The 25 most beautiful highlights of Bali: Tips & free travel guide
Bali is the most popular island of Indonesia, and deservedly so. The volcanic island is abundant with natural beauty: waterfalls, tropical rainforests, paradisiacal beaches and more. Culture lovers will also get their money's worth. They can explore the ancient temples that are scattered all over the island.
To make sure you don't miss out on anything during your trip in Bali, we have listed the 25 most beautiful highlights.
Our tip: Sign up for an excursion or guided tour in Bali
Travel offers to Bali and Lombok
- Prijsvrij.be €796 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
- Sawadee: Vanaf €1404 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
- Koning Aap: Vanaf €1558 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
- Djoser: Vanaf €1595 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
Want to visit the most beautiful highlights, temples, waterfalls, rice fields and the best sunset in Bali?
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Map with highlights of Bali
Tirta Empul water temple
Tirta Empul is known as a water temple because it was build near a sacred water spring. According to legend, the god Indra used the water to revive his poisoned army. Until today, healing powers are linked to the water. The temple is therefore mainly used to perform cleansing rituals. Both Hindus and tourists are allowed to wash away their sins.
Jatiluwih rice fields
All over Bali you can find rice fields, however the rice fields of Jatiluwih are the most beautiful in our opinion. There are several walking routes along the rice fields that take you along the beautiful nature. On clear days you have a wonderful view over southern Bali. The combination of the rice fields, the high mountains and the green forests create a unique landscape. An absolute must!
Pura Luhur Batukaru temple
South of Mount Batukaru lies Pura Luhur Batukaru. This temple was built to protect the island from evil spirits and is until this day a sacred place for the local Hindu population. Part of the complex is therefore not accessible to tourists. Pilgrims still visit the temple before they climb the mountain.
Tegenungan waterfall
Nearby Ubud lies the Tegenungan waterfall, perhaps the most impressive waterfall of Bali. It is located in the middle of a tropical rainforest! If you want the waterfall for yourself, it is best to go early in the day. During rain season (between November and April) the forest is even greener and more water is coming out of the waterfall which makes the place even more magical.
Pura Tanah Lot temple
Pura Tanah Lot is one of the most famous temples of Bali. The temple is located in the south near the most touristic places. What makes the building so special is that it is located in the sea and you can only reach it at low tide.
Our tip: It is the perfect place to watch the sunset. However, I am sure you're not the only one with that plan. Would you like to take a tour or day trip in Bali? Take a look at all the possibilities and book directly online.
Nyang Nyang Beach
Nyang Nyang Beach is located on the southern peninsula of Bukit and unlike the beaches of Kuta and Sanur, Nyang Nyang is very quiet. The long stretched out beach can only be reached by foot which makes it less accessible and more quiet. If there are other people on the beach, it are probably surfers.
Tukad Cepung waterfall
The Tukad Cepung waterfall is hidden in a canyon in the jungle. To reach the waterfall you have to walk a little through the canyon. The walk itself is already breathtaking but the waterfall at the end, is definitely the icing on the cake.
Pura Taman Ayun temple
Pura Taman Ayun was built to honor the ancestors of the rulers of the Mengwi empire. That empire no longer exists today, but the temple still remains very important for many islanders. In the temple complex there are several meru towers, whereof the highest has eleven floors. The temple is completely surrounded by water.
Snorkeling and diving in Bali
Around Bali there are many places where you can snorkel and dive to discover the tropical underwater world. Of course you can go snorkeling by yourself, but there are also a lot of diving schools. these take you to the most beautiful spots around the island. Check out all the fun diving and snorkeling trips here.
Pura Uluwatu temple
On the southern peninsula of Bali, Bukit, lies the Pura Uluwatu temple. It was built in the eleventh century on high rocks near the sea. The temple is dedicated to the spirits of the sea and until this day, it is still an important religious place for Hindus. In the temple are many monkeys and if you come in the evening, you can enjoy a traditional Kecak dance.
Besakih temple
The Besakih temple is the most important temple on the island. The beautiful building is located on the volcano Mount Agung. During the last eruption in 1963 the lava flowed nicely around the temple, which the locals interpreted as a sign from the gods.
The palace Taman Tirta Gangga
This water palace looks as old as the other buildings in Bali, but nothing could be further from the truth. This palace was only built in 1948. The last prince of Karangasem lived here with his family. You can walk around in the beautiful gardens and walk over the water on flooded columns. The water is full of colorful cage carp.
