Why the
temples & ceremonies
of Bali are special

Bali is nicknamed The Island of the Gods because it has over 10,000 temples dedicated to an array of spirits. Each year the Balinese hold countless temple ceremonies and make frequent offerings to please the good spirits and appease the evil ones. The fascinating upbeat aura of these ceremonies is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

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Bali temples

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The 4 best
and most popular

Each is a Hillman Wonders Bronze Medal winner. Click the blue "Bali attraction map" link in the left column to see their locations.

Tanah Lot
Famous for its tiny, quaint island setting (reachable during low tide). Bursts with tourists during its vaunted sunset.

Besakih
Bali's largest and holiest temple is Pura Besakih (see photo). It's popularly known as the "Mother Temple".

Ulu Watu
Dramatically perched on high promontory overlooking the breaking surf.

Ulu Danu
Photogenic. On Lake Bratan.

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Religion

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Religion runs deep in Bali

About 95% of the Balinese practice Hindu-Dharmaism, a local variant of India's Hinduism. The faithful interweave their religion into their daily lives.

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Spirits

To the Balinese, every living thing -- from a lowly weed to a human being -- has a spirit. And the Balinese believe that there are both good and evil spirits -- and that this eternal duality exists in balance.

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Click

PAGE TWO

for more Bali temple pointers

Rice terraces

Dance & music

Arts & craft

Temples

Ubud

Sports

Luxury resorts

Kuta

Food

Beaches

    Runners' up

Bali tip sheet

Bali attraction map

Best 5 nearby islands

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Bali Tourism Board

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©2012 HQP - Hillman Quality Publications / hillmanwonders.com