Ubud is Baliβs cultural center, so it shouldnβt be any surprise that most of the islandβs best temples are in this area.
Some of these are fairly recent creations β built within the last 100 years β while others are more than 1,000 years old. Theyβre very worth a visit if youβre interested in seeing different cultures and history, not to mention bringing home some unique photos from your trip!
Hereβs my complete Ubud temple guide, with a list of the best temples in Ubud and the surrounding areas!
Where To Stay
What To Wear To Temples In Bali
Youβll need to wear a sarong to enter most of these temples in Bali.
A sarong is a traditional skirt you tie around your waist, that can usually be rented on the spot for a small fee like 5,000 Rupiah (less than a Dollar).
Or, if you plan to visit a lot of temples in Bali, it may be worthwhile to shell out for a sarong of your own to keep. Theyβre very cheap!
Best Temples In Ubud, Bali
1. Saraswati Temple
The Saraswati water temple is in central Ubud and it has some of the coolest wall patterns and carvings youβll see in Bali. The doors are insanely detailed and elaborate. Flowers, dragons, demon figures, and more.
Read More: Saraswati Temple
2. Pura Dalem Temple
This is another temple in central Ubud and itβs known for having some of the most bizarre and intricate statues of any of the Bali temples. Creepy demon goddesses, lions, and other creatures stare back at you here.
3. Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest
The Instagram famous Ubud Monkey Forest is mostly known for the wild monkeys living there, but it also has some old temples and dragon statues in the jungle that are worth checking out. The whole place has an Indiana Jones-y feel to it.
The main temple in the monkey forest is called Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal and itβs thought to have been built around 1350 AD.
Read More: Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
4. Puri Saren Agung
Also known as the Ubud Royal Palace, this one was built in the 1800s and itβs easily the most well known temple in Ubud, partly because itβs located directly in the town center. This is one of the easiest temples to visit in Bali.
Read More: Ubud Royal Palace
5. Goa Gajah Temple
This is one of the oldest temples Iβve visited in Ubud, and also one of the weirdest. The doorway to the cave is really bizarre and unique, and it feels like youβre walking into the belly of some underground rock monster.
Read More: Goa Gajah Temple
6. Samuan Tiga Temple
This is a big temple from the 10th century between Ubud and Gianyar, just 800 yards from the Goa Gajah temple or a 10 minute drive from central Ubud. This temple is unusually quiet and only a few tourists seem to know about it, but itβs popular for Hindu ceremonies.
More Temples Near Ubud
The following temples are not located in Ubud proper, but theyβre on the outskirts so you can still visit them easily!
7. Goa Garba Ruins
This is an ancient cave temple and 12th century archaeological site in Pejeng village.
Goa Garba was a school and place of study for the Balinese kings and their children. Today, itβs a peaceful hidden spot in the jungle where you can see some ruins and escape the tourist crowds.
Read More: Goa Garba
8. Gunung Kawi Ruins
In my opinion, this is one of the most unique and interesting temples in Bali. Gunung Kawi is actually an underground temple carved into the side of a cliff. Itβs an 11th century temple, and the age of everything here is obvious when you look at it.
Read More: Gunung Kawi Temple
9. Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple
The name and location of this temple is very close to Gunung Kawi, but this one is not near as famous. This is a water temple with a nice jungle setting.
10. Tirta Empul Temple
This is one of the most well known temples near Ubud, partly because of the Hindu holy spring where visitors (including tourists) are allowed to bathe and pray, if thatβs your thing.
Read More: Tirta Empul Temple
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11. Beji Griya Waterfall
Beji Griya is a very unusual temple and waterfall near Ubud that was just opened in 2022, although the carvings near the waterfall give everything the appearance of being much older. Itβs a 30 minute drive west of Ubud.
