Indonesia offers diverse experiences, with various places to visit in Bali, ranging from ancient temples to bustling local markets and pristine landscapes. Adventure lovers could find their way to hidden waterfalls, trek up volcanic mountains, or uncover hidden treasures from the depths of coral reefs, whereas spiritual explorers can seek peace in sacred temples like Uluwatu or Tanah Lot. This island has a vibrant culture seen in its traditional dances, art, and festivals, which make every visit unique. Enjoy the glowing sun on one of the famous beaches or discover its history, Bali surely promises unforgettable memories.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Bali
Bali, also known as the “Island of the Gods,” is an excellent tourist destination. Here is a list of top 10 places to visit in Bali:
1. Uluwatu Temple
Photo: Anandajoti / Wikimedia Commons
Popularly known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, this sea temple dramatically sits at the edge of a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. It is one of the six key spiritual pillars of Bali. This sea temple offers a mesmerizing blend of stunning ocean views and cultural significance. Visitors can visit ancient Balinese architecture, and beautifully decorated entrances, and watch the Kecak dance against the backdrop of sunset. It is a sea spirit temple and is situated at one of the very best vantage points to observe Bali’s stunning sunsets.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Entry Fee: IDR 30,000 for adults, IDR 10,000 for children
Major Highlights: View of the Indian Ocean, sunset performances in amphitheatre, and a sacred spiritual ambiance
2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
These Tegallalang Rice Terraces truly epitomize the aspects of Bali’s agricultural traditions in all their beauty. Outside Ubud, lie the stepped fields that form a perfect landscape that can be any photographer’s dream and one of the great places to visit in Bali to witness traditional farming culture. The Subak irrigation system was developed over a thousand years ago and remains functional to this day, speaking volumes for the ingenuity of Balinese farmers. You can walk up the terraces or head to one of the many cafés in the locality with a tranquil view of the fields.
Best Time To Visit: May to September, early morning
Entry Fee: IDR 15,000
Major Highlights: Cascading rice terraces, picturesque view, a walk through the fields, and local culture
3. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Photo: Manuae / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the centre of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a natural sanctuary for over 700 long-tailed macaques. This sanctuary is quite good for observing those macaques, playful and agile within their territory. It is also one of the great places to visit in Bali for spirituality among the locals, with three ancient temples on its grounds. With towering trees, sacred statues, and even atmospheric pathways, this forest should be on the list of any traveller who wants to connect to nature and culture in Bali.
Best Time To Visit: October to March, early morning
Entry fees: Free (included in Uluwatu temple fees)
Major Highlights: Long-tailed macaques, forest sanctuary, ancient temples and tranquil surroundings
4. Tanah Lot Temple
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
Many visitors call Tanah Lot one of the most photographed temples in Bali – and for good reason. Built on a rock formation, during high tide it appears as floating on the ocean, making it an ideal spot for photographers and a favorite among tourists. As one of the most sacred sea temples in Bali, this temple is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea. Sunsets are very magical here, as the sun appears to set just behind this temple. Surrounding the temple, you’ll find small souvenir shops.
Best Time To Visit: April to October, evening time
Entry fees: IDR 60,000
Major Highlights: View of the sea temple, sunset views, spiritual experience
5. Mount Batur
Photo: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons
Being an active volcano in the Kintamani region, Mount Batur offers a panoramic view of the sun breaking over the crater lake while stunning its surroundings. The hike is usually done early in the morning, but in retrospect, it was all worth it once you reach the summit. You can see all the way to Mount Agung and Mount Rinjani in Lombok on a clear day. Once gone trekking, you can have soothed relief in the hot springs near the place or look around the village life.
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Entry Fee: Free
Major Highlights: Sunrise view, hiking, wide-ranging views of the volcanic crater
6. Ubud Art Market
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
Known locally as Pasar Seni Ubud, it sells all kinds of handmade crafts, from woven baskets to silk scarves, hand-carved wooden statues, paintings, and jewellery. Haggling is part of the experience, so don’t be afraid to try to bargain for a good deal. The market is divided into two parts: one side of everyday items, and the other side contains souvenir items and art.
Best Time To Visit: all year round, morning or closing time
Entry Fee: Free
Major Highlights: Vibrant market, handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, Bali’s rich artisan culture
7. Tirta Empul Temple
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
Tirta Empul is among the most prominent water temples in Bali, near the town of Tampaksiring. The temple has a holy spring that attracts Balinese Hindus as well as tourists who want to indulge in the purification ritual. People can participate in this ritual by stepping into the holy waters flowing from the 13 carved spouts, which are believed to cleanse both the body and the spirit. The temple complex, with serene surroundings, sacred pools, and traditional Balinese architecture, is more than 1,000 years old, facilitating a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
Best Time To Visit: all year round, morning
Entry fees: IDR 50,000
Major Highlights: The sacred spring water, purification ceremonies, dense greenery, and marvellous architecture
8. Sekumpul Waterfall
Photo: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Singaraja, Bali, situated in its northern part. Sekumpul is a series of seven falls cascading down on the green valley, making the view breathtakingly beautiful. To get to the waterfall trek, you need to hike through the jungle, cross rivers, and then go down steep stairs. However, the view pays off in the end with a lush landscape full of a variety of tropical plants and trees that enclose Sekumpul, making it an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Entry Fee: IDR 25,000
Major Highlights: Bali’s prettiest waterfall, jungle hike, great views
9. Bajra Sandhi Monument
Photo: Anandajoti / Wikimedia Commons
Bajra Sandhi Monument symbolises Bali’s struggle for independence from colonial rule. Constructed in the shape of the traditional Balinese bell, the Bajra, it stands in the centre of the immaculately maintained park. Dioramas have been designed at various places inside the monument that depict the history of Bali from prehistoric to modern-day freedom movements.
This architecture is a combination of traditional Balinese and modern, allowing an eye-opening glimpse of the island’s historical and cultural development.
Best Time To Visit: all year long, afternoon
Entry Fee: IDR 50,000
Major Highlights: History and struggle for independence in Bali, the architecture, and the surrounding park
10. Gitgit Waterfall
Photo: Rainhard Findling / Wikimedia Commons
Gitgit Waterfall is located in northern Bali and is easily accessible for a day to unwind by nature. It is said to stand at around 35 meters high and is covered with greenery. The location gets a soothing atmosphere due to the constant sounds of the flowing water, but the walk to get here takes only a short minute since it passes through various tropical landscapes and small stalls selling local items. It is a great place for nature lovers, especially for those who want to get away from tourist crowds and enjoy a dip in its cool waters.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Entry Fee: IDR 20,000
Major Highlights: Accessible waterfalls, refreshing cool waters, lush greenery, and a short trek
The places to visit in Bali will allure you because of its rich natural resources and cultural tapestry, hence making it a true haven for all travellers out there. Come experience the island’s vibrant temples or discover hidden waterfalls, and Bali will surely give way to an unforgettable experience. Start planning your dream holiday in Bali today with TripXL and begin an adventure like no other.
Cover Photo: Artem Beliaikin / Wikimedia Commons