Bali is one of those islands that is on everyone’s bucket list and for a good reason. It’s absolutely stunning! The beaches are amazing, the food is delicious, the people are friendly and there is an endless amount of things to do and places to visit in Bali. This small island in Indonesia really has it all!
I spent just under a month exploring Bali and it’s nearby neighbors The Gilis and I couldn’t get enough of this beautiful part of Indonesia. It’s definitely a can’t miss destination. I’m hoping this list of 15 of the most beautiful places to visit in Bali will convince you!
Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace
Tirta Gangaa is the former royal palace of the Raja of Karangasem and is located in eastern Bali. The name of the palace “Tirtagangaa” literally translates to water of the Ganges. This place is known for its beautiful water gardens and the rice paddies that surround it.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click through to one of the product links, I’ll earn a small percentage at no extra cost to you. All proceeds go to keeping this site up and running.
Pura Taman Saraswati
This is one of the prettiest temples that I came across in Bali. It’s located just off a busy street in Ubud, but when you walk through the gates, it becomes so quiet and peaceful. There is a small restaurant located in the temple complex, so you can have a good meal with a view!
Want to stay even longer? There is a resort located adjacent to this temple complex on the Ubud palace grounds. Staying at the Puri Saraswati Bungalows will give you an intimate look into the Balinese way of life.
Click here for booking, rates, and availability.
Pura Luhur Lempuyang
This temple is one of Bali’s oldest and most holy temples. It is located in east Bali at the top of Mount Lempuyang. If you want to get the best views you will need to climb the 1,700 steps to the top of the temple complex. If you make it to the top you will be rewarded with a stunning temple and Insta-worthy views!
Amed Beach
This little town in the northeast of Bali stole my heart. I fell in love with the easy way of life in this area. The beaches are stunning despite being a bit rocky but it’s really what’s under the water that is the attraction. Amed has some of the most vibrant sea life I saw in Southeast Asia. There are tons of dive schools in the area but most of the sites can be snorkeled, including an awesome shallow wreck.
Where to stay in Amed-
Amed Sunset Beach– This hotel has free breakfast, beautiful rooms with balconies, a pool and a stunning view of the ocean for less than $30!
Click here for booking, rates, and availability.
Tanah Lot Temple
This is one of the most beautiful places in Bali to watch the sunset. This temple is one of the most sacred sea temples for the Balinese. If the tide is low, you can walk across to the temple but only the Balinese can enter. It’s a nice spot to grab some delicious food from the many vendors and watch the sunset.
Nungnung Waterfall
This waterfall is off the beaten path, tucked away in the little town of Sangeh. It’s a bit of a journey and you have to go down hundreds of slippery steps but this waterfall is worth it. The view of the intense falls dropping over 150 ft to the pool below is breathtaking.
In fact, Bali has tons of gorgeous waterfalls to explore if you have the time. The Banyumala Twin Waterfalls and Cemara Waterfall are two of the most beautiful falls on the island. If chasing waterfalls is your thing, then check out this full list of of the best waterfalls in Bali.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
When I pictured Bali, I always pictured the beautiful rice terraces that I’d seen in movies. They were even more beautiful in person. Jatiluwih and Tegalalang are the most popular terraces with tourists.
Many organized tours like Contiki have a stop at the rice terraces on their itinerary. If you’re traveling solo for the first time, a group tour is a great option! This 8 day Contiki Tour of Bali & the Gili Islands will make sure you hit all the hot spots while making new friends.
Click here to check dates, rates & availability for the tour!
Monkey Forest
If you’ve ever dreamed of hanging with your new monkey BFF ( Is that just me?! ), then you can’t miss the Monkey Forest in Ubud. This beautiful park is filled with hundreds of monkeys that interact with tourists every day. It’s important to be mindful that they are still wild animals, so keep your distance and practice caution because rabies vaccinations are no fun!
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Another temple?!…. I know but Balinese temples are just so pretty! This complex is situated on the edge of Lake Bratan and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Bali. If you come at the right time of day you can witness the beautiful reflection of this temple in the still waters.
Mount Batur
If you’re feeling brave, you can take the early morning hike to the top of Mount Batur to watch the sunrise. I’ve heard that this hike is brutal and is completed mostly in the dark, but the views are worth it. I imagine that breakfast in the clouds after several hours hiking would be quite the experience!
Read More: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Kuta, Bali
Sanur Beach
You can’t come to Bali and skip the amazing beaches! This quieter beach resort area in South Bali is the perfect place to escape the bustle of Kuta. Here you can find shallow swimmable beaches lined with colorful boats. This is one of my favorite places to visit in Bali. It’s the perfect place to sit back and take in the island paradise that is Bali!
