Top Must-Visit Temples in Bali 2025: A Spiritual and Cultural Journey

Tirta Empul Temple at Gianyar, Bali

Bali, known as the Island of Gods, is home to thousands of temples that reflect the island’s deep spiritual traditions. In 2025, visiting these temples remains one of the most meaningful experiences for travelers seeking more than just beaches and nightlife. The temples are not only sacred places of worship but also stunning examples of Balinese architecture, history, and artistry that continue to attract visitors from around the world.

For many travelers, exploring Bali’s temples means stepping into a living heritage where spirituality and culture are deeply intertwined. Whether perched on dramatic cliffs, surrounded by rice fields, or hidden in lush jungles, each temple offers a unique story and atmosphere. A journey to Bali in 2025 would not be complete without experiencing the timeless beauty and cultural richness of these sacred landmarks.

Top Must-Visit Temples in Bali 2025 

Uluwatu Temple at Badung Bali

• Uluwatu Temple (Badung): Perched on a cliff 70 meters above the ocean, Uluwatu Temple is famous for its dramatic sunset views. Visitors can also enjoy the traditional Kecak dance performance held every evening against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. The combination of spiritual atmosphere, cultural showcase, and breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most iconic temples in Bali.

Tanah Lot Temple at Tabanan, Bali

• Tanah Lot Temple (Tabanan): Perhaps the most photographed temple in Bali, Tanah Lot sits majestically on a rock formation in the sea. During high tide, it appears as though the temple is floating, creating a magical scene. Visitors often come here at sunset, when the temple is beautifully silhouetted against the glowing sky.

• Taman Ayun Temple (Badung): Built in the 17th century by the Mengwi royal family, Taman Ayun is known for its traditional architecture and expansive gardens. The temple is surrounded by a wide moat, giving it a serene and majestic feel. Strolling through the grounds allows visitors to admire tall pagoda-like shrines and beautifully landscaped courtyards.

• Goa Gajah (Gianyar): Also known as the Elephant Cave Temple, Goa Gajah is a unique archaeological site dating back to the 11th century. Its entrance is carved with mysterious figures and leads into a meditation cave. Visitors can also explore the surrounding gardens, fountains, and bathing pools that reflect ancient Balinese culture.

Gunung Kawi Temple at Gianyar, Bali

• Gunung Kawi Temple (Gianyar): Carved into towering cliffs, Gunung Kawi is both a temple and a royal burial site. The stone shrines, called candi, are dedicated to ancient Balinese kings and queens. To reach the temple, visitors must descend hundreds of steps through rice terraces, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

• Tirta Empul Temple (Gianyar): This water temple is one of the most sacred in Bali, known for its holy springs. Visitors can take part in a purification ritual (melukat) where they bathe in the sacred pools for spiritual cleansing. The temple’s combination of cultural importance and spiritual energy makes it a must-visit.

• Batukaru Temple (Tabanan): Located at the foot of Mount Batukaru, this temple is surrounded by dense rainforest and offers a peaceful, spiritual retreat. It is less crowded than many other temples, making it ideal for those seeking quiet reflection. The cool mountain air and natural surroundings add to its sacred atmosphere.

How to Explore Bali Temples in 2025

• Respect Local Traditions: Visitors should always wear a sarong and sash when entering temples as a sign of respect. Photography is allowed in most areas, but avoid taking pictures inside inner courtyards during ceremonies. By following these customs, travelers can ensure they honor the sanctity of the temples.

• Choose the Right Tour Option: Travelers can explore Bali’s temples by hiring a private driver, joining a cultural tour, or self-driving. Private tours provide flexibility, while cultural tours often include guides who share insights into temple history and rituals. Each option offers a different way to experience Bali’s spiritual heritage.

• Visit at the Right Time: Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to avoid crowds and enjoy softer lighting for photography. Popular temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu can get very busy, so arriving early ensures a more peaceful visit. Timing your trip can make the experience more authentic and enjoyable.

Where to Stay for Easy Temple Exploration

The Tunjung Boutique Resort at Canggu, Bali

• The Tunjung Boutique Resort (Canggu) – This budget-friendly resort starts from USD 50 per night and offers a peaceful stay with modern Balinese design. Its location makes it easy to access both Badung and Tabanan temples such as Tanah Lot and Taman Ayun. With stylish rooms and warm hospitality, it’s the best choice for travelers who want comfort at an affordable price.

