Besakih Great Temple
Hindu temple · Karangasem ·

Besakih Great Temple

Hindu temple · Karangasem ·

Bali's most important Hindu temple complex with 23 buildings

mother temple of bali
complex of temples
mount agung view
spiritual atmosphere
balinese culture
tourist scams
pushy vendors
temple architecture
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by Photo by Sean Hamlin
Besakih Great Temple by Photo by Sean Hamlin
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null
Besakih Great Temple by null

Information

Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia Get directions

Restroom
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Information

Static Map

Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia Get directions

besakih.org
@besakihbali

Features

•Restroom
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot
•Wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

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@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"The Mother Temple On the shoulders of Bali ’s most sacred mountain is perched its Mother Temple, Pura Besakih, a complex of 23 sacred buildings. Several times annually, pilgrims flock here from around the island—on the backs of motorbikes, in buses and bemos, even crowded together, standing-room only, in the beds of trucks—to make offerings at the several clan temples (each family is part of a clan represented here) and at the largest and most important temple, Pura Penataran Agung, tiered and built into the mountain’s slope. Make sure to climb to the impressive second courtyard, which is as far as tourists are generally allowed to go. The complex is most alive during frequent festivals, when thousands descend, ceremonially dressed, and flow throughout the temple grounds. When the sky is clear, you can see from here down into the valley and out to sea."

The Best Things to Do in Bali
Photo by Sean Hamlin
Besakih Great Temple
@afar
25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"The Mother Temple On the shoulders of Bali ’s most sacred mountain is perched its Mother Temple, Pura Besakih, a complex of 23 sacred buildings. Several times annually, pilgrims flock here from around the island—on the backs of motorbikes, in buses and bemos, even crowded together, standing-room only, in the beds of trucks—to make offerings at the several clan temples (each family is part of a clan represented here) and at the largest and most important temple, Pura Penataran Agung, tiered and built into the mountain’s slope. Make sure to climb to the impressive second courtyard, which is as far as tourists are generally allowed to go. The complex is most alive during frequent festivals, when thousands descend, ceremonially dressed, and flow throughout the temple grounds. When the sky is clear, you can see from here down into the valley and out to sea."

The Perfect Weekend in Bali
Photo by Sean Hamlin
Besakih Great Temple
@silverkris
10,054 Postcards · 2,273 Cities

7 temples to visit for a different side of Bali - SilverKris

"The island's largest and most important Hindu complex sits high on the slopes of Mount Agung and is often regarded as the “Mother Temple.” Comprising more than 20 interconnected temples and hundreds of shrines, it dates back to around the 8th century and was traditionally founded by a Javanese sage. Worship at the complex honours ancestral spirits, deified rulers and nature gods, and its scale and ceremonial role make it a central spiritual site for Balinese Hinduism." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/sightseeing/temples-to-visit-for-a-different-side-of-bali/
Besakih Great Temple

Markus G.

Google
I don't know how this happened to me because I usually read the Google ratings on places. I wish I had done that before coming here. The entrance fee of 150k is okay in my opinion. As soon as they told me that a guide is compulsory I already knew what was to come. Every few steps people are begging for money or trying to sell you overpriced mass produced Chinese plastic souvenirs. My guide was actually quite pleasant but he really didn't explain anything to me I didn't already know about the place, the volcano and the island. They sell you an offering at the entrance, another 50 k. Then you have to make a donation while giving the offering, so bring change. They also look into your wallet when you open it to see how much you have in there. If I had known all this in advance I wouldn't have gone. I asked my guide if I really had to go with a guide if I came to see the temple again and he said it is NOT compulsory to go with a guide. So if you're strong enough to say no to all those smiling faces by all means, do it. The temple itself is stunning. But I couldn't really take it in because I was constantly angry at myself for getting into this pickle 😂😂😂😭

