Places to See Bali

The smell of perfume and cloves in the tropical air. The island is rich in natural beauty and has attractions for every traveler, so every person will find many exciting things to do in Bali. A list of places to see Bali is difficult to limit to seven.

Surfers come to enjoy the legendary waves, hikers head for the jungle, volcanic peaks and misty waterfalls, cyclists can cycle through the island’s traditional villages adorned by lush landscapes, and some simply travel to this magical place to find themselves.

If relaxation is your top priority, the Island of Gods is a fantastic place where shopping, fascinating tours, and great spa treatments are widely available.

Kuta Beach

Kuta, once a sleepy fishing village, became famous as a great surfing spot in the 1970s and has been Bali’s main holiday destination ever since. The long, wide stretch of sand at the southern tip of the island, in the village of Kelurahan, is one of the best-maintained and most picturesque beaches on the island.

Known for its lively nightlife, the southern part of the beach is typically crowded day or night. A short walk to the northern end of the beach offers visitors a feeling of quiet solitude.

Uluwatu Temple

Thanks to its magnificent cliffs, the Uluwatu Temple is among the island’s most famous attractions. Moreover, it overlooks one of Bali’s best-surfing spots. In Bali, ‘Ulu’ means ‘tip’ or ‘end of the earth’, while ‘Watu’ is a rock that is a monument to the Bukit Peninsula Temple, located along the south-western edge of the island.

The best time to visit is at sunset when the sky and sea glow in the late afternoon light.

Archaeological finds here suggest that the temple is of megalithic origin, dating from around the 10th century. The temple is believed to protect Bali from the evil spirits of the sea, while the monkeys that live in the forest near the entrance are thought to guard the temple and protect it from evil spirits.

From the entrance, there is a wonderful walkway with a beautiful view as you pass by. Only those conducting Hindu worship are allowed to enter the temple, but the beautiful settings and sunset Kecak dance performances that take place here daily are more than worth a visit.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods because of the many religious buildings. One of the most beautiful is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple at Lake Beratan in the heart of the island.

The temple is famous as some of the buildings are on the shores of the lake, while others are on small islands in the middle of the lake. Beratan is considered a sacred body of water by the locals, and there is a legend that a person who bathes in it will gain longevity and health.

Ulun Danu Beratan attracts tourists with its unique landscape, where ancient temple pagodas mingle organically with mountain backdrops and exotic trees reflecting in the crystal-clear water. Photographers say the lake temple is at its most monumental and mesmerizing during sunset and sunrise.

Sekumpul Waterfall

The most beautiful waterfall in Bali is Sekumpul Waterfall. It has seven streams of water falling from a height of about 80 meters and is equally scenic and interesting from the viewpoint as it is on foot.

An important difference between this and other waterfalls on this beautiful island is that it is fed by two springs, and the water is clean and clear in all seasons. Most of the best photographs of Bali are taken at this waterfall. Despite all of the beauty of this site, there are few tourists here because the falls are considered a difficult place to reach.

There is no public transport, and not all agencies organize excursions to the site. However, a visit to this stunning place is well worth the hassle. Swimming in the pool at the foot of Sekumpul Waterfall will be an experience unlike any other.

Pura Tirta Empul

When wondering what to do in Bali, add this place to the top of your to-do list. Pura Tirta Empul, or “Temple of Holy Water”, is one of the most revered temples in Bali. It was built on the site of sacred springs whose healing properties were discovered as early as 962.

When you see the temple you will find it consists of several courtyards with swimming pools. Rituals are performed here to purify and sanctify the body and soul.

Each spring in the pools has its own power and name. One of the springs flows water that casts out demons, while the other heals from poisoning, the evil eye, and various diseases. There is a spring that helps childless couples get pregnant, while another spring is responsible for health, wealth, and prosperity.

It is worth taking a tour through the temple grounds. Many tourists, once here, return again and again. Apparently, these holy waters really are healing! While in Bali, be sure to visit this temple to feel the divine powers of the island, cleanse yourself of everyday problems or solve your worries and return home full of energy and inspiration.

Candi Tebing Gunung Kawi

Legend has it that the Gunung Kawi Tombs were built in 1080. There are more than 300 steps to climb to reach them, but the path does not seem tedious as it leads through rice paddies, palm trees, and water springs. The surrounding area is even more picturesque, with a mountain stream and a bridge over it. But that is not all, there are also tropical jungles, vines, and the voices of exotic birds.

The complex consists of five small tombs. On one bank of the river is the King’s own tomb, and on the opposite bank is the Queen’s. A little further on are the chambers that served as sleeping quarters for monks and pilgrims.

The most secretive and quiet time to visit Gunung Kawi is between 7 am and 9 am, when the first rays of the sun gently penetrate the gorge. Then, no noise disturbs the birdsong and the bubbling of the streams and waterfalls because the tourist flow begins a bit later.

Before other travelers arrive, you have a little time to walk around the whole temple and even find the secluded tenth tomb hidden behind several turns in the hills.

When you are hungry from all that walking and exploring, you can have breakfast at the nearby cafe, which overlooks the Agung volcano! This is true Balinese tranquility.

Agung volcano

The island’s highest and most sacred mountain is, of course, Agung Volcano.

The volcano is quite difficult to spot to reach. Much of the time, it hides its majesty among the clouds. You can conquer the volcano by climbing it at night or early morning and waiting for sunrise at the top.

There are two ways to get to the site. One is shorter and easier – it starts from the village of Selat and takes about 3-4 hours. And the other is longer – from the Pura Besakih temple, the overall climb is around 6 hours. It is not an easy journey, but without a doubt, the views are worth it!

Where To From Here – What Places To See Bali

In Bali, there is always something to do and see – holidays here are rarely limited to sunbathing on the beaches.

If lying by the pool all day is not your thing, and you consider yourself an adventurer, then go ahead and explore Bali’s attractions!

Check out our page, join me David Hibbins and our team and see what adventures are waiting for you at Resurgence Travel.