You’ve probably read about Tanah Lot, a temple perched on reef rocks, which is only accessible during low tide. It is a world-famous sea temple, and you probably want to see more of them.
Bali has several temples which were built on shorelines, some on clifftops, and it’ll make you wonder how people in the 16th century managed to engineer such structures at risky locations. We’ve picked some of the best ones.
1. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
If you look at Uluwatu Temple directly from above, you would be curious about how the ancients have constructed a temple on a jutting narrow cliff edge, 97 meters from crashing waves.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is different from the regular temples and shrines that you frequently see when visiting various towns. It sits at what is considered one of the six most holy places on the island, which helps bring a kind of spiritual balance. It’s not surprising that the temple sits on the southernmost tip of the island.
2. Pura Batu Bolong
This sea shrine is visible from Pura Tanah Lot – in fact, they are neighbours in a way. The most distinguishing feature of the site is a natural arch bridge that connects the shrine with the land. The name Batu Bolong literally translates to holed stone, referring to the 5-meter arch itself.
Although distinct from Tanah Lot temple, they are both featured in the same general complex. This means you can visit this shrine and visit Tanah Lot without paying twice for parking or entrance.
Please be aware that flying a drone is not only forbidden, but also disrespectful. These shrines and temples are active sites and host religious ceremonies almost daily, and this is a very important aspect of the Balinese Hindu culture.
3. Pura Geger
This pura may not appear to be as impressive as the previously mentioned temples. However, Pura Geger still remains an important cultural landmark in Nusa Dua. It was constructed in a similar fashion to other Balinese sea temples that occupy the clifftops.
If you want to take a beautiful photo of this temple, there is a pathway next to the temple complex. This path juts out of the beach like a boardwalk, except that this is made of asphalt and sand. At the end of the path, you can settle down in the peaceful ambiance, and take a photo of the temple above the treeline.
4. Pura Pulaki, Buleleng
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According to legend, a monk wanted to visit a forgotten temple some time in the 16th century, and was lost in a thick forest. It was by some miracle that a curious troop of monkeys decided to follow the man – who seemed out of place.
The monkeys then began to walk ahead of the monk, and he realized that he had become a follower, rather than the leader, of these monkeys. So he let go of his ego, and followed these monkeys to his destination – the temple he had been looking for all along.
Pura Pulaki was revived and gave the monkeys a new status: the guardian of the temple. You may have heard about the Ubud Monkey Forest temple. This is not it – this is another, unknown monkey temple.
The ancients have gone through so much effort into building these sea temples. The implication is apparent. These sea temples are a few of the most important temples in Bali. Have you also visited Masceti Temple in Petitenget? We are located 2 minutes away from the site – by foot!
The Colony Hotel is a hotel for real travellers. Start your journey across Bali with us. We are located in Seminyak, and not too far away from most temples listed here.