Wondering where to go in Bali? There are many best places to visit in Bali.
The island is perfect for people seeking to experience a tropical paradise with just a tiny bit of everything. Bali is among the most desired destinations on earth.
It’s everything you would ever want in a tropical destination, white sandy shores, densely filled jungles, vibrant local culture, superb food, and friendliest and most genuinely welcoming and warm people, and yet there’s a lot more to find.
Bali is known for its pretty beaches, lush forests, scenic waterfalls, and stunning landscapes.
The island’s rich arts scene is just another best thing to explore. When comfort & relaxation is your top priority, then spa treatments are both magnificent and very affordable in Bali.
Bali is among of the hottest travel destination in the world, with tens of thousands of tourists spending their holidays every year, the very best time to visit Bali is in June, July, also August.,
Bali is also home to exceptionally gorgeous black sand beaches. To discover where to see and what would be the things to do in Bali, read my comprehensive guide on the best places to visit in Bali.
Things to do in Bali
Bali is not a doubt among the top places to visit in the world, with its pristine beaches, rich culture, world-class dining destinations along with amazing family attractions in each area. Bali is wanderlust’s fantasy come true.
Whether you would like a sun-soaked beach getaway, a relaxing spa break, an off-the-beaten-path experience, or you only want to wine, dine and shop your way throughout the island, and then there’s something for everyone.
If you are an adventurous person, then you won’t be frustrated on your trip to Bali, and you may anticipate an excellent selection of water sports, muck, and wreck diving.
These are the Best Places to Visit in Bali
1- UBUD
Starting from Ubud! When you travel to Bali, you will most likely land at Denpasar International Airport. From there, you will book private transport easily available to Ubud.
Ubud is the top tourist destination on the island, and among the best places in Bali. The town is famous for its lush greens, delightful rice paddies, high foothills, and is considered the island’s cultural heart.
To explore some of the most incredible temples of Bali, go to the town center there, you will discover a lot of temples in the area.
In addition, go down to the local art marketplace where you can buy all sorts of souvenirs and even some creative artwork.
No Ubud excursion is complete until you see the famous monkey forest. Do not forget these monkeys are still wild animals and, therefore, can act unpredictably.
To avoid any monkey attacks, always follow the guidelines, different safety signs boards, and employees working at the facility. Ubud is also among the best places to visit in December.
Things to Do in Ubud:
It would be best if you took a walk to Campuhan Ridge Walk; on the trail, you get to enjoy lush green sceneries. Such as rice fields, dense jungle, and small tea houses all across the track.
The trail is up to six miles in length, making a perfect little room if you are looking for a pleasant morning run. For food, you will find many right places serving lovely dishes with gorgeous sceneries.
When Bali, I highly recommend renting a scooter. It allows you to travel freely around the region, and it’s super affordable. You can plan to rent for a week or even longer and always negotiate for a lower price.
Next, you should visit nearby waterfalls; first in the list is Tegenungan Waterfall and Tibumana Waterfall.
Get here early to avoid the crowds, it costs a small fee to gain access to any of the waterfalls or natural attractions on the island.
Where to Stay In Ubud:
Ubud is one of the best places to stay in Bali as it has many points of interest and places to see.
Budget: As one of the best places to visit in Bali, Ubad also offers many accommodation options.
If you are on a tight budget, I recommend saving on accommodation and spending more on traveling and exploring.
Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel provides simplicity yet a great environment! and a magnificent view of the surrounding, foothills of Ubud village, and the amazing culture of Bali. Check here the current rates and availability
Mid-Range: Kamoneka at Bisma allows you to make the most of your unforgettable luxury stay. It is quiet, beautiful views into the beautiful nature become visible.
Great service, large clean rooms, infinity pool with all the amenities you will want or need. Check the currents rates and availability here
2- Seminyak
Seminyak is very popular amongst tourists, a variety of luxury resort hotels, high-class restaurants, and shopping that is high-end.
Located on the southern shore of Bali, Seminyak is considered the most upmarket and contemporary city in the whole island. Seminyak hosts several kilometers of sandy beaches rimmed with stunning blue water.
The sea in this area is mostly calm. Therefore the beaches generally don’t get as busy as several beaches in another coastal town in Bali.
The primary attraction of Seminyak is its market that is numerous and high-end health spas.
There is a wide range of quality restaurants and bars for nightlife celebration. Therefore, night in Seminyak is the real deal for part lovers.
Should you want to experience a far more environment that is luxurious Bali. Then Seminyak may be the ideal location.
