10 Best Spiritual Experiences in Bali

Gunung Kawi Sebatu is a lush and scenic temple complex that's about 12 km north of Ubud. Located on a forested hillside in Sebatu, you’ll find mountain spring-fed holy water sources, water shrines surrounded by giant carp and blooming lotuses, ornamental fish ponds with statues, and bathing spots surrounding its magnificent main temple complex.

The tranquil setting of Gunung Kawi Sebatu provides a soothing retreat, far away from the streets and bustles of Ubud town. Not far from here is the Pura Dalem Pingit temple, revered among local Balinese Hindus as a purification spot. You descend a hillside in line to pray before immersing under a small waterfall. If you’re a staying guest at the Puri Gangga Resort, you can join spiritual tours to these spots.

Gunung Kawi Temple is famous as among Bali’s most unique archaeological sites, where you can see gigantic ancient stone shrine reliefs carved right into a cliff face. The main temple complex overlooks Bali’s sacred Pakerisan River, which also flows by the Tirta Empul Temple. 

Across the river from the ancient reliefs, there’s a temple courtyard with an old Hindu shrine. Gunung Kawi Temple’s impressive site, lush forested river setting, and lush paddy views transport you back in time and away from modernity in Bali.

Tirta Empul is an important temple complex that’s best known for its holy mountain spring and purification pools. It has been a spiritual destination for both local its Balinese Hindu pilgrims and foreigners looking to enjoy a spiritual experience. 

By following a strict set of rules and codes of conduct, you’re welcome to experience a purification ritual in the pools. A natural spring inside its main temple complex feeds purification baths, pools and carp ponds that surround the outer perimeter, which will eventually flow into the Tukad Pakerisan River.

Gitgit Waterfall serves as a scenic natural attraction and a spiritual destination in Bali. The falls are about 10 km drive south of North Bali’s capital town of Singaraja, and accessible from the south via the main Bedugul-Singaraja route. After a few minutes of hiking, you’ll be able to enjoy the spectacular 40-metre-tall twin spouts that constant crash into a rocky pool below.

Interestingly for spiritual travellers, forested pathways clad by cacao trees will lead you to another waterfall not far from Gitgit Waterfall. Known as the Jembong Waterfall, it’s a place for spiritual healings and purifications. Forested pathways clad by cacao trees lead you down to this site.

Lempuyang Temple sits at 1,175 metres above sea level, on top of a mountain of the same name in Bunutan Village. It’s one of Bali’s oldest and most highly regarded temples, believed to predate most temples on the island. You can get there by climbing a steep paved path of over 1,700 steps – not for the faint-hearted. Along the way, there are several shrines, including the towering Pasar Agung temple.

Its gateway overlooks the blue skies and clouds, so keep your camera at hand. Sightings of tropical birds and macaques complement your climb to the Lempuyang Temple. A priest will reward you with blessing sprinkles of holy water. Locals believe that those who set out to the temple with a heavy heart can never make it to the top.

Batukaru Temple is surrounded by dense forests, providing pleasant sightseeing for nature lovers and spiritual travellers. The Jatiluwih rice terrace is about a 2-km drive southeast from the temple, so you can easily both sites during your trip to the Balinese highlands. The 11th-century temple complex has ancient structures and statues heavily covered in green moss.

While Batukaru’s inner sanctum is usually off-limits to non-pilgrims, you can still enjoy a day of admiring the temple's exterior and grounds. A visit to the temple calls for proper attire and conduct. You must wear a sash around your waist, which is available for free at the security post before the temple entrance.