Best things to do in Bali
Find out more about those top places in Bali
Bali: Not Jakarta, But Definitely the Coolest Kid on Indonesia's Block (Where Temples Tingle and Beaches Bliss!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Welcome, paradise seekers and lovers of all things tropical and slightly magical, to Bali! This Indonesian province has exploded in popularity like a perfectly timed fire dancer, so much so that it's often mistaken for the capital of Indonesia. Nope, that honor belongs to Jakarta, but let's be honest, Bali definitely wins the "most likely to be on your dream vacation list" award.
This island, nestled in Indonesia's vast archipelago, is renowned for its ancient culture, a vibrant tapestry that has somehow managed to stay wonderfully intact even after a bit of colonial history. It's like Bali has its cultural roots planted so deep, they're practically earthquake-proof! And the island's beauty? Oh boy, prepare to have your eyeballs do a happy dance. You can capture it all with visits to its countless temples that seem to sprout from the lush landscape like ornate flowers, stunning natural monuments that will make your jaw drop faster than a gecko on a hot stone, and the incredibly loving communities whose warmth and smiles are as radiant as the Balinese sun.
Forget your worries and dive headfirst into a world of fragrant frangipani, the rhythmic sounds of gamelan music, and landscapes that look like they've been photoshopped by Mother Nature herself. From the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu crowned with ancient temples to the emerald rice paddies cascading down hillsides, and the volcanic peaks that pierce the tropical sky, Bali is a feast for the senses.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exhilarating things to do on this enchanting island. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring ancient spiritual sites and chasing breathtaking sunsets to immersing yourself in vibrant local traditions and discovering hidden natural wonders, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Bali a truly special and hilariously captivating destination.
Top Attractions: Temples, Nature, and Smiles That Shine!
Bali is overflowing with must-see sights and experiences:
Bali's Numerous Temples: Spiritual Sanctuaries
Explore Bali's countless temples (pura), each with its own unique history, architecture, and significance. From the iconic Tanah Lot perched on a rock in the sea to the serene Ulun Danu Beratan on Lake Bratan, these spiritual sanctuaries are a feast for the eyes and soul. Temple hopping is a top thing to do for cultural sightseeing.
Stunning Natural Monuments: Mother Nature's Masterpieces
Prepare to be wowed by Bali's stunning natural monuments. Witness the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu, the cascading rice terraces of Tegalalang (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the majestic Mount Batur (perfect for a sunrise hike!), and the powerful waterfalls like Sekumpul and Tegenungan. These are definitely top attractions for nature lovers.
Loving Communities: The Heart of Balinese Culture
Experience the warmth and hospitality of the loving Balinese communities. Attend a traditional ceremony, learn about local customs, and witness the genuine smiles that make Bali so special. Interacting with locals is a priceless thing to do for cultural immersion.
Beaches Galore: Sun, Sand, and Surf
Bali boasts a diverse range of beaches, from the famous surfing spots of Kuta and Seminyak to the tranquil shores of Nusa Dua and the black sand beaches of Canggu. Whether you want to catch a wave or simply soak up the sun, Bali's beaches are a major attraction.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Yoga, Cooking, and Island Hopping!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Bali vibe:
- Indulge in a Yoga Retreat: Bali is a world-renowned yoga destination. Find your inner zen at one of the island's many serene studios or retreats.
- Take a Balinese Cooking Class: Learn the secrets of delicious Balinese cuisine and impress your friends back home with your newfound culinary skills.
- Explore Ubud's Cultural Heart: Immerse yourself in the artistic and spiritual hub of Ubud, with its art markets, monkey forest, and traditional dance performances.
- Go Island Hopping: Discover the beauty of the nearby Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida) with their stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs.
- Witness a Traditional Balinese Dance: Experience the captivating storytelling and intricate costumes of a traditional Balinese dance performance like Kecak or Barong.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a magical blend of ancient culture, breathtaking nature, and incredibly welcoming people, Bali is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with stunning sightseeing and exhilarating things to do. Just be prepared to fall head over heels for this enchanting island – you might never want to leave! Selamat datang di Bali! (Welcome to Bali!)
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Tanah Lot temple
Bali has quite a number of temples, one of them being the Tanah Lot Temple. Located in Beraban, 8 miles (12.87 km) south of Tabanan, it is one of the most sacred places on the island. The Tanah Lot Temple is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple, claimed to be the idea of Dang Hyang Nirartha. The story behind the temple is that Dang Hyang Nirartha decided with some fishermen to build a holy place to worship the Balinese Sea god, it is one of seven sea Temples. Visitors are required to pay a fee to explore the Temple.
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Ubud Monkey Forest
The Ubud Monkey Forest is a monkey sanctuary located at Padangtegal, Ubud, primarily for the Balinese long-tailed Monkeys. The sanctuary covers over 27 acres and has over 749 monkeys divided into different groups, with each set occupying different parts of Ubud Monkey Forest. Called the “Mandala Suci Wenara Wana” by locals, it is owned by the Padangtegal Community that view the monkey forest as an important spiritual location. The park also includes a ravine, a stream, and a canteen.
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Tegallalang Rice Terraces
One of Bali’s most famous tourist attractions, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces as the name suggests are well laid out series of rice paddles located at the center of Bali in Ubud. The rice terraces are built using traditional Balinese irrigation system called “Subak” which has been passed down for several generations. Visitors are allowed to go through the rice fields admiring the beautiful rice terraces and also take a picture with Love Bali Sign. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are for people seeking a little bit of calm but still want to learn about the Balinese heritage in the process.
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Sekumpul Waterfall
Situated away from most of Bali tourist attractions but worth every second. The Sekumpul Waterfalls can be found around a hidden village called Buleleng, it is a “combination of 7 waterfalls” that are fed by two streams. Getting to the 80 meters fall is not effortless, requiring visitors to trek through the forest on already set paths. If you are a lover of waterfalls and the outdoor a visit to the Sekumpul Waterfall is a must.
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Mount Batur
The Mount Batur is a lovely piece of nature located in the Bangli Regency in Bali. It consists of a volcano, a lake and several villages but amongst this, its prized attraction is the Mount Batur Volcano. It is an active volcano and have had a few eruptions in the past. The Mount Batur has many activities, hikers can climb the mountains, fish in the lake and use it as an opportunity to meet indigenes.
