Ubud Monkey Forest
Forest
This place is a temple, a lush forest, and a natural habitat to hundreds of monkeys. Tourists are drawn to this spot for the natural charm, fresh cool air and the company of playful monkeys throughout the visit.
20 Must-Visit Attractions in Bali
Must-visit attractions in Bali | © Martin Garrido / Flickr
As a popular island destination rich in natural beauty, culture, and history, there is something for everyone in Bali. Regardless, the island’s essence and best of everything are captured in these must-visit attractions anyone can enjoy.
Uluwatu Temple
Nestled at the edge of a magnificent cliff, this awe-inspiring temple has more cultural value than what meets the eye. Tourists can learn many things about the local customs in one visit, concluded by a traditional dance and drama performances during the majestic sunset hours.
Seminyak
One of the most integral neighborhoods on the island, tourists can find virtually everything from humble traditional shops to high-end designer boutiques. This neighborhood also has its share of stunning beaches, lined up with vibrant bars and restaurants that stay alive until late at night.
Tanah Lot Temple
Church
This iconic sea temple is a religious and cultural landmark, also cherished for its natural beauty. Perched on an offshore rock at the ocean, this temple has a gorgeous backdrop of the vast blue, and is itself a spectacular backdrop for a magnificent selfie, especially during sunset.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Natural Feature
The magnificent rice terrace offers tourists a splendid sight of nature and a valuable insight on the locals’ culture and customs. Tourists can explore around the location, breathing fresh village air, while interacting with locals.
Ubud Art Market
Market
Ubud art market | © Walter Lim/ Flickr
Being the cultural hub of Bali, Ubud is home to many traditional artists and creatives producing unique and authentic products that represent the island. Tourists can find anything here, from art pieces to humble souvenirs to take home.
Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple is Bali’s largest temple, located on the slopes of Bali’s highest mountain, the Mount Agung. The complex comprises of at least 86 temples that date back to more than 1,000 years ago. Each year, the temple hosts more than 70 religious ceremonies or celebrations attended by Hindu devotees from all over the island.
Besakih Temple, Besakih, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia, 0361 463743
Padang Padang Beach
Probably best known for its association with the movie Eat, Pray, Love, this previously hidden gem lives up to its hype and reputation. A perfect nook to chill by the sand, swim near magnificent rocky structures, or surf the waves, surrounded by magnificent cliffs.
Padang Padang Beach, Jalan Labuansait, Pecatu, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Mount Batur
Natural Feature
Mount Batur, Mount Gunung Abang, Bali in Indonesia. | © Joana Kruse / Alamy Stock Photo
A two-hour hike up the mountain will bring tourists to one of the island’s best spots to bask in the sunshine’s first rays. Tourists can watch the magnificent sunrise with the backdrop of the nearby Mount Abang and the Batur Lake in one pretty picture.
Ubud Royal Palace
The beautiful cultural neighborhood of Ubud used to be a royal town, so it’s not surprising that the area is packed with gorgeous palaces that still stand as cultural and historical landmarks. The Ubud Royal Palace or Puri Saren Ubud is among the biggest located at the heart of the neighborhood.
Puri Saren Agung, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia, 0361 975057
Pandawa Beach
Beyond its sparkling blue gradient of the ocean and white smooth sand, Pandawa Beach is also a cultural landmark, a place that hosts splendid figures of the five heroic Pandawa characters from the Mahabharata epic, and as a venue for cultural performances including the iconic Kecak or fire dance. Tourists can also enjoy a fun day canoeing on its clear blue waters.
Pandawa Beach Bali, Kutuh, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia, 0851 0091 9825
Elephant Cave
The magnificent cave also serves as a Buddhist temple, carved in stories and sacred figures. The temple features a large bathing pool believed to be built to cleanse the soul and ward off evil spirits.
Amed
Snorkeling and diving in Amed will reward tourists with a magnificent sight of colorful corals, various tropical species, and even Japanese shipwrecks. The Amed beach is known for its expansive, black volcanic sand.
Lovina
Tourists are drawn to Lovina for many reasons, one of which is the opportunity of dolphin watching on its calm seas. The area is also a popular beginners-friendly snorkeling and diving destination.
Tanjung Benoa
Tanjung Benoa is the foremost most popular spot for water sports in Bali, where tourists can find virtually every beach and ocean activity, from banana boat to sea walking, flyboarding to scuba diving. The area is also packed with luxurious resorts for those who’d like to stay the night.
Jimbaran Bay
The seaside restaurants lining up at Jimbaran Bay serves the island’s best and most fresh seafood dishes. Most restaurants have candle-lit outdoor seating areas, where tourists can dine and chill while soaking their feet in the sands.
Jimbaran Bay, Jalan Bukit Permai, Jimbaran, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Munduk Village
As a mountain village, this neighborhood boasts a clean, green environment, fresh cool air, and charming natural attractions. From waterfalls to hills, the village is a popular trekking destination in Bali. During the colonial era, it was the Dutch’s favorite mountain retreat, a historic episode that graces the location with European architecture historical buildings and flourishing commodities.
Kuta Beach
This beach may not be the island’s best in terms of natural beauty (although it’s still pretty amazing), but Kuta Beach is world-famous for some valid reasons. Kuta Beach is among the liveliest spot on the island, offering countless fun activities to do from surfing to eating and shopping, from dawn to late at night.
Tirta Empul Temple
Hindu Temple
Locals believe that the sacred water flowing at the Tirta Empul Temple has power to heal and cleanse their body and soul. Tourists may or may not believe the same notion, but soaking in the spring water in a serene, beautiful temple is an experience not to be missed.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
As a substantial cultural park in Bali, Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) has many different attractions to enjoy — exhibition halls, gigantic folklore-inspired statues, street theater, festival park, and more. Revolving around the Garuda character the Mahabharata epic, tourists can also learn the legend that shapes many aspects of the Balinese culture in a fun and entertaining way.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Ungasan, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia, 0361 700808