The infinity pools and rooftop pool bars are the best places on the island to look at the sun get down, which is probably the best thing to do in Bali, Indonesia. Seminyak is also a heaven for food fans.
Things to Do In Seminyak:
Seminyak is not just well-known for its stunning beaches but additionally the best outdoor beach bars that run across the coastlines.
You will discover the massive number of options available, and therefore you won’t ever get hungry or thirsty here.
Many of the restaurants have international chefs in residence. Therefore this is an excellent place if you want to have some fine dining.
If you aren’t in the nightlife scene and like to explore the beautiful places in Seminyak, I highly recommend booking some private island tours. You can also go watching dolphins at Lovina Beach.
And if you aren’t in temples I suggest skipping those as they are usually so crowded and known for being tourist traps.
No Bali trip is complete without beaches; there are many beaches to visit in Seminyak. The Green bowl beach is located at the south of kuda, occupied by a gang of monkeys.
You will witness the bluest of oceans, soft sand, and falling beach caves. So get your cameras ready you won’t regret it.
If you are interested in art and want to support the arts scene in Bali. Nyaman Gallery is one of the best places to come in Seminyak; Nyaman Gallery represents Bali-based emerging local artists.
As well as established international artists. Who pour their signature viewpoints and personal messages into the works they create for the world.
Where to Stay in Seminyak:
Budget: If you are looking for something cheap, clean, excellent service, and close to restaurants, Amerta Seminyak is for you. The hotel is surrounded by rice fields, amid dining and great shopping options.
Seminyak Garden features an outdoor pool right environment and closes to all amenities and great value for money. There are more repeat guests, and rooms often get early booking check here the current rates and available today
Mid-range: Destiny Villas and Residence are set in the heart of Seminyak, Bali, ideally located to enjoy nearby beaches, shopping, spas, restaurants & cafes.
Contemporary designed luxury villas with pool areas and residence’s room with a garden view that create a unique tropical experience in Seminyak Bali. Check the current rates and get your booking here.
Read More: The Best Time to Visit Bali
3- Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are three different islands Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan.
Nusa Lembongan is the most visited island, followed by Nusa Penida, and the tiniest island, Nusa Ceningan, stays between 2.
These islands are known for their paradisiacal beaches and Sea beds and are quickly becoming the best places to visit in Bali.
You may experience true island paradise and consist of Stunning sandy beaches that offer some of the trendiest diving adventures and submerged spots.
Mainly people visit Nusa Islands to enjoy beautiful nature, Surfing, diving, cliff jumping, and relaxing at a chill island setting.
You can easily see the islands by yourself through a brief Ferry ride in Padang Bay in Bali. Or you can reserve with one of those numerous Nusa Island tour services which will arrange it for you.
Things to Do In Nusa Islands:
These islands are a world away from the hassle and hectic pace of South Bali.
There are many things to do in Nusa islands, and you can easily spend a week here on beautiful beaches and enjoying the peace and relaxation away from the crowd.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are both located close to each other! It’s not very difficult to visit around each one and get through most of the sights in just a day.
You can visit the famous seaweed forms at Nusa Lembongan, which you will see locals harvesting and drying the seaweed under the sun.
On the island, you will find the most scenic mangrove forests, looks so perfect and spectacular, which you can visit by taking a boat tour.
If you want a thrilling experience on Nusa Ceningan, then you must try Abyss Zipline, which makes it the best place to visit in Bali.
Nusa Ceningan
Nusa Ceningan is famous for its impressive cliffs, and you can take in the scenery firsthand by speeding along a line that will take you over the crashing waves.
The island is quite large compared to the other two. Therefore you may want to consider spending 2-3 nights on the island.
Crystal bay is the most stunning area of Nusa Penida and is made up of long sandy beaches on the north coast.
The water here is crystal clear, as mentioned in the name, and is famous for snorkeling and diving. Visit a broken beach, which is a natural bridge that makes for unreal settings.
Another great thing to do in Nusa Penida is to visit kelingking beach the secret point. It is one of the best places to visit in Bali and the most photographed place as well.
The view from the cliff is unique; one of its most famous landmarks is a plant-covered limestone headland, with massive waves crashing against it.
This unique formation resembles the shape of a T-Rex’s head, so Kelingking is often called the T-Rex Bay of Bali.
Where to Stay In Nusa Island:
Budget: For under $30 a night, The Soggol Lembongan is a budget traveler’s choice! It is very close to dream beach and mushroom bay. They have room options for solo travelers, couples, and larger groups or families.
