Bali has something for everyone. The moment I stepped on the island I felt its incredible warmth and gentle atmosphere. Even though I have visited the most amazing paradise islands in the world across Asia, Oceania and the Pacific, exploring the Galapagos Islands and luxury Bermuda, Bali has kept a special place in my heart for its uniqueness, wild adventures and people’s character. By following my top 10 incredible places to see in Bali, starting with ancient temples through sacred volcano mountains and breathtaking waterfalls, you’ll get to know the true Bali.
10 incredible places to see in Bali.
Practical tips for Bali.
- Best time to visit Bali: May-October (dry season).
- Climate: Tropical, average year-round temperature 30 °C
- ATM’s – easily accessible – use BIG Banks /don’t use No name ATM’s/. You will be charged a small fee for every ATM transaction.
- Accommodation – browse for best deals on agoda.com.
- Respect religious customs
- Bring insect repellent with Deet!!!
Check VISA requirements for your country.
Why Bali is a popular tourist destination?
Bali has become a popular tourist destination for several reasons. The main religion in Bali is Balinese Hinduism (Agama Hindu Dharma), which brings relaxation and peace to the island. Balinese Hinduism combines Hindu, Buddhist, Javanese.
You will be treated with delicious cuisine, which nowadays is a blend of traditional and modern dishes.
There are endless options of accommodation, from luxury to tropical bungalows, which are my favorite stay in Bali. You need to know that in Bali every house is a temple.
The west coast of Bali is best known for surfing and nightlife.
Lastly, Bali has a reputation for hospitality and friendliness. The Balinese people are renowned for their warm and welcoming nature, and visitors are often left feeling like part of the local community.
Bali Pura Tanah Lot.
The Balinese culture is influenced by Hinduism, and the island is home to several beautiful temples that offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s religious and spiritual side.
The locals believe that Bali is a sacred place. One of the unique features of Balinese culture is the tradition of offering. This tradition is rooted in the Balinese Hindu belief that everything in the world is made up of five elements – earth, water, fire, air and ether. To maintain harmony and balance, the Balinese offer these elements to the Gods every day. You will witness this tradition in action at any of the stays.
Tanah Lot the famous Hindu temple is one of the greatest places to see in Bali. It’s a magnificent temple located in Tabanan, around 30 km away from Denpasar. Tanah Lot stands on solid sea rock. You’ll be able to take a short walk along the coastline, there are hundreds of restaurants with sea views, local craft shops and markets.
The best way to get there: is Uber or an organized tour |top pick on Tripadvisor.
Located on a rocky outcropping just off the coast of Bali, the Tanah Lot Temple is one of the island’s most iconic sites. The temple is believed to have been built in the 16th century and is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods.
During high tide, the temple looks like it is floating on the water, making it a favorite spot for photographers and tourists alike. The best time to visit Tanah Lot Temple is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds have thinned out and the setting sun casts a golden glow over the temple and the surrounding coastline.
Aside from the stunning views and photo opportunities, there is also a market at the base of the temple, where you can find souvenirs, snacks, and refreshments.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces.
The stunning rice paddies in Tegalalang offer a glimpse into traditional Balinese agrarian life. Rice terraces are located north of Ubud. Most of them will have paid entry, however, it is well worth exploring.
There are a number of hiking opportunities through green fields, palm trees and beautiful tropical forests, The rice terraces, a result of the traditional Subak system of irrigation, are more than just a beautiful sight. They represent the harmony between the land and the local farming community, where rice cultivation continues to thrive.
Hiking through the terraces will provide an opportunity to meet local coffee farmers. This is where the famous Bali coffee—particularly Luwak coffee—is produced. After a hike you can visit one of the local coffee farms to learn about the coffee-making process, from bean to brew.
One of the biggest adventures you’ll find in rice terraces are giant swings!
Ubud Monkey Forest.
Ubud Monkey Forest is an extremely popular place in Bali and some people say a bit overrated.
After visiting Ubud Monkey Forest I can say it is much more than just a sanctuary and it’s a lovely destination for a half-day trip. Ubud Monkey Forest is home to over 700 long-tailed macaques. It offers a great opportunity for trekking along beautiful tropical valleys and I would surely recommend it as one of the places to see in Bali.
Ubud Monkey Forest is the opportunity to observe the monkeys in their natural habitat. Just remember, these cheeky creatures are known for their playful mischief. They would easily look into your bag and grab your snacks if you have one.
The place is also home to three sacred Hindu temples, which date back to the 14th century.
Ubud Monkey Forest Entry Fee: Adults 80,000 IDR.
Uluwatu region.
Uluwatu is located in the south tale of Bali (district of South Kuta -Kuta Selatan). It is home to the most famous restaurants, bars and beaches of the island.
Bali cuisine is one of my favorites, it will spoil even the most demanding foodies. If you are looking to discover the best Uluwatu restaurants, this list is made for you.
Uluwatu Temple - a cliff-side masterpiece.
Lempuyang Temple, also known as the “Gates of Heaven,” is an iconic temple located in East Bali. The temple sits at the top of the Lempuyang mountain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rice fields and hills. One of the main attractions at Lempuyang Temple is the famous split gate that offers a stunning view of Mount Agung.
Visiting the temple requires climbing around 1,700 steps, but the climb itself is also a peaceful and reflective experience.
The best time to visit Lempuyang Temple is early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. It is also advisable to dress appropriately and respectfully, as this is an active temple with a significant cultural and religious significance.
Lempuyang Temple is one of the most breathtaking places to see in Bali. It should be highlighted on any Bali itinerary.
