With its vast panoramic view, there are many places to visit in Bali, including temples, beaches, rice terraces, and wildlife sanctuaries. They are all on one island, helping you explore the island for a diversity of experiences.
If you are planning to visit Bali in the near future, you should know about the recommended places to make your trip better. Discover more about the best places to visit in Bali for the first time here.
As an island preserving its cultural identity, Bali is often mistakenly recognized as a country. In fact, Bali is an island with its own cultural and spiritual destinations, such as Tanah Lot Temple.
Tanah Lot Temple is located in Tabanan Regency, which has become one of the best places in Bali to visit. You can see the temple situated above the cliff in the midst of the ocean. The place is rich in religious value, so visiting it will enrich your knowledge.
Tirta Empul, also known as the Holy Water Temple, is one of the tourist spots in Bali that holds a sacred religious value. According to Balinese legend, it was created by the God Indra to provide healing water for his warriors after being poisoned by the evil king Mayadenawa.
There are sacred purification pools with their series of stone fountains. You can wash your face, head, and body as a part of a cleansing ritual to purify the negative energy and restore spiritual balance.
You have to spend around IDR 75.000/person for adults and IDR 50.000/person for kids. Tirta Empul has demonstrated that Bali is affordable for those who enjoy visiting spiritual and cultural sites.
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance has become one of the Bali must-visit attractions which you should not miss. Because it is in Bali's southern region, you can see how the Uluwatu Temple is perched atop a cliff with breaking waves in the background.
Besides enjoying the spiritual values in the temple, you can watch the Kecak Dance, which is one of the most popular cultural shows in Bali. Dancers will gather in the middle of the stage in a circular formation and tell a dramatic story from the Ramayana.
If you are wondering what to see in Bali, you can visit Ubud and experience the amazing panoramic view of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. It is a terrace showing a Balinese Subak irrigation system, deeply connected to nature, spirituality, and agriculture.
You can walk through the rice fields to see the UNESCO-recognized rice terraces, which offer close-up views of the rice paddies. Furthermore, you can try a giant Bali swing that soars above the rice fields.
To enjoy this experience, you should know the best time to go to Bali. Since Bali has a tropical climate, it is best to travel there during the dry season so you can freely explore the natural environment.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek has become one of the places to visit in Bali. It is a popular volcano hike on the island, standing at approximately 1.717 meters above sea level. It is a relatively accessible trekking experience for first-timers.
Trekking Mount Batur allows you to enjoy spectacular sunrise views. On a clear morning, you can see the sunrise, Mount Agung, Mount Rinjani, Lake Batur, and the surrounding caldera and lava fields.
Sekumpul Waterfall is a place where you can find many waterfalls in one place. The name ‘Sekumpul means ‘a collection’ in Indonesian. It reflects the cluster of waterfalls that plunge from heights of up to 80 meters into the valley below.
To see a panoramic view of waterfalls, you have to trek and step through the hillside, crossing small streams, and walking along jungle paths. The trek typically takes 30-45 minutes downhill and slightly longer on the return climb.
Once you arrive at the waterfall, you can see the main waterfall thunder down from high cliffs, creating misty surroundings. You can enjoy a shallow pool in its natural swimming spots and capture amazing pictures of waterfalls.
Seminyak & Kuta Beach are places to visit in Bali for families with kids. It has sophisticated surroundings, equipped with many tenants and attractions. So, it makes your holiday with kids more enjoyable in one place.
If you are comparing Bali vs Thailand, Seminyak & Kuta Beach are proof that the island offers more enjoyable activities. You can enjoy sunset cocktails by the ocean, shopping around the Kuta and Seminyak’s bustling streets, or surf lessons for the first-timers.
You can visit this area in the dry season for clearer skies, better beach conditions, and ideal outdoor activities. It helps you to enjoy all the activities without worrying about rain falling during the trip.
Nusa Dua & Jimbaran Bay are the top places to visit in Bali for first-timers. It is a place where you can enjoy calm surroundings, helping you disconnect from the busy outside world that overwhelms your head.
