bali, indonesia

The 11 Best Things to Do in Bali: The Ultimate Travel Guide

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Planning a trip to Bali? Well if you do, then your vacation is headed in the right direction. For travelers who are searching for an ideal tropical paradise, Bali is the best place for them to go. Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia and one of the most lovely places in Asia. This tropical, mystical, and spiritual place is also known as the Island of the Gods. Besides that, there are a significant number of exciting vacation spots in Bali. Therefore, a large number of voyagers from all over the world travel to this small island in Indonesia. So, if you pick Bali as your next traveling goal, you should read this post to discover the main tourist attractions in Bali. Here we compiled a list of the top 11 things to do in Bali to give you a remarkable experience of tourism in Bali.

1. Tanah Lot Temple

Bali has a long list of places to see and things to do and Tanah Lot temple is one of the best tourist destinations in Bali.  

There are so many incredible temples in Bali and it would be impossible to pick a favorite, but Tanah Lot is worth a visit. 

Tanah Lot (locally known as Pura Tanah Lot) means Land in the Middle of the Sea. This temple is situated in Tabanan and near the Bali town. 

This is one of the most iconic temples in Bali. This temple is situated on the top of a big rock which is surrounded by the sea. 

Photo Credit: Mindy McAdams

The temple is considered one of the most sacred places in Bali. It is not open to visitors but reserved for pilgrims only. However, stunning views of the temple backed by the glowing sunset can be seen from many points nearby. 

Most probably you’ll see the best sunset view in your life from this place. When the sun is setting, creating a mixture of magenta and orange colors in the sky and the tide rises, the beauty of Tanah Lot is a very spectacular sight.

Don’t forget to look over the coral life which exists in plenty on the shores. All these attractions are among Bali’s most picturesque places that are ideal for tourism and photography. 

2.  Ubud Monkey Forest

The town of Ubud is famous for its traditional crafts and dance. It is situated in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia. 

Ubud is surrounded by the district’s rainforest and terrace of rice paddies. It is spotted with Hindu temples and monasteries. They are Bali’s most illustrious landscapes.

 Visiting the Ubud monkey forest in Bali is an undeniable requirement on all Bali bucket lists. The Ubud monkey forest is situated in the town of Ubud on the island of Bali in Indonesia.

Photo Credit: Max Grabert

The Ubud Monkey Forest is home to more than 700 long-tailed macaques. This natural sanctuary is the most popular in Bali, on account of its local administration, area, and easy entry. 

The locals of Padangtegal village supervise the Ubud Monkey Forest. Above all, this is a place of scientific research and a site of spiritual and cultural perspectives. The sanctuaries are sainted by nearby locals.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is likewise called the Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal. But its official designation is Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana.

Sangeh Monkey Forest is another famous sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in the village of Sangeh. It is around 25 km north of the island’s capital city of Denpasar.

 This Monkey Forest is a natural sanctuary for grey long-tailed macaques.  

This sanctuary covers 6 hectares of forestland with primitive, monster nutmeg trees. These trees grow up to 40 meters in tallness. 

The sanctuary is viewed as sacred. Here the macaques live both in the forested areas and in a sanctuary called Pura Bukit Sari. 

The sanctuary is about 300 years old and ruins deep within the forest.

3. Ubud Art Market

Ubud Art Market is located directly in the center of Ubud town. The Ubud Art Market is the most famous tourist market in Bali.

In this hippie village, you will find everything you need in the organized chaos. Locally the market is known as Pasar Seni Ubud. It is situated just opposite the Puri Saren Agung or Ubud Royal Palace.

The Ubud Art Market is a decent spot to discover attractive silk scarves, lightweight shirts, statues, kites, handcrafted woven bags, baskets or hats, and numerous other hand-crafted products.

Photo Credit: tama-chan

The products on sale are extremely unique as they are normally Balinese, and some are scarce somewhere else.

Local people from all the neighboring towns produce those souvenirs. So this makes those products even more extraordinary.

If you’re on vacation in Bali, the Ubud Art Market is certainly, an extraordinary spot to look for gifts to bring home.

Ubud is the artistic focal area of the island, so you can discover all the best handcrafted products here.

4. Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah is one of the most significant archeological destinations and tourist points in Bali. This spot is located close to the Elephant River of Bali. So it is also known as “Elephant Cave.” This sacred Hindu temple is situated in Bedulu Village only six kilometers from Ubud in Bali.

Upon arriving at Goa Gajah you have to stroll down a trip of stairs. Then you can discover a relic-filled courtyard and the fundamental 11th-century cave. A carving of a wide-eyed figure is featured at the entrance to the cave. There you will find rock-divider carvings and a meditational site inside the cave.

Photo Credit: ((brian))

This place likewise has a Hindu temple and a great bathing pool with stone sculptures and fountains. Those were excavated in 1954. This is certainly, a mystical notable site that you have to visit. 

UNESCO recorded Goa Gajah as a World Heritage Site in 1995 to protect this spectacular site.

If you’re thinking about visiting Bali and pondering whether it merits a visit, keep in mind that Bali is one of the greatest spots to visit in Indonesia. However, Goa Gajah is one fine case of things to do in Bali.

5.  Mount Batur 

Mount Batur is undoubtedly one of Bali’s must-visit tourist spots. Visiting Mount Batur is without a doubt once in a lifetime experience!

Mount Batur is an active volcano in one of the sacred mountains, according to Hindu beliefs. This mountain is located in Kintamani District and is about 1717 meters above sea level. It is also elevated to the beautiful lake Batur. 

Photo Credit: Bertrand DUPERRIN

The spectacular views of the lake and volcano attract numerous nature lovers and photographers from all over the world.

