10 Must-See Temples in Southern Bali
Most Beautiful Temples of Southern Bali
Southern Bali is a fantastic region for those looking to explore Bali’s beautiful and historic temples. Within easy reach of Bali’s famous beach resorts, you can set out on adventures to magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temples. Nestled within lush forests or perched on dramatic cliff tops or mountain sides, these locations are photogenic wonders.
The temples in southern Bali provide for wonderful days out, away from the buzz of the beach, where you can discover Bali’s fascinating spiritual and cultural heritage while enjoying stunning scenery and wildlife. Uluwatu and Tanah Lot are particular gems, with their seaside cliff-top locations, and the sunsets here are truly magical. Join us as we tour the most visit-worthy temples in Bali’s south.
1. Uluwatu Temple
A dramatic cliff top perch with ocean views
Good for: History, Photo
Uluwatu is one of Bali’s picture postcard temples, with a cliff base also known among surfers as an exotic surf spot. The temple sits on a clifftop in Bali’s southwest, about 230 feet above the crashing waves. Uluwatu temple shares the splendid sunset backdrops of the Tanah Lot sea temple in West Bali. However, Uluwatu’s more elevated perch provides broader and more breathtaking seascapes.
Pathways throughout the site allow you to witness the ancient architecture and sculptures from up close, while a dense forest inhabited by gray long-tailed macaques surrounds the temple. An open-air amphitheater nearby regularly shows the Ramayana ballet or Kecak dance during the golden sunset hours, perfect for memorable pictures. Read more
Location: Jalan Pura Uluwatu, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Uluwatu Temple
2. Taman Ayun Temple
A 17th century architectural gem
Good for: History, Photo
The 17th-century Taman Ayun temple is the main landmark of the Mengwi village in the Badung regency. It showcases great examples of traditional Balinese Hindu temple architecture. The temple has well-maintained courtyards and enclosures. Inside is an expansive tropical garden and water features with lotus and fish ponds.
Towering tiers from the shrines make up most of the profile of Taman Ayun. The temple is the heritage site of the Mengwi kingdom and its late ruler, Tjokorda Sakti Blambangan. You can find hints of Chinese influence throughout the temple’s architecture and reliefs. Read more
Location: Jalan Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6.15 pm
Taman Ayun Temple
3. Tanah Lot
An iconic temple above the crashing waves
Good for: History, Photo
Tanah Lot regularly features on Bali postcards and travel brochures, thanks to its stunning and unique offshore setting. It comprises an ancient Hindu shrine that sits on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves from the Indian Ocean. The sea temple is a constant highlight on tours to Bali’s western region, and sunsets here are not to be missed.
The temple is about a 45-minute-drive north from Kuta. Nearby are smaller onshore village temples and leisure facilities such as restaurants, shops, and a cultural park where dance performances are shown. The best time to visit Tanah Lot is during the day of Kuningan and on the temple’s anniversary 5 days later when festive pilgrimages can be witnessed. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Tanah Lot, Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 880361
Tanah Lot
4. Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati
A water temple with live dance shows
Good for: History, Photo
Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati is a beautiful water temple in central Ubud. You can access the temple from the Jalan Kajeng side street off the main road of Jalan Raya Ubud. The temple is a great stop-off during leisurely walks through Ubud town, where you can admire classical Balinese temple architecture and enjoy photo opportunities.
Its beautiful foyer features ponds filled with blooming pink lotuses. Most regular visitors drop into its Cafe Lotus for a minimum dinner cover charge, which gets you the best view over the lotuses and across to the temple’s open stage. Regular traditional dance performances are held in the evenings here from 7.30 pm. Read more
Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.14, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6.30 pm
Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati
5. Mount Lebah Temple
An 8th century temple honoring a goddess
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
Mount Lebah Temple, also known as Gunung Lebah Temple, is one of Ubud’s central landmarks, positioned at the western end of the Jalan Raya Ubud main road. The temple’s name loosely translates as “mountain valley temple” in archaic Balinese.
