Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano, Besakih Temple isn’t just another pretty temple – it’s the grandest, most significant, and most spiritually profound temple complex on the island.
Often referred to as the “Mother Temple of Bali,” Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih) has been standing tall for over a thousand years. It has survived the harsh climate, volcanic eruptions, colonial rule, and probably more tourist photos that it would care to admit.
About Besakih Temple
The Temple’s origins date all the way back to at least the 8th century, when it was established by a Javanese priest named Rsi Markandeya. Over the centuries, the temple has evolved into the huge complex it is today.
Considered one of the best temples in Bali, Besakih Temple is not just one temple – it’s a vast religious complex comprising 23 separate temples. The main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, stands tall in the heart of it all as the most significant.
The entire layout follows the Balinese Hindu concept of Tri Hita Karana, which aims to bring harmony between God, humans, and nature. Each temple within the Besakih complex serves a different purpose, and the entire site is dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).
Unlike many other temples in Bali where you casually stroll around in a sarong and a phone, Besakih Temple remains an active place of worship.
It regularly hosts grand ceremonies, and if you happen to visit during one of these, you will likely witness a crowd of beautifully dressed Balinese Hindus offering prayers, incense, and colorful offerings.
- Entrance fee: IDR 150,000
- Parking fee (car): IDR 10,000
- Parking fee (scooter): IDR 5,000
- Operating hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, daily
- Recommended visit: 1 – 1.5 hours
Where is Besakih Temple?
Besakih Temple is located in East Bali in the village of Besakih in Karangasem. The exact location on Google Maps is Besakih Great Temple.
The entire temple complex sits at approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of lush green landscapes, traditional rice terraces, and a rather majestic peek at Mount Agung (if the weather allows you to).
Besakih is about a 2-hour drive from Ubud and about the same from Seminyak, making it perfect trip for taking a break from the beach clubs and spending some time exploring this tranquil side of the island.
Besakih Temple Entrance Fees
While visiting the Mother Temple is an enriching experience, it does come with a fee. As of current, the entrance fee to Besakih Temple is IDR 150,000 per person (about USD $9.10 / AUD $15). Payments can be made in cash or by card on location.
The entry fee includes a mandatory local guide to help you navigate the temple complex (and possibly save you from getting lost in this massive place).
Your entrance ticket will also include a sarong rental, which is also mandatory and considered a sign of respect from visitors. The staff at the rental desk will help you put on the sarong.
A one-way shuttle bus ride is included in your entrance ticket. This will take you to the top near the main entrance. You can choose to walk back down (10-15 minutes) or pay another IDR 20,000 per person to get the return shuttle.
It’s one of the most expensive temple entrance tickets in Bali, but when you consider what you get for the fee, it’s actually a fair deal – especially the fact that you’re assigned an on-site guide who knows the temple’s layout and history.
Besakih Temple Tour
The best way to experience Besakih, especially if you’re visiting with a group, if to book a Besakih Temple Tour. Since you’re headed all the way there, you might as well take the opportunity to explore some more destinations in East Bali.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel or villa by one of our drivers and taken to East Bali to visit some of the best attractions include a coffee plantation, the Mother Temple, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, and the beautiful Penglipuran Village.
It’s a 10-hour private day tour and is fully flexible. Entrance tickets to Besakih are already included but you can choose to skip the other attractions in favor of another – the day is entirely up to you.
What to expect
A guided tour: Since your entrance fee includes a guide, you’ll be exploring the temple complex alongside an on-site guide who speaks English and can explain the history of each temple and what they signify. He can also help with taking photos.
Long walks and stairs: The complex is massive. Be prepared to do a fair amount of walking and get a leg exercise. However, the view from the top is worth it.
A majestic atmosphere: The temple is set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Agung. You’ll have incredible views and a sense of tranquility.
Religious ceremonies: You may likely witness traditional Balinese ceremonies with locals bringing offerings and priests performing prayers.
Local vendors: Expect to encounter very friendly (and persistent) local vendors offering to sell you souvenirs and traditional crafts . If you’re not interested, a polite but firm “no, thank you” does the trick. If you do plan on shopping, dust off your negotiation skills.
How to get to Besakih Temple?
By Car
Since East Bali is far away from most major destinations in Bali, the best way to visit Besakih is to book a private car and driver, or the Besakih Day Tour (mentioned above). You’ll be in the comfort of your own air-conditioned SUV without having to stress about getting soaked in the rain, navigating traffic, or getting lost with Google Maps.
By Scooter
If you’re up for the journey, renting a scooter in Bali and riding it all the way to Besakih Temple can be a wonderful experience. I recommend traveling light to avoid back pain, and packing a raincoat or rain poncho in case you get caught in the rain on the way. Also, once you start entering Karangasem area, the roads are winding and sometimes steep. See my Scooter Rental Guide on getting the right scooter for the trip.
By Gojek / Grab
There are no Gojek, Grab, or any other ridesharing service that operates in Besakih area. Since it’s very quiet for most the day, you’ll have a hard time finding hired transport.
Best time to visit Besakih
Timing is everything when visiting Bali’s Mother Temple. Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the midday heat and the crowds. If you’re visiting during Galungan or Kuningan, even better – this is when the temple is at its most vibrant, filled with ceremonies, offerings, and traditional music.
Dry Season (April to October): This is the prime time to visit – Bali’s nature is less moody with bright sunshine and clear skies, allowing you to roam the temple grounds freely without worrying about getting soaked.
