As you probably know Bali is a tiny island of Indonesian Archipelago that have unique tradition and culture  related to their main religion - Hindu . Bali have over a thousand of temples spread all over the island and some of them are famous to travelers such as Tanah lot, Ulun danu , Tirta Empul, or Mother Temple  Besakih . Beside of this iconic temples, Bali actually have several hidden temple that beautiful , tranquil and they have their own uniqueness. This article  will give basic knowledge of Bali Temples form the eyes of a local Hindu Balinese . Things you should know that  temples in Bali can be divided into 4 categories 

 

This kind of temple located on each cardinal  direction of Bali island and there are 9 main temples . They are Pura lempuyang for east direction , Pura Andakasa for south direction , Pura Batukaru for west direction, Pura Batur for north direction and Pura Penataran Sasih for center direction. All of this temple is allowed for you to visit except there are special occasion in the temple 

Beside Pura kahyangan Jagat, there are temples called Pura Dang Kahyangan dedicated to the holy priests who spread the hindu religion in the island of Bali . Total there are 34 Dang Kahyangan Temples in Bali 

 

Pura Kahyangan Tiga ( Community Temple for  a village ) 

Well known as Trinity Temples, Pura kahyangan tiga located on each village in Bali . Each temple dedicated to different aspect of God such as Pura Desa/Bale Agung for Brahma ( God as creator), Pura Puseh /Navel for Wisnu ( God as Preserver) and the last is Pura Dalem for Siwa ( God as Destroyer). Most of these temple not open for public since they are community temple  except for Pura batuan Gianyar 

 

Pura swagina worshipped by special group of people depends on the job they have . For example Pura Melanting for vendors at the markets or Pura  Subak for farmers . This temples if not open for visitors 

 

Pura kawitan built all over Bali island dedicated to certain ancestry for group of community/people. The smallest  is sanggah kemulan located on each Bali house dedicated to their elders that passed away.  Beside of that there are  thousand of temples dedicated to certain highly regarded person that live hundreds years ago . This Temple is allowed for you to visit with the permission of the owner / local authorities that in charge for the temple  

 

Bellow is 4 off the trek temples you can consider to explore while you in Bali 

 

Regarded as the most predate temples for all Bali , Pura luhur lempuyang is very important and most regarded temples for Balinese Hindu. If You ever heard of Gate of Heaven lempuyang , Please note that this photo spot in only small section of the temples . The temple complex is located in the hill and only can be accessible if you take walk  stairs in total 1700 stairs till you reach the summit ( main temples). There are total 5 temples you can access from Telaga Tunjung , Lempuyang Madya ( ancestry temple) , Puncak Bis Bis , Pura pasar Agung and the last is Pura Penataran Luhur lempuyang. All of this temple located in the middle of magnificent natural forest with wild birds and wild monkeys . All the temples are open daily for visitors to pray only and please note moderate fitness level required to explore all the temples 

 

If you are like Spiritual tourism , Pura Dalem Pingin Sebatu is perfect to visit since its  well known as the authentic purification temple for Local Balinese . There are several natural spring water that consider holy to Locals where you can purify and refresh your mind and soul. Although this temple is not renowned as Pura Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring, You can expect better experience of purification since less people visit the temple and its located in the middle of jungles surrounded by bamboo forest and wild bird chirping from the distance. 

3. Pura Luhur Batukaru 

Located at the northern Highland of Bali , Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of the important temple for all Balinese people dedicated to the God aspect as God of Forest . The temple complex beautifully located in the slope of mount Batukaru with the combination of green rain forest and small lake around . Highly recommend to visit this temple before noon since the area has high intensity of rain , beside traveler can see the most beautiful view in the morning 

Pura Penataran Sasih is a Hindu temple dating back in 12th centuries based on the ancient manuscript left by the Bali Kingdom. The temple has a massive ancient bronze drum believed by the local to be guardian of pejeng village . This temple have uncertain opening schedule ,normally open at 9am - 5 pm 

 

TIPS FOR VISITING BALI TEMPLES

• Please dress respectfully , men and women should wear clothes covering shoulder and bellow knees. Most of temple provide special sarong to  wear to enter the temple with no extra cost 
• Please keep silent once you inside the temple 
• If you want to pray or do purification bath, make sure to have local guide so you can your pray in correct manner 
• Always pay attention to special restriction applied on each temple you visit
• Do not smoke /spit around temple area 
• Hire local guide to make the most of your time on each temple you visit