Bali has made a name for itself by being a place of stunning natural beauty and because of this there are plenty of must visit and interesting places to see in Bali.
Surrounded by gorgeous beaches with a wild jungle at its heart, Bali is a special place to visit. To help you start planning your trip, here are some of the best places that Bali has to offer.
Beached to Visit in Bali
1. Sanur Beach
Located in the southeast of Bali, in the village of Denpasar, Sanur is a quieter spot that has a mix of restaurants, water sports and historic sites. The Blanjong Temple has a history that dates back to the 9th Century and the Le Mayeur Museum features impressionist artwork.
2. Lovina
The north coast of Bali is home to this resort area and has rich, black sand due to nearby volcanoes. There are a number of villages in Lovina and locals have traditional outriggers at the ready to take tourists out on the water. Scuba diving is very popular at Lovina as the sea is calm and full of wildlife. You might even be able to spot a dolphin.
3. Kuta Beach
One of the best places for surfing, Kuta Beach is a must visit in Bali. It is on the southern part of the island in the village of Kelurahan. During the day you can relax and enjoy the water and at night you can partake in one of the many bars and restaurants. Kuta Beach is very popular and features a lot of tourists.
Islands to visit in Bali
4. Nusa Lembongan
A small island off the southeast of Bali, Nusa Lembongan can be explored in a matter of hours and is great if you want to plan a day trip. The beaches on Nusa Lembongan are amazing and the water is home to a large coral reef. Snorkelling and scuba diving are very popular as is surfing.
Temples to visit in Bali
5. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
The southern tip of Bali is home to this temple, one of nine Hindu temples on the island. It was founded in the 11th Century and was built at the edge of a limestone cliff next to the ocean. The temple can be enjoyed with or without a guide although only priests are allowed into the innermost sanctuary. During the day you can feed the many monkeys that live on the grounds and at sunset can witness a local dance.
6. Pura Besakih
Perched on the slopes of Gunung Agung, this temple is considered one of the most important on Bali. Together with eight other temples, it makes up the ‘Kayangan Jagat’ nine directional temples that were built to protect Bali from evil spirits. There are more than 28 structures in the temple complex and because of the large amount of history and culture, a guided tour is recommended.
7. Tanah Lot
One of the most famous Hindu temples in Bali can be found perched upon a large rock on the southwestern coast. There are six other temples along the coast, making it an amazing sight to see. The temple is quite famous, so there are many tourists that visit. There are also many people selling souvenirs, which can become overwhelming.
Volcanoes to see in Bali
8. Mount Batur
In the northeast of Bali you can find one of the most spectacular volcanoes. Mount Batur is 1717 metres high and is still semi-active. There are four craters, a lake and several villages around the volcano. The climb to the top of the mountain is relatively easy and will take about 2 to 3 hours. Once at the top you will have a spectacular view of the sunset.
Towns to visit in Bali
9. Seminyak
On the southwest coast of Bali, near Kuta, you can find this premiere resort town. There are luxury boutiques, high end restaurants and many hotels and spas to be pampered in. The water can be quite rough so surfing is best left to professionals.
10. Ubud
Ubud can be found among terraced rice fields in the central mountains of Bali. It is home to a number of museums including the Neka Art Museum which features important Balinese paintings. There are a large number of shops selling local crafts. Ubud’s popularity exploded after it was featured in the book and movie “Eat, Pray, Love” so expect a lot of tourists in the main part of town.
11. Munduk
Set amidst the jungle in the central part of Bali, this peaceful village is home to waterfalls, cocoa plantations and quaint hotels to stay in. If you love nature, take a breather and enjoy your stay here. Sometimes the best places to visit just offer peace and quiet.
Attractions to see in Bali
12. Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation
If you are a coffee lover, then this coffee plantation is not to be missed. It is located in central Bali, near the town of Tegalang. The famous Kopi Luwak is made here, with the help of civet cats. The plantation is surrounded by jungle and offers a warm, relaxing setting.
13. Waterbom Park
In the heart of Kuta, bring your family to Waterbom Park to experience a water adventure. The large water slides here make it the number one water theme park in Asia. Kids and adults alike will delight in the rides.
14. The Devdan Show
If you’re in the town of Nusa Dua, on the southeast coast of Bali, check out the Devdan show, which features dances that showcase the diverse culture of Indonesia. The 90 minute show combines dance, acrobatics and music for a very entertaining evening.
15. Kecak Dance at Uluwatu
On the southwest coast of Bali you can be treated to this famous Balinese performance. The performance takes place at the Uluwatu temple at sunset. The dance is done to acapella chanting and features a fire dance.
There are so many places to visit in Bali, but all of them unique and special. Whether your trip focuses on the mountainous jungle, the sunny beaches or the hum of the city, Bali has something to offer everyone.
