When visiting Bali, one of the things you have to do is pay a visit to some of the Island’s many Temples.
Whilst Bali is said to be home to over 10,000, we have some of our top tips for you to get the most of of the experience…
Tanah Lot Temple
Even though it is touristy – shops line both sides of the road down to it, and the traffic makes the journey home a long one – the temple itself is beautiful at sunset. Leave time to wander around the outside of the rock the temple is on before climbing the path for fresh coconut as the sun sets behind the temple.
Ulun Danu Bratan
This temple is situated near Bedegul in the middle of the island is by a lake, and is featured on the Indonesian Rp50,000 note. Undeniably beautiful, it is certainly worth a visit.
Gunung Kawi Temple
Then, there is the 11th century Gunung Kawi Temple, in Tampaksiring, not too far from the tourist trap of Ubud. A trek down a few hundred steps takes you to a complex comprising huge shrines cut into the rock. It has always been quiet while I’ve been there, and is a good place to sit and enjoy the silence while plucking up courage for the climb back up.
Tirta Empul Temple
Near to the Gunung Kawi Temple is the Tirta Empul which is famous for its holy water. Balinese Hindus go there to bathe in it.
Tirta Gangga water palace
Just a little further off the beaten track in east Bali is the Tirta Gangga water palace with pools and fountains. It doesn’t get so many visitors, so there is time to enjoy the view without being hassled.
Avoid – Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Avoid the hopelessly over-rated and desperately promoted Avoid Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) complex in southern Bali, unless you want to pay a fortune to see a statue and have your photograph taken by every member of the school parties that are seemingly the site’s only visitors.
Avoid – Besakih
This is the mother temple of Balinese Hinduism. Although it is quite spectacular, and is at the foot of the sacred Mount Agung, the so-called guides are so pushy and greedy that the hassle outweighs the pleasure of the visit.
However, the other tourist favourite, the beachside Tanah Lot Temple (above) is worth a visit.
