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).

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Besakih is the mother temple for Bali, and somewhere that all Balinese Hindus should visit at certain times for ceremony. It's at the base of Mount Agung and a couple of hours' drive to the east from Kuta, Seminyak etc. Besakih isn't as photogenic as some of the Balinese temples but it's important and in constant use by locals. Your entry fee includes a sarong and sash, and your individual guide. You don't need to pay extra for these, or for offerings, and your guide has been paid. Tipping is optional. Over several visits, my experience has been that some guides are a bit pushy about getting tips and will tell you you haven't given them enough (when none is required), others are much more pleasant. There's an electric bus to take you up the road to the base of the temple, then there are still a lot of stairs once you start the visit. If you want to return back down the hill by electric bus, you have to pay for the return ticket as the same time as the entry. Otherwise, there are usually local woman waiting by the top bus stop offering lifts down the hill on their motorbikes for an extra fee. The temple is in 3 parts, for Brahma (red, creation, fire), Shiva (white & yellow, destroyer, wind) and Vishnu (black, protection, holy water) but the majority of your visit will be in the busier central section belonging to Shiva. If you want to make an offering, non-Hindus usually do this is Vishnu's section. Shiva's section is the busiest. with lots of interesting buildings and courtyards. This is a temple that I feel all visitors to Bali should visit at some point in order to help better understand the culture of this beautiful island we have the privilege to visit. Carry water, and make sure you have a decent hat pr an umbrella as there are a lot of steps and limited shade.

This is the "Mother Temple" of Bali and I was expecting something spectacular. It is from a distance but I was escorted around the perimeter of the buildings by a "guide" and not allowed anywhere near the interiors. I was also chaperoned when I reached the courtyard of one of the main temples and was told I could walk a few yards into it to take photos but no further. So, after spending hours travelling to get there it was a quick tour around and out. Balinese government are cracking down on behaviour of rogue tourist which spoils the experience for the law abiding and respectful people. Sad!!

Beautiful located on the foothills of Mt. Agung. This is regarded as the most holiest of all temples in Bali initially built by Sage Markandeya, a famous Shiva devotee who defeated Lord of death through intense prayer and chanting. Make time to visit and feel the peace here. Best to visit early to late morning. If possible visit on a sunny day to see the mountain in the background. The guide is "Free" however they do expect a good tip.