Top 20 Places to Explore in Bali

With 14 great mountains, 6,000 kilometres of shoreline, lakes, rivers, and rice fields as far as the eyes can see, Bali is heaven for the adventurers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Whether you’re here for the clean surf breaks, fascinating religious rituals, or beautiful sunsets, there is always something for you to do on the island. 

Bali is also rich in culinary delights. Its relationship with food goes beyond sustenance, as food is a staple part of religious ceremonies and offerings that are believed to connect the people with their gods and ancestors. While on the island, trying out Balinese and Indonesian cuisine is an activity worth diving into. For exquisite Indonesian food, book a table at Merah Putih Restaurant using these gift vouchers. 

Beyond food, don’t miss out on these top 20 places to explore in Bali. 

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

Located in the Bedugul highlands about 45 kilometers north from Ubud, Danu Beratan is Bali’s second largest lake. The climate in this area is much cooler, perfect if you need a break from the seaside sun. 

Danu Beratan spans around 37,6 hectares, but its vastness is not its main appeal. The sacred temple Pura Ulun sits in the middle of the lake, as if floating amidst a smattering of lily pads. The landscape of the temple on the water with Mount Catur and Mount Beratan in the background can be found on the Indonesian Rp.50,000 bill. 

Pura Lempuyang

Further up in Karangasem stands one of Bali’s most famous temples, Pura Lempuyang. This is also the oldest Hindu temple in Bali, making this destination one of the must-see places to explore in Bali. 

Pura Lempuyang is known as the “Gateway to Heaven,” in part because it was built on top of Mount Lempuyang, which stands 1,175 meters above sea level. Its literal gateway is a popular photo spot for travellers, so be prepared to wait in line for a while to get that iconic gate shot. To get to the temple, visitors have to climb 1,700 steps, but the view will be worth it. 

Pura Tirta Empul

“Tirta” is Sanskrit for “water.” Pura Tirta Empul is a sacred water temple in Bali famous for its water springs. This is where both Balinese locals and visitors alike participate in melukat, a water purification ceremony that takes place two to three times a year. During this ritual, you bathe yourself in the temple’s holy water to cleanse yourself from any negative energy. 

As with many sacred temples in Bali, visitors must dress appropriately, which entails covering up. Traditional sarongs and sashes are available to rent at the temple entrance. 

Pura Uluwatu

Pura Uluwatu is another temple that should be on your list of places to explore in Bali. Perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, this is where you go to witness a killer sunset. Here, you can enjoy the view from the temple or choose to engage in one of the most popular cultural attractions in Bali.

From 18:00 to 19:00, and again at 19:00 to 20:00, gather in the temple’s amphitheatre to witness the famous Kecak firedance. Performed by over a dozen dancers in costume, the dance tells the story of Ramayana to the soundtrack of a 50-strong male choir group singing in a circle around a fire. All of this takes place with the sun slowly setting in the background. Tickets for the performance can be purchased at the temple entrance. 

Desa Penglipuran

The most pristine tourism village in Indonesia is Desa Penglipuran, located in Bali’s Bangli region. In fact, UNESCO named it the world’s cleanest village in 2016! This village became a designated tourism village in 1993 and dubbed World’s Best Tourism Village by The World Tourism Organization in 2023. 

For a small fee that goes into village upkeep, you can experience the Balinese way of life. Encounter locals in their traditional home and learn about traditional culture and rituals, all while enjoying the way time seems to stand still in the village. 

Gunung Batur

Instead of the sunset, try watching the sunrise atop Gunung Batur, one of the active volcanoes in Bali. The sunrise hike is a popular tourist activity. The trek starts with a 2a.m. pick up from your accommodation and ends at the crater just in time for the sun to peek through the clouds. 

It takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit by foot, so be sure to go with a local guide to ensure your safety.

Jatiluwih rice terrace

Ubud has long been considered the home of Bali’s vast rice fields, but did you know that there is an expanse of these rice terraces in the Tabanan region? The Jatiluwih rice terrace brings its own charm. Thanks to its location in the south of Bali, the sun sets over the green fields with unobstructed views, colouring everything a beautiful golden.

Jatiluwih is the perfect place to explore in Bali as it showcases Bali’s age-old irrigation system, the subak. You’ll see how it all works as you walk or cycle along the rice terraces, encountering local farmers along your way. 

Marigold fields in Besakih

Bunga gemitir, or marigold, holds a special place in Balinese Hinduism. They are part of daily offerings called canang sari, which you will often see on the ground in front of entrances to houses, restaurants, shops, and accommodation. Marigolds abound in Besakih, a region that is roughly 49km north of Denpasar. 

Although marigolds are grown in other areas on the island, the fields in Besakih are by far the largest and most beautiful landscapes. This place is the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post. 

Tegenungan Waterfall

Not all waterfalls in Bali are located in remote places. Tegenungan is in Gianyar, making it the closest waterfall to the main tourist hubs of Sanur, Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta. Getting here takes a 30-minute drive from Denpasar, plus a 15-minute walk down some steps that will lead you to the river. 

Before visiting any waterfall, be sure to check the weather, as heavy rainfall can cause harsh currents in the river. 

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

Nestled in the heart of the Gianyar rainforest, the Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a stunning place to explore in Bali. It’s most famous for its unique rock formation which resembles steps, causing the water flowing down to form an iconic cascade. 

After purchasing the entrance fee, it’s a short five-minute walk down a series of stairs until you get to the waterfall. Be careful when navigating the rocks to take a photo, as they can be very slippery! 

Ubud Art Market

If you’re looking to bring home local souvenir, the Ubud Art Market is your go-to spot. Located on the main road, you’ll find a market teeming with Bali’s artistic heritage. Here, you’ll find stalls filled with all kinds of traditional crafts from handwoven fabric, hand-carved items, beachwear, and rattan goods. It’s best not to rush through the market so you can choose something meaningful to bring home. 

Sidemen Valley

Further east of Bali, you’ll find the village of Sidemen in the Karangasem region. This is one of the less popular but still unique places to explore in Bali. It’s about a 2-hour drive from the airport and is on the route to the island’s volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur. 

Sidemen is your quiet respite away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s tourism centre. Enjoy a calming view of sprawling greens as far as the eye can see, with a wide expanse of sky overhead and the volcanoes towering over the village. 

Lovina

What is a trip to tropical paradise without seeing some ocean life? Lovina is the perfect place to explore in Bali for this very reason. This small town lies 85 kilometers north of Seminyak and is actually at the northern edge of the island. Its coral reefs and black sand beaches are attractions on their own, but travellers really come here to swim with dolphins.

Wake up super early and drive to Lovina, where you’ll get on a boat to the middle of the ocean. Soon, you’ll see pods of dolphins jumping out of the ocean and have the chance to swim with them by holding onto a rail attached to the side of your boat. 

Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, Indonesian for “Elephant Cave,” is an ancient manmade cave used as a ritual site. The cave is located in Gianyar regency, nearly 30 kilometers from Denpasar. Goa Gajah’s iconic feature is the stone carving right at the entrance to the cave, which resembles an elephant. However, other sources claim that the cave gained its name for the statue of Ganesha, a Hindu god with an elephant head, inside the cave. 

Green Bowl Beach

Secluded beaches should be on your list of places to explore in Bali. One of them is Green Bowl Beach in Ungasan, a 15-minute drive from Denpasar. This hidden beach is one of Bali’s shortest beaches, with its shore spanning just 30 meters. It’s known for the large limestone cave right on the sand, which offers shade during particularly hot days.

Getting to Green Bowl Beach is quite the workout though. You’ll need to go down hundreds of steep steps from the parking area to get to the beach, and then back up those steps on your way home! 

Melasti Beach

Not all beaches are safe to swim in, but Melasti Beach in Uluwatu is one place to explore in Bali where you can swim to your heart’s content. Melasti is one of the beaches in the south of Bali that still has beautiful turquoise waters. It’s surrounded by limestone cliffs, and you can swim in the ocean while watching the sun set behind the formations. 

Suluban Beach

Another beach in Uluwatu, while less secluded, is Suluban Beach. Home to the world famous Uluwatu surf break, Suluban attracts surfers from around the world to its shores. The beach is located right below Single Fin bar which comes alive at night. For both the surf and the nightlife, Suluban is one of the best places to explore in Bali. 

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Standing 121 meters tall, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is one of the world’s tallest monuments. It’s so large that you can see it from any of Bali’s southern shores. This juggernaut of Balinese craftsmanship is at the center of the cultural park, where visitors can explore Balinese art and culture, from statues and carvings to traditional performances. 

Commonly known as GWK, this park is a great place to explore in Bali. For breathtaking views, take the elevator inside the main statue up to the 23rd floor. Here, you can look out at the Uluwatu peninsula. 

Nightlife in Seminyak and Canggu 

Bali isn’t just an island with ancient cultural traditions; it’s also a popular nightlife destination. If you’re looking for entertainment, look no further than the Seminyak and Canggu areas. From beach clubs to super clubs, craft beer breweries to fine dining restaurants, swanky bars to trashy pubs – there’s something for everyone.

Related article: From Beaches to Bars, You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do in Bali

Nusa Islands

The greater area of Bali Dwipa is inclusive of the islands of Bali, Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Serangan, and Menjangan. Plenty of adventures await on these surrounding islands, which are a short boat ride away from Sanur Harbor in Bali. 

Nusa Penida is the most popular out of these islands. Here, you can snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point and visit the famous rock formations at Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong. 

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