- Ubud
Located in the highlands, in the heart of the rainforest, Ubud is the cultural capital of the island. Indeed, it is one of the must-see places to go in Bali. Here you will find beautiful rice fields and numerous Hindu temples. To make the most of your stay in Ubud, stroll through the local markets to soak up the Balinese culture and its unusual atmosphere.
The Sacred Monkey Forest is located about 10 minutes from the centre of Ubud, in the sanctuary of Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal. This is the perfect place to go in Bali with your family to see macaques in near freedom.
Just 20 minutes from the centre is Tegallalang, whose rice terraces are the most popular in the region. If you prefer less touristy places, you will also appreciate the rice fields of Jatiluwih, 1h15 from Ubud. Finally, if you wish to discover the most beautiful Hindu temples in the Ubud area, you can visit the Gunung Kawi Temple or the Taman Ayun Temple.
- Denpasar
Denpasar is one of the most popular cities to travel to in Bali. The Balinese capital, located in the south of the island, is nestled between beaches and mountains. The city centre is beautiful, with buildings that have Dutch and Chinese influences in their architecture.
There are many craft shops selling jewellery, batik and pottery. The most beautiful Hindu temples in Denpasar are the Jagatnatha Temple and the Maospahit Temple. To learn more about Bali’s culture, you can also visit the Negeri Propinsi Museum.
- Munduk
One of the best places in Bali is the village of Munduk, a village perched in the mountains in northern Bali. Around this place, you will be able to admire many waterfalls, notably the Melanting waterfall (20 m high), the Red Coral or the Golden Valley Waterfall…
Moreover, you will also discover the Beratan lake where you will be able to make beautiful strolls at the edge of water by admiring the temple Pura Ulun Danu Beratan.
The latter, which is dedicated to the goddess of water, is often submerged by the lake. This gives the place a postcard-worthy photogenic appeal.
- Jimbaran
Still not very touristy, the small seaside resort of Jimbaran is one of the best destinations to go to in Bali. A former fishing village on the Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran is famous for its seafood market.
It is possible to ask the vendors to prepare the fish immediately so that you can enjoy it on the spot. While visiting Jimbaran and its bay, you can also visit the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park, known for its monumental Hindu sculptures.
- Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang beach is located in the Bukit Peninsula, one of the best areas to go to the beach in Bali. Padang Padang is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with its golden sand and crystal clear waters. It is reached by walking past a temple, which adds to the charm of this beach.
However, Padang Padang is one of Bali’s most famous beaches (it was the film Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts that made it famous), so it is still quite touristy. To avoid the crowds, make sure you go early in the morning. Access to the beach is not free.
- Uluwatu Beach
Also located on the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu Beach is one of the best beaches to go surfing in Bali. Overlooked by a cliff where the island’s oldest Hindu temple, dating back to the 11th century, stands, this beach can only be accessed at low tide, through a cave.
From the temple you have a magnificent view of the beach and the surrounding area. Don’t forget to stay in the evening to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the sea.
- Seminyak Beach
Seminyak beach is one of the best beaches to go to in Bali with your family. Indeed, this place has many facilities. For example, you can rent a sunbed for a lazy day.
On the other hand, if you want to try water sports, you can go kayaking or surfing. Finally, this beach is a great place to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in Bali. You can even sit in one of the many bars and sip a cocktail in front of this majestic spectacle.
- Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple (or Pura Tanah Lot) is one of the must-see places to go in Bali. It was built by a Hindu sage in the 16th century and was once connected to the land by a wooden bridge. Today, this temple is located on a small rock in the ocean 100 metres from the coast.
To access this place, you will have to wait for low tide. However, be sure to visit the coast when the tide is high. This will allow you to photograph the place being swept by the waves! This temple is one of the most visited by tourists, but it is also an important place of pilgrimage for the Hindu culture. While visiting the temple, take the opportunity to spend some time in Canggu, the hippest city in Bali.
