14 Top Tourist Destinations in Bali
14 Top Tourist Destinations in Bali
Bali is famously known for its top-rated tourist destinations. It is the most popular and exotic tourist island. Well, who doesn’t know where Bali is located? In the regions of the Indonesian archipelago, this evocative island will make your trip memorable. As the air is filled with the fresh tropical smell and the blue sights of the sea.
Bali is stuffed with all the fun you need. Cyclist’s bikes in the lush landscapes, the surfer can go for legendary swells, hikers trek the wild volcanic peaks and magical waterfalls. You can also walk in the rice terraces and the traditional villages. The island is rich in its artistic scenery.
Wanna throw your legs up and relax? You could that either in the wonderful beaches or in malls and spa treatments. Do you crave spiritual tranquillity? Bali is full of magnificent temples and upholds Hindu ceremonies. Every Indian would love this. Do remember, some trades might be closed temporarily due to the global pandemic.
Here goes the list of best places to visit the island’s precious gems:
1. Tirta Empul Temple, Bali
Tirta Empul Temple or Pure Tirta Empul is a magnificent temple is surrounded by the lush tropical forest of Central Bali. It shows the foretaste into a sacred purification ritual since AD 960. So historical!!
The entire temple complex is a national cultural heritage site. It is divided into three courtyards. The main pivotal point is the large rectangular pool. The water comes from a holy mountain spring where the locals pray and soak in the healing water.
If you want to be a part of the cleansing ritual, ask a guide and confirm it. Respecting their customs, enter the water in full clothes by wearing a sash and sarong. Explore the temple complex if not allowed inside the water. To avoid crowds, visit the temple in the early morning and late afternoon.
2. Mount Batur, Bali
In the predawn twilight, you can trek up the 1700-meter summit of Mount Batur, to watch the sunrise. The sun rising above the caldera and lush mosaic of the mist-shrouded mountains acts as a healing to the eyes. To know the location of Mount Batur, this active volcano lies in Bali’s central highlands in the Kintamani District, an hour’s drive from Ubud. Trek the mountain and embrace the sunrise. On a clear day, the views are just stunning. It stretches all the way across the Batur caldera, surrounding the mountain range and the lovely Lake Batur.
The road is on the well-marked trails and fairly easy to find. It would take around two to three hours to reach your destination. If you are on a guided trek, you would get a chance to enjoy a lovely picnic breakfast with eggs cooked from the steam of the active volcano. How cool is that!! Robust hiking shoes are crucial. It would better if you add some extra layers as the temperature falls before sunrise.
3. Sekumpul Waterfall, Bali
In the Singaraja region, about 66 kilometers north of Ubud, Sekumpul Waterfall is taken into account by many to be Bali’s most beautiful falls. The waterfall is really a series of about seven falls, cascading like long misty veils over the lip of a lush, jungle-clad cliff.
Note that if you select to drive yourself here, locals might try to stop you well before the doorway, demanding exorbitant entrance and parking fees. it is a good idea to rent a neighborhood guide who knows a way to negotiate these roadblocks and access the right trailhead to the falls.
The three- to four-hour round-trip trek passes by rice terraces and native villages rimmed with rambutan and durian trees, and continues through the dense tropical jungle. It is strenuous in parts, as you would like to hike down slippery steps and slosh through a river, but once you arrive, you’ll be able to cool off with a refreshing swim at the bottom of the falls.
This is an excellent adventure for nature lovers who need a taste of untamed Bali removed from the touristy resorts.
4. Uluwatu Temple, Bali
Setting magnificently on the sea clifftops, Uluwatu Temple or Pura Luhur Uluwatu is another famous temple of the island. Wondering what meaning does the name holds? According to Balinese, the “Ulu” means tip or Land’s End while “Watu” means rock. Now it fits the name of the temple located on the Bukit Peninsula, across the island’s southwestern tip.
To get the precise location, the temple lies 25 kilometers away from Kuta. There is a scenic pathway to the entrance of the temple with breathtaking views. The best time to visit is during the sunset as the sky and sea glow with the golden hues of the sun. In this beautiful setting, the sunset Kecak dance performance will make your day. Although only Hindu worshippers are allowed inside the temple.