The rooms are elegant and clean, a home-like feeling, a beautiful location with a garden and a terrace view. And with a friendly staff who are willing to help, all included in one price. Check the current rates and get an early booking here!
Mid-Range: Set in Lembongan, Mahagiri Resort Nusa Lembongan is a beachfront resort with an outdoor pool and direct access to Mahagiri Beach. It boasts views of Mount Agung, sunrise, and sunset.
All rooms have a flat-screen TV, and all activities are available here, water sports facilities, bike hire, and car hire are available in the surrounding areas.
You can engage in various activities, such as snorkeling and windsurfing, good value for money. Check your booking here
Book Here Some of the Best Tours of Bali
4- Tanah lot
Tanah Lot is among the most visited temples and tourist destinations in Bali. Situated on a big stone that is just offshore, the temple is a substantial part of Balinese spiritualism and mythology.
Tanah Lot translates into the land in the ocean, at the Balinese language that perfectly explains this rock formation along with the temple, which sits on top of it, an excellent name for its unique settings.
Furthermore, it is located along the southwest coast of Bali and is just one of seven sea temples, every one of which constructed with an eye-line of the next.
Visitors can access the temple by walking during low tide; nevertheless, non-Balinese aren’t allowed to join the temple, which is one of the top the Balinese attractions and a photographed temple in Bali, and it is particularly busy at sunset and sunrise.
In the surrounding areas of the temple, you’ll discover a lot of stores, a cultural park in which dancing performances exhibited regularly, and restaurants where you can enjoy a dinner together with a great view.
5- Uluwatu
Uluwatu is another Bali point of interest, famous for its magnificent beaches, cliff top views, luxury villas, and hotels.
Uluwatu is home to a number of the best surf breaks around the island, offering many big waves and breathtaking views, which makes it a surfer’s paradise. It is among the most fabulous places in Bali to see the sunset.
If you’re interested in finding exotic blue water beaches, Uluwatu is your ideal vacation destination in Bali. With its enormous waves, maybe not all beaches are great for swimming, but they’re all superb and so stunning.
The popular attraction in this area is Rock Bar, particularly during sunset, see the surfers engraving the waves, have a drink, and revel in the music, which certainly is on of the best things to do in Bali. You shouldn’t skip the Uluwatu excursion while on your visit to Bali.
Things to Do In Uluwatu:
Explore unique beaches in Uluwatu is one of the top things to do in Bali. From the clifftop, beaches in Uluwatu are only accessible by steep staircases.
The most popular beaches are Padang Padang Beach, Suluban Beach, Balangan Beach, and Dreamland Beach, becoming the best places to visit in Bali.
Even though all are within close distance but each has its breathtaking scenic view, and yet there are many secret beaches to explore.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple is also one of the top places to visit in Uluwatu. The Hindu temple is located 230 feet above the sea on the cliff’s edge, surrounded by forest.
As one of the most fascinating dance performances. The Kecak Dance is performed outdoor in Uluwatu Temple daily during sunset. There is a small fee to watch the Kecak performance as well as to visit the temple.
During the evenings, the cliff temple and sun sett provide a wonderful background to the Kecak dances.
Note: Beware of wild monkeys in the temple as they are so quick in snatching the bags, cell phones, and other stuff from tourists.
Where to Stay In Uluwatu:
Budget: PinkCoco Bali is just 200 m from Padang Padang Beach, which features surfing spots. A 10-minute drive from Uluwatu Temple. The resort has a restaurant and an outdoor pool.
The rooms are comfortable and clean all the modern facilities available here. A perfect location for budget travellers with great reviews from guests around the world. Check the current rates and availability here.
Uluwatu is among the best places to stay in Bali.
Mid-Range: Situated in Uluwatu, the Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu has access to private beaches, some are near beautiful beaches.
The hotel offers beautiful and clean rooms, free shuttle service to Padang Padang beach, free yoga, and a superb spa. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, with amazingly well mannered and helpful staff. For reservation and rates, click here
See More: Top 10 Places to Visit in Switzerland
6- Lovina
If you are still wondering what to do in Bali, consider visiting Lovina, which is also among the best places to visit Bali.
It provides a unique holiday experience entirely; it’s a coastal area located on the northern side of Bali.
Lovina is famed for its black sand beaches, that are delightful and silent, where one could appreciate the true meaning of a laid back and relaxed life. The Lovina region includes tiny villages, which are becoming more popular Among tourists.
However, it stays far quieter compared to other tourist places in the south of the island, such as Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Tanah lot, Tegallalang, and more.