The temple dates back to the 8th century, and has close spiritual ties to Ulun Danur Batur Temple. Gunung Lebah itself honors the goddess of Batur. The temple complex has 3 courtyards, resting pavilions for devotees, and a gamelan pavilion that hosts traditional dances. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Ubud No.23, Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Mount Lebah Temple
6. Pura Puseh Desa Batuan
An 11th century shrine with stone carvings
Good for: History, Photo
The lovely Pura Puseh Desa Batuan is a local Hindu temple in the pretty village of Batuan, about 6 miles south of central Ubud. This 11th-century shrine faces a large communal hall, where devotees pray and present offerings.
Well-preserved sandstone motifs, stone sculptures, and traditional Balinese temple architecture are its main draws. You’ll also see multi-tiered thatched-roof shrines within the temple’s inner courtyard. Sarongs are required to be worn and make sure you are calm and respectful at all times. Read more
Location: Jalan Raya Batuan, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Pura Puseh Desa Batuan
7. Dharmayana Temple
One of the oldest Kuta temples, right by the beach
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Dharmayana Temple (also called Vihara Dharmayana) is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kuta. Founded in 1876, the temple’s main structures are well-maintained, with intricate Far Eastern architecture in bright, bold colors.
The courtyard is a serene place to stroll around, with constant wafts of incense smoke coming from the altars. Slightly hidden and located on a side-street, Vihara Dharmayana can be found around half a mile inland of the main coastal strip of Kuta, making it a perfect place to stop off at after a day on the beach. Read more
Location: Jalan Blambangan No.12, Legian, Kuta, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 762 362
Dharmayana Temple
8. Penataran Sasih Temple
A very ancient artifact in an ancient temple
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Pura Penataran Sasih temple is known as “The Moon Temple” as it houses an ancient bronze kettle drum called “Moon of Pejeng”. It is the largest bronze kettle in Southeast Asia, at about 6.5 feet in length and dates back to 300 BCE. The Hindu temple itself dates back to 1266 CE, and served as the state temple of the Pejeng kingdom.
Pura Penataran Sasih also displays a stone Seat of Ganesh in the middle of the main courtyard, a modern chronogram in front of the entrance, and several Hindu sculptures. This fascinating and historic temple lies around 4 miles east of Ubud.
Location: Jalan Raya Tampaksiring, Pejeng, Tampaksiring, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Open: Monday–Friday from 11 am to 5.30 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 3.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Penataran Sasih Temple
9. Samuan Tiga Temple
A temple symbolizing harmony and unity
Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo
Pura Samuan Tiga was the royal temple of the Udayana Warmadewa dynasty and dates back to the 11th century. Assumed to be the venue for the great meeting between the Gods, spirita, and saints, the temple is known for hosting Siat Sampian, a Balinese Hindu ritual that takes place every 10th full moon (known as Purnama Kadasa), or roughly every April.
The site is symbolic of harmony and unity as it was where Samuan Agung (The Great Assembly) took place in the 11th century, an event aimed at uniting Hindu and Buddhist sects under a single spiritual framework. Read more
Location: Jl. Pura Samuan Tiga, Bedulu, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 50581, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm
Samuan Tiga Temple
10. Blanjong Temple
One of Bali’s oldest known artifacts
Good for: Families, History, Unusual
Pura Blanjong displays one of Bali’s oldest known artifacts, which dates back to 914 CE. It’s a stone pillar with Sanskrit inscriptions, and believed to be some sort of victory monument, chiefly of King Sri Kesari Warmadewa.
The first king of the Balinese Warmadewa dynasty, he was believed to have installed Bali’s first formal government. Blanjong Temple also showcases sandstone statues of Hindu Lord Ganesh and various animal figures. The temple is a national cultural heritage site and welcomes visitors year-round.
Location: Jalan Danau Poso, Sanur, Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Blanjong Temple
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