Temples in Ubud For a Spiritual Reawakening

Ubud Water Palace which is a temple for the worship of Lord Saraswati was originally the residential palace of the Sukawati royal family. This temple in Ubud was designed by famous architect Gusti Nyoman Lempad It is now one of the most sacred places in Bali and apart from offering a beautiful lotus pond and water garden, the temple hosts a classic Bali dance show at night which one shouldn't miss out on.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Built in 962 AD during the reign of Warmadewa dynasty, Pura Tirta Empul or Holy Water Temple is the legacy of a traditional good versus evil tale. This temple in Ubud is home to a holy mountain spring that feeds the Pakerisan river, and is revered for its ritual purification by devotees. Visitors can admire the temple carvings but are forbidden from having the ritual bath.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

A few kilometres from Ubud, Goa Gajah or the "elephant cave" is a spiritual and cultural attraction filled with Buddhist and Shaivite relics and carvings. A wide-eyed demon-like structure welcomes you at the cave entrance, which further leads to a serene pool inside. The intricate stonework of this temple in Ubud makes this a must-visit for anyone looking for a glimpse into Indonesian architecture and heritage.
Timings : 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Northeast of Ubud, Bali lies the Pura Gunung Kawi temple, a site of Buddhist and Hindu religious rituals. Known for the 10 seven-metre-high shrines carved into stone, Gunung Kawi is believed to belong to 11th-century Udayana dynasty. The temple overlooks the Pakerisan river and is a unique cultural and historical attraction in the city. 
Timings: Open 24 Hours

Known as Bali's 'Mother Temple', Pura Besakih is a majestic Hindu temple complex perched on the slopes of Mount Agung in Bali. The complex houses 23 separate temples and is believed to be at least 2000 years old.This temple in Ubud sits between rice paddies, hillsides, and streams. The primary deities of this temple are Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu but this huge temple complex comprises of around 86 temple shrines.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Nestled over the Campuhan valley where the Sungai Cerik meets, Pura Gunung Lebah is one of Ubud's most significant temples. An 8th-century edifice dedicated to the goddess of Batur, the temple features a traditional Balinese Padmanasa, or empty stone throne, atop its intricately carved tower-like structure. The temple is often used for meditation, owing to the beautiful atmosphere and lush surroundings. 
Timings: 09:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali hides another gem in its southwestern corner - the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, or the 'Padangtegal Great Temple of Death', dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thought to have been built around 1350, the Kecak dance performances at the temple in addition to the excellent craftsmanship make this a significant religious and cultural attraction of Ubud. 
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Located in central Ubud, Pura Taman Saraswati is a sandstone carved temple in Ubud dedicated to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts. Notable for the beautiful lotus pond and water garden that surround the main temple area, it also features a cafe for some snacks and a traditional dance performance to complete your visit to this spiritual temple.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

One of the least visited temple complexes of Bali, Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple is a beautiful water temple in Ubud located in Tellalang, Gianyar. Featuring lotus ponds surrounded by greenery, the temple also houses a water garden where the statute of Goddess Saraswari is kept. A split Candi Bentar gate takes leads you to the carved shrines inside. 
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Pura Puseh Batuan is a beautiful 11th-century Hindu temple in Ubud located in the namesake village of Batuan. Its five-tiered Candi Bentar gateway leads into multiple thatched-roof shrines, featuring floral motifs and statues of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Local artists display their works in a hall located opposite the temple, and the best time to visit is during its Piodalan anniversary celebrations.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Situated 3kms south from central Bangli, Pura Dalem Penunggekan depicts gory details of what happens to sinners in the afterlife. A temple of the dead, it's panels are carved with sinners becoming moneys and the horrifying fate that awaits adulterers. Sinners are shown begging to be spared, making this temple a slightly disturbing but culturally fascinating place to visit in Bali.

An itinerary to Bali is incomplete without a stopover at Ubud Palace, located right on the main Jalan Raya Ubud road. Built in the 19th century by the ruler Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel, the palace's front section with its gardens and carvings is a visual delight, while international events on art, music and literature are held inside, making this place a cultural repository of Ubud.
Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Situated west of Lake Bratan in Bedugul, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva. Surrounded by the lake which gives it a 'floating' appearance, the temple is constructed in traditional Balinese style with tiered shrines to honour the Hindu gods. The backdrop of the Bedugul mountains makes this a picturesque site of religious worship.
Timings: 7:00 AM –7 :00 PM

Located in Kintamani, Central Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Batur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lake Goddess Dewi Danu. Comprising of nine temples, the majestic compound features 285 shrines and is one of the most important temples in Ubud. The temple was damaged by volcanic eruptions before being rebuilt in 1926, and with its traditional Balinese architecture continues to be visually delightful.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

The magnificent Batukaru Temple popularly referred to as the Pura Luhur Batukaru by the locals, is situated at the foot of the southern slope of the Mount Batukaru. Visually stunning, this sacred site is encompassed by lush forests, thus offering a fascinating environment to nature lovers. Being one of the nine directional temples in Ubud, Pura Luhur Batukaru is believed to protect the region by warding off evil spirits.
Timings: 6:00 AM –12:00 PM