There are 3 Hindu Temples in Bali that I truly admire because of their stunning features and extraordinary locations.  These temples are 3 of the 9 directional temples in Bali

From Sunrise – Bedugul Lake Temple

Bedugul Lake Temple also known as  Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a Hindu Temple built in Beratan Lake with four mountains serving as its backdrop. In papyrus chronicle of the Mengwi, this temple is referred to as the name of Parhyangan ri pinggiring danu Beratan (sanctum located in lakeside of Beratan Lake ). Ulun is from Hulu word meaning ‘head’ or ‘power’ and in this case, it is intended to Ulun Danu Beratan – the power of Beratan Lake – the Danu Goddess. I visited Ulun Danu Temple early in the morning before tourists would rush-in.

Ulun Danu Temple, Bali, Indonesia

To Mid-day – Tanah Lot Temple

Also famous for a beautiful sunset view, Tanah Lot (literally “land in the sea”) is a large offshore rock where a temple has been built on top of it. Originally built in the 15^th century, Tanah Lot remains to be one of the holiest Hindu temples in Bali. The present rock has been restored in 1980 and about 1/3 of the original rock has been replaced with artificial one. There is a cave of ‘holy snakes’ beside it. I visited Tanah Lot in the middle of the day and at this time, the temple complex is full of tourists.

Tanah Lot Temple, Bali, Indonesia

To Sunset – Uluwatu Temple

Even more remarkable than the temple itself is its location – perched on a steep cliff 80 meters above the roaring Indian ocean waves. Uluwatu Temple or Pura Uluwatu is one of Bali’s key directional temples. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed beforehand, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. There are steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia

There are other Hindu Temples in Bali but these three are my favorites and I visited each of them from sunrise to midday to sunset!