Top Temples in East Bali You have Probably Never Heard Of

There’s a different kind of magic in East Bali—one that hums beneath the surface. It’s not loud or flashy. It doesn’t ask to be photographed. It simply waits, quietly, among the mist-covered hills, the jungle paths, and the ancient stones.

If you’ve ever felt like Bali was getting too crowded, too curated, too predictable—this side of the island is your antidote. And the best way to feel its essence? Visit its hidden temples, places so serene and tucked away that even many locals haven’t been.

This isn’t about the famous Besakih Temple or the iconic Lempuyang Gates of Heaven—although they’re spectacular. This is about the lesser-known sanctuaries, the ones without queues, where you might hear the wind rustle through the banyan leaves or catch the scent of incense long after the priest has left.

Let’s wander off the path and find the temples in East Bali you’ve probably never heard of—but will never forget.

1. Pura Bukit Mentik – The Wind-Whispered Temple

High above the coastal town of Amlapura, nestled on a ridge overlooking the ocean and jungle below, lies Pura Bukit Mentik. Getting there isn’t straightforward—you’ll need a local guide or serious GPS faith. But once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another realm.

The temple is small, humble even, but its location is powerful. The East Bali temple sits among wild grass and scattered stones, kissed by mountain wind and warmed by the early sun. No souvenir shops, no gates. Just silence, statues draped in checkered cloth, and sweeping views of the eastern coastline.

Locals say it’s a place where the gods of the wind gather. And standing there, with your arms outstretched to the sky, you’ll understand why.

2. Pura Lempuyang Madya – Beyond the Instagram Shot

You’ve probably seen the “Gates of Heaven” photo at Lempuyang Temple, but what most don’t know is that it’s only the first of seven temples on this sacred mountain trail. One of the most beautiful—and least visited—is Pura Lempuyang Madya, located about halfway up.

The climb is steep, more than 1,700 steps through jungle and mist, but along the way, you’ll pass ancient stone carvings, mossy shrines, and hidden altars. When you arrive at Lempuyang Madya, there's often no one there—just monkeys in the trees and the low hum of prayer.

This is not a quick stop for selfies—it’s a spiritual hike, a journey into stillness. If you go, bring an offering. Not for a photo op—but for the mountain itself.

3. Pura Taman Sari – The Water Garden Temple

In a quiet corner of Tenganan, one of Bali’s oldest and most culturally preserved villages, sits Pura Taman Sari—a temple few travelers know about, yet deeply loved by the community. Surrounded by water lilies and stone pathways, this East Bali temple blends architecture and nature with rare grace.

You might stumble upon it while wandering the cobbled lanes of the village. It’s not massive, but there’s poetry in its design. A lotus pond reflects the temple gates, and during ceremonies, you’ll see elders in traditional garb moving slowly, reverently through the space.

There’s no entrance ticket, no promotional banners. Just peace, and a quiet reminder that Bali’s spiritual life is still very much alive, beyond the spotlight.

4. Pura Dukuh Sakti – The Forest Guardian

Not far from Tirta Gangga, deep in a forest that locals consider sacred, lies Pura Dukuh Sakti—a temple dedicated to Bali’s forest spirits and ancestral guardians. The path to get there is overgrown, marked only by old stone steps swallowed by vines.

What makes this temple remarkable is not its size, but its energy. You’ll hear birdsong, running water, and nothing else. Statues with moss-covered faces watch you from beneath banyan roots. It feels wild and protected at the same time.

This is a hidden temple in East Bali where people don’t talk much—they listen. To the forest, to the past, and to whatever whispers through the trees.

5. Pura Puncak Seraya – Where Mountain Meets Ocean

Perched on the cliffs above Seraya village, this little-known temple offers a rare view: the jagged mountains behind you, and the Indian Ocean stretching endlessly in front. Pura Puncak Seraya is a cliffside sanctuary for locals who seek solitude and reflection.

Come here at sunrise if you can. The light spills over the sea, touches the black stone shrines, and warms the soul. You may meet a village priest sweeping the grounds or leaving offerings. Say hello. Ask about the temple’s history. You might be surprised at the stories they’ll share.

For those looking for East Bali spiritual sites with both natural beauty and cultural weight, this place is gold.

6. Pura Taman Beji – The Cleansing Spring Temple

Tucked between Amed and Tirta Gangga, near a small village named Purwakerti, lies Pura Taman Beji—a temple built beside a sacred spring, used for traditional melukat (cleansing rituals).

The water here is cold, clear, and said to be blessed by the mountain spirits. Locals visit to wash away bad energy or to prepare for ceremonies. As a visitor, you’re welcome to participate—just do so with respect. Wear a sarong, ask a local guide for help, and come with an open heart.

This Bali temple isn’t about sightseeing. It’s about surrender. Let the water flow over your head and feel yourself emptying out and being filled back up, fresh and renewed.

7. Pura Goa Raja – The Cave of the King

Deep inside the Besakih Temple complex—but away from the main traffic—is Pura Goa Raja, or “Cave of the King.” It's hidden in a forested gulley and accessible via a mossy staircase leading down into shadow.

Inside the cave, offerings lie among ancient rock formations, and a trickle of water runs through the earth. It's believed to be one of the oldest sacred sites on Mount Agung, used long before formal temples were built.

While Besakih draws crowds, Goa Raja remains quiet. Here, in the dim light, you can sit with the earth and feel the deep pulse of Bali’s ancestral roots. It’s one of those East Bali hidden temples where presence matters more than photos.

How to Visit These Temples Respectfully

When exploring temples in East Bali, you’re entering sacred ground—not just cultural landmarks. Here’s how to show up with the respect these places deserve:

• Dress appropriately. Sarong and sash are a must. Most temples have them available to borrow, but bringing your own is a sign of care.

• Ask before taking photos. Especially during ceremonies.

• Bring a small offering. Flowers, incense, or a few coins placed at the temple gate are traditional and appreciated.

• Don’t treat it like a checklist. These aren’t attractions—they’re places of prayer, of ancestry, of power. Move slow. Listen deeply.

Why These Hidden Temples Matter

We often seek the famous, the viral, the bucket-list worthy. But the real magic of Bali’s temples is often found in the quiet places—the ones that don’t try to impress, but instead invite you to be still.

Visiting these lesser-known temples in East Bali isn’t about finding “secret spots.” It’s about reconnecting—with nature, with spirit, and with yourself. It’s about sitting in an ancient courtyard, feeling the wind move through the trees, and realizing that some things don’t need to be explained to be understood.

So next time you're drawn to Bali’s spiritual landscape, skip the crowd. Let the island guide you gently, humbly, through the temples that time almost forgot. They’re waiting. And they have stories to tell.