Bali is brimming with amazing places to visit and explore, so I've put together this epic guide of all the best places to visit in Bali to help inspire your Bali itinerary and ensure you don't miss out on the best things to do and see.
This guide will explore the best places to visit throughout the island, as well as some of the best things to do there. It will also highlight the best places to visit in Bali for couples, families, and on your honeymoon, so keep reading to learn more!
1. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
One of Bali's most beautiful temple complexes is th
e 17th-century Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. It's located on a small island near the western shore of Lake Bratan in the cool highlands of central Bali. Set against the imposing backdrop of Gunung Bratan, the thatched temples reflect on the lake and appear to float on its surface when the water levels rise.
e 17th-century Pura Ulun Danu Bratan. It's located on a small island near the western shore of Lake Bratan in the cool highlands of central Bali. Set against the imposing backdrop of Gunung Bratan, the thatched temples reflect on the lake and appear to float on its surface when the water levels rise.
Lake Bratan is one of Bali's primary irrigation and drinking water sources, and the temple complex is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of the sea and lakes.
The Buddhist stupa to the left of the entrance to the first courtyard is an unusual feature, with figures of Buddha meditating in the lotus position in niches on the square base. The stupa reflects Balinese Hindus' adoption of Buddhist beliefs.
Early in the morning, before the tourist buses arrive, is the best time to visit this sacred Hindu temple complex. The temple is especially beautiful in the early morning light, when a cool mist envelops the lake and the mountains beyond. You can also rent a canoe and paddle out on the lake to get up close and personal with the meru (thatched shrines
The Bali Botanic Garden (Kebun Raya Bali), not far from the temple complex, is also worth a visit, with its beautiful bamboo forests, begonias, orchid collection, and medicinal plants.
The Buddhist stupa to the left of the entrance to the first courtyard is an unusual feature, with figures of Buddha meditating in the lotus position in niches on the square base. The stupa reflects Balinese Hindus' adoption of Buddhist beliefs.
Early in the morning, before the tourist buses arrive, is the best time to visit this sacred Hindu temple complex. The temple is especially beautiful in the early morning light, when a cool mist envelops the lake and the mountains beyond. You can also rent a canoe and paddle out on the lake to get up close and personal with the meru (thatched shrines
The Bali Botanic Garden (Kebun Raya Bali), not far from the temple complex, is also worth a visit, with its beautiful bamboo forests, begonias, orchid collection, and medicinal plants.
2. Beach Nusa Penida
Bali has many beautiful beaches and is well-known around the world as a result of these natural wonders. Kelingking Beach, on the other hand, takes it to a whole new level. Kelingking Beach, one of Bali's most beautiful tourist attractions, should be on your must-see list. How could it not be with cliffs shaped like a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a secret corner of an already hidden paradise? The cliffs are steep and lack maximum safety, but it is still a safe hike if you take your time and are careful with your steps. The scenery from the viewpoint is out of this world, with a view looking down to the clear blue waters and the cliffs resembling a T-Rex.You can also see the hidden beach of Kelingking, which is only accessible through this climb and then a short but very steep descent via some stairs provided.
3. Lempuyang Temple Complex
If you've ever wondered where the famous Instagram photo of people at the Gates of Heaven was taken, it was taken at Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang. This well-known structure, also known as "Lempuyang Temple" (Pura Lempuyang), is one of a number of temples that dot the highlands of Mount Lempuyang. Tourists come here to take photos while standing between the towering dragon staircases that frame Mount Agung's misty peak.
If you have time, you should go to the other temples while you're here. Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of Bali's most sacred temples, as well as one of the most difficult to reach. Are you ready to work out? The temple is located at the top of a 1,700-step hike through the steamy jungle to nearly 1,200 meters above sea level. Along the way, keep an eye out for grey long-tailed macaques scampering around the forest.
The hike to Pura Luhur Lempuyang takes about 1.5 to two hours, depending on your fitness level, but once there, you'll be rewarded with the mystical beauty of an ancient relic - as well as spectacular views. Not feeling up to the hike? To shorten the journey, you might be able to pay a local to take you to the end of the asphalt road on a motorbike.
The hike to Pura Luhur Lempuyang takes about 1.5 to two hours, depending on your fitness level, but once there, you'll be rewarded with the mystical beauty of an ancient relic - as well as spectacular views. Not feeling up to the hike? To shorten the journey, you might be able to pay a local to take you to the end of the asphalt road on a motorbike.
4. kuta beach
Yes, it's crowded, and persistent hawkers patrol the beach, but this famous stretch of sand, along with neighboring Legian and Seminyak Beaches to the north, is one of Bali's most happening places to visit. You'll have a good time here, especially if you're a beginner surfer or just want to take in the scenery.
