Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple
3.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksReligious Sites
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
Over a thousand years old, Besakih Temple is known as the "Mother Temple of Bali". Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1000 metres (3000 feet)Pura Besakih is the paramount Hindu temple on Bali. Located high on the slopes of the volcano Mt. Agung, it has developed over more than a thousand years into a great complex of 22 separate temples, the largest and central being Pura Penataran Agung. The annual cycle of more than 70 rituals, which symbolically link the temples into a whole, culminates in the centenary ceremony called Ekadasa Rudra, last held in 1979. The temple complex, state-supported since the 15th century, has undergone a series of architectural and ritual changes.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • harlemfamily
    New York City, New York738 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The temple to see in Bali
    If you are going to see one temple - this is the one to see... To call it large is an overstatement...it is enormous and there is a lot to see and it is quite beautiful. Our guide was very good and took great pictures (the guide is included). Lunch was challenging since we did not realize that the nicest places were closer to the temple - so we missed out. The places closer to the exit were not so clean looking. So, think about food options before you go. We drove ourselves - it is very easy to park there.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 24 July 2023
  • edmjl
    219 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very good visit, above expectation
    The last time we visited Besakih was more than 10 yrs ago. We were reluctant in the beginning after reading so many negative reviews about it, but we decided to go ahead anyway. First of all, the besakih compound has changed so much. Modern parking lot, golf cart to bring us up to the temple complex, but above all we were so lucky to get a very kind tour guide, Made. Although his English was not perfect, we understood his explanation perfectly. Besides the explanations, he made lots of pictures of both of us :) He also brought us to Pura Gelap (dark temple) and thought us how the Balinese usually pray, hence we prayed together. A very Unforgettable memory. We gave him tips at the end of the tour although it is not compulsory. The weren’t many stray dogs when we were there, if there were, they were mostly sleeping. Some girls selling postcards would approach us, it was quite annoying but after awhile they would stop anyway.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 August 2023
  • Zsuzsa.Guide
    Targu Secuiesc, Romania244 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do not miss it
    Must see this place with a lot of hindu temples. The place is well organized, huge parking place, shuttle bus to the temple. You cannot enter to see all, cause some are private, others just for hindu praying, but you can participate to a small praying ceremony in some temples-praying for the spirit and nature. Price is 90.000 rupiah including shuttle, entrance and guide.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 17 August 2023
  • Jeremy S
    Buccoo, Tobago8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful temple, great views of volcano
    We arrived quite late (330pm) and had a fantastic visit. It seemed very well organised and was straightforward to just pay the correct entry fee / get a guide etc. Paid a little extra tips inside for some famous 'mirror photos' which were pretty good and the guide helped out taking photos of us all too. It wasn't busy at all and some of the temples higher up the hill we felt like we were the only people there which made it really special.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 September 2023
  • Peter WS
    11 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive temple but become too focussed on tourism (and trying to part tourists from their money)
    Large and impressive temple complex but has become overly focused on mass tourism to the extent there is now a shuttle to take visitors from the ticket office up to the maon part of the temple complex and a lot of shops within the temple complex. Furthermore, the various sellers (drinks, postcards, souvenirs, etc) are probably the pushiest of any temple I have been to in Bali and and do not not seem to understand "no thank you" (even when my (private) guide repeated it in Bahasa, they still persisted). As with many temples in Bali nowadays, the main part of the various temples (including the main temple, Pura Penataran Agung) is closed to visitors (you can only go in if you are there to worship) so there is actually a lot of the complex you cannot see. There was one temple (Pura Gelap), towards the top of the complex, that was open to visitors (but I sense unofficially) and there you were met by the temple priests who showed you how the Hindus who come to the temple pray but then try get you to give an IDR 200,000 (approx. £22/US$30) "donation to the temple" and are quite insistent about it and weren't happy when I gave IDR 60,000 (which my guide felt was far more appropriate).
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 14 October 2023
  • Ashan Gnanasegaram
    Sydney, Australia188 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mother temple is a must-see site
    This is the big one, the mother temple of Bali. As it's the largest and holiest temple on the island it can get very busy so plan to get there in the morning. There is a large carpark onsite and tickets are 90k IDR per adult (foreign). Admission includes a sarong to wear as well as a guide for the duration of your visit. We took the complimentary shuttle from the entrance up to the start of the temple complex - Besakih comprises 23 temples. We gradually made our way up the slope navigating through various courtyards and stairs with the help of our guide who was very pleasant and took many short breaks to help us with photos. Visitors and non-Hindus can take an offering, or make a donation and visit or pray in the center of the main sanctuary (the lotus throne). It's a very interesting and historically rich place. Only drawback is that it is reasonably commercialised and amongst the cultural and religious significance expect to walk through many stalls and vendors selling refreshments, arts and crafts and offerings. Overall, we enjoyed our visit
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 3 December 2023
  • travelonline
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice place
    Very nice place to be. Nice views and photos. You feel calm and happy. Beware thou of the price, for tourists. The guide mentioned price lot less then what they charged us at the entrance. I think good for first time view. Not sure if others want to spend that much.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 December 2023
  • Dirk W
    Antwerp, Belgium210 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Puri Besakih temple
    The Puri Besakih temple is still very beautiful. In 2008 the temple stood here all alone. Now in 2023, a village with souvenir shops, etc. has been built around it, which gives us a lesser character for us. A whole series of bus parks and car parks have been constructed. You used to be here alone. They take you up the mountain to the temple in an electric van (entrance fee included). You have to pay again, otherwise you have to walk to the hundreds of souvenir shops
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 December 2023
  • Kaes A
    19 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting place
    For sure it is a massive temple located on the slopes of mount Agung in Bali. After a 90min drive we found out that the main sections of the temple are not open to non locals, a priest showed us around through a side way and his focus was on donations. While this was an educational trip, it’s not a must see. Reality is far away from promotional videos.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 January 2024
  • Sirisha
    272 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful place of worship
    I went to this temple along with family. An English speaking guide was provided after we paid the entrance fee. We took a small bus to the main entrance along with the guide. When we arrived, vendors tried to push the offering into our hands and I rejected it. However as we started walking up the steps to the main temple, the guide told me we could not see the shiva temple since we did not buy the offering. So, I decided to buy the offering and do prayers there. The guide was a complete waste of time. He did not know much about the temple or the place. He spent all his time telling us how expensive our camera and phone was. He also kept telling us that we should visit his house which was a kilometer away. He told us that he was poor and that he is not paid by the temple and we should give him a hefty tip. It was very annoying. He was asking us where we were staying , how long, who our guide was etc. I was very uneasy with this guide and something just did not feel right, so I did not give him accurate information about our accommodations. As we reached the shiva temple, we decided to buy offering there. I paid 50,000 IDR for 5 worship plates. We then went up to the shiva temple, prayers for 5 minutes. Guide then says to us that we should donate at least 100,000 IDR each to the temple. We donated 10,000 each. He then took the cash and said he was depositing it in the temple box but there is no way to tell if he actually did that. We then walked around the place and took some photos. All through the walk, the guide kept insisting that we should visit his home and that it is not too far. Anyway, when we reached at the end, we tipped him and left. Temple was beautiful and my family enjoyed the prayer there. We however did not feel comfortable with the guide. Tip: do not share your personal information and do not go to anyone’s house especially if you are carrying expensive electronics.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 12 January 2024
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3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles2,756 reviews
Excellent
814
Very good
676
Average
369
Poor
268
Terrible
629