• Green Field Hotel (Ubud, Gianyar) – A mid-range option starting from USD 90 per night, this hotel offers rooms with sweeping rice field views and a serene atmosphere. It’s conveniently located near Goa Gajah, Tirta Empul, and Gunung Kawi. Guests can enjoy traditional Balinese hospitality, a swimming pool, and close access to Ubud’s cultural heart.

• Sang Giri Mountain Glamping (Tabanan) – A luxury eco-stay with rates starting from USD 150 per night, Sang Giri provides a unique experience of staying in luxury tents surrounded by nature. It is close to Batukaru Temple and offers panoramic jungle views, guided trekking, and eco-friendly facilities. This stay is ideal for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Temples as the Soul of Bali

Bali’s temples are more than just tourist attractions; they are the soul of the island, embodying its rich traditions, spirituality, and history. Each temple tells a unique story, whether it’s a royal legacy, a place of purification, or a sacred site perched dramatically above the ocean. For travelers in 2025, visiting these temples provides a deeper connection to Bali’s culture beyond the beaches and nightlife.

From the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu to the serene mountains of Batukaru, the temples of Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan offer diverse experiences that enrich every journey. Including temple visits in your itinerary not only enhances your cultural adventure but also allows you to experience Bali’s timeless charm. In 2025, exploring Bali’s temples remains one of the most authentic ways to understand and appreciate the island’s spiritual heart.

The Rise of Digital Nomads in Bali 2025: Trends, Lifestyle, and Opportunities

Digital nomads working on laptops in a tropical coworking space in Bali, enjoying a relaxed and productive environment surrounded by greenery

Bali has long been celebrated as a tropical paradise, but in 2025 it has truly cemented its position as the world’s digital nomad capital. Remote workers from every corner of the globe continue to flock to the island, drawn by its unique combination of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and an affordable cost of living. The growth of digital nomads in Bali is not just a passing trend—it represents a fundamental shift in how people choose to work, live, and travel.

This surge is supported by global changes in workplace culture. More companies have embraced hybrid and remote work models, enabling professionals to choose destinations like Bali where productivity meets lifestyle. With digital nomad visas becoming easier to obtain and local infrastructure rapidly adapting, Bali has become the ultimate hub where career goals and personal well-being seamlessly blend.

Why Bali Attracts Remote Workers

• The cost of living in Bali remains one of the biggest advantages for remote workers compared to major cities around the world. Affordable villas, local food, and coworking memberships make it easy to balance work and leisure.

• Beyond affordability, Bali offers a breathtaking environment where rice fields, beaches, and temples become part of everyday life. This makes working hours more enjoyable and downtime truly rejuvenating.

• The thriving international community makes it easy to connect with like-minded professionals. Networking events, skill-sharing sessions, and wellness retreats have created a supportive ecosystem for digital nomads.

Trends Shaping Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Bali 2025

• Coworking spaces are expanding rapidly, especially in hotspots like Canggu and Ubud. These hubs provide not just high-speed internet, but also a sense of community and opportunities for collaboration.

• A growing emphasis on health and well-being defines the lifestyle. Digital nomads often integrate yoga, meditation, and surfing into their routines, ensuring a balance between productivity and personal growth.

• Technology continues to transform the way people work. From faster Wi-Fi across the island to AI-driven productivity tools, Bali ensures that nomads remain connected to global clients and projects.

Where to Stay: Top Areas for Digital Nomads

Choosing the right place to stay is one of the most important decisions for digital nomads in Bali. Each area offers a different atmosphere, from lively surf towns to tranquil jungle retreats and upscale beach resorts. Here are some of the most popular locations with recommended stays:

Canggu

Canggu has become the heartbeat of Bali’s digital nomad community, filled with coworking hubs, lively cafés, and beaches perfect for a sunset break.

The Tunjung Boutique Resort at Canggu, Bali

 

• The Tunjung Boutique Resort – Budget: from USD 45/night
  An intimate and affordable resort that gives nomads a comfortable base close to coworking spaces and local cafés. It’s a great choice for those who want value and convenience in the heart of Canggu.

• Theanna Eco Villa and Spa – Budget: from USD 120/night
  A sustainable villa complex offering private pools and a quiet retreat just minutes away from Canggu’s vibrant social scene. Ideal for nomads who want eco-friendly living with a touch of luxury.

Ubud

Known for its lush rice terraces and artistic soul, Ubud is perfect for digital nomads seeking creativity and calm.

