Scenic beaches, green rice paddies, lovely waterfalls, mountain lakes and a vast ocean create the beautiful land of Bali. This ‘Island of the Gods’ or Resort Island of Indonesia is engulfed by vast seas and bordered by golden beaches. Bali, Indonesia’s famous island, is located on the west of Java in the Lesser Sunda Islands. From temples and historical monuments to adventure sports, tourist attractions in Bali are spread across its eight regencies. Besides being a spiritual and yoga retreat, this is also the destination for hiking, trekking, surfing and canoeing. Indians love to visit Bali for vacations, honeymoons and as a wedding destination.
How to reach Bali?
By Air
Ngurah Rai International Airport is located 13 km away from the capital city of Denpasar in Bali. The airport is connected to both international and domestic cities. Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata are well connected by flight with Bali.
By Sea
Cruises from South-East Asia often stop at Bali. To travel to Bali by sea route, take a flight to Singapore, Java or Sumatra. From there take a ferry to Bali and enjoy the sea.
Best time to visit Bali
Bali has tropical weather as it is close to the equator. The ideal time to visit Bali is from October to April when it enjoys pleasant weather. May to September is the best time for water-based activities like scuba diving and snorkelling.
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Beaches of Bali (Kuta, Legian Seminyak and Nusa Dua) – Surf, Swim, Sunbathe
Beaches in Bali attract tourists with clear waters and a range of activities. With various water sports like paddleboarding, sea walking, snorkelling and surfing, these beaches are popular among tourists. For white sand beaches in Bali, visit Nusa Dua and Virgin Beach. Bali offers great surfing beaches such as Uluwatu, Echo Beach at Canggu and the Nusa Islands. Uta is a famous beach, stretching for 8 km, from Canggu to Tuban. It is known for surfing and sunsets. Legian Beach near Kuta attracts tourists for surfing and shopping. Known for high-end beach resorts along with lush coastal stretches of mangrove swamps, Nusa Dua is one of the cleanest and most peaceful beaches in Bali, which has swimming, water parasailing and scuba diving. Seminyak Beach has luxurious resorts and fine restaurants, spas, pubs, bars and boutiques. The shining blue water and the glittering sand are a sight to behold during sunset. At Seminyak Beach, you can enjoy horseback riding too.
Tanah Lot Temple – A spiritual experience
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most important places to visit, located at a beach on a huge rock. The Tanah Lot temple is believed to date back to the 16th century, built by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a respected religious figure in Bali. The name Tanah Lot means ‘small island floating on the sea’ (Tanah meaning a reef looking like an isle and Lot meaning the sea). The Tanah Lot temple complex has small shrines, restaurants, shops and a cultural park. Tanah Lot is one of the best places to watch a sunset on Bali Island and is the most visited tourist destination in Bali. Sunset Terrace, near the temple, is worth visiting for the glowing skyline of the setting sun. About 20 km northwest of Kuta, the temple is located in the Beraban village. It is also around 20 km from Denpasar, south of Tabanan city and west of Canggu. It can be reached by taxi or by hiring a scooter though most tourists prefer to visit the temple as part of an island tour.
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Mount Batur – Sunrise trekking
Mount Batur is one of the well-known tourist places in Bali. An active volcano located at the centre of two concentric calderas northwest of Mount Agung, it dates back to 29,300 years (date of the first larger collapse) and 20,150 years (date of the second inner caldera collapse). Mount Batur is the second-highest peak on the island. One of the best ways to capture the natural beauty of Bali is to trek to Mount Batur, located at 1,717 m above sea level and offers beautiful views of Lake Batur, mountains and the overall beauty of mother nature. A trek to Mount Batur to view the rising sunrise is one of the best things to do in Bali. You will find local guides and tour operators in Bali who will help you to trek with safety measures. This sacred, active volcano lies in Kintamani District in Bali’s central highlands, about an hour’s drive from Ubud.
