What’s your feeling when you hear the word ‘Bali’, one of the most famous island destinations in Indonesia? Abode to ancient culture? Its very own genial hospitality? Exotic palaces, temples and mosques set against awesome natural backgrounds? An unlimited array of the unique, local cuisine? Nightspots to enjoy with a magical dance floor and restaurant-cum-social clubbing? Bali gives you all these and more! 

Tourist places in Bali are aplenty island, explosive volcanoes and dense jungles a sensual delight to the tourists in the Indonesian archipelago. Nothing could prevent them from wanting to stay away from the coastline overlong. You can find popular beach resorts including Jimbaran, Seminyak and Kuta where some of the finest villas and hotels overlook the world-famous surf spots. If you’re looking for total tranquillity, then you shouldn’t miss out on the popular sunrises and seascapes in Nusa Dua, remote Candidasa and Sanur. The road less travelled Bali’s northern and eastern regions also provide exciting diving points in serene bays, surrounded by coral gardens supported by vibrant marine biodiversity. While you’re in Bali, here’re are the best places to visit.

Ubud 

Nestled among the terraced rice fields that go up to the foothills of the island’s central mountain ranges, Ubud is the neuron of Bali’s cultural system.  Check some of the island’s major museums such as the Neka Art Museum comprising an ever-growing repertoire of Balinese painting forms. Enjoy Bali’s dance and music performances all throughout the year across the city, as well as the many art craft stores and art galleries in Ubud. Although Ubud is considered as an intriguing touring destination, and one of Bali tourist places to study the culture and tourism aspects of Bali in-depth, Ubud became a talking point only when it was featured in “Eat, Pray, Love.”, a popular book-turned-movie. Interestingly, you can wade through the streets of Ubud easily by just taking a stroll or bicycling for the most part of the day convenient ways to escape from the crowd and expanding the commercialization of the city. Ubud is enveloped on all sides by slowly rolling rice paddies that fashion a gorgeous image of lush greenery. Overall, Ubud is rated as one of the best places to visit in Bali.

Tanah Lot

Located on a large rock structure, one of the major places to see in Bali, Tanah Lot houses one of the most popular temples for Hindus living in Bali. It’s been part and parcel of Balinese mythology from time immemorial. Considered one of the seven temples of the region, each located next to the other, it forms a chain along the island’s long south-western coastline. Tanah Lot gets very busy at the fag end of the day, and understandably so. The area wedged between the beach located adjacent to the temple and the car park is a labyrinth of souvenir stores and boutiques selling a great selection of Bali trinkets you can just imagine of. Once you’re able to find your way through the several souvenir sellers to the beach, you’ll be able to witness the grand temple resting on a rock separated by a few metres alongshore.

Seminyak

In Bali, tourist places are aplenty, but nothing like the Seminyak situated on the south-western coastline of the island. Seminyak is a quaint town that has been overshadowed by the expansive development of the city of Kuta. Seminyak is one of the most important places to visit in Bali, and no wonder the island’s most exotic travel destination. 

From its upscale boutique and star-rated restaurants to its luxury style hotels and spas, the city is a major attraction for loaded travellers from all over. Enjoy the spectacular sights of the Indian Ocean while you’re in Seminyak Beach. Do watch out for the surf as it can get tricky even if you’re a pro swimmer. The beach also attracts professional surfers who accept the challenge to ride thunderous big waves braving the risky weather at times. 

Pura Besakih

Located high on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest mountain peak in Bali, Pura Besakih is regarded as one of the most significant of the “Sad Kahyangan Jagad”, the temples or kahyangan Jagat, which safeguards the island from the actions of evil spirits. Legend has it that there was a giant snake, a holy dragon by the name of Basuki, inhabiting the cave at Goa Lawah, masquerading himself behind the colony of bats that thrives inside the dark and gloomy natural chasm. It’s also said that believers of the dragon god strongly believed that he dwells within the abysses of the high mountain. There are over 28 structures enclosed within the temple complex, built on seven rising terraces. You can participate in an organized tour to witness the site compared to self-guided walking tours on-site that could be somewhat taxing.

