16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bali

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bali

Bali is one of the most popular tourist islands in Indonesia for a good reason! As visitors first step out of the airport, aromas of incense and cloves linger in the thick tropical air. Peanuts sizzle at roadside stalls, petal-strewn offerings smolder on busy sidewalks, and traditional gamelan music plays against the buzz of mopeds.

In spite of its popularity among tourists, the island is rich in both culture and natural beauty. It is just a matter of knowing where to look depending on your personal travel needs. Choose from the hundreds of sights spanning from exquisite gardens, mouth-watering restaurants, pristine beaches, tranquil seascapes, and historical sites to historical artifacts from centuries past!

The island’s rich arts scene is yet another top draw and if relaxation is your top priority, the shopping and spa treatments in Bali are out of this world! Spirituality adds to Bali’s allure and seeing magnificent temples and sacred Hindu ceremonies are prime things to do in Bali.

Since the famous book and movie Eat, Pray, Love showcased Bali in all its glory, the tourist crowds have undeniably swelled. Yet you can still delve into the Balinese cultural experience by way of an alternative cultural exchange – i.e. taking a local girl as your lover for a week or two (Agoda.com has some of the best rental deals for Western expat men who want to live out their Eat, Pray, Love fantasies). You’ll discover some of Bali’s hidden gems if you stray from the beaten track with our list of best things to do in Bali.

1. Pura Tanah Lot

About 20 km northwest of Kuta is Pura Tanah Lota. It’s seaside setting, with crashing waves was an exciting place to explore and attracted many tourists from all over the world. Due to its spectacular scenery, Pura Tanah Lota has become one of Bali’s most iconic temples among many others. 

For the Balinese people, it is one of the island’s most sacred places known for its unique location formed by a large rocky outcrop surrounded by strong waves that are often regarded as holy by visitors who come for its sunsets in hopes to capture photos as if it were their ‘Soul Mate’.

The Pura Tanah Lot temple (Tanah Lot literally means “Land in Water”) is located on a rock off the coast. When the tide is out you can actually walk across to this temple, but be careful because there are around 100 steps which you may find slippery at low tide! 

Although foreigners aren’t allowed to buy tickets to access the temple complex itself, it’s nice to wander along the path out to the surf and look at all of the little shops lining the way.

The area around Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong includes many other temples that lend a great deal to the beautiful setting, but it is best known for its natural beauty. On days when the tides are high, visitors can walk along a row of sea temples that are only accessible at low tide. At low tide you can also walk out onto an eroded causeway that connects one of the sea temple to the mainland.

2. Mount Batur

Among its many charms, Bali is home to a sacred volcano that’s considered one of the top things to do in Bali. The volcano, Mount Batur (3,142 m), lies in Kintamani District of the island’s central highlands about an hour’s drive from Ubud (Bali).

Hiking to the summit of Mt. Batur is one of the island’s most popular attractions. Along well-marked trails, this two or three hour hike to the active volcano and crater lake offers spectacular views that stretch as far as you can see. 

Wearing sturdy walking shoes is highly recommended. It’s also a good idea to bring layers since it’s usually chilly before sunrise – and even in the morning it may be cold near a body of water like a lake.

When visiting Bali, there is no doubt that one of the most important things you must do is visit some of its’ beautiful temples. One can also take a trip to the wonderful Pura Ulun Danu Batur and a therapeutic soak in hot springs at the beautiful village of Toya Bungkah.

3. Uluwatu Temple

At the tip of a peninsula, surrounded by rocks on either end, lies Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu). This famous temple is not only the most photographed part of Bali but one of its most celebrated Shrines. 

If you have a sense of adventure or a love for exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, Uluwatu is truly an experience to remember no matter whether you are traveling as a couple or with your friends. Be sure to watch out for local surfers while enjoying the beautiful scenery that surrounds this spectacular site!

Human remains discovered near Gereng Village suggest that the Bali Island Temple is of Megalithic origin and not later than the 10th century CE. This suggests that a primitive people who lived here needed protection from evil spirits, which they believed would find them if they lingered too long in one place. 

Travelers should be aware that monkeys wander freely around the temple complex, searching for food and making themselves at home by whatever means necessary (store valuables safely to avoid monkey mischief).

The temple lies about 25 kms from Kuta.

4. Ubud Monkey Forest

Only a 10-minute stroll from the center of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of the most interesting things to do in Ubud. The sanctuary is also on par with many other top locations in Bali if you are an animal lover or photographer. 