Archaeology says the mythic origin by the temple built in the 10th century. The myth to be believed is that temple protects Bali from the evil spirit of the seas. The monkeys at the entrance of the temple guard it against the bad peoples.
5. Pura Tanah Lot, Bali
Pura means “temple” in Balinese. Located 20 kilometers northwest of Kuta, stands this one of the most iconic temples, Pura Tanah Lot. The temple viewpoints the stunning seaside on a rocky islet, the crashing waves regards all who visits. The temple holds a significant value to the Balinese people of all the island’s sea temples.
At the beginning of the 16th century, Pura Tanah Lot was built with heavy inspiration from the priest Nirartha. After spending a night on the rock outcrop, he asked the local fisherman to build a temple. Sad to hear, but foreigners aren’t allowed inside any of the temples. It is hurtful to not visit these beauties. But you have the privilege to stroll across the main temple during low tide. It’s really amusing to wander along the paths and enjoy the settings.
If you have visited all the temples, pick up some time and relax at the clifftop cafes and restaurants. Like the famous Kopi Luwak (Civet Coffee). In the cafes, you will find perfect spots worthy of Instagram photos. Before visiting any temples in Bali remember to dress respectfully like sarong and sash.
6. Ubud Monkey Forest
Walk for 10 minutes across the south of the center town in Ubud, Bali, you will reach the Monkey Forest. It is also recognized as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. A must thing to visit in Bali. To satisfy the photographer inside you, this place is just over perfect. Even for animal lovers.
This enchanted forest upholds the peaceful living between animals and humans. The forest is home to many rare plants and grey long-tailed macaques. Besides the entertainment troops of macaques, many roam free in their evocative jungle. To explain the enchantment, the paved walkways go past the thick forest of nutmeg and banyan trees. You will find ancient temples and statues covered with moss.
The exact location is Jalan Monkey Forest in Padangtegal, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali. During your visit, remember to secure your belongings and don’t make direct contact with the animals. This might cause them to aggressive. Plus, don’t bring any food into the area as they might snatch it.
7. Tegallalang and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali
Wanna take some nature wallpaper with you back home? Then, without any hesitation, you must visit Bali’s stunning emerald hue rice fields, for some beautiful photos. The Tegallalang and Jatiluwih rice terrace in Bali gives iconic landscapes.
From a 30-minute drive north of Ubud, vast picturesque Tegallalang rice terraces lie in front of your eyes. The most relaxing way to enjoy the lush landscapes is at the restaurants and cafes overlooking the rice fields.
A 9-minute drive from Ubud, you will reach the Jatiluwih rice terraces laying across around 600 hectares of the rice fields. This lies along with the Batukaru mountain range and has fewer crowds than to the Tegallalang. Walk around and absorb the timeless beauty of nature.
8. The Nusa Islands
The most popular of the three islands is Nusa Lembongan, about 20 kilometers offshore from Sanur and simply accessible by speedboat. Surfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and get on my feet paddleboarding are the most activities here, and also the top attractions include beautiful Dream Beach; Mushroom Bay; and therefore the Devil’s Tears outcrop, with views of crashing surf erupting over the rocks. Many locals still make their living from seaweed farming, and you’ll watch them harvesting it by the shore.
The neighboring island, Nusa Ceningan, lies just over a bridge from Nusa Lembongan, with a good-looking blue lagoon. The largest of the island trio, Nusa Penida, could be a quick boat leave. Rock formations, caves, and a building are Nusa Penida’s top draws, and diving is one of all the foremost popular things to try to do here, with the possibility to work out manta rays, sunfish, and turtles.
Take some time and go to Kelinking Beach or called T-Rex Bay. This is one of the highest beaches in Asia. It’s a perfect blend of golden sand and soaring cliffs.
9. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Bali
Who doesn’t love to visit the past even if by a sculpture? The 17th century Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple is the most picturesque temple in entire Bali. Located on the small island in the western shore of Lake Bratan, among the cool highlands of central Bali. The location itself seems so magical. The exact address is Jalan Bedugul in Singaraja, Cndikuning, Batriuriti, Kabupaten Tabanan.
