If your feed is currently overflowing with Bali reels, lotus ponds, and misty jungles, consider this your sign: it’s time to romanticize your life in Ubud. These temples aren’t just spiritual hotspots — they’re basically mood boards for the most picturesque places you can visit on a budget.

And honestly? If you’ve been craving a romantic destination or one of the best tourist places for couples, these Ubud temples will have you saying, “Why am I not there already?”

So grab your imaginary passport and your favorite sarong (trust me, you’ll need it). Let’s talk Ubud like two travel besties booking a spontaneous trip.

1. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave Temple)

Goa Gajah is what happens when ancient Bali meets cool, slightly spooky jungle vibes. The entrance looks like a giant stone face mid-scream — dramatic, iconic, and peak Bali energy.

You walk in thinking, “Should I be scared?” but then you see the moss-covered corners and mini shrines and think, “Okay, this is actually kind of beautiful.” I once visited after a rainstorm, and the whole place glowed like someone turned up the saturation IRL.

Travel tip: Wear shoes with good grip. Goa Gajah has slippery patches that do not care about your cute vacation sandals.

People love this temple because it feels like stepping into an ancient movie set. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re hunting for most picturesque places with mysterious vibes.

2. Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Water Temple)

If you’ve ever seen someone on Instagram doing a “water purification ritual” while looking like a peaceful goddess, they were probably at Tirta Empul.

This place is all about cleansing — inside, outside, spiritually, emotionally, the works. Whether you join the water ritual or just admire from the side, the temple feels incredibly calming. Like “I should start journaling again” calming.

I did the ritual once, and let’s just say my eyeliner didn’t survive, but the experience? Totally worth it. Bring a change of clothes, unless you want to squish around Ubud like a soggy dumpling.

What makes Tirta Empul shine as a romantic destination is the energy — serene, symbolic, and great for couples trying something meaningful together. IMO, one of the best tourist places for couples if you want photos and bonding moments.

3. Saraswati Temple (Lotus Temple)

If temples had aesthetic moods, Saraswati Temple would be the soft-girl, artsy, cottage-core friend. This place is straight-up dreamy. The huge lotus pond in front makes it look like the temple is floating, and honestly? I’d live here if they let me.

It’s tucked right in central Ubud, which means you can stroll over after brunch, coffee in hand, and pretend you’re living your Bali influencer fantasy. The ambience is pure peace. The lotus flowers? Ugh, gorgeous.

Want a tip? Go early. By afternoon, everyone and their tripod shows up for photos. If you want that serene, private “I’m the main character” moment, sunrise is your girl.

People adore Saraswati because it’s simple, stunning, romantic, and — bonus — free. Budget-friendly queens unite.

4. Gunung Kawi (Rock-Cut Temple Shrines)

Gunung Kawi is one of those places that makes you ask, “How did humans carve this without power tools?” The shrines are carved straight into massive rock walls, and the whole valley feels like a real-life fantasy world.

But fair warning: there are stairs. A lot of stairs. I once hyped myself up thinking I was fit, and Gunung Kawi humbled me within 10 minutes. But the view? Absolutely worth every thigh burn.

You walk through rice terraces, jungly pathways, and bubbling streams — basically a highlight reel of Ubud’s prettiest scenery. If you want one of the most picturesque places with fewer crowds, this temple is your girl.

Travel tip: Bring water. Future you will be thankful on the way back up.

People love Gunung Kawi because it’s adventurous yet peaceful, photogenic but not chaotic. Perfect for couples or solo travelers wanting the “hidden gem” vibe.

5. Pura Lempuyang (“Gates of Heaven”)

Okay, you’ve absolutely seen this one. The dramatic split gate. The majestic Mount Agung framed perfectly in the background. The “reflection photo” that looks like it took five hours to set up. Yep — that’s Pura Lempuyang, aka Bali’s unofficial Instagram headquarters.

Technically it’s a little farther from Ubud, but everyone makes the trip because the photos are iconic. No shame. You’ll arrive and instantly think, “Yep, this is why this place goes viral weekly.”

One time, I got there late morning and the line for the photo was three hours long. Three. Hours. So if you want that dreamy sunrise shot, go before 7 AM. You can thank me later.

Even without the viral photo angle, the temple itself is peaceful, scenic, and a whole workout (hello, staircases). But couples especially love this place because it’s romantic, dramatic, and symbolic — perfect for bucket-list moments.

A Few Quick Temple Tips Because I Love You

Just to make your trip smoother and less chaotic, here’s what your travel-bestie-slash-writer recommends:

• Carry a sarong — almost every temple requires one.
• Bring cash — most entrances accept small donations.
• Respect the dress code — it’s a spiritual space, even if it’s photogenic.
• Avoid mid-day heat — trust me, sweating through your outfit is not the Bali aesthetic you want.
• Drink water — Ubud humidity is real.

And yes, these are travel hacks you’ll wish someone told you earlier.

Conclusion: Ubud’s Temples = Your New Favorite Romantic, Budget-Friendly Escape

If you’re craving a trip filled with culture, lush scenery, and magical moments, Ubud’s temples are exactly where you want to be. They’re peaceful, stunning, affordable, and honestly some of the best romantic travel destinations you can find without breaking your wallet.

Whether you’re posing by lotus ponds, cleansing in holy waters, or standing dramatically between the “Gates of Heaven,” Ubud gives you that perfect balance of adventure, romance, and beauty.

So yeah — pack your comfiest outfits, charge your phone for photos, and get ready for a destination that’s equal parts spiritual and aesthetic. Ubud is waiting, and trust me… once you go, you’ll already be planning your next trip back ✨