Ruben F
6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
The place is nice and beautiful but I don't like that the guide asks you for money at the end of the tour. The guide is included in the ticket
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Scheida W
Singapore63 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Very sad to see this beautiful serene place turn into a shopping street with vendors throwing their products at you. The explicit amount asked for donation is another issue. However if you have the nerves you can still enjoy the place. Were here before but the temple went through a very dramatic transformation.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lee
Makati, Philippines5 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Very terrible experience. A complete waste of time and money. Tourist trap. AVOID at all costs! Entrance fee 90K. Tip 50-100K. There’s another donation at the prayer area from 50-100K. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Horrible people. Hope they all get BAD KARMA!
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bapi S
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
Must visit place for Hindus as well as for other tourists. Cant be express the feelings by word. Digital medias cant be given the soulful experience what you captured in-front of you.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mrc282
World8,028 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
besakih temple to balinese people is probably what angkor wat is to cambodians. it is the mother temple with 3 separate temples dedicated to the hindu trinity: Brahma as creator, Vishnu as preserver, and Shiva as destroyer

there is a huge multistory parking lot on site, and a seemingly new paved road leading to besakih temple these days. there is even starlink satellite wifi connection available onsite

the temple is not crowded at all on the day i visit. but i can imagine the patronage it receives to warrant the construction of multistory parking lot.

