The 7 Biggest Religious Site in Bali

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Top Religious Site Alternatives in Bali

Several different religions are practised in Indonesia.
Indonesia is officially a presidential republic and a unitary state without an established state religion. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population and the first principle of Indonesia's philosophical foundation, Pancasila, requires its citizens to state the belief in "the one and almighty God". Although, as explained by the Constitutional Court, this first sila of Pancasila is an explicit recognition of divine substances (i.e. divine providence) and meant as a principle on how to live together in a religiously diverse society. However, blasphemy is a punishable offence (since 1965, see ยง History) and the Indonesian government has a discriminatory attitude towards its numerous tribal religions, atheist and agnostic citizens. In addition, the Aceh province officially applies Sharia law and is notorious for its discriminatory practices towards religious and sexual minorities. There are also  Islamic fundamentalist movements in several parts of the country with overwhelming Muslim majorities.Several different religions are practised in the country, and their collective influence on the country's political, economic and cultural life is significant. Despite constitutionally guaranteeing freedom of religion, the government back in 1965 recognises only six religions: Islam, Christianity (Catholicism, under the label of "Katolik", and Protestantism, under the label of "Kristen" are recognised separately), Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.  In that same year, the government specified that it will not ban other religions, specifically mentioning Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Shinto, and Taoism as examples. According to a 2017 decision of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia, "the branches/flows of beliefs" (Indonesian: aliran kepercayaan) - ethnic religions with new religious movements - must be recognised and included in an Indonesian identity card (KTP). Based on data collected by the Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace (ICRP), there are about 245 unofficial religions in Indonesia.From 1975 to 2017, Indonesian law mandated that its citizens possess an identity card indicating their religious affiliation, which could be chosen from a selection of those six recognised religions. However, since 2017, citizens who do not identify with those religions have the option to leave that section blank on their identity card. Although there is no apostasy law preventing Indonesians from converting to any religion, Indonesia does not recognise agnosticism or atheism, and blasphemy is considered illegal. According to Ministry of Religious Affairs data in 2022, 87.02% of Indonesians identified themselves as Muslim (with Sunnis about 99%, Shias about 1% and Ahmadis 0.07-0.2%), 10.49% Christians (7.43% Protestants, 3.06% Roman Catholic), 1.69% Hindu, 0.73% Buddhists, 0.03% Confucians and 0.04% others.

The Biggest Religious Site in Indonesia

Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods,” is home to a rich and vibrant religious culture. Visitors to Bali can experience a wealth of spiritual sites and ceremonies, offering a unique insight into the island’s deep-rooted beliefs. Here are three top religious site alternatives that are very popular in Bali:

  • 1. Tirta Empul Temple:
  • Tirta Empul Temple, located in the village of Tampaksiring, is one of Bali’s most revered Hindu temples. Built in 960 AD, the temple is famous for its sacred spring water, which is believed to have healing properties. Visitors can participate in a purification ritual by immersing themselves in the holy water pools. The temple complex also features beautiful architecture and intricate stone carvings.

  • 2. Goa Gajah:
  • Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, is an ancient Hindu Buddhist site located near the town of Ubud. This unique archaeological site dates back to the 9th century and features a cave entrance with carved stone demon heads. Inside the cave, visitors can see a rock-cut meditation chamber and ancient statues. The surrounding grounds of Goa Gajah are also stunning, with lush gardens and a bathing pool.

  • 3. Besakih Temple:
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