Bali, often referred to as the is a haven for spiritual seekers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure lovers alike. Among its many wonders, the island is home to a stunning array of temples, each echoing tales of ancient devotion and breathtaking architecture.
Some of these temples are built in places so high and majestic, they seem to touch the sky — perched on clifftops, nestled on volcanic slopes, or standing tall above clouds. In this article, we’ll journey to three awe-inspiring temples in Bali that quite literally elevate the spiritual experience.
Let’s climb into the heavens and explore the majesty of:
- Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)
- Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih)
- Lempuyang Temple (Pura Lempuyang Luhur)
🏞️ 1. Uluwatu Temple – The Guardian of the Southern Cliffs
📍 Location:
Pecatu Village, South Kuta, Badung Regency
Overview:
Perched dramatically on a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, is one of Bali’s six key spiritual pillars, believed to protect the island from evil sea spirits. It is perhaps the most photographed temple in Bali due to its unique location, especially during sunsets when the entire cliff bathes in gold.
✨ Highlights:
- Breathtaking Sunsets 🌅: The temple faces west, offering one of the most spectacular sunset views in Bali. As the sun sinks into the horizon, the silhouette of the temple against the fiery sky is nothing short of magical.
- Kecak Dance Performance 🔥: At an open-air amphitheater near the temple, the traditional Kecak fire dance is performed daily at sunset. Dozens of bare-chested men chant rhythmically while dancers depict scenes from the Ramayana epic.
- Sacred Monkeys 🐒: Uluwatu is home to a large population of grey long-tailed macaques. Local legend says these monkeys guard the temple from negative influences.
📖 History and Significance:
Originally expanded in the 11th century by the Javanese priest Empu Kuturan, Uluwatu Temple is associated with the powerful sage Dang Hyang Nirartha. It is believed that Nirartha achieved moksha (liberation) here, dissolving into the heavens, which gives the temple its reputation for touching the divine.
🌋 2. Besakih Temple – The Mother Temple on Mount Agung
📍 Location:
Besakih Village, Rendang Subdistrict, Karangasem Regency
Overview:
Standing proudly on the southwestern slope of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano, Pura Besakih is often referred to as the Mother Temple. At 1,000 meters above sea level, it is the largest and holiest temple complex on the island, comprising 23 separate but related temples, with the grand Pura Penataran Agung as its center.
✨ Highlights:
- Panoramic Views 🏔️: From its terraces, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of rice fields, hills, and distant coastlines, while Mount Agung looms mystically behind.
- Spiritual Grandeur 👑: Pilgrims from all over Bali come here to worship. On major holy days like Galungan and Kuningan, the temple is adorned with offerings, parasols, and colorful banners.
- Tiered Architecture 🛕: The signature meru towers, with their tiered thatched roofs, symbolize the mountains and layers of the universe in Balinese cosmology.
📖 History and Significance:
Dating back over 1,000 years, Besakih has survived several natural disasters, including the catastrophic 1963 eruption of Mount Agung. Miraculously, the lava flow stopped just short of the temple, which was interpreted as a sign of divine protection. This solidified its reputation as the most sacred temple in Bali.
Besakih is dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Shiva (the destroyer), Vishnu (the preserver), and Brahma (the creator). It functions not only as a place of worship but also as a cosmic axis — linking gods, humans, and the universe.
🏯 3. Lempuyang Temple – The Gateway to Heaven
📍 Location:
Mount Lempuyang, Karangasem Regency
Overview:
Pura Lempuyang Luhur is part of a complex of temples located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang, one of Bali’s oldest and most revered spiritual sites. The main temple sits at 1,175 meters above sea level, requiring a climb of over 1,700 steps through lush forest. However, many visitors stop at Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang, famous for its Instagram-worthy “Gate of Heaven.”
✨ Highlights:
- The Gates of Heaven 🚪🌤️: These iconic split gates frame the majestic Mount Agung in the distance, creating a picture-perfect moment that feels like a stairway to the sky.
- Spiritual Pilgrimage ⛩️: Devotees believe the climb to the upper temple purifies the soul. Each step is a meditation, each breath a prayer.
- Sacred Atmosphere 🌿: The mountain is considered holy, and the entire journey is infused with a sense of peace and reverence, especially in the early morning when the mists still linger.
📖 History and Significance:
Lempuyang is considered one of the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, the six holiest places of worship in Bali. It predates most Hindu temples on the island and is believed to have been established in the 10th century. The word “Lempuyang” derives from the Balinese word “lampu” (light), symbolizing enlightenment.
The temple is dedicated to Ida Batara Hyang Pasupati, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The journey to Lempuyang is not just physical — it’s spiritual, testing patience, intention, and humility.
🧭 Sacred Geography: Why Temples Touch the Sky in Bali
Bali’s temples are often built in elevated locations not just for the dramatic views, but due to deep spiritual symbolism. In Balinese Hinduism, mountains are seen as sacred — the abode of the gods. The higher one climbs, the closer one gets to the divine.
This belief manifests in the Balinese concept of “Tri Hita Karana”, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. Building temples in the skies — whether on cliffs, volcanic slopes, or misty peaks — reflects this profound cosmic balance.
🛤️ Practical Tips for Visiting Sky-High Temples in Bali
🧳 What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for steps and uneven terrain
- A sarong and sash (usually provided but bring your own for convenience)
- Water, especially if climbing Lempuyang
- A camera — but remember, respect comes before selfies
🙏 Etiquette:
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees
- Women on their period are traditionally asked not to enter temples
- Do not step on offerings (called canang sari) scattered on the ground
- Avoid loud behavior or turning your back toward the main shrine while taking photos
📸 Experiencing the Divine Through Your Lens
While it’s tempting to chase the perfect photo at the “Gate of Heaven” or during sunset at Uluwatu, Bali’s temples offer more than just visual beauty. They are living cultural and spiritual centers. Take a moment to breathe, observe the rituals, and feel the sacred energy that flows from the ground to the skies.
💫 Conclusion: Where Earth Meets the Divine
Bali’s sky-kissing temples are more than just architectural marvels. They are places where myth, nature, and spirituality intertwine — where every stone tells a story, and every view reminds you of how small yet connected we are to the cosmos. Whether you’re gazing from the cliffs of Uluwatu, standing in the shadow of Mount Agung at Besakih, or ascending into the clouds at Lempuyang, these temples don’t just touch the sky — they touch your soul.
So, next time you’re in Bali, don’t just look at the temples. Climb them, feel them, and let them lift your spirit skyward.
