The island of Bali is surrounded by the beautiful waters of the Indian and Bali Seas and is a perfect location for travelers to relax and connect with nature. It is also known as a romantic destination. Renowned for its wondrous temple structures and archeological sites, Bali presents a fascinating history and provides visitors with an educational and unique experience.
Travelers are provided with a variety of things to see and do, including witnessing cultural spectacles, exploring historical sites and rice fields, dining on beaches to watch the spectacular sunset, and diving into the island’s marine-rich waters. This Indonesian island needs to be on your bucket list. But with so very many possibilities for exploration, we’ve carefully narrowed it down to our Favorite 5 Places to Visit.
Besakih Temple
Gunung Agung (Mount Agung) is an active volcano and is also Bali’s tallest peak, with views of the island’s gorgeous landscape including mountains, rivers, and rice fields. Located on the slopes of Mount Agung is the village of Besakih, containing Bali’s largest and holiest place of worship, Besakih Temple. Also known as ‘Mother Temple,’ this compound is situated on the southwestern slope of the peak. The religious ground is comprised of 23 temples that occupy 6 different terrace levels. The largest and highest-ranking is the Pura Penataran Agung, hosting different areas that are said to represent seven layers of the universe.
Early mornings or late evenings are recommended for visiting as this is when the complex is most quiet. It is important to note the type of attire to be worn when visiting the grounds. Knees and shoulders must be covered. Conveniently, sarongs and sashes can be rented and purchased on-site to ensure visitors can cover up and dress appropriately before entering the temple. For more details on Besakih Temple and available tours, click HERE.
Ubud Monkey Forest
The iconic animal sanctuary of Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, also more popularly known as Ubud Monkey Forest, is situated in the village of Padangtegal and is well worth a visit. The entrance fee is low and reasonable which makes it accessible for most travelers. This sacred forest is home to approximately 115 species of trees as well as the primate species known as the Balinese Long-Tailed Macaques. These active monkeys swing from tree to tree, skirt around the ground, interact with humans, and feed on bananas. Travelers desiring to feed these interesting creatures can purchase bananas for a nominal fee.
Ancient temples along with relics and statues also can be found in the Monkey Forest. Known to be one of Bali’s sacred and economic conservatories, visitors can explore three temples dedicated to different gods: Dalem Agung Padangtegal Temple, Holy Spring Temple, and Prajapati Temple amid this natural habitat. To learn more about booking your visit to Ubud Monkey Forest, click HERE.
Tegallalang Rice Fields
Tegallalang Rice Terraces offers its visitors a view worth capturing. The rice fields in this ancient valley are known for an ingenious irrigation system, known as subak. In addition to exploring and photographing the iconic rice paddies, travelers can enjoy coconut drinks supplied by locals, or dine on regional cuisine in a variety of restaurants that overlook the rice terraces.
For visitors seeking souvenirs, head to Pakudui Village of Tegallalang to find ornamental carvings and woodwork as well as woven hats made from coconut leaves. There is no set entrance fee to the rice fields, though local workers might ask tourists for donations while they are visiting. For more information, click HERE.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
The 17th-century temple of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan can be found on a small island on the western shore of Lake Bratan. This is one of Bali’s most popular temples for tourists, possibly because of the stunning scenery. If viewed during the early morning mist, the temple appears to be floating on the water. Visitors can view the architectural wonder from the shore or rent a canoe to get closer to the shrine.
Close by, tourists can also consider visiting the Bali Botanic Garden which hosts a wide variety of medicinal plants plus a collection of orchids and begonias, and a bamboo forest. Though adults might find the gardens enjoyable, children will be far happier with another feature on the grounds – Bali Treetop Adventure Park which features zip lines, suspension bridges, and swings.
Kuta Beach
The brown-sand beaches of Bali can lead to a memorable experience for travelers, and Kuta Beach is Bali’s most popular. It is the perfect spot for beginner and experienced surfers because it’s easy to catch a wave here all year round. Classes are available nearby for visitors wishing to learn.
Sadly, Kuta Beach is known for an excessive amount of plastic and garbage during ‘plastic season’ which is due to the direction of the ocean’s tide. However, locals work hard to clear away the rubbish so the beach can be enjoyed all year round.
There is plenty in the vicinity for travelers, such as spa services with Balinese massages and traditional body scrubs. This area is also home to a variety of cuisine ranging from fast food to fine dining. If tourists wish to eat while enjoying a performance, Hard Rock Cafe is highly-rated with live music available on Friday and Saturday evenings. Lively bars are easy to spot in the area as well. For efficient travel, scooters and taxis are accessible. For tourists wishing to stay in the area, many resorts and hotels stretch along the shore, including Hotel Lusa, Anvaya Beach Resort, and Bali Dynasty Resort all of which offer vacationers the ideal beachfront spot with an upscale experience.
Bonus Pick – Mount Batur
There are numerous ways to explore the sacred mountain of Mount Batur and the surrounding area. Hiking and trekking are perhaps the most popular and guides are available if needed. Tourists can also take a cycling tour, enjoy the natural hot springs, or visit the Tree of Love in Pinggan village.
Boat rentals are available for paddling around the lake, or there is the opportunity to visit the floating restaurant of Resto Apung. Or, visitors can simply admire the stunning views.
Photo Credits:
Favorite 5 Bali lead – Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash
Besakih Temple – Andrey Bond on Unsplash
Ubud Monkey Forest – Wesley Balten on Unsplash
Tegallalang Rice Terraces – Niklas Weiss on Unsplash
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – peakpx.com wallpaper
Kuta Beach Bali – Pixabay
Mount Batur – Juan Cruz Mountford on Unsplash