The ocean is calm and swimmable, and the crystal clear water makes it a magnificent destination for snorkeling and scuba diving adventure.
Additionally, Lovina’s main attraction is dolphin watching; many tourists in and beyond the nation only visit here to watch the dolphins and catch the beautiful moment.
Local Skippers operating the conventional outriggers known as perahu stand ready to take tourists to the best diving areas.
Things to Do in Lovina:
Dolphin watching should be your priority but you have to get up early morning 05:30 am.
Because dolphins usually appear early in the morning just when the first rays of the sunrise on the horizon! And you can also enjoy the beautiful sunrise from the middle of Lovina beach.
The location of the dolphin attraction is quite far from the beach so you have to rent a boat to get to the location.
Once arrived, you will see frequent sightings of dolphin pods will come and swim near boats.
Unlike other white-sand beaches on Bali, Lovina beach is of grey and black volcanic sand.
Lovina also features incredible underwater life to plunge in for those who enjoy diving and snorkeling, which makes it the best place to visit in Bali.
The snorkeling place is not far from the beach, as the water is so clear and calm.
While snorkeling, you will see coral reefs at the bottom of the sea. The depth of the ocean is just 2-3 meters here and gives an exact look of coral and fish passing by the sea.
Don’t forget to prepare your underwater camera because there are many interesting things that you can capture at the bottom of the sea. If you have time there, are many places to explore in Lovina!
I recommend renting a bicycle or motorbike to explore Lovina and its surroundings, go for shopping is Lovina, watch the wonderful sunset.
Visit the Spice beach club in Lovina, where you can chill at the beach lounge while enjoying the delicious food.
Where to Stay in Lovina:
Budget: As the main tourist attraction in north Bali, Lovina has plenty of budget accommodation. Lovina Beach Hotel located on the beachfront, making it an excellent place for a relaxing few days in the area with some great reviews, including an outdoor pool.
You can easily book for under $20 a night. For more details and booking click here
Mid-Range: The Kayu Manis Villa & Spa offers a peaceful and relaxing escape. It is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in Lovina beach and has a pool, a bar, a shared lounge, a garden, and a terrace, perfect for cooling off from the hot Bali weather.
All the rooms in the property are comfortable and fitted with air conditioning. A balcony with sea views is offered in all units. A water park is also available for guests at the accommodation. Check the latest rates and availability here
7- Pura Besakih
Some of the major attractions in Bali are the astonishing Hindu temples which you can explore on the island. Pura Besakih Temple is considered as the mother of temples, which indeed is one of the best places to visit in Bali.
Located in Besakih village Karangasem east Bali built 1000 years back on the slopes of Mount Agung, the biggest and considered holiest temple in Bali, composed of 23 temples on parallel ridges.
The Pura Besakih has three chief temples Pura Kiduling Kreteg, Pura Penataran Agung, Pura Batu Madeg that are devoted to the Hindu trinity.
Pura Rivers, which makes it unique, this temple receives the highest number of traffic Local, and outside of the nation, as each year many festivals and activities are places here, one of the greatest is the annual temple gathering.
Despite these Attractions, it’s not the highest seen temple by tourists since it based on the northeast of Bali.
8- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Located north of Ubud Tegallalang Rice Terraces are Bali’s best tourist attractions. Tegallalang is a rice field and cultural landscape of Bali along with the water temples inside.
Water temples are valuable for the surrounding areas as it provides water for rice fields, and this water system knows as the SUBAK, which dates back to the 9th century.
SUBAK reflects the Balinese philosophical conception of TRI HITA KARANA, which brings together the realms of spirit, the human world, and nature that formed the Bali landscape.
The SUBAK system used by hundreds of farmers in Bali is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
For many years, Tegallalang is part of nature tourism. It has a perfect structure and makes it an ideal place to enjoy a morning walk.
Tegallalang is also known as the center for traditional crafts and dance. It is about 50minutes drive from Denpasar Internation Airport.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces are one of the must-see places in Bali and photograph these iconic landscapes and absorb their timeless beauty.
These rice fields are accessible to the public but be aware that locals ask for donations along the most popular trail through the rice fields here, and many request fees for entrance and parking along the road.
I recommend visiting the area early morning when it’s not very crowded, so it’s easy to explore and walk around without being hassled.
9- Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
Bali is famous for its magnificent all-natural beauty, making it among the most desired destinations for an ideal holiday.
The scenic landscape includes mountains, lakes, enormous coconut trees, and rice paddy fields.
