Although Aussie travellers come to Bali year after year for the Bintangs, shopping, and beach club scene, a side to Bali is often overlooked.
It’s the side that personifies Bali and is the underpinning reason we love it so much.
It’s the culture, the people, the endless festivals and, of course, those never-ending temples. While most families or groups coming to Bali prefer to do the same old thing and stick to their routine of shopping, eating out and partying, we’d highlight a few must-see temples and cultural things that will add a unique and exciting dimension to your Bali bucket list.
Bali is a Hindu island; you see its spirituality everywhere from the moment you step off the plane. From its dress attire and infinite patience to the small Canang offerings dotted everywhere and the multitude of temples at every home, Bali is all about the connection between the people and nature. You see it everywhere: people heading to ceremonies, praying at their local temples, and large processions of people bearing gifts to their gods. There is something truly unique about this little island that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, which is why you need to explore a few of these spiritual and cultural gems when you’re here next.
Bali Temples, you must visit!
Temples are everywhere in Bali, from the small temples in the house to the enormous temples that are world-famous. One thing is for sure: you can find a temple everywhere around the island. But these are a few that you should visit for their aesthetics and religious significance.
Petitenget Temple
I bet you didn’t know that in Petitenget which is Seminyak’s closets neighbour there’s the holy Pura Petitenget Temple probably just a stones thrown from your Seminyak villa which is great news if the thought of travelling is not your idea of holiday heaven and all you want to do is hang by the pool. Good news alert! Now you can walk to this famous landmark. You’ll probably know it as its next to KU DE TA beach club so it’s easy to find. You can also get your villa manager to arrange a taxi. It’s on the beach so come here for sunset photos and go for a walk on the beach afterwards and enjoy a few fresh coconuts served by local vendors. They also make a mean BBQ corn on the cob!
If you can drag yourself away from the villa check out Pura Petitenget near Eat Street, close to KU DE TA.
Tanah Lot
North of popular Canggu (about a 20-minute drive), you’ll find the popular Tanah Lot Temple sitting on rocks on the ocean, and everyone in southern Bali will come here for a day trip. The ideal time to visit Tanah Lot in Bali is during Odalan, a ritual held every 210 days. You will see rows of Balinese women delicately carrying their offerings on their heads to pray at the temple of Tanah Lot. If you can’t make it, try to get here for the sunset, as the views are perfect for a photo with Tanah Lot Temple with the ocean and sun setting in the background. The area has many restaurants and cafes, so have an Indonesian meal for dinner with the kids. If you want to stay near Tanah Lot and explore the area, here are some lovely villas in Canggu to rent, where you can also enjoy a few of the fun bits of Canggu and neighbouring Pererenan and Seseh.
Uluwatu Temple
Similar to Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple lies on a rock with dramatic ocean views as the backdrop. Most people make the trek up to Uluwatu (and I do say trek, as traffic conditions can get chaotic, especially over the weekend) for the sunset, which is something not to be missed. As a treat for the kids in the evening, right at the front of the temple’s entrance, stay for the famous Kecak Dance, which is impressive and something I bet you’ve never seen before. After the dance show, head into Uluwatu for a bite to eat at the many restaurants along the main thoroughfare, Jalan Labuan Sait. It’s well worth spending a few days in the Uluwatu area, where you can explore the beaches, classic left-hand surf breaks, hip vegan cafes and beach clubs. And what better way to do it than staying in a Uluwatu holiday villa? It beats driving back and forth from your Seminyak or Canggu!
The famous Uluwatu Temple on the cliff is a visually striking temple and worth the effort getting to.
Tirta Empul Temple
Tirta Empul Temple, also known as Pura Tirta Empul or the Holy Water Temple, is another Balinese Temple famous for its ambience and water springs. Everyone disrobes, gets out of their clothes, and literally goes for a dip in the holy spring water for a few seconds. The Balinese perform this sacred ritual, but the tourists are all lining up to do this. Like most temples in Bali, there is an entrance fee, and long queues are expected on the weekend. You’ll have to wear a sarong because it’s a religious site, but you’ll be issued it as part of the entrance fee if you don’t have one.
