Bali and temples are synonymous; they go hand in hand, like a cold drink on a hot day. The temples on Indonesia’s most famous island have become one of the country international claims to fame. From the coastal cliffs to the mountain tops, Bali has some world-renowned temples that shouldn’t be missed. These temples give Bali a deeply spiritual feeling. Perhaps the mystical shrines are just one of the reasons for Bali’s nickname: “Island of the Gods.”

Conveniently, almost all of them can be reached via day trip from Seminyak. Check out our picks of the most impressive temples in Bali:

Pura Tanah Lot

This temple is one of Bali’s most famous coastal temples. The name Tanah Lot means “Land in the Sea” – certainly a suitable name for a temple with such a location. One visit here and you’ll understand how it became the most photographed temple in all of Bali.

Because of Tanah Lot’s location atop a rocky outcrop on a small peninsula, the temple can only be reached at low tide. When the tide is fully out, visitors can carefully pick their way across the natural walkway to the ancient Hindu shrine, surrounded by water on three side. Keep in mind, non-Balinese people are not allowed to actually enter the temple. When the tide is high, the temple can be admired from afar.

The temple surrounded by water and inaccessible during the high tide.

Tanah Lot is located on the western side of Bali in the Beraban village, a quick 50-minute drive from Seminyak.

Bonus: A visit in the late afternoon or early evening can mean that you’ll be treated to an incredible Balinese sunset view.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

This is another one of Bali’s most picturesque sea temples. Ulu Watu, meaning “top of the rock”, is indeed propped on the plateau of a perilously steep cliff with the crashing waves some 70-meters below. One of the finest aspects of the temple’s surroundings is the vast amount of ocean seascape. Visitors can walk along the cliffs for several kilometers, enjoying an unmatched, ocean-front stroll.

The temple itself is small, but incredibly historical. It’s said to have been constructed in the 10^th-century by a Javanese Hindu guru. It is one of the six spiritual pillars that protects Bali from the evil spirits in the southwest and is therefore revered by all Balinese.

The temple is located 1-hour south from Seminyak, on the tip of the Bukit Peninsula.

Bonus: Uluwatu overlooks a famous Bali surf spot, so keep your eyes peeled for surfers. Another event that takes place on the temple grounds on a nightly basis is the kecak and fire dance performance. The trance-like dance involves chanting and costume-clad, bare-chested men.

Pura Besakih

A 2-hour drive inland from Seminyak to the north east of Bali finds the day tripper at Pura Besakih, a sprawling complex comprised of 86 different temples.

This is considered to be the biggest and holiest temple on the island. The complex is so big that some of the temples within the complex are roughly 3-kilometers apart! The Balinese people consider visiting this temple an important pilgrimage.

Known as Bali’s ‘Mother Temple’, the complex sits 1,000-meters high on the slopes of Mount Agung. The surrounding scenery is almost as breathtaking as the temple itself; a mountainous backdrop, rice paddies, and streams gives the whole area a mystical vibe.

Bonus: A visit to this temple is likely to correspond with one of the 70-plus religious ceremonies or events held here. Each shrine within the complex has an anniversary ceremony in addition to local holidays being observed and celebrated.

Pura Lempuyang

On the eastern side on Bali, perched on the peak of Mount Lempuyang, Pura Lempuyang competes with Besakih as one of the oldest and most significant temples in Balinese history. This temple is only about an hour west of Pura Besakih and can be combined as a two-temple day trip from Seminyak.

This temple is more expansive than the others on the list. Pura Penataran Agung is the most photogenic temple sitting on the slopes of the mountain. However, if you want to reach the main temple, you’ll have to strap on your trainers and take the 1,700 steps to the top -  1,175 meters above sea level. Those who make the trek are rewarded with gorgeous panoramas of East Bali. Just be careful on the trek, the forest is inhabited by curious macaque monkeys!

Bonus: Not into hiking, but have an itch to see the views and the top temple? Motor taxis are available to run visitors to the top for a small, negotiable fee.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

This temple’s peaceful and picturesque setting on the shore of Lake Beratan makes it worthy of a visit while in Bali. In fact, Ulun Danu Beratan is one of the most important temple in Bali (second only to Pura Besakih). The rice farmers of Bali hold this temple in the highest regard as it’s dedicated to the goddess of lakes and rivers who has a big impact on the island’s irrigation system.

Part of the temple is on the mainland, while another pagoda rests on an island in the lake. This part of the temple gives the illusion that it’s floating on the lake’s surface thanks to the water’s mirror-esque appearance. The temple’s background is impossibly lush mountains, sometimes cloaked in a mysterious mist.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is roughly a 2-hour drive directly north from Seminyak.

Bonus: In addition to the temple, there’s a gorgeous lakeside garden to wander around. There’s also the option to take a short boat ride on the lake or a (slow) spin in a paddle boat built for two.

These are just a few of the nearly infinite number of temples in Bali. They come in all different sizes, styles, and levels of significance, but one thing’s for sure - it’s tough to beat the Balinese when it comes to the level of cultural and religious praise and respect.