Temples

Bali would not be what it is without its temples. The thousands of small and large Hindu temples (“Pura” in Balinese) or shrines are not only the center of daily ceremonies and offerings but have contributed significantly to the creation of Bali’s unique landscape. Every village in Bali has several temples, every home has at least a simple house-temple and small shrines often overlook crossroads, rice fields or magical spots like old trees to protect passers-by.

Some of the temples are so important that they are deemed to belong to the whole island rather than particular communities. The following famous temples are located in the North of the island close to Villa Bossi:

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most photographed places in Bali, this Hindu-Buddhist temple was constructed in the 17th century and is located in the highlands of Bedugul. It is built on small islands which means it is completely surrounded by the Bratan Lake. As one of de nine directional temples on the island, Pura Ulun Danu is dedicated to the goddess of the waters, Dewi Danu. Plenty of ceremonies are held throughout the year to ensure that there is supply of water for farmers all over Bali.

Pura Beji

Subak temple built in the 15th century and located in Sangsit, close to Singaraja. It is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Sri, who looks afer irrigated rice fields. Pura Beji is famous for its Barong architecture and virtuoso relief carvings (pink sand-stone).

Pura Pulaki

One of the seven famous sea temples in Bali, located near Pemuteran, built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 1980’s. The temple overlooks the ocean and is guarded by a band of frisky monkeys! A visit to Pura Pulaki can be combined with a trip to Menjangan island.