Emerald of the Equator

Bali architecture

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, stretching across more than 17,000 islands and three time zones. It is a land of incredible diversity, home to the world's largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur and over 700 distinct local languages and dialects.

11Landmarks
900Oldest · Pura Luhur Uluwatu
122 mTallest · Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK Statue)
11Architects

Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)
Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Before you go

Fly intoSoekarno-Hatta (CGK)
The airport's terminals are uniquely designed with traditional Javanese 'Joglo' roofs and lush tropical gardens located between the boarding areas. The newest Terminal 3 is a massive, high-tech facility that showcases contemporary Indonesian art and serves as the hub for the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia.
CurrencyIndonesian Rupiah (Rp)
LanguageIndonesian
Bahasa Indonesia serves as the unifying language across the thousands of islands in the archipelago. It is a straightforward language with no grammatical gender, making it accessible for visitors to learn basic phrases.
Getting aroundTransJakarta & MRT
TransJakarta is the world's longest Bus Rapid Transit system and utilizes dedicated lanes to avoid the city's heavy traffic. The new Jakarta MRT provides a fast, modern underground alternative for the city's main north-south corridor. The Railink airport train offers a premium, air-conditioned connection between Soekarno-Hatta and the city center.

11 landmarks in Bali

Photo: Grayswoodsurrey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pura Tanah Lot

Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia

As one of Bali's seven sacred sea temples, Tanah Lot is perched on a large offshore rock shaped by centuries of ocean tides. According to local legend, the temple is protected by venomous sea snakes at its base to guard against malevolent spirits. It is a prime example of Balinese 'Tri Hita Karana' architecture, which seeks to harmonize humans, nature, and the divine. During high tide, the rock becomes completely surrounded by water, making the structure appear to float on the sea. Visitors often gather at the shoreline during sunset to witness the silhouette of the temple against the horizon.

Built
1500
Architect
Dang Hyang Nirartha
Style
Balinese Architecture
Height
15 m (49 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Temple / Heritage Site
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pura Besakih (Mother Temple)

Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia

This is the largest and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism, located nearly 1,000 meters up the slopes of Mount Agung. The sprawling complex consists of twenty-three separate but related temples arranged on six rising terraces. Its most iconic features are the multi-tiered thatched roofs called 'Meru,' which represent the sacred peaks of the gods. The temple miraculously survived a devastating volcanic eruption in 1963, which many devotees interpreted as a sign of divine protection. It remains the spiritual heart of the island and serves as the primary site for major religious festivals.

Built
1284
Architect
Rresi Markandeya (Founder)
Style
Traditional Balinese Hindu
Height
30 m (98 ft)
Stories
11
Today
Active Temple / UNESCO Site
Photo: Bair175, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Jl. Raya Abang Desa Adat, Ababi, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia

This former royal palace was named after the sacred river Ganges and serves as a site of reverence for Balinese Hindus. It is internationally famous for its tiered fountains, intricate stone sculptures, and sprawling lily ponds. The architecture showcases a unique 'Bali-Baroque' style that blends traditional Balinese motifs with Chinese and European influences. Visitors can walk on hexagonal stepping stones across the water to interact with the resident koi fish. The lush gardens and refreshing swimming pools are fed by natural springs located beneath a large banyan tree.

Built
1946
Architect
Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem
Style
Balinese-Chinese-Baroque Fusion
Height
10 m (33 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Public Water Garden / Heritage Site
The Green School (Heart of School)

Jl. Raya Sibang Kaja, Abiansemal, Badung Regency, Bali 80352, Indonesia

This landmark represents a revolution in sustainable architecture as one of the world's largest bamboo structures. The entire facility is constructed from locally sourced bamboo using traditional joinery techniques rather than steel bolts. The 'Heart of School' building features a massive three-node stilt design with a spiraling roof that mimics a nautilus shell. It demonstrates how modern engineering can utilize organic materials to create functional, low-impact educational spaces. The open-walled design allows for natural ventilation and a seamless connection with the surrounding jungle environment.

Built
2008
Architect
Ibuku (Elora Hardy)
Style
Contemporary Bamboo / Sustainable
Height
18 m (59 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Educational Facility
Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK Statue)

Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia

Standing as one of the tallest statues in the world, this monument depicts the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. The structure is composed of copper and brass sheeting supported by a massive internal core of steel and concrete. The pedestal beneath the statue serves as a multi-story building containing cultural galleries and panoramic viewpoints. It took nearly twenty-eight years of planning and construction to finally complete this monumental feat of engineering. The statue is designed to withstand the high winds and seismic activity common on the Bukit Peninsula.

