Pura Besakih Temple, Indonesia: A No FOMO Guide to Bali’s Best Temple
Planning a trip to see Pura Besakih Temple, Bali?
Pura Besakih Temple, also known as the Mother Temple of Bali, is one of the most sacred temples in Bali and all of Indonesia. The 23 structures that make up this ancient Hindu temple complex not only is one of the oldest and most significant Balinese temples, but also has a pretty awesome surrounding landscape.
After reading this article, you will have all the information needed to visit Besakih Temple. We’ll cover directions on how to get there, entrance fees, the best times to visit, things to do, and any final tips!
Don’t Get FOMO: See The Best Temple in Bali
Besakih Temple is a bucket list thing to do in Bali, and personally, my favorite temple on the whole island. If you’re looking for a 5 star guided experience complete with transportation, book this Besakih Tour that also takes you to Lempuyang and Tirtga Gangga.
Besakih, Mother of All Temples, Lempuyang & Tirta Gangga Tour
Best Overall Day Trip
Where Is It Located?
Besakih Great Temple is built close to the village of Besakih in the eastern part of Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is spread over a vast area on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali.
The temple is roughly 53 kilometers (or about a 1.5 hour drive without traffic) northeast of Denpasar, the capital city of Bali.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How to Get There?
Exploring the iconic Besakih Temple is easiest and cheapest by renting a scooter, which you can find for just 60,000 IDR at many rental services or your accommodation in Bali. (Click here to pre-reserve a scooter, and they will even deliver!).
Before you jet off in Asia, it’s a good idea to purchase some travel insurance. Beyond the scrapes and bruises, you don’t want your vacation ruined financially – trust me, I know from experience! I use Safety Wings; which only charges me $42 per month.
Alternatively, you can hire a private driver on a customized itinerary or take a guided tour from Denpasar or other major tourist areas in Bali. The drive from Denpasar takes around 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Make sure to agree on a price with the driver first before jumping in the back.
The island doesn’t really have any public transportation that will take you here.
Tours to Besakih Temple
Various tours are available for visiting Besakih Temple, ranging from half-day to full-day excursions. Tours usually include pickup and drop-off from your hotel, a knowledgeable local guide, and sometimes additional stops at other attractions in the area, such as Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Lempuyang, or Goa Lawah Temple.
You all know that a tour provides deeper insight into the history, culture, and significance of Besakih Temple, but really booking a tour like this one is really just because the ride is included. (Tour guides are included with your entrance ticket.)
⌛ Tour Length: Customizable Hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 Stars | 🛕 Book now
I recommend taking this Besakih tour because of its stellar 5 star ratings from over 40 positive reviews. Check out a glowing customer review below:
“Gede was an amazing tour guide that made the whole experience worth it. I came with an injury and he made sure I was taken care of and had access to everything. He was very informative and took great pictures. This is a great trip and a must for anyone wanting to learn more about Hindu culture.”
– Nicole (Read More Reviews)
For more adventure, opt for a challenging guided trek like this one up Mount Agung to reach the summit for the sunrise!
Besakih Temple General Information
How much is the ticket for Besakih Temple?
The entrance fee to Besakih Temple is IDR 60,000 (approximately $4 USD) per person.
If you can get there yourself, the ticket fee includes a sarong and a guide in the cost. But make sure you tip at the end of the tour, which lasts about 1 hour.
Parking
If you have your own scooter, depending on where you park it, local people may request an small fee ranging from 5-10k IR.
Tip! If you are okay with walking about 1km, do not pay for a ride from the parking lot to Besakih Temple. They will overcharge you, and it will only take you a few minutes to arrive yourself.
Opening Times
Besakih Temple is open from 8:00am to 6:00pm daily, which is around golden hour or sunset time.
While the main temple area is usually off-limits to tourists, you may have some luck getting a glimpse if you’ve got an amazing tour guide willing to sneak you in like I did! Just keep in mind, parts of the temple may be closed during certain temple ceremonies or events.
Dress Code
As Besakih Temple is a place of worship, there is a dress code that visitors are required to follow. Modest clothing must cover the shoulders and knees. Revealing clothing, such as shorts, tank tops, or miniskirts, is prohibited inside the temple complex.
Both men and women are required to wear a traditional sarong (a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist) and a sash (a cloth tied around the waist) as a sign of respect. These can be rented or borrowed at the temple entrance, but one is provided with the cost of your ticket.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Besakih Temple is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. During this time, the weather is pleasant with less chance of rainfall; however, Bali’s tropical climate means that rain is always a possibility, so be prepared with a raincoat or poncho.
What to Expect: Things to Do & Tips
The Besakih countryside road to the temple is winding and steep, passing lush green rice fields and traditional Balinese villages along the way. During the flower season, you may even pass fields of Marigold and Edelweiss.