Puran Ulun Danu Bratan temple is set among the striking backdrop of Gungung Bratan. The temple reflects on the lake and when the water rises, you will find it floating on the surface. On the entrance, you will find a Buddhist stupa on the left in the first courtyard. The figures of Buddha mediate in the lotus position on the square base. It reflects the embracing of the Buddhist beliefs by the Balinese Hindus.
10. Nusa Dua Beach
Beach is always a welcoming sight, isn’t it? After all the waves and sands make the mind calm. Nusa Dua Beach in Bali will help you to escape the urban buzz of Bali. In Nusa Dua Beach, you can kick back on a comfortable sun lounger, having a drink in hand, feet muzzling in the white sands. Sounds dreamy, right? The peace and serenity you seek will be here present on this beach.
Popular things to do in Nusa Dua Beach are walking for long miles, swimming, parasailing, surfing, and sunbathing. You may need to pay a fee at the resorts for using their sun loungers. If you get tired of the beach, you can visit the posh resort spa for some pampers. You can also go through the chic shops at the Bali collection, an open-air shopping mall.
11. Kuta Beach, Bali
Yes, it’s crowded and protracted hawkers stalk the beach, but this famous stretch of sand, together with neighboring Legian and Seminyak Beaches just to the north, is one in every of the foremost happening places in Bali. you will have a fun outing here — especially if you are a beginner surfer otherwise you just want to take in the scene.
You can book surf lessons and rent surfboards, boogie boards, sun loungers, and umbrellas directly from vendors founded on the sand, and many cafés and restaurants border the beach. Beach vendors are easily dissuaded with a polite “no thanks,” but an icy cold coconut sloshing with juice served on to your sun lounger is a blessing on a sultry day.
Surfers should take a look at Dreamland, Canggu, Balangan, Bingin, Padang-Padang, or the cliff-fringed hidden coves of Uluwatu.
12. Waterbom Bali
In the heart of Kuta, lies an action-packed water park, named Waterbom Bali. This place has everything to offer irrespective of age; a perfect family place.
Kids can enjoy swimming, zooming in the twister water slides and rides, drifting down in the Lazy River. Python, Super bowl, Green Viper are the few names of the water rides. While adults can relax in reflexology sessions, fish spa therapy, manicure, or pedicure. You can also go on wakeboarding, kneeboarding, waterskiing.
There are also many restaurants and cafes with a variety of cuisines. The grounds are filled with large shady trees and pretty tropical gardens. A perfect way of refreshing from the hot tropical day.
13. The Sidemen Valley
About 90 minutes drive northeast of Ubud, the emerald-hued Sidemen Valley evokes the texture of Old Bali, before the tourist throngs descended on the island. Sleepy villages snuggle within the valley amid cascading rice terraces, and cloud-capped Mount Agung looms within the background sort of a benevolent sentry.
The high point of visiting the Sidemen Valley is to stroll the small villages among the rice paddies and farmland. You’ll also hike through the countryside to the summit of Mount Agung or trek through the rice fields and luxurious countryside past cocoa and occasional plantations.
Other popular things to try and do here include rafting the rivers; yoga retreats; and collaborating in cultural activities like dancing, carving, or traditional weaving.
Homestays and B&Bs are particularly popular in this area, but you’ll also find some luxury villas overlooking the rice fields.
14. Seminyak Shopping, Bali
Going on a trip and not doing the shopping? All that’s an impossible thing. Bali isn’t just famous for its temples and beaches; it is also very popularly known for the gaudy designers and wonderful shopping. Seminyak is the home of Bali’s best art galleries and restaurants.
Go along the busy lanes of Seminyak and you will be exposed to the bleeding edge designer dresses, swimwear, surf, and jewelry. You will also find homewares and furniture that you can buy and carry back on course.
Let me spell some of the best places for you. Seminyak Square and Seminyak Village are the two shopping malls. Seminyak Flea Market where you can find handicrafts, carvings, clothing, and jewelry. Sea Gypsy is famous for jewelry.
The Final Words
The busy walkways of Bali are full of tasty street foods, Indian foods, small stalls of crafts, and the traditional gamelan music buzz in the background. Sounds like a movie scene, right? Close enough though. Not only the local shops, but you will also find all the designer stores too. Amidst all the crowds and glamour, Bali is rich in its natural beauty; eye-catching attractions jingles the joy in every traveler. Visit all the places from the above list and make your trip memorable.
