There is no other place like Bali in the world. A magical blend of surfing beaches, spirituality and tropical. Perhaps that’s why Bali is rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world by countless websites and travel magazines. In this article, I’ll share the top travel attractions in Bali according to my experience there. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
1. Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of the Bali’s most famous temples, thanks to its clifftop setting. The temple is believed to protect Bali from evil sea spirits and the monkeys guard the temple from bad influences. Only Hindu worshipers are allowed to enter the temple but you can experience the complex, gardens as well as the sunset Kecak dance performances. The temple is about 25 kilometres from Kuta, where I stayed for the first 2 nights.
2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces
A top sightseeing place, the Rice Terraces are a series of beautifully arranged paddies which follows the traditional Balinese irrigation system called “subak”. The system is said to have been passed down by a sage named Rsi Markandeya in the 8th century.
Don’t miss the chance of experiencing these iconic landscapes, the jungle swing and, of course, take some nice pictures!
Quick Guide:
How To Get There: From Ubud is about a 30-minute drive. Although I’d suggest taking a Bali Day Tour (10 hour) that explores the most scenic spots: Gate of Heaven, Tirta Gangga at Karangasem, Tukad Cepung Waterfall and the Rice Terraces. That’s what I did while I was staying in Ubud. They pick you up from your hotel.
For more Bali Tours, check Get Your Guide
3. Gates of Heaven (Lempuyang Temple)
During my time in Ubud, I decided to take a Day Trip to visit one of the most iconic – and Instagram photographed – places in Bali. The trip starts very early as this is the best time to avoid heat and the crowds. I met all these nice people (germans, Italian and austrian) at the hostel so we decided to take the trip together.
Lempuyang Temple (also known as “The Gates of Heaven”) is one of the Bali’s oldest and the six holiest places of worship in Bali. It is also believed to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island. From there, you can see Mount Agung.
Curiosity: What you’re seeing on the picture is not a reflection on the water but it’s still pretty awesome. ? The guys doing this use a small mirror under your camera to look like this. There’s a queue and a small fee to take a picture at this famous spot.
4. Holy Springs of Tirta Empul
Also known as the Bali’s sacred water temple, Tirta Empul is a temple considered sacred by the Balinese Hindu. The temple has several holy springs which are believed to be blessed water and purify those who bathe there. For this reason, many Balinese and tourists head there to be blessed. This was one of the most spiritual experiences I had in Bali. If you’re travelling with a purpose, this is the place to make your reflections. ?
TIP: Tirta Empul is a large temple complex which takes about 1 hour to visit. Because it’s a sacred place, you’ll need to put on a ‘sarong’ before entering the premises.
How To Get There
From Ubud is about 14 km so 30 minutes drive. You can rent a scooter, a car or book a tour. I did a more free-style way: me and a girl I met at the hostel booked a taxi ? and the driver took us to two holy places: one less touristic and Tirta Empul.
5. Ubud Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest has a philosophical goal of creating peace and harmony for visitors from all over the world.
Wikipedia
The Sacred Monkey Forest of Ubud is the sanctuary and natural habitat of the Balinese long-tailed macaque (about 1040 monkeys live there). It’s located in the centre of Ubud. The mission of this sanctuary is to preserve the area and monkeys according to the Hindu principle of Trip Data Karana, which means living in harmony with humans, nature environment and The Supreme God. It also seeks to conserve rare plants and study the social interaction between the park’s monkeys and the environment.
TIP: Be aware of your things (cameras, food,…). Although it’s tempting to take pictures, the monkeys here are very cheeky and they will steal your phones if you’re not careful. ?
6. Tucked Cepung Waterfall – Hidden Gem
On our Daily Trip we also visited the Tukad Cepung Waterfall, which is an hidden gem in Bali. Hidden between rocks, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a unique spot with water flowing from the sky and rays of sunlight that are perfect for a magic picture.
When you arrive, there is a small entrance fee of 15,000 IDR that you’ll have to pay at the ticket booth before making your way down the trail to the falls.
7. Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are a group of 3 tiny islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – in Indonesia. To get there, you’ll have to take a a boat. I’ve only visited Gili Trawangan which is the largest and most popular of the 3. Gili T is a diving hotspot and home to some of the world’s best coral reefs. What’s more? It has a good nightlife too.
I’ve spend 3 days in the island which is the minimum I recommend to make the most of it and relax.
Transport and Accommodation
The island is very modest as well as the locals. Cars and motorbikes are prohibited there. Instead, you’ll see bicycles, chickens ? and horse-drawn carriages.?
The island has several small resorts and hostels. First I’ve stayed in a hostel called La Favela. This laid-back hostel is a 7-minute walk from the ferry terminal and beach. It has a outdoor swimming pool and is very friendly. There I met a few travel-companions I ended up spending the rest of my journey with.
Absolute Villa
I couldn’t leave Gili without staying in a nice Villa for what I call a bargain. This Villa is in the middle of nowhere but still relatively close to the beach. I loved the bungalows, the outdoor swimming pool and the sunset view from there. The location is popular for cycling and walkings and they also have bicycles. The sunset point is 800 metres away, Whether you’re going as a couple or alone, this is the perfect place to relax in paradise nature.
More Activities and Travel Attractions in Bali: