Introduction
Bali, the Island of the Gods, offers an incredible mix of spiritual temples, pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and thrilling adventures that make it one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion at the best temples in Bali like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, exploring the top places to visit in Bali such as Mount Batur and Tegallalang Rice Terraces, or planning an adventurous trip to Bali filled with water sports and wildlife encounters, this tropical paradise has something for every traveller.
This comprehensive guide showcases 21 incredible destinations that will help you create unforgettable memories during your Bali adventure!
For Culture & Spirituality
- Ubud Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud tops the must visit places in Bali. This natural home houses over 600 Balinese long-tailed monkeys and 115 tree species. The monkeys often approach tourists for food, making it a delightful spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Location: Jalan Monkey forest, Ubud, Kabupaten, Gianyar, Bali
- Entry Fee: ₹410/- for adults and ₹308/- for children aged 3-12
- Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The Tegallalang Rice Terraces, located 20 minutes north of Ubud on the Kintamani road, offer breathtaking views of stepped rice fields.
Famous for Instagram-worthy swings and stunning sunrise/sunset views, these UNESCO sites showcase Bali’s agricultural beauty perfectly. It’s a photographer’s paradise that captures the island’s traditional farming heritage beautifully.
- Location: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: ₹133.10/- per person
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the best temples in Bali, built on a rock in the sea near Tabanan. This 500-year-old Hindu temple means “Land on the Sea.”
It has sea snake carvings and holy water. Foreign visitors can’t enter, but can walk to the main area, admire the architecture, and watch beautiful sunsets.
- Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: ₹390/- for Adults, ₹260/- for Children
- Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
- Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur Uluwatu, perched on a high cliff 250 feet above the Indian Ocean, is among the best temples in Bali.
As one of six main spiritual temples, it offers breathtaking sunset views and daily Kecak dance performances. The stunning Balinese architecture and romantic atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for travellers.
- Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: ₹142/- for adults and ₹71/- for children
- Timings: 7 am to 7 pm
- Tirta Empul Temple
Pura Tirta Empul, built in 962 AD, is one of the best places to go in Bali. This Holy Water Temple features a sacred mountain spring that feeds the Pakerisan river. The temple is famous for its purification rituals, and tourists are welcome to participate in the traditional ritual bath.
- Location: Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: ₹400/- for Adults and ₹267/- for Children
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
- Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Garuda Wisnu Kencana is among Bali’s best places to visit, featuring a magnificent 120-metre statue of Lord Vishnu riding Garuda. This cultural park offers spirituality, diverse sculptures, grand performances, culinary adventures, and activities.
It’s a perfect destination for experiencing authentic Balinese culture, artistry, regional beliefs, and peaceful values.
- Location: Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: Between ₹600/- to ₹650/-
- Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
For Best Beaches & Water Sports
- Seminyak
Seminyak is among the world’s most elegant beaches and one of Bali’s most beloved destinations. This crystal-clear beach offers watersports, horse riding along white coastlines, and vibrant nightlife with beachfront bars.
With amazing food options and nearby villas, it’s perfect for witnessing stunning sunsets and enjoying Bali’s atmosphere.
- Location: Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: None
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida, separated from Bali by Badung Strait, offers unspoilt nature perfect for photographers and explorers. This tranquil island features Hindu temples, lagoons, limestone formations, and high cliffs surrounded by turquoise waters.
With limited accommodations and eateries, it’s ideal for peaceful getaways. Consider a Bali Tour Package with Gili Island for the ultimate island-hopping experience.
- Location: Nusa Penida, Nusa Islands, Klungkung
- Entry Fee: ₹130/- per person
- Timings: N/A
- Canggu
Canggu Beach has become one of Bali’s trendiest destinations, featuring multiple small beaches like Batu Bolong, Berawa, Nelayan, and Echo Beach. The black sand coastline offers excellent surfing conditions with rough waters.
Echo Beach is popular for surfing, while beachside clubs, restaurants, surf shops, and live music create a vibrant atmosphere.
- Location: Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Kuta
Kuta Beach, one of Bali’s most popular destinations, is situated near Ngurah Rai International Airport (near Legian and Seminyak). This long sandy beach features coconut-lined shores, excellent surfing waves, and abundant accommodations.
Offering the best surfing, parasailing, sunbathing, and banana boat rides, it transforms from stunning sunset views into a vibrant nightlife party hub. Undoubtedly, Kuta is the best place in Bali.
- Location: Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: None
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Sanur
Sanur Beach offers a peaceful escape from Bali’s crowded destinations with its laid-back atmosphere and calm waters protected by offshore reefs. Perfect for families, this serene beach features gentle waves, small local restaurants, and bars away from large resorts.
Especially lively on Sundays with street vendors, Sanur provides beautiful sunsets and houses famous local markets.
