Bali is undoubtedly amongst the most popular and evocative tourist destinations in the entire Indonesian archipelago. People claim that a visit to Bali can spark all your senses. The indescribable fragrance of clove oil hangs and incense in the tropical air can definitely revive your soul.
Another great attraction is Bali’s rich art scene. If you are someone who take vacations for being cozy and relaxation then their spa treatments should be on the top of your list. If you want to experience Bali in a non-traditional way you can stray off it’s beaten track and discover the old Bali. Here is our list of top tourist attractions within Bali that one can visit. If you wish to seek hidden gems on the island you have come to the right place.
Let’s get started!
13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bali
1 – Pura Tanah Lot
Pura stands for temple in balinese language. Pura Tanah Lot is a temple which is one of the most iconic sites in Bali. It is located about 20 kilometres north-west to Kuta. It is located along the seaside setting on the top of a rocky island which is surrounded by spectacular crashing waves that can make any visitor wonder with awe. As for the balinese people, the temple is undoubtedly the temple of the most sacred temple on the island.
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2 – Mount Batur
One of the most unique experiences in Bali is tracking upon 1700 meter summit of Mount Batur. Tourist start this tracking in the darkness of predawn hours to watch the glorious sunrise from above the lush mosaic of beautiful mist-shrouded mountains along with the caldera far below. This magnificent active volcano is located in Kintamani district of Bali’s central highlands. It is about 1 hour drive from Ubud. This memorable trek to the summit for watching sunrise has topped bucket list of all wanderlust people out there. The hiking is done with the help of well marked trails and is not quite difficult. It generally takes 2 to 3 hours to finish the treking.
3 – Uluwatu Temple
Yet another famous temple on Bali’s island Uluwatu temple or Pura Luhur Uluwatu presides over the plunging sea cliffs above the best surf spots in Bali. It is quite famous due to its great clifftop setting. In the balinese language, Ulu means “land’s end” or “tip” whereas “Watu” means rock. Clearly, it is a befitting name for the geographical location of this temple as it is located on the Bukit Peninsula at the island’s southwestern tip.
4 – Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud monkey forest is only 10 minutes away from the south of Ubud town centre in Bali. It is also known as Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and is one of the most popular things to do when in Ubud. It is also one of the greatest places to enjoy within Bali island especially if you are a photographer or an animal lover. Other than the great entertaining troops of long-tailed macaques who reside here, a great part attraction is its evocative jungle setting where monkeys can roam freely. The jungle imparts a mystical feel. Not only that the jungle is said to represent a harmonious coexistence between animals and humans.
5 – Ubud Art & Culture
Bali is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery but is also known for its art and culture. Several galleries and local Museum celebrate the evolution of the traditional art. If you are interested in art gazing, in Bali its particularly rewarding. There are numerous collections housed in the traditional balinese buildings which are surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. If you wish to witness balinese art you must visit Neka Art Museum and ARMA or Agung Rai Museum of Art which are located in a short stroll of Ubud monkey forest. Their collection has both contemporary as well as traditional work including photography, classical wayang or puppet figure, Kris or ceremonial daggers and paintings. Other places for art enthusiasts include Museum Puri Lukisan, Setia Darma House of Masks & Puppets and Don Antonio Blanco Museum.
6 – Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali
In case you are a photographer looking for capturing beautiful scenery of Bali such as emerald colour rice fields, then Tegallalang or Jatiluwih rice terraces is a must visit for you. It is about 30 minutes north to Ubud. These rice fields are quite famous amongst photographers. The iconic landscapes are filled with timeless beauty. Although the locals at times ask for donations here and may also request fee for permitting entrance or for parking along the road.
7 – Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
It is Bali most photogenic temple present on a small island alongside western shore of Lake Bratan. It is located in the cool highlands of central Bali and dates back to 17th century. The temple is set against an imposing backdrop of the Gunung Bratan. It is reflected on the lake and as the water level rises it seems to be floating on the surface. The Lake Bratan is one of the main source of irrigation as well as drinking water in Bali. The temple complex has been dedicated to Devi Dhanu who is the goddess of lakes and sea.
8 – Seminyak Shopping
Bali is well known for its fabulous shopping and flamboyant designers. The best place to shop for balinese design is busy streets of Seminyak. Surf and swimwear, furniture, jewellery, homewares and cutting-edge designer fashion are just a few of the things that you can buy here. The shops are chic and the market is extremely busy. Some of the best boutiques are Magali Pascal, Bambu Blonde, Biasa etc. Sea Gypsy is a great place for buying jewellery. for surfers and skateboard fans Drifter Surf Shop and Cafe is the best place.
9 – Nusa Dua Beach
If you wish to escape the urban buzz of Bali Nusa Dua Beach is the answer for you. People can recline on comfortable sun lounger and enjoy cool drinks while listening to slosh of surf on silky-white sands. If you are someone trying to escape the cultural hit of Bali then you can visit this gated resort area on its private peninsula. Bali’s top luxury beach resorts are located over this shore and their staff work very hard to keep sand clear of trash. You can stroll for miles on the shore or swim and surf. Parasailing and sunbathing is also a great way to spend quality time.
10 – The Nusa Islands
Another great place away from the crowd is the Nusa Islands. Nusa Lembongan is the most famous of the three islands and is located 20 kilometres away from Sanur. It is easily accessible via speedboat. One can surf, dive, snorkel, kayaking and stand up paddleboard here. Top attractions of the island are Mushroom Bay, Devil’s Tears rock outcrop and Dream Beach. It has the views of crashing surf over the rocks. A lot of locals make their living by seaweed farming. One can witness them harvesting it along the shore. Nusa Ceningan is the neighbouring island and it lies just above a bridge from Nusa Lembongan. It is a magnificent blue lagoon. Nusa Penida is the largest island among three islands and is just a boat ride away.
11 – Kuta Beach
The beach is a little crowded but it’s famous for its stretch of sand with the neighbouring Legian and Seminyak Beaches which happens to be the most happening places within Bali. If you’re looking for a fun day outdoors especially if you are a surfer then this is the best place to be. If you are a beginner you can also book surfing lessons and rent surf boards, sun loungers, boogie boards as well as umbrellas directly from vendors. There are plenty of cafés as well as restaurants surrounding the beach.
12 – The Sidemen Valley
If you’re looking for the old Bali then the Sidemen Valley is the place for you. It is only 90 minutes away from Ubud. You can stroll around small villages of Bali which are surrounded by farmland and rice paddies. These villages still practice traditional Bali activities. One can also go hiking on Mount Agung through the countryside. You can also trek through rice fields or lush countryside past coffee and cocoa plantations. Other activities include yoga retreats, rafting the rivers and participating in cultural activities such as carving, dancing, and traditional weaving.
13 – Sekumpul Waterfall
Considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Bali, Sekumpul waterfall lies about 66 kilometers away from Ubud. It is actually a series of seven falls coming down like misty veils over the lips of the lush jungle-clad cliff. It is to be noted that driving on your own can be troublesome as the locals will try to stop you from entering.
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They can also demand exorbitant entrance or parking fees. It is recommended to hire a guide who is familiar with how to negotiate with such roadblocks. It is a three to four-hour trekking trip past rice terraces and local villages and it continues into the dense tropical jungle.
Conclusion
Bali is absolutely indescribable. We tried to mention as many tourist attractions in our article as we could. There is something for everyone in Bali. We hope this article proved useful to you. Thank you for reading!