Hiking Mount Batur.
If you are looking for some outdoor adventure – Bali offers some exciting trekking and hiking trails.
Mount Batur is an active volcano in Bali that sits at an elevation of 1,717 meters above sea level.
Trekking to Mount Batur is one of the most popular in Bali and is generally considered a beginner’s trek – but it is NOT as easy as they will be telling you.. It usually takes around two hours to reach the summit.
Mount Batur Sunrise tour is one of the most popular volcanoes to hike in Bali. It is known for its relatively moderate difficulty level, short route and stunning sunrise views from the summit. Don’t forget it is still an active volcano, with the most recent eruption in 2000.
Few things to know before you GO:
- Batur Volcano Sunrise is a spectacular hike! The view from the top is one of the best places to see in Bali.
- It is a highly crowded and popular trail.
Guided tours are highly recommended when hiking Mount Batur. NOT for safety reasons this time but for your peace of mind. Since this is the main income for local guides, you will be forced to go with an organized tour, although hiking without a guide is NOT officially forbidden.
Hiking Mount Agung - Bali sacred Mountain.
Mount Agung is one of the toughest volcano hikes in Asia. It is incomparably more difficult than Batur and targeted mostly by experienced hikers due to the long and difficult ascent. Check my adventure and if you are fit enough GO FOR IT!
It is definitely one of the greatest mountain adventures I have done! It’s one of the most difficult hiking trails I’ve done across Indonesia. So before you decide to go for it, check my post to make sure you know what it brings!
Ubud - the cultural heart of Bali.
Ubud is often referred to as the cultural heart of Bali. This charming town located in the central foothills of Bali is an artistic hub and a center for traditional crafts and dance. It’s the perfect destination for those who are looking to immerse themselves in Balinese culture. However, it’s important to mention Ubud has become extremely crowded and noisy in recent years. As far as this is one of the most interesting places to see in Bali, exploring might be a bit tiring due to crazy traffic, overcrowded restaurants and temples.
The Bali Swing - a thrilling adventure.
Bali is not just about its temples and beaches; it offers a wide range of activities that cater to different tastes and preferences. The Bali Swing is a perfect example of an exciting and adrenaline-filled activity that you can enjoy on the island.
The Bali Swing is essentially a giant swing that is suspended above the jungle canopy, where you can swing back and forth while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding forests and rivers.
Located in the village of Bongkasa, near Ubud, the Bali Swing has several different swings. There are also platforms that give you the chance to take photos at different heights, with swings and nests in the background.
The Bali Swing can reach heights of up to 15 meters, and some swings even go over the edge of cliffs. However, safety is a top priority, and the staff will make sure that you are securely fastened before starting the ride.
In addition to the Bali Swing activity, Bongkasa offers a range of other activities like zip-lining and ATV rides.
Yangapi Waterfall - an oasis in the midst of nature.
Yangapi Waterfall is much less known than other cascades in Bali, due to a remote location and a distance from Ubud. The drive from Ubud takes 1 hour, but I took Uber motorbike and it was a pleasant and adventurous ride.
Yangapi is the most beautiful and spectacular waterfall in Bali Island. This powerful waterfall is hidden in a cave, so if you wish to explore this phenomenon you need to make a small effort of getting here 😉
Most people would be visiting Tegenungan Waterfall, which cascades down a steep cliff into a shallow pool There are also several viewing platforms that provide stunning views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
Yangapi Waterfall is one of the most stunning places to see in Bali. To reach the waterfall you need to hike down a series of steps, but the journey is well worth it. Once you are entering the cave you will be completely overwhelemed by the beauty of the place – it’s magic!
Bali's beaches - a paradise for surfers and sun-seekers.
Although most of the Bali beaches aren’t too impressive, there are few worth visiting:
- Kuta Beach – This is perhaps Bali’s most famous beach. It is known for its long, rolling waves, making it the perfect spot for surfers. This is where I learned surfing for the first time in my life 😉 You can rent a surfboard and book surfing lessons for a decent price.
- Seminyak Beach – This beach is located in the heart of Seminyak, an upscale area known for its trendy bars and restaurants. The beach is known for its stunning sunsets and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Nusa Dua Beach – This is Bali’s most upscale beach, located on the southern tip of the island. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and diving.
- Jimbaran Beach – This beach is located in a quiet fishing village and is known for its fresh seafood restaurants. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
- Batu Bolong Beach – This beach is located in Canggu, a hip and trendy area popular among surfers. It is known for its big waves and is a great spot for surfers of all levels.
- Echo Beach – Another popular spot among surfers, Echo Beach is known for its consistent waves and laid-back vibe. It is also a great spot for sunbathing and beach volleyball.
- Sanur Beach – This beach is located on Bali’s east coast and is a popular spot for families. It has calm waters, making it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
- Dreamland Beach – This beach is located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula and is known for its huge waves. It is a popular spot for experienced surfers and is also a great spot for sunbathing.
- Lovina Beach – This black sand beach is located on Bali’s north coast and is known for its calm waters.
- Candidasa Beach – This beach is located on Bali’s east coast and is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. It is also a popular spot for sunbathing and relaxing.
Balinese massage!!
Don’t you forget to get one of the most amazing phisical adventures – the Bali massage. It aims at relaxation and healing, especially after long surfing and beach day.
Prices may go as low as 6$ per hour, but normally it’s around 10$. For more luxury spas: 20-25$/per hour.
One and only Bali.
Selamat tinggal (goodbye) and see you in Bali! 🙂
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