Be warned that this is one of the most expensive temples (or waterfalls) weβve visited in Bali. They charged us 100k Rupiah per person for the most basic entrance ticket. You can also pay extra to take part in a Balinese Hindu ceremony at the waterfall. We didnβt do that, but we noticed the price was 200k Rupiah per person.
Anyways, the Beji Griya waterfall was nice and we enjoyed the mysterious carvings on the rock walls, which were really well done. I donβt know if weβd come back again, but it was worth at least one visit. Itβs definitely one of the most unique Bali temples weβve seen!
Beji Griya temple & waterfall
12. Sangeh Monkey Forest
In the center of the Sangeh Monkey Forest is a 17th century temple called Pura Bukit Sari, along with several smaller temples scattered throughout the jungle nearby. As an added bonus, you get to hang out withβ¦.. more monkeys!
Read More: Sangeh Monkey Forest
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13. Batuan Temple
This is an ancient 10th century temple located in Batuan village, halfway between Ubud and Sanur. The whole temple grounds are open to tourists, and a lot of the buildings and carvings are different from what you normally see at other Balinese temples.
14. Abiansemal Temple
I know nothing about this temple except that it looks very old and exotic. Thereβs foliage growing out of the stone roof top. This temple is easy to stop and visit while en route to the Sangeh Monkey Forest.
15. Taman Ayun Temple
I think this is one of the best temples in Bali β very photogenic, but away from the major tourist areas so it doesnβt get too crowded. Taman Ayun is pretty close to Abiansemal and the Sangeh Monkey Forest.
Read More: Taman Ayun Temple
16. Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton
Alas Kedaton is a small jungle that doubles as a wild bat and monkey sanctuary. The fruit bats may look scary, but theyβre actually pretty friendly. In the middle of the jungle is a group of temples you can visit too.
Read More: Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
17. Pura Taman Pecampuhan Sala
This is a Balinese temple near Ubud that has a photogenic pool used for purification rituals, and also a natural waterfall that you can visit. It has some similarities to Tirta Empul, although itβs not nearly as well known.
Tourists are welcome to visit, but itβs still rare for foreigners to be seen at this temple, so try to be considerate. Youβll also be asked to wear a sarong and pay a donation. The temple is at the bottom of a long, steep set of concrete stairs.
Ubud Temple Map
Hereβs an Ubud temple map you can use to plan your Bali trip. You can click the icons to get more info and directions for each point of interest, but keep in mind some of the locations on this map may be approximate.
For more detailed information on how to get to each of the Ubud temples on this map, you can check out my individual travel guides for each location.
More Bali Temples
Looking for more information on the best temples in Bali, Indonesia?
Check out my Bali Temple Guide for a complete list with photos, maps, and more!
More Things To Do In Ubud
I hope this Ubud temple guide was helpful for planning your own trip.
There are lots of other great things to do in Ubud. This area is known for its markets, rice terraces, waterfalls, restaurants, comfy hotels, and more.
Donβt forget to check out my other Ubud travel tips for more info on what to do in Ubud Bali!
Bali Private Driver & Motorbike Rental
If you want to explore Bali in the comfort and safety of a private car with an English speaking driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.
Their price is 650k Rupiah ($45 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That's the total price for the whole car + driver + petrol! It's a great deal. They also offer affordable hotel transfers from the airport.
If you'd rather travel by motorbike, they have that too. Their scooter rentals start at 140k Rupiah (~$9) and include a helmet, rain coat, and free delivery in the south Bali area.
We've used GetYourGuide for lots of tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.
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Ubud Hotels
See Also
- Bali Travel Guide β Info, Pictures, & Blog
- Ubud Travel Guide β Best Things To Do In Ubud Bali
- 3-Day Ubud Itinerary β Touring Baliβs Cultural Center
- Ubud Waterfall Guide β Best Waterfalls Near Ubud Bali
- Bali Beach Guide β The Best Beaches In Bali
- Bali Waterfalls Guide β The Best Waterfalls In Bali
- Bali Temple Guide β The Best Temples In Bali