Mashi

Google
I'll be honest about how I felt during my visit to this place.. It's soulless; a terrifying silence hangs heavy in the air. I wandered around for over 45 minutes, and the place is truly desolate and frightening. I feel like there are strange spirits in this place. The looks of the temple's inhabitants are odd, as is their greeting at the entrance and their insistence that you wear clothes they believe you shouldn't enter the temple without, supposedly out of respect. In reality, it's a scam to take visitors' money. They forced me to buy several strange items that I was supposed to wear Honestly, I regretted visiting this place, which I traveled a long way to reach. I love historical sites steeped in history, which is why my friend recommended this place to me. But if you're looking for places that offer peace, tranquility, and serenity, and you have a sixth sense that allows you to perceive a strange spirit or aura, I advise you not to go there because you'll feel dreariness and uneasy.

Alessia V.

Google
The largest temple in Bali so we had to go, unfortunately it was cloudy when we went to Mount Agung was hidden, definitely worth going earlier on to catch the mountain behind the temples. It was about a 30min scooter from Sidemen where we were staying, it was an easy and nice ride through beautiful Balinese landscapes. The price was a little steep ($15aus) for entrance fee, which did include a sarong to cover legs etc. it didn’t allow you to enter though, only walk around a designated route around it, you could see inside, but you can only enter if you’re praying. To pray you had to have traditional Balinese clothing (not a tourist stitch because locals had to to do it too). You did have to pay extra for the traditional clothes and the offering. We didn’t do it, but if you want cute photos you probably wouldn’t mind paying the additional $7aud. Temple was beautiful, definitely worth seeing if you’re in the area. There was also an included shuttle going up to the base of the temples, but you walk back down again, which was easy enough.

Rhythmic Gymnastics B.

Google
Visiting Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Bali, was an unforgettable experience. The complex is enormous and filled with history, spirituality, and breathtaking architecture. Walking through its many levels with Mount Agung rising in the background truly feels magical. What impressed me most was the atmosphere – it’s both deeply spiritual and welcoming. The views over the mountains and rice terraces are absolutely stunning, especially when the clouds move around the volcano. If you want to experience the heart of Balinese culture and spirituality, this is definitely a place not to miss.

Francesco X.

Google
Besakih Temple is the largest Hindu Temple in the island of Bali, built on the slope of Mount Agung: to be precise it's a complex of 25 different but related temples. The entrance is marked by a "Candi Bentar", the famous split gateway that can be found all over Bali. Unfortunately when I visited there was bad weather so I couldn't enjoy the view of the surroundings. The temple itself is quite nice.

Tiara S.

Google
Really beautiful temple complex and totally worth a visit. Our guide explained a lot about the history and ceremonies, which made the visit feel much more meaningful. The guide was already included in the ticket, and if you wear short pants or a skirt, the sarong rental is also included. The only downside for me was that there were quite a lot of people trying to sell things (including children) and they could be a bit pushy. Other than that, amazing place with stunning views.

Rengesh K

Google
This is the mother of all the Temples in Bali. Every sect in Bali has been allotted their own temple in and around this complex. We went.around 4pm so there were no tourists. Plus this place is being revered and worshipped by all the Hindus there so foreigners need to be mindful and respect their traditions. Guide is included as part of the ticket for foreigners. But guide may still expect some tips. It is optional but you xan use your own judgement and not yield to any pressure. There is also no need to buy offerings and you xan simply decline if you don't want to go their prayer place in the main temple. If you go late in the evening wait until you get sunset. The whole place is magical during sunset with zero crowd

JL G.

Google
This Besakih Great Temple "Mother Temple" is such an amazing place.. The place itself is good but be careful from those people who will offer you to take a great pictures as the shot taken was not as nice as what we expect and they will ask you huge amount of money.. One guy offer us to take us our picture for 50,000IDR for 8 shots, then eventually ask 150,000IDR after the picture taking and the result was hilarious. The pictures I posted here is self captured not really proffesionally done but still better from those picture that was taken by the paid photographer. Overall the place was amazing and this is where you can appreciates indonesian culture.