More than a thousand years old, Pura Besakih is known as the Mother Temple for a reason: It’s the holiest Hindu temple complex in Bali – and the biggest. Set in a spectacular location on the southern slopes of Mount Agung, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Pura Besakih is actually a series of many different temples, which serve as the spiritual center for the Balinese people. Pura Penataran Agung is the largest. Lush rice paddies and forests ring this temple complex, and many important festivals take place here; you might be lucky enough to see one during your visit.
Plan to spend about three hours touring the temples. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll need to walk a fair distance and climb many stairs. Insider’s Tip: Locals trying to sell sarongs, incense, guiding services, and various other items bombard visitors at the gates here, but your ticket includes everything that you’ll need during your visit. The best time to visit Pura Besakih is early in the morning before the tourist buses arrive.
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