The Gorgeous Temples of Bali!

The Gorgeous Temples of Bali!

There's a reason Bali is called the Island of the Gods, as well as the 'island of a 1000 temples). With its many different geographical areas of beaches, mountains, hills and cliffs, Bali is considered by many a true paradise. But Bali also boasts a very spiritual culture, one that makes use of the many many temples that litter the island. Take a look at some of the stunning sights Bali offers visitors...

Bali has much more than just a few temples, actually, it is known as the 'Island of a thousand temples.' It is without a doubt the biggest tourist attraction in Indonesia.

The temple of Uluwatu can be found high above the sea level, at a heigh of 1997 meters (6551 feet). One interesting fact about the seven Balinese sea temples, is that you can see each of them from the one before it, forming a chain around the Bali coast.

A temple for the goddess of the seas. It was erected on a volcanic lake. Bali has quite a few active volcanoes, and the last volcano eruption took place about 17 years ago, killing thousands.

Life can be good to the Bali tourist. With its varied landscapes of forest terraces, volcanic mountains, hillsides, cliffs, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. But everywhere you go - there will also be a temple. If you look at the background of this photo, you'll see one there as well!

A gorgeous, mysterious and goffy day at the Ulun Danu (literally Heart lake) Temple. This lake is a source of water for the rice fields, and the temple was erected here and dedicated to the goddess of the lake.

This is the mother temple, built near teh slopes of Mount Agung, a volcanic mountain. This temple is the largest in Bali, and, some say, the holiest. It is made of 22 shrines on parallel ridges.

A beautiful long exposure shot capturing the Bali dusk.

This temple is another of the seven sea temples, and is called Temple Pulaki.

Pura Gere Perancak, a stone crocodile.

A local monkey at Uluwatu temple. These are not a rare sight among temples and the surrounding jungle.

Rambu Siwi is another of the seven sea temples in Bali. It offers an amazing view of the rice fields on one side and the black sand beaches on the other. Visitors will be introduced to the ancient art of making salt.

Pura Sakenan, located on Serangan Island. This island is actually outside Bali. This is a 100 years old photo.

Remember the Pulaki temple from a few photos ago? This temple has another name: The monkey temple. They are everywhere and you can feed them with peanuts or bananas.

Many believe the waters of the Tirta Empul temple have healing properties. This isn't a sea temple, but an ancient temple from the 10 century. The waters are believed to have healing properties, and anyone is allowed to swim and bathe there.

An elephant cave at Ubud, Bali.

Monkeys guarding the Balinese temple.

Taman Ayun (literally 'Beautiful Garden') is both garden and castle. In 1634, the king of Mengwi wanted a large surrounding moat.

Rice terraces at Bali, temple in the background.

This narrow pathway leads to a small island seemingly floating on the sea.

A spectacular and colorful end of day as seen from the Tanah Lot Temple.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu temple. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association. Built in 1663, this temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu.

High tide at the Pura Tanah Lot temple.

Rice terraces near one of Bali's many temples.

One of the seven sea temples, this is the entrance to the Pemuteran Pulaki Temple.

Sunset over Bali Tanah Lot, one of the most impressive sea temples.

Balinese temples in the monkey forest, Ubud, Bali.

A Hindu cremation in Ubud.

As the day comes to an end, we understand why Bali is known as the 'Island of a 1000 temples', and why it is known as such a beautiful place.