Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Bali

Quickly becoming the top destination in Indonesia and Asia, Bali has a lot of tourist attractions to offer. Though well-trodden by tourists from near and far, the wonders here, despite its crowd, are world-class and definitely worth the hustle for.

Here you can find a good range and various attractions, such as beautiful ancient temples, rice fields, romantic sunset dinners, traditional dances, mountains, and beaches. What more can one ask for during traveling with choices from art to culture to nature that are sure to please every sense of wonder and exploration?

There are more than just 10 attractions in Bali, but here is a list of the top ones for you.

Pura Tanah Lot Temple

Arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Bali, Tanah Lot temple, lives up to its fame with its dramatic setting. It is one of Bali’s six revered cardinal temples dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Located at the edge of the rocks, it gives a breathtaking view and looks, especially during sunset. The temple is 100m offshore and only accessible to the Hindus. No one can reach it during the high tide. The cliff-side path to the north passes the Pura Enjung Galuh temple (behind which are the best views of Tanah Lot) and then some steps down to the beach and onwards to Pura Batu Bolong temple perched atop a rocky headland.

Kecak Dance

Kecak dance is one of Bali’s traditional dances and musical dramas that is enchanting and one of the top tourist attractions. This dance is from the legend of Legong and Barong, a dance from the south of Bali, with a story of a never-ending battle between good and evil. It is more commonly known as the fire dance set to impress. The best place to watch it is on the temple grounds of Puri Dalem Taman Kaja, where you will find an authentic atmosphere and setting. Another popular place to watch this dance is Tanah Lot temple, with a dramatic setting.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple

Pura Luhur Uluwatu or Uluwatu Temple is a famous Balinese sea temple in Bali. It is one of the nine directional temples of Bali meant to protect it from evil spirits. This spectacular temple is one to marvel at as it perched at the edge of the rock overlooking the sea as if on guard. The inner sanctum of the pura (temple) is perched at the edge of cliffs that tower over Bali’s legendary surf breaks in the south. Most travelers enjoy the view of this temple from two different vantage points, from both the northern and southern parts of the area.

-> With this tour *, you can explore the nearby beaches, climb higher on Uluwatu Temple, and reward yourself with a spectacular view from both sides and sunset over the Uluwatu Temple itself – click here for more information *.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple

Lake Bratan’s temple, called Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and also known as the Floating Temple, is one of the most mesmerizing temples in Bali. The gorgeous volcanic lake of Danau Bratan is also the favorite of many local tourists but not as well known to foreigners; therefore, relatively still unknown, it is a true gem to discover. What makes it truly special is that since it caters to the local tourists, weekdays here would be the best time to enjoy the lake and the park in peace.

Rice fields of Tegalalang

The rice fields of Tegalalang near Ubud are one of the top attractions in Bali because of their beautiful landscapes. Lined with rice terraces, running through brilliantly blue streams with dramatic limestones and valleys as a backdrop, the view is unforgettable. The best way to explore this area is on a motorbike to feel the calm refreshing wind while you hear every sound and see every sight in person. In the northeast of Tegalalang, you will find the classic rice terraces that are revered all over Asia. Riding here will keep you well-entranced as the greeneries stretch as far as the eye can see. If you are not keen on motorbikes, you may find one of the rice fields trekking tours that will take you around.

Ubud’s Monkey Forest

Thanks to its good location at the famous Ubud, Monkey Forest is one of Bali’s most visited tourist attractions. This lush forest area is perched at the bottom of a busy shopping street. It is home to hundreds of cute but cheeky Balinese Macaques. Be careful though of your belongings as they can be menacing. Tickets to the sanctuary include a useful map with locations and explanations of the three temples. It is well worth a visit and noted for its good maintenance by the local community. The forest is also home to 115 species of rare plants that are used for religious and medicinal purposes.

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 known as the best bar in Bali, having a long line of people daily trying to get in and have a drink or two with some bites (which is surprisingly good) while overlooking the sea crashing into the rocks below. Think about drinking, chilling, and also dancing atop a cliff with the roaring sea stretching behind you to infinity. At the same time, you watch white water crash 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 *.

Mount Batur

One of the more popular mountains in Bali, Mount Batur is an active volcano standing at 1700m; many travelers hike a do this short but can quite tough 2 hours hike up the mountain to have a sunrise view over Bali and its surrounding islands. Getting here from Ubud might take some time, but the climb and the view of the landscape and Lake Batur are all worth it in the end. It is also one of the popular activities to visit Bali long enough to get bored of the beaches and sea and want to do some excursions.

Kuta Beach

Further down the line from the city Kuta is the Kuta beach. Thanks to its location, this is one of the beaches that almost every tourist in Bali visits. The waves are higher here, and the strong currents make it a perfect beach for surfers. The beach is always crowded with locals or tourists, mainly for the vibe and energy that circles here. At night you can find the Kuta beach parties among the beach clubs that are guaranteed to entertain. The local Hard Rock Cafe Bali is situated here, so you can eat, drink, and party all day and night. The best hotels with quick access to Kuta Beach would be the famous Poppies Bali * at Kuta or D’Kubu Legian Hotel * at Legian.

Sunset dining at Jimbaran

One of the most popular meals in Bali for every tourist is the romantic seaside dining at Jimbaran Bay. Walk down along this beach, and you will find it dotted with warungs and candle-lit tables like mushrooms after the rain. Here you can almost literally eat fresh seafood like prawns, squids, and fish from the sea onto your table. Couple it by feasting over the sun setting over the horizon, making this authentic setting much more atmospheric. Unsurprisingly, as one of the popular areas for people to stay, Jimbaran hotels * are people’s favorite.

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