Places To Visit In Bali: Discover The Most Amazing Spots

Chaise lounges under a tree on the beautiful tropical beach with white sand in Bali.

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

Beautiful view of the Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, one of the top places to visit in Bali.

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

View of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a traditional method of rice farming, one of the best places to visit in Bali.

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

A concrete path with stone statues of monkeys in the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud.

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

Sunset view of Tanah Lot temple on a rock formation in the middle of Ocean, one of the famous places to visit in Bali.

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

Panoramic view of sunrise at Mount Batur with surrounding lake, morning sky and clouds.

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

Panoramic view of marketplace at Udub in Bali shops lined with colourful clothes and bags, one of the nice places to visit in Bali.

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

Panoramic view of Tirta Empul Temple in Bali with people taking a dip in the holy water.

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

View of a waterfall among lush greenery cascading down the mountain in Singaraja, Bali.

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

Back view of Bajra Sandhi Monument and surrounding garden in Denpasar City, Bali.

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

Serene view of tall Gitgit waterfalls flowing among rocks, surrounded by lush greenery.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

There are several ways to get around in Bali, scooters, private cabs, and ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab.
Pack light summer clothes, swimwear, sunblock, mosquito repellent, a hat, and a reusable bottle of water. Bring a sarong during a temple visit, good comfy shoes when exploring, and a travel adapter that has Type C or F. Of course, do not forget a waterproof bag when planning beach trips.
The most important festival is the Day of Silence, Nyepi, which includes a complete shutdown of island life, so people have a chance to introspect themselves. Also, Kuningan is a 10-day festivity of good vs evil. Bali Arts Festival in June-July displays traditional dance, music, and crafts.
Some of the famous beaches in Bali include Kuta for surfing and great night outs, Seminyak is considered to be luxurious and classy. However, peaceful waters make Nusa Dua perfect for family resorts. Others are Padang Padang for surfing and Jimbaran for seafood dinners.
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia; however, because the island has a strong religious presence, Balinese is prevalent in daily life. In most tourist traffic areas, you will more than likely hear English.

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