Built
2018
Architect
Nyoman Nuarta
Style
Contemporary Monumental
Height
122 m (400 ft)
Stories
23
Today
Cultural Monument / Observation Deck
Photo: LukeTriton, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Commonly referred to as 'the temple on the lake,' this site appears to float when the water level of Lake Beratan rises. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers who provides irrigation for Bali's rice fields. The architecture features striking Meru towers with eleven tiers dedicated to Shiva and three tiers for Vishnu. The cool mountain air and the misty reflection on the lake surface create a highly atmospheric and photogenic landscape. It serves as a vital water management temple that honors the island's unique subak irrigation system.

Built
1633
Architect
I Gusti Agung Putu
Style
Classic Balinese Water Temple
Height
25 m (82 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Active Temple / Tourist Landmark
Photo: Paskuu, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

This temple is perched dramatically on the edge of a seventy-meter limestone cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Its architecture is characterized by dark coral stone and intricate carvings of the mythological Gajah Mina. As one of Bali's six spiritual pillars, it is believed to protect the island from evil sea spirits. The site is a masterpiece of landscape engineering designed to withstand constant salt spray and high peninsula winds. Every evening, the temple grounds host a famous Kecak fire dance performance against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Built
900
Architect
Empu Kuturan
Style
Megalithic / Classic Balinese
Height
15 m (49 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Active Temple / Cultural Site
Photo: Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung)

Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia

This palace serves as the official residence for the Royal Family of Ubud and is a central example of Balinese court architecture. It features grand 'Angkul-angkul' stone gateways and meticulously maintained tropical gardens. The intricate wood carvings and gold-leaf details on the pavilions represent the pinnacle of local artisanal craftsmanship. It acts as the primary cultural stage for traditional Balinese dance performances held every evening. The palace remains a significant historical landmark that preserves the island's intangible heritage within a royal setting.

Built
1800
Architect
Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel
Style
Traditional Balinese Court
Height
12 m (39 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Palace / Cultural Performance Center
Potato Head Studios (Desa Potato Head)

Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

This radical project by OMA is a significant example of 'New Tropical' contemporary architecture in Seminyak. The building is elevated on pilotis to create an open public plaza for community events and exhibitions. Its most striking feature is a facade composed of thousands of handcrafted Balinese bricks and recycled materials. The design integrates sustainable elements like crushed oyster shells and plastic waste into the concrete structure. It challenges traditional resort aesthetics by blending brutalist forms with local artisanal textures and ecological awareness.

Built
2020
Architect
OMA (Rem Koolhaas & David Gianotten)
Style
Tropical Modernist / Brutalist
Height
18 m (59 ft)
Stories
4
Today
Creative Center / Luxury Hotel
Sharma Springs

Green Village, Sibang Gede, Abiansemal, Badung Regency, Bali 80352, Indonesia

Rising six stories above the Ayung River valley, this is the tallest bamboo residential building currently in Bali. The structure is supported by massive bamboo columns and features a dramatic fifteen-meter tunnel entrance. Its organic design follows natural curves with almost no flat walls, resembling a lotus flower in bloom. The project serves as a global benchmark for luxury sustainable living and architectural innovation. By using the tensile strength of 'Petung' bamboo, the architects achieved heights previously thought impossible for timber-like materials.

Built
2012
Architect
Ibuku (Elora Hardy)
Style
Organic Bamboo Architecture
Height
25 m (82 ft)
Stories
6
Today
Private Residence / Architectural Landmark
Imaginaria (Digimap Flagship)

Sunset Road, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia

This facility is the largest Apple Premium Partner store in Southeast Asia and serves as a major tech hub. More than a simple retail space, the building is a 3,300-square-meter architectural tribute to Balinese culture. The center of the pavilion features a massive stone sculpture representing the 'Rwa Bhineda' philosophy of universal balance. It combines state-of-the-art digital projections and art installations with a sustainable tropical design. The store functions as a modern 'piazza' where technology and local artisanal heritage intersect for the community.

Built
2025
Architect
Digimap Indonesia / Art Collaboration
Style
Cultural Modernist / Tech Pavilion
Height
12 m (39 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Flagship Retail / Art Space