Wet Season (November to March): Less ideal but there are perks to visiting during rainy season. The surrounding landscapes turn into a lush, green paradise, and the Mother Temple takes on a misty and mystical vibe. I suggest packing an extra umbrella or raincoat just in case.
Regardless of the time of the year, the crowds start to form around 10:00 am. Depending on how you look at this, this could be good or bad. If you want an authentic feel in your photos – hundreds of Balinese dressed in ceremonial attire – then this is the best time to visit.
But if you prefer to be alone in your photos without any photobombers, then 8:00 am or 4:00 pm should be perfect. In the early morning hours right after opening, it will likely just be you and your tour guide.
Tips for Visiting Besakih Temple
Is Besakih Temple a Tourist Trap?
This is up for debate. It’s important to understand that since Besakih is the most significant temple in Bali, a vast majority of its visitors are Balinese who make their way to the temple for worship and ceremonies.
However, during my visits, I do see where the “tourist trap” accusations come from – primarily from the fact that it’s quite commercialized. There are food stalls, souvenir shops, and independent vendors everywhere who are always trying to sell you something.
Tip: There will be ladies at the entrance claiming that you need to buy Canang Sari (Balinese offerings) in order to enter the temple area. This is a scam. It is not mandatory to purchase offerings since you will not be participating in the ceremonies. Just say you don’t have cash and walk away.
You have to consider the fact that this has nothing to do with the temple or the experience there. You can simply say “no, I don’t have any cash,” or a quick and easy “I don’t have money left” and you’ll lose the attention quite quickly.
This money-oriented aspect is what ruins Besakih’s name. But I must emphasize that once you ignore the commercial side, the journey to the top of the complex and back is quite scenic and fascinating.
Don’t let a few pesky sellers ruin the experience for you. It can be a tourist trap if you allow it to be. You do not have to spend more than the entrance ticket.
Besakih Temple: Final Thoughts
As I’ve mentioned in the beginning, I’ve always been fascinated with Besakih with every visit. You have to take in the fact that people built this complex over a thousand years ago – on the top of a mountain.
Another interesting part is that thousands of Balinese visit Besakih Temple every day. Think of it as Bali’s Mecca. Whether it’s a tourist destination or not, the temples are still functioning and host ceremonies on a daily basis.
However, the commercial side of it might create a slight negative perspective – especially the persistent women at the entrance trying to sell you Balinese offerings, and the hundreds of shops and stalls in every corner. Even the guide feels like a salesman at certain moments.
While the entrance fees are indeed quite expensive, the revenue does seem well-spent. There are up-to-date facilities and all of it is well-maintained – multi-level parking spaces, ticketing booths, shuttle busses, and even elevators.
If you visit Besakih Temple with an open mind and ignore the commercial aspects, you can have an interesting and fun experience (with a fair bit of exercise).
Here are some other useful resources for your Bali trip:
- Book a Private Car and Driver
- Get a WISE Debit Card for Bali
- Bikago Scooter Rental
- Bali Airport Transfer
FAQs about Besakih Temple
Is Besakih Temple worth visiting?
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Bali’s Mother Temple is worth the visit. However, it is quite a distance away from major destinations in Bali, so it is recommended that you spend the day exploring more attractions in East Bali instead of going out of your way just to visit Besakih.
How much is Besakih Temple entrance fee?
The entrance fee to Besakih for international visitors is IDR 150,000 per person. For domestic visitors, it’s IDR 80,000 per person.
The entrance tickets include a wristband as proof of payment, a sarong rental, a mandatory tour guide, and a one-time shuttle bus ticket to take you to the main entrance. You’ll have to make your way back down by foot or pay another IDR 20,000 person for a return shuttle.
Can you buy entrance tickets online?
You cannot buy Besakih entrance tickets online. You must buy them on location.
Why is it more expensive for foreigners?
While it may seem unfair that the entrance fees are almost double the local cost for international visitors, it’s important to understand that locals who visit Besakih are there for religious purposes, not just for photos and exploring.
What much is the parking fee?
Parking fees at Besakih is IDR 10,000 for cars and IDR 5,000 for scooters.
What is Besakih Temple opening hours?
Besakih Temple opens at 7:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm.
Should I bring cash or card?
At the ticket kiosk, you can pay with IDR cash or credit cards.
Can kids visit Besakih Temple?
I reckon the kids will love exploring this beautiful site. Please remind the kids to be respectful.
Are there places to eat at Besakih Temple?
There are more than enough spots to eat in Besakih. Don’t expect anything fancy. Most of the places to eat are small warungs (small local food shop) with very simple menus. Some places have reasonable prices while some others might inflate them a bit.
Can I take photos in Besakih?
Yes, you’re free to take photos in the temple complex and it’s often encouraged. Take as many photos as you like just be mindful if there are ceremonies happening. If you’d like to take photos of locals, please ask permission first.
How much are the reflection photos?
The iconic “mirror reflection photos” that you see everywhere on Instagram costs IDR 30,000 per photo spot and can be purchased from vendors at the staircase by the main entrance to the temple.
Can I enter the temples?
You cannot enter the temples unless you’re wearing traditional Balinese clothing (Adat Pakaian Bali). If you do want to enter, you can also rent from one of the shops along the way, but it’s not a necessary part of your visit.
Neil
I’ve been in Bali for so long I’ve grown roots (literally and metaphorically). For the past 10 years, I’ve experienced Bali from every angle. I’ve explored the temples, I’ve tried all the food, and I’m proudly fluent in the Indonesian language. I hope our website helps you get an authentic experience for your holiday in Bali, whether you’re here to enjoy the finer things in life, or to learn more about this Bali’s rich culture.
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