We offer you five of the most beautiful temples to see and visit in and around Ubud, which give you a fun day sightseeing, photographing and even taking selfies. Just remember to bring your camera and spare memory cards, as well as wear a custom-made robe and scarf around the waist when visiting any temple in Bali. Also, consider yourself lucky when the anniversary event of the colorful procession or temple during your visit!
1- Tirta Empul Temple
The beautiful temple complex and the sacred mountain fountain are also a national cultural heritage site. If you ask a local, he will tell you that he also works as a legendary preparation for the traditional tale of “Dharma” (goodness) versus “Adharma” (evil). Historically, the Tirta Empul temple in the tenth century was a silent witness to the years of the ancient Kingdom of Bali, especially the Warmadua period. The main feature here is its collection of freshwater pools, which line up over a dozen fountains, as pilgrims flock and seek spiritual purification through prayer and going under each fountain in succession. On the hills nearby is the Presidential Palace of Istana Tampaxing.
Location: Manokaya Village, Tambaksering, Gianyar
2- Goa Gaga
Do not let the name of this temple mislead you. Goa Gaga, often translated as the “Elephant Cave,” contains no animals roaming its territory. Located 6 km from the center of Ubud, this archaeological site welcomes you to the valley full of artifacts with its pool, temple complex and ornately carved stone cave, which was previously a meditation site for Buddhist priests and chefs. The eleventh century site was excavated in 1954, and you can look inside a shallow cave to find stone idols and distances that serve as purposes for meditating priests. If you have time, you can venture further south of the complex to the rainforest trail with many other monuments scattered along the Betano River.
Location: Bedolo Village, Jalan Raya, Goa Gajah, Belhbatoh, Gianyar
3- Gunung Kawi
This unique hidden temple in the Bakirisan River Valley, a few minutes north of Tirta Empul Temple and half an hour from the main center of Ubud, is a large archaeological site in Bali, which welcomes you to a collection of ancient inscriptions carved into the cliff face. Nearby there is the most modern temple complex. The temple can be reached from a padded starting point in art stores and rice fields, after descending about 300 steps. Legend has it that these stone shrines are a memorial to Bali Udayana and his royal family.
Location: Tampaksering, northeast Ubud
4- Gunung Kawi Sebatu
Referred to as the Pura Tirta Dewa Gunung Kaui Sebatu, this place is a beautiful water temple that houses an impressive array of baths and cleansing pools fed by the freshwater spring. Although it is one of the least visited temples in Ubud, a day trip here allows you to enjoy a very calm and relaxing atmosphere, with well-kept gardens and well-maintained meadows where birds roam freely. Many large garden ponds are filled with carp (selling fish on site) and lotus flowers, while indoor sacred pools are sources of sacred water and ritual places. Tickets are valued at Rs 15,000 for adults and half for children.
Location: Sebatu Village, Tegallalang, Gianyar
5- Pura Taman Saraswati
You can briefly stop at this beautiful temple along your entertaining walk through the main hub of Ubud. Pura Taman Saraswati features classic architecture of Bali island, surrounded by flowering lotus plants in ponds. The Water Temple can be accessed from Jalan Kaganj side street, off Jalan Raya Ubud main road. Alternatively, you can also choose an evening table in the Lotus Cafe to enjoy the best view of the open temple theater, where the usual traditional ballet dance shows are held to accompany your dinner. Visiting the temple after a day allows you to admire the basic rock inscriptions that honor the Hindu deities Saraswati closely.
Location: Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud
