Nestled on the southern slopes of Mount Batukaru, Bali's second-highest volcano, this 11th-century temple remains one of the island's most secluded major sanctuaries. Protected by dense rainforest and often shrouded in mist, Batukaru feels worlds away from southern Bali's commercialized temples. As one of the nine directional temples protecting Bali from evil spirits, it holds immense spiritual significance. The multi-tiered shrines, moss-covered stone carvings, and ancient banyan trees create an atmosphere of mystical reverence. Unlike the coastal temples, ceremonies here focus on agricultural blessings—particularly important as the temple guards the crater lake that feeds the island's subak irrigation system.

Unlike its famous namesake in eastern Bali, this cave temple harbors thousands of fruit bats hanging from its ceiling while containing sacred shrines within the cave itself. Dating to the 11th century, Goa Lawah represents the perfect balance between natural wonder and spiritual significance. The temple's mythology connects it to the mythical dragon snake Basuki, believed to maintain the universe's balance from inside the cave system. Local Balinese come here not for the Instagram moment but to pray at a site believed to be linked to the afterlife journey. The sound of traditional gamelan music often echoes against the cave walls during ceremonies, creating an otherworldly sound experience that resonates with the bat colony's soft chirping.

While many tourists snap photos at the lower gates of Lempuyang's famous 'Gates of Heaven,' few make the challenging 1,700-step pilgrimage to the actual temple at the summit. This journey—traditionally undertaken in white ceremonial clothes—represents spiritual purification through physical effort. The uppermost temple offers panoramic views of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and most sacred peak. Along the ascent, you'll encounter six other temples representing the journey through different spiritual realms. During my last visit, I witnessed elderly Balinese making this climb barefoot, a humbling reminder of devotion that transcends tourism. The temple complex dates back to the 10th century and remains one of Bali's oldest and most revered sites.

Hidden in the shadow of its famous cousin (the main Tirta Empul temple), this smaller purification site offers a genuine water cleansing ritual without the tour buses and selfie sticks. Located downriver from the main springs, the Sudamala section specifically focuses on exorcism and spiritual cleansing from negative energies. The ancient stone-carved water spouts channel natural spring water believed to have been created by the god Indra. Local Balinese families come here to perform melukat (purification rituals) during times of spiritual transition or to overcome illness and misfortune. The temple priests still perform traditional blessings using ancient mantras and holy water containers carved from coconut shells wrapped in sacred fabrics.

Perched at 1,500 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Batur, this temple blends Balinese and Chinese architectural elements—a physical testament to the island's syncretic spiritual history. According to legend, the temple commemorates the marriage between a Balinese king and a Chinese princess in the 11th century. Its remote location in the highlands of Kintamani means it receives far fewer visitors than lowland temples. During my visit, I encountered only local worshippers preparing elaborate fruit offerings. The temple complex features traditional split gates, multi-tiered shrines, and ancient Chinese guardian statues. From the temple grounds, the view stretches across Lake Batur to the still-active volcano beyond, creating a profound sense of nature's power that has inspired worship for centuries.