beware, guides for the temple can be aggressive for tips. it appears mandatory, or at least, you cant waive the fee for them
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sirisha
Omaha272 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
I went to this temple along with family. An English speaking guide was provided after we paid the entrance fee. We took a small bus to the main entrance along with the guide. When we arrived, vendors tried to push the offering into our hands and I rejected it. However as we started walking up the steps to the main temple, the guide told me we could not see the shiva temple since we did not buy the offering. So, I decided to buy the offering and do prayers there. The guide was a complete waste of time. He did not know much about the temple or the place. He spent all his time telling us how expensive our camera and phone was. He also kept telling us that we should visit his house which was a kilometer away. He told us that he was poor and that he is not paid by the temple and we should give him a hefty tip. It was very annoying. He was asking us where we were staying , how long, who our guide was etc. I was very uneasy with this guide and something just did not feel right, so I did not give him accurate information about our accommodations. As we reached the shiva temple, we decided to buy offering there. I paid 50,000 IDR for 5 worship plates. We then went up to the shiva temple, prayers for 5 minutes. Guide then says to us that we should donate at least 100,000 IDR each to the temple. We donated 10,000 each. He then took the cash and said he was depositing it in the temple box but there is no way to tell if he actually did that. We then walked around the place and took some photos. All through the walk, the guide kept insisting that we should visit his home and that it is not too far. Anyway, when we reached at the end, we tipped him and left. Temple was beautiful and my family enjoyed the prayer there. We however did not feel comfortable with the guide.
Tip: do not share your personal information and do not go to anyone’s house especially if you are carrying expensive electronics.
Written 12 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SimplyDrapi
Ljubljana, Slovenia424 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
There are so many Hindu temples on Bali, and only few are exeptional for a tourist. This one is one of them. A trully mother temple.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kaes A
19 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
For sure it is a massive temple located on the slopes of mount Agung in Bali. After a 90min drive we found out that the main sections of the temple are not open to non locals, a priest showed us around through a side way and his focus was on donations.
While this was an educational trip, it’s not a must see. Reality is far away from promotional videos.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FiMacEdin
Edinburgh, UK87 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
Wish I'd read the reviews before I visited this place... avoid, avoid, avoid.
Firstly there's a new road and multi story car park built at the bottom of the hill. You get a shuttle bus up to the temple entrance. Pure Disney world.
The entrance fee is 90,000 when most other temples are 50,000. This includes a guide which they imply you are obliged to take, I don't know what would happen if you refuse. The guide walks quickly, talks too fast, churns out his speech by rote, is disintereated, you get no time to enjoy/linger/soak in any atmosphere there might be. At the end he then suggests you give him a tip....!
As a foreigner most areas are also shut off to you, which is fine. Hassle from shopkeepers actually wasn't too bad when I visited but the whole experience was awful and such a shame. I don't know how they can reverse any of this now, I doubt they can. A no doubt one beautiful site to experience completely ruined.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Juni M
Denpasar, Indonesia2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
We visited this temple on the last day of 2023. We heard that the whole temple complex has been renovated. After bought ticket from the counter which include saroong rental and a guide, we jump into a shuttle that taken us to the entrance of the temple. Now this is a surprise begins ,before we even get off the shuttle, a bunch of ladies rush to us try to sell offering flower. A lady even slaps the plastic of flower to my hand multiple times said: you need this!. We rejected to buy flower because we hated being push like that. Finally we bought only 1 plastic and she said the price is around 4 dollar...what? We gave her 20thousand idr. And one of the lady yell at us, saying wong as*..means dog..and after that another harresment continued this time comes from kids who try to sell postcards. The temple is a amazing place but the harrasment we 've experinced was annoying. At the end of tour , our guide asked tips saying that he only received less than 1 dollar from the ticket price.... well we think this will be our first and last visit to this place. Goverment should do something.
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Besakih Temple, Karangasem

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