Kuta Beach

Once a quiet and quaint fishing hamlet, Kuta gained prominence as an excellent spot for surfing activities in the 1970s, and it has gone on to become one of the best tourist attractions in Bali ever since.  Situated on the island’s southern point in the Kelurahan village, the long, vast and wide stretch of sand features in the list of the best-maintained and most picturesque beaches in the island. Popular for its late-night pub and club culture, the southern part of the Kuta beach is generally crowded anytime. If you’re not in the mood, why not take a short stroll to the northern part of the beach, which is usually quieter, and offers you greater peace of mind?

Mount Batur

If you feel you’re done with sightseeing in Bali, you actually aren’t without visiting Mount Batur, one of the most important mountain peaks located on one of the island’s most lush, attractive landscapes. Mount Batur dominates the north-eastern part of Bali, with a land expanse of 1,717 metres (5,633 feet). Sometimes volcanic, Mount Batur comprises craters, a lesser-known lake and many villages. 

One of the must-see places in Bali, Mount Batur offers a lovely view of the sunrise, a highly popular activity. You can ascend the mountain easily in two hours if you’re reasonably in good shape. Don’t miss out on visiting the nearby touring destination, the Pura Ulun Danu, one of the island’s nine important Hindu temples. 

Pura Luhur Uluwatu

Situated at the southernmost point of Bali is the Bukit Peninsula which houses the  Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of the nine most important Hindu shrines on the island. This 11th-century temple was raised on top of a limestone cliff butting out over the sea. This is one of Bali’s tourist places that is also highly revered by the Hindu population of the region, as only Hindu priests are permitted inside the temple’s innermost sanctuary. You can tour around and view the temple with or without the support of a guide. Different statues of the Hindu deity Ganesha throng the entrance as you walk through the temple complex. Watch out as groups of playful monkeys can run towards you begging for food. You can also enjoy the dances that are hosted for temple visitors every day around dusk time. 

There are several Bali tourist attractions, out of which we have mentioned only a handful of must-see places in Bali, in this blog for you to make the most of while you’re in the island. On a final note, whilst there are many Bali tourist places that had to suffer the brunt of increasing commercialization in recent times, there’re still touring destinations to visit in the island of Bali that generally remained unperturbed by time.

FAQs

– What is the most beautiful place to visit in Bali?

Though there are nearly 60 important touring destinations in Bali, the most beautiful place in Bali is Ubud, a town on the island of Bali, which is perched among steep ravines and rice paddles in the centrally located foothills of Gianyar regency.

– How many days are enough in Bali?

Usually 10-14 days of stay is enough in Bali, which is a reasonable length of time to tour in and around Bali, especially if you’re an international traveller. It might also provide you the opportunity to travel to the Gili Islands, a nearby group of three islands.

– What is famous in Bali?

The Indonesian island of Bali is popular for its scintillating beaches, gorgeous mountain jungle rainforests, ancient temples, the age-old practise of Hinduism and Yoga and spirituality, the positive vibe of the island, water sports including scuba diving and for the tropical island idyll that it is.

– What is famous in Bali for shopping?

Bali is a famous shopping destination in Indonesia. Though there are a number of things you can shop for depending upon your time and budget, the most popular things to buy include jewellery, chocolates and coffee, fragrances, artefacts, handicrafts, bags, streetwear, beachwear, furniture, clothing, souvenirs, etc.

– Is Bali expensive to visit?

Travelling to Bali is not as expensive as you may think; it’s a highly budget-friendly touring destination. Therefore, you can visit the island without burning a hole in your pocket. Though often a busy touring destination, Bali is surprisingly not that pricey if you know all the popular shopping destinations on the island first-hand.

– What is the most visited place in Bali?

Check the most popular destinations to visit in Bali, and you’ll find that the most visited place on the island is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or, more popularly, the Monkey Forest in the city of Ubud. The concept behind creating this forest sanctuary is ‘Tri Hita Karana’ which aims at fostering peace and harmony, being an international tourist destination.