• Champlung Sari Hotel and Spa – Budget: from USD 65/night
  A cozy hotel located near the Sacred Monkey Forest, combining Balinese design with easy access to Ubud’s cultural heart. A good balance of comfort and affordability.

• Alila Ubud – Budget: from USD 180/night
  A luxury retreat with breathtaking jungle views and wellness programs. Its serene atmosphere is perfect for deep work and personal rejuvenation.

Seminyak

Seminyak attracts digital nomads who enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe with a mix of work, leisure, and upscale living.

• Dash Hotel Seminyak – Budget: from USD 85/night
  A trendy, playful hotel within walking distance of the beach. Strong Wi-Fi, a rooftop bar, and a lively atmosphere make it popular among younger nomads.

• W Bali – Seminyak – Budget: from USD 280/night
  A world-class luxury resort offering beachfront villas, fine dining, and exceptional service. Ideal for remote professionals who want to combine work with indulgence.

Top Cafés in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak for Remote Work

For many digital nomads, cafés are more than just places to grab coffee—they’re extensions of their offices. Bali has developed a thriving café culture where strong Wi-Fi, laptop-friendly seating, and nourishing food come together to create the perfect work environment. Here are some of the best options in the island’s most popular areas:

Canggu – BWork Café & Co-Working

Digital nomads working on laptops inside BWork Café, a modern coworking space with a cozy atmosphere and collaborative environment

BWork is a favorite among digital nomads thanks to its mix of coworking facilities and café-style comfort. The open, modern design makes it easy to focus, while the community vibe attracts remote workers from all over the world.

• Signature Menu: Smoothie bowls, fresh salads, artisanal coffee.

• Why It’s Great for Nomads: Ultra-fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and plenty of power outlets. It’s ideal for networking and long work sessions just a short walk from Canggu’s beaches.

Ubud – Clear Café

Digital nomads working and socializing at Clear Café in Bali, a vibrant coworking-friendly space with artistic design and a relaxed tropical atmosphere

With its serene atmosphere and health-conscious menu, Clear Café is perfect for those who want to balance productivity with wellness. The bamboo and glass architecture gives a natural, calming feel, making it a peaceful spot to get things d one.

• Signature Menu: Vegan pancakes, turmeric lattes, and cold-pressed juices.

• Why It’s Great for Nomads: Reliable internet, quiet seating areas, and a focus on nourishing meals make it easy to spend hours working while staying energized.

Seminyak – Sisterfields Café

Digital nomads enjoying coffee and working at Sisterfields Café in Bali, a stylish coworking-friendly spot with modern design and relaxed vibes

Sisterfields blends a stylish urban design with the relaxed energy that Bali is known for. Popular with both locals and expats, it offers a lively social scene while still catering to remote workers who need a place to plug in.

• Signature Menu: Eggs Benedict, acai bowls, flat white coffee.

• Why It’s Great for Nomads: Strong Wi-Fi, central location near Seminyak Square, and a trendy vibe that encourages both productivity and social connection after work.

Future Outlook: Bali as the Global Hub for Remote Work

The future looks bright for Bali’s digital nomad community. With increasing global demand for remote-friendly destinations, Bali has the potential to set an example of how to create a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital hub. Investment in infrastructure, eco-friendly accommodations, and technology will only strengthen its position as the world’s leading choice for remote workers.

At the same time, the digital nomad lifestyle is evolving into more than just a trend—it’s becoming a way of life. Bali is proving that it is possible to pursue professional ambitions while living in paradise, where work, wellness, and culture come together in perfect harmony.

Gebogan, Balinese Offering Culture to The God

In every ceremony in the Hindus temple, the Hindus usually make offerings to the God called 'Gebogan'. There are two kinds of 'gebogan'. First is 'gebogan' that contains with Balinese flowers. Second 'gebogan' which contains with Balinese fruit. 'Gebogan' dedicated to God is the kind 'gebogan' contain with Balinese fruits. Basically, they are arrangements of fruit, colorful flowers, chicken roasted and sweet cakes stacked on top of one another, forming cylindrical towers. These objects are not always combined together, however, and you will often find 'gebogan' made up of either just flowers or fruit, depending on the purpose. The offerings are attached to a banana tree trunk by sharp bamboo skewers. The base of a 'gebogan' can be either a wooden 'dulang' or a metal 'bokor' which support the weight of the tower. Coconut-leaf decorations, known as 'sampian', ornament the top of the offerings. 

