30 Best Places To Visit In Bali, Indonesia - Updated 2024

Swadeep Singh
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 14 min read

Indonesia is a shining example of harmony and brotherhood, and our world should learn from the kindhearted population of this nation. Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in this Muslim-majority state, yet we’ve never heard any disturbances there. The island of Bali that’s located in the east of Java is known for having over 10,000 ancient temples and relics. This is the point where most people would stop themselves, while there are certainly more temptations left. Hardly anyone notices that the province features the greatest biodiversity of marine life in the Indo-Pacific Coral Triangle. The island also boasts rainforests, valleys, geothermal sites, volcanoes, as well as marketplaces. We understand that not all of us are aware of these facts, which is why here’s a list of the best places to visit in Bali, Indonesia. Please stay with us if you’d like to know more.


Traveler's tips

Tanvi

Tanvi

Grab is the main transport app in Bali. It works well, and you don’t really have to worry about language barriers when booking.

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1. Tanah Lot

You must have seen Tanah Lot in pictures. It’s a Balinese Hindu temple surrounded by the ocean and known for its breathtaking rock formations. It has now become an icon in Bali tourism, and since it’s just 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the capital city of Denpasar, you could easily visit this landmark. If indeed that’s your plan, then you must consider this package. The main highlight is obviously Tanah Lot. However, you also have the opportunity to explore the royal temple of Taman Ayun and the forest temple of Alas Kedaton. Both locations are located midway of the tour duration.

Tip from Content Creator

Tanah Lot

If you are in Bali, this temple should be a no-brainer addition to your bucket list!

This unique temple is built on a rock overlooking the Indian Ocean, only accessible during low tide, and is quite a site to see! Here are some unique facts that I learned:

- This is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to one of the seven gods of the sea.

- It was built after Dang Hyang Niratha’s sacred journey (tirtha yatra) to Bali in the 15th century.

- It is believed to protect Bali from evil sea spirits.

- Although it is surrounded by salt water, it actually has a freshwater spring underneath!

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Book Tours : Tanah Lot Sunset Tour

2. Mother Temple of Besakih

best places to visit in bali | mother temple of besakih

Besakih Temple is locally referred to as the door to heaven for its magnificent views and amazing architecture. It’s the largest temple in Bali and is built as a series of twenty-three parallel temples at six levels. The stunning view of Mount Agung from the top of its ridges, coupled with countless rocky steps to reach there, literally makes this place look magical. The shown package will take you to this Balinese temple, and a guide will help you learn every bit of its real and mythological history. The package covers your admission charges, lunch expenses, and photographer fees. Do remember to dress appropriately for the temple visits.

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3. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

This tour package gives the best value for your money as they cover three distant locations, taking a full day. You have already read about the rock formations of Tanah Lot above, and the other two locations are Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and Ulun Danu Beratan. With regard to Jatiluwih, this scenic panorama that comprises over 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of terrace fields is definitely worth checking out. Further, the floating temple of Ulun Danu Beratan is one of the most exclusive landmarks in Bali tourism.

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4. Sekumpul Waterfall

best places to visit in bali | sekumpul waterfall

The listed price of this package might look a little disheartening, but do not think of skipping this option. It’s a daylong deal, and longer tours are commonly expensive. This is a guided hike to Sekumpul Waterfall, widely known as the most beautiful waterfall of Bali. Sekumpul is a cluster of five to ten cascades and plunges from a height of 80 meters (260 feet). If everything goes right, the trek going to the destination can be finished in three hours. Besides this, you will also visit a local coffee plantation to try authentic kopi luwak, then proceed to the floating water temple at Lake Beratan.

