Explore the largest and holiest Hindu temple complex in Bali with our selection of guided day trips. Many itineraries combine a visit to the Mother Temple with nearby natural and cultural sites like Tukad Cepung Waterfall, traditional villages, and Mount Agung.
Free Cancellation A private day trip through East Bali visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Besakih Temple, and Lempuyang’s iconic gates.
Free Cancellation Visit Bali’s Mother Temple on Mount Agung, explore Penglipuran village, and walk to Tukad Cepung waterfall.
Free Cancellation Visit Bali's Mother Temple, the Kertha Gosa justice hall, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall on a private guided day tour.
Free Cancellation Visit Bali’s most significant landmarks, from the Mother Temple at Besakih to the bamboo forests of Penglipuran.
Free Cancellation Private Chartered Car to Bali Temples With Besakih Temple
Free Cancellation Explore Bali's spiritual heart, from the slopes of Mount Agung to the sacred springs of Tirta Empul.
Free Cancellation A private 8-hour guided tour through central Bali, visiting Tegalalang, Tirta Empul, and the great Besakih Temple.
Free Cancellation Visit the Mother Temple of Besakih, walk through bamboo forests, and see the hidden Tukad Cepung waterfall.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Besakih Temple — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Visiting Besakih Temple, known as Bali's 'Mother Temple,' is a deeply spiritual and visually stunning experience. Situated high on the slopes of Mount Agung, this massive complex of 23 related temples offers an incredible look into the heart of Balinese Hinduism.
This is the largest and most central temple in the complex. It features a dramatic, massive staircase and 22 individual shrines dedicated to Shiva.
On a clear day, the towering peak of Bali's highest active volcano perfectly frames the temple's multi-tiered pagodas. It provides a breathtaking backdrop that highlights the site's spiritual significance.
Walk through the iconic split stone gates that symbolize the division between the physical and spiritual realms. These towering structures offer some of the most famous photo opportunities on the island.
Skip the initial steep hike from the parking area with a scenic five-minute electric shuttle ride. This modern addition is included in your ticket and drops you right at the main entrance.
For those willing to climb, this is the highest temple in the complex, located about a 30-minute walk uphill. It offers a secluded, peaceful atmosphere and the best panoramic views of the entire site.
Planning a trip to the Mother Temple requires a bit of preparation due to its sacred status and mountainous location. Here is what you need to know before securing your tour.
Most tours to Besakih are full-day private or small-group excursions lasting 8 to 10 hours. They frequently bundle the temple with other East Bali highlights like Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Lempuyang Temple, or the Kintamani volcano viewpoints.
The international entrance fee is 150,000 IDR, which includes sarong rental, a local guide, and the shuttle ride. Many private tours include this ticket in the upfront price, but always double-check the inclusions, as some budget options only cover transport.
Modest dress is mandatory for all visitors. You must wear a sarong and a waist sash to enter the temple complex, and your shoulders must be covered. If your tour doesn't provide one, you can use the ones included with your temple admission.
The complex is built on six terraced levels along steep volcanic slopes. Expect hundreds of steep, uneven stone stairs. It is not wheelchair accessible, and visitors should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Balinese Hindu tradition strictly prohibits women who are currently menstruating from entering any temple grounds. Additionally, tourists cannot enter the inner sanctums (Jeroan), which are reserved exclusively for worshippers.
Most organized tours offer a flexible cancellation policy. You can typically get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, making it easy to adjust if the weather looks bad.
| East Bali Highlights Tour | Besakih & Kintamani Volcano Tour | Traditional Heritage Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 9-10 hours | 8-9 hours | 10 hours |
| Best for | Seeing multiple famous spots (Tukad Cepung, Lempuyang) | Volcano views and cultural immersion | History buffs (Kertagosa, Penglipuran Village) |
| Typical Inclusions | Private transport, guide, entrance tickets, water | Private car, driver/guide, lunch, parking fees | Hotel pickup, air-conditioned vehicle, mineral water |
| Average Price | $40 - $50 | $60 - $75 | $35 - $45 |
Besakih Temple is open daily to visitors from 07:00 to 18:00.
To get the most out of your visit, it is highly recommended to arrive early, ideally between 07:00 and 09:00. Arriving in the morning helps you avoid the intense midday heat and the large crowds from tour buses that typically show up after 10:00.
Please note that the temple, along with the rest of Bali, is completely closed to all visitors during Nyepi (the Balinese Day of Silence).
Besakih is located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, about 55 km from Denpasar. Travel times vary heavily based on traffic.
The best time of year to visit Besakih Temple is during Bali's dry season, which runs from April to October.
During these months, you have the highest chance of clear skies, offering spectacular, unobstructed views of Mount Agung behind the temple shrines. The stone pathways and hundreds of stairs are also dry and much safer to climb.
Visiting during the rainy season (November to March) can be challenging. Heavy downpours make the steep, open-edged staircases incredibly slippery and dangerous, and thick clouds frequently obscure the volcano.
Due to its ancient architecture and mountainous location, Besakih Temple is not wheelchair accessible.
The complex is built across six terraced levels on the slopes of a volcano, requiring visitors to navigate hundreds of steep, uneven stone steps. While some ramps were recently installed, they are generally considered too steep for safe wheelchair use.
For elderly visitors or those with limited mobility, the site can be quite challenging. However, the recent addition of an electric shuttle service (included in the ticket price) helps bypass the initial steep uphill walk from the parking lot to the main entrance.
Besakih Temple has upgraded its visitor facilities in recent years to accommodate international tourists more comfortably.
As Bali's holiest Hindu site, Besakih Temple enforces strict rules to maintain spiritual purity and respect.
Yes, a local guide is officially included in the 150,000 IDR international ticket price. They will help you navigate the massive complex and share the history of the site.