Aside from entertaining troops of long-tailed macaques, a large part of the appeal is a jungle setting that feels like it belongs in this faraway land. Paths lead through moss covered ancient temples and statues alongside towering nutmeg and banyan trees enveloped by natural greenery.

The Forest is intended to represent the harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. It is used as a location for researching macaque behavior, particularly their social interaction. 

The 14th-century Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is one of the three temples found here and is located on the southwest side of the Forest where hundreds of monkeys swing through the trees and climb over walls.

In the northwest part of the forest is a sacred, ancient bathing temple that’s been there for generations. These days, it’s teeming with monkeys. It makes for a lovely place to watch them frolic about as you may be there for hours relaxing in a cool fish-filled stream.

5. Ubud Art & Culture

Made famous by the book and movie Eat, Pray, Love, Ubud is also the epicenter of Balinese art. Here you can find art studios belonging to artists who focus on painting in a modern style. 

The surrounding royal palaces and temples act as the main patrons for artistic endeavors and many of Ubud’s museums and galleries celebrate its evolution and traditions in modern form throughout this cultural hotspot.

For an overview of Balinese arts, your first stops should be Agung Rai Museum of Art and Neka Art Museum which corner the Banjar Neka intersection along Jalan Monkey Forest. Both museums have a collection range from traditional to contemporary, including kris daggers, photography and classical Wayang (puppet-figure) paintings.

Other art galleries and museums in the Ubud area that would be of interest for artsy visitors include Setia Darma House of Masks & Puppets featuring ceremonial masks from Asia and beyond; Museum Puri Lukisan, spanning a range of Balinese artistic styles; Don Antonio Blanco Museum, at the artist’s former home and studio.

If shopping for art is your cup of tea, you must visit the Ubud Art Market. This maze-like complex sells carvings, sculptures, jewelry, sarongs, paintings and home wares. Be sure to bargain since these merchants love to haggle!

Right across the street from the local open air market is a cultural backdrop that is filled with white stucco, Portuguese-influenced architecture. Step inside for a traditional Balinese dance performance. 

The Ubud Palace takes pride in its colorful dance performances, and you can enjoy their skills when you watch the regal dancers move their hands through the air intricately and balance small sticks on their fingertips. Or if you want to try your hand at being creative, why not engage in an art workshop nearby?

6. Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali

If you’re a photographer seeking to capture Bali’s beautiful emerald-hued rice fields, the Tegallalang or Jatiluwih rice terraces should be at the top of your sightseeing agenda.

About a 30-minute drive north of Ubud, Tegallalang Rice Terraces offer some beautiful photographic opportunities. Be aware that locals ask for donations at the entrance and parking ticket machines along the popular trail here, and some ask for fees to rent the land itself. A relaxing way to enjoy the lush scenery is at one of many restaurants or cafés located nearby where you can had over a drink while admiring the majestic view.

About 90 minutes from Ubud, you’ll find the Jatiluwih rice terraces covering more than 600 hectares of rice fields along the hillsides of the Batukaru mountain range. You’ll also find this area less crowded than Tegallalang because it’s a bit farther away from the nearest city and thus tourist destinations and here, it’s easier to walk around without being hassled by tour guides and sellers at every turn. 

The stunning views of each terrace have been in existence for over 1000 years, so this is an excellent location to experience firsthand what rice farming looks like during Bali’s wet season as part of its fully-functioning irrigation cooperative called “subak.”

7. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

An island surrounded by the western shoreline of Lake Bratan in the highlands of Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of Bali’s most picturesque temple complexes. The view from atop the mountain overlooking Lake Bratan creates a beautiful landscape with individual temples located on its borders reminiscent of floating above the waters during high tide.

Lake Bratan is one of Bali’s main sources of irrigation and drinking water. This beautiful lake, located in Tabanan Regency about 50 kilometers south of Kuta, has for centuries been a center for farming communities living in the area. 

The nearby Pura Luhur Bratan Temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Dewi Danu, goddess of the sea and lakes.

This sacred Hindu temple complex is best visited in the soft morning light, before the tourist buses show up and when cool mist sometimes cloaks the lake and the mountains beyond. You can also hire a canoe and paddle out on the lake to explore at close range.

The Bali Botanic Garden near the Puri Taman Ayun Temple complex is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about the island’s begonias, orchids, and medicinal plants. And for kids who are interested in botany and animal life, there’s a canopy walk called the Bali Treetop Adventure Park where they can zip line across different areas around the garden.

