Bali is one of the most memorable destinations in the Indonesian archipelago. A trip here awakens the senses. The heady scent of incense and clove oil lingers in the humid tropical air. Traditional gamelan music jangles against the hum of mopeds while peanuts sizzle at roadside vendors, petal-strewn offerings smolder on crowded streets, and peanuts sizzle at roadside booths.

Despite the loudness and turmoil of the major tourist spots, the island is rich in natural beauty and has something to offer every kind of visitor. Surfers come for the renowned waves, hikers may walk up jungle volcanic peaks to misty waterfalls, and cyclists can ride through lush landscapes studded with quaint towns and bristling with rice terraces.

The tourist swarms have certainly increased since the popular book and film Eat, Pray, Love highlighted this charming island, but you may still experience Old Bali if you go off the main path. With this list of the top attractions and places to visit in Bali, you can find the greatest things to do as well as some of the island’s hidden jewels.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Bali

1. Ubud Monkey Forest

The Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is approximately a 10-minute walk from Ubud’s highland tourist center.

There are about 700 gray long-tailed macaques here, making it ideal for animal enthusiasts and photographers. Aside from the monkeys, you may take a leisurely stroll through a green nutmeg forest and explore many old temples hidden within the vegetation. 

Follow the instructions posted at the entrance: keep your items within pockets and backpacks and avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys (and smiling). Wear no loose jewelry or anything (that the monkeys may grab/steal).

2. Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is a Hindu water temple in Bali known for its holy spring water. There is a spring that regularly generates fresh water, and many Balinese Hindus visit for ceremonial cleansing via ritual bathing activities.

If you want to participate in the cleaning ceremony with the natives, you must enter the water fully dressed, wearing a sarong and sash. It is usually extremely crowded, particularly at midday and in the evening, therefore it is best to go early in the morning.

3. Lempuyang Temple Complex

If you’ve ever wondered where the iconic Instagram shot of people at the Gates of Heaven was taken, it was taken in Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang. This famous structure, also known as “Lempuyang Temple” (Pura Lempuyang), is one of a few temples that dot the highlands of Mount Lempuyang. Tourists gather here to take photos while standing between the towering dragon stairs that enclose Mount Agung’s foggy top.

If you have time, you should go to the other temples while you’re here. Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of Bali’s most revered temples, as well as one of the most difficult to reach. Are you up for some physical activity? The shrine is located at the summit of a 1,700-step climb through the sweltering forest to over 1,200 meters above sea level. Along the trip, keep an eye out for grey long-tailed macaques scampering about the jungle.

Depending on your level of physical condition, the trek to Pura Luhur Lempuyang might take anywhere from one and a half to two hours, but once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with the mysterious beauty of an old treasure as well as breathtaking vistas.  To shorten the journey, you may be able to hire a local to take you to the end of the asphalt road on a motorcycle.

4. Nusa Dua Beach

Want a break from Bali’s urban buzz? The answer is Nusa Dua Beach. Here, you can relax on a sun chair with a cool drink in your hand and listen to the gentle slosh of the waves on the soft, white sand. This is a closed resort area on its own private peninsula, so you won’t get the cultural experience you’ll find elsewhere in Bali. However, if you’re looking for peace and relatively clean sands, this is one of Bali’s best beaches.

This broad length of the beach is dominated by some of Bali’s greatest luxury beach resorts, and resort personnel work hard to keep the sand clean and free of rubbish. Walking for kilometers down the beach, swimming, surfing, parasailing, and sunbathing are popular activities in Nusa Dua, although you may have to pay a charge or dine at one of the resorts to use their sun loungers. Still, if you’re looking for a premium Bali beach experience, Nua Dua checks all the boxes.

When you tire of the beach, you can relax at a fancy resort spa or peruse the trendy stores at Bali Collection, an open-air shopping center. For off-sand wandering between the resorts and attractions, a paved promenade surrounds the coast. With all this leisure available, it’s no surprise that Nusa Dua is one of the best places to visit in Bali for a honeymoon.

5. The Sidemen Valley

The Sidemen Valley is a renowned Bali tourist destination. A visit to this rice-growing hamlet will be revitalizing for you and your family. It is well-known for its artisans’ work of Songket and Endek, which portrays authentic Balinese culture. The number of tourists to this location is progressively rising due to its location among lovely vistas. If you’re searching for a picnic site or a hiking trail, the Sidemen Valley in Bali is the place to go.

6. Pura Tanah Lot

One of the most well-known and revered temples on the island of Bali is the Pura Tanah Lot, which is located around 20 kilometers north of Kuta. The stunning beachfront location, which is on a rocky islet that is surrounded by waves that are smashing, is a key role in the wow effect.

The local Balinese people consider it to be one of the holiest of all the sea temples that can be seen on their island. In the evenings, large crowds of visitors from Kuta, Legian, and Sanur make their way through a maze of alleys that are lined with vendors selling souvenirs to get a view of the temple that is situated in front of the setting sun.

Even though non-locals are not permitted inside any of the temples that make up the complex, it is possible to stroll over to the main temple when the tide is low. Wandering around the walkways, stopping to take pictures, and taking in the breathtaking scenery is other enjoyable activity.

