Bali is often described as the “Island of a Thousand Temples,” but in truth the number is far higher. Every village has at least three, and countless family shrines and community temples dot the landscape. These sacred spaces are not relics of the past but living, breathing centres of spiritual life. They host ceremonies, prayers, and rituals that mark everything from birth to death.

Yet in the past two decades, as Bali has become one of the most visited destinations in Asia, these temples have also become magnets for international tourism. Places that were once quiet sites of devotion now face long queues, ticket booths, and selfie sticks. The phenomenon of overtourism has raised urgent questions: how can sacred sites welcome travellers without losing their soul?

A Brief History: How Bali’s Temples Became Global Icons

Bali’s temples were never hidden. They have always been integral to Balinese life. But until the late 20th century, only a trickle of adventurous travellers made their way to iconic sites like Tanah Lot or Besakih.

The boom came with the rise of global tourism in the 1990s and 2000s, as Bali became a must-see destination. Travel magazines, guidebooks, and eventually Instagram showcased the island’s temples as symbols of beauty and mysticism. By the time Eat Pray Love hit cinemas in 2010, the image of Bali as a spiritual paradise had gone global.

Today, temples are not only spiritual sanctuaries but also tourist landmarks. For some, this creates opportunities. For others, it creates tension.

The Most Affected Temples

While every temple in Bali plays a role in daily life, a handful have become world-famous and now face overtourism challenges.

Lempuyang Temple (Pura Luhur Lempuyang)

Known globally as the “Gates of Heaven,” this temple offers a dramatic view of Mount Agung framed between its split gate. The photo has become one of Bali’s most recognisable Instagram shots. The reality, however, is long queues that can last hours. Visitors line up for staged photos often taken with a trick mirror to enhance the reflection effect. Meanwhile, locals trying to pray must navigate around the tourist crowds.

Tanah Lot

One of Bali’s most iconic sea temples, Tanah Lot is perched on a rock that becomes surrounded by the ocean at high tide. Once a quiet place of pilgrimage, it now attracts thousands daily. The surrounding area has become commercialised, with markets, restaurants, and even sunset bars dominating the landscape. While the views remain stunning, the temple’s spiritual essence can feel overshadowed by the crowds.

Besakih Temple

Often called the “Mother Temple,” Besakih is Bali’s largest and most important religious complex. Pilgrims come from across the island to pray here. Yet it is also one of the busiest tourist stops, with hundreds of visitors daily. Disputes have arisen over ticketing, mandatory guides, and crowd management, leaving some travellers feeling exploited and some locals feeling their sacred space has been turned into a business.

Tirta Empul

This water temple near Ubud is famous for its purification baths. Traditionally, Balinese Hindus come here for ritual cleansing. Today, lines of tourists join in, submerging themselves in the holy springs. For some, it is a profound experience. For others, it is a bucket-list photo opportunity. The blending of genuine faith and tourist spectacle creates ongoing tension.

The Double-Edged Sword of Tourism

Tourism brings undeniable benefits. Entrance fees often go directly to temple upkeep, funding repairs, ceremonies, and community projects. Local vendors around temple sites also earn a living by selling sarongs, snacks, and souvenirs. In some villages, tourism has lifted families out of poverty.

But the costs are real too:

·       Erosion of sacredness: When temples become crowded with cameras and drones, their spiritual aura can be diminished.

·       Behavioural issues: Visitors sometimes act inappropriately, climbing shrines, wearing revealing clothing, or treating rituals as photo opportunities.

·       Over-commercialisation: Some temple grounds now feel more like marketplaces than places of prayer, with shops and tour buses dominating the experience.

·       Strain on infrastructure: Popular sites struggle with waste, traffic jams, and environmental degradation.

The dilemma is clear – temples need tourism for economic survival, yet too much tourism risks undermining their purpose.

Voices from the Island

Many Balinese are proud to share their culture with the world. For priests and villagers, seeing visitors admire their temples can be affirming. However, there is growing unease about the scale of tourism.

Some priests have spoken publicly about tourists arriving during important ceremonies and disrupting the atmosphere. Locals sometimes complain about visitors treating temples like theme parks. Yet others argue that without tourist money, temple upkeep would be difficult.

This tension plays out in policy – some temples raise entrance fees, others restrict access, and a few have debated closing to tourists altogether.

Managing the Crowds: What Is Being Done

To strike a balance, several measures have been introduced:

·       Entrance Fees: Most major temples now charge fees, which fund maintenance and community projects.

·       Sarong Rules: Dress codes are enforced, often with sarongs provided to ensure modesty.

·       Guided Access: Some temples require visitors to use local guides, providing jobs while ensuring respectful behaviour.

·       Restricted Access: Certain ceremonies or inner courtyards are now closed to non-worshippers.

·       Infrastructure Improvements: Paths, parking areas, and waste facilities have been upgraded to handle crowds.

These measures help, but they do not solve the deeper issue: how to keep temples as living sacred spaces while also making them tourist-friendly.

The Traveller’s Responsibility

As visitors, much of the solution lies in how we approach these spaces. Respectful travel is not complicated, but it requires mindfulness:

·       Dress appropriately: Cover shoulders and knees. If unsure, wear a sarong.

·       Be quiet and respectful: Temples are not theme parks. Observe rituals without interrupting.

·       Put the camera down: Take a photo, but do not let it dominate your experience.

·       Avoid peak times: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce crowding.

·       Support communities: Buy from local vendors, hire local guides, and contribute to temple upkeep.

When visitors act with respect, the balance between tourism and spirituality is easier to maintain.

Looking Ahead: Can Bali Find Balance?

Bali is not alone in facing overtourism. Destinations from Machu Picchu to Angkor Wat struggle with the same dilemma. Some places limit daily visitor numbers, while others restrict access to certain areas. Bali may need to consider similar policies if it wants to preserve its temples for future generations.

The Balinese government has already floated ideas such as higher taxes for tourists and stricter entry rules for sacred sites. While controversial, these measures may become necessary as visitor numbers continue to grow.

Temples are not just Bali’s landmarks – they are its living soul. The challenge of overtourism is not about closing doors to travellers but about keeping those doors open in a way that honours the island’s culture.

For visitors, the takeaway is simple: when you enter a temple, you are stepping into someone else’s sacred space. Approach with humility, not entitlement. Admire the beauty, but do not forget the faith that created it.

In the end, the future of Bali’s temples depends on balance. They can remain both awe-inspiring tourist attractions and vital centres of worship – if visitors and locals alike remember what makes them sacred in the first place. Wander Beyond Ordinary!