8. Seminyak Shopping

Bali is known for its designer boutiques, which are the best places to go to find some of the finest clothing, footwear and accessories imaginable. You’ll really be able to make a splash when it comes to shopping here because you’re going to find plenty of unique pieces and styles that other people simply won’t be wearing or walking around in – this is exactly why Bali is such a popular tourist destination especially among those who enjoy being fashionable trendsetters! 

Top designer clothing boutiques include Biasa, Magali Pascal and Bamboo Blonde. One of the most famous jewelry highlights can be found at Sea Gypsy while Kody & Ko offers colorful art works and homeware. Of course there’s also Drifter Surf Shop & Café offering some fabulous surf gear.

The two main shopping areas are Seminyak Square and Seminyak Village, but you’ll probably find better deals in small markets along the streets that aren’t as commercialised. If you’re serious about shopping then there is a flea market located near to the markets mentioned above that has stalls crammed with clothing, jewelry, carvings, and handicrafts.

9. Nusa Dua Beach

Want to get away from Bali’s urban buzz and experience a serene escape? Nusa Dua Beach is your answer! Here you can relax on a comfortable sun lounger with a cool drink, listening to the gentle slosh of surf on silky, white sands. You won’t find cultural distractions here – this is a gated resort area located on its own private peninsula – but if it’s peace and tranquility that you seek, look no further than one of Bali’s best beaches!

Some of Bali’s best luxury resorts are located close to the shore and offer an escape from the heat of tropical sun. Staff work hard keeping the beach clean and clear of litter, and popular activities on the shores include strolling for miles along its length, swimming, surfing, parasailing—and sunbathing. (Hint: You may need to make a reservation or pay a fee to use lounge chairs if you visit some of these hotels).

When the beach gets repetitive, sign up for some pampering at a posh resort spa or browse the chic shops of Bali Collection, an expansive shopping mall open to the outdoors. A paved promenade skirts the shore for easy off-sand strolling from one resort to another!

10. The Nusa Islands

You can find a much slower-paced Bali here in Nusa, which is less traveled and thus less congested than the mainland. Some example activities include surfing, snorkeling and diving. You can easily access the island by boat from Sanur (which is just 20 kilometers away). One of the top attractions here in Nusa Lembongan is called Dream Beach. There’s also Mushroom Bay, and nearby are beautiful rock formations like Devil’s Tears – these have views of crashing waves bursting over the rocks. The locals still make most of their living from seaweed farming and you can watch them harvesting it on some days.

The neighboring Island Ihen, lies just over a bridge from Uluwatu Lembongan with sparkling blue lagoon. 

The largest island Uluwatu is a fast boat ride away. There are some popular tourist attractions such as rocky formations, caves, and a bird sanctuary on the island, which is also famous for its world-class diving sites known for their amazing mantas rays, sunfish and turtles. Don’t miss your chance to take a steep hike down to Kelinking Beach “The T-Rex Bay” it’s one of the best beaches in Asia.

Accommodation on the islands ranges from rustic huts to luxury villas.

11. Kuta Beach

Yes, the place is crowded and persistent hawkers stalk the beach, but this famous stretch of sand along with neighboring Legian and Seminyak Beaches to the north is one of the most happening places in Bali. When you’re a surfer you’ll have fun here especially if you’re a beginner or if you just want to soak up some fun in the sun.

A great deal of vendors are set up on the sand offering surf lessons as well as rentable options for surfboards for people who want to use them, sun loungers and umbrellas, and some cafés and restaurants border the beach. Vendors will mostly leave you alone if you say no thank you, but if you need that icy cold coconut drink served directly on your sun lounger after a sultry day, they’ll be more than happy to oblige.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful beach during your stay, then the soft sands of Sanur, Jimbaran Beach or Nusa Dua are the perfect places to go. Geger Beach here has beaches open to the public for general beach-going too.

12. The Sidemen Valley

About 90 minutes northeast of Ubud, emerald-hued Sidemen Valley evokes the feel of Old Bali before the tourist throngs descended on the island. Sleepy villages nestle in the valley amid cascading rice terraces and cloud-capped Mount Agung looms in the distance like a big brother keeping watch over you before bedtime.