What is included in 'gebogan' will vary from one part of Bali to another based on local tradition. But the offering is always a gorgeous sight to be hold. After they finished to make the 'Gebogan' they bring it to the temple to be prayed over. Once all the rituals are over, the 'gebogan' are taken home and the food is shared amongst family and friends. Since food spoils quickly in the tropics, it is either consumed straight away or given away to visitors. If you ever visit Balinese post-ceremony time, they will surely offer you fruit and cakes which come straight off a 'gebogan'. Traditionally, 'gebogan' only served as offerings to God and were symbolic of all that is found in nature. These days, however, 'gebogan' also function as decorations or ornaments for hotels, parties, special occasions, just like ornamental bamboo poles (penjor). 

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Tajen - The Balinese Cook Fighting

'Tajen' is Balinese word for cock fighting gambling, yet in the sense of true gambling of Bali 'Tajen' has developed from a small number of men gathering at the village temple during the ritual provocating their cocks to fight each other until one or either were dead or one gives up armed with sharp two sided knife tied at the leg of the cock involved in fighting. Both cocks will injure each other, even kills one or both. This sharp knife called  'taji' which word forms "tajian", and 'tajian' is assimilated into 'tajen' The bebebotoh is the name of 'tajen' gambler who use the money for betting at the cock fighting field called  'kalangan tajen'.

It is not known when Balinese started to know this type of gambling. Since the government of Indonesia declared with regulations that 'tajen' is one of gambling and is forbidden, the 'bebotohs' looking for a reason that 'tajen' is a necessity, for requirement of ritual, and always organize the 'tajen' during the temple ritual, or during family ritual. The birth of 'tajen' inspired a person to write superstitious forecasts. We do not able to find out weather the writing was made by a 'brahmana' or a common people. Seen from the language it would have been written around 18th century. This manuscript is called 'Pengayam-ayaman' or simply means the consultant for 'bebotohs' to foresee what cock will be the winner on certain day of the 'tajen', what color of the cock will be the victorious, and at what direction the cock should be provocated for the first time on the battle field. The manuscript claims to be able to give clues to the cock that will win the battle.

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Mepandes, The Unique Hindhu Ceremony in Bali

"Potong Gigi” (Mepandes) ceremony can be found in "Kalapati" manuscript. In short, it states that there are six teeth in the upper jaw that are scoured by using gerigi, namely the two canine teeth and four incisors. It symbolized the self-awareness to control the "Sadripu" (the six enemies) in human soul. Those are "Kama" (desire), "Lobha" (greedy), "Krodha" (furiousity), "Mada" (intoxicated) "Moha" (swollen), and "Matsarya" (jealousy). 

The uncontrolled "Sadripu" will endanger the human’s life. That is the reason why it becomes the parents’ responsibility to suggest the child and wish to "Hyang Widhi" to be avoided from the affect of "Sadripu". The meaning is implicitly sates in "Kala Pati", "Kala Tatwa" and "Semaradhana" mythology that human must aware in his life. It is important in order not to get lost or far from his religion teaching (dharma) so that the holy spirit can reach the heaven together with the ancestors’ spirit become in unity with Brahman (Hyang Widhi).The "Semaradana" also rules the relationship between man and woman must stay in line with the norm. The “Potong Gigi” ceremony is usually conducted together with the "Ngeraja sewala" ceremony or normally called the "Menek Kelih" that is a ceremony to show the appreciation to God because the child has become mature, leave the childhood and become teenager.

THE STEPS OF "MEPANDES" CEREMONY

1. Those who have the mepandes are purified with "padudusan madya" after the priest doing the "ngarga tirta", "mereresik" and "mapiuning" at "Sanggar Surya". Soon after that, they will worship the "Hyang Raditya" for safeties in conducting the ceremony.

2. The hairs will be cut and the body is painted with holy letters by using special ink which is called "mererajah". The purpose is to purify the body and to sign the changing of the status from tender age to teenager.

3. Get into the bad where the "mepandes" is conducted, but before that the person must step on the "caru" as the symbol of harmonious, tap the crow bar three times (Ang-Ung-Mang) as the symbol of "Hyang Widhi’s" power, and the left armpit nips "caket" as the symbol of the doubtfulness to be aware of "Sadripu".

