Top 10 Must Visit Places in Bali

Some say that Bali is overrated, too touristy, and not worth a visit, while some say it is one of the best experiences in their travels in Indonesia. I guess it all depends on how you want to enjoy Bali. With so many places of interest and beautiful beaches, Bali will still delight you.

Regardless, as time passes and places may have grown, Bali is still what it is. If you can look past the many tourists, especially during the peak season, and enjoy the many attractions dotted around catered explicitly for tourists, you might fall in love with Bali.

Bali deserves the attention it is still getting, and our top 10 must-visit places list is enough to show why you should not give Bali a miss!

Uluwatu Temple – Pura Luhur

Uluwatu Temple, a must-visit in Bali, is also known as Pura Luhur. Imagine a large rugged limestone cliff with a temple perched on it; to add to its dramatic grandeur, it is like a scene from Cliffhanger.

It is situated in Bukit Peninsula, which houses Bali’s few best beaches like Balangan, Padang-Padang, and Nyang-Nyang, as well as many good surfing spots. The temple is a majestic structure constructed and expanded many times since the 11th century. It is perched on a cliff of 70 meters above the Indian Ocean. If you go on even higher grounds, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view on either side and a sunset over the Uluwatu temple itself.

Pura Tanah Lot

Another majestic rock formation lies as a foundation of a famous pilgrimage temple, Pura Tanah Lot. It is most famous for its serenity and cultural significance as it is associated with Balinese mythology as one of the seven temples that form a ring in the southwest of Bali. A travel tip is to visit the place during the low tide so that you can “walk across the water” to the temple for the whole experience.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Bali’s temple by the lake)

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is another must-visit temple in Bali; this one is serenely resting at the edge of Lake Bratan, unlike the rest that perches on rocky cliffs. Imagine a beautifully structured temple with its image reflected on the clear lake doubling its beauty.

Dolphin sightings at Lovina

Another thing to see in Bali is the dolphins! Lovina is one of the best places in Bali to go on a dolphin sightseeing boat trip. Lovina is one of the best places in Bali to go on a dolphin sightseeing boat trip *. You will leave the beach at dawn. Yes, it may be pretty crowded with other tourists trying to do the same, especially during peak season; it is especially worth it when you find a school of dolphins happily jumping out of the sea.

Lovina also offers many other attractions and activities and even boasts backpacker scenes where you can chill out in cafes with live music.

Ubud

Despite that, one might be trying to escape the “eat, pray, love” trail; Ubud is one place you cannot miss during your visit. Bali’s heart is where all the action, people, and energy are focused. Ubud is packed with the best of Bali: nature, culture, people, temples, museums, rolling rice fields/paddy fields, human-made gardens, and parks.

You may take a half-day electric cycling tour with spa *, enroll in a  cooking class *, do adventure activities like whitewater rafting * and abseiling, relax with yoga */meditation, get pampered spa sessions *, immerse in the arts and theatres, and last but not least, the shopping. As you see, Ubud has a little bit of everything for the discerning traveler.

Party at Kuta Beach

Kuta is the most popular beach in Bali, so you can find life and a party scene here. Head here to socialize, party, and have a good time. You can be sure to find a range of places with different atmospheres and budgets, ranging from Hard Rock Cafe to your neighborhood cafe and pub.

-> Kuta Beach is also great for some surfing experience *. 

Ayana bar on rocks

We had two temples on the cliff, and now we get to drink off a bar perched on yet another cliff at Ayana bar resort * in Bali. This bar is the best in Bali, with long lines of people trying to get in daily for a drink or some bites while overlooking the sea crashing into the rocks below. The bites at this incredibly popular bar are surprisingly good. Imagine the combination of drinking, chilling, and dancing atop a cliff with the roaring sea stretching behind you to infinity while you watch white water crashing onto the side of the wall creating a spectacular natural show. If you decide which is the one bar you must go to in Bali, Ayana bar on the rocks is the place. You may get special access to the bar as a guest of Ayana Resort and Spa or RIMBA Jimbaran by Ayana *.

Private luxury at Nusa Dua beach

If you have a bit more budget, splurge at Nusa Dua beach, dotted with high-end hotels and resorts. You will be rewarded with pristine private beaches to slowly soak in the sun and the sea. Nusa Dua is also ideal for couples on honeymoon in Bali or people looking for a private and relaxing getaway.

Hike/Climb Mount Batur at Kintamani

Mount Batur caldera in Kintamani is up in a highland East of Bali. A climb to this active volcano’s summit (1700 meters) is an excellent experience for any active travelers and a place of interest that is not to be missed.

Many would do the sunrise hike for an ultimate experience, starting as early as 4 am to reach in time for the 6 am sunrise. This hike is relatively easy, and the treks are pretty well-marked. From the mountain’s peak, there are views in all directions to sweep you off your feet, not literally.

Coffee plantation at Bali Pulina Agro Tourism

An almost zen place for you to sit back and appreciate your cup of coffee while overlooking the coffee plantation as far as the eye can see. Here you are served various coffee and tea for tasting. You can also see how the famous and expensive Kopi Luwak is made and get up close to the civet cats themselves. If you are a coffee lover, check out this place for the ultimate coffee experience.

So you have ten reasons to visit Bali, just the highlights. Now you know the reason behind Bali’s popularity, so maybe people can be right sometimes. Come over with an open heart and arms, a considerable ounce of patience and tolerance for the crowd, close an eye to all the touristy things glaring at you, and enjoy yourself here. If all else fails, you can always jump on the next fast boat and escape to Gili Islands or its rival Lombok!

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Travel Tips:

1. Book the best accommodations – Booking.com* or Agoda.com *

2. Find the cheapest flight options that suit you – Skyscanner * or 12Go.asia *

3. Rent a car in advance and make your trip more convenient – Rentalcars *

4. Make the most of the time that you have! Exciting excursions, professional guides, and more – Klook *

5. Book your train tickets online easily – Tiket.com * or bus tickets at Easybook.com *

6. Order ahead Indonesian Rupiah with the best exchange rate – Wise Travel Card *

Versi Bahasa Indonesia – 10 Tempat Wisata di Bali yang Wajib Dikunjungi