Hidden Sacred Temples In Ubud Bali

8 Hidden Sacred Temples in Ubud Bali Must Visit to Find Peace

Those who want to find spiritual peace may be wondering about the locations of hidden sacred temples in Ubud Bali. Ubud may be one of the top tourist destinations in Bali, but it is also one of the most popular places for spiritualists to find their own peace.

If you have read or watched ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ and you have visited Bali, then you know that Ubud has its own charming atmosphere. When compared to Kuta or Sanur (other popular spots in Bali), Ubud may not be as crowded. But the place is somewhat peaceful – perfect for those who are looking for a place for their spiritual development and meditation.

In Bali, temples are known as Pura. It actually came from Sanskrit word that means walls surrounding space. The Balinese temples are known for their intricate sculptures with demons and creatures symbolizing the ancient tales.

Pura Gunung Lebah

Ubud is known for some of its popular temples

some of which are even located on the main road. Well, Pura Gunung Lebah is one of them. It is situated on the western side of the main road of Jalan Raya Ubud. The temple is surrounded by the lush and natural setting – even overlooking the Campuhan Valley. The temple has 3 courtyards where Balinese-styled structures and shrines are located. The temple may be located in the center of Ubud, but it is quiet once you have entered the premise. To enter the place, you will have to pay around IDR 50,000

Pura Taman Saraswati

Finding the temple is quite easy

because it is situated right in the heart of Ubud. The temple was constructed to honor Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of art and knowledge. From the time you enter the place, you will be pampered with the traditional Balinese structure with its beautiful grey and orange color. Then, you still need to go through a pathway with two ponds on each side.

The ponds are packed with beautiful pink lotuses – strengthening the natural beauty of the place. This temple is often used for Kecak dance performance at night. If you want to visit the temple, it is free. But if you want to see the Kecak dance, it is going to cost you around $7 or IDR 100,000.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

This isn’t exactly one of the secret temples in Bali

but since it is located quite far from the heart of Ubud, it takes an extra effort to reach the place. But it is worth the trip as you will be pampered by the marvelous view and the breathtaking atmosphere.

The temple is most popular for its breathtaking landmark – and it is situated in Bedugul. Bedugul is basically a highland that is located on the northern area of Bali. The area is beautiful, surrounded by mountains.

The main temple is constructed on Lake (Danau) Bratan. If you look at it from afar, it seems that the temple is floating on water. And with the thick clouds and mountains view as the background, the sight is even more beautiful. If you are traveling from Ubud, it takes 75 minutes or around 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the temple. The entrance fee is around $3.5 or IDR

50,000.

Pura Gunung Kawi

If you explore Ubud, you will come to Tampaksiring, one of the areas.

There is a popular temple there, Pura Tirta Empul. Well, Pura Gunung Kawi isn’t far from it. The latter is pretty unique – it is somewhat hidden within Pakerisan River Valley and the high shrines are cut into the cliff. You will have to go down 200 steps of stairs that connect the parking lot to the shrines.

Enjoy your descend because you will see a breathtaking view of the river and the gorgeous terraced rice fields. To reach the site, you will have to pay for $1.5 or around IDR 15,000.

Goa Gajah

In English, it is known as the Elephant Cave.

The name is most likely taken from Elephant River that is pretty close to the place. Not to mention that the temple has the statue of Ganesha, a Hindu god, with his elephant head. This is one of the hidden sacred temples in Ubud Bali that you should explore if you want to know more about natural temples.

The major highlight of this place is the face image that is carved to the temple’s entrance rock wall. But the temple isn’t about Hindu influence only.

If you go further into the temple, you will see a lot of structure combining Buddhist and also Hindu influence. The entrance fee is pretty affordable, around $1.5 or IDR 15,000.

Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal

If you have to translate it, this temple is known as The Great Temple of Death.

It is located right in the middle of Ubud, inside the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. To be exact, the temple is on the southwestern part of Ubud. The temple was constructed to worship Hyang Widhi god – or mostly known as Shiva personification.

There are actually 3 temples in the Monkey Forest. The other two are Pura Prajapati and Pura Beji. You won’t have to pay anything to enter the temple, but you need to pay for the entrance fee to the Monkey Forest. It is around $3.5 or IDR 50,000.

Pura Besakih

If you want to come to Hinduism’s Mother Temple in Bali, this is your go-to place.

It is the holiest and also the largest temple in Bali. The place is absolutely perfect, surrounded by streams, mountains, hills, and also rice paddies. The temple is located in Besakih Village, situated on Mount Agung’s slope. Mount Agung itself is the biggest and also most scared active volcano in Bali.

The main complex consists of 6 levels of terraced slopes. You can find 23 temples on those levels. From there, you can also find stairs leading up to the mountain – you will find various temples along the way. The entrance fee is only $1.5 or IDR 15,000 so it is truly worth it.

Pura Tirta Empul

This temple is considered one of the hidden sacred temples in Ubud Bali

and also one of the most popular too. It is more known as the water temple because the temple was constructed around a natural spring. The major attraction of the temple is the freshwater pools with their carved fountains (20 of them).

The locals often use this temple to bathe because they believe that they will be blessed with good health and fortune when they do it there. You can also take part in the ritual but make sure to be respectful to the temple, the surroundings, and the locals.