Discover Places To Visit In Bali In December For A Perfect Holiday

A scenic view of Sekumpul waterfall surrounded by lush greenery is one of the best places to visit in Bali in December.

Bali in December welcomes you with misty mornings, lush greenery, and a festive atmosphere. This is the perfect time to explore the best places to visit in Bali in December, where tropical charm meets spiritual serenity. Light rains refresh the landscapes, making early December ideal for peaceful sightseeing. As the month progresses, vibrant celebrations and cultural events take center stage. Whether you’re visiting sacred temples, enjoying rain-kissed beaches, or witnessing traditional Balinese performances, December offers a magical mix of nature and culture that makes your trip unforgettable.

10 Must-Visit Places In Bali In December

Bali in December is a wonderful mix of places to go, from lively temples to misty rice terraces, and highlights the island’s lush charm.

1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Lush Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud, with layered green paddies and tall palm trees, one of the top places to visit in Bali in December.

Photo: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons

Tegallalang Rice Terraces are just to the north of Ubud, where you will notice one of Bali’s iconic traditions that help sustain its agricultural culture, the UNESCO-recognised subak irrigation system. The emerald-green rice terraces cascade elegantly down the ridges of the hills in beautiful, mounding terraces. It is a natural land art that is also framed by palm trees, between them and the inland trails. Visitors can walk the naturally shaped winding paths from terrace to terrace, see locals working in the paddies, and take highly coveted photos of the views from such nice, leased valley vistas.

Entry Fee: Rp15,000 / ₹80
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Ubud Palace, Campuhan Ridge Walk

2. Tanah Lot Temple

The Temple of Tanah Lot is perched on coastal rock, surrounded by ocean waves and rocky shore.

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most legendary sea temples of Bali, Tanah Lot Temple, stands proudly on a rock that stretches into the Indian Ocean. It is a Hindu shrine built in the 16th century that is devoted to the sea god, Dewa Baruna, situated in Tabanan, and is a strong icon of spiritual and cultural inheritance. The temple looks especially impressive during the high tide, when it is stranded between the waves. Located in Bali, Tanah Lot is one of many places to see when you visit during December.

Entry Fee: Rp60,000 / ₹315 for Adults & Rp30,000 / ₹160 for children
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Batu Bolong Temple

3. Ubud Art Market

The courtyard of Ubud Palace features intricate traditional Balinese architecture, one of the places to visit in Bali in December.

Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons

Ubud Art Market, or in Indonesian Pasar Seni Ubud, is an active scene of Balinese arts and handicrafts and is also considered to be the centre of Ubud, opposite the Royal Palace. This market is also filled with vendors selling handicrafts like silk scarves, batik prints, woven bags, wood carvings, silver jewellery, and paintings done by locals. Everything is characterised by the artistic legacy of the island and spiritual themes. Due to its rich culture, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Bali in December.

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Saraswati Temple, Ubud Palace

4. Sekumpul Waterfall

Lush cascading waterfall over moss-covered rocks, surrounded by dense green forest canopy

Photo: Karthik Sreenivas / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Sekumpul Waterfall, situated in northern Bali close to the town of Sekumpul in Buleleng, is often considered the island’s most beautiful waterfall. Surrounded by dense jungle and cliffs, Sekumpul is a cluster of seven waterfalls cascading through their channels and at varying heights, with the tallest measuring in at around 80 metres. Visitors trek through rice terraces, descend hundreds of steps, and cross a stream before they are rewarded with the breathtaking base of the falls. The mist, the roar, and the green jungle surroundings all combine to provide an exhilarating experience.

Entry Fee: Rp20,000 / ₹105 (for viewpoint) & Rp125,000 / ₹660 (for guided tour)
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Fiji Waterfall, Lemukih Village

5. Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance

Uluwatu Temple with traditional architecture, one of the places to visit in Bali in December.

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most sacred Balinese sea temples is Uluwatu Temple, which is located high above the Indian Ocean on a 70-meter-high cliff. It is situated in Pecatu and is devoted to the spirits that are guardians of the sea, with innovative stone architecture, carved gateways, and monkeys that live there. As the sun is winding down, the complex of the temple is illuminated with the glamorous dance, the Kecak dance, which is performed at the outdoor amphitheatre. The atmosphere of the place is sacred, and the view across the ocean is panoramic, and the cultural life here is rich, making this place one of the most dramatic ones to visit in Bali in December.

Entry Fee: Rp50,000 / ₹265 for temple & Rp150,000 / ₹790 for kecak dance
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Suluban Beach, Padang Padang

6. Seminyak Beach

Seminyak Beach, with sandy shore and crystal clear water under a clear sky.