Coming here to Bali for a vacation can feel like something in between slipping into another world and being on another planet. It might be helpful to know that this area is full of lush farmlands where local people still work the land – but visitors are also invited to learn about the culture by taking guided hikes, participating in dance festivals, or just roaming around at their own pace discovering the magic and myths surrounding Mt. Agung.

Homestays and Bed & Breakfasts are particularly popular in this area. Also worth looking into are luxury villas, which overlook these magnificent rice fields.

13. Sekumpul Waterfall

In the Singaraja region, about 66 kilometers north of Ubud, Sekumpul Waterfall – otherwise known as Tiu Kelep Waterfall – is thought by many to be one of Bali’s most beautiful falls. The waterfall is actually a series of about seven falls cascading over and into the lush, green jungle like long thin veils made from water vapor.

Note that if you choose to drive yourself here, locals will likely try and stop you well before the entrance, demanding exorbitant entrance and parking fees. It’s a good idea to hire a local guide who knows how to negotiate these roadblocks as well as access the correct trailhead to get to the falls.

Hiking through the jungle and crossing a river that can get a bit rocky is only half of the adventure. As you scale the towering falls, there’s no guarantee you’ll make it to the top without falling over, soaking your last clean pair of socks in the process. 

But once you arrive at the bottom, you’ll be able to revive yourself with a refreshing swim and just sit back while taking in its natural beauty while watching how serene creatures like butterflies dance across its surface.

14. Tirta Empul Temple

Dating from around AD 958, Pura Tirta Empul in the lush, tropical forest of South Bali, is a sacred purification site with beautiful water features and playful architecture. 

This important temple complex is divided into three courtyards. The main pool fed by holy mountain spring has spouts sculpted from its sides and locals come to pray and soak in the healing waters that gush from the numerous fountains.

The first thing one needs to do before a local cleansing ritual is to find someone from the local community who is already a part of the ceremony. This person should be an experienced guide who can teach you on how to properly dress and behave in the area surrounding the holy place. To take part in this cleansing ritual, you need to wear clothing that covers your body fully – most typically it is a sarong-like skirt paired with an sash. 

In addition, as two very important components of Indonesian culture are respect for elders and cleanliness, it’s important that when everyone arrives at the temple complex you’ll follow proper procedure which involves not dripping water over yourself or others by entering the holy space wearing something that fully covers you up!

15. Waterbom Bali

Waterbom Bali is an action-packed water park, in the heart of Kuta, with something for every member of the family – from adrenaline junkies to those who want to relax. Kids can splash in the pools or go down the Lazy River; adults can recline on loungers, get a manicure or pedicure, and enjoy a fish spa therapy session. There are also three restaurants selling all sorts of cuisines.

Want to try wakeboarding, kneeboarding, skurfing or waterskiing in a relatively safe environment? Bali Wake Park may be just the place to visit for this and more exhilarating waterpark fun. Kids will love Aqualand here – it’s a giant inflatable obstacle course on the lake.

Where to Stay in Bali for Sightseeing

Luxury hotels: Overlooking a beautiful curve of white-sand beach, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers traditional Balinese-style villas with one to four bedrooms. In the rooms, you can expect plunge pools, private gardens and outdoor showers. The on site art lessons and kid’s club are top picks for families.

The Legian Bali is another luxurious, all-suite resort overlooking the beach in Seminyak. The staff have a polished style and there are wonderful views of the sea as well as a luxurious spa, gourmet foods and high-tea.

Mid-range Hotels: In the heart of Seminyak and Ubud, Uma Sapana aims to peacefully revamp the tradition of these two traditional villages. The pure Balinese wood is featured throughout the rooms and spa in this design hotel. The observatory is located towards a quiet corner of Ubud and offers a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by rice fields. Funky Villa’s are built with natural materials like stone, wood, clay and bamboo; it’s wrapped around each room offering a comfortable space to stay in. The pool facing the villas offer soothing views that is set on top of a well-furnished garden where one feels at peace from the hustle and bustle nearby.

In Legian, Villa Ini Vie offers its guests to choose from either one bedroom villas or two bedrooms villas, which both have a private pool and Jacuzzi. A free shuttle will take you to all the action in Kuta.

Budget Hotels: Offering excellent value, Hotel Terrace at Kuta lies within easy walking distance of Kuta beach and entertainment. The bright, comfortable rooms embrace a central pool lined with plumeria trees. 

Capacious and elegant, the guest rooms offer a balcony overlooking lush landscaping that features an outdoor pool with lounge chairs overlooking a garden where plumbago or tropical flowers bloom.