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Bali Tour Guide

toni kenpachi

Toni Kenpachi

Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland t... Read more

Tours by Toni

Bali Tour Guide

Dori Januhari

Dori Januhari

I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science ph... Read more

Tours by Dori

5. Taman Tirta Gangga

Perhaps you know about Penataran Lempuyang, an ancient Balinese Hindu temple that’s equally regarded as Pura Besakih, the largest temple complex in Bali. This landmark sits at an elevation of 1,175 meters (3,850 feet), and approximately 1,700 steps would take you to the top. Although the trek is indeed laborious, the panoramic sights from the top make the struggle justified. This highlighted tour takes you to the said temple, along with Tirta Gangga and Ujung Water Palace. Without going into the details of the other two landmarks, the only thing you need to know is that they are certainly worthwhile. This package also covers your lunch at some local restaurants.

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6. Pantai Jemeluk


If you are into snorkeling and find yourself in Bali, in that event Pantai Jemeluk becomes a must-visit. The calm bay alongside the fishing villages on the Amed Coast is known for its colorful coral reef, hundreds of fish species, and shallow waters. Unfortunately, there aren’t any tour packages offered for this place at the moment. However, it’s just a three-hour drive from Denpasar, so you can easily hire a car or catch a bus to reach the location. And since it’s away from the cities, you won’t see any crowd.

Pantai Jemeluk

Address: Amed St, Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Website: Pantai Jemeluk

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 6pm; Sun: 5:30am - 6pm

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7. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

sacred monkey forest sanctuary

This tour offers so much, so take a look if it catches your interest. Save the minor details for later. The prime focus of this package is a visit to Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This 25 acres (10 hectares) of woodland in the uplands of Ubud is the habitat of nearly 750 Balinese long-tailed macaques, over 100 species of trees, and three Hindu temples. You will get the opportunity to explore them all. Besides that, you will also visit rice terraces, local coffee plantations, and craft villages around Ubud, then conclude your day at Tanah Lot.

Tip from Content Creator

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

This is an open-air sanctuary where the monkeys roam freely in nature and are generally friendly. Here are some important things to know if you're planning a visit:

- No touching the monkeys! Let them do their natural thing in the wild.

- No outside food. Even if it's in your bag, they will find it!

-There's a lot of walking and it's hot. Dress accordingly!

- The monkeys are very curious and will want to investigate you and your bags. Stay calm and they will eventually leave. 

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8. Big Garden Corner

big garden corner
Source: instagram

When you have not much to do in the capital city Denpasar, plan a family day out at Big Garden Corner. The prominent feature of this private garden is its sculpture exhibition, and then there is a water park and a restaurant. The venue displays optimum utilization of recycling, and here you will see statues of dinosaurs, elephants, and more—all built from rocks, beer cans, and other waste materials. This trip may not be valuable for some people, but it’s still a top recommendation. The admission is cheap, and you have a lot to see or do, which includes eating out.

Big Garden Corner

Address: Sanur, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Kesiman, Kec. Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80237, Indonesia

Website: Big Garden Corner

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 3 - 5 USD

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9. Ubud Palace

ubud palace

This tour covers two regencies of Bali: Bangli and Gianyar. While Gianyar is recognized for having the town of Ubud, Bangli is known for Kintamani Village. The proposed package will take you to the Kintamani region at the start, where you would be spending half of the day admiring the sights of Mount Batur, an active volcano, together with a complimentary Balinese lunch. Subsequently, you would be taken to Ubud and its surroundings. While there, you will explore Sacred Monkey Forest, Royal Palace, and Balinese Hindu temples. There will also be visits to a craft village and a coffee plantation, where you would learn about wood carving and civet-cat coffee.

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10. Batu Bolong Beach


Pay attention to this listing if you’re a surfer because there’s something good for you here. The fishing village of Canggu located south of Badung Regency is the address of a prime surfing coast of Bali: Batu Bolong Beach. While the dangerous waves turn this shore into a not-so-good spot for novice swimmers, the same feature makes it a surfers paradise. Chances are you will spend a great time in Canggu as the place has many surf rentals, bazaars, and restaurants.

