Pristine beaches, colourful sunsets, dense forests, and colourful traditions, there are so many beautiful places in Bali. Trust me, with its magical surroundings and paradisial vibes, we are spoilt for choices in Bali!
If you plan to visit Bali anytime soon, we have rounded up 15 beautiful places to visit Bali that will take your breath away!
Happy reading!
15 Insanely Beautiful Places In Bali – First-Time Visitors
15 Beautiful Places to Visit In Bali: Central Bali
1. Ubud
From the moment you land, feel the bright energy of this magical place, Ubud.
Positioned in the heart of Bali, this town is affluent with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and spiritualism.
Ubud satiates the human soul with its enchanted and deservedly craftsmanship.
Top places/things to do in Ubud:
i) The Campuhan Ridge Walk: There are a few accessible walking trails in Bali, but one of my favourites (and the most beautiful and popular) is the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Unlike most trails in Bali that require hours of driving/hiking, Campuhan ridge walk is right in the heart of Ubud, with a paved walkway that takes you through spectacular valleys and delightful local villages.
Check more about this beautiful place on Tripadvisor .
ii) Ubud Art Market:
Locally famous as ‘Pasar Seni Ubud’, Discover lovely silk scarves, crates or caps, high-quality woven packs, kites and other hand-made merchandise.
iii) Celuk Village: The village is famous for its unbelievable silver and gold work at low costs.
iv) Pura Taman Saraswati Temple: The temple architecture standing in the lotus pond leaves you in awe. It is a famous water temple in Bali, wherein bathing in holy water to eliminate negative energy is a ritual.
v) Instagrammable famous stop – Bali Swing: Perhaps one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali!
If you love flying high through the jungle on a giant swing, this is a must for every island adventurer (and for every Instagram feed). The most well-known is Alas Harum, overlooking the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
2. Tegalalang Rice Terraces (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The field contains cascading green fields worked by local rice farmers. The traditional irrigation system called Subak has been followed since the eighth century.
Top places/things to do:
i) Alas Harum Bali: Alas Harum is a coffee plantation in the jungle. Go for a coffee tour and tasting to learn about growing various coffees and their taste.
ii) Uma Pakel Swing: Besides beaches and temple architecture, Bali is highlighted for its jungle swing. Enjoy the view of the rice terrace as you are up in the air.
iii) Gunung Kawi Sebatu: Bali’s most beautiful temple is a hidden gem. The temple is surrounded by the natural spring of pools and ponds full of lotus.
15 Beautiful Places to Visit In Bali: Nusa Islands & East Bali
3. Nusa Lembongan
This is one our favourite places to visit in Bali!
Nusa Lembongan is just 40 minutes from the main Bali island, a famous and tropical sparkling white sand beach.
Expect exceptional great beaches, beach clubs, coastal cliffs sides, snorkelling with Manta Rays and much more.
Make sure to check out Yellow Bridge (The Bridge of Love) which connects Lembongan to its little island sister, Nusa Ceningan.
Top Things To Do/Places in Nusa:
i) Cliffs at Blue Lagoon: Blue Lagoon is a gorgeous viewpoint on Nusa Ceningan. The water under the cliff jumping point is wild and sparkling.
ii) Boho Beach Clubs: Like beaches, the beach clubs at Nusa Lembongan are stunning and picturesque. Some serve mouthwatering delicacies.
There are a few beachside destinations from Nusa, including Sandy Bay Beach Club, Ohana’s Beach Club, and Agung Beach Club.
iii) Lembongan Mangrove Boat ride: Take a boat ride through the mangrove forest and enjoy the serenity and calm water.
4. Nusa Penida
Thanks to Instagram, we’ve all seen that classic bird’s eye view of the emerald green cliff-line rising into the sky from the turquoise waters below. This insta-famous spot is located at Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida Island offers the extraordinary beauty of Indonesia within itself. From beaches, waterfalls, and cliffs to hot springs, you name it, and the place has it.
The island offers some thrilling experiences that shouldn’t be missed.
Top Things To Do/Places in Nusa Penida:
i) A Spectacular View: Enjoy the popular and ever-stunning view of Kelingking Beach.
ii) Snorkelling at Crystal Bay: The water of Crystal Bay is clean and perfect for snorkelling and peeping into marine life. The beach has some stunning views as well.
iii) Seganing waterfall: Seganing waterfall is the most peaceful and relaxing waterfall on the island. It is a perfect escape into nature that rejuvenates your soul.
iv) Atuh Beach: The hill at the beach offers a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. If you want a thrill, climb the mountain to pump your adrenaline.