Mount Batur
Mount Batur is one of the volcanoes in Bali that is still active. Sports enthusiasts can climb up the 1717 meters high volcano. The hike to the top takes more than two hours, but in return you get a breathtaking view of the island. In good weather you can see Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok.
Ulun Danu temple
Ulun Danu is mostly located in the waters of Lake Bratan. The temple itself was built in honor of Dewi Danu, the goddess of rivers, lakes and water. Still many farmers come here regularly to pray to Dewi Danu. The lake provides water for agriculture in the area and is therefore of great importance.
Lempuyang temple
On the mountain Gunang Lempuyang lies Lempuyang. This temple is located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters and is more difficult to reach than the other temples on the island, but don't let that hold you back from visiting this beautiful building. You can get here by taking a shuttle. The temple is called the Gateway to Heaven and for obvious reasons. Discover it for yourself, but the beautiful view from the temple is already one reason to swing by.
Double Six Beach
The Double Six Beach near the village of Seminyak is the perfect place to relax. It is not as crowded as the nearby beach of Kuta. During the day you can sunbathe, snorkel or play volleyball and around the evening the bars and restaurants come to life. There is also a surfschool for those who want to brave the waves and around the beach there are many shops where you can buy souvenirs.
Gunung Kawi
Gunung Kawi is a complex of 10 temples hewn out of the rocks. Historians assume that they are tombs of eleventh-century royal families. The temples are located in a deep valley close to the town of Ubud, therefore, to get there you need to descend a lot of stairs before you reach the temples. Gunung Kawi is located in the middle of the jungle, which makes it even more beautiful.
Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach isn't familiar with the general public since it is hidden behind the large limestone cliffs, however you can easily reach it. The beach is quiet and therefore a perfect place to relax. A fun addition to the beach are the swings in the shallow part of the sea.
Banyumala Twin waterfall
The waterfall Banyumala Twin is also hidden in a nature reserve. After a nice walk through the forest you reach the waterfall. You can also take a swim in the water near the waterfall. The ideal way to cool down after the physical exercise.
Ubud Palace
The beautiful palace is located in the middle of the town Ubud. The palace used to be inhabited by the royal family, but nowadays it is open to the public and you can visit a large part of the beautiful complex. Entrance to the palace is free of charge. Discover more highlights in Ubud.
Saraswati temple
In Ubud you will find the temple Saraswati. Visitors are not allowed to enter the temple because it is still a holy place for Hindus. However, you can still go to the temple without entering, which is also worth it. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful pond with lilies.
Our tip: the temple is most beautiful in the evening during sunset.
The Twin Lakes
Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, or better known as the twin lakes, are located side by side between the green mountains of the island. All around the lakes there are view points from which you have a beautiful view of the nature.
Toya Devasya Natural Hot Spring
Near Mount Batur are the hot springs of Toya Devasya. The ideal place to relax after a walk on the mountain. The hot spring offers a beautiful view of the nearby lake and you can enjoy delicious drinks and food from the pool bar.
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah, also known as Elephant Cave, is a 13 meters long cave mainly known for its entrance, which is formed into the head of a monster. Before you entre the cave, you will see fountains. These are special since they were only discovered in the 60s. Inside the cave you can discover Hindu statues.
The Margarana Monument
The Margarana monument is a reminder of the war for independence against the Dutch in the 1940s. The monument commemorates all the victims. You can walk through the beautiful gardens and learn more about the turbulent history of Indonesia.
Where to stay in Bali? Our favorite hostels & hotels
Travel offers to Bali and Lombok
- Prijsvrij.be €796 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
- Sawadee: Vanaf €1404 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
- Koning Aap: Vanaf €1558 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
- Djoser: Vanaf €1595 (incl. vluchten) AANPASSEN
Only in need of an hotel?
- Looking for a luxury resort, a nice hotel or a cheap hostel?
- We made a list of the most beautiful hostels & hotels in Bali!
- Also have a look at the full range of hotels in Bali that offer temporary promotions.
We recommend LLoyd's Inn Bali to start your journey. It is the perfect base to discover the South of Bali, all major attractions are nearby. This hotel offers excellent value for money, you sleep in a very modern hotel for a reasonable price.
Don't miss out on anything during your stay in Bali-Lombok with our travel guide!
Like most of us, you don't want to miss out on anything during your vacation in Bali. Well, we have some good news, because we already did the research for you! Buy our travel guide Bali-Lombok with a fully planned out round trip along all the most important highlights (+ GPS coordinates). Prefer to try it out first? Download your free preview travel guide here.