Climbing the mountain is a popular activity, especially sunrise-tour. A local guide will help you to catch the sunrise at the summit. This is a trekking tour that is designed for travelers of a moderate fitness level. 

On this tour, you have to rise early to undertake a thrilling moonlight climb on the mountain. Then you can watch the sunrise from the top of the volcano. I assure you that you can witness the spectacular view and sunrise like you’ve never seen before!

6. Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks. Its local name is Pura Luhur Uluwatu. It is unlikely for explorers to avoid Uluwatu. Because it is one of the most exclusive and desired tourist spots on the island of Bali.

It has a spectacular natural beauty including the exceptional Indian Ocean. The coastal forest surrounds the temple where the long-tailed macaques live. 

Uluwatu temple is standing on the cliff edge of the southwestern Bukit peninsula. This temple is the second biggest hallowed Balinese temple. It is also one of the oldest temples in Indonesia. 

Things to Do in Bali

Photo Credit: Deni Saputra

So it attracts numerous sightseers to come and enjoy a wonderful blue ocean landscape from this temple. 

This is also a great place for experiencing Bali’s dramatic sunsets. 

The beach in this place is also great for surfing. The surfers utilize this seashore for surfing. They learn rather quickly to direct themselves in the waves according to the direction of the temple. 

In addition, other great attractions in the local area include the open amphitheater. It is just 100 meters from the temple. This is also a perfect spot to enjoy the fire dance performances that take place daily.

7. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

The Garuda (the mythical bird) is the national symbol of Indonesia and Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park is perhaps the number-one icon of Bali. 

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park covers an area of nearly 250 hectares and is an open-air and versatile site. 

Visitors can enjoy plenty of exhibitions and cultural performances throughout the park.

Things to Do in Bali

Photo Credit: D.Meutia

There is also the gigantic statue of the Hindu God Wisnu here which stands in the region of 145 meters. The statue of Wisnu mounted on his ride is half man and half Garuda bird. 

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park will provide an experience that you will treasure forever for a unique and authentic experience, there is no place like it. Moreover, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park also gives you direct access to history.

8. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Tegallalang is significantly famous for its arts and crafts. The Tegallalang rice terrace is also famous for its picturesque landscapes of the layered rice fields. That’s why travelers often stop by for snapshots of an iconic Balinese view. 

These rice terraces are located on the northern side of Tegallalang village which is the central area of Bali.

Subak is Bali’s traditional, centuries-old cooperative irrigation system. This system has created some of the most beautiful rice field landscapes in Southeast Asia, and this valley is a great example.

Photo Credit: Sanjay P. K.

The quaint village of Pakudui is located near to the Tegallalang rice field. You can find a variety of fancy woodwork and various carvings of mythical figures here. There are many souvenir stalls in Tegallalang where you can collect some gifts for your loved ones. 

9. Tirta Empul Temple 

Looking for a pure and divine experience in one place? Then visit Tirta Empul Temple in Bali. There’s an undeniable touch of uniqueness when it comes to the Tirta Empul Temple. 

This is the praying center for the Balinese Hindus. The temple is a famous tourist spot in Bali. It is also a national cultural heritage site in Indonesia. 

Photo Credit: Isriya Paireepairit

There is a large pool at the center of the complex from where the views of the temple are amazingly beautiful.  Multiple worshippers can enter this water arena for praying purposes. So visitors must be very careful when it comes to paying respect to the locals or worshippers.

By visiting the Tirta Empul Temple visitors can fulfill their spiritual desires.

Visiting the Tirta Empul temple will be a unique experience while you are in Bali. So You should add this to your Bali bucket list. 

10. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is certainly another iconic image of Bali. The local name of this temple is Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. Moreover, Floating Temple is another name for this temple.

The temple is located 1,200 meters above sea level with a cold tropical climate. It is the most hypnotizing temple complex on the shores of Lake Beratan, set within the highlands of the hilly Bedugul region in Bali, Indonesia. 

Photo by Purna Wirastana from Pexels

The mountains surrounding this location which give this place a characteristic mesmerizing, dreamy touch, make this temple a hot spot for photographers and tourists.

The charm of the beauty and picturesque scenery of this temple can make anyone feel hypnotized and fall in love. The magnificent natural beauty of this place certainly makes an impression on every visitor and gives a feeling of serenity. So I recommend visiting this temple for all those visiting Bali.

11. Waterbom Bali

What is Waterbom Park? Waterbom Bali is the number one waterpark in Asia and second in the world. Waterbom Bali has undoubtedly been one of the must-go family destinations when you’re in Bali. This modern water park is located in the heart of Kuta just in front of the Kartika Plaza Hotel.

Waterbom Bali has uncountable slides and many other attractions.

Photo Credit: Aiko Konishi

This theme park is a one-stop-shop for vacation.  It is an all-family recreation complex that includes exciting water rides, swimming pools, a variety of restaurants and snack bars, and plenty of room for recreation and relaxation. Kids have their own kiddies waterpark with specially designed slides. However, you can set a plan for a day of fun in the sun or relaxation in the shade that is perfect for the whole family.

Here you can pump your adrenaline to the maximum or just be a lazy sunbather. That is to say, with a remarkable size and exciting rides, Waterbom Bali also carries many other significant values that are worthy of the wonderful family experience of a lifetime.

In short, Bali is indeed a great destination for tourists who want to maximize their recreation. It will never be a mistake to book air tickets to Bali above all it is undoubtedly a heaven on earth. For spending a holiday in Bali is undoubtedly a thrilling place. In other words, travelers will not disappointed as plenty of attractions and pleasing experiences Bali has to offer.

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Are you looking for more practical information about Indonesia? Make sure to check these posts as well:

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