In Nusa Dua, you can experience a refined holiday in luxury resorts. It is possible to explore the area by cycling around the beachfront promenade. Or, you can unwind in the spa and wellness place to melt away stress and strains in your body.
While in Jimbaran Bay, enjoying seafood becomes the most important thing to do. You can choose your own seafood in the traditional fishing village heritage. It enriches your culinary journey during the trip to Bali.
Uluwatu Clifftop Beaches are known for their turquoise waters, rugged scenery, and secluded atmosphere. It has big waves, which is no wonder why Uluwatu becomes a world-class surfing destination.
Things that make Uluwatu Clifftop Beaches different are dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves. Whether you are looking for surfing experience, peaceful sunbathing, or stunning photography, they are all available in Uluwatu.
If you are wondering, “What are the places to visit in Bali?”, you can visit Bali Safari & Marine Park. It is one of Bali’s largest wildlife attractions, offering you the chance to see hundreds of animals from Indonesia, Asia, Africa, and India in their designed habitat.
The signature activity in Bali Safari & Marine Park is Safari Journey. You will ride through specially designed habitats to observe animals roaming around open environments. You can see a Bengal Tiger, an African Lion, a Zebra, a Rhinoceros, and an Elephant.
Waterbom Bali is a fun place for families to play in the water. It is one of the biggest water parks in Asia, so you can explore many attractions in the most playful way during the trip. Many attractions are offered in Waterboom Bali, including:
You can even unwind with kids in the lazy river. With the rubber tires, you will float through tropical scenery while enjoying a slower-paced experience that helps you to release all stress.
Home to over a thousand Balinese long-tailed macaques, Sacred Monkey Forest is a must-visit place in Ubud. The sanctuary covers approximately 12.5 hectares of protected forest filled with ancient temples, giant banyan trees, moss-covered statues, and winding jungle pathways.
You can see how the monkeys are climbing trees, playing with one another, and grooming in groups. Besides, you can also visit sacred temples within, which are Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Holy Spring Temple, and Prajapati Temple.
Looking for places to visit in Bali for families with kids? You can visit Sanur Beach in the eastern part of Bali. It has calm waters, which are perfect for you and your kids to swim together in the ocean.
Unwinding in tranquil surroundings is possible in Sanur Beach. Jogging in the morning with sunrise views, then taking breakfast with breathtaking views, can elevate your trip with kids in Bali.
Nusa Penida is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and incredible marine life. It offers a more adventurous experience compared to mainland Bali.
The waters surrounding the island are rich with marine biodiversity, so you can do snorkeling and diving. You may encounter manta rays, sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and tropical fish species.
Offering the most spectacular scenery in Indonesia, combined with dramatic cliffs, you can enjoy extraordinary trip experiences in Nusa Penida. The island delivers an unforgettable adventure that shows a wild and breathtaking side of Bali.
In recent years, Amed has successfully caught tourists from all over the world for its peaceful coastal region on Bali’s northeastern shoreline. It is famous for its black volcanic beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class snorkeling and diving.
An incredible snorkeling and diving experience is available in Amed. You can see tropical reef fish, sea turtles, coral gardens, and macro marine species. The combination of volcanic beach sand, turquoise water, and a view of Mount Agung leaves a good impression on your trip.
Nestled among rolling rice terraces, Sidemen Valley offers travelers an authentic glimpse into rural Balinese life. It shows a different side of Bali, which is more peaceful and cool.
Spectacular rice terrace landscapes create tranquil surroundings, which are perfect for walking, photography, and relaxation. You can also experience traditional village life, local ceremonies, and centuries-old customs when visiting Sidemen Valley.
If you are an Australian and want to experience the peaceful surroundings of Sidemen Valley, you need a visa to visit Bali. They have to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) before arriving on the island.
Understanding places to visit in Bali makes you realise that the island has diverse destinations to explore. Beaches, hidden gems, and cultural and spiritual sites all offer stunning vistas that will leave you with pleasant recollections long after you depart the island.
Exploring the island will feel incomplete if you do not choose the right home base. Stay at SOLO is a family accommodation in Bali that puts you closer to Bali’s best spots. Choose our accommodation and experience the best service to get a proper rest after a whole day of trip.