Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, and its temples are among the most beautiful and spiritually significant in Southeast Asia. With over 20,000 temples across the island, choosing which ones to visit can be overwhelming. Here are the 5 best temple tour routes, each designed as a day trip with a private driver.
Route 1: The Southern Cliff Temples. Start with Uluwatu Temple perched 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, continue to the lesser-known Pura Mas Suka, and finish at GWK Cultural Park. Stay for the Kecak dance at Uluwatu at sunset. Total time: 6-8 hours. Cost: Rp 500.000.
Route 2: The Ubud Spiritual Circuit. Visit Tirta Empul (sacred springs), Gunung Kawi (ancient rock-cut shrines), Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), and Pura Kehen. This route combines natural beauty with deep spiritual experiences. Total time: 8-10 hours. Cost: Rp 550.000.
Route 3: The Water Temple Trail. Explore Bali water temples: Ulun Danu Beratan floating on Lake Beratan, Tirta Empul with its purification pools, and Tirta Gangga Water Palace in east Bali. Total time: 10-12 hours. Cost: Rp 700.000.
Route 4: The Mount Agung Pilgrimage. Visit Besakih (Mother Temple), Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven), and Pura Pasar Agung on Mount Agung slopes. This is the most spiritually significant route. Total time: 10-12 hours. Cost: Rp 700.000.
Route 5: The Sunset Temple Tour. Tanah Lot at sunset, Taman Ayun Royal Temple in Mengwi, and Pura Sada. A shorter, photography-focused route perfect for half-day trips. Total time: 5-6 hours. Cost: Rp 400.000.
Temple etiquette tips: wear a sarong and sash (your driver can provide these), cover your shoulders, do not step on offerings, remove shoes when required, and do not climb on sacred structures for photos. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temples.