
- Park entry and boat hire are usually charged separately and arranged through a registered operator or at the park office. Fees and rules change, so check the current requirements. Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch coral or feed the deer.
Read the West Bali National Park and Menjangan Island guide →
