Every village in Bali has several temples, and every home has at least a simple house-temple.  The Balinese word for temple is pura, which is from the sanskrit word meaning 'space surrounded by a wall'. 

All temples are built on a mountain-sea orientation.  The direction towards the mountain is called kaja and is the end of the temple where the holiest shrines are found.

The temples entrance can be found at the kelod side, which points towards the sea. Kangin (towards the sunrise) is said to be more holy than towards the sunset (kuah) and many shrines can also be found on the kangin side.

Pura Besakih

High on the slopes of Bali's Mount Agung sits Pura Besakih, widely refered to as the Mother Temple of Hinduism in Bali.

It is the largest of the islands Hindu temples and draws devotees from all over Bali in huge numbers each year.

The Mount Agung volcano erupted several years ago and destroyed nearby villages, however Pura Besakih remained untouched.

As this temple is one of the more popular destinations on the island of Bali it is advisable to go early if you wish to experience the temple at its most serene.

Pura Tirta Empul

The holy springs of Tirta Empul were discovered in AD 962 and are believed to have magical powers. 

The waters bubble up into a tank in the temple and flow out into the bathing pool.

Next to the springs, Pura Tirta Empul is one of the most important temples in Bali.  It is best to arrive early in the morning to experience the temple at is calmest.

You are also able to bath in the clean public spring baths in the grounds.