Top Places to Visit in Bali

Bali, Indonesia‘s “Island of the Gods,” is one of the most enchanting destinations in Southeast Asia. From sacred temples perched on dramatic cliffs to emerald rice terraces, volcanic peaks, and turquoise beaches, the island offers an extraordinary blend of culture, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a family holiday, a solo adventure, or a group escape, this comprehensive guide to the best places to visit in Bali will help you craft an unforgettable journey.

At Fun Odyssey Travel, we’ve spent years curating authentic Bali experiences for travelers from around the world. Below, we share the must-see destinations, hidden gems, and practical travel tips to help you fall in love with Bali — one breathtaking view at a time.

Why Visit Bali? A Quick Overview

Bali is more than a tropical island — it’s a living tapestry of Hindu traditions, ancient temples, lush jungles, and warm hospitality. Located in the Indonesian archipelago, just east of Java, Bali offers something for every type of traveler. Here’s why it remains one of the world’s top travel destinations:

• Rich cultural heritage rooted in Balinese Hinduism, dance, and ceremony
• Stunning natural landscapes including volcanoes, waterfalls, and rice terraces
• World-class beaches for surfing, diving, and relaxation
• Affordable luxury with boutique resorts, spas, and fine dining
• Year-round tropical climate with a dry season from April to October
• Easy island hopping to nearby Lombok, Nusa Penida, and the Gili Islands

Now, let’s explore the top tourist attractions in Bali that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

1. Ubud — The Cultural Heart of Bali

No Bali itinerary is complete without Ubud, the island’s spiritual and artistic capital. Nestled in the central highlands, Ubud is famous for its lush rice paddies, traditional crafts, yoga retreats, and Hindu temples.

Top Things to Do in Ubud

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces — Walk through dramatic emerald-green terraces that showcase Bali’s ancient subak irrigation system, recognized by UNESCO.
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — Wander through ancient temple ruins surrounded by hundreds of long-tailed macaques.
• Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung) — Admire traditional Balinese architecture and watch evening dance performances.
• Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni) — Shop for handmade textiles, woodcarvings, and silver jewelry.
• Campuhan Ridge Walk — Enjoy a peaceful morning hike with panoramic views of two river valleys.

Ubud is also the perfect base for exploring nearby attractions like Tirta Empul Temple and the Tegenungan Waterfall.

2. Tanah Lot Temple — Bali’s Iconic Sea Temple

Perched on a rocky outcrop just off the coast, Tanah Lot Temple is arguably the most photographed landmark in Bali. Built in the 16th century, this sacred Hindu temple is dedicated to the sea gods and offers one of the most spectacular sunsets in Southeast Asia.

Tips for Visiting Tanah Lot

• Arrive 1–2 hours before sunset for the best photo opportunities.
• During low tide, you can walk to the base of the temple, but only Hindu worshippers can enter the main shrine.
• Explore the nearby cliffside Batu Bolong Temple for additional panoramic views.

Tanah Lot is a perfect afternoon stop and one of the most spiritual places to visit in Bali for first-time travelers.

3. Uluwatu Temple — Cliffside Drama and the Kecak Fire Dance

Located on the southern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu Temple sits dramatically on a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. This 11th-century sea temple is one of Bali’s six sacred sad kahyangan temples.

Why Uluwatu Is a Must-Visit

• Sunset views that rival any in the world
• Traditional Kecak Fire Dance performed every evening at the open-air amphitheater
• Surfing paradise — Uluwatu is home to some of Bali’s best surf breaks
• Beautiful beaches nearby including Padang Padang, Bingin, and Suluban

Pair your Uluwatu visit with a romantic seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay for an unforgettable Balinese evening.

4. Seminyak and Canggu — Beach Lifestyle and Modern Bali

If you’re looking for trendy beach clubs, boutique shopping, and world-class restaurants, Seminyak and Canggu are the places to be. These coastal areas have become the heartbeat of Bali’s modern lifestyle scene.

