The Island of Bali is located within a ring of fire in that it has many volcanic mountains. Two of these are Mount Batur and Mount Agung, and both have great importance within Balinese society. Mount Agung is the embodiment of Purusha (male) and Mount Batur is the embodiment of Pradhana (female). Purusha and Pradhana cannot be separated. They are connected to create both fertility and prosperity for the Balinese people.
The belief that mountains are sacred places has been in existence since prehistoric times. Mountains, hills or high places are thought to be the residences of the spirits of ancestors, or as the centre of other natural forces. Maybe it’s the way mist clings to the trees, or how the silence feels thick with stories, but there’s something different about Bali’s mountain temples. These aren’t just places to worship—they’re thresholds, perched between heaven and earth, where gods are honored, histories are layered, and nature is never just a backdrop. They remind us: to go higher, sometimes you have to go deeper.
Pura Agung Gunung Raung
— Dedicated to a Mountain in Java —
Pura Gunung Raung sits in Taro, Gianyar—quiet, powerful, and rich with history. It was founded by Maha Rsi Markandeya, a sage who trekked all the way from Mount Raung in East Java. The temple became a place of pilgrimage, purification, and connection. It’s not just about the rituals. It’s also where local kids play gamelan, where the Subak system keeps the rice fields green, and where the story of Taro village begins. And then there are the sacred white cattle, the ceremonies… a touch of mystery in the air. There’s more to it, of course. Ready to explore?
Pura Luhur Batukaru
— Mountain Temple in Tabanan —
On the slopes of Bali’s second-highest volcano, Mount Batukaru, this mountain temple it’s one of the island’s six holiest sanctuaries and one of the nine directional temples, guarding the west. Legends say it was founded by the revered sage Mpu Kuturan, who built it after a divine vision. It’s a place where history, myth, and nature meet, wrapped in mist and rainforest. More…
Pura Luhur Pucak Petali
— Above the Jatuliwih Rice Terraces —
Built around 1272 AD by Bhagawan Rsi Canggu and Arya Wangbang, this temple isn’t just a structure—it’s a beacon of ancient wisdom. Legends speak of its mystical origins, where construction followed sacred instructions, ensuring the temple’s height never surpassed a mysterious tree on the site. Covering about 10 hectares, the complex features shrines like Gedong Tamblingan and Meru Tumpang Lima, each echoing tales of devotion. More…
Pura Puncak Penulisan
— The Oldest and Highest Temple Of Bali —
Here’s the thing about ancient sacred sites – they’re not just old buildings, they’re time machines. Pura Gunung Puncak Penulisan is one of those rare places where you can literally climb through layers of history. Perched dramatically at 1,745 meters above sea level in Bali’s Kintamani region, this temple isn’t just high in altitude; it’s also high in cultural significance. What makes it extraordinary? It’s one of Bali’s oldest temples, offering historical treasure all in one spectacular mountain setting. More…
Pura Ulun Danu Batur
— A Mountain Temple and a Water Temple In One —
Pura Ulun Danu Batur is not just a temple, it’s a survivor with a story. Sitting on the edge of Mount Batur’s caldera, this sacred site is where Bali’s spiritual heart beats in sync with its volcanic landscape. It may not be ancient, but after two eruptions nearly wiped it out, the temple was rebuilt, rising from the ashes with even more purpose. Dedicated to Vishnu and Dewi Danu, the goddess of Lake Batur, it’s the place where water, faith, and resilience come together. Today, its nine temples stand as a testament to Balinese devotion, recognized by UNESCO and cherished by everyone who comes seeking blessings from the island’s most vital waters. More…
Pura Kehen
— The Famous Gate of Heaven and So Much More —
Erected on Bangli Hill, this 11th-century sanctuary was the royal temple of the Bangli Kingdom. Ascend the 38 stone steps, flanked by Ramayana characters, to encounter a 400-year-old banyan tree, its branches believed to foretell fate. Within, an 11-tiered meru honors the divine trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Chinese porcelain plates adorn the inner sanctum, a testament to Bali’s historical connections. More…
Pura Besakih
— The Mother Temple of Bali on Mount Agung —
Also one of the Main Temples of Bali (sad kahyangan), Pura Besakih is the largest temple complex of Balinese Hinduism. Built on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island’s highest and most active volcano, at about 950m ASL, it is clearly oriented towards the majestic peak on its northeast. Its main temple is Pura Penataran Agung, dedicated to Shiva, while the most important side temples are Pura Batumadeg, dedicated to Brahma and Pura Kidding Kreteg, built for Vishnu. These three temples encompass the revelation of the trimurti, the Hindu triumvirate of gods. More…
Pura Lempuyang
— The Famous Gate of Heaven and So Much More —
On the western slopes of Mount Lempuyang in East Bali you can find a spectacularly placed mountain temple, with an elevated view of Mt Agung. This sanctuary was established in the 11th century by the legendary priest Mpu Kuturan alongside King Udayana. The temple complex is spread across the mountain, with seven shrines and pavilions, each marking a step closer to the summit and spiritual enlightenment. More…
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
— The Temple on the Southern Edge —
Like many of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Luhur Uluwatu was also built on a breathtaking spot: 80 meters above the Indian Ocean, on a dramatic cliff. Founded in the 11th century by the legendary sage Mpu Kuturan, Pura Uluwatu is dedicated to Rudra, the powerful god of dissolution and healing. The temple is also famous as the place where the Hindu reformer Nirartha is said to have achieved liberation. Wild, windswept, and wrapped in legend, Uluwatu is a place where the spiritual and the spectacular collide. More…
Continue with visiting the most important Sacred Bathing Places of Bali.
Photos, maps and text © 2025 Alida Szabo