The Romantic and picturesque “Tarzen & Jane”- Esque tree house:
Image Credit: Agoda
Located at a point where you can see the uninterrupted coastline and endless ocean views, this dreamy wooden tree house is located in a secluded area. For more details, click here.
5. Sanur
Sanur, a seaside town in Southeast Bali, is rich in history and has a laidback ambience. It’s made up of several beaches and is about 30 minutes drive from Kuta.
Top Things To Do/Places in Sanur:
i) Blanjong Pillar: The Blanjong Pillar dates back to 914 AD, a stone inscription famous for being the oldest historical artefact in Bali.
ii) Museum Le Mayeur: The museum exhibits Le Mayeur’s collection and paintings made by his wife, a Balinese dancer. It is one of the quirkiest attractions in the place.
iii) Bali Orchid Garden: Orchids bloom in volcanic earth with high mineral content. The place is covered with exquisite hues of Orchids, which makes people stop and admire.
iv) Watersport activities: Kitesurfing is one of the most popular activities in Sanur. The sport combines parasailing, wakeboarding, and water skiing, using a large kite to tow the wakeboard instead of a boat. You can also enjoy snorkelling, surfing, and swimming at Sanur Beach.
15 Beautiful Places to Visit In Bali: South Bali
Beaches in the Southwest are the best-known and most popular for international visitors and locals, who usually come for the weekend to hang out, play and enjoy the sunset.
Be it on any of these beaches, the sunset is marvelous.
Bali sunsets are famous worldwide, with their fiery red hues merging with multi-coloured fluffy clouds.
6. Kuta
Kuta was once a quiet village, now the most visited beach destination. The town has a casual vibe, with swimming, surfing or sunbathing as major activities. Tourists enter Kuta in a perfect holiday mood.
Top Things To Do/Places in Kuta:
i) Waterbom Waterpark: Experience the Race Track, Superbowl, Smashdown and Boomerang at Bali’s oldest and largest waterpark.
ii) Turtle conservation: Spend some time with baby turtles, as these are a prominent part of Bali’s ecosystem. The conservation centre has been trying to help the turtle population thrive for many years.
iii) Kuta Theatre: Experience a dance performance performed by locals at the Kuta theatre to learn about Balinese culture, tradition and history.
7. Seminyak
Seminyak is all about glitz and glam. The town of Seminyak is all about high-end spas, world-class restaurants, designer boutiques, lifestyle brand outlets and international surf shops.
While the beaches are occupied by twilight, the atmosphere is sophisticated and laid-back.
Top Things To Do/Places in Seminyak:
i) Spa Massage: We all wish to relax during our trip, and Seminyak is a perfect place. Indulge in relaxing with treatments that promise to ease the pain and dullness with essential oils.
ii) Nyaman Gallery: Shop intellectual things at an international art gallery having a collection of work done by local and global artists.
iii) Pura Petitenget Temple: It is an architectural wonder based on the Hindu religion. It is interesting to watch locals performing daily rituals at the temple.
8. Canggu
Canggu is a new yet popular tourist destination. While the days are calm here, nights are equally vibrant and fun.
Top Things To Do/Places in Canggu:
i) La Laguna Gypsy Market: Over 150 stalls are set up in the market, selling ecological and organic products. The place is beautifully decorated, and bands play live music.
ii) Berawa Beach: Grab a cocktail or coconut and immerse yourself in the gorgeous sunset from the beach.
iii) Surfing: The waves at Canggu beach are perfect for all levels of surfers. Throughout the day, people surf or drive motorbikes.
iv) La Laguna Beach Club: “From the moment you enter this Spanish inspired, boho-chic, gypsy inspired beach club (located on the sands that border Berawa and Batu Belig), you are transported to a mystical and stunning world like no other.” I couldn’t agree more with this statement! The experience of being at this place will leave you speechless. Visit the website here for more.
9. Uluwatu – The Bukit’s secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs
Uluwatu is located on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia.
The place has white-sand beaches, dramatic clifftop views, surf breaks and more.
