How do you describe Bali in a few words? Imagine lush and green vegetation, black and white beaches, world-class surfing, ancient culture, endless rice fields, numerous temples, and volcanic mountains. And all of this can be found on a tropical island – Bali.
Bali has all categories of travelers, from backpackers traveling across Southeast Asia, spiritual gurus, luxury travelers, families, divers, surfers. They all come to Bali, mostly for one reason: Bali is a great deal of price and quality, and the diversity that Bali can offer is greater than any island in the world.
Ancient temples
Believe it or not, there are thousands of temples in Bali. You do not need to visit all of them, but do not miss the most impressive temples like Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Saraswati, Bedugul, and, of course, Besakih Temple. Dress up more modestly and cover your knees and shoulders when visiting this sanctity.
Volcanoes
There is nothing more fascinating than standing on the top of the volcano and testifying to the sunrise! There are four volcanoes in Bali: Agung Mountain, Batur Mountain, Bratan, and Merbuk Mountains. Keep in mind that they are all still active, so it’s better to go with the guide. The most beautiful mountain is Batur, with a beautiful view of the lake.
Terraces of rice fields
Bali would not be Bali without the amazing rice fields in all the shades of green. You can see them in almost all rural parts of Bali, and most of them are in the vicinity of Ubud. The most famous rice terraces are located in Tegalalang, about half an hour north of Ubud. Just arrive early to avoid crowds and to enjoy the sunrise.
Traditional Balinese dance
Balinese people love dancing. Kecak dance is a type of musical drama from Bali, which speaks of the constant struggle between good and evil.
One of the most popular performances is the Kecak Dance Show in the Uluwatu Temple:
- male dancers sit in a circle and create loud sounds
- women perform an incredible performance with piercing views and impressive movements by hand
- A whole dance is played at a hypnotic pace to drive out the evil forces
Beaches
The Mengiat beach in Nusa Dua is a beach suitable for watching the sunrise with the sound of calm waves, seawater with beautiful blue color, and fine, soft sand.
Candidasa- this east coast settlement has beaches where you can enjoy quiet seaside moments. Here is unreal white sand and it is a bit farther away from tourist centers.
The Kuta- A town on the west coast of Bali, famous for its long and wide beach and waves that are suitable for surfing. Kuta is the center of nightlife, which is why it is the most popular choice of young people from all over the world.
Legian Beach is a white-sand beach, which attracts many celebrities. There you can enjoy the extravagant nightlife – that is why its popularity is right after Kuta.
Seminyak is well known for the most luxurious resort area, and numerous restaurants with world-class cuisine, but also cafe bars and fashion stores.
Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach are some of the most visited destinations in Bali, primarily due to their proximity to larger ports. What makes these places special is that they are natural pools in which you will find peace from the crowd.
Honeymoon in Bali
Bali is an idyllic destination for young married couples. For couples who want to spend their honeymoon on an exotic and exciting destination, but also to find peace and relaxation. Bali is the right choice because it connects beautiful beaches, with historically valuable antiques and beautiful nature.
Ubud
It is located in the central part of Bali, the most famous art center. Ubud is an ideal base if you want to be at the heart of cultural events, and at the same time a natural and inspiring environment.
The town is surrounded by most of the locations that attract tourists to Bali such as rice terraces, traditional villages, temples, museums, palaces, cheap accommodation, and luxury hotels. Easy access to beaches, mountains and larger towns on the island are also one of the advantages of this part of Bali.
Temples
Uluwatu temple
A famous Hindu temple located in the forest is inhabited by the Makaki Monkeys. Every afternoon here is the sunset with Kecak dance, a traditional Balinese dance.
Tanah Lot
The most famous Hindu temple on the cliff in the ocean. To get to it, you have to step into the ocean. In the late afternoon, here you can see the most beautiful sunsets on the island.
Tirta Empul Temple
This temple is a sacred mountain spring and an important complex that represents the national cultural heritage. For Balinese Hindus, this is a place for ritual purification.
Ulun Danu Beratan
The floating temple dedicated to the goddess of the lake Dewi Danu, the most recognizable Balinese complex of Hindu temples. It is located on Beratan Lake, the second largest lake in Bali. The most numerous images of Bali are born in this sacred place.
Sacred Monkey forest
This complex of Hindu temples, located in the jungle, is famous for the makaka monkeys who consider it home. In the last few years, tourists from all over the world come to this forest to take advantage of the opportunity to see monkeys in their natural surroundings.
Even if you want, you can not avoid it! You can see them everywhere, mostly in the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud and in the temple of Uluwatu. Advice: Watch your sunglasses, caps, or slippers – you can forget them if the monkey takes them. And mostly they do.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
A light walk with a beautiful view of the mountains, rice fields, and monkeys in its natural habitat, is about 2 kilometers long. You will meet the Temple of Saraswati and the history of Ubud Palace. Here you will be introduced to the real nature of Ubud.
Nusa Penida
Kelingking Secret Point One of the most famous places-views for photography is certainly Kelingking Beach (Secret Point). The downhill slope implies that you have the skills of free climbing, but the beach with beautiful white sand is breathtaking and worth the effort. In general, Nusa Penida has a lot of cliffs, and climbing on the stairs is quite certain.
Garuda WisnuKencana Cultural Park
The cultural park covers 60 hectares of land and Garuda WisnuKencana Statue is located there. It is 121 meters high, which is about 30 meters more than the Statue of Liberty. Its width is also imprecise – 64 meters. Designed by Nyoman Nuarta as the largest statue and symbol of Indonesia.