Rice terraces are associated with Bali and are available nearly anywhere. The countryside landscape is about enormous rice terraces adorning the hills and mountains, providing tourists the most dazzling scenery.
Therefore, seeing these magnificent rice terraces is, without a doubt, one of the very best things to see in Bali.
Jatiluwih, located in the district of Peneble, Tabanan regency of Bali, 40km northwest of Ubud, Jatiluwih rice terraces, describes the countryside Bali at its best.
It’s a lot harder to get to the location, and it demands time and effort to explore this area; with no tourist buses as well as regular public buses commuting here, this inaccessibility is what keeps away the visitors.
That’s good in a way as you get to see that the endless views of rice terraces.
Things to do in Jatiluwih & How to reach Here:
The only way to get here is by renting a taxi or self-driving scooty or a bike. Situated at the height of around 700 meters above sea level, the route to Jatiluwih takes you to the most stunning rice field terraces on the island. The entrance ticket is IDR 40,000 per person.
The moment you reach there, you will be amazed by the never-ending expanses of rice terraces; Jatiluwih rice terrace is one of the best places to visit in Bali.
Spread across the 16,000 hectares of land, the stunning views of rolling rice terraces are breathtaking.
Rice field trekking is one of the main activities you can do in Jatiluwih. Once you arrived, you will find many color-coded trails from easy to difficult.
Pick a path that suits you and walk through the rice terraces, which offers you an up-close view of the rice fields.
Interact with farmers, while on the trail you will come across farmers displaying various rice species grown in the region.
Besides trekking, you can also go for a cycling tour, after exploring the terraces enjoy the lunch at one of the restaurants with a spectacular rice terrace panoramic view right in front of you.
Where to Stay In Jatiluwih:
There are a couple of hotels in the region where you can spend a day or two. The best advantage is that you can easily walk down to the rice terraces anytime you want and can spend as many hours as you wish.
Budget: Ti Amo Bali is fantastic and best for budget travelers, for a night under $20 the hotel is located among stretched terraces of rice.
You will not regret the scenery there, especially in the mornings, it is majestic and gorgeous. Check the current rates and availability here
Mid-Range: Offering a restaurant and pool view! Villa Loti is located among rice terrace, including an outdoor swimming pool, and hiking can be enjoyed within proximity of the Villa.
The rooms are neat, clean, and comfortable, equipped with everything you need and a home-like environment. For booking and rates click here
10- Amed
Still not sure where to go in Bali? Exploring Amed is one of the best things to do Bali, found in the east of this island surrounded by hills and volcanic black sand beaches; it is a beautiful place to see. Spectacular reefs traditional Bali architecture includes numerous tiny villages.
When compared to other attractions around the island, Amed is a quiet area where locals earn a living from fishing and salt production.
Additionally, Amed Beach brings many divers compared to Tulamben, yet another dive site situated 25 kilometers to the north.
Amed is just incredibly breathtaking. But there is much more to Amed than just great appearance. Also, there are many things to do in Amed.
Amed is a fantastic place for diving, unique places to relax, mountain, and rice terraces.
If you don’t know about diving, don’t worry, you don’t need to become a pro to enjoy fantastic coral reefs.
Many dive centers on Amed Beach offer beginner courses. Moreover, You will find many luxury hotels and resorts in Amed to spend your excellent holidays.
Where to Stay In Amed:
Budget: Facing the beachfront, The Ocean Resort Amed has an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The best snorkel spot in front of the resort! The rooms are clean and huge. Have balconies and overlook the ocean and the swimming pool.
Highly recommended for budget travelers, you can easily book a night for under $25. Check the current rates and availability here
Mid-Range: Casa De Amed, another great snorkel spot during high tide. Also, more comfortable to get in and out of the water because the beach is more sandy, free mask and fins are available at the hotel.
An amiable staff home-like environment is looking forward to welcoming you to Amend Bali. Check the current rated and availability here
Conclusion
Bali never fails to please, with its Striking landscapes, lush Countryside, splendid beaches, and outdoor adventures.
Gorgeous temples, fascinating museums, and fresh art galleries add to the charm, and there is an abundance of items to keep everyone engaged and fascinated.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect location for a romantic escape together with your family, somewhere to create many happy memories with your loved one, an enjoyable destination to discover by yourself, or a holiday spot for lots of fun with your friends, Bali knows how to shine.
With cultural highlights, historical places, nightlife, shopping, Theme parks, and much more, work your way through this list of the best places to visit in Bali for an enchanting Indonesian holiday.
Which place in Bali do you find most interesting? Let us know in the comments
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