Top Things To Do/Places in Uluwatu:
i) Uluwatu temple: This is one of Bali’s nine significant directional temples and one of the most spectacular ones on the entire island. The temple is perched on a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level.
Most travellers enjoy the view of this temple from two different vantage points, from both the northern and southern parts of the area.
Pro Tip: Visit the temple during sunset to experience the Kecak fire dance and marvellous sky.
ii) Padang Padang Beach: The stretch of white sand and azure water is simply spectacular. The beach is known for its Saturday night wild party.
iii) Suluban Beach: Looking to get away from the crowd? The magical Suluban beach sits directly below the famous Single Fin Bar. Set against impressive dramatic cliffs, the water here is as turquoise as it gets. To access this little piece of heaven, you’ll have to walk down the steps at Uluwatu, through the caves and onto the sand.
iv) Surfing: For novices and experts, Balangan beach is perfect for surfing. The winds create raging waves that can get as high as 3 metres.
v) Ungasan – The Garuda Visnu: Rising from the hills of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, the magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is 122 meters tall, and is Bali’s most iconic landmark.
10. Tanah Lot
Set up on an impressive rock, Tanah lot translates to earth and sea.
The temple is the most photographed place in Bali. The temple has tiered shrines following the fundamental elements of Balinese design.
Some of the places around Tanah Lot are:
i) Tabanan Anom Palace: Engage in the rich history of Balinese Royal tradition at Tabanan Palace. If you are lucky, meet some Royals, and learn about the establishment.
ii) Pantai Kelating: Arrange a romantic candlelight dinner overlooking the sparkling sea and charming sunset. Experience the traditional dance shows conducted here.
iii) Jatiluwih Green Land: Spend an entire day exploring the sheer beauty of green fields. Jatiluwih was once nominated as UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site.
15 Beautiful Places to Visit In Bali: North Bali
11. Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)
Lempuyang Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Lempuyang, is one of Bali’s oldest temples.
If you wish to add a wow factor to your itinerary, this is the place that needs your attention. The hike to Pura Luhur Lempuyang usually takes around 1.5 to two hours, but once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with the mystical beauty of an ancient relic – and spectacular views.
12. Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
This UNESCO World Heritage site will get you mesmerised by the pattern of expansive paddies on the hills.
The area is very rural, inhabited only by farming communities, and there are a few high-end mountain resorts.
13. Ulun Danu Water Temple
Ok, this temple is touristic, but there’s no denying the sheer beauty of the Ulun Danu Water Temple.
The ‘floating’ Hindu temple, set on Lake Beratan, is iconic to Bali, thanks to social media platforms.
14. Sekumpul Waterfall
When you google waterfalls in Bali, Sekumpul tends to top the list every time, and that’s for a good reason!
With water cascading from 80 metres high into the lagoon below it feels like a scene straight out of Avatar. This is the most impressive waterfall in Bali.
If you have extra time to spare, go waterfall hopping while you’re up north in Bali. Some of the best ones located north of Ulun Danu Temple include the Banyumala Waterfall and Gitgit Waterfall.
15. Mount Batur
Mount Batur, locally known as Batur, is the finest place for nature buffs. This is among the few active volcanos and has become a hotspot for trekking among locals and tourists.
Mount Batur is one of many spectacular active volcanoes in Bali. It is the most popular day trip for a sunrise hike.
Tops Things To Do:
i) Mount Batur Trek: The moderately challenging trek takes about 2-3 hours, and the sunrise treks are particularly famous.
ii) Toya Bungkah: The village near Mount Batur is famous for its natural hot springs.
iii) Boating around the lake: Amidst the lake surrounded by hills, people enjoy boating in Batur lake.
16. Lovina
Now, this one features as a bonus on the list! If you want to experience the real (old) Bali, Lovina is the place for you!
Located approximately a 3-hour drive from Denpasar, this low-key place, Lovina is located in North of Bali.
Lovina is far less developed than the more easily accessible tourist hubs of the South. It is famous for its black sand beaches and dolphin spotting.
Tops things to do in Lovina: Dolphin Watching, Waterfalls Visit the Buddhist Monastery Brahmavihara Arama, Rent a Scooter and Explore Lovina, enjoy the Sunrise and Sunset on the Beach
That’s a wrap! Have I convinced you to travel to Bali? 😉
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