First time going to Bali and not sure where to go?
This Indonesian island is known for its volcanoes, beautiful lush green rice paddies, surf beaches and coral reefs. But don’t be fooled, the island is actually bigger than you think! From hipster-hopping Canggu to the beautiful crater lakes around Bedugul to island hopping in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, there is so much to see and do in Bali. This guide below will help you discover all the best places to travel in Bali.
Pura Tanah Lot
About 20 km northwest from the capital of Bali, Kuta, Pura Tanah Lot is one of the iconic temples in Bali (‘Pura’ means temple in Balinese). With a spectacular seaside view built on a reef surrounded by crashing reefs, Pura Tanah Lot is one of the best tourist destinations in Bali.
Every evening, crowds of tourists from Kuta, Legian, and Sanur come through the maze of pathways to watch the sun set behind the temple. And for Balinese people, Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most sacred sea temples in the island. When visiting any temples in Bali, be sure to dress modest and respectfully, also wear a sarong and sash.
Mount Batur
Watch the sunrise above the mist-covered mountains and caldera far below in the 1700-meter summit of Mount Batur. Every day before dawn, hundreds of tourists in Bali begin their trek to the top of this mountain. And if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Bali, Mount Batur is one of the best places to travel in Bali.
This sacred active volcano is located in Kintamani District in the central highlands of Bali, about an hour’s drive from Ubud. Up there on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of Batur caldera, the surrounding mountains, and the beautiful Lake Batur, the island’s main source of irrigation water.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of Bali’s most famous temples for its spectacular cliff-top setting. It is built on a cliff that rises above one of Bali’s best surf spots. Like Pura Tanah Lot, the best time to visit this temple is sunset, when the sky and the sea shine in the late afternoon light.
A beautiful pathway meanders from the entrance to the temple, with stunning views along the way. Although only Hindu worshippers are allowed to enter the temple, the beautiful surroundings and the sunset Kecak dance performed here daily are well worth a visit.
Ubud Monkey Forest
Only 10-minute from the center of Ubud, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of the top things to do in Ubud, Bali. Also known as Monkey Forest, this place is one of the best places to travel in Bali, especially to photographers and animal lovers. The major attraction here is the evocative jungle environment, where monkeys are allowed to roam free.
This forest aims to represent the harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. It also conserves rare plants and serves as a site for research on macaque behavior, especially their social interactions.
Seminyak Shopping
Bali is known for its glamorous designers and fabulous shopping, and along the bustling streets of Seminyak, you’ll find the very best of Balinese design.
The two main shopping malls there are Seminyak Square and Seminyak Village. But if you are looking for a real bargain, head to Seminyak Flea Market near Seminyak Square, which is full of stalls selling clothes, jewelry, sculptures and handicrafts.
Nusa Dua Beach
Looking for escape from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s city life? Then Nusa Dua Beach is the answer. Here, you can relax in the comfortable sun lounger with a cold drink in your hand while listening to the sound of the waves lapping against the white sands.
It doesn’t offer the cultural excitement you’ll experience elsewhere in Bali, but it is a gated resort on a peninsula, so if you’re looking for tranquility and relatively pristine sand, you’ll find it at one of Bali’s best beaches. This ticks the box of best places to travel in Bali, where you can do strolling along the shore, swimming, surfing, parasailing, and sunbathing.
Kuta Beach
One of the most iconic beaches of Bali, who doesn’t know Kuta Beach? Yes, it’s crowded and persistent peddlers stalk the beach, but it’s the famous happening places to visit in Bali, especially if you’re a beginner surfer or just want to soak in the scenery.
Kuta Beach is one of the best places to travel in Bali for young travelers who are seeking a more lively atmosphere than sleepy beach resorts
Bali is rich in natural beauty, and becomes the islands’ major attraction. There are many kinds of places in Bali that you should go to, and never miss any of those. And perhaps, you will find a hidden game there.
