15 Best Temples in Ubud, Bali: Where to Find Them (+Map)

Ubud is one of Bali’s most popular destinations, known for its rich culture and history. It is a town renowned for its rice terraces, the world-famous monkey forest and home to some of Bali’s most iconic temples.

I had the pleasure of visiting each of these temples during my stay in Ubud. It was amazing to see sites built so long ago, some dating back to the 11th century, and some built ever so recently to my surprise.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best temples in Ubud and the surrounding areas. I’ll also cover what to wear and how to navigate to each site.

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Best Temples in Ubud

1. Saraswati Temple

Saraswati Temple is one of the prettiest temples in Ubud, located right in the centre of town. It was built in 1952 in dedication to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, and the arts.

It features some stunning Balinese architecture, with intricately designed ornate doors, dragons and demon-like figures and two Lotus Ponds all surrounding it.

Visitors can attend the performances held here in Ubud or enjoy the view from their table at the restaurant Lotus Cafe. The Kecak Dance is held here every Tuesday and Thursday night.

Note: They recently started charging for entry. Tickets cost 50,000 IDR *Subject to change

A tropical garden with a lotus pond in the foreground and Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali, in the background. Visitors are seen exploring the temple grounds, surrounded by ornate Balinese architecture and greenery.

2. Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest

The famous Ubud Monkey Forest is the talk of the town and one of the most famous attractions in Bali.

And while the long-tailed macaque monkeys grab the headlines, the temples are worth checking out. Do this with no food and drink in your hand, of course, those little primates will steal it.

Ubud Monkey Forest has three temples including, Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, the main temple that was built around 1350 AD. You can’t enter the temple but can view it from its gates. It is very photo-worthy, so worth the walk up to it for a photo.

A Balinese temple in Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest. You can see intricately carved stone structures, a thatched roof pavilion, and a green forest in the background.

3. Pura Dalem Ubud

Pura Dalem Ubud is perhaps one of the most unique and interesting temples in Bali, only located a few minutes from the centre of Ubud. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the spirit of death.

You’ll see some of the most peculiar statues, whether it’s bare-breasted demon statues or monkeys with long tongues.

One of the most peculiar is Rangda the Demon Queen, who apparently loves snacking on babies. Entrance to the temple is free. Performances are held here regularly including the Kecak Dance.

Entrance of Pura Dalem Ubud, a temple in Ubud, adorned with intricate stone carvings and statues. The stairway is flanked by guardian figures, with greenery and traditional pagoda-style roofs visible in the background

4. Puri Saren Agung

Also known as Ubud Palace, this is the most popular temple in Ubud. Ubud Palace was once the royal residence of the kingdom of Ubud during the time Bali was split into 9 mini kingdoms.

The complex is compact and should only take less than 15-20 minutes to walk around. It has some fine Balinese architecture, ornate doors and statues. You’ll get to grips with the story of the royal family and history on your visit.

Ubud Palace is also located right in the centre, only a 3-minute walk from Saraswati Temple and a stone’s throw from Ubud Art Market, so there’s plenty of sightseeing nearby if you’re visiting. The palace is free to enter.

An intricately designed entrance of Ubud Palace in Bali, Indonesia. featuring detailed stone carvings, a golden decorative door, and statues surrounded by greenery and tropical plants.

5. Gunung Lebah Temple

Gunung Lebah Temple is one of the most secluded Ubud Temples, built by Hindu priest Rsi Markandeya.

It is a little more secluded as it’s located in the Campuhan River Valley. This makes it very scenic so it is 100% worth the trip down.

There won’t be many visitors here, despite it being right next to the starting point of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. So in most cases, you’ll have the temple to yourself.

An ornate Balinese temple surrounded by greenery under a partly cloudy sky. The entrance features traditional stone carvings and intricate architecture, with small shrines and decorative elements typical of Balinese Hindu temples.

More temples near Ubud

6. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)

Goa Gajah is instantly recognisable for its carved sculptured entrance shaped like the mouth of a monster. Though it is called the ‘Elephant Cave’ there are sadly no elephants here.

From the entrance, the complex of the temple is very serene. Inside is a large holy bathing pool with six large statues and plenty of lush greenery.

These pools are used for purification during the Melukat ceremony. You can also find shrines and little rice paddies inside the forest area.

The stone entrance of Goa Gajah is carved with a large, fierce face featuring bulging eyes and an open mouth that serves as the doorway.

7. Samuan Tiga Temple

One of the quietest on the list and perhaps one of the most underrated temples you’ll find in Bali. It was constructed in the 10th century, serving as a royal temple for King Chandrasangka Warmadewa.

It is a large complex with plenty to explore, including over seven courtyards, consisting of various shrines.

In most cases, you’ll have the temple all by yourself, with many picture-worthy areas around the temple.

A shrine within the Samuan Tiga Temple in Bali, surrounded by greenery. The shrine features intricately carved stone statues, accompanied with flower offerings and traditional checkered cloths, with colourful ceremonial umbrellas providing shade above.

8. Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is one of the most well-known temples in Bali where Balinese Hindus often come for water purification.

Tourists are very welcome to participate in the purification ceremony. A sarong is provided and shoulders must be covered to enter the bathing area.

The main purification pool has 13 water sprouts (2 reserved for funerals) and you’ll need to wait to make your way around each one.

Recommendation: To beat the crowds, aim to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon.

Two people engaging in a purification ritual at a traditional Balinese water temple, standing in a clear pool under ornate stone spouts with water flowing over them.

9. Gunung Kawi Sebatu

This serene temple is located in the village of Sebatu, right in the middle of a jungle.