Highlights of Seminyak and Canggu

• Seminyak Beach — Wide sandy shores perfect for sunset cocktails
• Potato Head Beach Club — Iconic infinity pool with ocean views
• Echo Beach and Berawa Beach in Canggu — Ideal for surfers of all levels
• Cafés and co-working spaces popular with digital nomads
• Tanah Barak Beach — A hidden cliff-lined gem near Canggu

Both areas offer easy access to Bali’s airport and serve as great bases for exploring the southern part of the island.

5. Nusa Dua — Luxury Resorts and Calm Beaches

For travelers seeking relaxation and luxury, Nusa Dua delivers pristine white-sand beaches, calm waters, and world-class resorts. This carefully planned resort area is ideal for families, honeymooners, and anyone wanting a slice of tropical paradise.

What to Do in Nusa Dua

• Relax at Nusa Dua Beach or Geger Beach
• Visit the Water Blow — a dramatic natural ocean spectacle
• Explore the Pasifika Museum for Asia-Pacific art
• Enjoy water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling at Tanjung Benoa

6. Mount Batur — Sunrise Volcano Trekking

For adventure seekers, hiking Mount Batur (1,717 meters) to catch the sunrise is one of the most rewarding things to do in Bali. This active volcano in the Kintamani region offers a moderate trek suitable for most fitness levels.

What to Expect on the Mount Batur Trek

• Start time: Around 2:00–3:00 AM from the trailhead
• Trek duration: 2 hours up, 1.5 hours down
• Reward: Breathtaking sunrise views over Lake Batur and Mount Agung
• Bonus: Steam-cooked breakfast eggs using volcanic vents

After the trek, soak your muscles in the natural hot springs at Toya Bungkah by the lake.

7. Tegenungan and Sekumpul Waterfalls — Nature’s Hidden Gems

Bali is home to dozens of breathtaking waterfalls, but two stand out as must-visits.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Located just south of Ubud, Tegenungan Waterfall is easily accessible and surrounded by lush tropical jungle. A short walk down stone steps leads you to a powerful cascade where you can swim in cool pools.

Sekumpul Waterfall

Often called Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, Sekumpul Waterfall is a cluster of seven cascades hidden deep in the jungles of North Bali. The journey involves a moderate trek through bamboo forests and river crossings, but the reward is one of the most magical sights in Indonesia.

8. Tirta Empul — Sacred Holy Water Temple

Tirta Empul Temple, near Ubud, is one of Bali’s most important Hindu sites. Built in the 10th century, this temple is famous for its sacred spring water, where locals and visitors perform a purification ritual called melukat.

Visiting Etiquette

• Wear a sarong (provided at the entrance)
• Follow the proper sequence when entering the bathing pools
• Show respect during ceremonies and avoid taking photos of worshippers without permission

This is one of the most spiritual and authentic Bali tourist attractions you’ll experience.

9. Nusa Penida — Bali’s Wild Island Escape

A short boat ride from Sanur, Nusa Penida has emerged as one of the most popular day-trip destinations in Bali. Its dramatic cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and untouched beaches make it a photographer’s dream.

Top Attractions on Nusa Penida

• Kelingking Beach — Famous for its T-Rex-shaped cliff
• Angel’s Billabong — A natural infinity pool carved into the rocks
• Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) — A stunning cliff archway over the sea
• Crystal Bay — Perfect for snorkeling with manta rays
• Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach — Quiet, pristine, and Instagram-worthy

For divers, the waters around Nusa Penida are home to manta rays and the rare mola mola (sunfish) during the dry season.

10. Mount Agung and Besakih Temple — Bali’s Sacred Heights

Towering at 3,031 meters, Mount Agung is Bali’s highest and holiest volcano. Believed to be the dwelling place of the gods, it dominates the eastern skyline and shapes Balinese spiritual life.

At its base sits Besakih Temple, known as the “Mother Temple of Bali.” This massive complex of 23 separate temples is the largest and most important Hindu temple on the island.

For experienced trekkers, climbing Mount Agung at sunrise is an unforgettable challenge, while a visit to Besakih offers cultural and spiritual insight into the soul of Bali.

11. Lovina Beach — Dolphins in the North

For a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Lovina Beach on Bali’s northern coast. Known for its calm black-sand beaches and friendly atmosphere, Lovina is famous for its early morning dolphin-watching tours.