4. During the "mepandes" ceremony, the water which is used to gargle is thrown into a "kelungah nyuh gading" (young yellowish coconut) in order not to create "keletehan" (make the surrounding in dirt).

5. "Mepedamel" is derived from the word “dama” which means wisdom. The purpose of "mepedamel" after "mepandes" is in order the child will became a wisdom child during and teen age and so forth, stand to face the happiness and sadness of life, stay in line with Hindu religious teaching, has wide perspective, and has strong self confidence to decide on something and know how to differentiate "dharma" and "adharma".

The following are the symbolization of activities that are held in mepedamel:

• The person wears white fabric, yellow “kampuh”. and “samara-ratih” bandoleer as the symbol of God “Semara” and Godess “Ratih” (based on Semaradhana manuscript)
• Wearing “pawitra yarn” which has tridatu colors (red, white, and black) as the symbol of personal band toward the religious norms.
• Testing the “Sad Rasa” (six flavor) , bitter  and sour as the symbol to become tough in facing the life which unpleasant sometimes; spicy  as the symbol to become not to get angry easily when experiencing or hearing unpleasant things; sepet (casquette ) as the symbol to be obedient toward the rules or norms; salty as the symbol of wisdom, always try to increase the knowledge quality by studying; sweet as the symbol of  physically and spiritually happiness  life.

6. “Natab banten”. The purpose is to wish for bless from “Hyang Widhi” so the real aims of the ceremony could be achieved.

7. “Matapak”. Spiritually, the parents’ responsibilities toward the child start from fetus until mature has been accomplished. It also symbolized the appreciation of the child to the parents because they already take good care of him/ her, asks for forgiveness from the parents because of the fault, and also wish for their bless in order to be success in facing the life in the future.

8. “Persembahyangan” (worshiping) to worship “Hyang Widhi”.

 

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Ngaben, Funeral Ritual to The Next Life

Ngaben, or Cremation Ceremony, is a funeral ritual performed in Bali to send the deceased to the next life. The body of the deceased will be placed as if sleeping, and the family will continue to treat the deceased as sleeping. No tears are shed, because the deceased is only temporarily absent and will reincarnate or find final rest in Moksha (freeing from the reincarnation and death cycle). The proper day of the ceremony is always a matter of consulting a specialist on ceremony days. 

On the day of the ceremony, the body of the deceased is placed inside a coffin. This coffin is placed inside a sarcophagus resembling a buffalo (Lembu) or in a temple structure (Wadah) made of papier-maché and wood. This sarcophagus is then borne to the cremation site in a procession, which is almost never walked in a straight line. This is done to confuse evil spirits and keep them away from the deceased. The climax of a Ngaben is the burning of the sarcophagus containing the body of the deceased. The fire is viewed as necessary to free the spirit from the body and enable reincarnation. Ngaben is not always immediately performed. For members of the elite castes, it is normal to perform the ritual individually for the deceased within three days. People of lower social classes opt for a more economic solution where they first bury the deceased, who is then cremated with the village's other dead in a mass ceremony.

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Banyu Pinaruh, Purify Themselves

Banyu Pinaruh fell one day after the feast of Saraswati day. Saraswati day believed to be the decline in science by Hindus in Bali. Banyu Pinaruh usually used as a day to do the cleaning themselves by melukat or bathing at the beach or in the purified places in Bali. Pura Tirta Empul is a temple with a highly purified spring water in Bali and the best place to "melukat". Banyu Pinaruh have two word, Bayu and Pinaruh. Banyu of the word meaning water , Pinaruh or Pengeruwuh means knowledge. When Banyu Pinaruh day people cleanse the body and shampooing at the source - the source of the water or on the sea . However procession clean the dirt or the dark thoughts that attach to the human body , with science or shower with science

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What's Special In Pengrupukan Day

Today is Pengrupukan Day. All hindus people in Indonesia generally and Bali specially celebrate this day. In the morning in each house hold will perform tawur kesanga activity with pecaruan in surrounding yard of the house. And in the afternoon, hindus people specially the youth organization will do the carnival that is ogoh-ogoh carnival. Balinese preparing the ogoh-ogoh around one untill two month, if you have traveling in Bali, you will see the Balinese doing activities including making ogoh-ogoh, preparing gambelan, and some time will present by dance following the theme of ogoh-ogoh.