Sekumpul Waterfall – Enjoy hiking
Sekumpul Waterfall is said to be the biggest and best waterfall in Bali. Sekumpul Waterfall is a huge twin waterfall in Signarama Bali with two 80-m tall streams pouring out of the jungle treetops. Hidden in the dense forest of North Bali, Sekumpul Waterfall is an impressive work of nature. Sekumpul Waterfall is an insta-worthy place. The Sekumpul Waterfall is a picturesque cluster of six to seven thin waterfalls that serve as the focal point of a beautiful, green bamboo-forested valley. The falls are supplied by two streams that are the most accessible of the area’s many waterfalls. However, getting down here involves some hard work as the pathways consist of dirt roads, hundreds of steps, river crossings, paddy fields and mango, durian and coffee plantations. The Sekumpul Waterfall is in North Bali, about a 2.5-hour drive from Ubud. To reach the waterfall rent a scooter or hire a private car.
Bali Safari and Marine Park – Wildlife adventures
Bali Safari and Marine Park are the best tourist places for families with kids to visit. The safari is home to 400 animals, some of which are endangered. You can see elephants, tigers, leopards, Komodo dragons, cheetahs, orangutans, spotted deer, Himalayan bears, nilgai, zebras, camels, ostriches, monkeys and lions. Here animals roam freely in their naturally designed habitat on 40 hectares of land. Watch the elephants bathe, visit the petting zoo, learn Balinese dance, explore nearly 40 species of fish and don’t miss the feeding of the white tigers and the piranhas. Experience a close encounter with lions while enjoying delectable cuisine at the Tsavo Lion Restaurant, of course, separated by a viewing glass. The zoo has a Fun Zone, a mini theme park, and a water park. The night safari is one of the most popular tourist attractions here. Bali Agung Show is worth watching for traditional dance performances and puppetry. It takes 45 minutes to reach the Safari Park from Kuta and 52 minutes to reach from Seminyak. The day safari takes place between 9 am – 5.30 pm and the night safari takes lave between 6 pm – 9 pm. The entry fee is Rs 4300 (approx.) for adults and Rs 3400 (approx.) for children.
Ubud Monkey Forest – Explore the forest
Visiting the Monkey Forest, also known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is one of the top things to do in Ubud, Bali. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a popular attraction and the most-visited monkey forest in Bali. The Monkey Forest is a sanctuary for the Balinese long-tailed monkeys and is home to several ancient Hindu temples. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and stop by the centuries-old Hindu temples that still attract prayers for the locals. A natural habitat of over 1,000 long-tailed monkeys, you can have a relaxing walk through a leafy nutmeg forest and visit several ancient temples under dense foliage. The forest canopy provides cool shade from the hot Balinese sun. Over 100 species of tree grow within the Ubud Monkey Forest; several are considered holy. The local people offer prayers and offerings to the tree spirits. The Ubud Monkey Forest covers an area of about 30.8 acres. Therefore, it takes about 1.5-2 hours to enjoy nature and observe the monkeys. The Ubud Monkey Forest is located in Jalan Hanoman (Jalan Monkey Forest) in the village of Padangtegal. About 1.8 km, within a 5-minute drive, is the Ubud Palace (Puri Saren). The. Ubud Monkey Forest is a 1.5-hour drive from the international airport in the south of Bali.
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Tegallalang Rice Terraces – Discover verdant nature
One of the tourist places in Bali is the Tegallalang Rice Fields or Rice Terrace. This is a series of beautifully arranged paddies that follows the traditional Balinese irrigation system called subak. The system is believed to have been started by a sage named Rsi Markandeya in the 8th century. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a part of the cultural landscape of Bali Province and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its scenic terraced layout. The rice terraces are greenest and most colourful and photogenic in March/April and September/October before the biannual harvests. The pale is also ideal to enjoy serene waterfalls and palm trees. Tegallalang forms the three lovely terraced landscapes in Ubud’s shared region, the others being in the villages of Pejeng and Campuhan. There are two swings at the Tegallalang Rice Terrace – one in the part of the rice terrace and another one higher up on the far side of the rice terrace. Situated 20 minutes north of Ubud, the Tegallalang Rice Fields can be reached in a taxi or a rented bike/scooter. It lies on the northern end of Ubud and can be reached in 2 hours by car from Denpasar, the Bali airport.
Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih)Â
The Besakih Temple is hailed as the Mother Temple of Bali and is known locally as Pura Besakih. The huge temple complex dates back to 1007 AC and endured a volcanic eruption in 1963. Located some 3,000 ft up Gunung Agung, the Besakih Temple is situated in the countryside of Besakih in the Rendang sub-district, east of the island. Pura Besakih has three temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity. The complex has 23 smaller temple complexes and 86 temples. Pura Penataran Agung (the Great Temple of State) is the largest and most significant. The temple is built on six levels, terraced up the slope. Agung is the gateway to the second courtyard. Each shrine has its anniversary, thus, there are at least 70 festivals in Besakih annually. The temple is around 2 hours drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and a 1.5-hour drive from Ubud. There is no public transportation to get to Besakih Temple so you have to hire a car.
Waterbom Park – Water adventures
Waterbom Park is considered the best waterpark in Asia for kids and adults who love adventure. The park is spread across 38,000 sq. m of tropical gardens and pools. The water park has slides, splash pools, circular tubes, half pipes and lazy rivers. Debenture enthusiasts will love the 26 m instant free fall of the Smash Down 2.0 and enjoy racing each other down the Fast and Fierce slides. The Constrictor is the longest waterslide in the world. Climax is not for the weak-hearted, which is a straight vertical drop down 16 m. Waterbom Park is home to a fantastic range of facilities, including food and beverage outlets, retail shops, gazebos and cabanas. It also has a Sunken Pool Bar, Fish Spa Reflexology and much more. Located centrally at the Jalan Kartika Plaza in the heart of Kuta, Waterbom Bali is easily accessible by cab, car, scooter or even on foot. The place is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. A single-day entry fee is Rs 1,743 for children and Rs 2,425 for adults.
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Bali Places for Shopping – Ubud art market and Seminyak village
Bali is a shopper’s paradise. It has modern malls and vibrant street markets. Bali is famous for exquisitely handcrafted treasures of intricate silverware, ikat and batik and stone carvings. The Ubud Art Market is the ideal place for shopping in Bali. Buy beautiful silk scarves, statues, woven bags, bowls, coconut bowls and bamboo straws. This market became famous since the Hollywood movie, Eat Pray Love, showcased it. Bali is known for its flamboyant designers and you can pick up designer clothes along the streets of Seminyak. Swimwear, jewellery, furniture and homewares are just some of the items you can buy at the chic shops and busy market stalls. The two main shopping malls are Seminyak Square and Seminyak Village. Level 21 is an upscale mall in Denpasar, the capital of Bali, which is worth visiting. Kuta Beach Walk is a huge mall with multiple international brands, restaurants and entertainment facilities. If you’re looking for souvenirs, visit Legian Street in Bali. You can also explore Sanur, the Kuta night market and the Gianyar Night Market for shopping and street food.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Bali?
To enjoy your holiday in Bali you need to spend at least eight days relaxing on idyllic beaches, visiting gorgeous temples and enjoying water sports.
What is the best way to travel to Bali?
The best way to get around Bali is in a rented car. Biking is another option to navigate chaotic traffic.
What is Bali most popular for?
Bali, the tropical island, is famous for its volcanic mountains, temples, beaches and coral reefs, yoga and is a surfer’s paradise. Bali has rich cultural dances and colourful ceremonies, luxurious beach resorts and exciting nightlife.
Do Indians need a visa for Bali?
Indians travelling to Bali as tourists do not require a visa for up to 30 days. You must provide valid return tickets, a passport and sufficient funds for expenses during your stay in Indonesia. You need a Visa Exemption Stamp from the immigration counter.
What is the must-have food in Bali?
Bali has traditional Indonesian cuisine and restaurants serving Italian, Peruvian, Indian and American dishes. Rice is the staple of Balinese food, usually accompanied by vegetables, meat, seafood, seasoned spices and sauces. Known as sate in Bali, satay is chicken, pork or beef skewered on sticks and grilled. It is served with peanut sauce. Another popular dish is Nasi Goreng – fried rice and Nasi camper or ‘mixed rice,’ sold by street vendors wrapped in a banana leaf or brown paper. Babi guling or suckling pig is one of Bali’s most famous dishes. Traditional cakes in Bali are collectively called jajanan pasar (traditional market cakes). Some of the most common desserts in Bali include wajik (sticky rice cake) and pancong (rice flour and coconut milk cake).