Where to stay in Sanur-
Griya Santrian– This beautiful resort is located right on a prime stretch of Sanur beach. With 2 amazing restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, private cabanas and a swim up bar, there is plenty to keep you busy at this resort— and all at an affordable price!
Click here for booking, rates and availability.
Find cheap flights to Bali
Most of the major airlines and budget carriers fly to Bali’s main airport, Denpasar (DPS). You can often find amazing deals, especially from nearby main hubs like Singapore.
Skyscanner is a great options for searching & comparing dates, carriers & times all in one place. I’ve used their monthly view to find amazing low-cost deals all over Asia.
Compare airlines, dates and prices all in one place with Skyscanner.
Bali is a beautiful island with so much to see and do! It should be on everyone’s bucket list. I hope this list of beautiful places to visit in Bali convinced you to pay this island a visit.
Where to go next:
- The Gili Islands- These islands just off neighboring Lombok have it all– beautiful beaches, great nightlife, top-notch dive sites and tons of things to see & do. I suggest Gili T, my favorite of the Gilis. My Gili Trawangan travel guide will help you make the best of your time exploring the islands.
- Nusa Islands- These islands are located just off the coast of southern Bali and are perfect for the adventurous traveler. The islands are know for having hikes with amazing view points, great surf & tons of good snorkel spots (you can snorkel with Mantas here!). Check out this Nusa Islands guide to plan your trip.
Like this list of places to visit in Bali? PIN IT!
Wow…. Beautiful pictures.
Great article! LOL I posted a similar article earlier…love Bali!
x
Bali looks so beautiful. I’ve always wanted to go there. I love all your photos!
awww love this article! You’ve perfectly described those amazing places! I hope to visit Bali soon and your photos make me so impatient! My favourite is the photo of the temple <3
I had no idea there was so much to do and see in Bali. The palace and temples look amazingly ornate. And, I also would love a monkey BFF, so I’ll have to add the forest to my list.
Kate recently posted…A Land Born for the Wandering Kind
Oh this is wonderful! I love bali as I have spent my honeymoon there 6 years ago – but we didn’t hit up half these places that you’ve listed! Looks like I have to go back!
jin recently posted…MEXICO 2017
I’m headed there next month — this post gives me lots of ideas for things to do. Thanks for sharing, now I’m even more excited to go!
Your photography is amazing!! I need to visit more of Bali <3
Omg! This gave me so much wanderlust! I didn’t need much convincing but I definitely have to go to Bali now. Such beautiful pictures!
Beautiful photos! You have me dreaming of Bali!!
Loved looking at these gorgeous pics. I was just in Bali but didn’t see many of these places. Pura Ulun Duru Bratan looks incredible!
How wonderful that you were able to spend a whole month getting to know Bali…and your photos are certainly inspiring!
Leigh recently posted…Southwest US Road Trip – 1 Week Itinerary
excellent photography!
Bali is definitely on the bucket list and these photos just make me more excited for when I finally go. I appreciate the added suggestions on places to stay and flights!
Oh my gosh, Bali looks absolutely gorgeous! I’ve been dreaming about visiting these places and this is such a great guide about where I need to go! Giving me ALL the wanderlust feels today!
All these suggestions look incredible. I visited Bali a few months ago but I mostly went to completely different places. I really want to visit again though so I’ll have to checkout some of your suggestions next time.
Heading to Bali in October and this was super helpful!! Can’t wait to check out some of these spots.
Richelle recently posted…This Beijing Life: Month 22
This has just fuelled my urge to go to Bali even more, love these beautiful photos!! The Monkey Forest looks like such a fun experience!
We hope to travel to Bali in the very near future. Looks beautiful! 🙂
Robert recently posted…Discover The Best Pizza in Parksville British Columbia
Wow! These places seem like a piece of paradise! I would love to visit the Nungnung Waterfall! Is it a long and challenging hike to there?
i also want to visit Nungnung waterfall in bali because the jhal jhal sounds of waterfall are the best medicines for me to calm myself. i hope that i will get that chance soon . otherwise, nice article keep up the good one
Thanks for sharing this post with us. This post is really helpful and I really loved it.
Keep sharing….!!!!
Bali looks freaking beautiful! Definitely booking a trip there for my 30th!
Bali is truly awesome place & it has so much to offer its visitors. I had been there for only 8 days & it took my heart. After reading this post, my memories are refreshed & excited to visit Bali again. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Tanah Lot Temple are my favourite spots. Thanks dear for sharing such a beautiful post.
I’ve been wanting to visit this place, your post helped me with identifying what all I want to do and see!