Surf lessons and the rental of surfboards, boogie boards, sun loungers, and umbrellas can be booked directly from vendors set up on the sand, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants along the beach. Beach vendors can be easily persuaded with a polite "no thank you," but an icy cold coconut sloshing with juice served directly to your sun lounger can be a welcome relief on a hot day.
Kuta Beach is ideal for young travelers seeking a more vibrant atmosphere than the sleepy beach resorts have to offer.
Kuta Beach is ideal for young travelers seeking a more vibrant atmosphere than the sleepy beach resorts have to offer.
5. Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Tanah Lot ("Pura" means temple in Balinese) is one of Bali's most iconic temples, located about 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta. Its breathtaking seaside setting on a rocky islet surrounded by crashing waves is a major draw.
It is one of the most sacred of the island's sea temples to the Balinese. Every evening, tourists from Kuta, Legian, and Sanur make their way through a maze of lanes lined with souvenir shops to watch the sun set behind the temple.
Pura Tanah Lot was built in the early 16th century and was inspired by the priest Nirartha, who asked local fishermen to build a temple here after spending the night on the rock outcrop.
Although foreigners are not permitted to enter any of the temples in the complex, at low tide, you can walk across to the main temple. It's also enjoyable to walk along the paths, taking photos and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
You can walk along tropically landscaped pathways from Tanah Lot to the beautiful Batu Bolong, another sea temple perched on a rock outcrop with an eroded causeway connecting it to the shore.
Pura Tanah Lot was built in the early 16th century and was inspired by the priest Nirartha, who asked local fishermen to build a temple here after spending the night on the rock outcrop.
Although foreigners are not permitted to enter any of the temples in the complex, at low tide, you can walk across to the main temple. It's also enjoyable to walk along the paths, taking photos and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
You can walk along tropically landscaped pathways from Tanah Lot to the beautiful Batu Bolong, another sea temple perched on a rock outcrop with an eroded causeway connecting it to the shore.
After seeing the various temples and shrines, take some time to relax at one of the clifftop restaurants and cafés and try the famous Kopi luwak (civet coffee). Friendly civets snooze on the tables of some of the cafés, providing Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
When visiting temples in Bali, dress respectfully and wear a sarong and sash.
6. Tirta Empul
This eye-catching temple complex and holy mountain spring, located in the village of Manukaya in central Bali, is a national cultural heritage site that serves as the legendary setting of a traditional tale about good versus evil. Tirta Empul, which means "holy water spring," is the name of a water source within the temple. The spring feeds various purification baths, pools, and fish ponds around the perimeter, all of which drain into the Tukad Pakerisan River. Those interested in the history, myths, and legends of Bali are welcome to photograph all of the events, including the breathtaking ceremonial process.
7. Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Banyumala Twin Waterfall, while not as well-known or frequently visited as other waterfalls in Bali, retains its natural beauty. This breathtaking waterfall is located on the crater rim road between Munduk and the main highway connecting Singaraja and Denpasar. It is the epitome of "nothing worth having comes easy," as it is not an easy hike or even a simple waterfall to find, but it is well worth the effort. Your entire journey will be surrounded by lush trees, rocks, a river, and the stunning waterfall itself. Visit Banyumala Twin Waterfall for a relaxing time that would be ideal for unwinding during your vacation!
8. Campuhan Ridge Walk
Aside from the killer waves that visitors from all over the world have come to love, Bali is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one that you should not miss. This scenic mountain valley hiking trail, located in a busy and fairly modern Ubud, is undoubtedly a great place to get some fresh air. The most spectacular hillside scenery and the lush valley of Sungai Wos River will accompany you on the nine-kilometer hill track journey. If you're lucky and the weather is nice, you might even see Mount Agung standing tall and proud along the way. A truly wonderful Bali experience!
9. GWK Cultural Park
Looking for an all-in-one trip that includes rich culture, a majestic historical monument, exotic traditional dances, and adrenaline-pumping events? Well, GWK Cultural Park is the ideal destination
for your next vacation. Witness with your own eyes the beautiful dances such as the haunting Kecak, the Legong dance for royalty, and so many other unforgettable cultural experiences right here in GWK Bali. Don't forget to relax at GWK's Lotus Pond while admiring the new majestic statue of Garuda Wisnu Kencana, which proudly stands 120 meters tall after 28 years of construction. This exciting trip will undoubtedly be a highlight of your unforgettable vacation.
10. Mount Batur
So I’ve listed Mount Batur as one of the best places to visit in Bali, because you can visit and not hike it! Most people do a sunrise hike, which is honestly one of the best things to do in Bali, it’s amazing!