No. Balinese Hindu custom strictly prohibits women who are menstruating from entering any temple grounds to maintain ritual purity.
You can bring your own, but it is not required. The 150,000 IDR international entry fee includes the rental of a sarong and a waist sash, which are mandatory for entry.
No, the inner sanctums (Utama Mandala) are reserved exclusively for Hindu worshippers. Tourists are welcome to explore and take photos in the outer and middle courtyards.
The complex is built on the steep slopes of Mount Agung and involves climbing several hundred uneven stone steps. However, an electric shuttle is now included in your ticket to skip the initial uphill walk from the parking lot.
No, flying drones within the temple complex is explicitly prohibited. You must obtain a specific permit from the local Karangasem Regency office for any commercial filming or drone use.
It is highly recommended to arrive between 07:00 and 09:00. This helps you beat the midday heat, avoid the large tour bus crowds that arrive after 10:00, and gives you the best chance of clear views of Mount Agung.
Unfortunately, no. The terraced layout and hundreds of steep stone steps make it inaccessible for wheelchairs. The recently installed ramps are reported to be too steep for safe use.
No, Besakih Temple, along with the entire island of Bali, is completely closed to all visitors and activities during Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence.
There are vendors near the entrance who may offer offerings or flowers. These are not free. A firm but polite 'No, thank you' (Tidak, terima kasih) is usually effective if you do not wish to purchase anything.
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This private day tour takes you into the heart of East Bali to visit some of the island's most significant natural and cultural sites. The itinerary begins with the cave-hidden Tukad Cepung Waterfall before heading to Besakih Temple, the largest Hindu temple complex in Bali. You will also explore the royal water gardens of Tirta Gangga and the famous mountain-view gates at Lempuyang Temple. Your English-speaking driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and manage all the navigation and traffic throughout the day. The tour includes a lunch stop at Lereng Agung Restaurant, providing a break to eat while overlooking the local landscape. This is a private experience, allowing you to move at your own pace without the crowds of a large group.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This tour focuses on the cultural and natural landmarks of East Bali. You will travel to the slopes of Mount Agung to visit Besakih Temple, the largest and holiest Hindu temple complex on the island. The site provides a direct look at Balinese spiritual life with the volcano serving as a backdrop. The itinerary also includes a stop at Penglipuran, a traditional highland village known for its well-preserved layout and architecture. You will also take a walk to Tukad Cepung, a waterfall located inside a canyon where sunlight filters through the cave opening from above.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This private tour focuses on Besakih Temple, the largest and most important Hindu site in Bali. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the 'Mother Temple' consists of over 80 individual shrines. You will also visit Kertha Gosa, the historic court of justice of the Gelgel Kingdom, famous for its ceiling paintings depicting traditional law and punishment. After exploring the history of Klungkung, the trip continues to the scenic viewpoint of Bukit Jambul Hill and the hidden Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Unlike most falls, Tukad Cepung is located inside a cave, where sunlight filters through the canopy to create a unique atmosphere. Your English-speaking driver will provide transportation and local context at each stop, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This full-day tour focuses on the historical and cultural landmarks of eastern Bali. You will begin at Kertagosa, a 17th-century court of justice famous for its intricate ceiling murals. From there, the route leads to Besakih Temple, the largest and holiest Hindu site on the island, situated high on the slopes of Mount Agung. The day concludes at Penglipuran, a well-preserved traditional village known for its unique architecture and community-driven way of life. After walking through the village, you will have time to explore the adjacent bamboo forest. This itinerary offers a clear look at Balinese heritage, combining significant religious sites with a visit to one of the island's most authentic rural communities.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This private full-day tour will take you to all the beautiful and fascinating Hindu Temples in Bali, including Besakih Temple. Besakih Temple is the largest and most holy Hindu temple in Bali. Also enjoy breathtaking view of Mount Batur Volcano from Kintamani Village. Please NOTE: Price is for use of car and driver. Fees to participate in recommended activities are to be paid by customer in-destination.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
The tour begins at Besakih Temple, known as the Mother Temple of Bali. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the island's highest peak, this is the largest and most significant Hindu temple complex in the region. You will spend time exploring the grounds while learning about the history and cultural importance of this expansive spiritual site. Afterward, the journey continues to Kintamani for lunch overlooking Mount Batur and its crater lake. The next stop is Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple where holy springs emerge from the ground. Local legend identifies this as the site of a battle between the god Indra and the king Mayadenawa, where the water was used to heal Indra's fallen troops. The day concludes at the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. These iconic green hillsides offer a look at traditional Balinese farming techniques. You can walk along the narrow paths through the rice paddies and take in the landscape before the drive back.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 8-hour private tour covers several of Bali’s most significant cultural and natural sites. The itinerary includes stops at Tegenungan Waterfall and the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, followed by a visit to the holy springs of Tirta Empul Temple. You will also travel to the Kintamani highlands to view Mount Batur and its crater lake before concluding the day at Besakih Temple, the largest Hindu temple complex on the island. The tour is designed for solo travelers, couples, or groups of up to 12 people. Your booking includes a private air-conditioned vehicle, an experienced driver-guide, fuel, all entry fees, and parking costs. Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Sanur, Ubud, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, and Denpasar.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Malay, English
This tour takes you through the heart of Bali to experience its local culture and natural landscapes. You will begin by visiting traditional villages and walking through a dense bamboo forest before heading to Pura Besakih. Known as the Mother Temple, this is the most significant Hindu site on the island, located high on the slopes of Mount Agung. The itinerary also includes a stop at Tukad Cepung, a unique waterfall tucked inside a cave where sunlight filters through the rocks. Please note that there is an additional entrance fee of USD 20 per person to cover the admission costs for all sites visited during the day.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English