Lovina Highlights

• Sunrise dolphin sighting boat trips
• Hot springs at Banjar
• Buddhist Monastery (Brahma Vihara Arama)
• Easy access to Sekumpul and Gitgit waterfalls

Lovina is also an excellent base for exploring the underrated wonders of North Bali.

12. Sidemen Valley — Bali Before the Crowds

If you want to experience the Bali of decades past, head to Sidemen Valley in East Bali. With sweeping rice terraces, traditional villages, and Mount Agung as a backdrop, Sidemen is a peaceful retreat ideal for couples and those seeking authenticity.

What to Do in Sidemen

• Walk through working rice fields with local farmers
• Visit traditional songket weaving workshops
• Enjoy river tubing on the Telaga Waja River
• Stay in eco-lodges with stunning mountain views

13. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces — UNESCO World Heritage

While Tegallalang gets most of the fame, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in central Bali are larger, more dramatic, and officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spanning over 600 hectares, these terraces represent the ancient subak cooperative irrigation system that has sustained Balinese rice farming for over a thousand years.

A walk through Jatiluwih is a serene experience and offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in Bali.

14. Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung — Royal Water Palaces

In East Bali, Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung are stunning royal water palaces built by the Karangasem dynasty. With ornamental ponds, stone bridges, statues, and tropical gardens, these sites offer a peaceful escape and beautiful photo opportunities.

15. Amed and Tulamben — Diving and Snorkeling Paradise

For underwater enthusiasts, Amed and Tulamben on Bali’s east coast are unmissable. Tulamben is home to the famous USAT Liberty Shipwreck, one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world, while Amed offers vibrant coral gardens, easy shore diving, and a laid-back fishing village vibe.

Best Time to Visit Bali

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season from April to October, when sunny days, low humidity, and calm seas create perfect travel conditions. The wet season (November to March) brings tropical showers but also fewer crowds and lower prices. July and August are the busiest months, so booking your tour in advance with Fun Odyssey Travel is highly recommended.

How to Get Around Bali

• Private driver — The most comfortable and recommended option, especially for tours covering multiple regions.
• Scooter rental — Popular among independent travelers but requires confidence and an international driver’s license.
• Ride-hailing apps — Gojek and Grab work in most tourist areas.
• Organized tours — The easiest way to combine multiple attractions stress-free.

At Fun Odyssey Travel, our Bali tour packages include experienced English-speaking drivers and customized itineraries to match your interests.

Sample Bali Itinerary: 7 Days of Discovery

Here’s a suggested 7-day Bali itinerary that covers the highlights:

• Day 1: Arrival in Denpasar — relax in Seminyak or Canggu
• Day 2: Uluwatu Temple, Padang Padang Beach, Kecak Dance
• Day 3: Ubud — Tegallalang, Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace
• Day 4: Mount Batur sunrise trek + hot springs
• Day 5: Tirta Empul, Tegenungan Waterfall, Sidemen
• Day 6: Nusa Penida day trip — Kelingking, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay
• Day 7: Tanah Lot Temple, sunset dinner in Jimbaran, departure

For longer trips, consider combining Bali with Lombok and the Gili Islands for the ultimate island-hopping adventure.

Why Book Your Bali Tour with Fun Odyssey Travel?

With over a decade of experience crafting unforgettable Indonesian journeys, Fun Odyssey Travel is your trusted partner in Bali. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Locally based experts who know Bali’s hidden gems
• Fully customizable itineraries tailored to your interests and budget
• Professional English-speaking guides and drivers
• 24/7 on-tour support for peace of mind
• Sustainable, community-based tourism that supports local communities
• Trusted by travelers from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond

Whether you’re after culture, adventure, romance, or relaxation, we’ll design the perfect Bali experience for you.

Ready to Explore the Best Places to Visit in Bali?

From spiritual temples and emerald rice fields to volcanic peaks and turquoise lagoons, Bali truly is an island like no other. Every corner tells a story, every sunset feels sacred, and every journey becomes an odyssey.

Start planning your dream Bali holiday today with Fun Odyssey Travel.