10 Best Places To Visit In Bali
Bali is one of the most visited places in Indonesia and an ideal place for a relaxed tropical holiday. From serene beaches to lush paddy fields, from rice terraces to vibrant nightlife, Bali is the perfect amalgamation of amazing culture, history, and natural beauty. The beautiful and intricate temples and fabulous spa treatments add to the magnetic appeal of this place. Find out which are the best places to visit in Bali on your next holiday.
Mount Batur
Standing at a height of around 5600 feet, Mount Batur is an active volcano in Indonesia. Several locals, as well as visitors, trek the summit of the mountains to view a spectacular sunrise every morning. You can opt for one of the guided treks available which include a delectable picnic breakfast with eggs cooked by the steam emanating from the active volcano. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
The views from the summit are mesmerizing and stretch to the caldera and the pristine Lake Batur. You can also see Pura Ulun Danu Batur, one of Bali’s nine major Hindu temples, when you are here.
Uluwatu Temple
From its vantage point over sea cliffs above one of Bali’s best spots for surfing, the Uluwatu Temple is thronged by visitors because of its incredible location. Situated at 250 meters above the Indian Ocean, the strip here is a major highlight for surfers from all over the world. Uluwatu comes from the words ‘ulu that means land’s end and ‘watu’ which means rock.
It is believed that the temple has spiritual powers and protects the city from evil spirits. The temple allows only Hindu worshippers. However, the sunsets here look magical and you can take awesome pictures against the backdrop of the temple.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are unmissable when in Bali. The ageless beauty and lush greenery of these terraces make for the best pictures and memories in Bali. These rice terraces are extremely scenic and popular because they use an interesting 8th-century style of rice farming called Subak. Many cafes and restaurants overlook the rice fields where you can enjoy a coffee and some refreshments while feasting your eyes on the beauty of this place. If you like lovely wooden crafts, you can take a tour of the nearby Pakudui village.
Tanah Lot Temple
Any trip to Bali is incomplete without a visit to the famous Tanah lot Temple. Perched on an outcrop, it has a beautiful seaside setting and a stunning shoreline.
The architecture of the temple is visually appealing, and you can also enjoy traditional performances at the cultural park nearby. Built at the beginning of the 16th century, it is a blend of Balinese and Hindu mythology. Tourists are not allowed inside the temple, but you can enjoy the place from outside. The sheer beauty and location of this temple are enough for you to apply for an Indonesia visa.
Seminyak
Seminyak is a charming little town on the southwestern coast of Bali. It is extremely well-known for its sophisticated boutiques, high-end restaurants, luxurious hotels, and opulent spas. The Seminyak beach is one of the classiest beaches that offers jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean and people come here to spend a relaxing vacation.
The azure waters, spotless sands, and lush palm trees make it one of the most picturesque places in Bali. This place is great for shopping too and you can pick up an array of souvenirs such as homewares, furniture, jewelry, trendy clothes, handicrafts, and quirky art.
Ubud Monkey Forest
Also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, this place is a paradise for animal lovers. This place is a natural habitat of long-tailed Balinese monkeys and you can spot them roaming around freely under the thick forest cover. Spread over an area of over 12.5 hectares, this place is owned by the Pandangetal community and managed by Mandala Suci Wenara Wana Management.
You can find more than 186 species of different trees and plants and apart from the monkey, this place is also home to the Timor Rusa Deers. There are 3 ancient temples here with intricate carvings of dragons and monkeys, which date back to as early as the 14th century. This is an ideal spot to take a break from the chaos of the city and enjoy some time with nature.
Nusa Penida
Part of a group of three islands, Nusa Penida is the largest and the most exotic of the three islands. It is also less explored and that’s why boasts of unparalleled beauty. Diving is one of the most popular activities here and you get a chance to see sunfish, manta rays, and turtles, among others. Other highlights here include a bird sanctuary and rock formation caves. It is also well-known for preserving the endangered bird ‘Bali Starling.’ There are several temples and lagoons here that make your visit worthwhile.
Kuta Beach
Formerly a sleepy fishing village, Kuta Beach has remained a favored destination for people for many decades. Its golden sands and surf waves are perfect for your first surfing lessons. You can rent out umbrellas, boogie boards, surfboards, sun loungers, and all the beach paraphernalia from the vendors here. The magical sunsets, vibrant nightlife, and delightful clubs make it an ideal spot to spend a relaxed evening. You can ride a horse, drive through the scenic toll bridge, and visit the Kuta Sea Turtle Conservation site too.
Goa Gajah
Located around 6 km from Ubud, Goa Gajah holds a lot of religious, archeological, and historical significance. Famously known as ‘Elephant Cave’, this Hindu temple is replete with Buddhist and Shaivite carvings and relics. You are welcomed at the cave entrance by a wide-eyed giant-like structure and there are several motifs on the rocks above the opening.
There is a serene pool inside the cave that looks awesome. The stonework and elaborate carvings of this place are stunning and reflect a lot of Indonesian architecture and heritage. The caves are spread across a large area and covered with luscious forests and intricate craftsmanship that increase the beauty of this place ten folds.
Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul means a ‘group’ in the local language. Living up to its name Sekumpul Waterfalls in Northern Bali is a group of seven waterfalls. Believed to be the most gorgeous waterfalls on the island, the cascading waterfalls are surrounded by verdant greenery and breathtaking cliffs. Guided treks are available to the waterfalls and it takes about 3-4 hours for a round trip. The rough trek takes you through local villages and lush rice terraces, and dense tropical forests. The final spot is a photographer and nature lovers’ delight and worth every hardship.
Conclusion
Bali has such a long list of fantastic places that it is really difficult to cover everything in one visit. Bali is a destination that has something in store for people of every age group. So, it’s time to pack your bags and explore this wonderful destination.