Batu Bolong Beach

Address: Pantai Batu Bolong St, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Website: Batu Bolong Beach

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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11. Kebun Raya Bali

KEBUN RAYA BALI oleh IMROATIN HASANA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Imroatinhasana used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Some people take a keen interest in botany. If you’re among them, then you will remember your trip to Kebun Raya Bali for a very long time. It is the largest botanical garden in the country and located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Denpasar. This massive site boasts over 21,000 live samples of nearly 2,400 vegetation species, along with another 10,000 conserved specimens of plants. Furthermore, the botanical garden is now habitat to over 75 species of birds as well as some mammals. Make plans to visit, and you can cover the surrounding attractions as well, like Beratan Lake, Pura Luhur Batukaru, and a few more Balinese Hindu temples.

Kebun Raya Bali

Address: Jl. Kebun Raya, Candikuning, Kec. Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Website: Kebun Raya Bali

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 1.4 USD

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12. Waterbom Bali Indonesia

Although Bali has a tropical climate and you would have to deal with heat all year round, the period between the months of April to September is the driest. So if you aren’t visiting the island in the rainy season, maybe you would like to go to a water park. Waterbom Bali is the most popular water park in the region and perhaps in the whole country too. It features the world’s longest slide, the Constrictor; the steepest slide on the continent, the Climax; as well as 13 additional attractions. This aqua park has won many international awards, yet it’s still affordable to visit.

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Book Tours : Waterbom Bali Ticket

13. Uluwatu Temple

Denpasar is not just the largest city in Bali, but it is also surrounded by wonderful tourist destinations. You can check out Pura Luhur Uluwatu, a popular site to the south that’s set up over the top of a cliff by the ocean. What makes this place worthy of a visit is the legend that says this Hindu temple is among the six pillars holding the island together. If the location of the myth intrigues you, then consider booking this package. It offers a tour to the temple as well as stops at popular beaches like Pandawa and Labuan Sait, along with a few more excitements.

Tip from Content Creator

Uluwatu Temple Uluwatu Temple Uluwatu Temple

Photos of Uluwatu Temple shared by content creator from Indonesia, Louis Ashby.

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14. Double Six Beach


Despite the fact that you’ve already learned of a surfers beach in Badung, you can consider this other spot in the same regency that showcases new things. First of all, you should know that this venue is a smaller section of Seminyak Beach. The zone is famous for big waves and strong currents in the mornings, making it a fine surfing spot. Next, you could either spend your time riding a horse, made possible because of a nearby stable, or maybe doing nothing under a beach umbrella. There are also some sophisticated restaurants close by, like Chez Gado and MoonLite.

Double Six Beach

Address: Legian, Jl. Double Six, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

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15. Tukad Cepung Waterfall

If you enjoyed the tour details of Tegenungan Waterfall, outlined above, this is a similar recommendation. This time, the package covers two scenic waterfalls, which are Tibumana and Tukad Cepung. Both sites are positioned deep in the woods, hence a short hike will be required. The locations are breathtaking, giving you many opportunities to click stunning photographs. You will be served herbal tea as well as Bali’s local coffee to bring your energy back, and then you will go visit the rice terraces at Ceking Village.

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16. Taman Ayun Temple

taman ayun temple

If you do not mind touring with a group, then consider this affordable guided tour. You wouldn’t need to worry about getting lost in the crowd either, because the group is limited to five people. This daylong journey will cover the cultural, natural, and heritage sides of Bali. Your group will visit the water temple of Taman Ayun, the rice terraces of Jatiluwih Village, the temple of Ulun Danu Bratan together with its lake, and the rock formation at Tanah Lot. The admission price for these landmarks isn’t covered in the package, but it’s still a fair deal, considering that you’re getting so much for a cheap price.

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17. Mount Batur

mount batur

Consider this package only when you are in very good physical condition because the given activity requires hours and hours of hiking through the jungle in the dark. This trip starts with your group of five people trekking for the summit of Mount Batur, which is positioned at 1,717 meters (5633 feet) above sea level. From here, you can watch the lava-filled crater and the sunrise over the clouds—hence the name “sunrise trek.” There will be a small meal break before descending to the foothills. The overall length of this trek is approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles).

