Which Bali temple should you visit?
You don't need to visit every temple — pick one or two by what you actually want. For sunset and a show, Uluwatu or Tanah Lot; for a ceremony and holy water, Tirta Empul; for scale and significance, Besakih; for the famous photo, Lempuyang; for serene highland calm, Ulun Danu Beratan. Whichever you choose, dress respectfully and go early or late to dodge the heat and crowds.
For sunset and a show: Uluwatu or Tanah Lot
Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits on the southern cliffs and pairs a dramatic clifftop setting with the evening Kecak fire dance — the classic sunset-and-spectacle combination.
Tanah Lot is the much-photographed temple on an offshore rock, another sunset favourite. Both are popular and busy at golden hour, so arrive with time to spare and lower your expectations of solitude.
For ceremony and holy water: Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul, near Ubud, is a working temple built around sacred spring pools where Balinese come for melukat, a purification ritual. Visitors can often take part respectfully — go with a calm, unhurried mindset rather than treating it as a photo stop.
For scale and significance: Besakih
Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung, is Bali's largest and most important temple complex — the "mother temple." It's a bigger, more of-the-day trip up into the highlands, best paired with the drive out east rather than squeezed onto a busy south-Bali day.
For the photo and the highlands: Lempuyang and Ulun Danu Beratan
Lempuyang, in the far east, is the "Gates of Heaven" shot — stunning, but expect a long queue for the photo and a real trip to reach it. Go for the view and the journey, not a quick tick.
Ulun Danu Beratan sits on a lake in the cool Bedugul highlands and is the serene, mist-and-water counterpoint to the coastal sunset temples — a calm, scenic half-day if you're heading north.
Temple etiquette (this matters)
Cover up: a sarong plus covered shoulders and knees are expected, and sarongs are usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance. Be quiet and respectful, don't climb on sacred structures, and follow any signs about where you may and may not go.
Practically: go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and the biggest crowds, carry water, and pick temples that fit your route rather than chaining several across the island in one hot day.
Good to know
Which temple in Bali is worth visiting?
It depends what you want: Uluwatu or Tanah Lot for sunset and a show, Tirta Empul for a purification ceremony, Besakih for scale, Lempuyang for the famous 'Gates of Heaven' photo, and Ulun Danu Beratan for serene highland calm.
What is the best temple for sunset in Bali?
Uluwatu (clifftop, plus the evening Kecak dance) and Tanah Lot (an offshore rock temple) are the classic sunset temples. Both are busy at golden hour, so arrive early.
What should you wear to a Bali temple?
A sarong with covered shoulders and knees. Sarongs are usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance. Be quiet and respectful, and don't climb on sacred structures.
How many temples should I visit?
One or two is plenty for most trips. Pick by what you want and by your route rather than chaining several across the island in the midday heat.
What is the 'Gates of Heaven' temple?
That's Lempuyang, in far-east Bali — famous for the framed shot between two gates. It's stunning but involves a real trip and often a long queue for the photo, so go for the view and the journey.
Can tourists enter Bali temples?
Generally yes, with respectful dress (a sarong, covered shoulders and knees) and behaviour. Follow the signs and any guidance about where you may go, and note that some inner areas are for worshippers only.