Once you enter the Besakih temple complex, head across the grassy field to the main temples. There, the biggest Hindu temple, Pura Penataran Agung Temple, stands as the most impressive structure of the complex. The long series of stairs leads up to the slopes of Mount Agung.
Things to do at Besakih Temple
- Explore the Sacred Grounds: Besakih Temple is a vast complex with over 80 separate temples, each dedicated to a specific deity or purpose. Wander through the intricately designed courtyards, terraces, and staircases adorned with stone carvings and colorful Balinese architecture.
- Attend a Ceremony: Besakih Temple is a place of worship and an active religious site for the Balinese Hindus. With more than 70 ceremonies a year, the chances of witnessing a colorful Hindu ceremony taking place during your visit are pretty high. The temple compound comes alive with traditional music, prayer, and elaborate rituals during those times.
- Take in the Views: Get to the top of the temple area to enjoy vistas of green rice paddies, tropical forests, and the distant ocean, all with the temple tops in the foreground.
- Learn about the Balinese Hindu Religion: Engage with the local priests and guides who are happy to share their knowledge about Balinese Hinduism, its customs, and beliefs.
- Market Shopping: As usual in all Indonesian island fashion, warungs and vendors are aplenty just outside of the temple.
Related Post: Check out the story of that time I went to a Balinesian mass cremation ceremony.
Tips for Visiting Besakih Temple
- Respect the Dress Code
- Be respectful of the rituals and ceremonies and avoid interrupting or disturbing the worshippers.
- Ask for permission before taking photographs or entering restricted areas
- No drones are allowed
- Bring water and wear comfortable shoes, as there is a fair amount of walking involved.
Where to Stay Nearby
If you plan to visit Besakih Temple, consider these accommodation options nearby. While the temple has no on-site accommodation, several options within proximity offer convenient access to this sacred site. Here are some recommendations, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts.
MAKE EVERYONE JEALOUS TREEHOUSE – Camaya Bali Magical Bamboo Houses
A stay at Camaya Bali is sure to impress anyone. I would literally have a hard time leaving. These magical bamboo houses are every Instagrammer’s dream, complete with a bohemian-style hammock overseeing the surrounding jungle. I mean, there’s literally your own personal outdoor jacuzzi, for goodness sake.
NATURE VILLA WITH OUTSTANDING VIEWS – Shigar Livin Bali
For those of us who aren’t millionaires but still like a lil luxury in our lives, seek a peaceful escape by booking at Shigar Livin Bali Villas. These eco-friendly villas offer stunning views of Mount Agung and the rice fields, and the natural materials used in construction give them a rustic feel. With amenities like a private pool, you can comfortably relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
ECO TRADITIONAL HOME WITH BEAUTIFUL POOL – De Umah Bali Eco Tradi Home
Experience traditional Balinese architecture and culture with this stay at the De Umah Bali Eco Tradi Home. This eco-friendly home features a beautiful private pool and is built using sustainable materials like bamboo and recycled wood.
HOMESTAY SUPER CLOSE TO THE TEMPLE – Besakih Homestay & Villa
Conveniently located right by the Great Mother Temple, spending a night at Besakih Homestay & Villa is an excellent option. Nice and comfy, you even get a great view of Agung Mountain. Plus, the friendly staff will make you feel right at home and help you plan your visit to the temple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pura Besakih Temple
The main deities worshipped at Besakih Temple are dedicated to the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme god in Balinese Hinduism. This Hindu trinity includes Shiva (the destroyer), Brahma (the creator), and Vishnu (the preserver). Other manifestations of Hindu gods and goddesses are present as well.
Besakih Temple is considered the most important Hindu temple in Bali, Indonesia, and is a major pilgrimage site for Balinese Hindus. The temple complex embodies the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which emphasizes the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and the divine.
The exact age of Besakih Temple is uncertain, as it has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times throughout its history. However, the temple’s origins can be traced back to prehistoric times, with stone bases resembling those from over 2000 years ago. It is believed to have been an important religious site for several centuries.
Bucket List Worthy: Is Pura Besakih Temple Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Besakih Temple is an important tourist destination undoubtedly worth adding to your Bali bucket list. I think it is the best temple to visit in Bali, and since it is so far out of the way, I don’t think it ever gets that crowded – my tour guide mentioned there were just 60 people when I was there!
Bali’s stunning Pura Besakih Temple is a cultural gem and iconic Southeast Asian landmark where visitors can observe daily rituals and ceremonies performed by Balinese priests. All the while, admire the intricate carvings, statues, and pagodas within the temple complex. Moreover, the temple’s location on the slopes of Mount Agung is a superb setting for photography enthusiasts.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.