7. Sekumpul Waterfall

Sekumpul Waterfall is one of Bali’s most magnificent waterfalls, consisting of seven waterfalls that form the centerpiece of a lush, green, bamboo-forested valley. It is located in the northern highlands of Bali, about a 2.5-hour drive from the major tourist hotspots of Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud.

To get to the waterfall, hike for around 2 hours through lush tropical rainforests, through rice terraces, and indigenous settlements surrounded by rambutan and durian trees.

8. Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is more than simply beach and surf. It is also a thriving economic and social area for both foreign visitors and Balinese residents. Kuta, located on the southwest coast, is ideal for sunsets, surfing, and sunbathing.

It is preferable to arrive early to get a position on the beach. The dry season (April-September) often has the best waves for surfing.

9. Rice fields of Tegalalang

Because of their magnificent settings, the rice fields of Tegalalang near Ubud are one of Bali’s top attractions. The scenery is spectacular, lined with rice terraces and passing through vividly blue streams with magnificent limestones and valleys as a background. The greatest way to visit this region is on a motorcycle, where you can feel the cool breeze while hearing and seeing everything for yourself. The iconic rice terraces beloved across Asia may be seen northeast of Tegalalang. Riding here will keep you engrossed since the greenery stretches as far as the eye can reach. If you don’t want to ride a motorcycle, you might join one of the rice fields hiking trips.

10. Mount Agung 

Mount Agung is not just Bali’s spiritual hub, but also its tallest mountain. Mount Agung, Bali’s most venerated mountain, is covered in mist and fog. During the sunrise, the mountain seems lovely and beautiful. Its scenic charm is ideal for taking photographs. Trekking and rock climbing are popular activities on Mount Agung, and it begins early in the morning. It is one of the top best places to see in Bali.

11. Ubud Art Market

Ubud Art Market, located in the heart of Ubud, is a great spot to buy Balinese handicrafts and gifts.

In Ubud Art Market, you may discover numerous traditional, one-of-a-kind, and genuine things that symbolize the island of Bali, such as silk scarves, lightweight shirts, sculptures, kites, handcrafted woven bags, baskets, or caps, and many more hand-crafted goods. Even if you don’t purchase anything, the variety of objects on show from one booth to the next is a pleasure of the visit.

The market is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and negotiation is recommended as part of the joy of shopping in Ubud Art Market.

12. Bali Swing 

Bali Swing has become a popular destination for couples on their honeymoon or romantic getaway in Bali. Of course, swinging with your loved one over the great expanse of lush green plantations is lovely. It’s also a fantastic place to obtain great Instagram photos. Take photographs with your babies and you will undoubtedly get hundreds of likes. This is without a doubt one of the most well-known spots in Bali.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Bali?

The best time to visit Bali depends on your preferences and priorities. Bali has a tropical climate with two seasons: the dry season (April to September) and the rainy season (October to March).

If you want to enjoy Bali’s beaches, water activities, and outdoor adventures, the dry season is the best time to visit. The weather is sunny, warm, and relatively dry, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, diving, and other outdoor activities. The peak tourist season is from June to August, so expect crowds and higher prices during this period.

If you prefer a more relaxed and quieter atmosphere, you can consider visiting Bali during the shoulder season (April to May and September to October). The weather is still pleasant, and you can enjoy lower prices, fewer crowds, and more accommodation options.

What is the most beautiful place to visit in Bali?

Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Bali are Ubud, Tanah Lot Temple, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Nusa Penida, Sekumpul Waterfall, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

Why is Bali famous?

Bali is famous for several reasons, including its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and tourist attractions. Here are some of the reasons why Bali is so popular:

• Natural Beauty: Bali has beautiful beaches, lush rice terraces, stunning waterfalls, and volcanic mountains. Visitors can explore the island’s natural beauty by hiking, cycling, or taking a scenic drive.
• Culture: Bali’s culture is unique and captivating. Visitors can witness traditional dance performances, attend religious ceremonies, and visit ancient temples. The island is also famous for its handicrafts, such as intricate wood carvings and intricate textiles.
• Tourism: Bali has become a popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors each year. The island offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guest houses to luxury resorts, and has plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained.
• Surfing: Bali is one of the world’s top surfing destinations, attracting surfers from around the globe. The island has a variety of waves suitable for all levels, from beginner-friendly breaks to challenging reef breaks.
• Food: Bali is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of delicious cuisine to sample. Visitors can enjoy traditional Balinese dishes, as well as international cuisine and fusion dishes.

When is the cheapest month to visit Bali?

The cheapest month to visit Bali may vary depending on several factors such as weather, tourism demand, and events happening on the island. Generally, the low season in Bali is from January to April and from October to November.

During these months, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation prices are often lower. However, it’s worth noting that Bali’s rainy season falls during this time, which can affect outdoor activities and beach days.

Which are the most famous hotels in Bali?

The most famous hotels in Bali are Four Seasons Resort Bali, St. Regis Bali Resort, Amandari, The Legian Seminyak, COMO Uma Ubud, Bulgari Resort Bali, Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve , The Mulia Bali.