Gunung Kawi Sebatu features various intricate details that create a serene atmosphere. You can admire the koi ponds or view the ornately designed water fountains around the complex. There is a purification pool also on-site for use.

It is a much less visited temple near Ubud, so I recommend coming if you want to participate in purification without the crowds.

A pond surrounded by lush greenery at Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Bali. The pond features a centrepiece statue of a deity with fountains and smaller statues of animals.

10. Mengening Temple

Mengening Temple is often missed and forgotten which is very baffling as to why. It was built during the reign of King Marakata in 1022 AD and gets its name from its crystal clear spring, with Mengening meaning ‘clear’.

You can find several holy waters to participate in purification here and a perfect one to do right next to a cascading waterfall.

The complex is relatively small but quiet so unlike other temples near Ubud, you won’t feel rushed here. You’ll also find a few ponds on the complex that include water lilies and koi fish.

A natural spring at Mengening Temple in Bali, featuring cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear water surrounded by green foliage.

11. Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple is definitely one of the most photogenic in Bali and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can’t actually access the main inner temple as it’s surrounded by a moat and only for royal use but the grounds are lovely to wander around and huge, so bring your camera!

If you want to learn the history of Taman Ayun, you can also visit the Auditorium and watch the film presentation.

The Taman Ayun Temple in Bali features a multi-tiered pagoda-like shrine with traditional thatched roofs. The temple is surrounded by greenery, above is a clear blue sky with scattered clouds, and a reflective canal is in the foreground.

12. Batuan Temple

Batuan Temple is one of three temples in Batuan Village, built in the 11th century with clear Indian influence.

It has got some of the most beautiful architecture you’ll find in Bali with hand-carved statues and detailed walls inspired by Hindu mythology. The carvings are said to depict the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Many local religious events are held here, including the Odalan Ceremony, which takes place every 210 days. It doesn’t attract that many crowds, despite it being next to Bali Zoo and Tegenungan Waterfall.

A traditional Balinese temple structure, with intricate carvings and statues. A prominent red-brick central gateway is adorned with ornate stonework, with guardian statues on either side, and all are surrounded by small shrines with thatched roofs under a bright, clear sky.

13. Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala

This hidden gem is a brilliant option if you want to participate in purification or see some fine Balinese architecture without crowds.

It has the same aesthetic and feel as Tirta Gangga but doesn’t attract nearly the same tourists, with most never even knowing it exists. You will rarely come across any foreigners here.

The temple sits on uneven rock and steep terrain, so bringing suitable footwear is advisable. Some of the jungle aesthetic and mossy rocks are unmatched—it almost feels like it’s newly discovered.

Taman Pecampuhan Sala Temple in Bali, Indonesia with greenery surrounding it. The temple features moss-covered stone structures, red umbrellas and intricate carvings, including statues of deities.

14. Sangeh Monkey Forest

Though not as famous as the temple inside of the Monkey Forest Ubud but equally beautiful, Sangeh Temple is located right in the heart of a forest accompanied by many long-tailed macaques.

Pura Bukit Sari is one of four temples in the Monkey Forest, so you’ll have plenty of grounds to explore.

You can also feed the monkeys nuts here, and interact with them. They are not aggressive and much friendlier than Monkey Forest Ubud!

A Balinese temple gate surrounded by greener in a serene forest setting. A monkey sits on the steps leading to the carved stone entrance, with guardian statues on either side of the monkey.

15. Beji Griya Waterfall

Beju Griya Waterfall is one of the more peculiar temples near Ubud, only opening in 2022, yet feels like it has stood there for centuries.

Entry fee to the temple alone is heavily expensive, costing 100,000 IDR and that’s just the entry! To take part in the purification ceremony, you have to pay up to 200,000 IDR.

This is not taking away from the fact the whole place is photogenic, with the waterfalls nearby making it very serene and beautiful. Plus there are some very interesting carved faces on rocks to look out for!

The foreground features intricately carved stone statues covered in moss, including a mythical dragon-like creature and meditative figures. In the background, greenery surrounds cascading waterfalls that fall into a pool.

Map of temples in Ubud

Here you can find all the temples in Ubud or in the surrounding areas mentioned in this guide. You can explore the map by clicking on each pinpoint to view directions.

To see the full list of temples, click on the box in the left-hand corner.

What to wear when visiting Ubud temples

As you are entering a place of worship, you’ll need to abide by the rules set by Balinese Hindus. For most temples in Bali, you’ll need to wear a sarong to go around the grounds.

A sarong is a piece of cloth used as a skirt that you’ll need to tie around your waist. These are worn as a form of respect.

Your shoulders must also be covered, so you may be requested to wear a Shawl or Sash.

Sarongs will typically be provided to you for free with your admission ticket. Although you can rent one outside a temple for a small fee if necessary.

How to get around Ubud to visit temples

Getting around Ubud and nearby temples is fairly straightforward, with multiple transportation options on offer. Here are a few options you can consider;

Private Driver/Taxi: You can hire a private driver for the day for as little as 400,000 IDR. This is hassle-free and has an experienced guide who can provide insights about the temples.
Scooter: Hiring your own scooter is the most convenient option. You can explore the temples at your own pace. The only downside is Ubud’s traffic is extremely busy and can be overwhelming for a beginner.
Ridesharing: Using Grab or Gojek is very popular in Bali. You can book a ride straight from an app and they’ll take you to your destination. The main downside is limited access in some areas due to taxi unions. However, this has reduced significantly in Ubud in recent years.

Check out my full guide on: Ridesharing in Bali

Check out my other related posts about Ubud:

3 days in Ubud

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