Balinese Temple

A Pura is a Balinese hindu temple and the place of worship for the adherents of Balinese Hinduism in Indonesia. Most of the puras are found on the island of Bali as Hinduism is the predominant religion in the island; however many puras exist in other parts of Indonesia where there are significant numbers of Balinese people.  A large number of puras have been built in Bali, leading it to gain the nickname "the Island of a Thousand Puras". You can't get to see all of them while you're in Bali, but you should try and get to see some of them!

When visit temples please respect the local customs. Dress and act modestly. Balinese locals are far more conservative than most Westerners; they frown on public displays of affection. So when in or near Balinese temples or rural settlements, keep the touchy-feely stuff to a minimum.
The same goes with clothing: dress as modestly as possible, especially when visiting temples. When paying a visit to a Balinese temple, both men and women are expected to wear shirts that cover shoulders and part of the upper arms. Flip-flops are perfectly acceptable, so long as the overall look is modest.
The following leg coverings are mandatory for both men and women preparing to enter a Balinese temple:

• Sarong (also known locally as kain kamben) around your legs
• Temple scarf (known as a selendang) around your waist

These items are usually rented out at most temple entrances, but you’re absolutely free to bring your own.

Don’t enter any temple if you’re menstruating. This may be galling to any woman, but you have a whole island’s culture against you on this one. Any woman on her period, or anyone with a running sore or bleeding wound for that matter, is considered impure and not to be allowed into any Balinese temple.

Here's a selection of 7 of the best / most popular temples on Bali

1. Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)
This is a collection of temples found in the village of Besakih on the side of Mount Agung and is know as the Mother Temple. Mother Temple of Besakih is the most important, the largest and holiest temple in Bali. It is considered one of the most important temples in Bali and is over 1000 years old.  When Mount Agung erupted in 1963 (killing 1,700 people) the lava flows missed the temple by metres, which is seen as a miracle and a sign from the gods.

2. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is probably the most famous of Bali's temples and mean "Land in the Middle of the sea".  The temple sits just off the coast on a rock, which is quite spectacular.
The temple is visited quite often at sunset and provides great photos.  The temple is believed to be the work of 15th century priest Nirartha.

3. Pura Luhur (Uluwatu) Temple
Pura Luhur is a Balinese Sea Temple at Uluwatu on Bali. It was built in the 11th century. Probably one of the most spectacular temples sitting atop the cliffs overlooking the surf at Uluwatu.  Luhur means "something of divine origin" while "Uluwatu" can be broken into "ulu" which means "land's end" and "watu" means "rock" in the old language).
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s ‘directional temples’ guarding Bali from evil spirits from the SW.

4. Pura Tirta Empul
Considered one of the 6 most important temples in Bali, Pura Tirta Empul dates back to 926 AD.  The spring water is sacred and thought to have healing properties.

5. Ulun Danu
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is the second most important temple in Bali after the mother temple Besakih. The temple is found on the shores of Danau Bratan (Lake Bratan) in the mountains near Bedugul.  The temple was built in 1926 and is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers.

6. Goa Lawah Temple
Goa Lawah which means 'Bat Cave', is located along the coast of southeastern Bali just west of Candidasa. Founded in 1007 AD, the temple is built around a cave filled with thousands of bats, and is one of the directional temples protecting Bali from evils spirits from the SE.

7.Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi
This is a Royal Temple of the Mengwi Empire, located in Mengwi Village.  Taman Ayun translates as "beautiful garden' and is regarded as one of the most attractive temples of Bali.
Pura Taman Ayun was built in 1634 by the Raja of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu. It is a family temple.