Ogoh Ogoh is an art that is interesting and entertaining culture is also full of a lot of meaning contained in it as a characteristic of the dignity of the nation,In celebration of Nyepi in Bali then do not miss the parade of ogoh-ogoh held the afternoon before the night before Nyepi day.Ogoh-ogoh little about the culture of Bali

Ogoh-ogoh is a sculpture of Balinese culture that describe personality Bhuta Kala. In Hinduism Dharma, Bhuta Kala represents strength (BHU) universe and time (Kala), which is not measurable and irrefutable. In the embodiment of the statue in question, Bhuta Kala portrayed as big and scary; usually in the form of giant. which is made of bamboo.

In general ogoh-ogoh made of plaited bamboo such a way as to form a ogoh-ogoh, either in the form of puppet characters or more themes. But now ogoh-ogoh began to be modified by a number of craftsmen, bamboo or wood materials that are considered too heavy and complicated is now replaced with a cork.

In addition to lighter,cork ogoh-ogoh also can be an inspiration for people who want to use ogoh-ogoh as decoration. Now I point to use cork, due to education, so that they can learn to make a sculpture for decoration, in hotels can.

The manufacturing process is not much different from the bamboo ogoh-ogoh , just ogoh-ogoh by cork requires precision in terms of designing the pattern to be formed. If either cut the cork, then it can not be symmetrical shape. While making ogoh-ogoh by cork is also shorter than the ogoh-ogoh of bamboo. When last year still using bamboo,

Peek Process Ogoh-Ogoh Welcoming Nyepi

Ogoh-ogoh Balinese artwork is done once a year before Nyepi. How to make it should require patience because it makes ogoh-ogoh is quite complicated.Here's a glimpse of the process of making ogoh - ogoh.

Material to made ogoh-ogoh :

Bamboo rolls sliced ​​(usually sold in building materials)

Cork (formed according to anatomy of ogoh - ogoh)

Rope (rope bamboo, raffia), Wire

Iron Frame (galvanized iron pipe)

Wire mesh (as a basic skin)

Paper cement (leather cover)

Plamir Wall

Sandpaper

Welding tools (compressor)

Wood Beams

Bamboo for pedestal (Bali Language: Sanan)

Paint

Horse Hair / Fur / Ijuk (For Hair)

Paper, Cloth (motif formed pepatran bali), as a clothing material ogoh- ogoh.

Ogoh-ogoh are giant dolls made from bamboo frames which are intricately weaved and tied and then covered with papier mache. They are made in the form of creatures of the underworld known in Balinese as buta-kala. The creatures are based on characters taken from traditional myths and legends, however in modern times many also take the form of modern characters, including even people in the media or in the government.

For young Balinese, making ogoh-ogoh is a challenging but exciting art form and one month before Nyepi, most banjars are bubbling with “ogoh-ogoh fever”. It’s no mean feat to make a papier mache doll many metres high. Just getting it to stand up is a task, let alone making it lifelike.

Ogoh-ogoh are paraded around the streets on the eve of Nyepi, known as Hari Pengerupukan. Most main roads are closed off and thousands of people gather to watch the parade. It may take up to 30 people to carry a large ogoh-ogoh and each banjar includes a team of musicians playing gamelan and sometimes male and female dancers. Traditionally, however, it was just the ogoh-ogoh which were paraded in the streets on the eve of Nyepi. These days, however, this night has become an excuse for an ogoh-ogoh festival which is judged and the winning team rewarded with a large prize.

The gamelan ensemble used to accompany the ogoh-ogoh is called baleganjur which is made up of up to 15 musicians playing gongs, cymbals and drums. The louder the music the better, as their function is to scare off any demons before Nyepi, the day of silence. After being paraded till midnight, the giant dolls are ceremoniously burnt to represent the destruction of the demons on Earth.

Ogoh-ogoh carnivals themselves are held all over Bali following sunset. Bleganjur, a Balinese gamelan music accompanies the procession. Some are giants taken from classical Balinese lore. All have fangs, bulging eyes and scary hair and are illuminated by torches.The procession is usually organised by the Seka Teruna, the youth organisation of Banjar. When Ogoh-ogoh is being played by the Seka Teruna, everyone enjoys the carnival. In order to make a harmonic relation between human being and God, human and human, and human and their environments, Tawur Kesanga is performed in every level of society, from the people's house. In the evening, the Hindus celebrating Ngerupuk, start making noises and light burning torches and set fire to the Ogoh-ogoh in order to get the Bhuta Kala, evil spirits, out of our lives.

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