- Location: Pantai Sanur, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: None
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Amed
Amed Beach in Bali has become a popular hub for aquatic activities, offering both adventure and relaxation. With established diving instructors and the recent addition of freediving, it attracts water sports enthusiasts.
The beach has a rich traditional salt farming history, where locals in the Purwati area use filtered seawater in coconut tree trunks to extract salt under the sun. The beach is especially famous for snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing.
- Location: Pantai Amed, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: None
- Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
- Tulamben
Tulamben is also the best place in Bali for diving, famous for its beautiful USAT Liberty shipwreck filled with colourful fish and corals.
This stone-covered beach offers World War shipwreck exploration, peaceful honeymoon settings with romantic sunrises, calm waters, and excellent grilled seafood restaurants attracting many tourists.
- Location: Karangasem, Tulamben, Kec. Kubu, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: None
- Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
For Natural Wonders & Scenery
- Mount Batur
Mount Batur, called “Gunung Batur” locally, is among the top places to visit in Bali.
This active volcano stands 1,717 metres high, offering breathtaking views of Lake Batur and the surrounding mountains with dramatic black lava formations from its eruption in 2000. It’s an unforgettable sunrise trekking destination.
- Location: South Batur, Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Tour Price: Starts from ₹11,895/-
- Timings: Tour starts from 1:40 am
- Tegenungan Waterfall
Tegenungan Waterfall sits between Ubud and Denpasar in Tegenungan village, making it one of the best places to go in Bali.
It offers dense greenery, shallow swimming areas, and nearby cafes. Its peaceful, secluded setting creates perfect opportunities for nature photography and Instagram-worthy moments.
- Location: Kemenuh, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: ₹73/- for Adults, ₹49/- for Children
- Timings: 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Sekumpul Waterfall
Sekumpul features seven stunning waterfalls in northern Bali. What makes it one of the best places to visit in Bali is that these cascades vary in height and shape throughout a lush green valley, which is a visual treat.
The challenging 3-hour trek through stairs, dirt tracks, and streams makes reaching them incredibly rewarding.
- Location: Jalan Air Terjun Desa Sekumpul Kecamatan Sawan Kabupaten Buleleng, Kota Singaraja, Bali 81171, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: Between ₹100/- to ₹142/-
- Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk is a beautiful 30-minute hiking trail in Bali featuring paved walkways and breathtaking views. Suitable for all ages, it’s best experienced before sunrise for magical lighting.
The trail ends at restaurants and local food stalls, making it a perfect blend of nature and culinary exploration.
- Location: Kelusa, Payangan, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 hours
For the Adrenaline & Wildlife Encounters
- Aloha Swing Bali
Aloha Bali Swing is one of Bali’s most popular attractions, perfect for Instagram photos and adventure thrills.
The swing is suspended over a deep valley with a tropical vegetation backdrop, ideal for feeling the adrenaline and enjoying perfect photo opportunities.
With numerous beautiful rope and wood swings against stunning backgrounds, it attracts newlyweds and travel bloggers worldwide.
- Location: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: Starts from ₹800/- per person
- Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
- Bali Safari & Marine Park
Bali Safari and Marine Park is among the best places to go in Bali for families seeking fun encounters with animals.
This open zoo features imported creatures from various continents, offering unique experiences like dining at Tsavo Lion Restaurant, where you can watch magnificent lions while enjoying your meal nearby.
- Location: Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra No.Km. 19, Serongga, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80511, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: ₹2,729/- per person
- Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
- Waterbom Bali
Waterbom in South Kuta is among the must visit places in Bali. It is ranked as Asia’s No. 1 waterpark.
This family-friendly destination offers exciting water rides for everyone, from the relaxing “Lazy River” for couples to the thrilling 20-metre tall “Boomerang” for adrenaline seekers visiting the island.
- Location: Jl. Kartika Plaza, Tuban, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: ₹2,350/- per person
- Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
- Lovina Beach
Lovina is one of Bali best places to visit for Dolphin watching. Many tours use traditional boats for a maximum of 4 people to watch dolphins jumping and splashing during sunrise.
This pristine destination features turquoise-blue waves, black sands, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can also enjoy art shops, seafood restaurants, cafes, and beautiful sunset views by the beachside.
- Location: Pantai Lovina, Anturan, Buleleng, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Entry Fee: None
- Timings: Open 24 hours
The Best Places to Visit in Bali – Highlights
Bali truly stands out as a destination that offers something magical for every type of traveller. From the spiritual energy of ancient temples and the natural beauty of cascading waterfalls to the excitement of water sports and wildlife encounters, these bali best places to visit create a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Whether you’re capturing Instagram-worthy moments at rice terraces, experiencing traditional purification ceremonies, or enjoying vibrant nightlife by the beach, Bali’s diverse attractions ensure unforgettable experiences. Plan your journey to this tropical paradise and discover why millions of travellers fall in love with the Island of the Gods every year!