Be cleansed with the good spirits and take a wash at Tirta Empul Temple
Besakih Temple
Bali’s “Mother Temple” is famous as the holiest of temples. It is located on the grandiose slopes of Mount Agung, Pura Besakih (Besakih Temple). Here you’ll find not just one temple but an entire area of 80+ public and private temples. This temple is central to the Hindu religion in Bali, and you’ll find it busy most days with worshipers and tourists. Getting there from Seminyak or Canggu is a day trip, so be prepared to leave early, arrive home, and return to the villa in time for dinner. Exploring the temple requires you to have a bit of stamina and be fit, as there are many stairs, so be prepared for this. And locals want to earn money from tourists, so they’ll be pestering you to buy souvenirs and act as a tour guide – it’s OK to say no.
Known as thew mother temple, Besakih is a sight to behold and a huge cultural and religious landmark in Bali.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Looking like a floating temple on the water, Ulun Danu lies on the shores of Lake Beretan in northern Bali, in the Bedugul area. The temple has a typical Balinese Hindu design with towering pagodas and thatched Bali-style roofs, with the mountains as a backdrop. The lake and the temple make for the ideal photo opportunity with you wearing a sarong. For this reason, the temple is super-crowded on the weekends with tourists and many vendors, so expect lots of foot traffic.
Pura Ulun Danu Temple offers holidaymakers a glimpse of incredible Balinese architecture and cultural heritage.
Ubud Water Palace
Pura Taman Saraswati is in the heart of Ubud and is one of the most popular landmarks for visitors. It has a large lotus pond and fountains. It’s a smallish site but well worth ducking into for a sneaky peek and photo opportunity as you browse the alleyways and shops of Ubud. If you are staying in the Ubud for a couple of days or are just day-tripping, come here for the nightly dance performance, where you can watch traditional Balinese dances. To make life easier and avoid the traffic dramas, try spending a few days in Ubud and stay among the ricefields for a treat. You can view our Ubud villa rentals here.
Everyone that comes to Ubud visits the Water Palace – don’t miss out on this!
Pura Luhur Lempuyang
Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of the most photographed and popular temples in Bali, and it has incredible views of Mount Agung. Most people don’t recognise the name, but you’ll undoubtedly recognise the famous gates or ‘Gates of Heaven’ photo framing the water as a backdrop. With all the temples and religious sites in Bali, there’s a mad rush to see these, and the queues can be horrendous for the epic photo of you standing under the gates. Be prepared for long wait times.
Avoid the crowds and get here early at Pura Luhur Lempuyang and have your photo taken.
Bali’s Main Holy Festivals: Galungan and Nyepi
To truly experience Bali’s culture taken to the next level, you should plan your next trip around these holy Hindu days.
Galungan: You’ll know it’s Galungan by all the colourful poles on the streets as decoration with flowers and intricate bamboo weavings lining every street and house front. Galungan marks the time of year when the Balinese celebrate good over evil, and you’ll also see large processions with people carrying fruit and flower offerings to temples. It lasts 10 days, so that you won’t miss this colourful, spectacular event.
Nyepi (Day of Silence): This is Bali’s New Year and the most holy day in the Balinese calendar. It’s all about reflection, staying in your villa or hotel compound, and not leaving. That’s right! You cannot go outside at all!! Shops, convenience stores, supermarkets, and the airport are all closed, and you are not permitted even to have your lights on. The Balinese are super strict about this and enforce this rule with fervour.
On the other hand, the night before is mayhem, with the Balinese parading the streets with Ogoh-Ogoh statues, shouting, and loud drums beating to drive away evil spirits. Once that’s finished, it’s off to the villa, and be prepared to do nothing for 24 hours. In fact, it’s not even the next night – you have to wait till the following morning. If you stay in one of our holiday Bali villas, the villa manager will prepare you for what to do and what to expect. But one tip is to buy all your groceries well in advance to avoid the last-minute mad rush at the local Pepito Supermarket – get all your alcohol, snacks and groceries as you cannot leave the villa or have them delivered. Nyepi dates vary each year, but they mostly fall in March.
