Discover History and Tradition at These 5 Temples in Bali

KOMPAS.com – Although Indonesia’s Bali is famously known as the Island of Gods, travelers also often refer to it as Island of a Thousand Temples, and for good reason.

The latter moniker reflects the numerous temples in Bali that have served as both a place of worship for Hindu followers and popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.

From the surrounding natural beauty to the distinct temple architecture to the local traditions such as religious ceremonies, there are plenty of reasons for travelers to come and visit one of the Bali temples.

If you are short on time during your vacation to the island, Tour Leader, Sonny, from Avia Tour has highlighted five of the most interesting Bali temples to visit.

Read also: Select These 5 Affordable Beachside Hotels in Bali for a Memorable Family Vacation

The five temples in Bali listed below are what Sonny believes is ideal for culture tourism enthusiasts.

“Bali is known as the Island of a Thousand Temples because of the innumerable Bali temples with Tanah Lot Temple being the most famous. Everyone has heard of Tanah Lot Temple. However, there are other magnificent temples including Pura Besakih Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, and many more.”

Here are five of the best Bali temples for you to visit for an unforgettable vacation to Indonesia:

1. Tanah Lot Temple

Out of all the famous tourist destinations on the island, Tanah Lot Temple is arguably the most popular attraction.

The temple is located at Tabanan Regency which is a 15-kilometer drive west of Bali’s capital, Denpasar.

Read also: Experience the Best of Bali Culture with This Full-Day Ubud Itinerary

A unique fact about this Bali temple is that it is situated above the coral reefs of Beraban Beach thus travelers can easily explore the site while gazing at the sunset.

The Tanah Lot Temple is at an idyllic beachfront location which is another reason why tourists love to flock to this tourist destination in Indonesia.

2. Besakih Temple

The second Bali temple you should not miss is the Besakih Temple which is also known as the “Mother of Temples.”

Being situated on a plateau with one side facing Mount Agung gives it its interesting characteristic.

Read also: Tiing Hotel in Bali Boasts the World’s ‘Best Hotel Design in 2020’

The best time to visit this temple in Bali is in March or April where colorful religious ceremonies are performed during those months.

The entry fee for domestic travelers is $2.73 (Rp 40,000) while foreign tourists pay a fee of $4.10 (Rp 60,000).

ARSIP FORWAPAR

3. Uluwatu Temple

30 kilometers south of Denpasar and 15 kilometers from the Ngurah Rai International Airport is the captivating Uluwatu Temple that has become a must-visit tourist attraction on the island.

This Bali temple is well-regarded for its domesticated monkeys which are protected by the locals and the sparsely growing coral reefs surrounding the site.

Situated on top of a cliff with open ocean-facing views, this tourist attraction in Indonesia attracts guests from Indonesia and beyond in large numbers.

Read also: The Finest: Indigo Seminyak Nabs Most Luxurious Resort in Bali Award

As such, the best time to visit Uluwatu Temple in Bali is during the late afternoon as the sun sets, and the sounds of ocean waves, it makes the experience much more surreal.

If luck is on your side, you may have the chance to witness the renowned Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance by local performers which are often done after sunset.

4. Tirta Empul Temple

Among the many famous temples in Bali, Tirta Empul Temple in Gianyar offers a harmonious blend of serenity and tradition.

This tourist attraction welcomes you with a dramatic entrance where travelers must pass a mesmerizing gate designed in traditional Balinese architecture.

Past the gate, you will spot a large pavilion that tourists often use to sit, relax, and take photos.

If you need a light snack, you can also purchase a banana from one of the nearby vendors in the area.

Read also: Bumpy Road to Restoring Indonesia’s Tourism Sector during Pandemic

When you find yourself on the Central Jaba side of the temple, there will be two large ponds with the shape of a rectangle.

‘Jeroan’ is the last part of the Tirta Empul Temple where you can lounge and snap a couple of pictures for keepsake.

You will also find a large pond filled with small fishes and green algae. The entrance fee to this Tirta Empul Temple in Bali is $1.02 (Rp 15,000).

Kompas.com/Silvita Agmasari

5. Lempuyang Temple

Dubbed as one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ temples in Bali, Lempuyang Temple boasts a 4-meter gate that has become a staple photo spot for visiting tourists.

The breathtaking sights surrounding this Bali temple additionally includes Mount Agung as its backdrop.

Another original characteristic of Lempuyang Temple is that there are seven temples that sit on a plateau.

Read also: Bali Deemed Most Prepared to Promote Village Tourism in Indonesia

To reach the main temple, travelers must make their way up 1,700 steps.

Located in Karangasem, East Bali, you can reach Lempuyang Temple after a 2-hour drive from Denpasar.

(Writer: Nicholas Ryan Aditya | Editor: Ni Luh Made Pertiwi F.)

Source: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2020/08/03/102920827/wisata-bali-ini-5-pura-yang-wajib-dikunjungi?page=all#page2