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18. Batur Natural Hot Spring

batur natural hot spring

The essential requirements shared with you in the preceding activity apply with this package as well. It’s almost identical, but there is a bunch of new elements. Here are the similarities: this tour also offers the same sunrise trek to the summit of Mount Batur and a meal break while at the peak. However, this package continues after you descend from the mountain. Your guide will take you to a natural hot spring in the morning and a coffee plantation village in the afternoon. Although the total duration of this tour is nearly 11 hours, this will be an unforgettable experience.

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19. Jimbaran Village

jimbaran village

You might be aware of the fact that the south coast of Bali is magnificently astonishing, and perhaps you would also like to experience that section. In that case, you can consider picking this morning-to-evening tour. The daylong journey begins by taking you to Pura Taman Ayun and then getting you to the white beaches of Padang-Padang. By evening, you will visit the marvelous rock temple of Pura Tanah Lot, then see the setting sun from Uluwatu Temple. You will also get to enjoy the iconic fire-dance performance known as kecak at this temple. The day will end with a seafood dinner in Jimbaran fishing village.

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20. Blue Lagoon Beach

blue lagoon beach

Hopefully, you know how to swim. Because if you do, this tour plan is a must-try. Padangbai is a small town on the east side of Bali and renowned for having two coral sites. These reefs are loaded with colorful fish and coral species. Moreover, the dive sites are shallow. If you take this tour package, they will take you to the snorkeling spots on native Indonesian canoes. All the snorkeling gear and safety equipment will be provided. Besides that, brief training will be given to beginners. After the snorkeling session, you will be served an authentic Indonesian lunch.

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21. Mount Ijen Volcanic Crater

mount ijen volcanic crater

There are only two volcanoes on our planet that emit blue flames instead of lava. One is in Iceland, and the other is in Indonesia. Luckily, Mount Ijen is located next to Bali in East Java. This tour gives you the opportunity of visiting this exceptional natural wonder at a reasonable price. The rate covers your ferry and transportation charges to another island, meals, safety equipment, and of course this guided tour for an entire day. Hike to the crater through the giant-fern rainforest, and see the magical electric-blue flames together with the world’s largest sulfur lake.

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22. Lake Beratan

lake beratan

This time, you are presented with a travel program to the cool and less populated zones of the northern region of Bali. Get this guided tour to Bedugul Village and its surroundings, steep mountain destinations that are located on altitudes averaging at 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level. This package offers you the chance to join a rainforest trek to the twin cascades of Banyumala. Subsequently, visit the water temple of Ulun Danu Bratan and Bedugul. Just as importantly, see other minor attractions like Hander Gate and Bali Swing while sticking to your itineraries.

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23. Bali Zoo, Kampung Sumatra

bali zoo, kampung sumatra

While wildlife looks lovely on television channels, going to a zoo presents the opportunity to witness exotic animals in real life. Besides, zoos also bring memories from childhood and get people nostalgic in most instances. If you also appreciate visiting wildlife parks, you would enjoy this given activity as well. This package offers you a non-guided tour of Bali Zoo, but with convenient pickup and drop-off provided. See the white tiger, the false gharial crocodile, the Komodo dragon, and more exotic species. Additionally, you may try an elephant expedition and various kinds of body treatment at their villas and spa section.

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24. Devdan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre

devdan show at bali nusa dua theatre

Many entries on this list show either heritage or natural landmarks, so here’s something different. Say hello to the remarkable theatrical ballet of Indonesia, Devdan Show. Be prepared to be amazed. This is the story of two young children throughout their adventures, and there is no better place to perform this play than the state-of-the-art Nusa Dua Theatre. Do consider watching this ballet to have something else than temples and beaches among your Bali memories.

