Must-visit places in Bali if you are a spiritual traveller

Spiritual experiences help you reconnect with your inner self and with Mother Nature. This activity lets your inner thoughts connect with the ONE power that binds everything together. There are some places in Bali that are worth a try if you are a spiritual believer. Bali has the best wellness retreats in remote and secluded areas as well as standalone places where you can have sessions from practitioners of all levels and disciplines from all around the world. One cannot spend the whole time at spiritual places, thus Bali has many other different places like many beaches, clubs and many Indian restaurants in Bali if you want to try out Indian cuisine.  

Some of these spiritual experiences in Bali require a considerable amount of efforts such as climbing flights of steep stairs to a forested mountain and endless discoveries. Here are some places that are a must-visit in Bali if you are a spiritual traveller:

1. Gunung Kawi Sebatu

This temple is a scenic temple in North Ubud. The temple consists of lush green beauty located on a forested hillside in Sebatu. You will find many water shrines surrounded by giant carp and blooming lotuses. It has a small and winding street from where you can take a birds-eye view of the whole complex and its water gardens. It has two bathing sections that locals and pilgrims to Gunung Kawi Sebatu actually use for bathing and washing. The temple has many great opportunities to witness colourful festivities that take place at the temple. After a peaceful body, mind and soul sessions at Gunung Kawi Sebatu, you can visit Queens of Indian for fulfilling your belly with the scrumptious food.  

2. Tirta Empul Temple

This temple is an important temple known for its holy mountain spring and purification pools. It is a spiritual destination for both Balinese Hindu pilgrims and foreigners. They have some strict set of rules and codes of conduct. This temple provides a unique experience of purification rituals through pools. The temple provides a mesmerizing experience of purification through its in-built purification baths, pools and carp ponds that surround the outer perimeter. They all flow into Tukad pakerisan River. Do not forget to visit the best Indian restaurants in Bali when you are there.

3. Gitgit Waterfall

This waterfall serves as scenic natural beauty and spiritual destination in Bali.  It has a spectacular 40-metre-tall twin spouts that constant crash into a rocky pool below after the few minutes of hiking. You can enjoy a cool plunge in the pool, or simply admire the setting with a small shrine that ‘guards’ the site nearby. You can further explore another waterfall nearby, namely Mekalongan, which is a continuation of Gitgit’s watercourse.

4. Batukaru Temple

This temple is surrounded by dense forests, providing pleasant sightseeing for nature lovers and spiritual travellers.  Jatiluwih rice terrace is only a 2-km drive southeast from the temple, so you can easily visit both sites during your trip to the Balinese highlands. The temple has 18th-century complex structures. The temple shares the cool and quiet vibes of the Wongaya Gede farming community in the Penebel Village of Tabanan regency. The temple has rules for attire and code of conduct you must wear a sash around your waist, which are available for free at the security post before the temple entrance. After a relaxing time at Batukuru Temple, you can fill your bellies with zesty Indian food at an Indian vegetarian restaurant in Bali.

5. Gunung Kawi Temple

This temple is famous among Bali’s most unique archaeological sites, where you can see gigantic ancient stone shrine reliefs carved right into a cliff face. The temple comprises a collection of ancient shrine reliefs carved into the face of a rock cliff in central Bali. Small stone caves that actually serve as meditation sites complement the shrines, where Buddhist monks used to sit and contemplate. The temple has rules for attire and code of conduct you must wear a sash around your waist, which is available for rent at the booth before the stairs that lead down to the valley. After a relaxing time at Batukuru Temple, you can fill your bellies with zesty Indian food at Indian dining in Ubud.

There are many other spiritual places that one can visit. Experience the island’s ancient and spiritual vibes from up close with a visit to one of Bali’s significant temples. For your convenience, choose a tour that includes spiritual journeys with temple visits and even blessings from Balinese. Do not forget to visit the best Indian restaurants in Bali when you are there.