Don’t miss out on Ubud when you’re in Bali. Known as Bali’s spiritual heart, it’s the perfect place to explore temples and dive into Balinese traditions.
Check out these 5 must-see temples in Ubud!
PURA TIRTA EMPUL – UBUD SACRED WATER TEMPLE
Tirta Empul, founded in 926 AD, is a popular purification temple in Ubud. It features a holy spring feeding its cleansing pools, attracting both locals and tourists. Colorful Hindu shrines are located behind the springs, where many come to pray.
Anyone can do the purification process if they follow the rules: Enter the bath, head left, cleanse your head and face under the first spout, and continue through the spouts to the other side. Some spouts are only for the dead, so follow the locals to avoid them!
There are changing rooms and lockers for everyone, and ladies get a sarong to wear before entering the pool.
About a 40-minute drive from Ubud’s center.
PURA GUNUNG KAWI TEMPLE
Gunung Kawi Rock Temple in Ubud is a favorite of mine because it’s so unique.
Nestled in a lush valley, Gunung Kwai Rocky temple is one of Bali’s oldest and largest temple sites, featuring 10 cliff-carved shrines along the sacred Pakerisan River. The 10th shrine stands apart, reached by a short trek.
To reach the temple, you’ll descend hundreds of steps lined with food and souvenir stalls. The trek offers stunning views of rice terraces and a lush valley. Remember, the climb back can be tough, especially in Bali’s humid heat—but it’s definitely worth it!
A 40-minute drive from Ubud, near Pura Tirta Empul.
GOA GAJAH – UBUD ELEPHANT CAVE TEMPLE
Goa Gajah features both Hindu and partially ruined Buddhist temples. Like Tirta Empul, it has a purification bath with statues pouring sacred water. The temple’s highlight is the “Elephant Cave” entrance, a giant, slightly eerie face with a wide-open mouth leading into a corridor. At its end, you’ll find a small meditation chamber filled with incense smoke.
To the right of the purification baths lie the remnants of an old Buddhist temple. As you explore, be sure to admire the impressive Banyan trees and the quaint waterfall.
We let a temple guide show us around, which turned out to be really nice and insightful. We gave him $15, what he subtly suggested, and were glad to support after Bali’s long tourism slump.
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Ubud center.
PURA TAMAN SARASWATI TEMPLE
You don’t have to leave Ubud to find beautiful temples. Pura Taman Saraswati is right in the town center, just minutes from Ubud Palace. Its stunning entrance features a path lined with Hindu mythological figures over a lotus-filled pond.
Named after the Hindu goddess of art and wisdom, Saraswati, this temple hosts evening dance shows and features Café Lotus, a cozy spot by the pond. Entrance to Ubud Pura Taman Saraswati is free.
Pura Besakih is a must-see, being among Bali’s largest and most sacred temples. It’s well worth the 90-minute drive from Ubud.
Situated 1000 meters up on Mont Agung, the Pura Besakih complex features 86 ancient temples, some from the 10th century, overlooking East Bali. It’s a must-see if you’re hiking Gunung Agung, with unforgettable sunrise views!
About a 90-minute drive from Ubud.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING TEMPLES IN UBUD
- “Pura” means temples in Bahasa.
- The temples in Bali are welcoming both male and female visitors of any religion.
- Most temples in Bali are still active prayer sites, so be extra respectful and quiet if you see people praying.
- As for most spiritual places, dressing modestly is recommended. Don’t show up bare chest, wearing an alcohol branded shirt, or a cropped top.
- Both ladies and gentlemen will have to borrow a sarong to cover exposed legs. Borrowing one is usually included with the temple entrance tickets.
- Technically women who have their period shouldn’t visit the temples, as they are considered impure.
- As of April 2022, the entrance fee of most of the temples we visited around Ubud was 50k IDR (±3.5 USD).
LOOKING FOR A HOTEL CLOSE TO THE UBUD TEMPLES?
Staying in Ubud is perfect for early temple visits. We loved Blue Karma Dijiwa for its serene spot amidst rice fields, yet close to the city. The rooms and infinity pool boast stunning views, and the food and cocktails are delicious.
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If you’re still searching for a place to stay near Ubud, check out some great deals on Booking.
Here are my favorite temples around Ubud. If you want more details about these amazing places or other things to do in Bali, feel free to message me here or DM me on Instagram!