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25. Lake Batur

lake batur

The closing program of this index is intended to revive your energy, and it will be a good idea to combine the given package with any of the aforementioned deals. This is a day tour to the natural hot spring of Lake Batur, located on the eastern foothills of an active volcano, Mount Batur. This geothermal site features four natural hot springs offering colorless and odorless groundwater that’s tolerably warm. Spend a day relaxing your muscles in this mineral-rich pool, then visit the village of Kintamani if you could spare some time.

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26. Tegallalang Rice Terrace

tegallalang rice terrace

Cycling is considered a better way of touring a new land. It isn’t sluggish as having walks but, at the same time, not so fast like tour buses that you miss out on the details. The first tour of this index features electric bikes because pedaling uphill can be arduous for many. Explore the surroundings of Ubud District, and take a short trip to the rice terraces of Tegallalang. Along the way, you would be visiting historic temples, a coffee plantation, as well as a rainforest. Helmets and rain gears will be provided to you.

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27. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

If high-priced packages aren’t your thing, then you should consider this very affordable travel plan. You won’t have a free meal or a tour guide with the group this time. However, your English-speaking driver can answer your queries. This package covers exploring important locations, like the temples of Tanah Lot, Taman Ayun, and Ulun Danu Bratan. Furthermore, you would also get the opportunity to try genuine luwak coffee at a local plantation. But the most delightful part of this tour is that transportation is wheelchair-accessible, so people with disabilities could also join the fun.

Tip from Content Creator

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali

I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I've ever seen at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in northern Bali. If you want to reach this place early, you will need to get up by 3 am. Afterward, you need to ride a scooter and go up 1000 meters at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius, but it’ll all be worth it for the view.

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28. Goa Gajah

For the same rate as the previous tour package, you get the option to consider this similar yet different travel plan. Highlights parallel with the prior listing are the trip to a rice-terraces village and the hike to a waterfall. But then you would pay a visit to Batuan Temple, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market, and finally a coffee plantation. However, not just the stops but also the routes are equally beautiful on this trip. After the waterfall, you will go past the Elephant Caves or Goa Gajah. These ninth-century caves are worth checking out.

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29. Tegenungan Waterfall

Everyone is aware that a place can’t be fully known by a tourist in the same way a native does, at least not within a couple of days. Which is why you would need an expert’s help to see the hidden sides of Bali. Take a look at the proposed package in this listing as it’s a blend of many good things. It offers a trip to the rainforest for a scenic waterfall experience, and the spot has a shallow swimming area. The next agenda is going to be extremely useful to you if you’re on social networks. It provides the opportunity of clicking extraordinary pictures at a swing or within the bird’s nest above Ayung River. The package also includes a complimentary lunch as well as tea or coffee.

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30. Goa Raja Waterfall

Contributed by Content Creator, Mitsueki

Source: Mitsueki

Fair warning if you’re gonna bathe in the waterfall! It’s actually VERY painful to stand under the waterfall, but it’s worth it!

Prepare yourself to hike to the waterfall. Most places are like that in Bali so get your aqua shoes on!

Bring a swimsuit/change of clothes + a towel (optional) because you’ll DEFINITELY get wet if you stand near the waterfall. There’s usually a small changing hut/a pool with cleaner water at the more touristy spots. Nonetheless don’t expect too much, it’s a hut!

You can try the local durian at a little shop near the waterfall at 30,000 IDR (2.56 SGD), which our guide introduced us to. It was very sweet and not too bad!

As you can see, Bali has everything

Bali is not a very large island, but the contrast that this province shows is just exceptional. From rainforests to volcanoes, hot springs, amazing marketplace, as well as over 10,000 Hindu temples, and more—this island is truly a little world in itself. We know this for sure: you will be visiting Bali again and again after this read.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Also known as Bobby, Swadeep Singh is a businessman since 2013 but he has forever nurtured a passion for writing. Traveling never makes him exhausted, which is why he's never known turn down any...Read more

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