Photo: Devon Daniel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The Seminyak Beach is an upscale, trendy stretch of the Bali Southwest Coast, which boasts golden beaches, mild waves, and a colourful ambiance. It is perfect for surfing, ideal for getting a tan, and an enjoyable walk along the wide beach. After a long day, Seminyak becomes the sunset capital, with popular beach bars such as Potato Head and Ku De Ta serving cocktails and music in front of a sparkling horizon. The Seminyak Beach owes its reputation as one of the hippest coastal jewels of Bali to its infusion of relaxation and entertainment.

Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Seminyak Village, La Plancha

7. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Mount Batur volcano with a crater lake, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bali in December.

Photo: Dimasdw93 / Wikimedia Commons

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is amongst the most exciting outdoor activities in Bali that gives you a breathtaking view of a volcanic mountain. This 1,717-metre mountain is situated at Kintamani. Though a moderately difficult climb, the 2-hour hike gives climbers spectacular views- mist-enveloped valleys, Lake Batur as it sparkles down below, and the sun breaching the horizon behind Mount Agung. The Mount Batur trek is one of the most adventurous geographic sites to visit in Bali as it is a blend of nature, and should not be missed by any adventure junkie and nature lovers.

Entry Fee: Rp400,000–600,000 / ₹2,100–₹3,150
Nearby Attractions: Batur Geopark, Lake Batur

8. Sidemen Valley

Sidemen Valley in Bali features vibrant terraced rice fields and tropical vegetation.

Photo: Paul Arps / Wikimedia Commons

A small and quiet countryside enclave, located in the charming location of East Bali, Sidemen Valley is a tropical paradise that is filled with luscious rice terraces, traditional villages, and scenic views overlooking Mount Agung. Tourists may have pleasant walks past the rice fields, may attend weaving studios where ikat cloth is woven, or can just laze around the eco-resort, which overlooks the green landscape. It is also loaded with spiritual sites, and mini temples and shrines can be found on top of hills everywhere.

Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Taman Ujung Water Palace, Tukad Cepung Waterfall

9. Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple, with traditional stone structures, is one of the places to visit in Bali in December.

Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons

Tirta Empul Temple is a very sacred water temple that is situated in the village called Manukaya, and this temple lies near Tampaksiring. It was established in 962 AD and is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water. It is known for being endowed with holy spring water, which is thought to possess cleansing abilities. The monument is a complex of temples with the traditional Balinese architecture, beautiful gardens, and a number of bathing pools, which are supplied with crystal-clear fountains. The atmosphere has always been spiritual, as you immerse yourself in the sound of running water filled with incense fumes.

Entry Fee: Rp50,000 / ₹265
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Nearby Attractions: Gunung Kawi Temple

10. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Lush Jatiluwih Rice Terrace landscape showcases layered green paddies and winding pathways

Photo: Anggabuana / Wikimedia Commons

The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that boast extensive, idealised rice fields located in the highlands of Tabanan. These terraces are across the foothills of Mount Batukaru, which displays the centuries-old subak system of irrigation in Bali. Jatiluwih is a peaceful, wholesome place with no crowds of tourists compared with other tourist places. Being one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Bali in December, Jatiluwih is a great destination where the optimal combination of natural beauty, culture, and countryside is difficult to beat on the island.

Entry Fee: Rp40,000 / ₹210
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Batukaru Temple, Angseri Hot Springs

Bali in December offers scenic temples, misty mountains, quiet beaches, and bustling markets. The best places to visit in Bali in December combine nature, culture, and celebration. Early December brings peaceful views, while late December comes alive with festivals. Whether you seek spiritual retreats, treks, or beachside fun, Bali delivers. Plan your December getaway with TripXL and soak in the lush, vibrant charm this island paradise is known for.

Cover Photo: Maksim Zhashkevych / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Definitely! The sunrise trek to Mount Batur is popular in December; however, you may encounter slippery trails and will need to check the weather forecast.
Yes! The beaches in Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu are enjoyable in December. Just be warned if there have been heavy rains, as the waves can become rough.
Light clothing, an umbrella or rain poncho, quick-dry shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a light jacket or fleece for hikes.
Although early December is fairly quiet, the last two weeks are busier with visitors celebrating the holidays and the New Year.
Although there aren't usually any significant Balinese festivals in December, you will be able to join in on Christmas celebrations, and typically, you will find beach parties, fireworks displays, and hotel celebrations for New Year's activities.

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