More information about Nypei: Nyepi 2025 in Bali: What to do, where to stay, and why this is such a fantastic Day of Silence
Balinese Dances – exotic and riveting
Everyone knows the Balinese dance. The women and men dressed in Balinese costumes perform dance rituals to their gods. If you happen to be walking or driving past a temple, you will see the locals practising their dance routines. When you are on holiday in Bali, it’s well worth checking out a few of these dances, as they capture the imagination and reflect what makes Bali so wonderful and culturally awe-inspiring.
Kecak Dance: Everyone knows the Kecak Dance (the Monkey or Fire Dance), probably the most popular in Bali. Men sit around in a circle chanting ‘cak’ as they tell the story of the Hindu tale Ramayana. It’s performed at sunset with fire, lights, and loud music at Uluwatu Temple, and the rhythmic chanting makes it hypnotic for most people.
Watch the famous Kecak Fire Dance show at Uluwatu Temple and be engrossed in this spectacular performance.
Legong Dance: When you associate dance in Bali, most people conjure up people moving in gestures with intricate costumes and makeup. Well, this is the Legong Dance, and it’s what makes dance so famous in Bali. Well-known worldwide, it’s performed everywhere: in hotels, shows, and events, you name it, and there will be a Legong Dance show. The story is about love and loyalty and is often performed by young girls with graceful movements.
Bali’s famous Legong Dance can be seen at a lot of venues throughout the island – for a treat get the villa manager to arrange a performance in your villa (yes it can be done!!)
Barong Dance & Kris Dance: The Barong & Kris Dance is an action-packed dance depicting the struggle between good and evil, choreographed with dramatic movements that end in a massive battle scene.
Pendet: Balinese people perform Pendet as a welcoming ceremonial dance for temple rituals and religious ceremonies. Moving together in unison, the Balinese dancers scatter flower petals as offerings to the gods.
The traditional Pendet Dance is impressive and shows the skilful dancers ability to move in unison.
Where can you see the traditional dances in Bali?
Ubud – known as the traditional heart of Bali. It’s where you’ll find Legong and Barong performances at the Royal Palace and the Puri Saren Palace. Men stand outside selling tickets, so it’s really easy to find and buy tickets.
Batubulan – is a small village famous for the Kris dance and Barong Ket. You’ll need transport to get there.
Uluwatu & Tanah Lot Temple – come for the sunset Kecak Dances for a truly memorable experience.
Expert tips from Bali Villa Escapes for getting the most out of the Balinese Dance Performance:
i) Dress respectfully. Don’t come in your beach clothes. Women should cover up and wear a long dress covering shoulders and knees, and guys wear a T-shirt, not a singlet.
ii) Get there early. Bali is known for crowds, so get in early and avoid any last-minute rush.
iii) Donations accepted. You must pay an entry fee for most dances and add a small donation to the temple.
iv) Show respect. It’s obvious to state, but turn off your phone and avoid flash photography.
v) Enjoy it! Some dance shows can go on a bit, and the kids might get a tad restless, but try to go with the flow and immerse yourself in the experience.
vi) Be prepared for a long journey home, especially if you’re staying in Seminyak or Canggu and coming from Uluwatu or Ubud. Knowing this in advance will help with dinner plans and arrangements for the evening.
What’s the significance of it all?
Balinese dance is not just for tourists’ benefit. Yes, they make a living from it, but there’s also lots of cultural significance behind these dances, rituals, and religious ceremonies. The Balinese are deeply religious people who pray daily in the temples in their homes. But religion plays a massive part in the fabric of their society. Religion is woven intricately into every aspect of their daily lives. It’s a way of storytelling that they can pass on to the next generation. It also brings the community together, as you can often see at temples where adults train the children in the art of dance and music.
If you visit a Balinese Temple or attend a dance show, you’re helping the community, creating jobs, and learning a little about the Balinese cultural heritage and way of life. Beyond the Bintangs and beach scene, it’s a great way to experience a deeply rich culture. At Bali Villa Escapes, we encourage you to take the kids and enjoy these dances and temples. We are always happy to help advise you on where to take the kids to see something unique that personifies Bali – you can contact us here.
